Double Cut

This mainly applies to the preparation of a cricket pitch for play. The first cut is typically made in the centre of the pitch, between the stumps line, with the mower then used to cut back over in reverse of the first direction. Mowing then gradually works out in the same way to 5' one side of the middle line and then the same for 5' the other side to get the full width pitch being double cut. Also called Reverse Cut or Reverse Mowing.

  Double Digging

This method of cultivation turns the soil over to a depth of 2 spits (about 250 to 500mm). The soil is dug and removed from a narrow trench and working backwards, the soil from the dug trench is turned into the first trench. This sequence is continued until the entire area has been dug over. Fork over the base of the trench to aid root development and drainage. The incorporation of soil amendment material can be more easily undertaken whilst turning over the soil from one trench to another, between the first and second excavated spit. Double digging can be a time consuming and tiring tas

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  Dragbrush

An item of equipment that is basically a much longer version of the end of a toothbrush. It typically has nylon bristles which are fixed on a solid supporting bar. Typical lengths for a drag brush are 18m and 2.4m.

  Dragbrushing

The action of using a drag brush. It can be used, for example, for dispersing dew, earthworm casts, or for the working in of top-dressing material. It is also used for making grass blades stand upright before being mown; or just for presentation purposes of striping turf surfaces, especially during the limited growth period over the winter.

  Dragmat

An item of equipment that is in the shape of a square or rectangular mat. It can be made from a range of different materials, primarily metal or rubber-based. It is mostly used for the working in of top-dressing material.

  Dragmatting

The use of a drag mat for turf maintenance purposes. This activity is mostly undertaken when working in top-dressing material.

  Drainage Aftercare

Maintenance work is still needed after the installation of a drainage system, although the extent of work required will depend upon the type of system. Typical works may include the following: • Cleaning out silt or catchment traps to ensure they don't become clogged up. • Check for large dips in the ground as a drainage pipe may have collapsed. This would need to be investigated and the area possibly excavated and repaired. • Minor trench line depressions will typically have had some gravel settling and so a light top-dressing of the sward over the depressed trench line will keep the surface even.

  Drill and Fill

The use of a mechanical drill to create holes in a turf surface and into the soil profile to a suitable depth (typically 200mm or greater). The aim can be to: 1. help speed up the removal of water from a surface. The drilled holes will be filled with a porous material, such as a uniform particle sized sand. A drill and fill activity will typically be a localised affair, focusing on an area that might retain water a lot longer than surrounding areas.

  Dull Cut

The result of an incorrectly set or blunt cylinder blade. The grass leaves will be bruised, or poorly cut with plant fibres protruding because the cut has not been clean and sharp.

  Edge Re-forming

Tidying up the edge of a lawn or turf area using an edging iron. Typically, a small width of soil and turf will be removed to help reshape the perimeter of the turf surface.