Planning end of season pitch renovations Into the new year with the playing season end in May it is now worthwhile to plan end of season pitch renovation – especially if it is to include scarifying and over-seeding. By securing the preferred contractor in good time there is the best chance of completing the renovation […]
Archive | Sports Pitches
Dealing with flooded sports pitches
By Gordon Jaaback on January 3, 2016 in Football Pitches, Rugby Pitches, Sports pitch drainage, sports pitches, Sports Pitches
Maintenance for severely flooded pitches With the abnormal rain over recent weeks there are a number of facilities that have been severely flooded. As the flood abates the main concern is the accumulation of silt. Any attempt to remove it when it is still wet and the ground is soft could lead to greater problems. Once […]
Flooded sports pitches
By Gordon Jaaback on December 14, 2015 in Football Pitches, Rugby Pitches, Sports pitch drainage, Sports Pitches
Water-logged and flooded pitches Flooded and water-logged pitches appear all too readily at this time of year. Unfortunately there is little that can be done in remedying the condition at this stage – apart from ensuring no surplus water run-off enters the pitch from adjacent ground and where possible, surplus water collecting in low areas […]
Don’t fight the weather on sports pitches
The weather and sports pitches After a mild autumn we have still to feel the temperature falling. The steady dampness with negligible evaporation following rainfall – however little – provides an unstable surface in areas where grass cover is lost. Make sure there is adequate nitrogen and vigorous grass growth before soil temperatures drop – especially […]
Ryegrass dominance is essential for playing durability on sports pitches
By Gordon Jaaback on October 26, 2015 in Football Pitches, Maintenance, Rugby Pitches, Sports Pitches
As we have seen, the durability of the playing surface has been severely tested at the Twickenham Rugby World Cup venue. A strong dominant ryegrass sward with its deep root system provides a quality grass cover that is able to withstand the considerable abuse experienced in recent weeks. Without this dominance of ryegrass in the grass cover, shallow rooted invading annual meadow grass is […]
Beware of aerating in wet soils
By Gordon Jaaback on October 13, 2015 in Football Pitches, Maintenance, Rugby Pitches, Sports Pitches
Opening wet soil during the winter months can prove damaging – especially in loam and clay soils. With little infiltration, water collects and makes soil conditions wetter. Whether verti-draining, earthquaking or solid tining, reservoirs for water collection are being created. To have any benefit on heavy soils severe aeration should be undertaken in relatively dry soil […]
Restrict water run-off on to your sports pitch
By Gordon Jaaback on October 2, 2015 in Football Pitches, Rugby Pitches, Sports pitch drainage, sports pitches, Sports Pitches
Prevention of water-logged pitches After the recent persistent rains it should be apparent if water run-off from higher ground is entering the pitch. Wherever possible run-off water should be diverted away to a safe location. This could be an adjacent wood, a wetland , stream or natural water course. Much will depend on the magnitude […]
Watch out for earthworms on sports pitches
By Gordon Jaaback on September 25, 2015 in Football Pitches, Maintenance, Rugby Pitches, sports pitches
At this time earthworm casts can develop over much of the pitch. The main concern is the muddy condition that results after mowing. If sand dressing has been applied a clay soil brought to the surface also dilutes the dressing and impairs the benefits of the sand layer on the pitch surface. Timely spraying temporarily […]
Check the frequency of mowing sports pitches
With the rain and cooler temperatures we are now in a period of rapid growth – particularly if autumn fertilization has been applied. Checking the mowing frequency is now vital – removing more than a third of the plant height in a single mowing causes the accumulation of grass cuttings on the surface, gives a […]
Wait until the soil surface is firm
Now into September there is an urgency to complete renovation/construction as soon as possible. With the persistent rain over the last week the soil is very wet and easily deformed. It would be wise to wait until firm conditions return before proceeding with outstanding earthworks. Handling wet soil not only damages its structure but creates […]