To end the week, here’s the last softball field maintenance tip of the day!

Due to the large size of the softball infield, irrigation systems are installed to irrigate the infield clays.

TIP: An automatic irrigation system will allow more time for the ground crew to focus on the mound, home plate and dragging requirements.

Here’s another softball field maintenance tip of the day!

TIP: The depth of a warning track on a softball field is normally 10 feet.

Softball field maintenance tip of the day!

TIP: The home plate area is also treated the same as on a baseball field, as
softball and baseball players dig similar holes during the course of play.
Follow the same maintenance procedure for the home plate, mound and
infield areas!

Friday field maintenance tip of the day!

The pitcher’s mound is flat and requires similar maintenance as a baseball
mound.

TIP:  Watering the clays and packing the mound is important after use.

The maintenance of softball fields is very similar to baseball fields. Although
similar, there are several issues regarding the maintenance procedures of
infields, mounds and plate areas that vary. The next couple of tips of the day will focus on softball fields!

A softball field is predominately flat with a 1% grade, falling from the center of
the mound.

TIP: Due to the large area of clay, the infields require extensive dragging and shaping to reduce low spots.

Today’s tip of the day is an example of a fall annual checklist! Remember, in addition to a daily field maintenance plans, it is a good idea to also have annual field maintenance checklists.

Fall Routine:
1. Perform soil and tissue tests
2. Aerate the field
3. De-thatch or verticut turf
4. Over-seed and top dress the field
5. Fertilize the field
6. Apply post-emergent herbicides
7. Add ground limestone every other year
8. Complete renovations or reconstruction projects if needed

TIP: In addition to daily field maintenance plans, it is a good idea to also have annual field maintenance checklists, today’s annual checklist is for spring!

Annual Field Maintenance Checklist

Spring Routine:
1. Perform soil and tissue tests
2. Aerate the field
3. Top dress the field
4. Fertilize the field
5. Apply pre-emergent herbicides
6. Clean, paint or repair dugouts, fencing, bleacher areas and field signs

Field maintenance tip of the day: It is a good idea to have a game day written field maintenance plan, here’s an example of a checklist to use!

Day of Game Routine:
1. Remove tarpaulins
2. Mow the grass
3. Scarify the skinned areas with a spiker
4. Drag the skinned areas smooth
5. Water the infield area
6. Sweep and clean dugouts
7. Set the chalk lines and mark officially
8. Place the batting practice pitcher’s mat on the mound
9. Place the safety screens: pitcher, first base and second base
10. Paint or wash bases, pitching plate and home plate
11. Prepare the bullpens
12. Hang flags on the foul line poles and flagpole
13. Check the operation of the field lights
14. Check the operation of the scoreboard
15. Prepare the press box and operation of the public address system
16. Check the operation of the electrical equipment in the concession stand
17. Clean and prepare the locker rooms and umpire rooms
18. Dispose of trash found in and around field and bleacher areas