Smart Turf

A Great Tank Mix to Control Unwanted Grass and Weeds on Warning Tracks and Infields During Social Distancing Due to COVID-19

2020-04-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

Collectively, we are in a challenging time. Playing surfaces are out of play with social distancing due to COVID-19. Baseball and softball infields and warning tracks can quickly become covered in weeds and unwanted grass.

So, how do you control this issue? See below:

A simple mixture of Glyphosate in a 2% solution and SureGuard at 3 teaspoons per 1000 sq ft. So, in a 3 gallon spray hand can, 7.68 ounces of Glyphosate and 9 teaspoons of SureGuard. The tank will cover 3,000 sq ft. How well does it work? The photos below are from the warning track at a high school. The track was sprayed in the spring of 2017. These photos were taken in late summer 2017.

Note the weeds along the track edge. This is due to the application. As many of you know, Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill anything it touches. So, be careful along all grass edges. Finally, to get better control, try not the work the infield/track up as this will break the Sureguard barrier. Oftentimes, this application may be 80% effective, but that is better than an infield/warning track covered in unwanted grass and weeds.

To learn more about Glyphosate, click HERE.

To learn more about Sureguard, click HERE.

Go to advancedturf.com to learn more about Advanced Turf Solutions.

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Building a Set of Base Anchors

2020-03-27T07:43:00.000-04:00

Since many coaches and sports turf managers are practicing social distancing during this Coronavirus time, let's take some time to look at simple tasks that can be completed while maintaining "social distancing." First up, building a set of base anchors

Building a set of base anchors is a task that can be completed by a grounds manager or coach. Here is a step by step method for building a set of base anchors.

1. Organize the parts and the tools. Items needed:

Base anchors
Duct tape
Screws
Drill
Tape measure
Circular saw
Scrap lumber 2x4
Shovel
Quikrete
Wheelbarrow

2. Cut the scrap lumber into 8-12 inch pieces, and build a simple square form. Keep in mind that this is not cabinet grade carpentry.

3. Tape the bottom of the anchors while mixing the Quikrete. Using a scrap piece of plywood as a base, place an anchor in each form.

4. After the Quikrete cures (no more than 4 hours) remove the forms. Now, you have a new set of base anchors.

Never use coffee cans. Round anchors have a better likelihood of spinning while in the ground.

Go to advancedturf.com to learn more about Advanced Turf Solutions

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

University of Pittsburgh Softball Infield Renovation

2019-03-19T21:16:00.001-04:00

This past fall the J&D Turf team traveled to Pittsburgh, PA to renovate the softball infield for Pitt Softball. Let’s take a closer look

Vartabedian Field was completed in 2011. The infield originally had a “local” harvested infield mix with a wax coating. Additional engineered infield mix was added on top of the original mix. The grade became too steep and the profile took moisture inconsistently due to the coated material under the engineered mix.

The solution? Take out all the existing infield mix and get back to the sub base and install a new 4 inch column of Dura Edge Collegiate infield mix on a .5% conical grade.

The existing infield mix was removed and recycled using an excavator.

The sub base was laser graded to mirror the finish grade using crushed limestone as the sub base prior to adding the DuraEdge.

The DuraEdge was installed, laser graded and compacted.

After DuraEdge installation the infield was conditioned with calcined clay.

Pitt Panther Softball will have an excellent infield for spring 2019.

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

Play on!
—Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Basic Tools for Mound and Plate Maintenance

2019-01-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

The tools listed below are the basics needed for mound and plate clay maintenance.

1. A pump up hand sprayer for wetting down both the existing and the new clay
2. A garden weasel. Great for working in new clay. (This tool is also great for overseeding small areas)
3. A hula hoe for shaving down any high spots
4. A hand tamp wrapped to prevent clay from sticking to the bottom. - HERE is another way to wrap a tamp
5. A tine rake to also assist in shaving down high spots. HERE is a great trick to sharpen a tine rake
6. 36 inch landscape rake. This is a workhorse of baseball/softball field maintenance. This tool will assist in leveling and smoothing both infield mixes, mound clays and conditioners
7. Blackstick Mound Clay. A great gumbo clay for high traffic areas.

** A couple of other critical tools not pictured are a broom and scoop shovel. Click HERE to see a step by step description on repairing a plate area.

