Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
TRAIN TO G A I N
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JUNE OPERATIONS BOWLING GREENS
By now the greens should be producing a very good playing surface. Verticut and groom regularly to help control annual meadow grass seed head production and to produce a more upright growing grass sward. This will also help provide a slightly faster surface without the need to reduce the height of cut. Maintain growth at 5mm, typically mowing four or five times per week. Localised Dry Patch may start to appear this month, however, this condition should not be confused with a poorly developed root system which will also produce a rapid browning and drying of the surface. Aeration should not be neglected.
CRICKET SQUARE
Use the verticutter and scarifier to continue in thatch removal and prevention of thatch build-up. Weed growth may be a problem due to the weather in May, so consider a selective herbicide application. A light nitrogen fertiliser application may be required towards the end of the month. Immediately a game is finished, try and carry out any minor repairs.
CRICKET OUTFIELD
This should be mowed on a regular basis with a ride-on/
pedestrian cylinder mower if possible. Clippings should be collected and removed. Check outfield for broad/narrow-leaved weeds and control if required using an approved selective herbicide. This must be carried out when active growth is present and ground/ climatic conditions are favourable. Repair any worn/damaged areas as soon as possible.
FOOTBALL
Make sure any end-of-season renovation work is properly maintained. Important maintenance to be undertaken will include: – Regular irrigation; – A light nitrogen fertiliser application; – Oversowing of any areas which look like they aren’t thickening up; – Mow regularly to prevent perennial ryegrass flower stalks from initiating, otherwise this will lead to a thinning of the sward; – Lightly topdress any uneven areas; Try to keep people and animals off the renovated areas.
GOLF COURSES
Now golf is screened on television, golfers now expect greens to be above the normal standards. Consider including a ‘greens’ report indicating improvements that might like to be considered.
Mowing may well be the main task this month, but don’t forget other tasks such as: – Divoting of a couple of fairways; – Regular raking of bunkers; – Divoting of tees and regular moving of the tee blocks/boxes; – Herbicide application to fairways if weed growth is a problem; don’t wait until the soil is too dry.
HORSE RACECOURSES
Routine maintenance work over the summer months will include the following: – Frequent artificial irrigation to produce a suitable firmness of ground for race meetings; – A liquid nitrogen fertiliser may be considered in June for the home straight, show paddock and ornamental lawns around the grandstand area. Alternatively, the whole racecourse might be treated to a light nitrogen application; – Continue to divot and repair after each meeting; – Weed control may be required, especially if none was carried out in May. Continue to mow regularly. Do not neglect mowing on courses that are rested over the summer.
RUGBY UNION
re-firm contact between newly germinated and establishing seeds and the soil profile; – ‘Keep off the grass’ signs for both players and the public!
RUGBY LEAGUE
Constant cutting is advised to thicken up the sward and create effect, also generally cut no lower than 20-25mm so as to create cover for play. Irrigate if possible. Scarify in numerous directions to help remove the poa annua. Overseeding may be required. Try not to cut corners with cost as this will affect the percentage of germination. Make sure markings are bright and consistent for full aesthetic effect. Spray for weeds if required. On the amateur side, if a renovation was completed then a light topping off of the sward may be needed.
TENNIS
The end-of-season renovation should ideally have been completed by now. Post-renovation work will include: – Artificial irrigation, if inadequate rainfall occurs, to aid grass seed growth and establishment; – A light topping of the new sward, being careful not to cut too closely; – A light rolling of some areas to
Roll if there is still a suitable amount of moisture within the soil profile. Avoid rolling if there has been a prolonged dry spell, because there's a good chance the soil surface will crack and crumble. Check nets and winding gears are in good condition. If there are any special events held during June then additional brushing and mowing may be carried out. Verticut and groom regularly, take care around renovated areas, with the blades probably needing to be raised over these areas.
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