Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
FEBRUARY OPERATIONS BOWLING GREEN
Finish off any turf repairs that might be outstanding. Ensure you use a suitable turf (one that is closely matched to the indigenous green sward). Consider applying a low-nitrogen and high-potash fertiliser (a soil analysis is advisable, following the manufacturer’s guidelines), to help reduce the chance of disease attack. Drag brush and/or switch daily. Continue with aerating the green when ground and climatic conditions are suitable. Ensure the surrounds to the green are clean and tidy and that any outstanding work is being completed, at least for no later than March.
CRICKET SQUARE
Most likely the square will be too wet to carry out much work. However, drag brushing should be a priority, especially if earthworm activity is significant. A light topping of the sward may be required; perennial ryegrass sward may have produced some leaf growth. Maintain any perimeter fencing. Towards the end of the month, it might be possible to start rolling, but this will depend on soil moisture content. A soil sample to a depth of 75mm should be taken to establish if the correct amount of moisture is present. Try to plan pitch usage for the coming season and the sequence of use. This way the centre KEEP IN TOUCH
www.iog.org
pitches will be available for high-profile games if required. Carry out a thorough inspection of the outfield to identify any worn areas; this will be especially important if the outfield is used for winter sports. Check all bowlers’ run-up areas and repair if required. Start to set out the stripes for the outfield; this will aid presentation and efficiency of cut.
of fairways – also consider raising lower branches of trees from the edges of fairways. Have materials been ordered for the spring renovation work? Machinery maintenance should be completed this month. The completion of topping up of bunkers should be done this month, especially if major events are planned for April/May. This will allow sufficient time for the sand to consolidate.
FOOTBALL
RACECOURSE
CRICKET OUTFIELD
Brush/chain harrow, depending on the quality of the facility, if ground and climatic conditions are suitable. Aerate the pitch wherever possible, although again make sure to use tractor-mounted equipment only if the correct ground and climatic conditions are present – otherwise hand fork goalmouths and centre circles. Apply a suitable sand to the goalmouth and centre circle areas to allow a more consistent, playable surface, and to aid surface drainage.
Avoid the use of relatively heavy machinery over the winter months when ground conditions are generally unsuitable. Aeration can be carried out during dry periods, assuming the soil moisture content is not high. A light topping of the sward might be required. Continue to divot and repair after each meeting. Ensure all materials have been ordered ready for the April renovation work.
GOLF
If the weather is suitable, a light topping of the grass may be required. Some form of aeration would be useful – verti-draining, slitting or even hand forking would be good for airflow and drainage. Use of drag brushes is two-fold. Use them to get rid of
Mostly non-green course work will be underway. This might include: – bunker renovation or reconstruction – construction of pathways – cutting back of branches from overhanging tees and the edges www.facebook.com/theIOG
RUGBY LEAGUE
Institute of Groundsmanship
dew and to stand the grass up. This will also help put the stripe effect onto your surface. Make sure all machinery is back from servicing. Consider any improvements and targets you want to achieve for the coming season. A light topdressing of worn areas with sand may be required. Chain harrows on the smooth side will help you gain a consistent surface. Constant divoting is essential. Brushing the surface will stand the grass up and give the surface some cover, this will also put you in good stead for the growing season. Make sure markings are bright and straight.
RUGBY UNION
If the weather is very mild, a light topping of the grass might be required. Aerate if ground and climatic conditions permit. Overmark lines regularly, using string lines for accuracy. Hand fork and sand wet areas. Order all the end-of-season renovation material and machinery hire now.
TENNIS
A light topping of the sward might be required, if the ground and climatic conditions allow. Aerate if conditions permit. Continue with regular drag brushing to remove dew and earthworm casts.
twitter.com/the_iog
www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 45