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

Play on!
—Jamie
@JamieMehringer

#LifeOnTheRoad - Windscreen Under Bleachers

2019-01-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

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.

A quick photo from the Shelbyville (IN) High School football field. A couple simple windscreens with the school mascot can really make an area under the bleachers pop!

Contact your ATS/J&D Turf rep for your windscreen needs.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

The #SmartTurf Blog is Back

2019-01-11T08:56:00.003-05:00

The #SmartTurf Blog is Back

Welcome back to the #SmartTurf Blog. 2018 was a period of great growth and change within both J&D Turf and Advanced Turf Solutions (ATS). J&D Turf is the maintenance, construction and consulting arm of ATS. ATS is the sports turf distribution arm providing product, equipment and accessories to the sports turf market with unparalleled service.

Looking for service work or products? Call a member of the ATS Sports Turf Sales team to offer assistance.

So 2019 brings the relaunch of the SmartTurf Blog. You will still see educational content and how-to information. Also, you will continue to see the popular “LifeOnTheRoad” series. New this year will topical sports turf news stories and guest bloggers from both the ATS Sports Turf Sales team and sports turf managers in the industry. Here’s to a great 2019 and sharing ideas on the SmartTurf Blog.

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

Play on!
—Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Lafayette Central Catholic - Sand Channel Drainage – Spartan Sand Cap – A Case Study #4 – In Season Play

2018-08-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

Practice began on the new surface on August 1, 2017. The first game took place on August 18, 2017. The surface had a shear strength in excess of 30 ft lbs. We knew it would play well, but even our team was surprised by the results.

Here is the field in mid September after 10 events.

Per the plan, the surface was overseeded with Barenbrug HGT Bluegrass in early September with a goal of creating a “Bluemuda” playing surface. A small amount of ryegrass was added for additional color. Here is what the soccer goal area looked like after the soccer season.

Here is a recap of the grow-in.

The playing surface hosted 50 events (games and practices) from August 1 – Nov 1, 2017. Why was it successful?

1. The new surface had a good surface grade.

2. The new drainage system provided a “rain out proof” playing surface, thus there was never a rain game to tear up the surface.

3. A blend of warm season and cool season turf provided superior shear strength and wear tolerance to extreme play.

In conclusion, a $130,000 investment provided a rain out proof surface that hosted 50 games and practices in fall 2017. Quite the return on the investment.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

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Lafayette Central Catholic - Sand Channel Drainage – Spartan Sand Cap – A Case Study #3 – Grow In

2018-08-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

Following the drainage install, it was time to grass and grow in the playing surface. A granular Ronstar application was made prior to Northbridge bermudagrass sprig installation by Grassmaster Turf Farm on June 7, 2017. Opening Day was approx 8 weeks away.

Following sprig installation, a heavy watering cycle took place for 14 days. After the sprigs began to green up the surface was placed on an aggressive grow in program consisting of Foliar-Pak Grow In and Ammonium Sulfate. Weekly applications were made and the field was mowed 3 times per week at a 7/8 inch cutting height.

June 7, 2017 at Sprigging

June 17, 2017

June 20, 2017

July 5, 2017

August 8, 2017

The playing surface as of August 8, 2017 was perfect. The next question was “How well will it play?”

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

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Lafayette Central Catholic – Sand Channel Drainage – Spartan Sand Cap – A Case Study #2 – Renovation Process

2018-07-30T09:56:00.001-04:00

After the decision was made to install sand trenches and create a 2 inch sand cap, it was time to go to work.

The existing bluegrass/ryegrass/tall fescue surface was sprayed with Glyphosate in mid april and early May to ensure complete kill/control of the undesired playing surface. Next, the surface was fraze mowed and recycled.

New irrigation laterals and heads were installed.

Finally, in late May, the drainage was installed on 14 ft centers and tied into existing perimeter drainage.

So, the heavy lifting was complete, now it was time to install the 2 inch cap of USGA rootzone sand, sprig with Northbridge bermudagrass and begin the grow-in.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Lafayette Central Catholic – Sand Channel Drainage – Spartan Sand Cap - Case Study #1

2018-07-27T09:39:00.002-04:00

Lafayette Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, Indiana have very successful soccer and football programs. As a school in an urban environment, space is at a premium. The school approached the J&D Turf team over the winter of 2016-2017 to discuss options for the stadium playing surface. Approximately half of the facilities committee was leaning towards synthetic turf, while the other half was leaning towards maintaining a natural grass surface. The existing playing surface was in poor condition and had no drainage.

