Football pitch maintenance and management

Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 03. What height should we cut our pitch once the seed has germinated? advert image shown if present
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If germination is good, with the first leaves being seen within 7-days, and establishment continues to a good level then somewhere between 2 and 3 weeks should see a good green tinge to the previously thinner and bare areas of the pitch.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 04. How can we reduce divoting on our pitch? advert image shown if present
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Divoting can be a more significant problem where the surface is relatively soft, where the root depth is shallow and also where the density of rooting is limited and not well bound (or anchored) to the soil.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 05. How do we best level up a sunken goal mouth at the end of the season? advert image shown if present
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Usually, the end of season renovation is the time to cultivate the goal mouth area, import a suitable top-soil, work it well into the existing soil and then firm up the area by treading and raking to produce a firm and even seed bed.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 06. Should I turf or seed our goal mouth at renovation time? advert image shown if present
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You can do either in practice, but usually seeding would be carried out. Perennial ryegrass will typically germinate within about 5 to 7 days and after one month there is usually good, but not full coverage.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 07. How many games can we play on our pitch without loss of quality? advert image shown if present
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This does depend on a number of factors, with the significant ones being the soil type, whether it has been specially constructed and / or it has any working artificial drainage (and the effectiveness of it), the extent, efficiency and effectiveness of the maintenance work as well as the geographic location of the pitch.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 08. What grass seed should we use? advert image shown if present
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For the majority of football pitches this would be a 100% blend of Perennial ryegrass.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 09. What fertiliser should we use? advert image shown if present
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There are practically hundreds of fertiliser products available and many are very similar, with some having a bit extra or less of some nutrients, and with others having some micro-nutrients as well.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 10. How much top-dressing do we need? advert image shown if present
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This will depend on a range of factors, including the current condition of the pitch, quality expectations and available resources.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 11. Is installing a drainage system worth the cost? advert image shown if present
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A good question and one which needs careful consideration in relation to the business plan for an organisation.

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Football Pitch Maintenance: FAQ 12. What is the best height to cut the pitch? advert image shown if present
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This does depend on the standard of the league you are playing in, the desired standard of the pitch and the time of year.

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