Broad Leaf Weed Control – In November?
I have had many questions about broad leaf weed control in November. The number one question is: “How effective are applications for broad leaf weeds in November?” The answer, very effective, Dr. Aaron Patton just posted a Turf Tip is regards to this topic. To see the tip, click HERE.
Play On!
--Jamie
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
It's Been a Busy Summer.......
It has been a busy summer, as i like to say, there is never an "off-season." Please see the exicting news in regards to J&D Turf below. Also, please be on the look-out for more frequent posts as J&D moves into 2011
J&D Turf Set to Expand Sports Turf Business
In early May, J&D Turf formed a strategic partnership with local golf and lawncare supplier Advanced Turf Solutions (ATS). President, Jamie Mehringer, and Sales Consultant, Dave Henricksen, remain part owners in J&D Turf, now based out of Fishers, alongside ATS.
J&D Turf, founded in the summer of 2008, specializes in athletic field construction, consultation and maintenance. Company president Jamie Mehringer, former head groundskeeper then director of operations at Victory Field in his 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Indians, brings to the market a combined expertise in sports turf and management. The combination has proven to be the differentiator for J&D Turf as the team tackles projects for professional sports teams, universities, K-12 school systems and parks departments. No matter the industry, clients see unparalleled playability on the field for their athletes and on-time, on-budget and beyond-expectations results for the administrators. With J&D Turf, everyone wins.
J&D Turf services:
• Laser grading
• Aerification
• Infield renovations
• Field construction
• Field renovation
• Grow-in of athletic fields
• Topdressing
• Overseeding
• Mound and plate construction and renovation
Consultation
Branded as Smart Turf, J&D Turf believes that the potential in every field is realized by understanding the science that drives healthy turf. Translating that know-how to projects is what the company’s consulting services are all about. For some, clients often have the manpower to work the athletic fields but need direction on what the staff should be doing to have the greatest impact. And, with architecture and civil engineering firms, it means ensuring the athletic fields are approached differently than is the common greenspace in the design. J&D Turf’s consulting ranges from one-time site visits by the experienced crew to lengthy consulting engagements with Jamie Mehringer.
Spend enough time in and around athletic fields in Indiana and you will undoubtedly see the results of J&D Turf’s work and expertise. The company has been part of projects with parks departments in Columbus, Fishers, Indianapolis and Plainfield. At the collegiate level, go to Butler University, DePauw University, Marian University, Indiana State University, Indiana Tech, Indiana University, University of Indianapolis or University of Notre Dame. Fields at each have benefited from J&D Turf’s touch.
The synergies between J&D Turf and ATS will benefit clients and customers on both sides. The partnership has greatly expanded J&D Turf’s product offerings and provides the business stability necessary to maintain a fleet of the latest equipment. And, the latest development, J&D Turf and ATS are the exclusive dealer of Natural Sand soil amendments, infield mixes, and mound clay in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The only full-service turf product and maintenance company in the region, J&D Turf is stronger than ever.
In the near future, J&D Turf plans to increase the size of its crew and, in turn, the geographic territory they are able to cover. Learn more about the J&D Turf approach at janddturf.blogspot.com. And, ask your colleagues. It won’t take long before you hear firsthand about Smart Turf results on Indiana’s athletic fields.
Play on!
--Jamie
J&D Turf Set to Expand Sports Turf Business
In early May, J&D Turf formed a strategic partnership with local golf and lawncare supplier Advanced Turf Solutions (ATS). President, Jamie Mehringer, and Sales Consultant, Dave Henricksen, remain part owners in J&D Turf, now based out of Fishers, alongside ATS.
J&D Turf, founded in the summer of 2008, specializes in athletic field construction, consultation and maintenance. Company president Jamie Mehringer, former head groundskeeper then director of operations at Victory Field in his 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Indians, brings to the market a combined expertise in sports turf and management. The combination has proven to be the differentiator for J&D Turf as the team tackles projects for professional sports teams, universities, K-12 school systems and parks departments. No matter the industry, clients see unparalleled playability on the field for their athletes and on-time, on-budget and beyond-expectations results for the administrators. With J&D Turf, everyone wins.