Let’s take a detailed look at how the determination was made to proceed with the means and method that worked for all parties.

“If you don’t know what you have, how do you know how to fix it?” The first step was to pull undisturbed core samples and send to Turf and Soil Diagnostics.

Recommendations:

The report/data showed vertical drainage (infiltration) at .02 inches per hour. After the results were discussed, 7 different playing surface options were presented.

Native Soil – Re-grass over the existing rootzone and maintain at .02 inch per hour infiltration rate (Approx Cost - $10,000)
Topdressed Sad Cap – No internal drainage, create a 2 inch cap as soon as possible (Approx Cost - $30,000)
Sand Channel “Spartan Sand Cap” – Install sand trenches 14 ft on center and backfill with a 2 inch drain tile and pea gravel and USGA rootzone sand. Then install a 2 inch column of sand prior to sprigging. (Approx Cost - $140,000)
USGA “Sand Cap” Rootzone – Install a 6 inch deep USGA rootzone over a compacted sub base. (Approx Cost - $300,000)
USGA Rootzone – After installation of 4 inch drain tiles in the sub base, install a 10 inch column of USGA rootzone over a 4 inch column of pea gravel (Approx Cost - $600,000)
USGA Rootzone with Stabilized Turf – Same construction as #5, but install the turfgrass that is stabilized with synthetic fibers (Approx Cost - $800,000)
Synthetic Turf – Infilled synthetic turf (Approx Cost $750,000-$1,000,000)

The Decision:

The feedback was consistent from the 2 camps

I didn’t realize there are options for natural grass. “I thought it was what we have or synthetic turf.”
We play over 60 games/practices in 3 months, this field will be bare soil by the end of the year. We need synthetic turf.

After many discussions and meetings, the decision was made to renovate the existing surface and install sand trenches 14 ft on center and create a 2 inch sand cap before sprigging Northbridge bermudagrass. So, option # 3. Cost of work including grow-in $140,000. Learn how it turned out in the following posts.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Brickdust for an Infield Mix?

2018-06-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

Using crushed brick for an infield mix was a practice that was used across the Midwest for a number of years in the 1990 - 2005 window. The J&D Turf team renovates at least 1-2 fields a year that have brick dust as an infield mix.

First, let's discuss crushed brick. Brick dust is simply crushed brick. So, the lack of sand/silt/clay make the material very mobile and dusty in dry weather. Where did this material come from? My guess is a number of things:

The cost - in the housing boom crushed brick was easy to find at a low price point - that is not the case today
The color - the bright red color was visually appealing
Ease of installation - just throw if down on top of the existing material

So, what is the issue? Simply, the material was initially used as a topdressing, but as load after load was installed through the years more than 2 inches of this material was installed. This would not be unlike attempting to play on 2 inches of calcined or vitrified clay. After a rain event, it is not uncommon to see a brick dust infield look like the one below:

As you can see from the photos, the high traffic areas (around the bases) are extremely low. Material has been pushed to the edges from dragging and the ensure smooth edges. So, what is the solution? FieldSaver50. Click HERE to see the blog link on renovating a brick dust infield.

In the future, brick dust has a use on warning tracks where more vertical drainage and a softer surface is desired. The other question I get is, "Can I use it as a topdressing?" My answer, no, there are other conditioners that will provide the red color without breaking down, turing into a powder, and staining unifroms. The best product to achieve the look of brick dust, without breaking down is expanded shale/vitrified clay.

Let's turn the page, and stop using brick dust as an infield mix.

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

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Hydrating/Watering an Infield Mix

2018-05-22T20:25:00.001-04:00

Summer is quickly approaching and with that comes the need to correctly hydrate infield mix profiles.

Hydrating an infield is important during the playing season to keep the surface more forgiving for athletes sliding across the infield and ensure good ball roll.

Here is a photo journal of hydrating the infield mix at Butler University Baseball.

Initial watering - about 1/2 hour across the infield that is a "hybrid infield mix" of Melton and Natural Sand FS50 and Dura Edge Pro utilizing a 1 inch fire hose with a nozzle that applies water at 60 GPM. NOTE: An engineered soil is needed to hydrate/water in this manner.

