The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has released an overview of maintenance practices and activities that should be typical for January in the Northern Hemisphere.

January is often the toughest month for turf, with persistent moisture and temperatures that swing between mild and freezing. Surfaces across football and rugby can struggle to recover, so careful, light-touch management is key. According to the GMA, these tips focus on managing winter wear and keeping pitches safe and stable until growth picks up again.

Light surface work only

January demands a gentle approach. Prioritise low-impact tasks and avoid all operations when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Even routine work can cause structural damage at this time of year. Keep machinery use to a minimum and rely on hand tools where possible to prevent further stress on vulnerable surfaces.

Dew removal and disease watch

Short days and heavy moisture mean disease pressure stays high. When grass isn’t frozen, remove dew with light brushing to reduce risk. Keep an eye out for early signs of Microdochium patch across cricket outfields and winter pitches. Improving airflow where achievable helps limit outbreaks during this slow-growth period.

Aeration

Opportunities will be rare, but if a mild, dry spell appears, carry out very light aeration. Stick to shallow or slit tines to relieve surface tension without disturbing the profile. Avoid aggressive or deep aeration which can create instability across football and rugby surfaces during saturated winter conditions.

Mowing

Growth is minimal in January, but occasional mowing may still be needed to maintain sward presentation. Keep heights raised to protect crowns and only cut when turf is dry and thawed. Avoid any mowing if the leaf is frozen, or if cold weather/frost is forecast within the next couple of days – bruising at this time of year can set back recovery well into spring.

Divotting and high-traffic repairs

Matches continue despite poor conditions, so quick divot replacement remains vital. Prioritise goalmouths, scrummage zones and touchline runs where damage accumulates fastest. Make small, regular repairs whenever the surface is workable. Consistent attention now prevents unsafe areas forming during peak winter wear.

Drainage and water movement

January rainfall can overwhelm even well-maintained pitches. Check drains, sand bands, ditches and outlets for blockages. Improving water movement protects turf roots during cold snaps and reduces the severity of freeze-thaw expansion.

Plan for spring works

Use any downtime to audit materials, check machinery and plan early-spring renovations. Reviewing seed, fertiliser and topdressing requirements now helps ensure you’re ready to act when temperatures rise. Preparing early can make the transition out of winter far smoother across all playing surfaces.

Cricket quare

The days of putting the square to bed and forgetting about it are long gone. With mild and wet winters more common, growth is continuing all through the winter months, making the winter maintenance an important factor in keeping both the outfield and square in good condition.

The occasional surveillance of the square will provide the opportunity of investigating any outbreak of fungal disease and also enable the detection of any excessive grass growth. Do not roll the square until February/March, in preparation for the start of the new season.

Cricket

With cricket playing such a significant role in UK society, a special chapter is added for cricket surfaces.

Cricket maintenance

Mowing – During mild spells it may be necessary to top the grass to ensure that the sward growth is not weakened in the spring by removing too much growth in a short period of time. Before cutting, walk the square to remove any debris or rubbish which may have accumulated to ensure that no damage will be caused to the mower.

Winter Brushing

This is to help the surface remain dry and reduce disease pressure, keeping the sward healthy. Brushing the square during the winter months, will help to maintain a healthy square throughout the winter.

Aeration

Try to aerate as the soil is getting wetter, not as the soil is getting drier. This is why aeration before Christmas is more effective than after Christmas.

Fertiliser programme – Fertiliser may be applied to maintain the health of the grass and appearance of the cricket ground. It is best to apply fertiliser when the immediate surface is free from damp but there is still some moisture in the soil. Avoid dry, frosty, or windy conditions – as these often result in uneven distribution and possible scorching. Always check the calibration of the machine before fertiliser applications to ensure that the spread rate is correct.