February is the start of the transition from winter survival to early preparation for spring. Growth remains limited, but improving light levels and occasional milder conditions can offer valuable maintenance windows.
Careful timing is crucial to protect surfaces. Our tips focus on supporting turf recovery and preparing pitches for the demands of late winter and early spring.
Here are some key considerations:
- AERATION
Carry out aeration operation when conditions are suitable. Aeration is essential to sustain a healthy soil structure to facilitate drainage potential. It’s best practice to avoid deep slitting if we are heading into a cold snap, but judgement is required on a site-specific basis. - BRUSHING/SWEEPING
Daily brushing or sweeping removes dew and surface debris which, in turn, reduces disease pressure and allows light to reach the leaf. February conditions often remain damp, so regular light brushing is particularly beneficial. - DIVOTTING
Repair divots after all matches and training sessions. Quick replacement helps maintain surface levels and reduces trip hazards. Use a suitable sand/soil mix where required and lightly consolidate the area. Regular divotting now prevents small defects from developing into larger surface issues during spring. - PITCH DRAINAGE
Inspect drainage outfalls and ditches to ensure free water movement. Winter rainfall can leave systems blocked with debris or silt. Maintaining effective drainage helps pitches recover more quickly during milder spells as the season progresses. - FERTILISER APPLICATION
Apply fertiliser only if grass shows clear signs of stress, such as weak growth or poor colour. Choose a low-nitrogen or balanced feed to support root strength without forcing soft growth. Any application should align with soil temperatures and anticipated weather to maximise uptake and minimise waste. - MARKING OUT
Refresh line markings as required, ensuring accuracy for matchdays. Avoid marking frozen or heavily saturated ground to prevent surface damage. - MOWING
Mow as required, keeping cutting heights raised to protect the plant. Growth may begin to increase slightly, but frequency should remain low. Only mow when surfaces are dry and frost-free to avoid damage to the leaf. - CRICKET WINTER MAINTENANCE
Continue with the winter maintenance, now is a good time to audit any materials required, check machinery (carry out servicing if not already done so), start the roller up and make sure it is in good working order and start to plan pre-season rolling.
• Mowing - During mild spells it may be necessary to top the grass to ensure that the sward growth is not weakened in the spring by removing too much growth in a short period of time. Before cutting, walk the square to remove any debris or rubbish which may have accumulated to ensure that no damage will be caused to the mower.
• Winter Brushing - This is to help the surface remain dry and reduce disease pressure, keeping the sward healthy. Brushing the square during the winter months, will help to maintain a healthy square throughout the winter.
• Fertiliser programme - Fertiliser may be applied to maintain the health of the grass and appearance of the cricket ground. It is best to apply fertiliser when the immediate surface is free from damp but there is still some moisture in the soil. Avoid dry, frosty, or windy conditions – as these often result in uneven distribution and possible scorching. Always check the calibration of the machine before fertiliser applications to ensure that the spread rate is correct. - PLAN FOR END-OF-SEASON RENOVATIONS
Begin planning end-of-season renovation programmes. Identify priority areas and confirm timelines for scarification, aeration, overseeding and topdressing. Early planning ensures materials and contractors are in place, allowing work to be carried out efficiently when the season concludes.
Only carry out the above tasks when the ground and climate conditions are suitable.
For More Expert Advice
Need more guidance on pitch care? Visit the GMA Toolkit for detailed resources and tips tailored to your needs: toolkit.thegma.org.uk.
Why Not Become a GMA Member?
As a GMA member, you gain access to invaluable resources to support your grounds maintenance schedule. One standout benefit is our Ask the Expert service, offering one-to-one expert advice tailored to your specific challenges and goals.
Membership also unlocks a wealth of additional perks, including discounted rates on training courses and events, exclusive access to the brand-new Member Assistance Programme, and discounts from high street retailers!
