Daily Turf Maintenance Practices

There are a few key steps you can take to minimize turf damage:

  1. Use fields as little as possible when wet.
  2. Rotate play areas.
  3. Allow turf to recover in the spring before starting practice.

For daily maintenance, the following guidelines should be followed as often as possible:

Step 1: Mowing

If possible, turf surfaces should be mowed everyday. If this is not possible, mow as often as capable, not allowing the grass to grow more than 1 inch above the desired length. There are a few guidelines to follow when mowing:

  • Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade in one cutting.
  • Always mow with sharp mower blades. A good guideline is to sharpen mower blades once per week.
  • Alternate mowing patterns every time turf is mowed.
  • Try to avoid mowing when soil is very wet. This can cause compaction and tire rutting.

There are five mowing patterns to use on your outfield and four on your infield:

Outfield:
  1. Up and down parallel to the right field foul line.
  2. Up and down parallel to the left field foul line.
  3. From second base to center field, back and forth.
  4. From foul pole to foul pole, back and forth.
  5. Half circles, same contour as the skinned infield outer edge.
Infield:
  1. Up and down parallel to the right field foul line.
  2. Up and down parallel to the left field foul line.
  3. Home plate to second base, back and forth.
  4. Third base to first base, back and forth.

Step 2: Irrigation

Water is essential to healthy turf. For the strongest deep rooted and most durable turf, it is important to follow proper watering patterns. On established turf, it is best to heavily water the field several times a week, rather than lightly watering everyday. Heavy watering will establish uniform moisture deep in the soil structure encouraging the roots to seek this moisture reservoir. Remember to pay attention to weather. If there is high heat, more frequent waterings may be needed. If rain is in the forecast, less frequent waterings may be needed. Do not water on a time schedule! Early morning irrigation is best to reduce evaporation and disease pressure.

Step 3: Spot Maintenance

Take the time to repair and replace divots and damaged turf on a daily basis. Lightly topdress these damaged areas with a mixture of native soil, Turface® and seed. Then level the area with the back of a garden or landscape rake. It is very simple, not time consuming, and if done on a regular basis, it will ensure a consistent, safe playing surface.