Neutralising problems at Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre
Like many turfcare professionals across the UK, Ryan Middleton at Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre has battled the extreme weather over the past few months. He explains how an IPM programme has significantly reduced pH levels.
The problems actually began in December 2023 when he recalled, “We endured 842mm of rain - the highest on record since 1959 - and we recorded an average pH of 7.8. This not only negatively affected nutrient availability to the roots, but we also observed that wormcasting issues were consistently worse when pH levels were high.”
With pesticides now unavailable, Ryan and his team had to find alternative solutions. “Like many others in the industry, we’re adopting more innovative, cultural approaches to tackle this problem and, by implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme we have not looked back.”
Ryan commented: “We know that key factors for consideration when creating an IPM include plant health, aesthetics and playability factors. However, one area of an IPM programme which is often overlooked is communication. It is very important that lines of communication exist between the team, as well as managers and suppliers to ensure effective decisions, implementation and success.”
Grounds Manager, Ryan Middleton with Andy Murray at the the Tennis Centre practice courts, ahead of the WTA 250 and ATP Challenger event.
Fast forward to 2025: a positive turnaround
Following implementation of the programme, Ryan and his team saw significant improvements. “I worked closely with Andy Gray (Assistant Grounds Manager), who supports me with the annual chemical and fertiliser programme. After autumn renovations, even the youngest grass plants were establishing well. We applied nitrogen to encourage healthy growth but at a slightly reduced rate. By incorporating ammonium sulphate, we aimed to lower the soil’s pH. We also tank-mixed this with Bullet Chelated Iron to strengthen the plant.
Ryan also highlighted his relationship with Steve Monk from Pitchcare and the benefits of using the right products. “I call Steve to discuss my plans and it’s great to get reassurance on products and processes.
On his recommendation, we have also implemented E² PRO Soluble, a sulphur-based product with a very low pH. It’s a highly efficient fertiliser known for keeping pH levels down, which was exactly what we needed to achieve. As a result, our soil pH now sits at 7 - close to our target of 6.5.”
“The success of the programme highlights the rounded benefits of using the correct products at the right time and we have received some wonderful feedback from everyone. Following the WTA 250 and ATP Challenger event, the players’ comments were great, and as a team, we were proud of what we had delivered for these international tournaments. We managed moisture levels and surface hardness to the highest standards.”
Managing wormcasts
Before the programme, worm activity was at an all-time high, and the hours spent switch caning the courts became both physically and mentally exhausting.”
With the courts built on high-clay-content soil, caning became a necessity. Ryan explained, “Even the smallest casts can damage the surface. Add in our maintenance work and the additional markings impacted the aesthetics of the courts.”
Now, during a recent court inspection, Ryan noted a remarkable reduction in worm activity. “We asked ourselves - could this be a coincidence? The courts looked healthier, red thread had recovered in areas and, after all the Christmas dinners, chocolates and mince pies had been eaten over the break, it was a relief to find that a quick dew brush was all that was needed before mowing. There was no longer a need to spend hours breaking through casts with canes.”
The importance of a plan
On the improvement to the turf in general, Ryan said: “With fewer worms bringing nutrients to the surface, we have seen a vast improvement in overall aesthetics of the courts since we implemented the new plan. There has been a huge reduction in the darker patches and the leaf is standing upright and looking healthier. There has also been less disease present, compared to other years which could be attributed to other factors such as air temperature and moisture levels on the leaf.”
“Since tennis is a summer sport, our focus on drying out the courts and rolling in preparation for events comes much later. That said, by controlling the number of wormcasts during the summer months, coupled with the overall benefits of the products on plant health, trueness of bounce etc… it certainly helps with consistency across the whole surface.”
Winter maintenance: keeping up the momentum
Last December, the courts showed some signs of seasonal stress. However, Ryan successfully cut all thirteen courts to 12mm and repeated the previous year’s process to evaluate its impact on wormcasts. “We were not disappointed - the grass stood upright with a consistent, vibrant colour across all courts, looking as healthy as it does in spring. Once again, no wormcasts were present.”
“This time of year, you’re thinning the courts due to consistent coverage. We’re currently verti-cutting to keep the turf clean and prevent diseases during the wet season. Winter maintenance ensures we hit the ground running in spring with overseeding and base soil applications.”
“Every venue has different environments, soil conditions and requirements and everyone can acidify soil pH with basic turf problems, but the rounded benefits from the IPM products on plant health, aesthetics and other play criteria – such as firmness, trueness of bounce, wear resistance etc have made a huge difference to us.”
Finally, Ryan praised his team for their dedication: “I couldn’t ask for a better team. I have complete trust in them and I don’t need to oversee their every move - the standards they maintain are fantastic. The wormcast issue was resolved thanks to the efforts of Wayne Thomas, Andy Gray and Chris Churches, who undertook the physical work every day – mostly with smiles on their faces.”
