Curtis Allen, of Charterhouse Turf Machinery Ltd, claims little thought has been given to the effects of constant damp and increased traffic on the synthetic surface.

Allen said: "This damp and the increased usage make the usual compaction and drainage issues escalate, which means water pooling and contamination in the surface are more obvious."

Shovelling snow from synthetic surfaces can also cause problems, according to Allen, who urges caution.

He explained: "It is important snow is dealt with correctly and the right equipment is used to remove the snow if using the surface is unavoidable. Using the wrong methods or treatments on the surface in the winter months will only add to the summer cleaning tasks and risk damaging the carpet."

Most synthetic pitches are not cleaned over winter and Allen recommends groundsman use early summer to begin maintenance work.

Allen concluded: "The infill will benefit from a deep clean to remove all of the debris and contamination which will have been pushed or washed into the carpet. The fact that the surface will be now dry means dust and lighter particles can be more effectively removed from the surface."

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