Hot, dry summers can be tough on grassroots football pitches. Use this simple drought guidance to keep your pitch playable, safe, and healthy during dry weather and hosepipe bans.
Should I be mowing my pitch during a drought?
Yes, but with a few changes to your usual routine.
Raise your mowing height. Longer grass copes better with heat and grows deeper roots. Mow in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
If your grass has gone brown or stopped growing, leave it alone. Mowing dormant grass does more harm than good. And whatever the weather, never cut more than a third of the grass height in one go.
There’s a hosepipe ban in my area. Can I still water my pitch?
Always check with your local water provider first, as restrictions vary by area. If you can water, focus on high-wear areas like goalmouths and the centre circle, and do it in the early morning or evening when evaporation is lowest.
A germination sheet or cover after watering helps lock in moisture, but don’t leave it on too long as this can encourage disease. If you can get hold of a wetting agent, apply it before expected rainfall to help your soil absorb and retain water more effectively.
Is there anything I should avoid doing to my pitch in dry conditions?
Yes, a few routine maintenance jobs are best paused until conditions improve:
- Fertilising: applying fertiliser in dry conditions can scorch the grass rather than help it.
- Herbicides: these can cause damage when the grass is already under stress.
- Scarifying, grooming, and brushing: these are all great tools in normal conditions, but they put extra strain on the grass when moisture is scarce.
When in doubt, less is more. Giving the pitch time to recover is often the best thing you can do.
How do I know if my pitch is safe to play on?
Surface hardness and cracking is the key thing to check regularly during a drought. Hard, dry ground increases the risk of injury for players, so it’s important to monitor this and act if conditions become unsafe.
There’s no shame in temporarily reducing use of your pitch or putting areas out of play if needed. Always communicate openly with your club, coaches, and players if there are any surface issues. They’ll appreciate the honesty, and it keeps everyone safe.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave?
When working during periods of extreme heat, think about when you’re carrying out your tasks, not just what you’re checking for.
Most importantly, working outdoors in heatwave or drought conditions puts real strain on you.
A few things to keep in mind:
Time it right: Carry out work in the early morning or early evening, avoiding the hottest part of the day (typically 11am–3pm).
Stay hydrated: Keep water on you and take regular breaks in the shade.
Protect yourself: Sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing go a long way on site.
Know the signs: Heat exhaustion can creep up fast. If you or a colleague feel dizzy, nauseous, or unusually fatigued, stop straight away and cool down.
Can I collect rainwater to use on my pitch?
Absolutely, and it’s a great idea to plan ahead for dry summers. Options include:
- Water butts: a simple and low-cost way to collect rainfall from rooftops or clubhouse guttering.
- Storage tanks: useful if you have more space and want to store larger amounts.
- Greywater systems: water recycled from other uses can sometimes be used for irrigation, though always check local regulations before using it on a pitch.
Whatever system you use, make sure you’re taking basic steps to keep stored water clean and safe. Stored water can be at higher risk of bacterial growth, including legionella, so it’s worth checking what precautions apply to your setup.
Even a small rainwater collection setup can make a real difference during a dry spell.
