There are three keys to daily maintenance. Concentrate on these areas and your field will improve dramatically.
Moisture is the key factor in how an infield will perform. Even the best infield mix needs proper moisture to play its best. Adding Diamond Pro Red Infield Conditioner to your field will help to retain beneficial moisture during dry periods and help you get on your field faster after a rain event. Proper moisture will enhance safety and playability while reducing dust and wind erosion.
When grooming the infield, your top priority should be maintaining the proper surface grade. This will prevent low spots from developing and promote a smooth, level playing surface. Grooming equipment should be operated at a slow, consistent speed, especially when turning. Changing dragging patterns frequently, as well as starting and stopping points, will help cut high spots and fill low areas. Try to keep mechanized equipment six to eight inches away from edges. Use hand tools along edges and in tight areas to ensure a smooth transition from dirt to grass.
Lip management should be part of your daily maintenance. Lips can be a serious safety problem causing bad hops, sprained ankles and impeding drainage during rain events. Lips do not appear overnight. Using a backpack blower, leaf rake or a broom after games to clean loose soil and conditioners away from edges will help keep lips from developing. A power broom or a hose can be used to remove a moderate amount of infield soil from the grass edge. Be sure to inspect edges after a heavy rain. The infield mix will tend to move to the back of the infield arc and will contribute to lip build up. A little attention on a regular basis will help keep buildup to a minimum and promote a safe, well-draining playing surface.
