Paul Knowles, Head Groundsman, has been discussing the summertime pitch renovations at Moulton and Sixfields.
Renovation work is being done on the club’s four training grounds at Moulton training ground as well as the main surface at Sixfields. According to Knowles, the work being done signifies a significant commitment by the club.
“The club are spending a lot of money on the pitches, both at Sixfields and at Moulton, to get them in the best possible condition for next season,” he stated.
Sixfields’ primary pitch is nearing the end of its three-year life cycle, therefore this summer will see extensive renovations that will essentially result in a new pitch for the upcoming season.
“To get rid of the weaker grass, we are removing the top inch of the pitch, adding 100 tonnes of sand, brushing and spiking the field, readjusting the levels and then reseeding and fertilising the newly emerging grass.
After planting, we will mow and feed the newly created field after cutting the young grass, which should take two to two and a half weeks. Although there is always a short turnaround, our goal with the pitch is to be ready by mid-July.
“After roughly three years, you need to conduct a significant renovation to remove all of that weaker grass and replace it with new, fresh, stronger grass in order to maintain the quality of the playing field. This is because the amount of weaker grass grows with each passing season.
“Moulton’s four pitches are all undergoing renovations as well. All of them have been scarified and reseeded, but pitch three has undergone extensive renovations, is already in excellent shape, and will be prepared for the players by the beginning of July.
