March Maintenance

Bowling Green Maintenance
 

This is the month for a 'false spring' appearing in the second week or so. If you wish to aid the grass, but not to force it - especially with the inevitable cold spell that occurs a little later on - then consider applying a light application of ammonium sulphate (say 8 g/m²) and sulphate of iron (say 4 g/m²).

Aerate whenever possible - usually with slit tines, although some greenkeepers will be moving over to solid tines for the end of the month.

The green might benefit from a light rolling to aid smooth the surface following the ravages of winter frosts etc.

Some greens in the South of England may be ready for a light top-dressing at the end of the month, although be careful not to smother the grass. Ideally wait until April though, however, if the bowls season starts early on some greens this could pose a problem.

Commission the irrigation system before a typical dry spell appears in May - it's surprising how soon this arrives.

Sweep and clean out ditches.

Cricket Ground Maintenance
 

Square - Rolling and consolidation of the square should be the priority for this month.

Start with a relatively light roller, say 5 cwt, and gradually move up to a medium-heavy, say 30 cwt or so, one by the end of the month.

The square should be regularly drag brushed and the height of cut should be reduced to about 18mm or so.

A light scarification may be possible if growth is reasonable, but be careful not to overdo this operation too early in the month.

Make sure the square is correctly set out with the corners being at exact right angles.

Outfield – Check for any small undulations in the outfield and top dress them out.

Make any final repairs to worn areas especially to the bowlers run up areas.

Golf Course Maintenance
 

This is the month for a 'false spring' appearing in the second week or so. If you wish to aid the grass, but not to force it - especially with the inevitable cold spell that occurs a little later on - then consider applying a light application of ammonium sulphate (say 8 g/m²) and sulphate of iron (say 4 g/m²).

Aerate whenever possible - usually with slit tines, although some greenkeepers will be moving over to solid tines for the end of the month.

The desire to top-dress towards the end of March should in most cases be avoided.

It is best to wait until good grass growth is occurring to help the material be incorporated as quickly as possible and with minimum interference to golfers.

Consider spending as much time as possible on the fairways, such as aeration, topping and divoting before the main spring renovation of the greens and winter tees.

Football and Rugby Pitch Maintenance 
 

Keep the surface as presentable as possible by drag brushing and divoting as required.

Light sand dressings on thin and bare areas may help to maintain a dry surface.

Aerate the pitch whenever possible, but not when soil conditions would cause smearing.

Additional over-marking will probably be required where grass coverage is absent or sparse.

A light topping when the ground is dry will also help to improve appearances.

Additional games will probably be required to catch up on postponed and cup matches.

The aim will be to provide a suitable playing surface to accommodate the matches. Don't worry too much about excessive destruction of the surface vegetation as the season is nearly at an end and a full renovation will be taking place very shortly.

A smooth surface that is well marked out should be aimed for, so divoting will be a main feature this month to see out the season.

Increasing the mowing frequency will also help to give that neat finish. Letting clippings fly and spreading them evenly may make some bare areas look a little more pleasing for the short term.

Make sure all the end of season renovation materials have not only been ordered but are delivered or well on the way to being delivered.

Vertidraining can be planned for straight after the last game has been played. If this has to be hired then plan accordingly.