When winter rolls in, it becomes time to put your softball field to bed. If your area still plays or practices in the winter, you do not want to permanently put the field to rest for the season, but you still need to prepare it for cooler temperatures and excess moisture.
Do’s and Don’ts to Consider
There are some steps you should take to prepare your field for winter and things you must avoid if you want a green, healthy lawn come next season. These include:
• Lowering your mower height. Lower your mowing height right before winter to reduce the chances of snow mold outbreaks or damage to your turf when it is not in use.
• Overseed and sod bare areas. Any worn out areas, especially around mounds and warm-up areas, should be overseeded or repaired with sod. As soon as the weather warms up, the sod will begin to root.
• Aerate the entire field. Do not forget to aerate before the snow and ice settle in. This helps relieve compaction, increase water infiltration and improves oxygen flow to the roots. Wait until after the fall season has completed to aerate the field though.
• Do not use excess amounts of nitrogen. Nitrogen during the colder months could make your lawn more susceptible to cold damage and should only be used during the warmer months.
• Do not neglect your infield. While your field is not used in the fall and winter, the pitcher’s mound and home plate area should be covered with a tarp. You will also want to use slit fencing and boards along the edges of the infield to prevent any wind-blown dirt from forming a lip in the area.
• Use a softball field cover. Turf blankets will accelerate turf growth for next season and protect the grass 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 winter turf blanket.
• Cover the bullpen and warmup areas too. To prevent these areas from building up excess mud, you should also cover the bullpen and warmup areas using separate tarps or invest in a full-field softball field cover.
Whether you are shutting down for months or just looking to protect your field during brief winter storms, following these steps will prevent damage and ensure you have a green, plush field come spring.
