All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) Steam Sterilisation

Fineturf are proud to be working once again with the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), delivering a large-scale steam sterilisation programme across the Championship courts — including the world-famous Centre Court and No.1 Court.

Following the completion of the 2024 Championships, Fineturf were appointed by the AELTC to undertake steam sterilisation on nine courts as part of the club's progressive turf management strategy. With sustainability and environmental responsibility at the heart of its operations, the AELTC has embraced steam sterilisation as a key practice for controlling weeds, pests and diseases, while reducing reliance on chemical treatments.

The programme has continued to grow year on year, with 20 courts steamed this year at the main Wimbledon site.

Using a custom-built, highly manoeuvrable steam unit, Fineturf are able to deliver precise heat treatment directly to the playing surface. The system achieves a temperature of 85°C in the top 65mm of the soil profile for one hour, with temperatures of at least 60°C reached deeper into the rootzone — ensuring a clean, healthy foundation for the new grass crop.

The rolling nature of the project allows Fineturf to work closely with the AELTC to schedule treatments at optimum times, maximising court quality and extending play opportunities for members throughout the year.

This continued partnership highlights both organisations' commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring Wimbledon's iconic grass courts remain the gold standard in world tennis.