Cricket wicket maintenance

Spring is a busy time for those involved in cricket. For groundskeepers, looking after a cricket wicket is a full-time job. There are environmental challenges to be tackled throughout the year. Keeping a wicket flat, smooth and even is more difficult in the winter, despite the lower usage.

Heavy rain and low temperatures can easily cause drainage problems for the best laid wickets. And although artificial wickets will stand up to the elements a lot better than their natural grass counterparts, they still need a helping hand to get through the winter weather unscathed.

Winter wicket maintenance

According to @Statista_UK:

“As of September 2016 approximately 278,600 adults in England play cricket on a monthly basis.”

For these players, it’s essential that the wicket is in good condition. During the winter months, caretakers will need to ensure the surface is draining properly if they want to prevent the build-up of moss, mould and algae from developing. If unwanted contamination does occur, the best way to remove growth is to use a specially formulated product like AlgoClear Pro. Quick and effective, it can be used to clear away algae, moss, mould and even surface imperfections.

For cricket clubs with artificial wickets, spring offers a perfect time to give the surface an overhaul and stay on top of general maintenance. This includes achieving the right surface tension, ensuring a consistently even bounce. However, it will vary depending on the composition of your artificial surface, as well as its age and condition. If you’re unsure exactly what your cricket wicket surface needs, call in the experts to tackle the job for you.

Seam and patch repairs

Cricket wickets that are heavily used can be affected by wear and tear over time. If you’ve noticed any tears or rips in the surface, the spring is a great time to take care of these repairs. A professional technician will be able to carry out this work for you quickly and easily, ensuring your wicket is ready to use when summer rolls around.

Rejuvenation

Once in a while all artificial grass wickets will need either full or partial rejuvenation. This process should always be carried out by professionals if you want to achieve the best results. During the rejuvenation process the artificial surface will be de-compacted and a fine filter will be used to remove any contamination or debris from the infill. As well as rejuvenating your cricket wicket, you’ll also need to ensure it’s free of leaves, mud and other debris throughout the winter if you want it to stay in the best condition possible.

To find out more about maintaining or installing artificial cricket wickets, take a look around our site today.

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