As we’re well into the season for America’s favorite pastime, it’s about time we get our lawns ready for the occasion. Baseball is a game that may be played at perfectly prepped manicured stadiums, but did you know, most of America’s biggest stadiums actually choose grass over artificial turf? The game is something that perfectly combines the art of sport with the great outdoors, and mixes and mingles generations together, just like nature. As we are celebrating two noteworthy parts of American heritage coming together, we will take a look into the five top tips to get your lawn baseball ready — but first, a history lesson.
Baseball is said to be the oldest professional sport in the United States, so it’s no wonder it has 500 million fans across the world. It’s come on in leaps and bounds from the variety of bat and ball games on offer in the 18th and 19th centuries in North America — and it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that it took off. With the first ever recorded baseball game taking place in 1846 in Hoboken, New Jersey, it then went on to see soldiers play in the Civil War, to the American League in 1901, and now in 2024, it’s one of the most watched sports around.
Throughout various gameplay changes, rule advancements, and many other evolutions, one thing has stayed the same: the great outdoors. And while many sit and analyze upcoming MLB lines to make informed decisions about who they’re going to bet on during a baseball game — we’re busy lusting over the pure skill and care that the greenery they play has enjoyed. It looks so well looked after!
For those who love nature and everything that comes with it, here’s how to get game-ready, emerald grass.
-
Make Sure to Mow Regularly
Although it may be common sense, you’d be shocked at how many people don’t mow their turf regularly. The downside of this brilliant weather that we’re having is that you need to be on the ball when it comes to the mower. In summer, when the growth is good, you should be mowing every 7 to 10 days if using a rotary mower — or at least every 3 days if using a cylinder mower (talk about high maintenance!). When the summers get dry, try mowing every week to keep your lawn looking perfect for a smooth game on the green. We recommend a height of around 2 to 3 inches to play baseball, as it makes for an even playing field and a lovely texture on your feet.
-
Water is Important
Just like mowing, your luscious lawn needs hydration (just like your favorite baseball player does!), but not too much. Water your grass infrequently to allow for strong root growth and resilience against heavy footfall (aka — the players).
We recommend watering in the mornings, as it allows your grass to soak in the moisture before it’s stung by the heat of the sun.
-
Keep Your Grass Fed
For the real home run, you need to feed your lawn so it lasts all year long. Your lawn needs nutrients to perform at the peak of its ability, just like a player, so make sure you invest in high-quality products. Choose from fertilizer and formulas specifically designed for lawns — and read the instructions for every product you purchase.
-
Look After the Grass and Kill the Weeds
Never let a good day of sport be ruined by the pain of pesky bugs, pests, or weeds. Unwanted guests on your lawn can cause havoc. Dandelions may look pretty in a picture, but they’re every baseball player’s worst nightmare! Keep them at bay using products like natural pesticides and weed killers, which won’t hurt the lawn beneath it. By removing weeds and nourishing the lawn, you’ll see it shoot up, creating the perfect surface for the first home run.
-
Aerate Your Turf
Finally, the piece de resistance of all baseball players and their turf is to aerate your lawn. Aerating grass helps stop any issues with soil compaction and lets oxygen, water, and essential nutrients reach the roots — which promotes a healthier lawn. You should choose to aerate the lawn before the growing season begins so that it can recover quickly. Prepare by mowing your lawn to a shorter height than normal and then use an aerator to penetrate the soil. We recommend either renting or buying a machine to use before the baseball season begins — and make sure to water the soil before you start; it makes a world of difference to its appearance.
Not only will you and your loved ones have all the fun of playing ball on your homegrown field, but you’ll also make memories to last a lifetime. Get ready for garden parties, having friends over for summer, and anything in between — because with these top tips for keeping your grass on track, plus a few more clever ideas, it’ll never have looked better.
