Module 3:

3.3 When are they carried out?

3.3.8 Chain harrowing - Tines down

Which one of the following statements best describes when a chain-harrow with the tines down might be used most frequently?

Chain harrowing with tines down might be used any time when the grass is growing. Some growth is desirable because this helps the sward to recover from the tearing actions of the tines.

Renovation time is another suitable time, as well as June where renovation has been less successful and some weeds, for example knotgrass, has colonised some of the sward. The tines will help tear out the undesirable surface growing weed.

Alternatively, another suitable time especially where post renovation was poor and unforeseeable delays prevented follow on work to take place might be from August to September (or to early October) when grass growth is still taking place. The tines can be used to tear out weak and decaying material from the base of the sward to try and get it into a reasonable condition for some minor renovations to take place. At least this would try and provide a generally suitable playing surface.

Chain harrowing with tines down is often carried out where the use of a mechanical scarifier or metal tined rake is not available.