Restoring Pitches On An Existing Cricket Square

Here’s a simplified, outline timeline and process for the restoration of pitches on an existing square.

Estimated time required – as little as 1-2 days (depending on machinery and manpower available).

Since the turn of the century, machinery and expertise has enabled poor performing pitches to be renovated in as little as 1-2 days, with the restored pitch available for use the following year.  The methodology utilizes a tractor mounted, surface planing device that removed the top surface up to a depth of 40mm in one pass, with the material sent down a conveyor belt to a trailer.

Renovating a pitch

The three types of restoration are:

Fraise Mowing

  1. Remove organic layer (thatch) and grass sward
    – typically achieved in two passes at right angles
  2. Linear aerate
  3. Overseed and incorporate top dressing
  • Can be done every 3 years
  • With proper care, pitch can be playable the following year

Fraise Topping

  1. Remove grass surface & underlying soil
    – succession of passes, on shallow setting at apposing angles
  2. Form a shallow tilth up to 25mm
  3. Grade and level
  4. Apply cricket loam
  5. Grade, fertilise and overseed
  • Ensure the finished pitch is proud of the surrounding square, to allow rainfall run-off and prevent formation of algae / moss
  • With proper care, pitch can be playable the following year

Fraise Topping & Cultivation

  1. Top surface removed, acting similar to a turfcutter
  2. Cultivate layers an indigenous soil as a fine tilth
  3. Apply cricket loam
  4. Blend, grade and consolidate
  5. Fertilise and overseed
  • Ensure the finished pitch is proud of the surrounding square, to allow rainfall run-off and prevent formation of algae / moss
  • The first year after restoration can produce a pitch that is slow with low bounce, which typically improves in the year after

You can find more information about pitch renovation and care on the ECB website

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