Landscape & Urban Design Issue 68 2024 | Page 98

SPORT & PLAY

A SPRING CLEAN FOR YOUR PLAYING PITCH

In the same way the needs of your garden change through the seasons , so do the needs of your sports pitches . As Spring is now here it ’ s time to start thinking about what needs to be done to maintain your pitches and ensure they are ready for the forthcoming summer period .
Getting off to the right start Spring is the perfect time to start preparation of your pitch for the upcoming playing seasons . Focusing on cutting the grass and aeration of the pitch , to allow water , air and nutrients to penetrate down to the roots , will ensure you have laid the foundations for the coming year .
To gain a consistent surface throughout the pitch , we recommend overseeding and feeding it . These two activities allow you to plant grass seeds directly onto the lawn without turning it and provide the nutrients it needs to maintain and encourage healthy growth .
Late Spring Renovation Towards the end of Spring , it is time for a few last renovations . Continuing to overseed and aerate the soil , along with removing thatch and debris from the surface , and performing topdressing by spreading a thin layer of material like sand over the grass you can be confident your pitch will stand up to the rigours of the games to be played on it .
Constant maintenance is key Next up , it ’ s important to maintain regular mowing to make sure the grass is kept at the optimal height for performance . While the optimal height may change depending upon the sport , for most pitches it is around 25-30mm , which ensures your players ’ movement isn ’ t restricted . Make sure you also check the integrity of your irrigation and drainage arrangement to avoid water logging issues . It is also important to monitor for small pests on the pitch as well as other potential natural problems like harmful fungi , to ensure the safety of your players .
A year-round investment A good pitch requires commitment to well-planned , year-round maintenance . Here , at Kestrel Contracts , we develop long-term partnerships with our clients and we are passionate about helping our customers have the best playing surfaces available . We are more than happy to visit you and have a conversation about the specific needs of your playing surfaces .
To find out more about our services , get in touch .
www . kestrelcontractors . com 01256 880 488 info @ kestrelcontractors . co . uk
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