North West Cricket Union End of Season Renovations Plan 2021
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North West Cricket Union
End of Season Renovations Plan 2021
Scope
The scope of this document is to outline the proposed end of season renovation works to be carried out
on cricket squares and outfields at facilities located in the North West Cricket Union. These works should
be completed as soon as reasonably possible following the completion of games for the 2021 season
assuming all materials and equipment is readily available.
Introduction
Cricket squares and outfields require continued work to ensure that the playing surfaces are of a
sufficient standard. Quality end of season renovations are crucial to ensuring these standards are
maintained as well as a structured and appropriate winter maintenance programme leading into the
Spring months.
Summary - End of Season Renovations on the Square
1. Cut square at 3mm in two directions using a cylinder mower
2. Scarify the square in four directions finishing with the run of play at a depth of 2mm using a
tractor mounted or pedestrian scarifier. See Appendix 1 for scarified square
3. Clean the square from debris using a blower or rotary mower
4. Create a seed bed using a pedestrian or tractor mounted dimple seeder (See Appendix 2)
5. Seed the square with 100% ryegrass (5kg per pitch e.g., 40kg for 8 pitch square)
6. Top dress and drag brush/matt the square with selected loam (10-12 25kg bags per pitch). See
Appendix 3 for top dressed square
7. Apply a pre seed fertiliser. See Appendix 4 for healthy square 2 weeks post renovation work
Summary - End of Season Renovations on the Outfield
1. Verti-drain the outfield to 6-10 inches or shockwave the outfield to a maximum depth. Verti-
draining/shockwaving assists with relieving compaction and aids drainage
2. Top dress the outfield with 30-60 tonnes of sports grade sand. Top dressing assists with surface
drainage and improving the levels on the ground. This should also be completed by a third-party
contractor
3. Apply a 6-month slow-release fertiliser
Detailed End of Season Renovations on the Square
The step-by-step summary outlined above should be adjusted depending on the current state of each
square. An assessment should be made taking into consideration weed grass coverage, thatch levels,
root depth, square levels, and depth of loam. Each square (and sometimes different pitches on the same
square) have their own characteristics, i.e., slow, quick, low, bouncy etc. It is important to determine the
characteristics of each square or pitch and what improvements can be made before deciding or
finalising a plan for end of season renovations. Please see Appendix 5 for square profiling.
Diagnosing Potential Issues & Solutions
Weed grass coverage
Issue: Visible weeds or weed grass (generally annual meadow grass) on the surface resulting in
inconsistent bounce or low bounce due to shallow rooting.
Solution: Spray a selective herbicide or glyphosate at least 10 days prior to works to remove existing
weed growth increasing scarifying and seeding rates.
High levels of thatch or organic matter
Issue: Soft surface with cross growth or buried growth resulting in a slow surface. Using a knife remove
the surface to inspect the soil underneath to see if there is a layer of dead organic material.
Solution: Scarify to a deeper depth/additional passes or in extreme cases remove the top surface using a
fraize mower. See Appendix 6 for fraize mower
Root Depth
Issue: Shallow roots resulting in low bounce. Using a profile (or shovel) inspect the roots at a depth of 4-
8 inches in-between pitches. Aim is for roots at least 6 inches down. See Appendix 7 for healthy root
growth.
Solution: Increase seeding rates and put in place a winter aeration programme.
Square Levels
Issue: Inconsistent levels leading to inconsistent moisture levels and bounce.
Solution: Increase top dressing rates (ensuring to remove extra vegetation by additional scarifying to
avoid a thatch layer) or in extreme cases remove the top surface using a fraize mower.
GM By Choice
YMCA, Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Owner: Dale McDonough Kinkade
2
Depth of loam
Issue: Low level of loam leading to a low level of compaction and bounce.
Solution: Increase top dressing rates (ensuring to remove extra vegetation by additional scarifying to
avoid a thatch layer) or in extreme cases remove the top surface using a fraize mower and heavily top
dress.
Other Information & Tips
• Find a balance depending on the budget available and focus on one area of improvement at a
time
• Get club members involved to ensure the works are efficient and timely, every day counts as the
wet winter looms
• Organise machinery and ensure all materials are on-site before starting works
• Top dress and firm any deep ends down with a light roller
• Irrigate the square prior to creating a seed bed (assuming dry weather conditions!)
• Check the weather forecast, heavy September showers can ruin works
• Fence off square after works are complete
• Use germination sheets on heavily worn ends
• Ensure the seed is buried within the seed bed and is protected from birds/animals
• Always finish any works with the run of play
• Outfield works are optional but don’t forget the outfield! It plays a major part in the game
• Use tonne bags to help remove debris
• A ladder can be useful if a leveling lute is not available
Contact Details for any Queries
Phone: +353867350214 (or via WhatsApp)
Email: gmbychoice@gmail.com
GM By Choice
YMCA, Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Owner: Dale McDonough Kinkade
3
Appendix 1 – Scarifying Completed
Appendix 2 – Dimple Seeder
GM By Choice
YMCA, Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Owner: Dale McDonough Kinkade
4
Appendix 3 – Top Dressing Completed
Appendix 4 – Square 2 Weeks Post Renovation
GM By Choice
YMCA, Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Owner: Dale McDonough Kinkade
5
Appendix 5 – Square Profiling and Healthy Soil Profile
GM By Choice
YMCA, Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Owner: Dale McDonough Kinkade
6
Appendix 6 – Fraize Mow
Appendix 7 – Healthy Root Growth
GM By Choice
YMCA, Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Owner: Dale McDonough Kinkade
7
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