Note the footprint on the bottom of the photo below. Even with all the water applied, you could still walk across the surface:

This process is ideal after practices and games to allow for hydration of the entire column of infield mix. This type of watering is best done in late evening to allow for percolation overnight. Then, lighter watering events can take place during the day. Watering an infield before a practice or game will NOT be enough to hydrate an infield on a daily basis.

Finally, please keep in mind that water is the best way to create a forgiving infield. DO NOT work the infield more than a 1/2 inch during the playing season. this will disrupt the grade and could create unplayable surfaces after rain events.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Managing Traffic Around a Home Plate Area - Making a Plate Circle Larger

2018-05-13T21:54:00.001-04:00

Baseball and softball seasons are in full swing. Due to this, traffic around a home plate area can be an issue. How to address this issue? Consider making the home plate circle larger. As a rule of thumb, I like to see the plate larger than the BP cage. In other words, when the cage is on the field, all the players surrounding the cage are on the plate circle. How is this accomplished? Let's follow along below as the plate circle was expanded in Whiting a couple season ago.

The task, take a homeplate that had a 26 ft diameter and take it to a 32 ft diameter. Also, raise the plate to ensure positive drainage while allowing the pitcher's rubber to be 10 inches above homeplate. So, let's get to it......

First, the new diameter is measured and a line is painted in the turf.

Next, 4 inches of root zone sand was removed.

Then the plate was raised to allow for positive drainage. Note the string lines set to make sure the plate is square with the pitchers rubber and the foul poles/bases.

4 inches of Dura Edge Collegiate infield mix was added to the perimeter of the plate. Dura Pitch Mound Clay was installed in the batters boxes and catchers box.

The plate was then leveled with a board. Positive drainage is ensured due to the laser leveling of home plate.

The plate was worked up and re-leveled with a bunker rake.

Finally, the plate was tire rolled and a finish drag was performed.

Not bad for a days work!

To learn more about Oil City Stadium in Whiting, click HERE.

Click HERE to learn more about DuraEdge products.

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

Play on!
--Jamie

Tricks of the Trade - Dugout Heaters

2018-04-17T23:18:00.004-04:00

This year winter doesn't not want to loosen its grip. Due to this fact, many questions have been asked in regards to additional heaters in dugouts. A trick of the trade used in many cold weather climates are heaters. Many use propane “space heaters.” While they do the trick, below is a nice example of a different type of heater in South Bend. The South Bend Cubs have heaters mounted on the roofs of the dugouts. A easy way to keep players and coaches warm during the cold spring months.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Growing Degree Day Tracker - A Great Tool for Application Timing

2018-03-28T22:54:00.002-04:00

Spring has been slow to arrive across the Midwest. A unpredictable spring with many ups and downs in the weather can make application timing challenging. One way to determine application timing is by using growing degree days.

A grounds manager can track growing degree days (GDD), but the easiest way to follow the GDD progress is to use the Growing Degree Day Tracker brought to you by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue Turfgrass. This tool is a great way to assist you decision making on crabgrass control applications and many other applications of time sensitive products.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Grass Baselines for Baseball?

2018-03-19T21:27:00.001-04:00

With spring arriving, also arriving is the wet midwest weather and the question of, "Should I Grass My Baselines?" Here is a repost from an earlier blog posting in regards to grass baselines.

Does that really work? I get that question all of the time. So, I stopped by Dunker Field today to take a few photos. J&D Turf applies fertilizer and chemicals to the field during the year. We also laser grade the infield each fall. Enough with the background info, lets get to the photos. Keep in mind, this was after over 100 games and practices..........

First base and third base:

As you can see, the baselines are in great shape. A couple things to remember with grass baselines:

1. There will be maintenance to the lines. Constant overseeding with ryegrass and allowing the runners to "cleat it in" is necessary weekly when there is play
2. Don't be afraid to sod the area off of 3rd base. As you can see from this photo, the area where the players lead off will be worn. Just install a row or two of new sod each fall. Sure beats trying to dry wet baselines!
3. Finally, grass baselines work best when building a new field or when renovating and laser grading an existing field. Click HERE to see a renovation that took place last summer at Martinsville High School.

So yes, grass baselines will perform well with the correct installation and maintenance plan.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Baseball and Softball Dugout Designs and Extra Items

2018-03-05T21:59:00.002-05:00

In this final installment of dugout design and layouts, I am going to look at a few "extras" that can be placed in dugouts.

