15 minute read
Member News
Our Association was recently invited to attend the launch of Accredited Supplier Husqvarna’s new range of autonomous mowers, and what may represent the future of grounds maintenance. The concept of autonomous mowers is not new; Husqvarna produced the world’s first autonomous mower - a solar-powered device - back in 1995 and most of us will have seen autonomous mowers since, either in magazines or working in domestic gardens. Many manufacturers now sell autonomous mowers which follow a similar format; a rechargeable batterypowered unit featuring a rotary cutting deck and four wheels is powered by electric motors to cut grass at regular intervals with little user input or maintenance.
Whilst CEORA mowers look similar - albeit larger - to autonomous mowers already available from Husqvarna and other manufacturers, it is the technology inside that sets them apart and opens new opportunities for use by the commercial landscape industry. Autonomous mowers traditionally use a ‘boundary wire’ either pegged to the top or buried beneath turf, which is used by the mower to identify the edge of the mowing area and the location of obstacles. The maximum area managed by traditional systems is dependent on manufacturer and model, but is in the region of 5,000m2 . Rather than a boundary wire, CEORA uses EPOS (Exact Position Operating System) which allows the mower to rely on satellite technology alone to navigate a site. The system, which is controlled using a smart phone or computer operating system, allows obvious benefits such as 24-hour working and live updates, but also detailed placement of charging and maintenance areas, as well as the creation of different mowing regimes, cutting heights and working periods on the same site. CEORA models due for launch in 2022 can manage an area of up to 50,000m2 . The flexibility afforded by this new technology means Husqvarna can market CEORA as a mowing solution for sports pitches, schools, hotels and even municipal areas such as parks and cemeteries. Whilst the launch model uses a rotary cutting deck to finely cut the grass sward at a height of between 20 and 60mm, there are plans to offer alternative attachments. The system represents an exciting step forward for the industry, with the potential to solve issues ranging from employee shortages through to reduced reliance on fossil-fuel powered equipment. Husqvarna is due to tour the UK with CEORA in the next few months; visit husqvarna.com for further information.
ZERO EMISSIONS MOWING WITH CAMPEY™ TURF CARE SYSTEMS
Businesses and councils are doing their part to tackle the climate crisis in every way possible. By August 2019, more than half of the councils in the UK had committed to cutting carbon emissions, with many setting the date as 2030 to reduce all emissions to zero. That’s just nine years away.
Due to the very nature of what they do, it would be counterproductive for turf management tools to cause any kind of damage to the landscape or wider environment in which they are operating. Campey™ Turf Care Systems have developed the AllTrec Tool Carrier that provides zero emissions mowing. Not just on managed turf, but also on overgrown vegetation, to improve green spaces.
The machine is 100% electric, has zero emissions, minimal noise output and massively reduced vibration for operators.
Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility, the UK Government has set a target of zero carbon emissions by 2050 and tools like this show, with a bit of ingenuity, it can be done.
The machine was designed by Dutch manufacturer, WeedControl B.V. The cutting decks are available in 130cm or 180cm width of cut with the height of cut adjustable from 30-110mm. Electric motors power the three blade 130cm deck and four blade 180cm deck with an adjustable speed between 2000-3000rpm.
This shows it’s possible for commercial mowing to be carried out without any other impact. The battery lasts for six to eight hours when cutting with the four blade 180cm deck and between seven and nine hours using the three blade 130cm deck. On board charging takes between four to eight hours and all batteries come with a threeyear warranty.
Contractors, local authorities and landscapers are looking to the future, to how they can lower maintenance costs while becoming more ecofriendly. Hedge cutters, strimmers and mowers are all pieces of kit which have the potential to fulfil these aims. At the other end of the process, people who visit parklands and holiday parks appreciate the lack of noise these tools make. It’s far more pleasant to hear bird song than the on-off sound of the ground maintenance. See the range at
campeyturfcare.com
Green-tech highlight how the health of a tree is a reflection of the soil in which it grows
By Accredited Supplier Green-tech
Firstly, let us debunk a common myth that a tree’s profile above ground is reflected below ground. Most UK species are shallow rooting, with ninety per cent of root growth within the top 500mm of soil.
So, rather than forcing root growth downwards, we need to give the tree as much lateral growth room as possible. To support this, British Standards quote that topsoil should be no more than 300mm deep. Any deeper risks the soil becoming anaerobic and the organic matter within dying off, causing more harm than good. One British Standard soil, Green-tech’s Green-tree topsoil, is tested and approved to a depth of 400mm due to its open texture.
Calculating the ideal soil volume for any particular tree is not a precise science. One of the key roles of the soil is to hold on to and supply water and nutrients as and when the tree needs it. Many arboriculturists will adopt a weather-based methodology and base the tree pit size on the water requirement of a particular tree. This can be affected by a multitude of factors, such as, whether the tree is in the shade or full sunlight, or exposure to prevailing winds. As a general guide, we would recommend the following volume to anticipated canopy ratio, based on a 1m deep tree pit: 3m canopy – 5m3 (2.25 x 2.25m) 5m canopy – 12m3 (3.5 x 3.5m) 8m canopy – 30m3 (5.5 x 5.5m).
