March top tips
These spring top tips will largely be applicable between March – May
- Mow your pitch
Mowing is essential whenever grass is growing but it’s worth an extra special mention in March as it’s the start of the growing season. Begin mowing as required, and then increase mowing frequency as grass growth accelerates. Start by gradually reducing your height of cut from your winter heights (35-45mm) by the end of the month removing 5mm to 30-40mm high. Remember to avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session. This gentle approach minimises stress on the grass and promotes healthy growth. Before you start, ensure all mowing equipment has sharp blades and is fit for use.
- Get a head start on repairing your pitch
As the temperatures get milder, use the opportunity to get a head start on repairing areas of your pitch. If you don’t have means of watering there will still usually be adequate rainfall at this time of year so focus on areas that struggle to recover during the drier summer months such as goal mouths. Depending on which area of the country you’re in, there will still be a need to be patient so make sure that any works such as, seeding and fertilisation are appropriately timed. Going too early with repairs can do more harm than good and can mean wasting valuable resources.
- Stock up on your materials to avoid delays
If you have means of storage, get your materials for spring renovation works early so you don’t experience any delays. Make sure when selecting your grass seed, you pick one suitable for football pitches, which in this country is typically going to be Perennial Ryegrass with a minimum of 3 cultivars, or in some mixes you may find Smooth-stalked meadow-grass. Your fertiliser requirements should be based on the nutrient soil analysis we recommended in February’s top tips.
- Plan when you apply fertiliser
Grass typically goes dormant in the winter and you might notice it looking a bit off colour. To help restore, your green grass use granular fertiliser, which provides the grass plant with the nutrients it needs to aid turf recovery. For most grassroots organisations, particularly those with multiple pitches, budgets may only allow two to three applications of granular fertiliser a year. Slow release or controlled release granular fertiliser is most likely to give you the longevity you need between applications. Seek advice from suppliers with BASIS – FACTS (Fertiliser Advisors Certification and Training)
- Inspect watering equipment to check it’s in good condition before you need it
If you’re fortunate enough to have means of watering you should have safeguarded it against the effects of winter weather back in the autumn by draining down any pipes and pumps and storing removable parts. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to crack or burst so inspect for physical damage and signs of leaks and waterlogged areas. Ensure that the control valves, pipes, sprinklers, and other components are in good condition before use.