Grounds Management - March 2021 Preview

Making sport possible

MANAGING CHANGE

Post COVID team tactics

INCLUSIVE INSIGHT

Attracting a diverse workforce into the sector

MICROBIAL PROFILING The importance of microorganisms in turf

JASON BOOTH Q&A with new GMA COO

CELEBRATING #GROUNDSWEEK

A national call to salute the vital role that grounds staff & volunteers play in sport and physical activity

March 2021 | £4.00

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

MARCH 2021

WELCOME

Celebrating #GroundsWeek and a brighter future We are hopefully reaching a turning point as we start to release ourselves from the stranglehold of the COVID pandemic and the restrictions placed upon us. It is clear we all desire a return to the freedom of movement, the freedom to trade and the ability to simply interact with each other. It was great to see the crowds in India watching the recent Test cricket matches and we all look forward to the crowds returning to our sports grounds too.

The GMA has been proactive in identifying issues facing the sector, some of which have been accelerated due to the effects of the pandemic, and our ongoing research has presented interesting challenges, such as: An ageing workforce; the growing skills gap at community and professional levels; and the shortfall in young people taking up jobs in this sector.

During #GroundsWeek (March 1-7), we are urging sports fans, and players, across the nation to celebrate grounds staff’s contribution to sporting activity and the public’s enjoyment of green open spaces.

Our research highlights the crisis the UK could face without the next generation of grounds staff and volunteers joining the sector, and while we raise public awareness we need your support to help tackle key industry issues too.

The GMA will be looking at where we invest our resources, our efforts and the products and services we offer. Emerging from this pandemic has been challenging, but it has also created a platform for our sector to get the recognition and investment it deserves, and while glass ceilings still exist, we are determined to break through and make an impact.

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16 REGULARS

FEATURES

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Industry news News and product innovations from across the industry

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GMA update A special report on #GroundsWeek 2021

Developing workforces Jon Ramsey discusses encouraging a more diverse workforce into the sector

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Managment skills Advice on leading a team through change

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Sprayer testing Why complying with regulations is vital

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Biological benchmarking The importance of microorganisms in turfcare

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Mower maintence How to keep your mower in prime condition

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In Action Praise for a bespoke fertiliser plan, and reaping the benefits of switching fuel suppliers

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Maintenance tips What to do in April

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Product Showcase Spotlight on mowers and ATVs and RTVs

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60 seconds with...

Quickfire questions with GMA’s new chief operating officer Jason Booth

Correction On page 10 in the February issue, it was stated that Bojan Jovanovic is a ‘GMA apprenticeship course coordinator’, however Bojan is the PT tutor for the GMA’s online professional development qualifications.

The GMA does not deliver apprenticeships.

This magazine is printed using paper from responsible sources

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

Geoff Webb

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Chief Executive Officer Grounds Management Association

Next issue of

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT out from April 1

Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW | t:01908 312511 GMA membership and general enquiries: t:01908 312511 | e:membership@thegma.org.uk Magazine subscriptions: Jo Cornford | t:01908 312511 | e:accounts@thegma.org.uk Subscriptions: £72 UK | £82 Europe | £112 rest of world Published by: James Pembroke Media ■ Editor: Karen Maxwell | e:karenmaxwell@thegma.org.uk | t:07866 736597 Publisher: James Houston ■ Product editor: Emma Dance | e:emma.dance@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk Head of design: Simon Goddard ■ To advertise in this magazine: t:020 3859 7097 | e:sales@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT is published monthly by the Grounds Management Association. All material is copyright of the Grounds Management Association and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the journal and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Grounds Management Association.

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 3

UPDATE

UPDATE | NEWS

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM GMA AND THE INDUSTRY

C A M PA I G N

As well as the main stadium, plans include training pitches which will be made available for local sports clubs to use, and a public realm for both recreational and occupational uses.

“We’re very proud to be designing the new home for Forest Green Rovers that will not only be a new stadium, but also an important addition for the community,” said Zaha Hadid Architects. “The club’s heritage, ambition and vision reflect our own, combining the latest material research and construction techniques with new design approaches to build a more ecologically sustainable and inclusive architecture.”

NON-ELITE SPORT, including grassroots sport activity, will be allowed to resume in England from March 29 as the government begins to ease COVID lockdown restrictions.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has set out a roadmap out of lockdown that confirms all schools in England will reopen to all pupils on March 8, with children’s after-school sports and activities also allowed to resume. On the same date, outdoor recreation with one other person will also be permitted.

