How to Maintain My Football Pitch

A grass football pitch is very much like a garden: It requires a lot of care and attention to keep it at its best. A high-quality surface not only looks better, but is better to play on. Looking after a grass field is similar to caring for a lawn, but due to the unique stresses put on a football pitch, there are a few extra things that need to be taken into consideration.

Things You'll Need

  • Grass seed
  • Water
  • Fertilizer
  • Garden fork
  • Rank
  • Heavy roller
  • Waterproof covers
  • Lawn mower
  • White paint
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Plant the field with a hardy grass seed such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass. During the season, the high use can cause pitches to become worn and bare, so it is important to start with the right grass.

    • 2

      Water and fertilize regularly both before and during the season. Granular and liquid fertilizers are the best to use, as it is impractical to shovel natural solid fertilizer onto a sports field. Do not water the pitch 24 hours before a game, as this can make the surface slippery.

    • 3

      Flatten the pitch using a heavy roller. These can either be pushed by hand or mechanical, but are vital in maintaining a flat playing surface.

    • 4

      Improve drainage of the grass by spiking the field. This can be done with a garden fork, although there are mechanical systems also available. This creates holes in the soil that help funnel water away and prevent standing puddles.

    • 5

      Rake the pitch after every game to allow the grass to grow naturally. During a match the grass will be flattened, and if left alone, will not grow.

    • 6

      Reseed heavy worn areas during the season after matches. The center of the pitch is especially likely to get heavily worn.

    • 7

      Cut the grass at least once a week during the spring and summer to promote growth. The grass should be cut to between 1.5 and 2.5 inches high for optimal conditions.

    • 8

      Cover the pitch during the winter when there is likely to be heavy rain, snow and ice.

    • 9

      Repaint the field marking before every game.