Cricket

Cricket loam is a natural product that has to be handled with care and is easily affected by weather during construction. Uniform consolidated layers are critical for a hard, healthy playing surface. Every pitch is unique, so materials and technique are adapted to the site. Poor and inconsistent bounce is often caused by an uneven underlying formation or mismatched depths in the first loam layer, not only the surface. We begin with a thorough audit of the existing facility.

• Excavate and trim the formation to a uniform depth
• Consolidate each loam layer so air pockets are removed and layers bond (prevents root breaks)
• Laser-level loam with a bespoke lightweight tractor
• Prepare the final surface, apply fertiliser, sow seed and finish with a hand rake
• Work at grassroots, education and international venues

Rejuvenation removes thatch and the top layer of loam with an Imants Koro fitted with a Terraplane® rotor, leaving a clean, even surface. Fresh loam is then ameliorated in. The tungsten-tipped rotor is particularly effective for removing saddles at wicket ends.

Tractors and dumpers run on low ground pressure tyres to reduce compaction when machinery and materials move across the outfield. Routes are boarded where needed. Renovation can include aeration to relieve compaction and improve drainage, scarification to remove thatch and weaker grasses, then topdressing and overseeding.

Artificial cricket pitches are a popular all-weather facility. We construct and install strips using ECB-approved materials.

We offer tailored advice on growing in new cricket pitches and ongoing support after construction. Steam surface sterilisation, 85°C in the top 65mm of the profile for a full hour, 60°C below that, has been used on four key wickets at Lord’s to reduce pathogens and pests without chemicals. Fineturf have had an association with Lord’s since 1997.

Cricket loam is a natural product that has to be handled with care and is easily affected by weather during construction. Uniform consolidated layers are critical for a hard, healthy playing surface. Every pitch is unique, so materials and technique are adapted to the site. Poor and inconsistent bounce is often caused by an uneven underlying formation or mismatched depths in the first loam layer, not only the surface. We begin with a thorough audit of the existing facility.

• Excavate and trim the formation to a uniform depth
• Consolidate each loam layer so air pockets are removed and layers bond (prevents root breaks)
• Laser-level loam with a bespoke lightweight tractor
• Prepare the final surface, apply fertiliser, sow seed and finish with a hand rake
• Work at grassroots, education and international venues

Rejuvenation removes thatch and the top layer of loam with an Imants Koro fitted with a Terraplane® rotor, leaving a clean, even surface. Fresh loam is then ameliorated in. The tungsten-tipped rotor is particularly effective for removing saddles at wicket ends.

Tractors and dumpers run on low ground pressure tyres to reduce compaction when machinery and materials move across the outfield. Routes are boarded where needed. Renovation can include aeration to relieve compaction and improve drainage, scarification to remove thatch and weaker grasses, then topdressing and overseeding.

Artificial cricket pitches are a popular all-weather facility. We construct and install strips using ECB-approved materials.

We offer tailored advice on growing in new cricket pitches and ongoing support after construction. Steam surface sterilisation, 85°C in the top 65mm of the profile for a full hour, 60°C below that, has been used on four key wickets at Lord’s to reduce pathogens and pests without chemicals. Fineturf have had an association with Lord’s since 1997.