Summer’s here, so is the tennis

Yes, the Euros will be kicking off this week, but for those of us who prefer tennis to football, Queen’s starts next week, followed by Wimbledon virtually straight afterwards. So, to ensure we can all benefit from fantastic courts, even if we can’t hit the amazing shots, proper court maintenance is essential. 

Regardless of your court’s surface, regular maintenance not only provides the perfect playing field but also ensures safety, extends the court’s lifespan, and keeps it looking great season after season. 

Let’s take a look at the different playing surfaces for outdoor courts and what that means for your maintenance schedule. 

Types of court

There are three types of outdoor court, clay, grass and hard.

Hard tennis courts are usually made from either asphalt or concrete. When it comes to investment, it is the grass court that will need the most attention to ensure it maintains a playable surface. 

Your daily maintenance schedule

Like all courts, pitches and fields, a tennis court will need regular, daily or weekly maintenance to ensure it remains in top condition.  

Both clay and grass will need it on a daily basis. For clay it’s a case of sweeping the court after each use, helping to ensure a consistent playing surface with no low spots. For grass you’ll need to mow it during the growing season to ensure it stays at the optimal height of 6-8mm.

Your weekly maintenance schedule

Daily maintenance is crucial for keeping your court in optimal condition, but weekly tasks are equally important as they address issues that require more in-depth attention. These tasks ensure that any developing problems are tackled before they can affect play. 

Maintaining a hard court is relatively straightforward. Regular sweeping is key to removing debris, leaves, and loose particles that might pose a hazard during play. This routine not only keeps the court safe but also helps you spot any needed repairs or touch-ups for the lines.

Grass courts, much like sports fields, require regular weeding and fertilizing to remain playable. Consistent watering is also essential, similar to the maintenance of clay courts. For clay courts, regular watering helps maintain firmness and reduces dust, ensuring a smooth playing surface. 

Unlike grass and clay courts, hard courts don’t require watering. However, it’s vital to ensure the drainage system is in top condition to prevent water accumulation. Regularly check and clean your drains to keep the court in excellent shape.

Your seasonal maintenance schedule

Seasonal maintenance tasks differ significantly depending on the type of court surface you have.

For grass courts, this means regular aeration, overseeding, and top dressing, much like the upkeep for football or rugby pitches. These steps are crucial to maintaining a healthy, playable surface. Clay courts, on the other hand, require prompt repair of any holes or cracks to prevent long-term damage. Additionally, it’s important to monitor the edges, keeping them clean and free of encroaching vegetation. 

Hard courts need a different approach. Regular inspections are essential to ensure the surface remains clean and free of standing water and debris. This helps identify any necessary repairs and keeps the court in prime condition.

Ensuring the longevity of your court

Whether you have a clay, grass, or hard court, consistent maintenance is key to enjoying a top-notch playing surface. With the buzz of Wimbledon just around the corner, now is the perfect time to give your courts the attention they deserve. 

If you are interested in installing tennis courts, or have courts that are in need of maintenance, contact us and we would be happy to talk through how we can help.