Ground Tips - April

The rolling regime should be at the stage when the heavy roller is being used. Continue rolling in all directions except for in the line of play until the time arrives to prepare the pitch for the first match.

When rolling during pitch preparation, roll only in the direction of line of play and keep rolling in only in this direction for the remainder of the season.

Lightly scarify the square being careful not to disturb the surface. This is to lift any lateral grasses and thatch accumulated over the winter months. Cut the square to remove any debris. A light scarification of the square should be carried out at least once a month during the playing season.

By the end of the month consider a weed and feed programme. If there are excessive weeds present,the entire square should be treated with a selective weedkiller and by an authorised operator.

If there are only a few weeds present these can be treated individually with a propriety selective weed gun spray. At this time apply a Spring and Summer fertiliser as per the manufacturers instructions.

During the month the cricket table should be squared off and mark out the positions of each pitch on the square and identify where the centre stumps will be situated.

Thoughts should now be on preparation of the first pitch of the season. This should commence ideally about 10 days before the game, but if this is not possible, certainly not less than 5 days. Firstly scarify the pitch by raking and/or brushing, without disturbing the surface, to lift the grasses and gradually reduce the height of cut to the desired length for the match to be played on.

Be careful not to cut too short so that the mower blades scalp the surface. If the pre-season rolling has been carried out correctly, the pitch should only need rolling for one half to an hour every other day up to and the morning of the match.

Maintain the height of the grass on the square at approx ½ inch throughout the season, but some times depending on the growth it may require two cuts a week.