Consistent infield skin maintenance will create better playing surfaces and help prevent future field repairs. Learn how to preform better infield skin maintenance and avoid lip build up with these five tips.

Start with the infield edge

After every game or practice, rake dirt and clay debris back onto the infield skin. Then, rake a two-foot section away from the turf (rake lightly to avoid removing too much material from the infield edge). This will help prevent an unsafe lip from forming after you’ve dragged the infield surface.

Apply water to the infield

Before you begin to nail drag your infield surface, moisten the field by applying water. Make sure to use enough water to allow the nail drag to easily penetrate the surface. But, be sure to not over water your field, as a soaked field can cause damage. 

Break up compacted infield soil by nail dragging

Next, it’s time to drag your infield. Nail dragging your infield skin will break up compacted clay and soil and help create a more level playing surface.

When you begin dragging an infield, map out different starting and stopping points and vary your drag patterns for each drag session—this will help keep your infield level.

Keep your drag pattern two feet from the turf edge to avoid lip build up, and maintain a slow consistent speed. If your nail drag is skipping you should slow down or re-moisten your field to achieve a smoother drag.

Follow up with a screen drag

After you’ve completed the nail drag, get that finished look with a screen drag. This process should be done similarly to the nail drag.

• Keep your drag patters two feet from the turf edge and use a broom or rake to brush away any excess build up.
• Vary your start and stopping points.
• Maintain a slow, consistent pace.

After you’ve completed the screen drag, shake any soil from the screen and rake over the excess soil to a smooth finish on your field.

Remove any lip build up

If a lip has formed around your turf’s edge, remove the build up one of two ways.

• Moisten the turf edge and tamp down the lip build up. Be sure to center the tamper between the turf and infield soil edges. A roller can also be used to minimize any build up.
• Use a high-pressure hose to spray excess build up away from the turf’s edge.

For more information on infield skin maintenance and to see examples of these tips, check out this Ewing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60Jk_aohxA

Have you tried any of these field maintenance tips? Let us know how they’ve worked for you in the comments below.