November
Note: For the winter months of November through February the tips will largely remain the same.
Managing Wear and Weather in Early Winter
With the arrival of winter comes a mix of rain, frost, snow and ice, all of which can take a toll on your playing surface. When conditions are poor, sometimes the best action is to do nothing at all. Avoid using heavy machinery on soft or saturated ground, as this can lead to serious surface damage and long-term compaction issues.
Focus Areas This Month
Goal Area Wear
After a busy start to the season, November is when goalmouths start to show signs of wear. If October has been wet, the wear will be more noticeable. To help keep these high-wear areas in better condition:
• Use hand forking to relieve compaction.
• Apply light topdressing and overseed where necessary.
• If the damage is more serious, check out our goal area repair guide.
Irrigation and Equipment
As temperatures drop, it’s important to winterproof all watering equipment. If you have an irrigation system, consider bringing in a professional for servicing. If that’s not possible, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent frost damage.
Planning Around Rainfall
Winter brings higher levels of rainfall, so it’s important to stay on top of weather forecasts. Be aware of any areas on your pitch that are prone to standing water, poor drainage, or localised flooding. Taking action before problems appear will help protect the surface.
Build Your Routine Around These Key Tasks:
• Mow and line mark ahead of heavy rain, where possible.
• Hand fork and top-dress any waterlogged or poorly draining areas.
• Use rain covers if available (Here if you need some).
• Continue deep spiking where ground conditions allow.
• Keep your club informed of any surface issues, so decisions can be made early.
What is Deep Spiking?
Also known as solid tine aeration, deep spiking is the process of driving solid metal spikes into the turf to create vertical holes without removing any soil. This improves drainage, reduces compaction, and helps oxygen and nutrients reach the root zone
The best time to deep spike is when the ground is moist but not saturated. Avoid spiking if the pitch is waterlogged, as the rollers on machinery may seal the surface and trap water in the holes. This can lead to standing water and surface damage, the opposite of the intended result. Likewise, avoid spiking frozen ground. Frosted soil takes longer to thaw, and the cold can more easily reach the root zone, harming grass health