Why Are Wormcasts Detrimental On A Bowling Green?

Wormcasts, the small heaps of soil excreted by earthworms can be problematic on a bowling green for several reasons:

1. Surface Smoothness: Bowling greens require a perfectly smooth and even surface for the game to be played correctly. Wormcasts create small mounds of soil that disrupt this smoothness affecting the roll of the bowls and the overall quality of the game.

2. Turf Damage: The process of creating wormcasts involves worms bringing subsoil to the surface. This can damage the grass as it exposes the roots and can lead to uneven growth or bare patches if not managed properly.

3. Weed Germination: Wormcasts provide a fertile environment for weed seeds to germinate. This can lead to an increase in weeds on the bowling green which compete with the grass for nutrients and water potentially leading to a deterioration in the quality of the turf.

4. Mud and Slipperiness: When wormcasts become wet, they turn into mud, which can be slippery and dangerous for players. This also makes the green messy and can hinder maintenance efforts.

5. Maintenance Challenges: Constantly removing or dealing with wormcasts increases the amount of maintenance required to keep the bowling green in top condition. This can be labour-intensive and time-consuming for the grounds people.

How to get rid of worm casts

Cultural Control Methods

1. Regular Brushing and Dragging:

   • Routine brushing with a drag mat, lute or switch can help to disperse the worm-casts reducing their impact on the smoothness of the green.
   • Perform this in the early morning when the casts are still moist but not overly wet.

2. Proper Irrigation and Drainage:

   • Ensure the green has adequate drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions which can attract more worms to the surface.
   • Use appropriate irrigation practices to maintain optimal soil moisture without creating overly damp conditions.
3. Aeration:

Regular aeration of the green helps improve soil structure and drainage, making the environment less favourable for worm activity on the surface.

4. Soil pH Adjustment:

• Adjusting the soil pH to make it slightly more alkaline can deter earthworm activity. Worms prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils.
• Apply lime to increase soil pH, but ensure this is done gradually and based on soil test recommendations to avoid harming the turf.

Find our video here showing you how to get rid of wormcasts