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25 August 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.

One of the courts is made from a hard material. They are often troublesome to fix if they get damaged, but fairly simple with maintaining. Try to keep it as clean as possible by removing dirt regularly. Reapply the acrylic protective coating as it becomes dull or scratched.

The acrylic layer and lines will need to be redone periodically as well. Generally, the best time to do this is when the shine of the acrylic has become dull. Equipment should not be left on the surface long term and only non-marking shoes should be permitted. If you leave the equipment on the wood for a long period, it can cause the wood to ripple or bow.

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.

It must also be watered, cut, and fertilized often to keep it growing and looking good. You may also need to treat the grass with weed and pest preventatives. Lines must be repainted after each cutting because when the grass grows and is cut, the painted lines are also cut.

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.

Tennis court maintenance requires specific supplies and equipment that is dependent on the material it is made from. Since the goal is to provide a suitable playing surface, proper care is vital. If you choose a company to maintain it for you, it is still wise to know what will be done.




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