Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE
DECEMBER OPERATIONS CRICKET SQUARE
Check for disease activity and, if identified, spray with a propriety fungicide. Continue to brush as regularly as possible to allow sward to remain upright and to remove excess moisture/dew and, if any earthworm activity is noticed, try not to smear the casts. If possible, aerate using solid tines to a depth of 125mm. If climatic and ground conditions allow, mow sward by ‘topping off’.
CRICKET OUTFIELD
Check for damage, especially if used for winter sports. If climatic and ground conditions allow, mow sward by ‘topping off’. If possible, aerate outfield to 125mm.
BOWLING GREENS
Earthworms may be a problem, so regular drag brushing – ideally daily when conditions are such that large amounts of earthworm casts are produced – and aeration to keep the surface open to improve surface drainage and drying, may help towards reducing the effects of the earthworm activity. Regular applications of sulphate of iron, say every 3-4 weeks, can help to minimise the effects of surface casting earthworms. If all else fails, then you may have to apply synthetic pesticides. Watch out for Fusarium patch during mild damp spells. Sulphate of iron applications can help to harden the grass against this KEEP IN TOUCH
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FOOTBALL
disease, or alternatively, have a suitable stock of contact fungicide available to spray, usually at the first signs of infection. Keep the grass topped at about 10-12mm high: this will also help to reduce the chance of disease attack which may be more prevalent with longer grass as it will retain a more humid and damp ‘atmosphere’ among its leaves. Finish off bank repairs if possible. Prepare your maintenance schedule for next year, along with a budget requirement.
GOLF COURSE
Frost holes may be required in the early morning to protect against inappropriate wear. Slit tine aerate on a regular basis. Maintain green height in accordance with course standards – typically no higher than 8mm. Tees should still be topped, although the actual height will depend on whether they are rested for the winter or maintained in play. If artificial mats or carpets are used, ensure they are safe and secure, while sand-filled ones are properly topped up. Fairways – if topping hasn’t already ceased, then this might be the last occasion for a few months. Remove leaves to prevent the turf being smothered. Start, or continue, planning for next year’s requirements. A budget report/proposal may need to be submitted. www.facebook.com/theIOG
44 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018
Divoting is a key task at this time of year. Repairs need to be made to maintain a reasonable surface for as long as possible. Brush and/or harrow. Overmarking should not be neglected. Consider the weather conditions and how many games have been played in determining a suitable overmarking programme. Slit tine aerate the pitch if smearing of the soil is not going to take place – be prepared to stop if conditions are found to be unsuitable, as more harm than good will be done by continuing. Sand worn areas as required.
RUGBY UNION
Soil conditions may become unsuitable for routine aeration, so selective handforking might be the order of the day. Sanding of wet or bare areas may also be needed. A final topping of the grass may be required, but a little extra length at this time of year will help counter some of the wear. Machinery should be prepared for its winter servicing schedule.
RUGBY LEAGUE
The end of season should be here and all renovations completed. A light topping off might still be required if conditions allow. Constant switching or dragbrushing of the surface will be required. An autumn/winter feed should be applied – something like a 4-12-12 – before it gets really cold. Make sure the pitch is protected to the best of your ability to alleviate any damage from unwanted visitors.
Institute of Groundsmanship
All machinery should be looked at for end-of-season repair or servicing. If possible, aeration maybe beneficial to the surface by way of handforking, vertidraining or slitting. With the growing season coming to a close, some training/ education courses may be looked at to aid personal and professional development. On the amateur side, constant pitch repair is essential. Any divots not replaced will lead to pitch deterioration. Chain harrowing could be used to aid the repair or presentation of the surface. Bare areas may be becoming apparent, so a light topdressing with sand will aid with playability and wear tolerance. Constant communication with coaches is essential for rotation of drills, as any damage inflicted now will not be able to be repaired before the winter.
HORSE RACECOURSE
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. Continue to divot and repair after each meeting.
TENNIS
Continue to aerate, although ground conditions may now be unsuitable for most of the time. Dragbrush as required. Occasional topping of the grass might be required in the south. Machinery should be given an annual service over the next few months.
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