BURM BUILD UP AT THE GRASS LINE
Do you wonder why there is a small to large bump that forms at the edge of the mound, the infield grass line and outfield grass radius? How did it get there? How can it be prevented?
The simple answer is that infield mix has migrated into the grass line. Over time, grass level raises above the surrounding grass or the grass dies. With field use and dragging, there is no way to prevent the infield mix from entering the edge of the grass. The question is, what can we do to limit the amount of infield mix that enters the grass line and how do we get the dirt out before it becomes part of the grass?
First, we need to be diligent when maintaining the fields, this includes raking and dragging daily. Try to avoid raking infield mix into the grass or dragging mats against the grass line, this is the main reason for burm build up. Second, use a water hose or a rake to remove any infield mix that enters the grass line as soon as possible, before the grass grows through it or dies. This effort does not take long (5 – 15 minutes) and is easy to do when watering after teams finish practice or games at the end of the day.
Water Hose Approach - Set the water nozzle on a high volume stream and spray the edge of the grass at a 45 degree angle to remove the infield mix. I have found it helpful to spray in one direction and then the other, to ensure that removal is complete. With the weather being warm, and the higher level of infield mix on the fields, any excess water created will be absorbed quickly and definitely overnight.
Rake Approach - The same principal applies except you are raking at a 45 degree angle.
If everyone does their part when they can, we can avoid dangerous burms and costly field repairs borne by the league.
Thanks for reading,
Bruce MacCallum
Field Maintenance
