As we move from winter to spring, the longer days and milder temperatures offer a crucial window for pitch recovery and preparation. Now is the time to focus on key maintenance tasks that will set the stage for healthy growth in the months ahead.
Here are ten essential tasks to focus on this month:
- Mowing
As conditions improve, increase your cut frequency and gradually reduce the height of cut to a desirable level to thicken the sward. - Fertiliser Application
If grass shows signs of stress (weak growth, discoloured), you might want to apply a controlled-release fertiliser. This provides one or more essential plant nutrients to aid growth and health and can be applied to the turf surface or rootzone. - Seed bare and worn areas
You may have seen some bare patches appear throughout the winter, so now is the time to repair and over seed those worn areas. - Harrowing
Use hand drag mat or tractor-mounted harrows. Use of a tractor mounted harrow is a specialist task and should only be carried out by trained personnel. Harrowing aims to redress surface levels, remove organic debris from pitch surface, aid grass growth, remove dew and surface material and help reduce incidence of disease. - Cricket Pre-Season
Now is the time to start thinking about getting your ground ready for the new cricket season. When conditions allow, work can start on preparing the square and outfield ready for the season. More information on carrying out the preparation can be found here. - Weeds
Apply selective herbicide where required, a weed killer capable of controlling one type of weed without damaging other types of more desirable plants. Weeds are generally divided into two groups: (A - Large), sometimes called broad-leaved weeds, such as Dandelions, Daisy, Plantains etc. and (B - Small), sometimes called fine-leaved weeds, such as Clover, Pearlwort, Yarrow. - Aeration
Aeration will remove bad gasses from the soil and increase the amount of oxygen in there for a healthier soil. This will also help with water infiltration meaning the water should go through the pitch quicker allowing for a drier surface to play on. Hand forking for localised severely worn areas may also be necessary. - Brushing/Sweeping
Surface grooming and aeration should be done if the conditions allow. The surface grooming will help take any dew off the leaf and reduce the risk of disease infection. It will also will stand back up any grass lying flat due to matches or training and remove any loose material. - Divotting
Divots from matches and training sessions can wreak havoc on a pitch. Prioritise divotting after every session to maintain a smooth, even surface. It’s a task that pays off in the long term. - Plan for end of season renovations
Now is a crucial time to start planning and finalising your spring renovations. Assess your pitches for areas needing extra attention and set budgets for repairs, overseeding or relaying.
For More Expert Advice
Need more guidance on pitch care? Visit the GMA Toolkit for detailed resources and tips tailored to your needs: resources.thegma.org.uk.
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