Tricks of the Trade - Use a 4 Inch Pop-Up on Irrigation Heads

When choosing irrigation heads, consider using a head that has a 4 inch pop-up.  The photo below shows a head with a 2 inch pop-up.  As you can see the head is not reaching above the turf canopy, thus the head is providing poor distribution.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Channel Drain vs. Catch Basin - What is the Best Option?

Drainage along running tracks are always a point of discussion.  In this post we are looking at the two most common options.  The channel drain and the catch basin.

Channel Drain:

A channel drain is installed along the track edge often backfilled with concrete on both sides of the drain.  This design allows for 100% exposed surface drainage along the track/grass interface.  Below is an example from the new track and field complex at Indiana State University.

Catch Basin:

The catch basin is a larger exposed drain but only in certain locations of the playing surface.  Often the soil is sloped in each direction towards the closet catch basin.  Below is an example of a catch basin.  As you can see, if a channel drain was installed all of the standing water from the snow melt would have been removed.  

The catch basin option is more cost effective than a channel drain, but oftentimes does not move water as quickly.  

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

A Night at Four Winds Field

The SmartTurf Blog will be posting on facility visits on a frequent basis.  Today, we look at Four Winds Field home of the South Bend Cubs.

In late April, I visited Robert Sedlak, the Head Groundskeeper for the South Bend Cubs.  The playing surface was taken from synthetic turf to natural grass this past off-season.  The new bluegrass surface looked great for late April in South Bend.

The infield mix was amended with Dura Edge Pro from Natural Sand Company prior to the start of the season.  The infield mix was in great condition as well.

The seating bowl was renovated in 2010.  The concourse is open and 360 degrees minus the area directly behind homeplate.  

The outfield has great views of the stadium along with a statue of Stan Koveleski. 

The left field area contains a tiki bar and fire pit.

Also in LF is the team shop.  It is located in a former church.  A very unique setting for a team store.

Bottom line, if you are in South Bend, make a stop at Four Winds Field, you will not be disappointed.  

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Straw Swaddles

Oftentimes a coach or grounds manager will battle rain running onto the playing surface from a hard surface or water movement causing material loss from a playing surface.  A trick to assist in possibly managing this issue is to use straw swaddles.  

Depending on conditions, the straw swaddle may lessen the water to a point to lessen or eliminate the issue.  This is why I recommend this as a first step for certain playing surfaces due to the inexpensive cost of the process.  If this does not solve the issue a manager may be looking at a more detailed and costly remedy. 

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer