Artificial Surfaces
turf could be easily damaged if the snow is ploughed too deeply. Brushes can be used to clear the remaining 5cm of snow from the surface. However, be aware that the infill may still be frozen.” As an experienced practitioner of
groundsmanship, Mark Freeman, who is the Head Groundsman at Loughborough University, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise. As he is responsible for the sports surfaces at a sporting university with elite level athletes, he has to keep the surfaces in play as often as possible, mindful of player safety. Mark points out; “Removal of infill during snow clearing has often been cited as a potential problem, but this is minimal compared to the amount of infill on the surface and has little effect on the carpet. In fact, if the snow is pushed to the fence, most of it can be redistributed by brush once the snow has melted.” Sean Colbert adds; “Extreme care needs to be taken in the case of this [heavy snowfall] and, if the practice is to be attempted, it should be done in degrees, and in the direction of the seams to help avoid damage. Issues in the past with this method have been running out of space at the edge of the surface to store the removed snow, and removal of infill that needs to be replaced - at an expense - when temperatures have returned to normal. It should also be remembered that the removal of the snow may only reveal a frozen pitch beneath that may itself be
unplayable.” Can you play on a frozen surface?
So, what if that scenario comes true, you clear the snow only to find that, indeed, the pitch is frozen - can you still play on it? Again, it’s a question of to what degree the pitch is frozen, is it just frozen, or rock hard solid frozen? “Typically, the surface will be required for use before the surface has had a chance to melt. If a good foothold can be achieved in the infill (by using studded shoes), and it is safe to do so, then the pitch may be used,” says Bill Pomfret. “However, heavy use of a frozen pitch should be discouraged, as the fibres become brittle at low temperatures and, therefore, may be damaged. Furthermore, the shock absorption of the fibres is reduced, increasing the possibility of injury being caused to the players.”
The SAPCA guidelines concur on this issue, adding that players should be made aware of the fact that the degree of shock absorbency the surface can offer will be substantially reduced, and that Health and Safety should be a primary consideration.
Bill continues; “in cases where heavy rain falls on a frozen pitch, or snow and ice thaw quickly, the field may become flooded, as the frozen sand infill prevents the water draining. A pitch flooded in this way should not raise concern as the pitch will drain when the infill has
thawed.”
How can you prevent frost occurring in the first place?
It is possible to pretty much guarantee a 100% frost free surface if you cover the surface with an appropriate cover before the frost appears. In truth, this is a lot easier said than done - even small areas, such as tennis courts, will require a fair amount of effort to cover and uncover. Then you have the problems of storing the covers whilst the surface is in play. The larger well-heeled sports facilities may have an inflatable dome that can be erected on the surface, but it is likely to interfere with play as a high lobbed ball will probably hit the ceiling of the dome and stop dead in its tracks. So, what can you use to prevent frost
occurring? It’s perhaps easier to say what you can’t use. Everyone contacted for information for this article from carpet manufacturers to maintenance contractors, end users, SAPCA and in- house staff said a big emphatic ‘NO’ to the use of rock salt and chemical de-icers on artificial turf surfaces. “Rock salt and chemical de-icers should NOT be used, as they can damage the UV stability of the surface,” said Bill.
Sean Colbert is in agreement; “The use of rock salt or similar products must be highly discouraged, the various contaminants within this salt break down and sit at the bottom of the carpet,
PREPARED FOR WINTER? Don’t leave it to the last minute and get caught out in the cold!
ORDER NOW! CALL 0845 643 9776 or visit:
www.goicemelt.co.uk
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 PC 53
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