2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - Preparing an Infield After a Rain Event

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

#2 - Preparing an Infield After a Rain Event


I get this question many times, "How do I prepare my infield after a rain event?"

The first step is to have a balanced infield mix profile that is laser graded.  Also, the correct depth of conditioner is important to take rain events effectively.

With that said, let me take you through the simple steps of getting an infield ready to play after a rain event.

The location is the new P&G Reds Urban Youth Academy in Cincinnati, OH.  The infield mix is a "hybrid mix."  The mix consists of 3 inches of Alvis Materials infield mix with 24 tons of FieldSaver50 and 24 tons of Dura Edge Classic from Natural Sand Company blended throughout the 4 inch profile.  Finally, the infield is conditioned with 120 bags (3 tons) of Turface Hertiage Red Calcined Clay.

First step - nail drag the infield to a depth of 1/4 inch using the VibraFlex on the ABI Force.

 Infield Prior to Nail Dragging

First Couple Passes 

ABI Force 

VibraFlex

Note: the depth is approx. 1/4 inch.  The goal is to break the surface tension and allow the conditioner to work.  DO NOT rip the infield up at depths exceeding 1/2 inch.  Using the simple "key test" is a great way for staff and volunteers to monitor depth of nail dragging.

Within 30 minutes the infield is starting to dry and the conditioner is ready for a finish drag.

The infield after a finish mat drag - ready for play within an hour of  beginning the process with little to no disruption to the infield surface.  Note - not one bag of calcined clay or a drying agent was used to get this field ready to play.

Bottom line - if the correct materials are installed and managed correctly, infields can take rain events and be ready for play without the need for a tremendous amount of drying agents, etc.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - Kane County Chronicle - Synthetic Turf Fields Possible Link to Cancer Causing a Stir

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

#3 - Kane County Chronicle - Synthetic Turf Fields Possible Link to Cancer Causing a Stir


Fallout continues from the NBC News story regarding synthetic turf.  Over the weekend, Jennifer Dubose posted an editorial in the Kane County Chronicle titled, "Turf War - Synthetic Turf Field Possible Link to Cancer Causing a Stir"

The editorial is a great example of thoughts from parents that have been expressed to me frequently over the past couple weeks.  Look to the SmartTurf Blog to follow this story closely and also provide alternatives to synthetic turf.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - Synthetic Turf Under an Infield Tarp

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

#4 - Synthetic Turf Under an Infield Tarp

Another post from the popular "Tricks of the Trade Segment."


In this application we look at the use of a old synthetic turf scrap to place under a rolled tarp next to a
chain link fence.  This solves the maintenance of the grass near/under the tarp.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - Butler University Softball - Overseeded Bermudagrass

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

#5 - Butler University Softball - Overseeded Bermudagrass

As we enter the last week of October, I thought it would be a good time to look at the overseeded Riviera bermudagrass playing surface at Butler University - Softball.

This playing surface consists of Riviera bermudagrass which was overseeded with apron treated ryegrass in early September.  Here is how the playing surface looked last week:

As you can see, the field is in great shape, even after a complete fall schedule of play.  Stay tuned as the SmartTurf Blog continues to follow this playing surface.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - Layering Infield Mixes - NOT a Sound Practice

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

#6 - Layering Infield Mixes - NOT a Sound Practice

This week I was at a high school that was have issues with their infield.  I asked the AD if he new what type of material he was using.  He said he didn't but he paid a contractor to add infield mix to his field a year or two ago, so we dug a hole to take a look.  Here is what we found:

Needless to say the layering is causing an issue as well as using an infield mix that is high in silt and fine sand.  Click HERE to see an earlier post on layering infield mixes.

Click HERE to see how to add infield mix to an existing infield.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - Forbes.com - How Taxpayers Get Fooled on Cost of Artificial Turf Field

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

#7 - Forbes.com - How Taxpayers Get Fooled on Cost of Artificial Turf Field

Today, Mike Ozanian from Forbes.com posted an articled titled, How Taxpayers Get Fooled on Cost of Artificial Turf Field.  It is a great read.  Please ensure that you click on the links in the article as well as they provide great additional information.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2104- Most Viewed Blog Posts - NBC News - "Does Synthetic Turf Pose Health Risks?"

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

At #8 - NBC News - "Does Synthetic Turf Pose Health Risks?"


Hannah Rappleye of NBC News reported this week on "Soccer Goalie Wonders If Synthetic Turf Poses Health Risks?" 

It is an interesting article.  The SmartTurf Blog will follow this story.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - A Core Sample Can Tell a Story Vol I and II

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

At #9 - A Core Sample Can Tell a Story Vol I and II


Pulling regular core samples off a playing surface can help with maintenance and assist in telling a story in regards to a natural grass playing surface.  Below are two samples from the same field.  Why are there differences?

The answer and an explanation will be posted tomorrow.

Back to the core samples posted on Tuesday.  Why is there a difference.  First a little background.

