Weekly Diary
General Notes
During the playing season the plant is producing leaves provided that our Winter work was done successfully. Now the greenkeeper’s concern is to maintain the turf at a sensible height in order to manufacturer its food in the leaf. A safe height to mow, depending on the level, is 5mm about soil level.
To achieve this, the machine must be kept in first-class condition following the manufacturer’s instructions. Greens containing thatch will need to be cleaned regularly in an attempt to get down to soil level. It is important not to disturb soil with scarifiers.
Use a scarifier to clean as much of the dead and dying material as is possible to prevent accumulation and slow running of greens. At 14-day intervals maintain moisture level in the green to 150mm to remove from the surface any moisture from storm water from heavy rains.
Feed as required. The plants will soon indicate if there is an absence of food available. Keep the green firm – loose surface will damage easily – wide rollers do not cause excessive pressure.
Mowing, brushing, rolling, fertilising, spiking and scarifying must be done diagonally. This will not affect the play as the bowl dies and there are no guidelines for bowlers to use. After play during wet conditions spike areas, particularly where moisture shows around the mat positions. You are exchanging water for air and the green dries off quicker and firmer.
Monday
Brush – shallow spike – mow and turn the green.
Tuesday
Roll and move rink positions. If fertilising is due have equipment and materials ready and water in fertiliser.
Wednesday
Brush and mow – move rink positions.
At fortnightly intervals in moist conditions lightly scarify with a thatch control reel in both directions diagonally to speed up the green. This also prevents thatch build up. Do not touch the soil. To scarify in one direction only will allow the draw to improve on one hand only.
Thursday
Roll and move rink positions.
Every two weeks spike at 100mm with solid tines diagonally.
Friday
Brush and mow – move rink positions.
Saturday
Roll off the dew to speed up the green by several seconds. This provides a firm surface. Move rink positions.
Sunday
Brush and mow – move rink positions.
During the playing season the plant is producing leaves provided that our Winter work was done successfully. Now the greenkeeper’s concern is to maintain the turf at a sensible height in order to manufacturer its food in the leaf. A safe height to mow, depending on the level, is 5mm about soil level.
To achieve this, the machine must be kept in first-class condition following the manufacturer’s instructions. Greens containing thatch will need to be cleaned regularly in an attempt to get down to soil level. It is important not to disturb soil with scarifiers.
Use a scarifier to clean as much of the dead and dying material as is possible to prevent accumulation and slow running of greens. At 14-day intervals maintain moisture level in the green to 150mm to remove from the surface any moisture from storm water from heavy rains.
Feed as required. The plants will soon indicate if there is an absence of food available. Keep the green firm – loose surface will damage easily – wide rollers do not cause excessive pressure.
Mowing, brushing, rolling, fertilising, spiking and scarifying must be done diagonally. This will not affect the play as the bowl dies and there are no guidelines for bowlers to use. After play during wet conditions spike areas, particularly where moisture shows around the mat positions. You are exchanging water for air and the green dries off quicker and firmer.
Monday
Brush – shallow spike – mow and turn the green.
Tuesday
Roll and move rink positions. If fertilising is due have equipment and materials ready and water in fertiliser.
Wednesday
Brush and mow – move rink positions.
At fortnightly intervals in moist conditions lightly scarify with a thatch control reel in both directions diagonally to speed up the green. This also prevents thatch build up. Do not touch the soil. To scarify in one direction only will allow the draw to improve on one hand only.
Thursday
Roll and move rink positions.
Every two weeks spike at 100mm with solid tines diagonally.
Friday
Brush and mow – move rink positions.
Saturday
Roll off the dew to speed up the green by several seconds. This provides a firm surface. Move rink positions.
Sunday
Brush and mow – move rink positions.
Acknowledgements to Dave Bracey for this article