THIS WEEK’S FIELD THOUGHTS

Now is the time to begin strategizing the renovations and improvementsthat will make your baseball and softball fields better in the next few months in preparation for next season. A good groundskeeper will put their ballfields to bed “ready-to-go” for the following season. Even those whose facilities host a fall ball season will typically get a period of a couple weeks or more of inactivity before the fall season starts up. Late summer and fall offer the best opportunity to make improvements to these ballfields because of the lack of on-field activity and typically drier weather patterns. Over the next several weeks, we’ll talk about the renovation period for ballfields and make recommendations for the types of projects that should be performed during this renovation window available.
To start things off, any turfgrass on the fields likely is in need of some TLC. If you have irrigation, this is a good start. You may have been a little conservative on watering your fields during the season and because of that the turfgrass cover may have suffered. If your turfgrass density is thin on your fields, start with spending a week or so flooding that turf with lots of water to rehydrate and invigorate the turf. You will be surprised how much your thin turf areas will bounce back with something as simple as water.
With the field fully hydrated, aerification and any overseeding… Click to continue reading about planning for Fall Renovations from Beacon’s head groundskeeper, Paul Zwaska:  Post-Season Renovation Part 1: Plan Now
Visit Ballfields.com frequently for tips & articles andGroundskeeperU.com for online training.

Beacon Pro Shot Hose Nozzle
SAVE $30

In stock! Typically ships the next business day. Perfect for professional groundskeepers. Designed after a fireman’s nozzle making it perfect for groundskeepers. 1″ aluminum hose nozzle that features a “flush” setting to clear particles that can affect performance. Great option for lip removal. (Discount thru Friday, August 31 applied automatically)

Multi-purpose Constant Flow Nozzle
SAVE $7

In stock! Typically ships the next business day. This multi-purpose nozzle is perfect for hand watering applications, including: heavy watering, infield watering, syringing, cooling, equipment, and stadium washdown. Provides both wide fog and straight stream at an optimum flow rate of 35 GPM. Made of high-quality aluminum and stainless steel. (Discount thru Friday, August 31 applied automatically)

FEATURED DEMONSTRATION VIDEO

THE HYDROWASH METHOD – Lips  you can easily manage are called “loose lips” because there is not a severe buildup and the soil has loosely accumulated. One method for removing loose to medium lips is with water using the Hydrowash Method. Watch this video from our Groundskeeper U lesson “How to Remove Lips” to see quick explanation and demonstration.

OPEN BOX ITEM OF THE WEEK

OPEN BOX Item — Ultralite Hose (100ft) — SAVE $94!  – You won’t believehow ultralight this 1″ irrigation hose is. This 100-ft hose is only 18 lbs! Working pressure of 300 psi. Fits 1″ nozzle. Slightly-used condition. (Reg. $279) NOW ONLY $185

By Groundskeepers, For Groundskeepers.

The time and effort necessary to train new staff each year can become overwhelming, and that’s exactly why we developed Groundskeeper U. GU is the perfect online tool for teaching new staff, summer help, and volunteers. Through videos, photos, audio, and written material your staff will learn the right way with the tried and true practices taught by Paul Zwaska.
Enjoy this by-groundskeepers-for-groundskeepers resource and, when you find a lesson or technique you know others will benefit from, be sure to share it on social media and with your colleagues!

Find what you need, it’s all here.

If you there’s something your field needs, you’ll find it in our catalog. Request your copy of The Ultimate Ballfield Resource. Our catalog features a complete listing of products to keep you rolling with everything you need all season long. This is your go-to must-have resource.