Pitch shows good early growth
The U's pitch is progressing well after summer renovation.After a long season, work began at the end of May to refresh the top layer of the Weston Homes Community Stadium playing surface.
Head Groundsman David Blacknall oversaw the work and explained what had been done.
"Premier Pitches did the renovation for us and once again did an excellent job.
Head Groundsman David Blacknall oversaw the work and explained what had been done.
"Premier Pitches did the renovation for us and once again did an excellent job.
"They shaved off the top layer of soil, which becomes very compact over the course of a season and severely restricts good growth and decent drainage."
"That work was done in one day, the Spring Bank Holiday Monday at the end of May, before seeding took place the day after.
"The seed isn't just put down on the remaining soil, a new layer of sand is put down for the seed to grow in, usually between 60 and 100 tons."
Less than two weeks later, a full covering of grass was visible and David was pleased with the early results.
"With the severe winter and the battering the pitch took, the work was vital this summer and the renovation went exactly as planned, with the first two weeks seeing great progress.
"That work was done in one day, the Spring Bank Holiday Monday at the end of May, before seeding took place the day after.
"The seed isn't just put down on the remaining soil, a new layer of sand is put down for the seed to grow in, usually between 60 and 100 tons."
Less than two weeks later, a full covering of grass was visible and David was pleased with the early results.
"With the severe winter and the battering the pitch took, the work was vital this summer and the renovation went exactly as planned, with the first two weeks seeing great progress.
"The rain came as soon as we got the seed down, which was perfect, and after a couple of cool days slowed things down a bit, we had some great sunshine to speed it back up."