FSM Ground Management


Protecting Sports Surfaces In Inclement Weather


With inclement weather already causing various postponements across the football leagues, the Grounds Management Association have issued some excellent advice on dealing with extreme temperature changes and difficult conditions on sports surfaces.


Where To Start


An important note to start on is that snow and ice (frost) on turf are not harmful to the grass plant and can be left to melt providing there is not an immediate need to clear snow in order to facilitate play. There are however some points to consider.


Consideration Before Action


Before deciding on the appropriate action when dealing with frost, it’s important to consider the following points:


• If the ground underneath is frozen, falling snow will insulate it slowing down the time taken for the ground to thaw but reducing the risk of disease


• If the ground was soft at the time of snow fall, indicating high soil temperatures, there may be some disease activity in the form of snow mould if a covering of snow stays for several days or more


• Frozen ground is susceptible to water logging so


don’t expect a surface to be playable simply because the snow has melted - you may find that it is saturated and not fit for play


• If air temperatures are adequate, leaf frosts will often clear on unshaded areas by mid-morning, but early kick offs and evening games will be more difficult to accommodate without significant damage to the turf and risk to player safety


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FSM


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