Adults will have to wait a further three weeks to restart organised sports, with grassroots football set to resume along with the reopening of tennis courts, golf courses and other outdoor sport facilities.

However, indoor sports will still be off limits.

The relaxation of measures is the first stage of a four-part roadmap expected to include the reopening of non-essential retail and hospitality in the coming months.

The plan to ease lockdown requires four tests on vaccines, infection rates and new coronavirus variants to be met.

zaha-hadid.com / fgr.co.uk

gov.uk/coronavirus

Forest Green Rovers’ new stadium will be built entirely of timber

WORLD FIRST

Innovative Eco Park Stadium approved FOREST GREEN ROVERS could be playing in the world’s first entirely wooden stadium by 2022, after plans were approved by the English Football League last month.

The plans for the 5,000-seat timber stadium, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, were first submitted back in 2015 and, after initially being rejected

by Stroud District Council, were eventually approved in December 2019.

The stadium, near Eastington, will be built entirely out of sustainably resourced timber and in-line with the club’s green credentials. The aim is for it to be entirely carbon neutral or even carbon negative, with measures such as on-site renewable energy generation.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Render by Mir

Non-elite sport set to restart

Turf rewards

Sports Park complete

Revamped showroom

ICL and Syngenta have expanded the Turf Rewards family.

Turf managers have praised the scheme for providing an opportunity to improve turf management and business performance at no added cost. One of the main benefits of the scheme is that it allows users to claim tools and equipment that otherwise may be difficult to afford. turfrewards.com

Colchester’s 76-acre, £29m Sports Park, featuring two 3G pitches, seven natural turf rugby pitches and a floodlit one-mile closed cycle track will become home to Colchester RFC. Owned and majority funded by Colchester Borough Council, the project also received investment from British Cycling, Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Board. colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Bristol-based lawnmower and groundscare machinery specialists, AJ Mowers have revamped their showroom. The space was reworked to showcase the Hayter and Toro products, in order to represent that AJ Mowers is a partner of the two brands. Toro worked with BDH Tullford to help with the installation and construction of the new showroom. toro.com

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#GROUNDSWEEK | GMA UPDATE

#GROUNDSWEEK 2021 – A SALUTE TO THE GROUNDS CARE SECTOR The GMA has launched the first annual #GroundsWeek – in a call to sports fans and players to recognise the importance of grounds staff and volunteers and urge more people to join the sector

Miri Buac Head of communications at the GMA

DURING #GROUNDSWEEK (1-7 MARCH 2021), a celebration week for the turf care sector, the GMA has released new research that highlights the crisis the UK is facing without the next generation of grounds staff and volunteers joining the industry.

It is using this opportunity to encourage the nation to celebrate the vital contribution of grounds staff, and to urge young sports fans to consider joining the profession.

#GroundsWeek toolkit The GMA has developed a toolkit for clubs, teams and organisations to engage with, including social media templates, graphics and imagery. It also includes top tips for looking after your local pitches, and tips for ensuring your club or team is helping to celebrate local grounds volunteers and staff.

The foundation of physical activity Sport relies on grounds staff and volunteers to keep the nation active. However, with 40 per cent of the workforce now over 50, this vital sector is facing a 9 per cent reduction in those who maintain grounds and sports surfaces within the next five years. This gap means approximately 5,120 pitches in the UK could be left without a grounds person, leaving 9 per cent of young people that play weekly (around 340,000 junior players) unable to play on safe and good quality pitches without staff or volunteers to care for them.

When it comes to grounds management,

volunteers are the backbone of enabling play; there are 37,113 grounds volunteers in the UK who offer their time to ensure sport at grassroots level can go ahead, making up 56 per cent of the sector.

These individuals support the 3.8 million children who play weekly; despite this, in a survey of 1,000 10-18 year-olds, only 9 per cent would consider volunteering as a grounds person in the future.

According to research, 4.3 million people work behind the scenes in sport in the UK, fulfilling vital

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 9

MEMBER BENEFITS | MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Frank Newberry GMA trainer and performance consultant

LEADING THE TEAM THROUGH CHANGE

How can we navigate a team through major changes at work? Is this the responsibility of supervisors, or do team members have a role to play? And what happens when uncertainty, brought about by matters beyond our control, causes cynicism to set in? Frank Newberry offers a straightforward approach to ‘change’ during these unchartered COVID-19 times

LE T ’S START WI T H whose job it is to navigate a work team through change at work. Answer?

