Har-Tru care guide keeps Hamptons courts playable year-round

Har-Tru green clay is the dominant soft surface across many Hamptons clubs, and it demands a different approach than hard courts to stay consistent and safe. Slower pace and higher bounce reward topspin and patient point construction, but they also require regular dragging, careful watering, and seasonal work to prevent wash-outs and uneven play.

Start with daily and weekly basics. Drag courts after heavy play and at the end of the day when possible to level loose material and preserve a consistent top layer. Light, even watering before play on dry days helps the granules bind for a predictable bounce and reduces dust; avoid puddling by aiming for dampening rather than saturation. Sweep lines gently with a line brush so markings remain visible without displacing the surface, and schedule weekly rolling with the correct roller to compact the court and prevent deep footprints—adjust frequency to your court’s play volume.

Seasonal maintenance keeps Har-Tru performing through fall and spring. In spring, reapply top material where the layer is thin, re-level low spots and roll to restore firmness. In late fall, finalize grading and secure perimeter systems to keep runoff from washing away surface material over winter. Check drainage now; poor runoff is the main cause of winter damage on low-lying Hamptons courts.

Players should adapt their gear and routines for clay. Use clay-specific shoes with flat, grippy soles to control slides and protect lines. Bring pressureless or clay-specific balls to practice for longer rallies; pressurized balls work fine for matches but wear faster on softer surfaces. Warm up longer and run multi-ball warm-ups to adjust to higher bounce and added spin. Practice controlled sliding with a lower center of gravity and front-foot-first entries, and emphasize quick recovery to avoid strains.

For winterizing, store rollers, brushes, nets and net posts indoors or under shelter, and oil moving parts before storage so equipment is ready in spring. Consider winter court covers or confirm drainage if heavy rain and snow are on the forecast. Off-season programming helps keep members engaged: coordinate with local indoor bubbles, book clinics that reinforce Har-Tru skills like topspin and point construction, or partner with nearby facilities for indoor court time.

When reopening in spring, inspect fencing and perimeter for damage, re-level and roll surfaces, repair bare spots, re-line as needed, and test net hardware. Play a few sets to fine-tune watering and rolling schedules so the courts are match-ready.

Har-Tru can be recycled: screened top material can be reused, which reduces costs for community courts. For small clubs, schedule volunteer care days to share upkeep, save expenses and pass along expertise.

Our two cents? Treat your Har-Tru like a living surface: a little routine care beats costly repairs. Set a simple weekly plan, lock down winter storage now, and you’ll get better play and fewer surprises when the season swings back into full gear.