TECHNICAL UPDATE: COVID-19
TECHNICAL UPDATE | WATER MANAGEMENT
PREPARING ARTIFICIAL PITCHES FOR POST-LOCKDOWN PLAY With the Covid-19 restrictions set to continue, artificial pitches may have to wait longer before they will be accessible. So, what should be done now, while they are not in use, and in preparation for their re-opening? AN ARTIFICIAL PITCH needs to be regularly maintained by consistent brushing and cleaning to keep it in a safe and acceptable condition. The recent lack of use may have resulted in a build-up of vegetation, animal activity, or other contamination to the surface – worse still, even vandalism. This could mean that a deep brush will be needed (as a minimum) or, indeed, an intensive clean. A simple checklist (downloadable from www.sportslabs. com) will flag up most potential issues, including: • Is the infill low or uneven and the pile flat? • Is there evidence of animal activity (such as birds or foxes) on the surface? • Are the goals broken? There are many reasons why you should start getting ready now for any ease of restrictions. Don’t leave it until the week before you need the pitch. Start planning. If you need to effect repairs, order equipment (is your machinery/brushes up to the job?) or hire a contractor for the tasks – leaving work to the last minute risks getting left at the back of the queue. If you need to order chemicals, check what is suitable; not all are compatible.
28 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | JULY 2020
What’s needed now? Light brushing: Drag brushing is the main operation for most pitches. Surfaces should be brushed and decompacted frequently, aligned to pitch use. Where there is compaction, tines can loosen infill and return it to the correct levels. All other artificial surfaces should be, as a minimum, brushed. Deep brushing: Deep brushing and intensive maintenance with specialist equipment may be needed. If so, it is recommended that a specialist company performs this. Vegetation: The lockdown may have resulted in an increase in the formation of moss, weed and algae. As we have been in lockdown during spring, blooms, leaf covers and young leaves have been shedding, and perhaps adding to contamination levels. Manual removal of this will probably be necessary, with some localised weed suppression. Topping up: Some pitches may be lacking infill. A simple check on the level will determine free pile height against manufacturers’ recommendations. Topping up is best undertaken with the assistance of a specialist; incorrectly applied infill can bury the pile, and affect the play and look of the surface. Correct infill levels protect your asset.
Eric O’Donnell Managing director, Sports Labs
Cleaning: Removing contamination from birds and animals is a priority. Once cleaned, it is recommended that a disinfectant is applied to the entire pitch. Any disinfectant should be cleared with your supplier because some chemicals can damage fibres or the backing of the turf. In addition, there are disinfectants that are effective against coronavirus, and cleaning and disinfecting to remove pathogens is a recommended strategy for all facilities. Vandalism/repairs: There could be cuts and burns in the turf, goal structure damage and damage to fencing. You many even find vehicles have been brought onto the surface. All should be referred to your supplier as there may be warranty implications. Warranties: It is very unlikely that this period of inactivity on your 3G pitch will result in an invalid warranty. But check with your supplier. ■ Any maintenance operations on playing surfaces should be carried out within Government Covid-19 guidelines Email corona@sportslabs.co.uk for further information, and visit www.sportengland.org; www.sapca.org.uk; and The International Hockey Federation at www.fih.ch/
