Steam Surface Sterilisation

Fineturf are pleased to announce the introduction of steam surface sterilisation – adding to their already extensive range of services for the construction, installation and maintenance of sports surfaces and surrounding facilities.

A longstanding technique used in farming and agriculture, surface and soil sterilisation aims to eliminate pathogens, pests, diseases, spores and other harmful microorganisms without the use of chemicals. Successful sterilisation can promote plant health, reducing the number of potential threats within the profile, without detriment to the soil composition or surrounding environment. This therefore makes the process a popular choice with facilities pursuing a maintenance strategy less reliant on traditional chemical treatments.

Fineturf have worked with global specialists in the technique to develop a custom-built sterilisation unit. The highly manoeuvrable unit can be easily navigated around site and situated beside the surface being treated – where pipes then transfer the steam which is retained with the use of heatproof covers. The objective is to achieve a temperature of 85^oc in the top 65mm of the profile for a full hour, and a temperature of 60^oc below that.

Fineturf were appointed by the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) to conduct steam sterilisation on nine grass courts - including Centre Court and Court One - at the completion of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. As the club continues to adapt its practices in response to climate change and environmental concerns, steam sterilisation now plays a major role in AELTC’s programme to manage weeds, pests and diseases.

A rolling programme, Fineturf will work with AELTC to schedule steam sterilisation visits to optimise surface quality, keeping courts open longer for their members.

Steam sterilisation can be employed on most types of sports surfaces, including football and cricket, with the success of the process already demonstrated following Fineturf’s recent visit to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, known as the Home of Cricket. During this visit, Fineturf carried out the sterilisation of four key wickets on the square, ensuring they are free from pathogens, pests, and harmful microorganisms, all without the use of chemicals. This pioneering approach supports the high standards required at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues.

For more information about our Steam Surface Sterilisation process, please get in touch.