Strimming: Best Practice Guide

What Is Strimming?

Strimming uses a fast-rotating nylon line (or sometimes a metal blade attachment) to cut grass and vegetation in areas that are too tight, uneven, or obstructed for cylinder, rotary, or flail mowers. It is a flexible and precise tool for:

• Edges and perimeters

• Around posts, fence lines, and dugouts

• Near advertising boards and structures

• Banks, slopes, and transitions

• Hard-to-access corners and narrow areas

Strimming ensures these areas match the pitch’s overall finish and prevent untidy growth.

Why Strimming Matters

Although not part of the main cut, strimming supports pitch quality in several key ways:

1. Keeps Edges Neat and Uniform

Clean edges enhance pitch presentation and prevent long grass appearing along touchlines and perimeter fencing.

2. Helps Maintain Safe Walkways and Access Points

Paths, entrance areas, and steps must be clear for players, officials, and spectators.

3. Provides a Professional Finish for Matchdays

Strimming is often the “final touch” before fixtures, removing untidy tufts and improving visual standards.

4. Reaches Areas Standard Mowers Cannot

Goalpost bases, barrier bottoms, lighting columns, and tight corners all require trimming for a consistent look.

5. Prevents Grass Encroachment onto Artificial or Hard Surfaces

Helpful around dugouts, pathways, and storage areas.

Recommended Strimming Heights and Frequency

Strimming should match the height of the main pitch cut as closely as possible.

During the Playing Season

• Target height: Match the current pitch height

• Frequency: Weekly during active growth; more often before games

Out of Season

• Strim as needed to maintain tidiness and prevent excessive encroachment.

Winter

• Minimal use, only when growth and access conditions allow.

Where Strimming Is Used on a Rugby League Pitch

Essential Areas

• Around posts and padding

• Along perimeter fencing and spectator rails

• Around dugouts, storage containers, and technical areas

• In corners where mowers cannot safely turn

• Adjacent to advertising boards or fixed structures

How to Strim: Step-by-Step

1. Inspect the area for debris
   Remove stones, litter, and objects that could become airborne hazards.

2. Wear proper PPE
   Eye protection, trousers, gloves, and appropriate footwear are essential.

3. Match the pitch height
   Hold the strimmer so the cutting line grazes the grass at the correct level—avoid gouging or scalping.

4. Work with controlled, smooth movements
   Keep the line parallel to the ground for a clean finish.

5. Trim edges before or after mowing
   Many grounds teams strim before mowing to reduce clippings; others strim after for a crisp finish.

6. Avoid damaging structures
   Do not strike posts, boards, or fencing; use guards or reduced throttle near sensitive surfaces.

7. Blow or brush debris away
   Ensure the pitch edges are tidy and free of cuttings.

Seasonal Considerations in the UK

Spring

Strimming becomes more frequent as growth increases rapidly.

Summer

Essential for managing fast growth around obstacles and maintaining match-standard presentation.

Autumn

Strimming helps manage encroaching growth as moisture increases.

Winter

Limited due to slow growth; used only when required for appearance or access.

Conclusion

Strimming is a crucial finishing operation for rugby league pitch maintenance in the UK. Although it doesn’t replace primary mowing methods, it ensures edges, structures, banks, and tight areas remain tidy and professional throughout the season. When combined with cylinder mowing, rotary mowing, aeration, and regular turfcare practices, strimming helps maintain a visually clean and well-presented pitch for players, officials, and spectators.