Field Turf Is Ideal For Baseball
Posted by Matt Garrabrants on
Field turf has become the standard playing surface in many baseball fields. Field turf includes all those varieties of artificial grass that is used in place of natural vegetation. There were many problems associated with the use of natural grass and maintenance was a nightmare. The introduction of fake turf has resolved these issues and there is no negative impact on the playing conditions either.
Field turf can be installed in practically every place in the baseball field except for the dugout where you need different flooring. The installation is simple and cost-effective as you will not need quick replacement as is common with natural grass. Heat, moisture and other natural elements will no longer be a hassle. A strict maintenance regimen is required though but it is not as difficult to follow as in maintaining natural grass for baseball fields.
In the Field
Fake grass is ideal for the main baseball field. Unlike natural grass, which takes weeks to take roots and can be spoiled easily, field turf can last for months without major repairs. Baseball managers usually prefer to install a variety of fake grass that is tough on the inside but soft on the outside. The fibers used in the production of such turfs have greater tensile strengths so as to bear the pressure of a game. Baseball fields use a mix of rolling and square turfs. Soil quality plays a key role in determining the best quality of a field turf for baseball.
There may be a need of replacement if practice session doesn’t yield the best results and players are not happy with the performance of the turf. It is thus better to experiment with a variety of turfs. You can install smaller sections of different turfs and see the comments of the players. If they are happy with the grass, you can continue with the installation of that particular variety.
In the Batting Cage
Field turf is equally good for batting cages. It offers players the same experience as in an actual baseball field. They can practice their pitching and catching skills and will also be able to tell whether the turf is performing as per expectations. Given the excessive use of batting cages during practice sessions, it is a good idea to first install the turf in that location. If the players are not happy with the fake grass, you can replace it at minimal costs. This will remove the financial and physical hassles of replacing a field turf in the main arena that can drain you of resources.
Once the installation is complete, the artificial turf can be used for multiple seasons as long as you are following the maintenance procedures. Some varieties of fake turf need regular watering while others can last for months without a strict watering regimen. Given the fact that baseball fields see regular games, it is better to install a turf variety that remains soft and flexible after excessive use. Artificial grass that needs regular watering often has a softer texture that is ideal for baseball fields.
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