may also be bald spots or areas where the texture has changed noticeably.”
Striping wear.“ This can be caused by the fading or wear of the track system, which can make it appear as though the striping is disappearing.”
Uneven areas of the track. Contractors advise owners and managers to look down the length of the track from each bend. Does the surface appear flat and even, or are you noticing what appear to be waves, or rises and falls, in the track? Also, if water gets on the track, does it collect in a puddle somewhere? In all cases, take photos of problem areas and send them to the track installer or contractor. Pros advise against looking up problems on the internet and trying DIY fixes; some may void the warranty and / or make the problem worse.
Photo courtesy Steven Lelham on Unsplash
In addition to keeping on top of changes in the track, there are things to be aware of that can shorten the lifespan of the surface.
Encroaching grass or weeds.“ The most destructive maintenance issue we see that is frequently overlooked until it is too late is vegetative growth at the edge of the track that undermines the surface,” said Robert Cohen, sportsfieldmanagementonline. com March 2026 | SportsField Management
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