A Great Tank Mix to Control Unwanted Grass and Weeds on Warning Tracks and Infields During Social Distancing Due to COVID-19

Collectively, we are in a challenging time.  Playing surfaces are out of play with social distancing due to COVID-19.  Baseball and softball infields and warning tracks can quickly become covered in weeds and unwanted grass. 

So, how do you control this issue?  See below:

A simple mixture of Glyphosate in a 2% solution and SureGuard at 3 teaspoons per 1000 sq ft. So, in a 3 gallon spray hand can, 7.68 ounces of Glyphosate and 9 teaspoons of SureGuard. The tank will cover 3,000 sq ft. How well does it work? The photos below are from the warning track at a high school. The track was sprayed in the spring of 2017.  These photos were taken in late summer 2017.

Note the weeds along the track edge. This is due to the application. As many of you know, Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill anything it touches. So, be careful along all grass edges. Finally, to get better control, try not the work the infield/track up as this will break the Sureguard barrier.  Oftentimes, this application may be 80% effective, but that is better than an infield/warning track covered in unwanted grass and weeds.

To learn more about Glyphosate, click HERE.

To learn more about Sureguard, click HERE.

Go to advancedturf.com to learn more about Advanced Turf Solutions.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Building a Set of Base Anchors

Since many coaches and sports turf managers are practicing social distancing during this Coronavirus time, let's take some time to look at simple tasks that can be completed while maintaining "social distancing."  First up, building a set of base anchors

Building a set of base anchors is a task that can be completed by a grounds manager or coach.  Here is a step by step method for building a set of base anchors.

1.  Organize the parts and the tools.  Items needed:

• Base anchors
• Duct tape
• Screws
• Drill
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Scrap lumber 2x4 
• Shovel
• Quikrete
• Wheelbarrow

2. Cut the scrap lumber into 8-12 inch pieces, and build a simple square form.   Keep in mind that this is not cabinet grade carpentry.  

3.  Tape the bottom of the anchors while mixing the Quikrete.  Using a scrap piece of plywood as a base, place an anchor in each form.  

4.  After the Quikrete cures (no more than 4 hours) remove the forms.  Now, you have a new set of base anchors.

Never use coffee cans. Round anchors have a better likelihood of spinning while in the ground.

Go to advancedturf.com to learn more about Advanced Turf Solutions

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer