Aim:
Mowing should be carried out on a regular basis to encourage a good sward density to be produced.
Method:
Due to pitch being a large area up 7,500 m2 larger equipment is needed such as tractor mounted mower or trailed mower. Can be cylinder or rotary mowers.
Timing:
- Mow the pitch at least once a week to prevent large amounts of dead grass on the surface.
- Try and mow the day before a game and as with all mowing cut when the grass plant is dry.
Effects of Incorrect Procedure:
Mowing the pitch over a longer period than once a week and not collecting will leave piles of dead grass on the surface and encourage weed grasses.
Equipment Selection:
Set of cylinder gang mowers 3 or 5 units either trailed or mounted. Ride on mower cylinder and rotary. High standard grounds use large pedestrian mower to get the strip affect and faster surface.
Practical Tips:
- Cut in different direction each time unless you are setting in a pattern.
- If you collect the grass clippings you will need to increase the fertiliser application due to removing nutrients with the grass clippings.
- Mowing should be sufficiently frequent to minimise stress and the general rule of no more than a third of the leaf at any one time is a good guide.
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