May Top Tips
End of season renovations
The end of season provides the best opportunity to carry out more disruptive tasks such as pitch renovations and cleaning your pitch of organic matter, weeds and undesirable grasses.
In areas of the country that still experience above-average levels of rainfall the traditional end-of-season renovation will still be the most appropriate approach. However for those in parts of the country with climate shifts and changing weather patterns, it is wise to make the most of helpful weather conditions when they present themselves even if this isn’t during the end of season.
As described in April’s Top Tips, traditional end-of-season tasks may consist of scarification, sand dressing, over-seeding and decompaction work over a few days, followed by a granular fertilisation within a couple of weeks.
Fertiliser
It is now time to apply a spring and summer fertiliser to help thicken the sward and encourage healthy grass plants.
For community rugby union pitches, a balanced fertiliser application is key to promoting healthy grass growth and root development, which is essential for a good playable surface. A good starting point is a slow-release (controlled release NPK) nitrogen-based fertiliser with an analysis recommended for spring and summer growth. Always apply at the rate specified by the manufacturer’s recommendations and product label.
Understanding Fertiliser Ratios:
- Nitrogen (N): Promotes leaf growth and overall greenness.
- Phosphorus (P): Essential for root development and early growth.
- Potassium (K): Strengthens cell walls and improves disease resistance.
- The numbers in a fertiliser ratio (e.g., 18-3.5-8) represent the percentage of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, respectively.
Establishing grass seed
With our pitch renovations either completed or under way it’s a good idea to understand some of the best practice in getting that green carpet we all hope for come the start of pre-season. The basic rule to remember is that seedlings need four things to germinate and establish: adequate temperature, oxygen, water and light. Remove one and the seedlings will struggle.
The timing of when the seeding takes place is crucial especially if you don’t have means of watering the pitch. The next point is proper seed soil contact. The seed needs to be actively in contact with the soil in order to germinate so just distributing grass seed on areas by hand or using a broadcast spreader is not sufficient. Disc seeders are our favourite method for over-seeding.
Mowing of newly renovated areas
When cutting newly-renovated areas initially, it’s best to use a rotary mower to avoid pulling out weak grasses. Mowing blades must be sharp to ensure the mower cuts rather than tears the leaf. A basic rule of thumb is when grass has reached 40mm, this provides adequate root anchoring and generally means the grass is established. Alternate the direction of the cut to encourage tillering (new shoots improving density of grass coverage). Never cut more than a third of the grass leaf on any one occasion.
Selective Herbicide application
Applying a selective herbicide annually is good practice to maintain the pitch to its optimum condition, both aesthetically and to maintain grass sward quality. It might be necessary to apply a selective herbicide twice annually in heavily infested grass swards, as weeds compete with the grass plants for nutrients, light, and water, and don’t withstand wear as well. Spraying should only be undertaken when the grass is actively growing, and at least 6 weeks post-germination of newly seeded pitches, or at least 6 weeks before seeding of the pitch, and only in calm weather. Mowing should be avoided for 3 days before and after application.
