Two Essentials for Every Field: Infield Tarps and Turf Mats

If you are looking to maximize the budget and efficiency of your field this year, there are two important essentials to consider:

1. Infield Tarps
2. Turf Mats

Each serves a critical purpose for your field – making them safer, more efficient, and both working to protect your field.

Basically, if you want to make maintaining your field easier, and spend less of your annual budget on correcting field imperfections from weather or frequent use, you should invest in both types of ground covers.

How Do Tarps Protect Your Field?

These coverings are not just for the major leagues; in fact, more recreational facilities and schools are purchasing them to protect their fields. The tarps can be used during the offseason, but also help protect the green and dirt on the field in between games; especially when rain, high heat or strong winds are expected.

One thing to keep in mind when buying this type of cover is that it is a team effort to put it on. In the major leagues, there is an entire crew dedicated to a single job: pulling on the tarp. They are extremely heavy and take a few strong hands to maneuver them onto the field. You will want to allow enough time to gather as many people as you can to pull the field cover into place. If you are expecting inclement weather, try to get your group together in time and ensure the tarp is down well before the first drop of rain hits the ground.

What About Mats for Your Field?

Turf mats also protect your field from excessive wear and tear, but they are mainly used on the pitcher's mound and on-deck area. These protect the dirt from shifting while the players are standing there, especially when on the pitcher's mound and at home plate.

These mats come in a variety of colors too, so you can easily blend them into your field's current conditions. Just a few types you will find include:

1. Home Plate Mats – These look like home plates and are ideal for batting practices and games. They can even reduce the amount of mud your players have to deal with while batting.
2. On Deck Circles – These come in a variety of different colors, but many people choose the clay color or the standard green color.
3. Pitching Mats – Used during practice to protect the pitching mound.

No matter how healthy your budget looks this year, before opening season, you should consider purchasing turf mats and infield tarps. They give you the most out of your investment and can significantly reduce how much time and money you spend maintaining your field this season.