America’s pastime is getting an upgrade. Baseball diamonds are ditching natural grass and converting to
artificial turf fields. At American Athletic Track and Turf, we are a proud partner of
FieldTurf — a leading provider of quality synthetic turf for professional sports teams and colleges. For over 25 years, we have been installing long-lasting turf throughout New Jersey, the East Coast, and Orlando, Florida.
Here, our experienced staff discusses why you should make the switch from natural grass and discusses the basics of baseball field turf maintenance.
Advantages of a Turf Baseball Field
When choosing between a natural grass and turf baseball field, consider the advantages of artificial turf, including:
- Improved playing surface: Before artificial turf is installed, the contractor levels the ground beneath, resulting in a smooth playing surface. This creates safer playing conditions and limits unpredictable ball bounces.
- Fewer rainouts: Rainouts due to water accumulating on the field are a common part of baseball. However, with the built-in drainage system of turf, less water will build up, fewer games will be rained out, and your team will spend more time on the diamond.
- Zero watering and mowing: Unlike grass, turf fields don’t require regular watering and mowing.
- Make a statement: Most student-athletes prefer newer facilities enhanced with artificial turf. Having a turf baseball field is an excellent recruiting tool.
Best Tips for Baseball Turf Maintenance
Grass fields offer a sense of nostalgia. However, one of the biggest pitfalls is the upkeep necessary to keep them in tip-top shape. While artificial turf does require some maintenance, it’s less intensive than grass. Proper care is essential because it limits the need for repairs and helps ensure a safe playing surface.
At American Athletic, we understand how important it is to perform maintenance on baseball turf fields, which is why we offer
repair and maintenance plans. In between our visits, you should also take a few measures of your own to help keep your field safe and playable.
Cleaning Artificial Turf Regularly
While you don’t need to water and mow artificial baseball fields, you do need to remove any debris that piles up. Baseball games can be rowdy, and trash left behind can blow onto the field after games. Too much debris can cause the field to be unsafe for players. We advise prohibiting gum, tobacco, sunflower seeds, metal cleats, and other sharp objects from entering the playing area to make cleaning up easier.
Sanitize Field Periodically
Picking up trash and leaves is important. So, too, is sanitizing the field. Disinfectants should include special solvents, cleansers, and anti-microbial products to remove invisible particles and bacteria growth. Disinfecting and sanitizing your facility’s artificial turf helps ensure the health and safety of players, coaches, and opposing teams.
Monitor High-Traffic Areas
Some areas of a baseball field are used and walked on more than others. Basepaths and the infield are prone to wear faster than the outfield. Inspecting these high-traffic areas regularly and making sure they have enough infill is an important step in baseball turf maintenance. Continuing to use the field without enough infill can lead to premature degradation and having to replace part — or all — of the field sooner than you expected.
Why Choose American Athletic for Your Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf has many benefits. But you don’t want to choose anybody to upgrade your baseball field. Choose an
experienced team with over 25 years in the industry: American Athletic Track and Turf. Since 1983, we have been committed to quality construction, creating award-winning projects recognized by the
American Sports Builders Association.
Our projects span the East Coast, including schools and facilities in Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern Massachusetts, Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine, and even Orlando, Florida. We follow strict guidelines to deliver the highest-quality products and services possible to our clients.
In addition to our regular repairs and maintenance services, we also offer warranties on all our installations, including:
Our dedication to providing our clients with cost-effective solutions to natural grass means we offer an alternative to the traditional bidding process. Our SmartBuy
co-op purchasing program is available nationwide and includes pre-negotiated prices for industry-leading FieldTurf and Benyon products. This process saves you time and money and affords you full control over the look of your new field.
Switch to Artificial Turf Baseball Fields
When you’re ready to make the switch from natural grass to low-maintenance artificial turf, American Athletic is here to help. Our experienced professionals take the stress out of baseball turf maintenance and offer high-quality products at budget-friendly prices. For more information about outfitting your baseball field with turf or to get a
quote at no obligation to you,
contact us today.
