Rugby Union
- At the end of the playing season it is important to carry out pitch renovation as soon as possible. This will allow for as long a period of establishment as possible.
- Assuming there has been regular pitch use throughout the season there will be a certain amount of compaction present within the soil profile; this will need to be alleviated by aeration.
- Renovating a rugby pitch turf surface, through scarification, using a vibrating mole-plough, or by cleaning the surface, through scarification, using a vibrating mole-plough, or by cleaning the surface layer to a depth of up to 40mm (;Koroing’) will prepare a surface for the receipt of renovation materials
- Don’t delay applying a fertiliser if this has not been given in April
- The choice and quantity of grass seed will depend on a number of factors, in particular the condition of the pitch, the amount of expected use, the soil type and whether artificial irrigation is available to aid sward establishment. If grass seed is to be applied, at say an average rate of 25 g/m2 over the whole pitch, then there will be a need for about 7x25kgs bags.
- The amount of top dressing applied during renovation will vary considerably depending upon circumstances, but a typical amount might be 30 tonnes. Top dressings should be carefully worked into the sward surface to avoid smothering any grass.
Golf Courses
- The spring fertiliser should have kicked in by now and the greens should be producing a fairly good grass coverage.
- Mowing will typically be carried out five times per week, with the mowing height being around 5mm.
- Any areas on the green that haven’t been successfully renovated should be targeted for completion.
- Be careful not to verticut the greens too frequently as growth is still variable, with there still being the chance of either a cold or dry spell, as ell as grass seedling establishment from any renovation work on the greens still being ‘delicate’.
- The irrigation system should be fully commissioned and ready for use by now.
- If the greens weren’t renovated until mid-late April due to the wet weather conditions, it should now be the turn of the tees, unless the grass tees were taken out of use over the winter period and renovated in the autumn.
- Fairway devoting will be continuing, although with the demands on the greens and tees at this time of year this operation may need to take a back seat this month.
- Another renovation task, if not already carried out, will be the reinstatement of worn traffic areas as the result of continuous winter use.
- Towards the end of the month is usually a good time to carry out any selective herbicide applications, if needed.
Tennis
- The season starts and compliments should be readily forthcoming from players at this time of year.
- Roll the court to continue to firm the surface.
- Mowing will be regular, typically three occasions per week, and the height of cut will now be at its lowest which is typically maintained throughout the summer months.
- Apply artificial irrigation, as required.
- Rag brush regularly to remove dew.
- Use a spiked roller to maintain an aerated, yet consolidated, surface profile and to aid water infiltration.
- Be careful not to verticut or groom too intensively, especially on areas of the court that may have been over sown in April.
Football
- The season is coming to an end and post season renovation is the name of the game. Hopefully all materials and machinery (e.g. Vertidrain) have been ordered well in advance.
- A ‘typical’ top-dressing application rate of 5 kg/m2 equates to 30 tonnes on a 6,000 m2 pitch.
- The key to a successful renovation programme is to complete the task in as short a time as possible – don’t forget the next season starts from mid-august onwards.
- The application of a top dressing, typically sand, must be adequately incorporated into the existing soil profile: it is no use just applying it to the surface without a suitable form of aeration, otherwise this will only encourage root zone layering and consequent summer dry spells can lead to poor establishment of the grass and the possible production of mini-dust bowls, especially on pitches without adequate irrigate – this could readily apply to many local authority pitches.
- The importance of adequate incorporation of the top dressing in these circumstances cannot be overstated.
- It is also beneficial to scarify the surface before applying a top-dressing; this can be in the form of a chain harrow with the tines downwards or a mechanical scarifier.
- The choice of grass seed will depend upon the standard of the pitch as well as existing root zone material and this will also apply to the type of fertiliser chosen. As a guide, 6 x 25 kgs bags of either material will be required to provide an application rate of 25 g/m2 on a 6,000 m2 pitch.
Bowls
- The season will be a few weeks old by now, although there are still cold spells, especially at night, throughout most of the country.
- Be careful not to set the mower too low as the grass is only realistically ‘getting going’ at present.
- Cold snaps or May dry spells (i.e. mini-droughts) can still easily occur, retarding growth. It is sensible, therefore, to keep the height of cut to 6mm or higher4 for as long as possible. This will also help maintain the greens ‘wear ability’ at this time of year., when the turf surface can also be a little on the soft side: This is a definite bonus given the way some bowlers deliver their woods making unnecessary divots.
- Areas of the green which had been renovated in April, or even late march, should not be treated to any form of heavy scarification as this will only tear out young, newly establishing grasses.
- Watch out for signs of Fusarium patch disease that especially wet, dewy mornings bring in prevalence. Ensure the greens are adequately brushed and /or switched early in the mornings.
Cricket Square
- Scarification of the square and during wicket preparation is an important operation for reducing undesirable thatch and this will help to improve bounce and pace, although w2ickets will probably still be on the slow side at present as the ground won’t have been able to dry out adequately yet.
- Wicket preparation will be occurring some 7 to 10- days before a game, with this time period going up to 145 days for top-class cricket.
- A spring, mainly nitrogen, fertiliser should have been applied to the square, however, beware of leaching due to the wet weather as this may reduce the anticipated time for the next application.
Cricket Outfield
- Early use of the outfield should provide feedback of any slight depressions which may need attention to maintain an even and safe playing surface.
- Aeration of the outfield can also be considered, before the soil dries out too much.
- Scarification, to reduce and control undesirable thatch build-up, is also ideally undertaken now.
- A light fertiliser (low in nitrogen) application for the outfield can also be given, if needed, especially after any aeration and scarification work.
- The end of May is also usually a good time to apply a selective herbicide to the outfield.
- Mow regularly now usually once per week and aim for a height of cut of 10—15mm.
