Guide to Spreading Sand on Football Pitches After Verti-Draining

Maintaining a top-quality football pitch requires a combination of proper care, expert techniques, and high-quality materials. One such essential practice is spreading sand after verti-draining the surface. At Kirkhill Quarry, we understand the importance of this process, which is why our sand from Kirkhill Quarry in Elgin, Moray, is tailored to meet the needs of sports pitches and golf courses. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring your football pitch thrives with improved drainage and lush, green grass.

1: Understanding Verti-Draining

Verti-draining is the process of aerating the soil by creating deep holes in the pitch with specialised equipment. This helps alleviate soil compaction, improves water infiltration, and encourages root development.

• Why it’s essential: Football pitches endure heavy foot traffic, leading to compacted soil. Verti-draining restores the soil’s natural structure, creating the perfect foundation for sand top-dressing.

2: Choosing the Right Sand

High-quality sand is crucial for effective top-dressing. At Kirkhill Quarry, our sand meets the ideal specifications for particle size, cleanliness, and drainage capabilities:

• Particle size: Medium to coarse (0.05–2.0 mm).
• Shape: Angular to sub-angular for better stability.
• Cleanliness: Exceptionally clean sand, avoiding the need for additional washing.

Kirkhill Quarry has been an active sand deposit in Elgin since the 1980s, consistently supplying high-quality materials for sports pitch maintenance and golf courses.

3: Spreading Sand

After verti-draining, the next step is evenly spreading sand across the pitch. This process requires precision and care to ensure optimal results.

• Preparation: Wait for suitable weather conditions and ensure the pitch is clear of debris.
• Application: Use a top-dressing machine or spreader for even distribution.
• Brushing In: Use a drag mat, brush, or rake to work the sand into the soil profile.

4: Encouraging Growth

• Over-Seeding: Spread high-quality grass seed across the pitch.
• Fertilisation: Apply a suitable fertiliser to promote nutrient-rich soil conditions.
• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture levels.

5: Benefits of Sand Top-Dressing

• Enhanced Drainage: Prevents waterlogging.
• Smoother Surface: Levels uneven areas.
• Healthier Turf: Encourages deeper root growth.

High-Quality Topsoil from Kirkhill Quarry

Kirkhill Quarry supplies high-quality topsoil graded from 20mm to 0mm, with an excellent pH balance for optimal grass growth.

Why Choose Kirkhill Quarry?

Inverurie Loco Works FC and Elgin City FC have both utilised sand from Kirkhill Quarry for their pitch maintenance, with high-quality results.

“The sand from Kirkhill Quarry is of excellent quality and has significantly improved the drainage of our pitch at Harlaw Park. With around 60 tonnes of sand spread, our pitch is now well-prepared for the winter months ahead.”
— Mike Macaulay, Chairman of Inverurie Loco Works FC

Elgin City FC, who play in the SPFL League 2, have also benefited from Kirkhill Quarry sand for their pitch at Borough Briggs Stadium, ensuring a resilient playing surface.

Contact Kirkhill Quarry today to learn more about our top-dressing sand and topsoil.