Costs will be determined on what work you have done, a typical end of season renovation on a soil based pitch undertaking the following work:- scarification, verti-draining (aeration), topdressing (80 tonnes of sand) and overseeding with 12 bags of seed and some fertilisers will cost anything between £4000-£5000 depending on choice of materials and transport costs.
Then, it is a case of mowing on a regular basis, ideally weekly, to encourage the sward to tiller (thicken up) and increase in density. I see far too many clubs which only mow on a monthly frequency. It is simply not helping; you usually end up with a lot of top growth, the sward remains weak and, when you do cut it, you are left with lots of grass clippings lying on top of the pitch, which is smothering the grass.
I cannot stress enough, invest in your pitch! It will then provide you with a good playing surface the following season. Once the seed has germinated, it is important to keep it watered. Irrigation is essential, many grounds are beginning to show signs of stress resulting from the lack of rain we have had earlier on. Try not to waste your water resources, keep an eye open for leaks, check the sprinklers are working properly. It is best to water during the evening to prevent excessive water loss from evaporation.
Key Tasks for June
Maintenance
These operations are carried out on a regular basis, often weekly or fortnightly. These operations are completed in conjunction with your mowing regimes.
Fertiliser treatment and turf tonic can be continued in accordance with your annual programme. If you haven't got a fertiliser programme, have your soil tested; try an independent soil analysis company for an impartial set of results.
Most groundstaff will be applying a summer N P K fertiliser, perhaps something with higher nitrogen that will help maintain grass colour and vigour. A slow release fertiliser could be applied to see you through June, July and August. The choice of materials and how well they work will depend on factors such as soil type and weather, with moisture and air temperature being the catalyst for growth.
Irrigation will be a priority, especially if maintaining newly sown seed or turf areas. It is important that these areas do not dry out and die. Inspect installations for leaks. There may be a need to irrigate during any renovation programmes, as air temperatures and daylight hours are getting longer, increasing the likelihood of the ground drying out.
It is important to ensure that the water gets down deep into the rootzone to encourage deep rooting. Allowing areas to dry out can lead to problems of dry patch, a condition that prevents water infiltration into the soil and thus forming areas of non-uniform turf quality.
Fundraising
Looking after a rugby pitch is not easy and needs a lot of planning, resources and, more importantly, knowledge.
Clubs need to decide whether they carry out the work themselves, getting geared up with the appropriate equipment, or pay someone to come in and do the work. Whichever way, there is a cost involved.
So, my point is that clubs should recognise these costs and budget accordingly. In many cases, rugby clubs do not charge their players anywhere near enough subs to cover these costs.
In a lot of cases, clubs are paying substantial amounts on players and coaches, with little left for the provision of pitch maintenance.
Clubs should charge an across the board grounds maintenance fee for all playing members, juniors included. One pound a week from every member who uses the facilites will raise in excess of £150 per week at most clubs. That's £600 a month, £7200 a year - a considerable chunk of money to help maintain your pitches.
Add to that a couple of pig roasts/disco/bonfire events and you could be looking at bringing in around £10K a year.
Ideally, it is good practice to undertake at least an annual soil test to analyse the nutrient status of your soil. This will help ensure you only apply what is required and not waste money and time applying products you do not need.
However, the choice of materials and how well it works can be dependant on many factors, including soil type and the weather, with moisture and warmer air temperatures being the catalyst for growth.
With the onset of warmer weather, there may be a need to keep an eye out for disease; temperature changes can bring on disease attacks, particularly when the turf is undernourished. Red thread can often be a threat to sports turf when the sward is in a stressed state. An application of a spring/summer fertiliser will help the plant to become more resistant to disease attack.
With the onset of warmer weather, there may be a need to keep an eye out for disease; temperature changes can bring on disease attacks, particularly when the turf is undernourished. Red thread can often be a threat to sports turf when the sward is in a stressed state. An application of a spring fertiliser will help the plant to become more resistant to disease attack.
As for broadleaf weed control, a timley application of a selective herbicide will help control any weeds; however, you may have to delay your application if you have newly germinated seed, it would then be best to apply mid to late August. Use an approved selective herbicide.
Pitchcare is the only provider of LANTRA accredited training courses in the maintenance of Winter Sports Pitches. It is a one day course designed to provide a basic knowledge of rugby and football pitch maintenance. The course enables the Groundsman to grasp the basic needs of a winter sports surface throughout a 12 month period.
Delegates attending the Winter Sports Pitch Maintenance course and using the accompanying manual will be able to develop their own skills, working knowledge and expertise, by understanding the method of instruction and the maintenance principles it sets out.
Included in the Course Manual, there are working diaries showing the range of tasks needed to be accomplished each month. The Course Manual is available for purchase separately.
In addition, we are able to arrange courses to be delivered on site to groups of 6 – 10 people. Email Chris Johnson for information.
- Inspect goal posts and ensure you replace any lost/damaged corner flags and post protectors.
- Inspect your floodlights and get them tested for safety standards.
- Service/clean your line marking equipment and order paint for the forthcoming season.
