Brushing

Aim:

1. To encourage the grass leaves to stand up before mowing to encourage an even cut
2. To remove dew and help loosen surface material on the pitch prior to mowing
3. To work in topdressing or sports sand
4. To help reduce incidences of disease by encouraging airflow around the base of the grass plant 

Method:

The moving of a brush against the surface of the turf. Brush the pitch surface - daily, if possible! but particularly when there are heavy morning dews or when worms casts are nicely dried and easier to disperse. Brushing also has the benefit of striping the grass improving pitch presentation.

Timing:

As required.

Effects of Incorrect Procedure:

If lateral grass growth is not removed, layers of thatch can build up and disease and disorders encouraged.

Equipment Selection:

• Use a pedestrian drag brush or tractor-mounted brush.
• Some pitch mowers have a mounted brush which brushes the surface as you cut.
• Brushes can have different stiffness of bristles for different purposes.
• The brush width should be a minimum of 2 metres although pedestrian brushes are likely to be shorter. 

Practical Tips:

In pitch preparation brush the surface before each cut to remove more grass from the surface.