The Field:

• Sand based bermudagrass
• Topdressed and aerified regularly
• A higher end playing surface

Back to the photos:

In the first photo, from the turf down, you can see a small sod layer from the sod installed this year along with a small organic layer built up every 1/4 inch.  Why?  That is the amount of sand that is topdressed on an annual basis - much like a ring on a tree.  What is the heavier clay/black layer further down?  That is the sod layer from the original sodding process 6 year ago.

On the second photo you see a more visual difference.  Why?  Thick cut sand based sod grown on plastic was installed in high traffic areas.  So, the sand that was imported is 1 1/2 inch thick.  If you look closely, you can see the sod layer deep into the hole.

Bottom line, take frequent core samples of your field.  This field drains extremely well - in excess of 10 inches per hour, but it still has it's layering challenges.  

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

Play on!

--Jamie

2014 - Most Viewed Blog Posts - FieldSaver 90 Installation in Sarasota, Florida

As we wrap up 2014, we will be looking back at the top ten most viewed blog posts.  I will count down until the most viewed blog post on January 1, 2015.

At #10 - FieldSaver 90 Installation in Sarasota, Florida.


Last week, the SmartTurf team was in Florida.  The task, to assist in the installation of FieldSaver 90 at a Sarasota County Softball Complex.  Why?  Simply stated, the infield mix in Florida typically is orange in color and has an overall sand content of 80-85% with a silt content of around 1% and a clay content of 15-19%.  Bottom line, there is not enough silt in the mix to hold together.  Hence the infield break apart and the high sand content blow to the edges creating "lips."

Adding FieldSaver 90, or a similar product will drive the sand content down to a typical recreational range while assisting to raise the SCR (Silt to Clay Ratio)

Here were the steps:

Topdressing the FieldSaver 90 Amendment 

Tilling in the FieldSaver 90 Amendment

Rolling the Infield

After Initial Laser Grading

Final Cross Section of the Infield Mix Profile - You Can Amend an Infield

In conclusion, an infield can be amended, but you need to know 2 things:

1.  What does you existing material consist of - pull a sample and send to an independent soils lab

2.  Blend an amendment into the profile at a 3-4 inch depth that will "balance" an infield - in this case a 90% silt/clay product.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Senator Hill Wants to Ban Certain Artificial Turf

In case you missed it, it looks like Senator Jerry Hill wants to push a bill to place a moratorium on synthetic turf installations and the school and park level.  Senate Bill 47, The Children's Safe Playground and Turf Field Act of 2015 is intended to further study infill materials to ensure that they are safe for students and athletes.  Stay tuned to the SmartTurf Blog as we will monitor this bill.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

South Bend Cubs - Four Winds Field - From Synthetic Turf to Natural Grass

Last week, I made a site visit to Four Winds Field the home of the South Bend Cubs.  The playing surface is new after the FieldTurf playing surface was removed after 4 years.  Why?  It was a play by the team to lure a new Major League affiliate and the fact that owner Andrew Berlin believes baseball is to be played on natural grass.

Here is a "before" photo of the playing surface:

Photo courtesy - South Bend Silverhawks

Here are a few "after" photos of the playing surface:

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Baseball and Softball Warning Tracks - Are They Necessary?

That is a question I get many times at the high school and park and rec level.  For safety reasons, warning tracks are always a good idea.  Another aspect to consider is, "Can I Maintain a Warning Track?"

First of all let's look a proper basic warning track installation:

Another aspect is maintenance.  If you do not drag your warning track as frequently as your infield your track will soon look like this:

Another trick is to apply Sureguard to the track.  To learn more about this, click HERE.

Warning tracks add a good look and a safety feature to a baseball/softball field, but careful consideration should be taken to determine if the level of maintenance can support the track.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Mat for Pitchers Mound or Pitchers Area

Another trick of the trade.  In this post we go to the baseball field at IPFW.  They place a mat down the slope of the mound before placing the tarp.  Why?  This allows for the tarp to be removed for batting practice, etc while still keeping the mound clay moist.  Also, a basic pitchers fielding practice can take place on top of the carpet while not causing damage to the clay area.  This also works well in front of a softball pitchers rubber.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Indiana Green Expo - Just Around the Corner

As many turf professionals know, the Indiana Green Expo is just around the corner.  This year the event takes place Jan 21-23, 2015 at the Indiana Convention Center.  There is a sports turf specific track with a host of great speakers and topics.  Also, the Athletic Field of the Year award will be presented as part of the MRTF Green Awards.  Please mark your calendar to attend this great event.  Proceeds from the event goes to the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation.   The MRTF's mission is to support turfgrass research at Purdue University.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Snow Mold Preventative Applications - Make the Application This Week

As the month of December begins, snow mold applications are due.  In fact, with the cooler fall, some grounds managers have already applied preventative applications for snow mold.


A turf manager has two different types of snow mold to worry about.  Gray snow mold and pink snow mold.