J&D Turf services:
• Laser grading
• Aerification
• Infield renovations
• Field construction
• Field renovation
• Grow-in of athletic fields
• Topdressing
• Overseeding
• Mound and plate construction and renovation
Consultation
Branded as Smart Turf, J&D Turf believes that the potential in every field is realized by understanding the science that drives healthy turf. Translating that know-how to projects is what the company’s consulting services are all about. For some, clients often have the manpower to work the athletic fields but need direction on what the staff should be doing to have the greatest impact. And, with architecture and civil engineering firms, it means ensuring the athletic fields are approached differently than is the common greenspace in the design. J&D Turf’s consulting ranges from one-time site visits by the experienced crew to lengthy consulting engagements with Jamie Mehringer.
Spend enough time in and around athletic fields in Indiana and you will undoubtedly see the results of J&D Turf’s work and expertise. The company has been part of projects with parks departments in Columbus, Fishers, Indianapolis and Plainfield. At the collegiate level, go to Butler University, DePauw University, Marian University, Indiana State University, Indiana Tech, Indiana University, University of Indianapolis or University of Notre Dame. Fields at each have benefited from J&D Turf’s touch.
The synergies between J&D Turf and ATS will benefit clients and customers on both sides. The partnership has greatly expanded J&D Turf’s product offerings and provides the business stability necessary to maintain a fleet of the latest equipment. And, the latest development, J&D Turf and ATS are the exclusive dealer of Natural Sand soil amendments, infield mixes, and mound clay in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The only full-service turf product and maintenance company in the region, J&D Turf is stronger than ever.
In the near future, J&D Turf plans to increase the size of its crew and, in turn, the geographic territory they are able to cover. Learn more about the J&D Turf approach at janddturf.blogspot.com. And, ask your colleagues. It won’t take long before you hear firsthand about Smart Turf results on Indiana’s athletic fields.
Play on!
--Jamie
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Spring Seeding
I get this question numerous times during my travels.
The bottom line is, it is always best to seed in the late summer/early fall, but if you need to seed in the spring, Now is the time!
Click here for a great turf tip and publication from Purdue University in regards to spring seeding.
Play on!
--Jamie
The bottom line is, it is always best to seed in the late summer/early fall, but if you need to seed in the spring, Now is the time!
Click here for a great turf tip and publication from Purdue University in regards to spring seeding.
Play on!
--Jamie
Friday, April 2, 2010
Infield Mixes, Vol 12: Post-Season Maintenance
Providing that the steps laid out in the previous 11 volumes were executed, the post-season maintenance of the infield surface is relatively simple and straight forward. There are a few steps that should be taken every year and a few that can be taken on an every 2-3 year basis.
Every Year:
• Continue to edge the infield – this will help to control lips (see Vol 8)
• Laser grade the infield without the addition of infield mix
• Continue to drag the infield to ensure a smooth surface and control weeds
• Keep topdressing at the “typical” levels (1/8-1/4 in. depth)
Most mistakes that I see are staff and coaches who “let the infield go” after the season and the infield has “lips” and unwanted weed growth in the off-season. There are no good products to eliminate weeds on an infield. Pre-emergence products like Snapshot has shown some promise, but if the infield or warning track is played on at any level of play the products will not work as well.
Every 2-3 Years:
• Add new infield mix to the existing infield to ensure positive drainage (see Vol 7)
• Add additional topdressing after adding new infield mix
• Use a laser to check the edges and lower edges and re—sod if necessary
Another mistake I see at high school levels and below is that infield mix is not added on a frequent basis. So, when the infield is 3 inches below grade and the surface drainage has been compromised, six truckloads of infield mix need to be added. That process is very costly. It is much easier to add a truckload or two every 2-3 years. Not only is this more cost-effective long term in regards to infield mix, but think about how much money was spent on drying agent as the infield mix was neglected and went from 1 inch below grade to 3 inches below grade over the years!
