18 Dec 2003 by k k
Encouraging early turf growth ( Desperate).
I posted a question recently and received only one reply.. may i plead for help from someone who may have had a similar past problem........
We have relaid ( dec) approx 35 x 15 yards of a bowling geen) We have our 8 bowling teams wishing to comence league fixtures mid April 2004 . Obviously we would like to encourge knitting of the turf asap. I know its not the ideal product but will polythene sheeting be of any help if we keep it a few inches off the turf ? HAS ANYONE BEEN IN THIS PREDICEMENT ? Any other products available apart form Tildnet ?
All idea and suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Ken.
18 Dec 2003 by Jake
Turf
Ken,
I suppose the main thing to say is don't worry about your green in December!
The covering of the green/turfed areas will help to promote growth, if the weather is mild enough but be wary of disease, only using the covers when necessary. If daytime temperatures are ok-remove covers.
However, don't panic at this stage, look to topdress area in the spring to improve the levels, perhaps a light overseed. Once the grass starts to grow properly in the warmer weather-it will soon thicken up- even in a week or two, early April. Maybe a low nitrogen feed now and a higher nitrogen feed at the end of March should also be budgeted for.
22 Dec 2003 by Clive
Covers
I would straight away agree with the others on the use of covers and i personnally would not use them at all.
I would however use a magnesium and potassium feed to keep the nutrient balance a product called activate from rigby taylor could also help as it allows the nutrients in the soil to be made available.
It is more a case of maintaining the soil through out the winter so that when growth begins the nutrients are there it could alos be worth checking which type of fertiliser is being used as the release could be hindered if diffusion is being used. The best way to find out is to ask the supplier.
Clive Liddiard MSc
New Turf
The advice you have received is excellent and here is another angle for you to consider. Normally after laying new turf the surface is rolled and then topdressed and usually the joints should have knitted within 4 weeks from the time of laying, the main maintenance then is continued topdressing of the joints and topping of the grass if conditions are right. If you have fertilised in Oct/Nov the next would be when Spring growth commences.
The new surface will take time to settle,at least a full growing seasons maintenance, including Spring topdressing and rolling to firm up and create a smooth surface.
Unfortunately it will be a slow process of improvement and will probably take a few seasons of play and maintenance to produce good running on that part of the green.
Best of luck and Merry Xmas to all on Pitchcare.
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