SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/141613
Facility&Operations field. If so, clean the material prior to brushing back into the main field. • Replacement infill should meet the field builder's specifications. • Using an infill depth gauge or a nail and tape measure on a grid pattern is the preferred way to measure infill depth and consistency. they will migrate into the system, inhibiting drainage and causing infill compaction. Consider covering the field with pre-approved tarp when it is not in use. • Remove organic material, including animal waste, as soon as possible to impede the growth of algae, weed or moss growth. Leafy trees should not be located next to a field, if possible. Brushing will help deter organic growth, as will the use of approved fungicides and anti-bacterial treatments. • Don't allow food, sodas, chewing gum, sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco, smoking, etc. on the field. • Do not use cleaning chemicals containing alcohol or acetone solvents. Chemicals should not be used without consulting with your field builder. Take care to avoid spilling any petroleum-based liquids including fuel onto the surface. MAINTAIN PROPER INFILL LEVELS The proper amount of infill is vital to the performance of the field. Infill also protects the grass fibers from damage, and helps keep them upright. Ask your field builder for the recommended infill levels. Be aware that: • High use areas are prone to greater infill displacement. • Brushing, drag mats, and proper rakes can help redistribute infill evenly. • Infill may accumulate at the edges of a 30 SportsTurf | July 2013 GROOM THE SURFACE Regular brushing is an important function that must not be overlooked or neglected. Brushing helps to maintain uniform infill levels, keep the grass fibers upright, remove debris, and improve the field appearance. Conversely, the flattening of grass fibers can create a possible acceleration of wear as well as reduced field performance. While grooming, inspect the field for unsafe conditions. Use a static brush for general infill leveling and to stand up the grass fibers. A mechanical sweeper or other specialty synthetic turf cleaning equipment should be used to remove surface debris. Do not use maintenance equipment before receiving proper use and safety training. Use only equipment and vehicles that are approved by the field builder. Use only synthetic fiber bristles of recommended stiffness. Do not use metal or wire bristles. Do not use 6wheel vehicles. Using an average all-purpose vehicle, brushing a standard sized multi-purpose field takes about an hour. The vehicle speed should be low and sharp turns must be avoided. It is most effective to brush the surface when it is dry. The high-wear areas will require additional attention as these zones will obviously have the most disrupted infill and pile flattening due to the intensity of play. The surface should be brushed in a number of directions, alternating the direction in consecutive activities, but generally in the direction of the individual panels to avoid crossing over the main seams. On different days, start at different locations so as to alternate the brushing direction for each panel. The optimum brush height setting will depend on the model and type of equipment. Do not set the brush so low that it digs into the turf pile or backing. Too low a setting can damage the turf, the seams and disturb the infill. Ask your field builder for the recommended grooming frequency. In general, the frequency will be related to the intensity of use; however, excessive brushing can cause fiber damage which over time will compromise the field's performance characteristics and longevity. COMPREHENSIVE MAINTENANCE: SEMI-ANNUAL TO ANNUAL Over a period of time, the following situations may arise which will require the need for more comprehensive maintenance: grass fibers become significantly bent, creased and flat; the playing surface becomes hard and compacted. While common to infilled systems, this impacts the players and also can create drainage issues. Dirt, debris and metal accumulate on or within the system despite routine maintenance. Seams become loose or panels shift creating a safety hazard. Infill levels become uneven, particularly in high wear areas, such as in front of soccer goals. This will impact player biomechanics and surface consistency, and will provide inadequate support of the grass fibers. When these situations or other concerns arise, contact the field builder and/or a third-party maintenance contractor approved by the field builder. Comprehensive maintenance generally includes the use of specialty maintenance equipment by trained maintenance professionals. Depending upon the situation, the following actions may be performed: Professional field inspection and corrective action. Assess the field surface, especially heavy wear areas, identify weak or loose seams and inlays, and repair the damage. Sport performance testing may also be desirable. Decompaction of infill. Infill decompaction is important for improving shock absorption and synthetic turf drainage. Use only equipment specially designed to decompact and create loft in infilled synthetic turf systems. Redistribution and leveling of the infill. Measure infill depth on a grid pattern, and add and level infill as needed to return the surface to the field builder's specifications. Deep Cleaning. Use special equipment www.sportsturfonline.com