“It’s everyone’s job” – to quote Konosuke Matsushita (1894-1989), the pioneering head of Panasonic. He said: “Survival is uncertain.

[An organisation] must have the constant commitment of the minds of all of its employees to survive. Only the intellects of all employees can permit an organisation to live with the ups and downs and the requirements of its new environment”.

The CHANGE acronym Having established that people at all levels, from apprentice to senior manager, have a role in the management of change – let’s put them to work starting with a handy acronym – CHANGE – which stands for: • Communicate frequently • Help understanding • Answer questions • Never be cynical • Gather ideas • Explain benefits

Communicate frequently With everyone enrolled in the change process, it’s important that the whole team gets the same messages about what the changes are, when they are going to happen and how people will be involved. If people’s terms of employment are affected you might speak to people privately as individuals, as well as in team briefings.

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BE CLEAR THAT YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS AND DEAL WITH QUERIES. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE KNOW YOU ARE NOT TRYING TO TRICK THEM

You may find when dealing with significant changes that you have to repeat yourself. This is normal at times of change. Many people need time to adjust, and a little repetition helps them process the information and make the transition.

Help understanding People will need help understanding the changes, and it would be good to have printed documents that cover all the details you have given them verbally.

If people do not have a common picture of what is going to happen, they could talk among themselves and come to a wrong understanding of what the changes are about. In the absence of real understanding people will instinctively fill the gaps in their knowledge with opinions and the latest gossip.

Answer questions Be clear that you are available to answer all questions and deal with queries. It is important that people know you are not trying to trick or deceive them. I recommend that team members interested in developing themselves and their careers consider volunteering to help with the change in an informal but official capacity, i.e. by helping others to understand and by taking/ answering questions.

Never be cynical My attitude to people being cynical about change used to be a negative one. I thought

BEST PRACTICE | DIVERSITY IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

DEVELOPING WORKFORCES Jon Ramsey, head of grounds at Summerfields School, wants to encourage a more diverse workforce into the sector by creating a support network to help build a newcomer’s confidence to succeed

Why did you join the industry and what’s your career path so far?

Karen Maxwell Editor

I put my CV into the Oxford University Parks Department office because my friend worked there. I worked through my apprenticeship then moved into golf, before joining the Magdalen College grounds team. I was then solely in charge of grounds care at Boundary Park, Didcot before I joined Summerfields School as head of grounds two years ago, where I look after 70 acres.

there to help me with advice on maintenance, products and machinery, or even just be there for a chat, which is vital – particularly during these current difficult times. I manage a great team of four at the school and although we all get on great and work well together I offer authority and guidance, on both a professional and personal level, if required. My door is always open to my staff and I feel strongly about supporting people who are willing to learn and improve.

What challenges have you encountered along the way?

Darren Symonds Regional pitch adviser

Sadly, I have encountered some racism issues with shall we say “misinformed” people during my career, which has been difficult at times.

In the early days, I nearly walked out. When you are young, inexperienced, lack confidence and don’t have anyone to talk to it can be hard. Most people I have worked with, and for, however, have treated me the same as everyone else on the team. I think a racist attitude can be associated with a lack of education and empathy within a community. As my career has progressed, I have worked with people with similar interests and levels of education and they have become my support network – as I have theirs – which is important to me.

Confidence in my working ability has boosted confidence in myself along the way too!

Can you give an example of how your support network has helped you?

I am so lucky and grateful to have peer support.

I have old work colleagues that are always

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Jon Ramsey wants to be a driving force to encourage diversity within the industry

DIVERSITY IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | BEST PRACTICE

What can the industry do to encourage a more diverse workforce?

Personally, I feel that there are difficulties in attracting a diverse range of people into the grounds care sector. When I look at pictures of grounds people in magazines, on websites and in national newspapers they don’t look like me, and there are not many women either. Without people having that ability to relate to anyone currently working in the sector it’s difficult to attract a diverse workforce and this needs to be addressed.

I also think people need to see evidence that every voice counts – from the top to the bottom of this sector, and from a wide range of people at different stages of their career.

The GMA has a wonderful opportunity to help spread the message on inclusivity and raise the profile of a diverse workforce. There should be a level playing field for everyone to work towards the fantastic career opportunities this industry offers, but we need to develop a pathway for people to follow to make this happen.