In a rural, soft landscaping environment, rooting space is not usually an issue. However, in an urban landscape care needs to be taken to create a controlled and consistent growing environment. Hence, we use tree pits, which when combined with good quality soil, give our urban trees the best chance of healthy establishment, growth and survival.
Starting at the base, immediately below the topsoil, and above the substratum (formation ground), sits the subsoil layer. Although most subsoils are used for raising levels, infill, and contouring, they can also build up the lower section of a tree pit, giving support to the topsoil and providing a stable anchoring point for tree anchoring systems.
Not always given much thought, subsoil still plays a vital role, having a big influence on water absorption, retention and drainage. Without it, every time it rains, the topsoil will become boggy and detrimental to healthy root growth. Naturally, subsoil mainly comprises sand/silt and clay and has very low levels of organic material, usually less than 1%.
Manufactured subsoil such as Greentree, consists of a blend of UK sand and quarried minerals, with a higher clay and silt content than the more friable topsoil. It is important to make sure that any batch of your subsoil is certified BS8601:2013. This is not so much to guarantee high quality but to ensure that there is nothing detrimental within the soil that could leach into the topsoil above.
Good topsoil is critical to the healthy growth and well-being of a tree, or anything else that happens to be grown in it for that matter. It is crucial that you select your soil from a well-established, trusted source, and that it is regularly tested to British Standard BS3882:2015 by a recognised industry laboratory.
So, when planning your next tree planting project, think about the quality of the soil that you are providing for the tree; a little extra at the front end will pay dividends for many years to come.
An ever-increasing population has resulted in urban sprawl taking over our green spaces. This spread shows no sign of slowing down and this can mean survival is a battle for both new and existing urban trees.
Lack of space for healthy root growth is undoubtedly the most limiting factor when it comes to a tree’s water and nutritional requirements. In the urban landscape this space can be compromised by buildings and hard structures above ground, as well as a plethora of service lines and pipes below.
Visit green-tech.co.uk for more information.
Bowles & Wyer show garden celebrating modern-day nursing introduces bio-based building materials to RHS Chelsea
Agarden, originally intended to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale in 2020, will be built by Accredited Contractor and award-winning landscape company Bowles & Wyer and unveiled at RHS Chelsea 2021 to celebrate the importance of nursing in the 21st century.
Sponsored by the Burdett Trust for Nursing and created by designer Robert Myers, The Florence Nightingale Garden – A Celebration of Modern Nursing will see Bowles & Wyer introduce innovative biobased building materials to create an imagined hospital garden, inspired by Florence Nightingale’s pioneering views on nursing, at a time when the global spotlight is centred on health and well-being.
The bio-based timber being used in the construction is a 21st century representation of key materials that Florence Nightingale advocated for hospital construction in her work promoting the benefits of hospital environment on patient recovery.
A 60ft timber pergola will stretch the length of the garden and enclose it on three sides to form the central feature of the courtyard garden. It will be built using cross-laminated timber (CLT) – an engineered wood that has become known as the ‘concrete of the future’ due to its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Working with CLT expert Jim Johnstone it is the first time that Bowles & Wyer has worked with the material and it will be the first time it has featured on this scale at RHS Chelsea.
The low-impact, non-toxic timber, made from honey-coloured Douglas Fir, was constructed in modular parts before being transported to the showground for assembly. Precambered rods and tubes will support the timber, reducing the need for steel to a bare minimum and allowing for easy relocation at the end of the show.
Dan Riddleston, Managing Director at Bowles & Wyer, said: “There is a lovely synergy between the modern materials and techniques we are using to build the garden and Florence Nightingale’s own advocacy of modern materials to ensure healthy environments in the hospitals she inspired.
We are constantly looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint, particularly at Chelsea where the gardens are often transitory, and the use of CLT means that the pergola can be constructed very quickly, will require minimal transport and will create very little waste. Added to that, the trees used in the production of CLT actually absorb carbon, thereby off-setting the carbon produced through its manufacture.”
Elsewhere in the garden, a reflecting pool will reference Florence Nightingale’s insights into drainage and cleanliness and plants will symbolise her own pressed flower collection as well as those with strong medicinal properties that were used in the 19th century. In addition, images of Florence Nightingale will appear in slightly opaque windows and echoes of her handwriting will seem to be inscribed onto the walls to embody her extensive writing in support of healthcare reform.
Surrounding the pergola, perimeter walls will reference the ‘pavilion’ hospital layouts advocated by Florence Nightingale and a striking installation at the front of the garden will also display the recently redesigned Nightingale Nurse badge.