What else do you do to your infield during the post-season?
Play on!
--Jamie
Providing that the steps laid out in the previous 11 volumes were executed, the post-season maintenance of the infield surface is relatively simple and straight forward. There are a few steps that should be taken every year and a few that can be taken on an every 2-3 year basis.
Every Year:
• Continue to edge the infield – this will help to control lips (see Vol 8)
• Laser grade the infield without the addition of infield mix
• Continue to drag the infield to ensure a smooth surface and control weeds
• Keep topdressing at the “typical” levels (1/8-1/4 in. depth)
Most mistakes that I see are staff and coaches who “let the infield go” after the season and the infield has “lips” and unwanted weed growth in the off-season. There are no good products to eliminate weeds on an infield. Pre-emergence products like Snapshot has shown some promise, but if the infield or warning track is played on at any level of play the products will not work as well.
Every 2-3 Years:
• Add new infield mix to the existing infield to ensure positive drainage (see Vol 7)
• Add additional topdressing after adding new infield mix
• Use a laser to check the edges and lower edges and re—sod if necessary
Another mistake I see at high school levels and below is that infield mix is not added on a frequent basis. So, when the infield is 3 inches below grade and the surface drainage has been compromised, six truckloads of infield mix need to be added. That process is very costly. It is much easier to add a truckload or two every 2-3 years. Not only is this more cost-effective long term in regards to infield mix, but think about how much money was spent on drying agent as the infield mix was neglected and went from 1 inch below grade to 3 inches below grade over the years!
What else do you do to your infield during the post-season?
Play on!
--Jamie
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Infield Mixes, Vol 11: In-Season Maintenance
Before undertaking in-season maintenance on your infield surface, make sure to review these blog posts:
Pre-Game/Practice
Play on!
--Jamie
- Infield Mixes, Vol. 1
- Infield Mixes, Vol. 2: What Makes Up a Mix?
- Infield Mixes, Vol. 3: EST/SCR
- Infield Mixes, Vol. 4: Infield Drainage
- Infield Mixes, Vol 5: Laser Grading
- Infield Mixes, Vol 6: Topdressings
- Infield Mixes, Vol 7: Adding New Infield Mix to Existing Mixes
- Infield Mixes, Vol 8: Edging Infields and Warning Tracks
- Infield Mixes, Vol 9: “Lip” Controls for Infields
- Infield Mixes, Vol 10: Pre-Season Maintenance
Pre-Game/Practice
- Tire roll all position areas and areas around the bases
- Lightly nail drag the infield – no more that ¼ inch deep
- Hand rake all the edges using a landscape rake
- Mat drag the infield
- Water the infield
- Hand rake all position areas and around bases using a landscape rake
- Mat drag infield
- Hand rake all the edges using a landscape rake
- Lightly roll infield
- Water infield to the point of standing water to ensure adequate deep moisture – this should be the heaviest water application of the day
- Add conditioner as needed to ensure the 1/8-1/4 inch depth
- Edge infield
- Float conditioner as necessary
- Add infield mix as necessary – follow the same steps as laid out in Volume 7
Play on!
--Jamie
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Infield Mixes, Vol 10: Pre-Season Maintenance
It’s that time again in Indiana. The college baseball season is beginning and the high school season is ready to begin March 15. So, what a better time to talk about pre-season maintenance for your infield!
When it comes to infields, I always recommend double checking the distances of your bases. Here is link for field dimensions. Did you know it is 90 ft from the apex of home plate to the back of first base? After checking dimensions, edge your infield. Next roll your infield, and your entire field for that matter, with a 3 ton dual drum roller to settle any frost heave from the harsh winter weather. After rolling, adjust your topdressing to achieve the desired 1/8-1/4 in layer. Please see Volume 6 of the series, Topdressings for more information on topdressings. Finally, mat drag your infield to create a smooth surface.
