---
title: Tools for First Class Sports Fields this Spring
description: Get your sports field ready for the upcoming games, matches and clashes.
image: https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ewing-irrigation-sports-turf-maintenance-baseball-field-infield-2.jpg
---

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# Irrigation & Landscape supply Blog

# Tools for First Class Sports Fields this Spring

[Robyn Hazen](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/robyn-hazen) on March 11, 2020

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Sports field perfection is a noble pursuit for all sports field managers, and the aesthetics of a sports field are just as important as the field’s play. Since spring is almost here there’s no time like the present to get your sports field ready for the upcoming games, matches and clashes. Utilizing quality tools is one of the best ways to achieve success with both the look and playability of a field.

These key areas of the field benefit from focused time and attention. Here are a few tips and tools to help you maintain a first-class quality field.

## **Infield Skin Management**

![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-AF-Baseball1-4.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=PRIMG-AF-Baseball1-4.jpg)

To manage your current infield skin, which is the non-turf area around home plate and the bases, the first step is moisture control. To help maintain moisture in the skin, it’s best to use an infield conditioner. The latest advances in infield mix technology aid in moisture management, playability and dust control. Like turf soils, the performance of an infield soil analysis followed up by a mix amendment allows you to engineer and optimize your infield mix.

A [Ewing green wheelbarrow](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28002800-ewing-steel-excavator-wheelbarrow-with-flat-free-tire) with its 6 cubic foot capacity is a simple way to transport the conditioner. When it’s paired with heavy-duty [scoop shovels](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28002440-d-handle-abs-western-scoop-shovel) and [sifting scoops](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28002425-toolite-sifting-scoop), you can efficiently and uniformly apply the conditioner.

For daily maintenance of your infield, utilize a [steel drag mat](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68510707-6-rsquo-x-8-rsquo-steel-mat-drag), a [steel lawn roller](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/56004600-gandy-48-inch-steel-lawn-roller) and a quality [rake](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28000960-36-inch-double-play-rake) to smooth uneven surfaces and eliminate the regular wear and tear of cleats and traffic. If you have a really hard infield, try a [welded steel nail drag](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68510240-premium-5-rsquo-x-3-rsquo-nail-drag) made especially for difficult areas.

## **Turf Irrigation**![ewing-irrigation-sports-field-turf-maintenance-hose-end-nozzle](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ewing-irrigation-sports-field-turf-maintenance-hose-end-nozzle.jpeg?width=300&name=ewing-irrigation-sports-field-turf-maintenance-hose-end-nozzle.jpeg)

In the spring, the first step in turf irrigation is to audit the entire irrigation system. Evenly spaced sprinkler heads with consistent flow are vital to healthy turf growth.

Start troubleshooting by reviewing the general turf area for leaks or puddling. Utilize a [round point shovel](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28002010-14-gauge-round-point-shovel-with-wood-handle) to reach underground areas that need repair, and a [closed back drain spade](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28008450-closed-back-drain-spade-with-fiberglass-handle-and-d-grip) for digging straight down. Any broken risers can be removed from threaded PVC fittings by using a [riser extractor](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/39000010-1-2-x-3-4-combo-riser-extractor). To remove water from valve boxes or other areas, take advantage of a [hand pump](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/26009010-6-foot-water-transfer-plastic-hand-pump) made of high impact PVC.

To diagnose cable and equipment faults in 2-wire systems without opening splices, try a milliamp [clamp meter](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/42012021-pro95-armada-rms-clamp-meter) that simply clamps over wires in a control cable. And just in case you need to track where underground cables are located, use a [digital cable locator](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/42012005-pro900-advanced-digital-cable-locator) with an easy to follow signal.

Also remember to check all the valves for proper operation, both diaphragms and solenoids. Ideally, valves and valve boxes are located outside the field of play both for player safety and for ease of maintenance. To detect short, open wires and check solenoid condition, use an [irrigation station test kit](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/42012045-pro48k-armada-irrigation-station-test-kit), which includes a bright white LED headlight for dim conditions.

When you’re working at ground level, protect your knees with anti-compression air injected [deluxe gel kneepads](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/70007350-deluxe-gel-kneepads). And every job is more manageable with a set of [padded synthetic leather gloves](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/70005325-handyman-trade-medium-gloves).

