Module 3:

3.3 When are they carried out?

3.3.12 Mowing

Which one of the following statements best describes when a pitch is typically mown?

Mowing is usually carried out whenever the grass is growing strongly, as well as when slower growth is still taking place and the pitch is still in need of the sward being kept within a suitable height. The main mowing period when stronger growth is taking place is typically from April to September, with lesser cuts being made in March and October / November.

Many pitches in December and January will typically not need cutting, whilst February might see an initial tidy cut just prior to main growth starting again. Manage the mowing programme to meet the needs of the desired pitch quality.

One particular point to note is during the drier summer period where there is limited or no rainfall and irrigation is also limited or non-existent then the grass plant will typically be struggling and growth will be slowing significantly. During this time many of the grass plants on a pitch will start to redirect their energy into flowering to ensure survival. This will result in flowering stalks appearing. These need to be cut off on a regular basis otherwise much of the pitch could thin out significantly with the aim from mowing being to try and maintain leaf presence ready for speedier recovery when more water is available. Even when irrigation and rainfall is adequate the undesirable grass Annual meadow grass (Poa annua), will naturally attempt to produce flowering stalks as this is a means for it to continue to spread. Additional activities such as scarification and verticutting can help to reduce Annual meadow grass, along with boxing off clippings (if possible).