[tennisbiz] Re: Request for clay court maintenance expertise

To Paul at Forest Park,

    Sounds like you have what is called a hard spot, where the bonding agent
in the clay has created a clump and is used up. The way to repair it is to do
the following:

1. Remove the hardened area with a shovel. We used to use a leaf blower to
remove the top dressing prior to adding new material. The blower would
actually lift the hard spot from the base and we could then shovel it up.

2. Then add enough new material to fill the hole. Use a lute to smooth it
to the level of the surrounding court area. Then water and brush. After some
drying, then roll and repeat water, brush and roll until satisfied. Do not
try to roll immediately after watering as it will shelf and move the entire
section. Let it dry a little prior to the first rolling (about 2-3 hours).

Best of luck,

Scott Handback
Queens University of Charlotte

 
Received on Wed May 21 2003 - 09:01:23 CDT