As you’re maneuvering around the field, keep parts and components at the ready with a small satchel-style [storage case](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/26000120-18-48-compartment-small-satchel-style-case).

## **Skin and Clay Area Maintenance**

![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/beacon-sweet-spot-tamp-heads-with-handle-Mar-02-2022-04-55-39-04-PM.png?width=250&name=beacon-sweet-spot-tamp-heads-with-handle-Mar-02-2022-04-55-39-04-PM.png)

Both the skin and clay areas need to be watered sufficiently during the day to keep moisture deep in the infield profile. A well-watered area makes for much safer and predictable play for the athletes while also keeping the dust down.

Additional watering can be done by adding a hose with a [hose-end nozzle](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/3-4-adj-hose-end-nozzle) into a quick coupler to touch up skin or mound and plate clay areas.

To have improved footing and performance in the high-wear areas, we recommend using [packing clay](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/55013910-pro-rsquo-s-choice-pro-mound-packing-clay). Then use a Sweet Spot tamp to press down the clay into a uniform surface. The tamp is sold in two pieces as a [head](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68590710-10-quot-x-10-quot-sweetspot-tamp-head) and a [handle](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68590700-sweet-spot-tamp-handle). In order to preserve these clay areas, cover them with a [spot cover](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68570211-18-foot-circular-spot-cover) when the fields are not in use.

## **Fertilizer and Turf Edge Care**

![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Sportsfield-2.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=Sportsfield-2.jpg)

The basis for any fertilizer program is soil analysis through a soil test. To sample various soil types, try a steel [soil probe](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/42010760-19-inch-steel-soil-probe) with a screw-on tip. While there are many different options for spreaders, we recommend the durability of a [professional spreader](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/56002400-empro-100-lb-professional-spreader) with a solid stainless steel axle instead of a spreader with plastic parts.

Don’t forget a pre-emergent for weed control. Apply a pre-emergent twice annually, once in spring and again in the fall. If fields are going to be overseeded, apply a pre-emergent 8 weeks prior to overseeding.

Turf edges should be measured, cut and defined. Also, once a week, a hose with a hose-end nozzle should be used to power wash migrated infield materials out of the turf profile along the edges. This prevents build up and eventual lips from forming. Consider using a non-slip grip [aluminum rake](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28000880-great-rake-ii-36-inch-aluminum-rake) when you’re grading your sports field as well as a [2-way hoe](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/28000920-kenyon-2-way-loop-hoe-with-aluminum-handle) for any pesky weeds that may appear.

## **Sports Field Additions**

![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ewing-irrigation-paint-sprayer-sports-field-turf-lines-logos-1-2.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=ewing-irrigation-paint-sprayer-sports-field-turf-lines-logos-1-2.jpg)

To give your field an added crisp and professional look, consider adding paint and updated accessories. The best way to start is to stripe the turf for aesthetics using a walk-behind, airless paint sprayer. The [Graco FieldLazer](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/55053110-fieldlazer-s100-field-marker) is useful for spraying bulk paint on multiple turf foul lines and for logos as well.

A durable mesh [windscreen](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68540020-tuffy-windscreen-9-foot) provides privacy and creates a professional look. They’re available in a variety of colors and can be customized for each team.

[Yellow fence cap](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68540062-saf-top-fence-guard) provides visual appeal and adds a safety element for the top of fences. Treat yourself by also getting a [fence cap zipper tool](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68540061-fence-cap-zipper-tool) to make the installation easy.

And keep an eye on [youth bases](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/68507110-kwik-release-base-set), youth pitching rubber and home plates, which all need to be replaced every few years.

Looking for more details? Read our article specifically about [tools for baseball field maintenance](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/news/knock-field-maintenance-out-of-the-park-with-ewings-tools-for-baseball/) or visit [your local Ewing store](https://store.ewingirrigation.com/locations/) today!

 TAGS: [Field Management](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/field-management), [Baseball](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/baseball), [Athletic Fields](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/athletic-fields), [Sports Field Maintenance](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/sports-field-maintenance), [spring](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/spring), [spring season](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/spring-season), [Irrigation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/irrigation), [Tools](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/tools), [Baseball Field Maintenance](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/baseball-field-maintenance), [Sports Fields](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/sports-fields), [Turf](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/turf), [Infield Skin](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/infield-skin), [Tools and Accessories](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/tools-and-accessories)

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