Work on the 3rd the pitch side shed is now complete, which means that the tackle bags and tackle doughnuts can now be securely stored pitch side. This means that now only the tackle shields need to be stored in the container.
Over the summer we will try and make more improvements to a make the area around the sheds dryer and tidier.
BPG the contractors who carry out the annual pitch maintenance works for us are going to donate two 12m long rolls of 3G type carpet to us, which we will probably use to create another technical area on the left hand side of pitch 1 and technical areas between pitches 1 and 2.
We had planned to have started pre-annual pitch maintenance works by now, such as chain harrowing, however due to the terrible weather conditions that we have been experiencing the pitches have been too wet to enable us to do this. If the weather improves, we will try and get this work done before the end of April.
We plan to start annual pitch maintenance works at the beginning of May. Set out below is our proposed schedule of works, and approximate timings and dates. As always progress will be weather dependant.
ANNUAL PITCH MAINTENANCE WORKS 2024
1. GRUFC to scarify (chain harrow) both pitches prior to annual maintenance works commencing once a week if weather conditions permit. This helps to break up any organic matter, which helps to improve the germination of new seed
2. Prior to the commencement of overseeding, Vertidraining will be carried out to both pitches. This process forms 30mm diameter 450-500mm deep holes in the ground. This process helps to break up and aerate the upper layer of the pitches, helps to oxygenate the upper layer which aids grass growth, and improves drainage
3. Prior to the commencement of overseeding, Groundbreaker type treatment is to be carried out to both pitches. This will be done on a slight angle and helps to aerate the upper layer and improve the interface of the upper layer of the pitches with the sand slit drainage and lower land type drains.
4. Prior to the commencement of overseeding herbicide will be applied to both pitches. This kills the weeds that may be starting to try and establish themselves. This is done prior to overseeding so that the new and already established grass does not have to compete with the weeds for nutrients and water.
5. Contractor to commence annual maintenance works to both pitches Tuesday the 7th of May – see below for requirements and approx dates:
• Overseed both pitches - 7th May
• Additional overseeding to worn areas – 8th May
• Once the seed is established apply fertiliser to both pitches – 28th May approx
• Once the new grass is established apply fertiliser to both pitches – early/mid July
• Once the new grass is established GRUFC to top dress/infill any areas of dishing or unevenness on a weekly basis – mid to late July approx
• Vertidrain both pitches – mid September.
• Apply slow-release fertilizer to both pitches – beginning of October
Our plan is that pitch 2 will be released for use to the senior sections of the club in the first week in July, with M & Js being given access to pitch 2 from the first week in August. If necessary limited use of pitch 1 will also be available to the senior sections of the club from the first week of August. This is all dependant on how things progress and is therefore weather dependent.
Information concerning proposed maintenance and improvement works to the club house and car park etc will be set out in our end of season update.