Introduction
An important part of the out of season work is careful observation of the bowling green on a regular basis.
Disease Control
This is arguably the most important aspect of winter work. Any signs of disease should be investigated immediately.
A contact fungicide is the most likely means of control at this time of year, however, preventative measures such as the regular removal of morning dew, as well as the application of sulphate of iron and not letting the grass grow too long can all help alleviate the potential for disease attack.
Turf Tonic
The application of sulphate of iron, typically at 6 g/m², on regular occasions throughout the out of season period can help to harden the grass plant against disease attack, as well as help to discourage surface casting from earthworms.
Earthworm Control
Chemical pesticide can help to reduce surface casting, however, current pesticides generally need to be applied on a regular basis for optimum control.
Sulphate of iron can be applied, about every 2 - 3 weeks, to help suppress earthworm activity in the surface layer. Care needs to be taken, however, not to over acidify the surface because the grass sward will begin to thin and become less wear tolerant.
Switching and dragbrushing will need to be carried out to disperse any surface casts otherwise the grass will become smothered.
Mowing
Occasional topping of the grass should be carried out to maintain a dense sward and prevent the grass from becoming 'leggy', with a more open sward.
The height of cut will typically be between 8 & 12mm (5/16" - 1/2"); any higher and the sward can become thinner and air circulation amongst the grass leaves becomes harder, increasing the chance of disease attack.
Turfing
Any turfing that was delayed at the time of renovation should be completed now - ideally before Christmas. Also any areas that are damaged by foxes or vandalism may also need turfing now, instead of waiting to see if any more occurs.
Aeration
Slit tine aeration should be carried out over the winter period when the soil is not in a wet condition. This will reduce the chance of smearing occurring along the line of the slit tine face where it has entered the soil.
If an adequate renovation programme has been undertaken then slit tining on a monthly basis should be suitable. An increased frequency may be required in a number of cases, especially where there is a heavy thatch presence.
Do not aerate when ground conditions are frosty.
Planning
Now is a good time to review the work carried out from the previous playing season and assess how it has impacted on the condition of the green. Ask yourself what can be done to improve conditions further, or how the sequence of tasks can be carried out more effectively.
Having done that, you can then determine the maintenance programme for the following year.