Reds Urban Youth Academy - Cincinnati, OH - dugout storage

Huntington Park - Columbus, OH - lighting along the back wall

University of Notre Dame Baseball - South Bend, IN - heaters on roof and helmet racks running the length of the dugout

University of Notre Dame Softball - Notre Dame, IN - heaters on roof and doors leading to clubhouse

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Travel Teams, Colleges and Professional Dugout Designs

2018-02-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

The second of three installments on baseball dugout design and layout. Today we are looking at travel teams, colleges and professional dugouts.

"Fenway Park" at the Ripken Complex in Aberdeen, MD - open concept

Prasco Park in Mason, OH - below grade with padded rail

Legacy Field in Mason, OH - basic dugout with nice finishes

Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN - block design with padded rail

DePauw University in Greencastle, IN - on grade dugout with uncovered seating

Werner Park in Omaha, NE - professional design with drainage in the middle of the dugout

In the final installment, we will look at "extra" features to dugouts.

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

High School and Park and Recreation Dugout Design and Layout

2018-02-17T09:37:00.001-05:00

Dugout designs and layouts come in all different shapes and sizes across the country. With different designs and layouts, costs can vary greatly. In this 1st of 3 posts on this subject, the focus in on high school and park and recreational settings.

Brown County High School, Indiana - facade the matches the area

Dublin, OH - open concept with roof at a miracle league field

Noblesville High School, Indiana - covered and non covered areas

As you can see, dugout design and materials can vary greatly. If you have questions in regards to dugout design and construction, please let me know. Look for travel teams, colleges, and professional dugout designs in the next blog posts

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

A Great Winter Project/Tricks of the Trade - Sharpening a Rake for Clay Maintenance

2018-02-12T11:21:00.003-05:00

A great quick winter project ahead of spring maintenance. A quick tip to turn a standard steel garden rake into a clay shaving tool.

Take a standard tine rake to a bench grinder and sharpen the teeth. Now, the rake is a clay shaving tool:

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

A Great Winter Project - Grounds Crew Shoe Rack

2018-02-07T15:35:00.002-05:00

Many times grounds areas are are full of different types of shoes. Rain shoes, tarp shoes, running shoes, game shoes etc. How do you keep them neat, clean and orderly? Consider building a shoe rack. Here is a photo of the grounds crew shoe rack at Victory Field. Simply using 3/4 inch plywood and sealing it with black paint did the trick for this application. Then, each area is labeled for each grounds crew member.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

A Quick Winter Project - Tricks of the Trade - Wrapping a Tamp

2018-01-30T13:43:00.001-05:00

Do you have issues with mound clay and infield mix sticking to the bottom of your tamp? If so, considering taping a plastic bag to the bottom of the tamp. The following photos were taken while two separate tamps were wrapped at Indiana Tech University.

Tamp #1

Tamp #2

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

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Using On-Deck Circles for Moisture Management

2018-01-22T12:08:00.000-05:00

Moisture management is a key aspect for optimum mound and plate clay performance. One way to maintain proper moisture is to keep the clay fully hydrated when not in use. One trick to maintain moisture? Use the on deck circles to cover the batters boxes when the field is not is use. Below are photos of this method.

It is best to use a tarp along with the circles, but this is a great "budget" approach.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

Tricks of the Trade - Building a Base Rack - A Great Winter Project

2018-01-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

How many of you are dealing with bases lining the floor of dugout storage rooms?

Is building a base rack a complicated design? Expensive? No, just a few 2x4's. Let's look into the process.

First a 2x4 was cut and installed on the cement block wall using Tapcon Anchors. Next, shorter 2x4's were screwed into the wall installed next to the concrete block. Note the 2x4's are spaced at the width of the anchor. Finally, a final 2x4 was installed across the smaller 2x4 running parallel to the 2x4's installed into the cement block. Here is the process in photos:

As you can see, this was a quick and simple project. Material costs were less than $50

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer

#LifeOnTheRoad - Infield Mix Drainage

2017-12-13T14:48:00.002-05:00

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.

I visited a new construction recently and the owner was extremely proud that they were able to “push the infield drainage through the budget.” What is the problem with this?

An engineered soil (in this case DuraEdge Classic) will not move water vertically to the drains. These drains will not move any water. What is the answer? Install drainage off the back arc.

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

Play on!
--Jamie
@JamieMehringer