Texas Charlie
writes:
I did an awesome job
on my field last year. I used your info to support all of the things
I did on the field. The rest of the league was very impressed and
I have been given free reins to do anything I want this year and
they trust me.
But have a question:
I read that you said
roll before aerating, why? Don't you want the roller the last thing
on the fields to really have the smoothness.
Thanks for the
help.
- - - - - - - - - - -
-
Hello Texas Charlie,
There are 'rules
of thumb', but you know a fellow told me that the abbreviation is
ROT.
So, not all rules of thumb need to followed to a T.
Rolling compacts the soil as it flattens. If you core aerate afterwards
it helps the turf get some air and moisture pathways. Sanding before
rolling can be like using sandpaper on the turf. It might hurt.
Something to
consider adding to the plan is that after you fertilize and topdress,
drag the metal mesh drag along to push it into the core aerate holes
as well as level out the sand and any cores still on the ground.
Check here for
more info on using
sand on our baseball field turf to promote drainage, healthy
turf as well as level it.
If your lips
are not bad, then make a simple 2-3 inch deep trench next to your
grass edge before you roll the turf. The roller will flatten by
pushing the high spot to the side.
And check here
for more tips and hints when using
a steam roller on your baseball field before you aerate so it
is level and firm.
So, have a great spring season!
You're doing an awesome job!
Yours for better play more often,
J.
Reiner
Jim Reiner
Publisher, Editor, & Groundskeeper
The Ultimate
Baseball Field Renovation Guide |
