Football Pitch FAQ 15. Can I roll the pitch?

The quick answer is well you can do anything you like, however, whether it is the right thing to do is another matter altogether. In general terms the answer is no.

However, the use of a light roller, especially as part of a combination piece of equipment can be useful when sandy soils need to be lightly firmed, or as part of a pitch renovation procedure when the applied topdressing, which is typically sand, is firmed to ensure good contact is made between newly sown grass seed and the soil. This enables newly germinated seed to become well anchored, reduces drying out of the young roots and provides a stable surface that is the foundation for good establishment and development of the young grass sward.

A light roller on any combination equipment can also be used for pitch presentation where the surface is dry and soil not too moist otherwise it can contribute to smearing the soil surface and a slight amount of compaction.

A light rolling might also be considered for the refirming of any significant surface disturbance from the activities of other implements, although if significant disturbance is caused then it is questionable whether the activity should have been carried out.

Rolling was a practice which was carried out during the early to mid and sometimes later part of the last century without much thought to the consequences of the work. The aim was to squash down the soil using medium to heavy rollers to create as even a surface as possible. The result of this was a compacted soil, reduced root growth, thinning swards, increased weed competition, muddier playing conditions, more games called off and a continued poor playing experience.

Rolling a football pitch with anything except a light roller really is a poor working practice and something which should not be entertained unless following expert guidance for a specific reason.

If in doubt as to suitability of ground conditions, then it is also best not to use a roller implement which is part of a combination unit. In practice, and for most routine situations, the use of a drag brush should be more than adequate for presentation purposes.