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The GMA’ s 9 essential grounds management tips for maintaining playing surfaces this winter
Winter brings a tricky mix of saturated ground followed by sharp freezes, creating challenging conditions across grass sports. Careful surface protection is essential to prevent long-term damage.
Tom Rowley is one of the leading sports turf management experts at the Grounds Management Association( GMA). Here, he shares some practical tips to help you keep your pitches as safe and playable as possible through the harshest winter spells – including advice for football, rugby and cricket surfaces.
1. Manage frost
Avoid working on frozen turf. Traffic causes cracking and longterm damage. Keep all play off frost-bound surfaces until they fully thaw. For cricket squares and winter pitches, patience is your best tool. Resist the temptation to“ just have a quick look”- the turf will thank you when spring arrives.
2. Surface inspection
Carry out regular checks during freeze-thaw cycles. Winter surfaces can swing from saturated to rock-solid within hours. Identify areas holding water or showing early signs of grass stress. Early intervention helps protect cricket outfields, football pitches and rugby surfaces from deeper structural problems later in winter.
3. Brushing & dew removal
When conditions allow and the grass isn’ t frozen, remove dew and surface moisture to reduce disease risk. Use light brushing rather than heavy contact to avoid bruising the leaf.
4. Aeration
Aeration may be possible on milder days, but proceed with caution. Choose shallow or slit aeration to ease surface tension without destabilising the profile. Prioritise high-wear areas such as goalmouths and between the posts – and avoid all operations on frozen or waterlogged ground.
5. Mowing
Raise cutting heights and mow only when growth and conditions allow – again, avoid mowing during or immediately after frost. Keeping sward slightly longer supports plant resilience and helps winter pitches cope with fluctuating weather.
6. Divotting & damage repair
Act quickly on surface damage after fixtures, especially in rugby scrummage areas and football goalmouths. Replace divots and lightly dress or level disturbed turf as soon as the surface is thawed and workable. Small, regular repairs can help prevent headaches down the line.
7. Drainage checks
Ensure drains, ditches, outfalls and channels are clear after any wet spells – which can be frequent in winter. Good movement of water is essential to stop freezethaw cycles from expanding weaknesses in the profile.
8. Worm & pest monitoring
When wet ground freezes, worm casts and pest activity can fluctuate. Clear casts only when conditions allow and continue to monitor for damage. Consistent upkeep helps maintain safe, even surfaces – particularly important for winter sports where ball roll and footing can be affected.
30 GroundskeepingJournal. co. uk | January / February 2026