Mowing the Pitch

Aim:

Mowing should be carried out on a regular basis to encourage a good sward density to be produced.

Method:

Due to pitch being a large area up 7,500 m² larger equipment is needed such as tractor mounted mower or trailed mower.  Can be cylinder or rotary mowers.

Timing:

• Mow the pitch at least once a week to prevent large amounts of dead grass on the surface.
• Try and mow the day before a game and as with all mowing cut when the grass plant is dry.

Effects of Incorrect Procedure:

Mowing the pitch over a longer period than once a week and not collecting will leave piles of dead grass on the surface and encourage weed grasses.

Equipment Selection:

Set of cylinder gang mowers 3 or 5 units either trailed or mounted. Ride on mower cylinder and rotary. High standard grounds use large pedestrian mower to get the strip affect and faster surface.

Practical Tips:

• Cut in different direction each time unless you are setting in a pattern.
• If you collect the grass clippings you will need to increase the fertiliser application due to removing nutrients with the grass clippings.
  
• Mowing should be sufficiently frequent to minimise stress and the general rule of no more than a third of the leaf at any one time is a good guide.