Can you explain more about a pathway for young people and minority groups within the industry?

I feel that highlighting a more diverse workforce is a great start. The younger generation that are coming through the ranks are already making positive changes and I am confident that future generations will be more diverse and able to bring new skills and ideas into the workplace.

In terms of a pathway, targeting school leavers with achievable opportunities in this sector will help them better understand that a career in grounds management is worth considering – that it is open to all and career progression is achievable for those that are willing to work hard and keep learning. Those that choose to work within the industry could then get access to a mentor and support programme to keep them positively engaged, which is another big challenge.

We need a plan of action, and a core support system that works and that everyone can engage with. Within my amazing support network we help each other do the best job we can and progress our careers so that none of us feel alone. ■

WE NEED A PLAN OF ACTION AND A CORE SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT WORKS AND THAT EVERYONE CAN ENGAGE WITH thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 13

TECHNICAL UPDATE Paul Bannister Amenity Training & Consultancy

SPRAYER TESTING - ARE YOU READY TO PASS? Regular testing of Pesticide Application Equipment (PAE) is not a new concept but some practitioners don’t do this legal practice as often as they should. Paul Bannister explains why it’s important to comply with the regulations

THE NATIONAL SPRAYER Testing Scheme (NSTS) was introduced in 2003 with the key objective of providing a scheme to test all types of PAE. The concept was initially set up in 1997 by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) as a voluntary scheme, predominantly with compliance from the agricultural sector.

This voluntary scheme soon evolved and the requirement for PAE testing was written into legislation via the Plant Protection Products (PPP) Sustainable Use (SU) regulations in 2012. Then in November 2016, it became a legal requirement to test all pesticide application equipment in the agriculture and amenity sectors. The frequency of inspection

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depended upon when the machine was purchased and the size of the boom.

In November 2020, the frequency of mandatory inspection changed to either every three years or every six years – depending on the size of the sprayer boom width or the nature of the machine. Pedestrian knapsacks are still required to be inspected by a competent testing person.

Testing preparation When out visiting sites, I hear lots of myths and rumours, which are often used as excuses as to why machines are not tested. Irrespective of these excuses, it is a legal requirement to have your PAE tested. It makes financial sense due to the current

cost of pesticides and it is also essential to ensure that the accuracy of sprayer application is on the intended target area.

To help you plan for regular, up to date sprayer equipment testing, the NSTS have produced a helpful operator guide to help prepare the machine for the NSTS test (see link at end of this feature). This checklist is designed to act as a prompt to undertake the general pre-start/pre-operational checks before the sprayer is filled with pesticide and used.

According to NSTS test statistics for the amenity sector 583 machines were tested in 2020 compared to 715 machines in 2019. A key observation however is that half of the number of

PRODUCT SHOWCASE MOWERS

AG R I A U K

Agria 9600 mulching mower Engineering and software enhancements to the agria 9600 remote-controlled rotary mulching mower have made it smarter and more effective on even steeper banks and verges.

Risk to staff is minimised because the operator can take a safe position up to 100m away using a hand-held control pad.

The agria 9600 comes in two widths, 112 cm and 80 cm. It cuts and mulches in two directions, offers an adjustable cutting height and can cover up to 10,000 sq m per hour.

Equipped with sensor technology, the software communicates constantly with

the sensors and intervenes in critical circumstances. The colour display on the remote-control handset also sends a warning should the machine approach a critical slope or need refuelling.

Innovative ‘electric hybrid drive’ allows the agria 9600 to be more

efficient and environmentally friendly than other hydraulic concepts. Safe extra low voltage (48V) electricity is generated as the petrol engine drives the mower blades and generator. Accordingly, the maintenance-free motors convert the current into powering the tracks.

A replacement fuel cannister system makes refuelling safe and easy, even on difficult terrain. Optional new crawler tracks with non-slip cleat-profile, offer even more grip while a new standard feature of robust collision protection has been added. agria.de

K U B O TA

Kubota G-series

Built on the FT principle, the G860 pedestrian cylinder mower features an interchangeable cassette system with one minute changeover giving options to fit eight different heads including scarifiers, verticutters, brushes, spikers, slitters as well as six or eight bladed cutter cassettes and has a 34” (860mm) cutting width.

