Football Pitch FAQ 5. How do we best level up a sunken goal mouth at the end of the season?

Usually, the end of season renovation is the time to cultivate the goal mouth area, import a suitable top-soil, work it well into the existing soil and then firm up the area by treading and raking to produce a firm and even seed bed.

Make sure the edges of the sunken area are well blended into the surrounds to ensure a smooth and seamless transition is made, so use a straight edge to provide that even finish.

Do not just put soil on top of the sunken area and level it as all this will do is bury a compacted layer, resulting in it becoming a lot muddier the following playing season, wearing out quicker as well.

The initial establishment and development of any sown grass seed will not be as effective on ill prepared areas and the desire to cut corners will soon show up once play commences as the sward will wear much quicker than if the area had been correctly prepared in the first place.

With the football season typically finishing during May the usual practice would be to seed the area rather than turf. The main reason being that establishing turf can be a challenge during the summer period, especially on pitches which are not being intensively maintained and which have staff resources available on a daily basis.