Bowling Greens
Finish off any turf repairs that might be outstanding. Ensure you use a suitable turf i.i. one that is closely matched to the indigenous green sward.
- Consider applying an application of propriety turf hardener, at say 25-35g/m2, to help reduce the chance of disease attack.
- Drag brush and/or switch daily.
- Continue with silt tining of the green when ground and climatic conditions are suitable.
- Make sure the surrounds to the green are clean and tidy and that any outstanding work is being completed, at least for no later than March, as staff will be required for green renovation and preparation towards the end of that month.
Cricket Square
- Most likely the square will be too wet to carry out much work, however, drag brushing should be a priority, especially if earthworm activity is significant.
- A light topping of the sward may be required, especially following a mild spell which may have encouraged a perennial ryegrass sward to produce some leaf growth.
- Maintain the perimeter fencing if this is erected.
- Towards the end of the month it might be possible to start rolling; however, this will depend upon soil moisture content. A soil sample to a depth of 75mm should be taken to establish if the correct amount of moisture is present.
- Try and plan wicket usage for the coming season and the sequence of use. This way the centre wickets will be available for use during high profile games if required.
Cricket Outfield
- Carry out a thorough inspection of the outfield to identify any worn areas; this will be especially important if the outfield is used for winter sports. Check all bowlers’ run up areas and repair if required.
- Start to set out the stripes for the outfield, this will aid presentation and efficiency of cut.
Football
- Brushing/Chain harrow, depending upon the quality of the facility, if ground and climatic conditions are suitable.
- Aerate the pitch wherever possible, although again make sure to use tractor mounted equipment only if the correct ground and climatic conditions are present, otherwise hand fork goalmouths and centre circles.
- Apply suitable sand to the goalmouth and centre circle areas to allow a more consistent, playable surface.
- High quality pitches may require turf to be laid in the goalmouth areas; this should be deep cut turf (150mm) that won’t be displaced following tackles etc.
Golf
- Mostly non-green course work will be underway. This might include:
- Bunker renovation or reconstruction;
- Construction of pathways;
- Cutting back of branches from overhanging tees and the edges of fairways.
- Also consider raising lower branches of trees from the edges of fairways.
- Have materials been ordered for the spring renovation work
- Machinery maintenance should ideally be completed by the end of the month.
- The completion of topping up of bunkers should be done this month, especially if major events are planned for April/May time: This will allow sufficient time for the sand to become adequately consolidated.
Rugby Union
- If the weather is very mild then a light topping of the grass might be required.
- Aerate if ground and climatic conditions permit and if machinery is available from servicing.
- Over mark lines regularly, making sure that when needed string lines are used for accuracy and presentation.
- Continue to hand fork and sand wet areas.
- Has all the end of season renovation material and machinery hire been ordered? If it hasn’t, now is a good time to do so.
Tennis
- A light topping of the sward might be required, if the ground and climatic conditions allow.
- Aerate if ground conditions permit.
- Continue with drag brushing to remove dew and earthworm casts.
