Saturday, August 24, 2013

Guide To Tennis Court Maintenance

By Debra Cooley


Tennis court maintenance does not have to be difficult or confusing. The steps that are required will depend on which type you have. There are different materials these courts are made from. Each one requires different steps for properly maintaining them. It is important to know these differences to avoid damage and keep the courts in the best shape possible for the people that play on them.

Hard courts are one type and are usually made from wood with an acrylic layer for protection. If they become damaged, it can be quite difficult to repair them. To prevent this damage, it is best to keep the surface free from debris and dirt with a push broom. You can also choose to use a cloth dust mop for cleaning.

The lines of the wooden courts should also be redone, usually when the acrylic is reapplied. You should ban all type of marking soles that can gouge or scratch the surface. Additionally, all equipment and supplies should be removed from the surface when you are finished using them because they can result in an uneven surface from the added weight.

Another type is made from a clay material. To maintain these courts, they will need to be raked frequently and you should begin by wetting the surface. Raking loosens the clay and helps level it out by removing large clumps. This is an important part of ensuring that there are no obstacles to trip up players or affect the game.

A drag brush needs to be used following the raking. The drag brush will help remove the smaller hindrances that were missed during raking. To remove things that have gotten stuck to the lines, you can use a line scrub brush. Rolling the whole surface with a specially designed roller is the final step and compresses the clay. The surface should now be even and smooth.

Synthetic or natural grass can be used for these courts as well. Natural grass tends to require a great deal of effort and attention to maintain. The whole area must be seeded often as an effort to keep the surface plush. Seeding often also helps with keeping it level and free from ruts.

Natural grass courts must be fertilized, watered, and mowed frequently. The height must be low and maintained. It will also be necessary to keep the grass free from pests and weeds. You will also need to redo all the lines after mowing because you will cut the lines down as well.

Synthetic courts, on the other hand, are a bit easier to take care of. They are usually resistant to weed and most pests. Additionally, they do not require cutting or watering as often and rarely need fertilizing. These courts are quickly replacing their natural counterparts.

Although proper tennis court maintenance is important, it is vital to learn about the type you have in order to care for it correctly. When you are properly educated, your efforts will be much easier. If you choose to pay for a service to provide the maintenance, you should know what they are doing to care for your surface and ensure they are doing it right.




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