Bowling Green FAQ 2: Why are there are thin and bare area where members start their game?

The access points to the green will see these succumb to increased compaction, as well as the areas where most players gather for delivering a bowl. The increased concentration of players at ends leads to increased compaction and all the negative effects this has on the sward.

A more compacted rootzone means less pore space for air, rooting and nutrient uptake. This in turn makes that area of the sward less resilient to wear, becoming worn more quickly, and it is also less able to recover from wear. During prolonged dry spells the area will also typically appear stressed earlier than the majority of the green and will start to thin out sooner.

Check how often the rinks are moved to different marks and especially changing the direction of play. Try and spread the wear as evenly as possible as this then also allows the rested areas time to recover somewhat before being used again.