February might be the shortest month of the year, but it’s no less demanding for grounds maintenance.
With winter weather lingering and the playing season in full swing across a lot of sports, staying proactive is key.
Here are ten essential tasks to focus on this month:
- Aeration
Aeration is crucial for ensuring water and air can penetrate the soil profile, improving drainage and root health. Aim to carry out at least one aeration operation this month - but only when conditions allow. Avoid working on waterlogged surfaces to prevent compaction and unnecessary surface damage. - Brushing and Sweeping
Where possible, brushing and sweeping will help remove dew, leaves and other surface debris. This not only reduces the risk of disease but also ensures the pitch is presentable and ready for play. - Monitor for Disease
Winter months can be prime time for fungal diseases to take hold. Check your pitches daily for signs of discoloured patches or unusual growth patterns. Early detection and action are essential to maintaining healthy turf. Click here for more information on diseases. - 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. - Inspect Pitch Drainage Systems
Rain and melting snow can overwhelm your drainage systems in January. Regularly inspect outfalls, channels and ditches to ensure they’re clear of blockages from debris such as leaves. A bit of preventative maintenance now can save you from larger issues down the line. - Surface Grooming
Surface grooming is particularly effective this time of year for levelling surfaces and breaking up crusts caused by frost. This helps to maintain a smooth, even surface and keeps pitches safe and playable. If the use of a combination grooming tool could be organised, use it regularly during the growing season rake and brush the area. Use the brush and surface slitter during the autumn and winter if soil conditions allow, to help to relieve surface compaction, improve surface drainage and manage organic matter levels which can contribute to numerous turf problems. - Machinery Maintenance and Repairs
Winter is an ideal time to focus on machinery. Check your mowers and other equipment for wear and tear, and schedule necessary repairs. A well-maintained machine performs better and lasts longer. - Marking Out/Setting Out
Clear and accurate line markings remain vital, even during winter. Check markings regularly and refresh them with durable paint or chalk designed for wet conditions. As the beginning of the Rugby League season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about setting out your playing surface. - Plan for End-of-Season Renovations
February is an excellent time to start planning for spring renovations. Assess your pitches for areas needing extra attention and set budgets for repairs, overseeding or relaying. - Cricket Square Rolling
Start to think about beginning pre-season rolling, ensuring that your rollers have been serviced and are in good working order for when weather/ground conditions allow pre-season rolling to start.
Pre-season rolling on the cricket square is helpful to the production of quality pitches, as the cricket square requires a firm, even surface. Rolling should commence as soon as conditions permit likely towards the end of February or early March, aiming to use successively heavier rollers as the soil dries to compact the soil over a period of several weeks. The roller should never mark or deform the soil in any noticeable way, or discolour the grass, so it is important that the soil is not too moist for the weight of the roller.
For More Expert Advice
Need more guidance on winter pitch care? Visit the GMA Toolkit for detailed resources and tips tailored to your needs: resources.thegma.org.uk.
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