Artificial Turf Baseball and Softball Field Warning Track Options

Warning tracks are an integral safety component of baseball and softball fields whether they are natural grass or synthetic turf. These tracks keep athletes safe by alerting them that they are close to the edge of the field and approaching a fence or wall. They can also serve as a way to incorporate school colors and visually appealing contrasts to artificial turf fields.

Artificial Grass Field Warning Track Surface Options 

When installing an artificial turf field for baseball or softball, there are a few different surfacing options available for building your warning track. They all have their pros and cons, however. The best option for your artificial turf field will depend on your facility’s priorities and your maintenance staff. The key features to keep in mind when evaluating a warning track are athlete safety, aesthetics, and the maintenance requirements for the surface. Maintenance of a warning track can vary based on material, use, budget, and available facility staff.

Common Artificial Turf Warning Track Materials Include:

Clay 

Clay has historically been one of the most common warning track material choices. Similar to a clay infield or pitcher’s mound, the downside to this surface is the heavy maintenance associated with keeping the clay out of the surrounding artificial grass. Clay tends to be messier and mixes with the other components of your turf system, such as the infill, adding complexity to your maintenance routine. If you opt to choose a clay outfield, we recommend that you regularly roll and drag the warning track like you would a clay infield.

Warning Track Gravel/Sand 

Rocks, gravel, and sand are typically a cheaper warning track option, but they lack the aesthetics provided by a clay or artificial turf warning track. They can also lead to premature turf fiber degradation of your surrounding artificial turf outfield. This occurs when the sharp edges of the material repetitively rub against the turf fibers wearing them down faster than the typical lifespan of the turf surface.

Warning Track Dirt

Using dirt as a warning track option allows players to immediately feel and hear the difference between the field and the warning track. Dirt will cause an audible crunch and will feel hard underfoot. However, warning track dirt can be problematic to maintain. In rain and snow, the dirt is easily moveable. Weeds and plants will more easily sprout, requiring more upkeep and attention.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf warning tracks are becoming a more popular surface option. Field owners used to be hesitant about installing artificial turf warning tracks in artificial turf fields because the surface change from the outfield to the warning track was not dramatic enough. An outfielder running at full speed toward a wall or fence might not have enough of a warning. 

Now, with the advancement of the artificial turf industry, warning tracks come in all colors. They can also be installed with progressive artificial turf infill options providing a unique auditory cue and underfoot feel that signals to the athletes they are nearing a structure.

Hit A Homerun With A Safeshell Artificial Turf Warning Track

Artificial turf warning tracks installed with Safeshell natural infill will elevate your baseball field design and safety. Safeshell is a low-maintenance, organic infill option made of 100% USA-grown walnut shells. This allergen-free, patent-pending infill crafted from a blend of well-rounded Black and English walnut shells results in the perfect balance of firm and fast for player-friendly fields. With the added benefit of evaporative cooling, both wet and dry Safeshell provide a cooler surface.

Why is Safeshell the preferred baseball and softball artificial turf warning track infill?

1. Audible Cue

Safeshell has a unique texture so players will hear it underfoot as soon as they make contact with it.

2. Feel Underfoot

Safeshell is a high-performing (and completely natural) turf infill with a very distinctive underfoot feel that players in the outfield recognize.

3. Limited Product Migration

Safeshell’s high density turf infill grains prevent migration and are more cost-effective than warning tracks with other infill products. Safeshell requires less topping off as more of the product is retained in the system.

4. No Turf Fiber Degradation or Mess

Safeshell is a non-toxic, high-performance infill that’s made from 100% natural materials. It’s leagues ahead of the commonly used materials in warning track applications.

5. Added Layer of Player Safety

Installing a Safeshell warning track is a great way to keep athletes safe while they focus on what they know best – winning.

Safeshell in Action: Motz’s Featured Projects

East Central High School in St. Leon, Indiana has a wide range of sports including a competitive baseball team. The school decided to install a new artificial turf baseball field with a warning track for player safety. This upgrade would cut down on maintenance and increase field performance.

The school needed to choose an infill for the warning track to alert players about the fence line. Safeshell was installed to provide protection for the outfielders and offer a cutting-edge turf system with the best technology. Its specific auditory sound cue and unique feel underfoot signaled to players that they were entering the warning track.

The University of Cincinnati has partnered with Motz over many years for its turf and infill needs. Both the UC Baseball Stadium and the UC Gettler Stadium have installed Safeshell on their artificial turf fields.

The University of Cincinnati Baseball Stadium benefits from two Motz infill products; the warning track is made up of Safeshell, a natural synthetic turf infill, and the infield uses Safeshell SmoothPlay, the same natural infill product, both designed specifically for athletic performance. This project was the first Division 1 installation of Safeshell and Safeshell SmoothPlay by Motz.

Motz’s organic turf infill, Safeshell SmoothPlay, reduces turf abrasions, has a cooling effect, and settles easily into dense turf systems. Athletes can play hard and fast, and the field experiences minimal breakdown.

Ready to Upgrade Your Field?

At the end of the day, the best artificial turf warning track for your field depends upon your budget, maintenance staff availability, location, and desired aesthetics.

Check out our baseball field case study featuring a Safeshell warning track. 

For more information on Safeshell warning track specification and testing, download our Safeshell Warning Track One Pager.