Do Not Layer Infield Mixes - Always Till Infield Mixes

Infield mixes should never be layered.  How do you avoid this?  Simply till the new material into the old material when adding new material.  Below is a photo of a layered infield.  As you can see, the infield is failing and separating in the area where the new material meets the old material.  Simply till this infield and the problem will be solved.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

#TheLast5% - Mowing Lines

This post is the the first of many titled - “#TheLast5%”  These posts are designed to illustrate how a grounds manager/coach/etc. can make his or her facility shine by completing the last 5% of playing surface/facility maintenance.  

Today we are looking at the basics of mowing lines/patterns.  Clean, crisp, and straight lines using a mower with sharp blades (think sharpen or back lap every week) makes a facility look better.  A simple step, but a easy way, to make #TheLast5% look great for the coaches, players and fans.  Below are photos of 2 facilities in Florida.  Both had good overseeded bermudagrass surfaces.  The first field has not been cut in a straight lines.  The second field was cut in straight lines.  What a difference a little thing like a mowing line can do to complete #TheLast5%

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

#LifeOnTheRoad - Tricks of the Trade - Tarp Nails

This is another post in a periodic series entitled #LifeOnTheRoad.  The background is simple.  During my travels I  encounter many grounds managers/coaches doing great things.  Because of this, I have started this series.  The goal - expose more grounds managers, coaches, architects, etc to areas of facility and sports turf maintenance that may be implemented to their facility/design.

During my travels to Citi Field (New York, NY) and Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, CA) over the last couple months I observed an easy and effective way to nail down tarps.  Simply use survey nails.  The yellow plastic top makes it easy to find as well.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Indiana Green Expo - January 6-8, 2016

Are you reading this blog from a location in the Midwest?  If so, consider attending the Indiana Green Expo.  This year's event runs from January 6-8, 2016.  The sports turf educational aspect of the event is strong.

Also, please visit the J&D Turf booth on the tradeshow floor on Thursday or Friday.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2015 Year in Review Video

Happy New Year!  Thanks to all of our friends and clients for a great 2015.  HERE is the 2015 Year in Review video.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Top 3 Blog Posts of 2015 - Roll Those Infields!

So, here it is, the #1 viewed blog post of 2015!  Roll Those Infields was a hot topic as infields begin to escape the winter weather this past spring.  Look for additional posts in 2016.  Cheers!  Happy New Year!

Spring is slowly arriving. Many coaches are pushing to get on their infields as soon as possible. 
Regardless of the infield mix, the material will frost heave over the winter. So, you must roll your infield in the spring, ideally before you have any traffic on your infield. Now, the questions are When, Why, and How?

When:
1. You will want to roll you infield when there is still moisture in the mix, but the mix is not too wet. When is this? When you can walk across the infield and you settle the frost heave, but there is no material sticking to the bottom of your shoes. Roll the conditioner and mix in multiple passes

Why:
1. Rolling accomplishes a couple of goals. First, it settles your infield so your mix will hold its grade and you will not have your conditioner/topdressing migrate into your base material. Also, the infield mix will also be firmer. This will allow for the ball to play down and true from the beginning of the season.

How:
1. It is best to roll with a 3 ton duel drum roller. What is this? Click HERE to find out. If you can't get a 3 ton roller, any roller is better than not rolling at all. 

Remember, roll your infield as often as possible with a small pull behind roller as well all spring until the weather moderates. 

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Top 3 Blog Posts of 2015 - Ball State University Synthetic Turf - REPLACED After 8 Years - Let's Do the Math

The IndyStar posted an article today on the replacement of synthetic turf football playing surface at Ball State University.

Let's do a little simple math:

Cost to install - $750,000

Cost of ownership per year for 8 years - $93,750.00
Maintenance of surface per year - $10,000.00

Total cost per year for the past 8 years - $103,750.00

Cost for replacement - $386,141.00


Cost of ownership per year for 8 years - $48,267.63
Maintenance of surface per year - $10,000.00

Cost per year for next 8 years - 58,267.63

Average Cost PER YEAR for the first 16 years of the plastic surface - $81,008.81

A question - HOW IS THAT CHEAPER THAN A NATURAL GRASS SURFACE?

Answer - IT IS NOT CHEAPER - Most High Schools spend $10,000 - $20,000 per year to maintain a football field.

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer