Operations to complete in October:
Harrowing – daily to remove dew and surface debris and, for presentational purposes, stripes the pitch surface.
Mowing – maintain a cut height of 75 mm.
Aeration - Carry out one operation when conditions allow. This helps with surface water infiltration and gaseous exchange within the soil.
Disease - Check daily, keep an eye on fungal disease attack.
Goal posts – Inspect goal posts and sockets weekly to check they are safe and secure.
Line marking – over mark lines prior to match weekend.
Repairs / Divotting / Overseeding - Seed bare and worn areas caused by play/training.
Fertiliser Application - if grass shows signs of stress (weak growth, discoloured). It is good to use a fertiliser high in Phosphorus and Potassium which hardens the grass for the coming winter. The application should be prior to rainfall (not during as the grass may burn).
Goal posts - Inspect goal posts and sockets weekly to check they are safe and secure.
Line marking – over mark lines prior to match weekend.
Repairs / Divotting / Overseeding - Seed bare and worn areas caused by play/training.
Inspect and clean machinery after use - service and repair damaged machinery. Cleaning and basic maintenance of machinery extends its life expectancy.
Litter/debris - Inspect and remove debris daily from playing surface, litter, twigs and leaves. This can be a hazard to users especially when not removed before mowing. It is also aesthetically displeasing.
Selective Herbicide application – (if required).
Pre-match inspections - Inspect pitch surface and line markings & check post safety.
Post-match & training works should include:
- Replace divots.
- Rotary Mow surface to clean up surface debris.
- Repair worn areas (goalmouths / linesman runs).
- Top dress to restore levels (localised).