If you have been maintaining your infield properly, pre-season maintenance is easy in this very busy time. That is why I always recommend completing all renovations in the fall. If you need to do renovations in the spring, please see Volume 7 of this series, Adding New Material to Existing Material.
Play on!
--Jamie
When it comes to infields, I always recommend double checking the distances of your bases. Here is link for field dimensions. Did you know it is 90 ft from the apex of home plate to the back of first base? After checking dimensions, edge your infield. Next roll your infield, and your entire field for that matter, with a 3 ton dual drum roller to settle any frost heave from the harsh winter weather. After rolling, adjust your topdressing to achieve the desired 1/8-1/4 in layer. Please see Volume 6 of the series, Topdressings for more information on topdressings. Finally, mat drag your infield to create a smooth surface.
If you have been maintaining your infield properly, pre-season maintenance is easy in this very busy time. That is why I always recommend completing all renovations in the fall. If you need to do renovations in the spring, please see Volume 7 of this series, Adding New Material to Existing Material.
Play on!
--Jamie
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Infield Mixes, Vol 9: “Lip” Controls for Infields
One of the questions I receive during my travels is: “How do I control the “lips” around the infield?”
To answer that question, we need to investigate what a lip is. A lip is a raise in elevation around the edges of the infield. A lip causes bad hops for infielders and also creates a trip hazard for athletes.
The first step is to decide if your field has a lip or a dam. Why is that? I have seen just as many fields that where too low from a lack of infield mix than fields that had bad lips. Please review Volumes 4 and 5 of the SmartTurf Blog for more infield drainage information.
Now that the decision is made that lips are present, how did they occur? Typically a few factors cause lips:
1. Edging did not occur frequently. – Please refer to Vol. 8
2. Material was not removed from the turf after games – using either leaf rakes or vacuum units
3. Poor dragging techniques – Please see correct dragging patterns here.
4. Raking material into the turf
5. Persistence use of a field tarp – dragging the tarp across the field with push material into the edges
So, how do you repair lips? There are a few options depending on how severe the lips are on your field. I will break it down from small lips to large lips:
1. Simply edge your infield more frequently. Quite simply, this will help solve a minor problem
2. Use a tine rake or broom to remove material from the turf
3. Use water to “blast” the material from the turf back into the infield
4. The last resort – take a sod cutter, trim the sod back, remove the material with a rake and replace the sod
With the sod option, keep in mind if you have older sod or fescue sod, the sod may not hold together as you move the turf around. There may be a need to replace the sod with new turf.
After repairing your lips, work hard to avoid creating lips in the future!
Play on!
--Jamie
To answer that question, we need to investigate what a lip is. A lip is a raise in elevation around the edges of the infield. A lip causes bad hops for infielders and also creates a trip hazard for athletes.
The first step is to decide if your field has a lip or a dam. Why is that? I have seen just as many fields that where too low from a lack of infield mix than fields that had bad lips. Please review Volumes 4 and 5 of the SmartTurf Blog for more infield drainage information.
Now that the decision is made that lips are present, how did they occur? Typically a few factors cause lips:
1. Edging did not occur frequently. – Please refer to Vol. 8
2. Material was not removed from the turf after games – using either leaf rakes or vacuum units
3. Poor dragging techniques – Please see correct dragging patterns here.
4. Raking material into the turf
5. Persistence use of a field tarp – dragging the tarp across the field with push material into the edges
So, how do you repair lips? There are a few options depending on how severe the lips are on your field. I will break it down from small lips to large lips:
1. Simply edge your infield more frequently. Quite simply, this will help solve a minor problem
2. Use a tine rake or broom to remove material from the turf
3. Use water to “blast” the material from the turf back into the infield
4. The last resort – take a sod cutter, trim the sod back, remove the material with a rake and replace the sod
With the sod option, keep in mind if you have older sod or fescue sod, the sod may not hold together as you move the turf around. There may be a need to replace the sod with new turf.
After repairing your lips, work hard to avoid creating lips in the future!
Play on!
--Jamie
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