How Often to Laser Grade a High School or College Baseball/Softball Infields? Why Laser Grading Matters for Schools and Colleges

How many  bad hops does it take to change the outcome of a game?  And more importantly, how many of those hops (or injuries) could have been prevented with a properly graded infield?

Laser grading is the single most effective way to keep your high school or college baseball and softball infields safe and playable.  But how often should you schedule it, and what happens if you don’t?

In this guide, we’ll cover why laser grading matters, the recommended schedule for your schools, the risks of skipping it, and how an annual investment protects both your athletes and your budget.

Why Laser Grading Matters

Over the course of a season, your infield takes a beating.  Cleats dig into base paths, routine dragging shifts material, and wind and rain erode surfaces. The result?  Low spots, grass lips, and drainage problems that lead to unplayable conditions.

Laser grading uses precision equipment to restore the infield to exact specifications — ensuring a level surface and proper drainage.

Key benefits include:

• Fewer rainouts and more playable days

• Consistent, predictable ball hops

• Improved player safety with stable footing

• Reduced long-term maintenance costs

Even fields with tarps or limited use aren’t immune. Material migration and drainage issues still develop and worsen without regular laser grading.

How Often Should You Laser Grade Your Infield?

For most high school and college baseball and softball programs, annual laser grading is the recommended standard.

Here’s why:

• High-impact athletes: Older, stronger players put more strain on infields compared to youth or recreational fields.

• Seasonal wear: Rain, wind, and even routine prep work slowly shift material and create uneven surfaces.

If budget requires, you may be able to stretch to once every two years, but expect more intensive upkeep in between.

If you manage community fields instead of school facilities, check out our guide on How Often to Laser Grade Your Parks & Rec Infield

Player Safety Comes First

Uneven infields aren’t just an aesthetic issue, they create real risks:

• Lips and low spots cause unpredictable hops and potential injuries

• Standing water leads to slips and unstable footing

• Exposed base anchors in low spots can cause serious accidents and injury

Annual laser grading ensures your athletes play on a safe, consistent surface every practice and every game.

The Financial Case: Why Annual Laser Grading Saves Money

It’s tempting to push laser grading off the budget for a year. But skipping service often results in higher costs later. Neglected infields can require:

• Extensive lip removal

• Re-sodding around turf transitions

• Full material replacement or large-scale renovation

Those major repairs can easily cost $40,000 or more. By comparison, annual laser grading is less than half that cost, protecting your field and extending its lifespan.

Bottom Line

For high school and college baseball and softball programs, laser grading once a year is the most cost-effective, safe, and performance-driven strategy. It keeps your athletes safe, prevents costly repairs, and ensures your infield plays true from the first pitch to the final out.