When winter comes, it’s time to lay down the baseball field. If your area still plays or practices during the winter, you don’t want to put the field permanently dormant for the season, but you still need to prepare it for colder temperatures and excess moisture.
Dos and Don’ts to Consider
There are a few steps to take to prepare your field for winter and things to avoid if you want a healthy, green lawn next season. These include:
• Reduce the height of your mower. Lower the mowing height just before winter to reduce the chances of snow mold outbreaks or damage to your lawn when not in use.
• Reseed and uncovered areas with grass. Any worn areas, especially around mounds and basking areas, should be monitored or repaired with turf. As soon as the weather warms up, the grass will begin to take root.
• Aerate the entire field. Don’t forget to aerate before snow and ice settle. This helps relieve compaction, increases water infiltration and improves oxygen flow to the roots. However, wait until the fall season is over to aerate the field.
• Do not use excessive amounts of nitrogen. Nitrogen during the cooler months could make your lawn more susceptible to chilling damage and should only be used during the warmer months.
• Don’t neglect your inner field. While his field is not used in the fall and winter, the pitcher’s mound and home plate area must be covered with a tarp. You’ll also want to use slotted fencing and boards along the edges of the infield to prevent windblown debris from forming a border in the area.
• Use a softball field cover. Lawn blankets will accelerate grass growth for the coming season and protect it from freeze and frost damage. It can also protect the field against pests during the off-season. If your area is prone to snow or ice, consider investing in a grass blanket for the winter.
• Cover the bullpen and warm-up areas as well. To prevent excess mud from collecting in these areas, you should also cover the bullpen and warm-up areas with separate tarps or invest in a full-field softball field cover.
Whether you’re closing for months or just looking to protect your field during brief winter storms, following these steps will prevent damage and ensure you have a lush, green field come spring.
