Winter Poaching

[Grassman]

 

(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd158/TheGrassSeedStore/Winter_poaching.jpg)

Any stock over-wintering on grassland will undoubtedly cause damage to the sward. The most damage occurs when hoofs repeatedly cut up and/or sink into a wet or water logged surface causing muddy puddles and churned up grass (Poaching). On all but the best draining soils the areas usually affected most are around gateways, feeding troughs, water butts, and walkways. Basically all the areas supporting frequent traffic movement although on heavier ground the entire grazing area can become quite unsightly, Although it is near impossible to completely prevent poaching, repairing the area as quickly as possible with some suitable quick growing, hardwearing, binding grasses can go along way towards building up resistance to winter damage. Over seeding should take place in mid spring and early autumn following sufficient harrowing (or hand raking) to level and prepare the damaged surface.  Over smaller areas frequently spreading grass seed by hand while any exposed soil is sufficiently moist will produce a good result over time.