advice from the Hertfordshire Association of Cricket Groundsmen
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CORONAVIRUS AND GROUND MAINTENANCE
The suspension of the cricket season means it is unlikely cricket will start in the near future. I am also conscious the financial hardship is inevitable for most clubs; it is likely that full time groundsmen may be asked to reduce hours and contractors halted altogether. Therefore, the following guide may need to be undertaken by club volunteers.
However, should the season start mid-summer, grounds will need to be in a condition to provide pitches quickly. It is very important that pre-season work especially rolling still takes place. Delaying a first rolling to mid-summer, if conditions are dry, will NOT provide a safe true surface. Even if the season is cancelled it is advisable to consolidate new loam from previous seasons renovation.
We have experienced the wettest winter for some time, but after recent dry weather and increased daylight grounds will quickly be able to take a first roll, some may well be ready now.
Worms will have been extremely busy and despite using the remaining legal organic products, it is inevitable some tables may have considerable casting.
The following is a suggested guide for pre – season
It may seem futile if there is no cricket, but if neglected the quality of the surface soon deteriorates, and if the season should start at some point these actions will avoid a lot of extremely hard work.
Above all stay safe and follow any government initiatives.