The interchangeable cassette system can assist with a wide range of maintenance tasks and is lightweight at just 166kg; meaning it is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to operate.

The handlebar console houses the controls for throttle, parking brake, roller drive and cutting cylinder drive.

The mower also features a large diameter front roller with an adjustable scraper which has been designed for a precise height of cut control, giving an excellent finish on every occasion. This is why the G860 has been chosen by grounds staff all around the world – due to the quality and the presentation it offers. Grounds staff all want that perfect stripe which the G860 provides.

The Kubota G-Series of mowers have been developed to meet the professional groundcare needs of key customer segments such as councils, contractors and large property owners.

There are two models in the new G-Series line-up, G231 and G261, both available with low and high dump grass collectors. These models have developments such as a new hydrostatic transmission (HST), Kubota engines offering 23hp and 26hp, as well as an electromagnetic PTO clutch which replaces the hydraulic PTO, offering a more positive drive for consistent cutting performance.

Users will also benefit from improved output, increased speed and greater comfort and the enhanced performance and adaptability also enables operators to work more efficiently across various types of terrain.

Enhanced driver comfort is offered by the new tilting steering wheel.

An improved collecting system features a wider and taller chute with a shorter travel distance between the deck and the grass collector enabling impeccable grass flow and reduced clumping. More grass can be handled with ease and efficiency.

dennisuk.com

kubota.com

DENNIS

Dennis G860 pedestrian cylinder mower

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 25

GROUNDS MANAGEMENT CPD

Rob Hayward Head product trainer Ransomes

Mower maintenance Routine daily maintenance and regular servicing are essential for getting the best out of your machine. It will also save fuel, money, time and preserve the machine’s longevity

A KEY ASPECT of daily mower maintenance is the early awareness of parts that are wearing and replacing them before they cause more damage. Daily maintenance costs pennies per day but can save pounds each year and is the most crucial factor in maintaining a sound, safe working mower.

I always say that the first thing you should do is walk around the machine. Check for any obvious things wrong, like parts hanging off, loose panels and the general overall condition.

This takes no mechanical ability to do, but it’s something that makes a big difference in preventing major issues.

Then we move onto engine checks. This needs to be done first thing in the morning, when all the systems are cold, to ensure accuracy and safety. Engine oil, coolant, water levels, radiator cleanliness (always best blown out, not washed out, to stop dust hardening) and the air filter are the main things to check.

Check list These days, most air filters have a visual guide to let you know if it needs cleaning to prevent you from checking the filter unnecessarily. This is because two things can happen with air filters – they either get overcleaned or under-cleaned.

The guide device we use on the Ransomes machines helps prevent that.

Checking belt tensions, the condition of the wires and the battery are also quick but effective checks to do along with monitoring the state of the tyres. It isn’t just traction and suspension that is impacted by under- or overinflated tyres, but on rotary mowers the height of cut can be as well. It’s common on many rotary machines, such as the Ramsomes HR380, for the jockey wheels to support the front of the

deck and for the back to hang from the power unit. If the tyres are under-inflated it will lower the height of cut and use more power during operation.

Whether it’s a rotary or a cylinder machine, the blades need to be checked. Any damage to a blade can cause vibration, and the machine’s longevity will be reduced. With cylinders, it’s crucial to adjust each side down evenly to stop any coning.

These are all simple daily steps to take that, combined with regular servicing, will keep your mower in peak condition for its working life. ■

Regular maintenance checks will ensure you get the best out of your mower

For a video walkaround with Rob discussing stage 5 engine changes and easy maintenance go to ransomesjacobsen.com/hr380

Daily check list This needs to be done first thing in the morning, when all the systems are cold External

Engine

Check for any obvious things wrong, like parts hanging off, loose panels and the general overall condition

• Oil • coolant • water levels • radiator cleanliness • air filters • belt tensions • wires • battery • tyres • blades

thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 21

TECHNICAL UPDATE | MICROBIAL PROFILES

Clockwise: Nematrode, Mite, Earthworm

BENCHMARKING BIOLOGICAL BASELINES IN TURF Beneath our feet, micro-organisms perform essential functions and ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and boosting plant productivity. Dr Deborah Cox explains their purpose within the sport turf and amenities sector

Dr Deborah Cox Lead principle investigator, Lagan Valley Scientific

IF WE STEP back in time to reflect on the pre-1980s muddy sport pitches, it is not hard to see how much improvement there has been in pitch construction in the intervening years.

