Jan / Feb Ground work requirements 2012
Firstly, what can be done early in the year is very much weather dependant – if the ground is too wet you may end up doing more harm than good. Clay soils at this time of the year can become plastic (de structured) especially after a lot of heavy rain. Whilst in this state, the square is prone to damage from foot and mechanical activities. It is usually best to stay off the square and refrain from doing any work until it has drained and the surface has dried.
What will always require attention is the clearing of leaves under the oaks on the far side of the pitch, ideally prior to the end of Jan. – there are 3 ways of tackling this:-
- Using the “drag along” collector behind the Yanmar tractor / mower – by far the easiest way IF the ground is dry enough – it is important to set the brush height correctly and ensure the leaves that are collected are disposed of down the bank in the furthest corner of the ground. This requires cautious driving of the tractor up and down the slope.
- Use of the petrol leaf blower, stored in the “brick shed” – not that effective on wet leaves and you will never get all of them and would suggest needs to be in conjunction with method 3.
- Good old fashioned hand raking – there are a number of rakes in, or by the door, of the brick shed. Suggest you rake onto a collection sheet to transport to bottom corner of the ground.
It is critical to get mowers serviced – depending on what machinery was heavily used in prior season and maintenance previously carried out will dictate what is required. We currently use Aplins Mowers, St. Deny’s Road, Southampton, SO17 2FL – owned and run by Norman – Tel. 02380 555989. He will collect; turnaround is usually 3-4 weeks.
Typically the two 20” and the 34” Atco cylinder mowers will need service, cylinders sharpened and bottom blades either replaced or sharpened – these 3 should cost @ £400 to service.
In house maintenance to machinery needs to include engine oil and filter change to both the Yanmar tractor and the Tri-King mower. Also useful to start the mowers and roller periodically and check fluid levels.
In early 2012 the Tri-King needs special attention – the cylinder cassettes need to be removed and a number of new bearings fitted, the cylinders and bottom blades require sharpening and the machine re-wired – electrical issues were very problematical in 2011.
WHEN the outfield is dry enough it is beneficial to spike (Sarel Roll) to aerate the soil by using the yellow spiker pulled behind the Yanmar tractor.
Once the square is dry and firm regular brushing of the square in order to disperse dew and reduce likelihood of disease is beneficial, use the orange Sisis frame with brush insert, located in brick shed. The more often the better.
The square should be cut using a rotary mower (so not to tear out roots) – initially just removing the top of the grass and working towards a height of @ 15mm at the end of Feb. removing about a third of the height with each cut. Cut direction should not be in the direction of play, go either at 90 degrees or diagonally. Brushing first produces a better result.
After the first cut it should be possible spike the square. At this point one needs to take a view about applying fertiliser, the need will vary from year to year.
Specific to this year there are a number of “projects” to complete prior to the start of the season, these include:-
Completion of the net and sight screens to the “bank” end.
Erecting a new fence in front of the car park
Clearing debris from the area next to the nets
Repairs to fencing around boundary
This list is by no means exhaustive!
