BASEBALL way to tell is if you can easily push a Phillips screwdriver into the ground. Run the middle of the machine over the width of the plugs, as it will increase the number of plugs pulled and you won’ t lose your place like going back and forth going both directions. Walking on the newly applied sand, along with the insertion of the aeration tines, pushes the sand into the aeration holes— assisting in better drainage. To speed up the process, I can typically do a couple of laps with the aerator while my topdresser is being filled. If an aeration plug falls apart too quickly, dries out too quickly and you can make a ribbon, it probably has too much clay in the soil.
The next step is slicing the seed in. Since a lot of rental yards don’ t have a seed slicer to rent, I drop spread or broadcast the seed on the infield turf, then use a normal thatcher and adjust the blades where they barely touch the floor. This allows the blade to freely spin, making thin grooves into the profile without bringing up a lot of debris. Be careful not to go too deep early in the season as the grass is starting to grow and you don’ t want to thin out the canopy. With slicing, I like to go both directions( starting along a baseline then going the opposite direction). By using the correct sand, you can barely notice that you have done anything. By slicing you are hitting all the high spots, cutting them down and dragging excess material into the low spots.
The last step should be the easiest, use the infield drag mat and slowly drag around the mound working the sand in and then switching directions. This would
be a good time to fertilize as well( I like to broadcast in both directions). With the help of watering, the sand will be down in the profile in no time and is available for play almost immediately.
Yes, I know I said two-hour renovation, but everything needs to go well. Equipment has to work properly, you need a good tractor and loader, you need materials on hand, and you need a good support staff.
Mike Hebrard is the owner / operator of Athletic Field Design, a leader in athletic field design, maintenance and customized graphics. He is an industry consultant and a frequent public speaker at industry events. For more information, visit www. athleticfield. com. sportsfieldmanagementonline. com May 2025 | SportsField Management
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