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
that combines mechanical brushing, suction, and an infill return system to remove surface debris and embedded contaminants. Metal removal. Use a magnet attached to your maintenance equipment to remove ferrous metal objects from the field. Weed and pest treatment. Treat with herbicides or pesticides, as required. Partial removal and reinstallation of infill material. Remove the infill, as necessary, to get rid of embedded foreign matter that has contaminated the infill system, relieve grass fibers that may be trapped in the infill, or improve drainage. FIELD REJUVENATION— AS NEEDED MAINTENANCE As fields mature, the accumulation of unwanted or foreign contaminants is inevitable, especially deep within the infill layer. Events, such as flooding or dust storms, may introduce extreme levels of contamination. This may cause surface hardening and water permeability issues, and compromise field performance. When a field begins to show signs of deep compaction, such as gmax readings that exceed desired levels or significant drainage issues, full field rejuvenation may be desired. These maintenance services are performed using specialized field rejuvenation equipment and personnel and may include: removal of the vast majority of dirty and contaminated infill; untangling matted and compacted fibers; a combination of re-installation of new infill and/or the cleaning of the original infill; and removal of dust, debris and application of a disinfectant to treat for bacteria, if the original infill will be processed and cleaned. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES— AS NEEDED MAINTENANCE While not intended as a complete list, the Synthetic Turf Council wishes to provide guidance on certain special circumstances which may require solutions on an "as needed" basis. Field Markings: Temporary paints can be used if formulated specifically for synthetic turf. Ideally, paint should be applied only to the turf fibers, and not into the infill; although this will not be possible if infill levels are too high. Remove and reapply paint after a maximum of four applications to www.stma.org avoid hard-to-remove build-up. Service companies with specialized equipment are available that can paint and remove lines, logos, end zones, graphics, etc. Permanent lines, logos, etc. can age differently than the playing field turf. They may harden or shrink at different rates that will affect Gmax. Special grooming or other techniques may be required. Heavy Rain: If significant ponding occurs after heavy rainfall, it may be an indication of a variety of factors, such as clogged or damaged underground drain pipes or discharge outlets, base unevenness, debris in the infill, or infill surface tension. For infill surface tension, a field builder approved surfactant or laundry fabric softener can be used to break the surface tension allowing the turf to drain. After heavy rainfall, it is advisable to check the infill levels in case of migration with the field slope. Snow and Ice: Generally snow and ice should be left to melt and drain off the system without assistance. At times, however, it is necessary to remove snow or ice to make the field playable for a scheduled event. The working principle for removing snow is to do so as near to game time as possible. This reduces the likelihood of new snow build-up and will reduce the risk of ice from cold winds whipping across a damp, newly cleared surface. Because ice and wet snow removal is particularly difficult, it is important that you take measures to prevent the build-up of ice and wet snow. Use only pneumatic tires on equipment used for the removal of snow and ice. If a snow plow is used, make sure the blade is guarded with PVC pipe and corner elbows or rubber tips, and the height is adjusted to leave ¼-½" inch of snow on the surface. This is to avoid surface damage. The remaining snow should be left to melt in the sunlight as brushing the remaining snow may also remove the infill. Avoid using a tarp on the field during freezing weather. Tarps, unless vinyl or poly-coated, can freeze to the surface, and will be very difficult to remove. In some cases it may be necessary to use a weighted lawn roller over the field to break up ice. The broken ice can then be swept off the field. Generally, if the sun is out and the ice or frost is not excessive, it tends to melt rapidly, especially when players are on the field. Static Electricity: Surfactants like liquid laundry fabric softeners can reduce static electricity. Stain Removal: Most stains can be removed easily with a solution of hot, but not boiling, water and a field builder's approved household detergent. Brush the stain with a stiff bristle brush, scrub the area with soap and water, rinse with clean water, and pat dry. Equipment Leaks or Spills: Prevent leaks or spills by checking equipment and its components thoroughly before use on turf; do not fill fuels, oils, fluids while equipment is on the field. Wipe any excess grease from any/all fittings. Petroleum-based spills can damage the synthetic turf. Use only the newer biodegradable fluids, if available for your equipment. Don't use petroleum-based fluids. Check with the equipment manufacturer to verify the biodegradable fluid is compatible with the equipment and its warranty. If a leak occurs when using petroleum-based fluids it is important to minimize the damage by stopping and capturing as much fluid as possible. If it gets on the turf, use spill leak towels to soak up the majority of the fluid. Vacuum out the infill in the affected area, use a solution of household dishwashing liquid and water to break down and clean any remaining fluid from the turf. Once the turf is clean, you will need to install new infill. Gasoline and diesel: Don't fill equipment while it is on the turf. Do not overfill. Newer equipment has an overflow tube that drains directly under the equipment and onto the ground. Use a catch pan while filling to prevent accidental spillage. Use SportsTurf 31