Look across the whole surface
Note uneven color, soft or firm areas, material movement, low spots, line condition, and how consistently the court dries. Wide photos give context; close photos preserve detail.
Describe moisture behavior
Record where the court appears dry or wet, whether the pattern is stable, and what happened before the issue appeared. If the court has an irrigation system, include the known type and any operating changes.
Use a repeatable inspection loop
Har-Tru’s maintenance guidance separates brushing, watering, and rolling because each task serves a different purpose. Before applying general advice, identify the surface and irrigation system and record what the court is doing now.
- Mark divots, depressions, and low areas rather than relying on memory
- Record raised or curling line edges and hard or slippery patches
- Check perimeter growth and whether drainage channels are blocked
- Compare drying and moisture patterns across the full court
Separate routine service from larger work
Opening or closing may uncover repair, irrigation, drainage, or reconstruction needs that sit outside routine seasonal preparation. Clear notes help those items become a separate, deliberate scope.
Sources reviewed
Primary and manufacturer sources reviewed . Links support the general planning context above; the current source and the specific court still govern.
- Clay Court Maintenance — Har-Tru
- Facilities Guide: Clay Surfaces — International Tennis Federation
- Closing Your Clay Courts for the Winter — Har-Tru