Following one of the hottest spells of the year, September’s unsettled forecast will present new challenges for surface management.

Here are some key considerations:

1. AERATION
   As football and rugby seasons get underway, pitches may already be showing signs of wear. Only if soil conditions allow, regular aeration helps to relieve compaction and improve root development. Even light, frequent passes can make a big difference to plant health and surface recovery.
2. MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
   After the recent hot, dry conditions, soils may still be hard and slow to take in water. Where irrigation is possible, aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage rooting rather than shallow, surface growth. With unsettled weather ahead, keep a close eye on drainage to avoid waterlogging in compacted areas.
3. FERTILISER
   An autumn fertiliser will help the sward stay strong as growth begins to slow. This will build resilience for the winter months, ensuring the grass can cope better with heavy usage and fluctuating weather conditions.
4. CRICKET RENOVATIONS
   Post season cricket square renovation, undertaken in a correct and careful manner, forms the foundation for quality pitches throughout the following season. Renovations on a cricket square usually have the following main aims:
   • Remove excess organic matter that may otherwise form a thatch layer (see below)
   • Restore surface levels that may have become uneven during the passage of play.
   • Repair or improve grass cover.
5. POST-SEASON CRICKET SQUARE RENOVATIONS
   Significant renovation should only take place once the playing season has been completed and no further games are to be played. Work can then be carried out to ensure the square is prepared for the following season. To start renovations, you need to make sure that ground conditions are suitable.
   • Initially dry near the surface to aid effective scarification.
   • Grass shaved short to allow effective scarification, ideally less than 5mm.
   • New seed will need soil moisture to germinate so if it is not raining, then irrigation must be available until the new plant has established.
   • The ground temperature has been warmed up, which will help speedy germination.
   • Rain showers are more likely as we start to go into Autumn.
   
   More on post-season maintenance can be found here.
6. OVERSEEDING
   Whether it’s worn cricket ends or football goalmouths, overseeding now takes advantage of warm soil temperatures and September moisture. The sooner seed is in the ground, the stronger the establishment before winter sets in. Regular top-ups through the season will help maintain grass cover in the busiest areas.
7. HIGH-WEAR AREAS
   Goalmouths, scrummage zones and centre circles, for example, will deteriorate quickly under regular play. Repairing divots straight after games and overseeding where possible will reduce longer-term damage and improve player safety.
8. WEATHER WATCH
   September is often unpredictable, swinging between downpours and dry spells. Be prepared to adjust your plans, keeping machinery ready for different conditions and adapting workloads around the weather to avoid unnecessary surface damage.
9. PLANNING AHEAD
   Think beyond this month by ordering materials whilst availability is good. Planning ahead now will make winter maintenance easier and ensure you have what you need when demand peaks.

For More Expert Advice

Need more guidance on pitch care? Visit the GMA Toolkit for detailed resources and tips tailored to your needs: resources.thegma.org.uk.

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