Ground Tips - June

Brush the square as often as possible especially on mild and dewy mornings, this will disperse any fungal spores present and discourage turf diseases.

During the month look for signs of under nourishment on the square and treat as necessary with a Spring/Summer fertiliser with no more than 8% nitrogen content during the playing season. Avoid applying to pitches that are under preparation to prevent the risk of scorching the grass, and make sure it is well watered in or rain is imminent.

If there has been excessive rainfall, be mindful to check for diseases and in particular Red Thread. If present this can usually be eradicated by an application of Nitrogen based fertiliser, such as any Spring/Summer product. If the problem persists the area may need to be treated by an appropriate Fungicide applied by a qualified operator.

Continue to cut the square as growth requires and remember not too short approx ½ inch. This is best carried out on a Monday to remove all debris created by the weekend games, and also on a Friday to give the square a professional finish before Saturdays match. Also at least twice a month lightly scarify all unused pitches prior to cutting to lift and remove lateral grass growth to eliminate crowning.

Pitches that have been used and will not be required again or at least until late season, should be watered and then pricked with a sarel or similar spiked roller to prick the surface thoroughly and use to break up the surface of the ends to create a seedbed. Apply seed liberally to the whole pitch and especially to the ends and brush the seed into holes created by the roller, lightly top dress with loam and ensure that the levels are correct especially at the ends by using a levelling tool.

If possible cover the entire pitch with a germination sheet, if this is not available then at least cover the ends with hession or such material that will allow moisture through and not dry the surface out. Water the area daily preferably in the cool of the evening, leave the sheets on for as long as possible and new grass shoots should appear in about seven days. For pitches to be used again shortly then repair as outlined in May section.

Continue to look out for weeds and treat them individually as necessary with a suitable proprietary spot weed aerosol or similar applicator. If the weather is going through a dry spell, ensure that pitches are watered well during pitch preparation. The amount of water and the timing will of course depend on local conditions and soil strengths.