Operations to complete in August:
Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming season.
- Brushing/Sweeping - daily to remove dew and surface debris. This helps to reduce disease incidence and helps dry the grass prior to mowing.
- Mowing – start mowing at a height of 75 mm; never remove more than 30% of the leaf area as this stresses the grass plant which may result in reduced growth or disease.
- Irrigation – the pitches should be watered to maintain grass growth and nutrient uptake.
- Aeration - Carry out one operation when conditions allow. This helps with surface water infiltration and gaseous exchange within the soil.
- Grooming/verticutting – this opens up the sward, helps with mowing and reduces thatch build up.
- Disease - Check daily. Disease indicates a stressed weak sward and remedial action should be taken to improve grass growth.
- Selective herbicide application (if necessary). Removes weeds and helps maintain good grass coverage.
- Initial setting and marking out of pitch/es. - Consider using a product such as that has a growth retardant in it that will help you to maintain your lines safely.
- Erect goal posts.
- Harrowing – An alternative to brushing; this helps to remove dew on the grass plant and, for presentational purposes, stripes the pitch surface.
- Line marking – over mark lines to prevent loss through pitch use or weathering.
- Inspect and clean machinery after use - service and repair damaged machinery.
- Pitch rotation – Make sure that areas used for training are rotated to spread wear. Do not train on the pitch unless absolutely necessary.
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