Approximately 3,700 plants will be planted in the garden as part of a new Autumn planting palette. Visit bowleswyer.co.uk
VISTAFOLIA TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY IN SECTOR THROUGH UNIVERSITY OF SURREY KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIP
Evergreens National training programme in artificial grass installation sees its 150th accreditation
Globally renowned creator and Accredited Supplier of artificial green walls, Vistafolia, has launched a pioneering collaboration with the University of Surrey to create a new base polymer, the material that their artificial plants are made from, using renewable sources, while maintaining the established safety and design standards of its market-leading product.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will see Vistafolia’s own research and development team working with two KTP Associates, Dr Elham Ketabchi and Dr Filip Ambroz, who, with the support of Dr Sadhukhan, Dr Roth and Dr Mohagheghian from the University of Surrey will transfer and embed their existing knowledge in biomass processing and materials science respectively, to enable Vistafolia to become the first and only artificial plant manufacturer to move towards a bio-based polymer. British innovation is a core part of the company’s roots, and the KTP further cements their support of the sector.
The naturalistic green wall panels are currently produced to directly replicate the organic movement and texture of living walls, with each bespoke design being curated to fit the individual needs of the space and location, using a selection of shapes and hues to add colour and dimension. The new formulation will also replace the current fire-retardant additive with a more environmentally friendly version that will enhance the new product’s nontoxic and recyclable qualities, while also retaining a high standard of fire retardancy and UV stability.
Proposed sustainability properties of the new bio-polyethylene product include: • Saving 70 tonnes of petroleumbased plastic being used in production per year by Vistafolia with the new bio-polymer formulation. • Net carbon-neutrality when manufacturing Vistafolia’s products with the bio-polyethylene material. For more information visit
vistafolia.com
Launched in January 2020, Evergreens UK Group’s National Training Academy is seeing a resurgence in course bookings as the lockdown eases. Market growth and consumer interest for artificial grass and instant lawn perfection has been exponential over the past two years. Homeowners have found renewed passion for their own gardens and have chosen artificial turf as a picture-perfect evergreen allyear-round option to help them maximise their outdoor living experiences.
Whilst face-to-face training was halted over the lockdown, the Academy has now seen its’ 150th successful Artificial Grass Installer graduate. The Academy, located at the Group’s Head Office in Rutland, continues to receive exemplary feedback from those attaining their professional, nationally recognised certification.
Upon successful completion of the course, attendees are awarded a Lantra Certificate of Competence and a Skills Identity Card. They are also then entitled to apply for an Artificial Grass Installer Blue Skilled LISS/CSCS Card via the British Association of Landscape Industries as long as they satisfy their required criteria - a pre-requisite for the products’ installation on any commercial site.
The next available training dates for those looking to master the trade of artificial grass installation is 29-30 September 2021 with more dates in October to follow.
To secure your place on the full training course delivered by Evergreen’s expert team of instructors, contact Temi Kucuk on 01572 766912 or temi@ evergreensuk.com. Further information can be found at evergreensukgroup.com/lantra-award
Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, London
UltraScape providing high quality paving stones for over 20 years
High quality paving installation is a big investment. Stone manufacturers only want to work with proven materials to ensure excellent results are achieved every time.
UltraScape has been providing the industry with high quality standard assured paving installation materials for more than 20 years. Their specialists have built longstanding relationships with architects, specifiers and contractors. They have adapted to the changing needs of the industry to provide proven and trusted paving installation materials and based on their knowledge and experience can offer the following advice.
Critical to the success of your paving is building the right foundations in the first place. Permeable bedding mortar is formulated to drain away any water migrating into the pavement via cracks or damaged areas. Permeable bedding reduces water related pavement failures as rainwater will drain away rather than sit on top of the stone, this in turn means correctly laid paving will not suffer any water staining.
UltraScape eco-bed contains 20 per cent recycled material, reducing the consumption of virgin aggregates. It’s proven to provide the performance expected from a BS 7533 bedding mortar and is ideal if due a BREEAM assessment or if wanting to achieve an ‘excellent’ CEEQUAL award.
Priming is a part of paving installation which is often overlooked. Neglecting to include a primer can have disastrous consequences for your project and as a result, the reputation of your business. Find a primer which is proven to increase adhesion and prevent failure. It needs to be suitable for use with all paving types such as stone or porcelain for the long-term enjoyment of your paving. The right primer prolongs the life of your project.
As discussed, selecting the correct bedding mortar and primer to install your chosen paving is paramount for success, but the finishing is also crucial. When making such an integral design decision, it is vital you don’t compromise on the aesthetics with poor jointing.
Flowable grouts and brush in sand will make light work of any installation, it means the hardest decision you will have to make, is choosing the right colour! UltraScape flowpoint, once grouted can be walked over in just one hour, minimising disruption and allowing you to move on to another part of the project quickly.
The next generation in decorative, brush-in jointing solutions eliminates the need for hand pointing. UltraScapes premjoint means it can be used in all weathers, is frost resistant and once applied can be walked over in just 24-48 hours.
Finally always make sure you use a paving material supplier who uses quality materials and has undergone rigorous independent testing by an UKAS accredited laboratory. This assesses their performance capabilities to ensure you receive the best product possible in real time situations.
Find out more at
instarmac.co.uk/ultrascape
VISIT GREENBLUE.COM
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