Fundamental shifts to sand-dominated root zones, the incorporation of reinforcement fibres, the installation of underground heating and the introduction of water recycling programmes are among the most significant changes that have

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benefitted pitch quality in recent years.

Each of these factors are important areas to discuss, however shifting to sand domination is of particular interest because this change was mainly driven by chemistry and physics. Biology – or more specifically microbiology – was not equally at the forefront. It is important to note that sand, just like soil, is not inert – it simply has a fundamentally different biological profile to soil.

GMA MAINTENANCE TIPS

April Operations Our monthly maintenance guide to help you keep your sports surfaces in top condition all year round BOWLS

CRICKET OUTFIELD

• Be quite flexible in your planning for April as the weather can be extremely variable.

• Complete the renovation of the greens, making sure two weeks separates the end of renovation and the first bowl being played. This should ensure adequate time for any topdressing to be satisfactorily worked in.

• Open the season on as high a cut as possible, say 1⁄4 inch. This will give the grass some insurance against cold weather returning.

• Several light rollings, with a 5cwt roller, will help to firm the surface prior to the start of the season.

• Ensure the irrigation system is fully commissioned.

• Top-up ditch material.

• Measure out stripes for mowing, making sure to measure accurately to create the chequer board presentation. Mow outfield as growth demands. Slowly reduce the height of cut to approximately 15mm throughout this month.

• Monitor the outfield for weeds and make plans to apply selective herbicide when growth is strong, and conditions allow.

This would usually be towards May. Only certified operatives should apply chemicals.

• Repair/redress any minor areas of damage especially in and around bowlers’ run-ups.

CRICKET SQUARE • Continue to increase mowing frequency.

• Light scarification will be increased to remove all surface debris within the base of the sward.

• Rolling should be continued to provide a solid base for the season. Additional rolling will be carried out for pitch preparation; however, the fundamental groundwork for the season is carried out prior to the first ball being delivered.

• Ensure the square is properly ‘squared up’ with the correct number of wickets being spot marked at the ends. Ensure each wicket is correctly squared.

FOOTBALL • Additional games will probably be required to catch up on postponed and cup matches. Don’t worry too much about excessive wear and tear of the surface vegetation as the season is nearly at an end.

• A smooth surface that is well marked out should be aimed for, so divoting will be a main feature this month to see out the season.

• Increasing the mowing frequency will also help to give a neat finish. Letting clippings fly and spreading them evenly may make some bare areas look more pleasing.

• Deep tine aeration can be planned for when conditions suit.

RACECOURSES • Mow the course twice a week.

• Strim around the base of all posts.

• Re-commission irrigation system.

• Aerate the course as part of routine maintenance.

• Apply the main spring fertiliser .

• This is the time to complete the main renovation of a National Hunt course, which will then be allowed to rest over the summer – assuming it does not form part of a course for flat racing.

RUGBY LEAGUE Spring is a busy time for grounds maintenance, with a wide variety of tasks to be done

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• Cut regularly if suitable to encourage growth and sward thickening.

• Spring fertiliser will typically be applied

this month, with about 8-10 bags required.

• Ensure surface is flat before drying out too much.

• Regular dragbrushing will stand the grass up and improve airflow around the plant.

• Overseeding may be required if temperatures dictate, ensure seed to soil contact.

• Aerate if possible to aid gaseous exchange and root growth.

• Continue with marking as required.

RUGBY UNION • Re-commission the irrigation system, if present.

• Spring fertiliser will typically be applied this month, with about 8-10 bags required.

• Mow regularly if suitable to encourage tillering and sward thickening.

• Line marking should not be neglected just because renovation is imminent after the final games.

TENNIS • Mowing frequency will be increasing, while at the same time the height of cut will be gradually lowered from the winter topping height to that required for the start of the playing season.

• Rolling will be routine and carried out regularly to help firm up the court ready for play commencing.

• Re-commission the irrigation system ready for early dry spells.

• Apply a suitable spring fertiliser.Most analyses will contain nitrogen as 8 to 15 per cent, but the exact analysis will depend on individual requirements. One 25kg bag per court should be ample, depending on how much of the surrounds are also fertilised. If there are any thin areas present on the court, these should be oversown using an appropriate grass seed mixture. ■

Ensure that any maintenance undertaken is done so within a COVID secure environment and in line with government guidelines gov.uk/coronavirus