Spring brings warmer days and more sunshine, sure—but it also brings with it the bane of outdoor sports everywhere: mud. If sloppy, dangerous fields weren’t enough, you also have to deal with weeds, soil erosion, uneven grass… Indeed, when it comes to maintenance, you certainly have your work cut out for you in the spring!
But don’t fret; Fieldwallpads.com, your Clarion provider of athletic padding, pole pads, and more, is here to help. Below, you’ll learn a thing or two about keeping your outdoor sports facilities ready for action, even if weather conditions want to say otherwise.
1. Keep Things Dry Enough for Play
Of course, there’s not much you can do about something as small as dew on the grass, but large puddles and sloppy surroundings are another story. As a wall padding provider, we know how important it is to keep athletes safe, and slipping is no joke. Plus, nobody likes to look at a field that’s riddled with mud.
Little League recommends laser grading the infield of baseball diamonds; this process can, in addition, help a variety of sports keep their fields level. Levelness, in turn, promotes proper drainage and ensures a clean, healthy-looking playing field.
2. Keep Up With Mowing
According to the University of Nebraska Lincoln, mowing should begin as soon as the spring growing season starts. Beginning this chore early prevents too much blade from being removed, which would damage the grass and lead to bigger headaches for field managers down the line.
That being said, be careful to mind the weather when you mow. The Sports Turf Managers Association, for example, advises against mowing after it rains, as this can cause ruts and compact the soil. It’s all the more reason to stay on top of mowing and not let the grass grow until the need for a trim becomes dire.
3. Incorporate Weed Control
Springtime is the normal time for weeds to crop up, and they are a major inconvenience in sports fields. They can ruin everything from the functionality of the space to the aesthetics and need to be controlled.
While herbicides are a first choice for controlling them, the excess weedkiller can damage the sports field, so it is recommended to reach out to a professional about the right products and amounts to apply.
4. Fertilize as Needed
To help your fields be as lush and healthy as possible, fertilizing is another necessary tip. The nourishment can help optimize the health of the turf. Whether you choose to apply it yourself or hire a company, make sure you're finding the proper balance of the right products and the amounts needed to help the turf perform and look its best through the spring season and on.
5. Don't Let Players on the Field If It's Not Ready
As tempting as it may be to get the season started as soon as possible, hold off on giving players access to the field until it's been properly cared for. Getting the turf ready takes time, and the last thing you need is a large group of people pounding around on the ground and creating even more damage.
6. Don’t Forget Your Wall Pads
Few things make a great piece of turf look lackluster more quickly than a sad surrounding facility. Athletes and fans alike expect everything to be perfect when the season begins; the anticipation of waiting all winter has to culminate into an amazing experience!
Ensuring everything from your outdoor wall padding to your stadium graphics is fresh-looking and fierce—and replacing them if they aren’t—goes a long way towards a professional-looking facility.
Fieldwallpads.com: All Your Sports Facility Needs in One Place
Ready to renovate? We’re here to help! Reach our Clarion office today at 1-800-257-6405 to learn more about our stadium padding.