Gray snow mold can be expected after 40-60 days of snow cover.  To be honest, this is not much of a concern to turf managers unless you reside in MN, northern MI, northern NY, etc.  To learn more about gray snow mold, click HERE to see a publication from Dr. Rick Latin at Purdue University.

Pink snow mold occurs at a greater rate across the US.  Why?  Snow cover is not necessary for pink snow mold infestation.  To learn more about pink snow mold, click HERE to see a publication from Dr. Rick Latin at Purdue University.

Also, HERE is a great recap of the 2013-14 damage from Dr Latin.

Bottom line, if you are concerned about snow mold, and you manage a stand of turf that cannot be exposed to damage, a preventative application of a turf fungicide may be warranted.

Photo credit - Sports Illustrated

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Installing Infield Mixes and Warning Track Materials in Cold Weather

I have received a number of calls the last couple weeks in regards to installing infield materials in cold weather.  Bottom line is the following:

• DO NOT install infield mixes or warning track materials over frozen sub bases.
• Only install infield mixes and warning track materials over sub bases that consist of at least 95% compaction.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Stop Layering Infield Mixes!

Another visit to a troublesome infield, another layered infield mix.

The issue:
"My infield was ok, I had a contractor bring in new material and laser grade my infield.  Since then it has been a mess.  Cannot take rains events, chips out and is almost unplayable when dry."

I took a shovel and dug a hole, here is what was found:

As you can see the infield mix was simply placed over the infield and not tilled/incorporated into the existing infield mix.

The solution:
The quickest fix would be to simply till and laser grade the material.  After that activity, test the material to determine what type of amendment/engineered soil is necessary to "balance out" the sand/silt/clay content of the mix.

Click HERE to see how to add new infield mix to an existing infield mix.
Click HERE to learn more about what makes up an infield mix

Be careful when pricing out renovations.  Not blending a profile will make the process quicker and the grading cheaper, but will leave an infield mix in worse condition that before the work took place.

What should a blended column look like?

Photo Credit - Wes Ganobcik - Columbus Clippers

Note - The top 3-4 inches of the profile is blended together completely.  If using an engineered soil, the top 3-4 inches of an infield mix is the critical material.  This photo as shows how you can amend an infield with removing any infield mix.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

J&D Turf Hires Evan Buckley

Last week, the J&D Turf team hired Evan Buckley as a new sales consultant.  Here is the release of the hire.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

NOW is the Time for Late Fall Fertilizer Applications

Across the midwest cool temps are arriving.  With the weather comes the best time to apply late fall fertilizer.  Cool season turfgrass is still green but no longer growing.  Make those applications of all mineral fertilizer NOW!

Why apply late fall fertilizer?  HERE is a link from Purdue Turfgrass explaining the benefits of late fall fertility.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Mantis Tiller

Another post in the category of "Tricks of the Trade."  This time we look at the Mantis tiller.  What is the trick to the Mantis?  It is a great tool to blend materials together on the sides of mounds - both bullpen and game mounds.  Below is a photo of the Mantis tiller at IPFW.

It is definitely as effective as a pick ax to ensure that the materials are not layered.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Slope Board - Vol II

A couple of years ago I posted a Tricks of the Trade segment looking at an inexpensive slope board.

Yesterday at IPFW Baseball and new version was used:

In this application a 8 ft level was used to check the slope with a nail used to hold the level.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Butler University Softball - Overseeded Bermudagrass

As we enter the last week of October, I thought it would be a good time to look at the overseeded Riviera bermudagrass playing surface at Butler University - Softball.

This playing surface consists of Riviera bermudagrass which was overseeded with apron treated ryegrass in early September.  Here is how the playing surface looked last week:

As you can see, the field is in great shape, even after a complete fall schedule of play.  Stay tuned as the SmartTurf Blog continues to follow this playing surface.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Kane County Chronicle - Synthetic Turf Fields Possible Link to Cancer Causing a Stir

Fallout continues from the NBC News story regarding synthetic turf.  Over the weekend, Jennifer Dubose posted an editorial in the Kane County Chronicle titled, "Turf War - Synthetic Turf Field Possible Link to Cancer Causing a Stir"

The editorial is a great example of thoughts from parents that have been expressed to me frequently over the past couple weeks.  Look to the SmartTurf Blog to follow this story closely and also provide alternatives to synthetic turf.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Environment and Human Health Inc. - Exposure to Tire Crumbs

Another report on tire crumbs, this time from Environment and Human Health Inc. (EHHI)

EHHI's report looks at the Exposures to Ground Up Rubber Tires in Artificial Turf.  It is an interesting read.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

NBC News - "Does Synthetic Turf Pose Health Risks?"

Hannah Rappleye of NBC News reported this week on "Soccer Goalie Wonders If Synthetic Turf Poses Health Risks?" 

It is an interesting article.  The SmartTurf Blog will follow this story.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer