Groundskeeping Journal - Issue 12 2022

VO L . 1 2 | J U LY 2 0 2 2

STAR EV

JOHN DEERE

JACKSON’S FENCING

Tottenham trusts STAR EV with player welfare

Presenting world-class football pitches at St George’s Park

Effective security solutions for the UK’s golf clubs

DEMAND QUALITY, WHY COMPROMISE?

“We have had ISEKI machinery for the last 8 years at Haileybury School and currently run three TG tractors within our fleet of machinery. The tractors are predominately used for vertidraining, mowing, seeding and scarifying with its high lift capacity of 1,600kg and low ground pressure. The SXG mower is used for cutting some of the pitches and lawned areas but also collecting up all the scarifying and fallen leaves as the collection system is so good. I would recommend ISEKI to any of my colleagues and friends within the industry. ” Andy Richards, Grounds Manager, Haileybury School Contact your local dealer to book a demo on your site today! www.iseki.co.uk

CONTENTS

In this issue Welcome to Groundskeeping Journal, the UK’s latest bi-monthly publication providing latest product innovations, industry news and opinions from key professionals within the industry.

With focuses on Aeration, Irrigation & Drainage; Greenskeeping; Latest News; Machinery; Pitch & Line Marking; Specialist Mowers; Sports Ground Equipment; Sports Pitches; Top Dressing; Sprayers & Spraying and Turf Management.

16 Reesink Hydro-Scapes Water solutions for all locations

40

26

JACOBSEN St. George’s Golf & Country Club Accomplish Championship Standards with Jacobsen

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

FIVE YEAR WAIT COMES TO AN END AS INFINICUT® AND ULTRAGROOMER™ COMBO LANDS AT DURHAM CRICKET 3

Fixed Fountains.

For when aesthetics are everything.

Provides tranquillity and beauty for your lakes and ponds. Made from corrosion-resistant and durable marine-grade stainless steel, the stand chamber fits flush with the surface to create that picture perfect landscape. And with a power control centre cable with quick disconnect, installation and maintenance is easy, too.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Effective water solutions for all landscapes Irrigation . Pumps . Water Aeration . Lightning Detection and More

Reesink UK LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Images shown for illustration only.

Works with Fountain Glo™ lights

CONTACT US

Contact Us Enhancing Quality Sports Services ello and welcome to Groundskeeping Journal.

Our publication has been created to showcase the very latest industry news and product information from the Groundskeeping sector.

H

In each edition we carry in depth articles from some of the industry leaders, the articles cover many aspects of Groundskeeping with some offering tips and advice on Sports Pitches, Turf Management, Greens Keeping and much, much more. Whether you are looking for tips and advice on creating the perfect green or looking to source

the right product for your synthetic surface GKJ has it all.

Our vision is to connect our readers with professionals and suppliers working within their sector and we hope that we have created a platform that will become a must have tool for anyone working within the industry.

Many thanks for taking the time to read our publication, we hope you enjoy the read and if you would like to keep up to date with all things GKJ then make sure you check out our subscribe page.

Follow us on our Social Media

@gkj_mag

Contact the Groundskeeping Journal team below: Editor-In-Chief

Business Manager

Antony Holter editor@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Josh Holmes josh@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Editor

Studio Designer

Emma Page emma@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01304 806039

Publishing Director Martin Holmes martin@mhmagazine.co.uk 01304 806039

Sales Director Lee Martin lee@groundskeepingjournal.co.uk 01227 936974

Richard Bland richard@mhmagazine.co.uk

Digital Manager Jamie Bullock jamie@mhmagazine.co.uk 01227 936971

Accounts Department Alison Holmes accounts@mhmediaglobal.com 01227 936971

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in Groundskeeping Journal however, the publishers accept no responsibility for the claims or opinions made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or stored in any information retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

5

EXHIBITION

SAGE 2022 Have you Registered Yet? Free Entry for The UK’s Largest Outdoor Tradeshow for Sports and Grounds Maintenance Industry AGE 2022 takes place on 6-7 July at The Three Counties Showground in Malvern, and it is going to be a very valuable event for professionals in the sports, grounds and landscape industry this summer. The event is completely free to attend and there is a great deal on the

S

6

agenda this year.

The stunning location has been selected specifically so that there is plenty of room for live demos from all types of businesses from across the industry.

Visitors also have the opportunity to register for free training courses delivered by Sampson Training and hear

from the leading experts as they discuss hot topics for the season and the future.

Sustainability will be a key theme at the event, with the first ever Sustainability Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit being hosted at the event in partnership with Bio-Circle. SAGE has also been named the home event for

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

EXHIBITION

“ Sustainability will be a key theme at the event, with the first ever Sustainability Solutions for Grounds Specialists Summit being hosted at the event in partnership with Bio-Circle.

GRASS (Ground care Resources and Sustainability Solutions), which is a newly launched forum for ground care specialists who are passionate about driving a more sustainable future for the industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasingly important priority, attending SAGE 2022 will enable visitors to find out how to implement sustainable solutions into their business, and to help ensure they are able to meet future government targets.

Scheduled Demos: 13.00 – 14.15 TRIMAX, TH WHITE, REDEXIM, KERSTEN UK, TORO UK, CUB CADET & Many More 14.30 – 15.45: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GROUNDS SPECIALISTS SUMMIT in partnership with Bio-Circle. Join the experts as they discuss how to implement sustainability across the industry and wider sphere.

16.00 – 18.00: Networking event in partnership with Sponsors Fleet Line Markers, bar and live music

WHAT’S ON AT SAGE 2022?

Wednesday 6th July 9.30 – 10.00 Open Session with Sampson Training director Martin Sampson, Lantra trainer and assessor along with his colleague Geraint Jenkins, (Lantra trainer and assessor).

10.30 – 11.00: Appropriate Selection of Training Courses for your Team 11.15 – 11.45: Adam Sedgewick presents, “Gathering data, for better turfgrass decisions”.

12.00 – 12.45: Calibration of a Handheld Applicator (Knapsack) and Boom sprayer

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

Thursday 7th July Scheduled Demos: 9.30 – 11.00 TRIMAX, TH WHITE, REDEXIM, KERSTEN UK, TORO UK & CUB CADET Many More 11.15 – 11.40 Maintaining your marking equipment: Led by sponsors Fleet Line Markers Ltd 12.00 – 13.00 Sustainability Summit Open Workshop in partnership with Bio-Circle, come and meet the experts and discuss how to better your practices.

TRIMAX, TH WHITE, REDEXIM, KERSTEN UK, TORO UK & Many More With several more speaking slots to confirm, there is an action-packed schedule over the two days, with lots of exciting opportunities and experiences on offer. The networking event is a unique chance to meet industry professionals and ask the experts any questions you have, while enjoying a more informal setting.

Fleet Line Markers are sponsoring the networking event, which will have an open bar and live music, so that’s one more reason to make sure you do not miss this event. Fleet are also offering a 10% discount on their products to all visitors, so you can also save money on any line marking equipment you require.

Registering today will also enter you into our prize draw for your chance to win the Sustainability Starter Kit, put together by our exhibitors from GRASS. Register for the event today to book your place, www.sportsandgrounds.events, if you wish to exhibit this year there is still time for a last minute stand, limited space remaining, discounts available.

Scheduled Demos: 14.00 – 16.00

7

LATEST NEWS

Bourne to ride Iseki world record attempt orking on ride-on mowers is part of the job for Colin North, owner of Bourne to Garden, a grounds maintenance business based in Kent, UK. However, it wasn’t until a friend mentioned the current world record attempt for the fastest journey from Lands End to John O’Groats on a ride-on mower that he suddenly thought what a great challenge it would be to try and beat this whilst raising money for charity, after all he has plenty of experience driving them all day!

W

Colin explains further; “We are aiming to beat the current world record of 5 days, 8 hours and 36 minutes, completed by Andy Maxfield on the 30 July 2017. We will be driving an ISEKI SF5 ride-on mower that has been kindly donated and supported by ISEKI UK, aiming for up to 20 hours driving each day. All this, whilst most importantly for us, raising money for three charities that are close to our heart’s; Motor Neurone Disease Association, Kenward Trust who help those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction and The Masonic Charitable Foundation, with the target to raise

£30,000 to be split equally between each of the charities.”

Starting off at Lands End on Monday 27th June they will be avoiding the motorways and traveling through the counties listed below in order to reach their final destination of John O’Groats, whilst hopefully beating the current World Record: World Record attempt route: - Cornwall - Devon - Somerset

“ “We are aiming to beat the current world record of 5 days, 8 hours and 36 minutes, completed by Andy Maxfield on the 30 July 2017.”

8

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

LATEST NEWS

- Gloucestershire - Worcestershire - Shropshire - Cheshire - Merseyside - Lancashire - Cumbria - Dumfriesshire - Lanarkshire - West Lothian - Stirlingshire - Perthshire - Inverness-shire - Ross & Cromarty - Sutherland - Caithness “We can’t wait to get started, there is a lot of preparation involved and we could

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

not have done this without the support of ISEKI UK who will be travelling with us all the way too. We look forward to seeing people out on route, don’t forget to give us a beep and a wave!

Between ourselves and ISEKI UK we will be doing regular updates on social media, interviews on TV and local radio coverage throughout the journey so please keep a listen out for us.”

David Withers from ISEKI UK adds; “It is great that a customer of ours has chosen one of our mowers to attempt this world record! We are so excited to support them on this challenge and look forward to supporting them throughout the journey then being with them at John O’Groats at the end of the race to

celebrate their achievement!”

As part of the world record attempt stipulations, independent witness signatures and photos are required along the way, so keep a look out on ISEKI’s social media for details of where they will be on route and follow the tracker. Encouragement along the journey and coming out to wave them past will no doubt be appreciated to help keep the morale high on what will be an extremely long, testing and tiring journey.

Details of how to donate can be found at www.bournetogarden.com.

www.iseki.co.uk

9

LATEST NEWS

Turfgrass Growers Association Demonstration Day 2022 Thursday 28th July 2022

T

he Turfgrass Growers Association are pleased to announce that the Turfgrass Summer Show is returning for

2022.

Following on from the success of the 2020 event, we are pleased to now announce the date for this year’s event Thursday 28th July. Turffit have very kindly offered to host the 2022 event.

We are looking forward to welcoming all the members and the turfgrass industry to Kinross, Scotland.

This event attracts all those involved in turfgrass production, from growers to the ancillary industry and will host an excellent exhibition and demonstration to provide a great interactive opportunity for those who attend. The last TGA summer show was held in 2018 and after 4 years we are really pleased to bring the event back. This year’s event will showcase our hosts fine turfgrass where machinery, seed and crop protection companies can find a platform upon which to showcase and promote their latest technologies.

To compliment this year’s event, there is also a multitude of activities including some Scottish Highland games favourites. Test your strength

by Tossing the Caber and Throwing the Hammer. Test your accuracy with the unique Glengoyne Malt Challenge (Haggis throwing!) or try your hand at Scottish Piping, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy! In addition to these Traditional Scottish activities, you can also take aim with Environmentally friendly Clay Shooting, Football Darts or try Archery with guidance from an

10

“ This event attracts all those involved in turfgrass production, from growers to the ancillary industry and will host an excellent exhibition and demonstration to provide a great interactive opportunity for those who attend.

experience instructor. There will also be a fantastic Falconry experience to enjoy!

We are also pleased to announce that in partnership with Trimax we will be hosting a celebratory meal to close the 2022 show at the prestigious Cannonball Restaurant, Edinburgh.

The historic setting in the heart of the Old Town, and with fabulous views of Edinburgh Castle, will be an ideal place to celebrate our Turfgrass event with the growers and affiliated industries from across the UK and the wider world.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW The event will also be registered for both BASIS and NRoSO points which will be available on the day. It’s an event not to be missed!

If you are interested in exhibiting, please contact admin@britishgrowers. org or visit TGA Summer Show 2022 – The Turfgrass Growers Association website.

On behalf of the organising committee, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2022 Turfgrass Growers Summer Show on Thursday 28th July 2022.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

For essential Irrigation you can rely on Hi-Dro Boost range.

Extensive range for small volume applications up to the largest irrigation schemes.

TALK TO OUR EXPERTS

response@ttpumps.com ttpumps.com 01630 647200

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Walking on air in Greenwich Park

T

he oldest enclosed Royal Park, Greenwich covers 74 hectares on top of a hill where visitors enjoy sweeping views across the River Thames to St Paul’s Catherdral and beyond. There has been a settlement on the site since Roman times, and Greenwich has always had a strong association with royalty.

12

Historic tree areas date from 1660 when Charles II was king and eleven original trees from the period can be found in the park. In 2019, the park had over five million visitors and with its view and attractions – there’s even a Saxon burial mound – it is no wonder when the pandemic struck there was a massive increase in visitors in the first year of lockdown.

“It was like bank holiday every day,” says Adam Stoter, Greenwich Park’s Technical Officer. “Greenwich Park offered an open-air space when there were few places people could go. The trouble was, the added footfall compounded the growing problem of compaction in and around the tree areas.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

The Royal Parks’ flagship project ‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ had already begun to restore the 590-year-old park to protect and share its heritage. They aim to go above and beyond in tree care and management and it was a natural progression to bring in the specialist services of Terrain Aeration’s Tree Division. The company has been treating tree areas in Royal Parks for many years

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

and, in the case of Greenwich this year, applied their technology across 15,000 square metres. Where there is heavy compaction it is essential to break up the soil at a depth greater than the tree roots, other than the main tap roots which go straight down, to allow excess water to drain away and help stop anaerobic conditions and rotting of the root system.

“In 2019, the park had over five million visitors and with its view and attractions – there’s even a Saxon burial mound – it is no wonder when the pandemic struck there was a massive increase in visitors in the first year of lockdown.”

13

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

The Terrain Aeration Terralift machine sends a probe to a depth of one metre where compressed air is released to a maximum of 20Bar (280psi). This blast of air fractures the soil and creates fissures which interlink as the Terralift repeats the process on a grid system of two-metre spacings. As the probe withdraws at the end of the air blast,

14

dried seaweed is injected which sticks to the fissure walls, expanding and contracting with moisture content in the soil to keep the area ’breathing’.

In most cases, the area treated will be one-metre inside and one-metre outside the canopy drip line to reach beyond the growing roots, increasing the percentage of oxygen intake and

allow maximum drainage. In all, Terrain Aeration treated around 15,000 square metres to help ensure the future of the historic tree areas where visitors will literally walk on air.

Terrain Aeration 01449 673783 www.terrainaeration.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

THE BEFORE AND AFTER OF ONE METRE DEEP AERATION COMPACTION AND WATERLOGGING STOP PLAY. DOWNTIME COSTS MONEY.

Terrain Aeration’s long-term treatment reaches one metre deep where compressed air blasts the compaction.

The soil is opened up for good drainage and a healthy sward with minimum disruption.

We have been successfully aerating sports turf, bowling greens, golf courses, parks, trees and gardens for over twenty-five years.

See us at work: www.terrainaeration.co.uk Call us for a quotation 01449 673 783

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

15

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Reesink Hydro-Scapes Water solutions for all locations ward-winning distributor Reesink UK has rebranded its established Irrigation division to reflect increasing market diversity and provide water solutions for all locations.

A

water solutions we offer our customers has expanded exponentially and there’s a focus to grow that even further.

Reesink Hydro-Scapes encapsulates the long established and industry-leading Toro irrigation systems, controllers, sprinklers and soil sensors. But better represents the growing Otterbine pond and lake aerator business; SRC wallmounted controllers; Biral lightning detectors and quick-replace Franklin pump systems too.

“Our customers encompass golf courses to insect farms, football stadiums to living walls and urban landscapes to fishing lakes and fruit growers – any venue which would benefit from water control, delivery, management and expertise. We’ve built our team to six to encompass sales and marketing, support and backup, technical training and customer relations – all with a specialism in supplying and installing effective and efficient water-based solutions.”

The move represents the company’s support to its existing brands and growth strategy for the future says Robert Jackson who heads up the division: “In recent years the range and breadth of

Reesink Hydro-Scapes joins the Reesink UK portfolio which includes Reesink Turfcare, Reesink Agriculture and Reesink e-Vehicles. Diversification into new markets with new divisions is a

16

strategy that allows Reesink to positively respond to market developments. As in the case of electric power, sustainable water solutions are a hot topic, very much evident in Reesink’s 100 percent increase in Otterbine sales in 2021, witnessing far greater demand than had been expected, for example.

Robert continues: “Water is a fundamental part of the matrix in the business we’re all in – caring for the landscape – and as a commodity, its value and importance cannot be overlooked. We’re well aware of the future challenges in managing this precious resource in a sustainable way and providing options for our customers.

That has been as much of a driver in launching this new division as anything else.”

For further information, visit reesinkuk.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

passion for the profession Using our knowledge of contracting to supply professionals with the ultimate turf maintenance solutions.

for Natural, synthetic or hybrid pitches - we have a machine to suit your needs www.gkbmachines.com

l

tom@gkbmachines.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

l

07495 883617

17

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

The Benefits of Diffused Aeration Systems iffused aeration systems are a great way to keep your pond, lake, fishery or reservoir in the best condition. So, what exactly causes low dissolved oxygen levels?

D

Large amounts of algae and aquatic plants are the main culprits, as they absorb a great deal of oxygen after nightfall. High silt levels will also decrease dissolved oxygen levels in a lake or pond, releasing harmful gasses into the water. Finally having too many fish / wildfowl in your pond or lake can reduce your oxygen levels due to not only the oxygen consumption but also the increase in waste materials produced.

In a natural, ecologically balanced lake there would be little requirement for aeration. The added pressures exerted upon many lakes and reservoirs, during spring and summer especially, means added aeration is an essential management tool for most reservoirs, lakes, and ponds.

A water body with a healthy ecological balance is heavily dependent on oxygen. This includes fish stocks, microscopic bacteria essential for the processing of organic waste, the oxidisation of silt, the processing of harmful gasses or nutrients and several other processes.

layers are separated by a layer known as a thermocline. The reason the top and bottom layers do not mix is because of the differences in density within the thermocline.

PREVENTING THERMAL STRATIFICATION

Diffused aeration systems work by pumping air through the membranes in the form of millions of tiny bubbles.

As these bubbles travel to the water surface through the layers of thermal stratification they carry (entrain) cooler, oxygen-deficient water from the bottom layer up to the surface.

The water then becomes naturally oxygenated as it reaches the surface.

Diffused air aeration systems are installed to prevent thermal stratification. During warmer periods water bodies will tend to suffer from thermal stratification, which occurs when the water in your pond, lake or reservoir becomes separated into layers. The top layer will contain oxygen-rich, warmer water whilst the bottom layer is comprised of cooler, oxygen-deficient water. These two

With technology constantly evolving the solar powered aeration systems available on today’s market are now more effective than ever.

HOW DO DIFFUSED AERATION SYSTEMS WORK IN A POND OR LAKE?

From the circulation and aerating of the lower levels, toxic gases that would normally be trapped in the lower layer can be released. A balanced habitat for aquatic life is then maintained. This process creates healthy aerobic conditions at the lower levels of the pond or lake. This is where microbial processes can naturally break down nutrients that

Diagram showing thermal stratification 18

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Diffused aeration system at a private residence in Yeovil would otherwise produce noxious aquatic weed and algae. The noxious aquatic weed and algae clogs up your lake or reservoir and reduces water quality substantially.

A DIFFUSED AIR AERATION system maintains ecological balance

within your pond or lake, the use of a diffused aeration systems throughout the winter will keep waterbodies open during the freezing months for birds and other wildlife.

When designing a system, a wide variety of parameters are taken into account including:

and helps wildlife in winter. As well as creating an ecological balance

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

• Presence of a power supply

• Length of waterbody • Width of waterbody • Depth of waterbody • any obstructions such as islands • bank side air obstructions such as trees • fish density • shape of the water body • access 19

AERATION, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE

Solar powered aeration system installed at a holiday park in Preston With technology constantly evolving the solar powered aeration systems available on today’s market are now more effective than ever. Solarpowered aeration systems have a wide range of benefits. If you own a lake, pond or reservoir you probably would have come up against the need for an aeration system in order to keep your waterbody healthy. Sometimes the lack of power available means a specialist aeration system is required and with the rising energy costs, there is no better option than a solar-powered subsurface aeration system to help keep monthly energy costs down.

Features and benefits of using a solar aerator • Environmentally friendly, selfcontained power source 20

• Entire water column circulation • Stabilisation of thermal stratification • Increased dissolved oxygen levels • Eliminates oxygen-related fish kills • Reduces mosquito and midge infestations in your lake • Reduces risks of the likelihood of algae bloom in your lake • Diminishes foul odours from gases • Reduces build-up of organic sediment in lakes • Improves and preserves a healthy aquatic ecosystem in your lake Our team at Heathland Group Limited are happy to talk through any requirements for upcoming projects and suggest the best system for any application.

If you own a lake, pond or reservoir you probably would have come up against the need for an aeration system in order to keep your waterbody healthy.

Sometimes the lack of power available means a specialist aeration system is required and with the rising energy costs, there is no better option than a solar-powered subsurface aeration system to help keep monthly energy costs down.

For more information, please visit www.heathlandgroup.co.uk.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

UK and Europe’s largest range of Aeration Solutions tailored to your needs.

Heathland Group’s Cost Effective Aeration Systems!

CUSTOM SYSTEM DESIGN

DOMESTIC SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION

HEATHLAND EXCLUSIVE DIFFUSED AERATORS

COMMERCIAL SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

HEATHLAND EXCLUSIVE SOLAR POWERED AERATORS

Certificate No. 377082021

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

21

0800 389 1990 • info@heathlandgroup.co.uk • www.heathlandgroup.co.uk

PITCH MANAGEMENT

The Vital Role of Sports Pitch Management Platforms in the Future of Turf Data has always been a part of professional sports turf. For decades grounds people have made notes on paper about their maintenance. As time passed, the paper turned into spreadsheets and has evolved into online pitch management platforms such as GrasPro. This shift has been down to advancements in pitch technology and the expectations that come with it. Simply put, to get the best out of their investment, pitch managers need to know precisely what is going on with their pitches.

Using a data management system to do this helps collect and track that data and allows for enhanced decision-making and early detection of issues using historical data. As an industry, we are still in the relatively early stages of data platforms, but they have already made an impact; below, we look at the six vital roles of pitch management systems in the future of turf.

The Advantages of Moving Data Online The main advantage of moving data online is accessibility. It’s there whenever you need it, wherever you are. With a system like GrasPro, all of your information is in categories, so it’s quick to find exactly what

you need. No more rummaging around notebooks or figuring out what’s the right spreadsheet Once you’re set up, you really see the benefit of quickly accessing your categorised data, setting and measuring KPIs, and being able to share information with your grounds team, coaches and facility managers instantly. This benefits everything from sharing notes related to upcoming fixtures and quickly comparing and analysing using graphically presented graphs, charts and tables.

Being the Change Through Data

Informing decisions is also applicable to consultants who use testing kits and GrasPro to provide informed improvement plans, support grounds team and benchmark pitch progress.

Data is a Team Effort This one is less about the vital role of data and more about the team using it. Gathering data regularly is crucial for analysis, and it is a team effort. With everyone involved – whether at the same facility or venues across the globe – having a group of people adding to a system provides more comprehensive data.

The second vital role of pitch data is decision making and change. Having comprehensive pitch usage and quality data goes a long way to informing the future of your pitches. How many games can they take in one week? When do they need to be aerated? How much water do they need?

Etc.

It also has the added benefit of engaging those collecting. It helps them understand a bit more about how what they are doing is making a difference, and this can be especially helpful in educating new staff.

Having this information helps with day to day maintenance, planning and scheduling, but it can also inform major infrastructure decisions when building new facilities, deciding on a new pitch construction or planning a tournament.

It’s already proven that collecting data is vital for sustainable turf maintenance, and the importance will only grow in significance.

Making Pitch Maintenance a Green Machine

PITCH MANAGEMENT

In 2020 The Sustainability Report published

by Touchline stated 83% of football fans care if their clubs impact the environment.

The report also found that sustainable stadiums cost 31% less to operate.

When it comes to pitch maintenance, working sustainably can be done simply by only using exactly the amount of water and fertiliser you need, not spraying on windy days or by finding the optimum amount of time to use grow lights etc.

The savings this can make whilst helping the environment are considerable and,

in some cases, can even lead to finances being available to purchase battery powered mowers.

The Ability to Bring all of your Data Under One Platform The popularity of data collection can be seen in its availability. If you buy a weather station or grow lights, they will typically come with data collection software.

Whilst this is helpful for that particular tool, you can lose the benefit of having all of your data in one place.

A solution for this is using an independent platform like GrasPro, which has the largest range of data categories available. Having all of your info in one place means you can analyse and report on it in conjunction with

other data to deliver the big picture you need.

What’s the Future of Pitch Management Systems?

A significant role in the future of pitch management platforms is development.

Automating the data collection is the next logical step in making it a more efficient process.

This can include everything from automatic water readings to machinery sensors that track machines’ usage. Eventually, this can lead to automatically generated daily, weekly and monthly reports for a truly streamlined process that delivers everything you need to know.

“ When it comes to pitch maintenance, working sustainably can be done simply by only using exactly the amount of water and fertiliser you need.

PITCH MANAGEMENT

The John Deere, Farol and St George’s Park team that agreed the new fleet deal are (left to right) Nikki McKenzie, Tom Spencer, Matt Arnold, James Moore, Jacob Shellis, Dan Oliver and Andy Gray.

Great expectations: presenting world-class football pitches at St George’s Park

A

new John Deere fleet will help meet the demands of maintaining surfaces used by some of the best players on the planet.

For the grounds team at St George’s Park, the home of England football, maintaining a world-class venue is a 365-days-a-year, 24-hours-a-day passion.

Located six miles from Burton in Staffordshire, the park is home to 14 pitches and sprawls across 330 acres with 150 acres actively maintained by a 15-strong team.

Andy Gray, Head of Grounds and Estates, is in charge while 10 take care of the pitches and four work on the wider estate.

24

“The sheer size of the estate is the biggest challenge,” says Andy, who joined The FA from Southampton FC. A key part of his job is to foresee issues that will crop up in the future and putting a strategic plan in place to meet these potential challenges.

“I’m also responsible for making sure my team has all the tools they require to do their job effectively,” he adds.

To help them in their quest to continue delivering world-class excellence, the centre has invested in a brand new fleet of John Deere mowers, gators and tractors to maintain the England teams’ pitches and the wider estate.

THE PITCHES “It’s a high-pressure environment because you’re constantly trying to meet everyone’s expectations and when you have a small team on both sides it is hard,” says Dan Oliver, Assistant Head of Grounds.

Adaptability and responding to the UK’s unpredictable weather patterns is key.

“The weather is the biggest thing,” adds Dan. “There are peaks and troughs, depending on how wet or warm it has been.”

With major Premier League and European teams plus sides from further afield making the journey to train at St George’s, Dan and the team feel the pressure to deliver a world-class experience.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

PITCH MANAGEMENT

“We constantly compare ourselves to other venues. A lot of the players will be coming from excellent facilities, so we do our best to mirror what they’re used to, and hopefully deliver more. This should be a step up.”

THE ESTATE Management of the wider estate covers a range of tasks from woodland management to protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

Matt’s estates team is made up of him and three other people. This equates to an approximate ratio of one person per 25 acres to actively maintain daily.

The team’s existing equipment lease deal expired in January 2020, leading to a reevaluation of what was required.

“That fleet was the same one that was set up in 2011,” Matt says.

“The ride-on mowing equipment we had didn’t suit our estate’s undulating terrain.

The nature of the site means that you’re never sure what you’re going to come across and because of the soil makeup the ground is often wet.”

After an extensive demonstration process of the machines available to them, the team decided to go with John Deere because of the extra support the brand can provide.

“One thing that really impressed me from the start was the support John Deere gave us during the transition when the old fleet was going out and the new kit was still being built,” Matt says. “As it was transferred in we still had access to whatever equipment we needed.

“For us, one of the most important things was what would happen if something broke down. Our arrangement with John Deere means we can get answers quickly and get equipment back up and running.”

The team’s new John Deere fleet comprises three compact tractors in the form of a 2036R and two 4066R models, two TE and three HPX Gators, three 2750 E-Cut triplex mowers, two X950R riding mowers, one 7400A TerrainCut and a 8000A mower, one Progator and a HD200 sprayer.

Spencer. With their support, full training was given to the workforce on how to set up the machines to operate with maximum accuracy and performance.

The fleet is fully connected and all machines are remotely monitored

by Farol under Deere’s PowerGard protection plan. A maintenance agreement means work is carried out at scheduled times according to the service manual. This ensures performance is maximised and reduces the risk of breakdowns. The deal is in place for five years.

Nathan Page, one of the operators at St George’s, said: “A big difference is the 2036R and 4066R tractors. They are all-weather, comfortable and capable of pulling everything we need them to.”

His colleague Michael Bristow added: “The main thing for me was the training when the new kit arrived. We have been shown the right way to operate it all. The ride quality is also really good, which is important when you’re working on these machines all day.”

All the equipment was supplied by John Deere dealer Farol through Area Sales Managers Jacob Shellis and Tom

www.deere.co.uk

“ It’s a high-pressure environment because you’re constantly trying to meet everyone’s expectations and when you have a small team on both sides it is hard.

JD St George’s 4: Ripping and relaying a pitch at St George’s Park using a John Deere 5100M and 4066R.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

25

SPECIALIST MOWERS

Five year wait comes to an end as Infinicut® and UltraGroomer™ combo lands at Durham Cricket hey say ‘all good things come to those who wait’, and for the team at Durham County Cricket Club, they’ve waited almost five years for their very own INFINICUT® and UltraGroomer™ setup! The combination has been on the mind of Head Groundsman Vic Demain since 2017, so when funding became available, the INFINICUT® was top of the shopping list. Following delivery in March, the INFINICUT® has been living up to expectations – swiftly tackling the invasion of annual meadow grass on the club’s practice facilities.

T

In charge of preparing surfaces for T20, County and International Cricket, Vic keeps his eyes and ears close to the ground when it comes to new solutions to the key maintenance tasks. “We had the opportunity to use the INFINICUT® complete with UltraGroomer™ for a couple of weeks back in 2017 and were

26

hugely impressed by it, but unfortunately until this year the funding hasn’t been available” Vic explains. Over the COVID period, four units were hired by the ECB to help with preparations for those fixtures taking place behind closed doors, with one of these now finding a new home with Vic and his team of five.

“Having been sold on the UltraGroomer™ from all those years ago, we jumped at the chance to purchase one, together with a 22” INFINICUT® FL. It was delivered just as we began to see the grass thicken up and the annual meadow grass coming through which is where this machine comes into its own.” Featuring over 80 tungsten carbide tipped blades, the UltraGroomer™ from the TMSystem™ range improves the plants immediate environment by removing Poa ingress, lateral growth and organic matter to enhance the movement of oxygen, moisture and nutrients.

“While the Poa keeps growing and seed heads are showing we’ve been conducting fortnightly runs with the UltraGroomer™ and it’s done a fantastic job. We will also be looking to use it for thinning out the sward as part of our main pitch preparations.”

The INFINICUT® also becomes Vic’s first battery powered machine, something that will be in use even more frequently when he receives his new SMARTCut™ cutting reel. “We’re excited for the INFINICUT® to become a dual-purpose machine, with it lining up to be used to cut the main square and practice areas.”

Vic adds, “Through the summer we are often hosting meetings and weddings and the last thing they want in the background is noisy mowers! Where we would previously be told to turn them off, with the INFINICUT® we’ll be able to cut the grass without disturbing the guests.” www.infinicut.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SPECIALIST MOWERS

Delivering the perfect cut Available at Ben Burgess the award winning Husqvarna Automower® delivers the perfect cut even in the most complex of gardens. This battery powered robotic lawn mower operates 24hours a day with it’s vital parts safely protected from rain, dust and grass clippings. Tackling slopes and boundaries with ease with the use of GPS navigation built in to it’s Swedish design.

can track your mower’s position from anywhere in the world.

Every Automower® offers a high level of safety and are tested extensively to comply with customer requirements to ensure the safety of the mower, the user and furry members of the family.

It all starts with the durable design; its rubber bumper, reliable ball bearings and brushless motor are all essential components to protect the mower.

This protection extends to a range of security features which includes an anti-theft alarm that goes off when the mower is picked up. GPS tracking is also available on selected models – so you

Automower® will make good friends with your garden as well as your neighbours. It keeps your lawn in shape using a minimal amount of energy, it requires no petrol or oil, and there are no emissions or fumes. Automower® also has the lowest perceived noise levels on the market.

Once you have selected your machine, our skilled Ben Burgess Groundscare team provide an expert installation of your machine, ensuring that it is up and running in no time. From setting up the docking station to programming your Automower® our team will guide you through the mechanics and operations to help you care for your machine.

With a wide variety of machines available, from the smallest Automower® 105 to 435X AWD our friendly team of Automower® specialists will assist in ensuring you have the perfect machine for your lawn.

To find out more about the wide range of Automower® machines available at Ben Burgess, contact your local GroundsCare area sales manager or visit: www.husqvarna.com/uk/ robotic-lawn-mowers

BEN BURGESS NORWICH

MATINEAU LANE, NORWICH NR1 2EN

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

27

SPECIALIST MOWERS

Made for every slope….

Zero-Turns from Cub Cadet

ub Cadet, the proven innovator of zeroturn technology, has created the industry’s strongest line up of zero-turn riders – whether you are a landscape professional looking for a machine that can handle any terrain or

C

28

a small business owner looking for a machine for your customers large lawn maintenance.

You can book a demo of our machines by finding your nearest dealer at www. cubcadet.co.uk or contact Cub Cadet on 01869 363677.

“With extremely wide double wheels, the Z9 has been developed to effortlessly tackle even the steepest slopes up to 25° / 46%.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SPECIALIST MOWERS

Z9

With extremely wide double wheels, the Z9 has been developed to effortlessly tackle even the steepest slopes up to 25° / 46%.

The ability to control all four wheels with a steering wheel and steerable front wheels, an exclusive offering by Cub Cadet in the commercial sector, minimises the turf being churned up by the wheels. The patented SyncroSteer® technology means that even the less experienced operators can benefit from the ease of use and amazing manoeuvrability of this machine.

The Z9 reduces mowing time by up to 10% compared to lap bar mowers, provides greater hillside stability, enhanced traction on uneven terrain as well as mowing in straighter lines.

It powers through the thickest grass in one pass at maximum speeds of up to 12mph meaning you can do the job quicker. The high lift Marbain blades with a blade tip speed up to 18,500 fpm and the 3” total blade overlap will ensure that you always get a tight consistent cut. The frame and axle on the Z9 floats as the machine moves, allowing the multi-reinforced steel deck to follow the shape of the terrain and avoid scalping. The cutting deck can be adjusted at the touch of a button.

The Kawasaki EFI engine provides the consistent power you need to get the job done and maximise your work-day – reducing the downtime which could cost you both time and money. The petrol engine benefits from having reduced fuel usage, while the 2 x 34 litre tanks gives you ability to operate all day.

Comfort is at the forefront of the machine’s design. Your operators can experience a smooth ride all day long thanks to the exclusive air-ride seat and isolated dampening system on the Z9 – meaning they are working in vibration-controlled comfort, lessening downtime for your business. Angled back adjustments, padded armrest and lumbar support give added protection.

Ideal for commercial users, the Z9 has everything and more that you would expect from a quality professional machine - ultimate performance, comfort and durability that delivers a fast, premium cut time and time again. You’ll also benefit from a warranty of 3 year or up to 1000 hours (whichever comes first) for commercial and private use.

XZ7 – DESIGNED FOR EVERY CHALLENGE The Award-winning design of the XZ7 L152i from Cub Cadet redefines the zero-turn mowing experience - with enhanced strength, re-imagined comfort and a best-in-class cut.

Once tried. Never forgotten.

Z9 – TOP OF THE RANGE PROFESSIONAL ZERO-TURN The NEW top of the range Z9 183id zero-turn, proven by landscape professionals, will fulfil all your commercial requirements.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

XZ7

29

SPECIALIST MOWERS

The latest steering lever lap bar technology combined with the extremely robust construction of heavyduty components and high-performance engines makes the machine the ideal professional machines for large lawn maintenance.

The open continuous tubular lightweight steel frame is designed for strength and durability. The hinged/removable floor pan allows quick and easy access to the welded, all round reinforced AeroForce Max™ mowing deck and engine for ease of maintenance.

A powerful Kohler EFI V-Twin dual cylinder engine gives the machine the power to mow up to 15,000 m²h.

With a large cutting width of 60”/152cm, the machine puts owner/operator comfort at the forefront of its design with a premium high-back seat with armrests and adjustable suspension for fatigue-free working.

The XZ7 L152i is ideal for mowing rolling hills, with its outstanding stability on slopes, and around obstacles, with its effortless manoeuvrability. Even on the most difficult lawns the spring-mounted suspension on the front wheels ensure a

30 XZ6

smooth ride with less vibration.

At Cub Cadet we trust our new XZ7 L152i to perform with maximum durability and robustness and offer a warranty of 3 years or up to 500 working hours (whichever comes first) – for commercial or private use as well as offering a dealership service that delivers true advantages to you and your business.

The XZ7 L152i from Cub Cadet.

Professional grade power for your business and your lawns.

XZ6 – NEW STEERING WHEEL RANGE

and speed of 7 mph these machines will provide the ideal solution for your large mowing jobs. You’ll be able to mow in comfort for hours due to the high back premium seat and mow slopes up to 20° / 36%.

The award winning continuous lightweight tubular steel frame is designed for strength and durability.

A fabricated mowing deck ensures unsurpassed mowing performance.

Our unique zero-turn riders with a traditional steering wheel provide you with amazing manoeuvrability and full control of the front wheels.

The new models in the XZ6 range, due to launch in May 2022, will give you unmatched steering capabilities in challenging terrains. The industryleading SyncroSteer® technology for full control of the front wheels, combined with powerful Cub Cadet and Kawasaki engines makes the XZ6 series the ideal machines for large lawn maintenance if you prefer the ease of a steering wheel.

The new XZ6 range will be steering you forward during 2022.

With 3 cutting widths available from 107cm / 42” through to 127cm / 50” and a maximum mowing area of 11,500 m²h

For more information and to book a demo go to www.cubcadet.co.uk or contact Cub Cadet on 01869 363677.

Our large range means that both professionals and business owner alike can find their ideal zero-turn machine; whether they are looking for a serious bit of kit to mow steep slopes or to mow their customers large lawns… Cub Cadet have got you covered this year and every year going forward.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

ZERO-TURN 100% GREAT CUT MAX MANOEUVRABILITY MAX POWER MAX COMFORT

100% INTERESTED? WWW.CUBCADET.CO.UK BOOK YOUR DEMO NOW

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

31

SPECIALIST MOWERS

At the forefront of the commercial robotic mowing sector obotic mowing has taken the grounds maintenance market by storm - with ever rising fuel and labor costs, it has become the clear solution for managing large grass areas. Belrobotics are at the forefront of the commercial robotic mowing sector with over 20 years experience. With th mower’s ability to manage to 75,000m2 five times a week, the sky’s the limit for robotic turf care.

R

They provide frequent grass cutting, rain or shine, which minimises the impact on the turf. The tiny quick-composting clippings provide a constant source of fertilisation and moisture, resulting 32

in beautifully dense turf. Once set up, these mowers leave their charging stations and cut the grass without the need for any supervision.

The Belrobotics products have had a huge amount of success with all types of clients from private gardens, huge sports facilities, turf farms - the list goes on!

On top of the commercial client base, AMS works with many private clients who have large grass areas that need maintenance at their private homes, who often have no staff or time to keep on top of the workload. These cases have been particularly rewarding - AMS has been

able to give them the solution they needed. Hear what they have to say: “The mower has saved me roughly 150 hours work per annum, the problem we had using our ride on mowers where either scalping due to undulations in the parkland gardens or being unable to mow the lawn consistently due to the slopes in the wet weather meaning we could rarely achieve anything less than a 50mm cut, we no longer have that problem, the robot handles the slopes in all but the very worst weather and we regularly maintain 25mm cut allowing a much thicker covering of grass. I was skeptical at first but I will never go back to mowing GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SPECIALIST MOWERS

that doesn’t just involve the push of a button.” AMS Robotics Private Client “The two BigMows at this property each handle very different areas of the grounds.

The first is a complex wooded lawn at the front of the house and this is separated from a “continuation” of the lawn which is a longer grass sheep field.

With the retirement of our landscape manager and head gardener we had qualms about finding a suitable (human) replacement. The two BigMows have more than proved their worth and I delight in watching them, with my feet up, work so efficiently. The quality of the grass has improved with the continuous micromowing and the lawns and sheep field grass now look more like an extensive green carpet than a striped and previously mothy lawn. I am delighted with my investment.” - AMS Robotics Private client Please call 01462 676 222 or email georgina@amsrobotics.co.uk for more information.

your turf care with Robotic Mowing Up-to 50% Savings

Covers Large Areas 1 x BigMow GPS RTK manages up to 75,000 m²

Faster Mowing Times

Streamline resources

Mows the equivalent of 3 football pitches in 1 day

Pattern Mowing Straight cut lines with 2 to 3cm accuracy

Perfect Cut, Eco-Friendly & Affordable No waste to collect or remove, saves money and resources

Manicured Outfield - 90% CO2 Emissions

Call 01462 676 222 to Book Your FREE No Obligation Demo Email: sales@amsrobotics.co.uk | Visit: www.amsrobotics.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

33

SPECIALIST MOWERS

WHEN RED LEADS THE GREEN REVOLUTION Fulwell Golf Club latest to choose electric and hybrid machinery from Toro ow green are the UK’s golf clubs? If the number of those approaching Reesink Turfcare about its all-electric and hybrid mowing and utility vehicle range from Toro is anything to go by, then the answer is they’re making the green machinery choice wherever possible.

H

The latest case in point is Fulwell Golf Club in Middlesex who has set itself the goal to be the most sustainable club in the county and, through its machinery choices, boost its relationship with the community.

Director of golf, Peter Hall, explains: “The reasons for making the green choice were two-fold. We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint as well as bringing the club closer to the community and lessening the impact on our neighbours.

We’re surrounded by residential houses and have certain restrictions for when we can work. Having all-electric and hybrid machines means we can mow early in the morning and cut the greens without disturbing anyone, increasing efficiency and productivity.

“We’re dedicated to improving our place in the community whilst producing great results and promoting sustainability at the club. Toro was the only partner to help us achieve that. It was fundamental to get the right equipment – you can only be as good as the machinery you have, and that’s the reason why we invested in Toro. They’re proven to have the best cut, quality and reliability on the market for their diesel mowers and lead the way with electric and hybrid technology.”

34

From left: course manager Ryan Bezzant, Reesink’s Tom Clark and Fulwell’s director of golf Peter Hall standing on a green next to the club’s brand new Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370.

Fulwell’s team selected two Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 riding greensmowers, two Workman GTX Lithium-Ion utility vehicles, a Greensmaster e1021 pedestrian greensmower and the hybrid Reelmaster 5010-H fairway mower from the Toro range available from distributor Reesink Turfcare.

Course manager Ryan Bezzant, who has been at the club for just over four years and manages a team of eight full-time staff, explains why the time was right to bring in a Toro fleet, the club’s first: “Toro are market leaders and very good at what they do, so we felt confident that buying fully electric machines from them wouldn’t make us lose performance.

And it’s proved to be true: they’re very efficient and cut just as well and as quickly as the diesel ones.”

Ryan says these choices have significantly improved operations, he continues: “We don’t have to worry about hydraulic fluids leaking and damaging the greens; there’s a lot less maintenance

and it’s a lot cleaner too and charging is so easy – we just plug them in at the end of the day and they’re ready to go the next morning. The guys are over the moon with them.”

The club plans to continue to invest over the next two or three years in Toro with Reesink, as Ryan concludes: “We’re at full capacity at the moment with 100 golfers a day every day, seven days a week, and golf seems to be turning into an all-year round activity. Having the option of allelectric means we can mow whenever needed especially with the handmowers.

“We need to make sure the course is always kept at a high standard, and with Toro, we know it is. And we can’t fault Reesink, they’ve been very good with communication, making us aware of delivery times so it was easy to plan.

We’re also hoping Toro will offer even more electric options in the future, as we’d like more now!”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

Expert 900 Series 48V battery mulching lawn mower

Perfected

Rubber cased handle: Improves grip and provides insulation from vibration.

By green-fingered engineers.

Fingertip STIGA control pad: Conveniently positioned control panel provides instant operation and mode selection.

Stiga batteries are tested for real life working conditions – far beyond the industry standard.

Reliable, long-lasting power: 2 x 48v batteries work in series to double the power to give the highest cutting performance and extended run time.

X-contour handle design: Pivots to either side for easy access under low hedges and bushes.

Built–in safety: Primary safety switch prevents the mower from being unintentionally started.

High coverage: Mulches up to 1300 sqm in 50 minutes, on one charge.

Extra wide cutting deck: Galvanised steel with reinforced edges for efficiency, durability and performance.

High-efficiency brushless motor: 2.2kW output for maximum cutting performance. Reduced noise and low energy consumption.

STIGA Multiclip mulching blade: Specifically engineered for mulching.

Tough materials, built to last: Aluminium cast wheels for strength on rough terrain.

48V range EPower lasts. The high performance that drives the Expert range of cordless garden tools.

Leaf Blower

Hedge Trimmer Backpack

stiga.com Bushcutter Pole Hedger

Lawn mowers

Next level engineering.

GREENKEEPING

Perranporth partners with Lobb Design firm hired to look at ways to enhance playing experience of famously raw Cornish links erranporth Golf Club in Cornwall in the south-west of England has appointed Lobb + Partners as its consulting architect.

Founded in 1927 and designed by the legendary James Braid, the Perranporth course is extremely unusual in that it has largely been left untouched since the club was founded.

P

Photo: Tim Lobb 36

“The course is a glorious blast from the past, I love it and love its settting,” says Lobb. “There are a lot of blinds shots, which adds to the thrill of the golfing journey, and which make the course stand out from the norm, given that most old links have been extensively reworked to remove a lot of the blindness and other quirk. It’s such a raw experience – and we don’t want to lose

that, rather to enhance it. Today’s golf is becoming sterile – we want to retain the course’s unique feel.”

Lobb says he hopes to enhance the course, and also the landscape of the property in general. “We have done a lot of work on landscape improvements in our heathland work, and the same priorities apply on a links,” he says.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

GREENKEEPING

Photo: Perranporth Golf Club

“ To have someone of Tim’s standing partnering with us is very exciting for the future wellbeing of the club and course.

Photo: Perranporth Golf Club

“Course manager Rob Cook and his team have already done some great work in this respect, encouraging marram and other coastal species in the roughs, as well as the appropriate fine grasses in the playing areas, and it is my hope that we can help them go even further. As far as course work goes, we will explore the entire property – which is pretty vast – to look for opportunities to improve the experience for all golfers. But I am not going to sterilise it – the rawness is an essential part of what makes Perranporth such a fabulous place to play.”

Club chairman Graham Parkyn says that this partnership is a big step for Perranporth. “Our course is basically still as Braid designed it back in the Twenties, and we don’t want to lose that feel, so it was crucial for us that Tim understood that,” he explains. “To have someone of Tim’s standing partnering with us is very exciting for the future wellbeing of the club and course. Tim has spent quite a bit of time over the past few years getting to know the course and people, and his passionate desire to work here was very attractive from our perspective. We look forward to a productive partnership for years to come.” www.lobbandpartners.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

Photo: Perranporth Golf Club 37

GREENKEEPING

Jack Nicklaus courses at London Golf Club benefit from Ventrac ondon Golf Club has taken delivery of the new Ventrac 4520 all-terrain compact tractor and selection of attachments to assist in the maintenance of their two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses near Brands Hatch in Kent.

L

Lee Sayers is the Golf Courses and Estate Manager and heads a team of 27 full-time staff and 15 part-time including two head greenkeepers, a workshop mechanic, irrigation technician and a gardener with 21 members of the team working on the golf course.

Lee began his career in 1991 at Cottesloe Golf Club in the suburbs of Perth in Western Australia, before returning to the UK in 1994 to take the position of assistant greenkeeper at London Golf Club. Four years later he joined Hempstead Forest Golf Club near Cranbrook and in 2000 returned to London Golf Club as No. 2 to Peter Todd. In 2003 he joined Mid Kent Golf Club near Gravesend, where he spent 14 years until returning to take up his current role in 2017.

“That might seem a very large team to most people, but we have 500 acres of estate including two championship golf courses to manage and large areas of woodland; it’s an intensive job”, he says.

“ “Changing between the different attachments is quick and easy. There’s no three-point linkage to worry about or adjustments to make, you simply drive out of the current implement and drive into the next one.”

38

Members and guests expect a high level of presentation at London Golf Club

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

GREENKEEPING

Members and guests expect a high level of presentation at London Golf Club “Our members and guests expect a high level of presentation and we try to maintain a manicured ‘look’ across the entire estate, so the Ventrac was an obvious choice, he added. “I’d seen lots of ‘noise’ about Ventrac in the press and on social media together with good feedback from my peer group across the county, especially Mark Todd at the Wildernesse. We had a really good demo and that just reinforced my opinion, so we purchased the tractor unit and four attachments; the Contour deck, Tough Cut deck, Turbine Blower and Power Brush.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

“The Tough Cut deck is great for maintaining the woodland margins.

The out-front position of the Tough Cut deck combined with the low profile and agility of the tractor unit, means we can get in and under the trees. Without doubt, it has lifted the presentation of the course. The Contour deck does a superb job on the Nicklaus-designed bunker surrounds, where we previously used ‘Flymo’ mowers on the steep sides. This has saved numerous hours and has increased efficiency.

“We have significant woodland and spend too many hours using backpack blowers removing leaves and other

debris, not just in the autumn, but allyear round. This is so time-intensive, but the Turbine blower is brilliant; we can also use it to remove debris after scarifying and even blow cores from the greens after aeration.

“Changing between the different attachments is quick and easy. There’s no three-point linkage to worry about or adjustments to make, you simply drive out of the current implement and drive into the next one. The mounting system is ingenious; it’s so quick that it encourages you to use it to its full potential.” www.ventrac.com

39

GREENKEEPING

St. George’s Golf & Country Club Accomplish Championship Standards with Jacobsen fter two years and 1,093 days of waiting due to the global pandemic, Golf Course and Property Manager Ian McQueen and his team finally got their chance to host the Canada’s major golf championship.

A

St. George’s Golf & Country Club was built in 1929, with the course designed by famous Canadian architect Stanley Thompson.

40

Its city center location is hidden by trees and the undulations of the property, with fourteen elevated tees and valleys that run through every hole giving the course its natural character.

Achieving the desired firmness and ensuring every undulation of the fairways and rough are followed is down to the Jacobsen fleet of mowers. The Eclipse 2 walkers are joined by SLF530s, HR600s, AR321s, and LF1880s to provide a

championship quality cut on all 7,025 yards of the course.

The world’s best golfers played on a course that had undergone two years of rigorous preparation led by Ian, and with the support of Jacobsen and local distributor, GC Duke, he has accomplished the standards he wanted for the world’s best.

“This is our national championship in Canada. It’s a big event, and without

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

GREENKEEPING

the support of Jacobson and our local distributor, GC Duke, who is supporting us with equipment, we would not be able to accomplish what we need to,” Ian explains.

“Preparing for this championship has taken some time. We started this in 2018 to host it first in 2020, and as everyone is aware, it got postponed twice. The build-out of the stands started in the winter, and we finished building out the grandstands on June 1st, with the tournament starting the week of June six, but it’s taken a good two years in prep work to achieve the standards we want to present for the tour.

“The most important thing for us to get right is getting the surfaces to the firmness that we want to present the players. You know, green speeds are one thing, but having a firm green surface is another.

Having true lies in the fairways with firm fairways for them to hit off of, I think, is our number one goal that we’re trying to achieve.

“I think with the tight cut surfaces that we have, the floating head Eclipse 2 walk mowers that Jacobsen provides means we are able to dial the clip rates in. This allows us to get to the trueness of the greens we need.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

“ “This is our national championship in Canada.

It’s a big event, and without the support of Jacobson and our local distributor, GC Duke, who is supporting us with equipment, we would not be able to accomplish what we need to “Also, with our undulating fairways in the tight areas, the smaller LF1880s have allowed us to mow tighter and get to the surfaces where we can’t go with other mowers.

“We’ll start mowing daily on greens leading into the championship, and we’ll start mowing fairways, tees, and approaches daily leading into the advanced week of the tournament.”

From June 6-9, 2022, the Toronto city center course hosted returning champion Rory McIlroy, world no.1, and Masters

champion Scottie Scheffler and three-time PGA Tour winner in 2022, Sam Burns, as well as Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tyrell Hatton, Patrick Reed, and Justin Rose. www.textron.com.

41

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Effective security solutions for the UK’s golf clubs

By Peter Jackson, MD Jacksons Fencing uring the pandemic, police across the country reported a “huge increase” in antisocial behaviour and crime across the UK’s golf clubs. Shockingly for some of the more urban clubs, such as in London and Manchester, this rise in crime meant police presence was needed frequently onsite.

D

Disruption to clubs continues: from vandals destroying golfing greens on motorbikes , to a disgruntled golfer who had be banned from his club causing £16,000 worth of damage , already this year, acts of crime in and around 42

golf clubs are by no means hard to come by. Golfing equipment is also a draw for opportunistic thieves forcing clubhouses and even club members to remain vigilant and alert onsite. It’s clear robust security measures are needed to better protect these venues.

Providing security for golf clubs requires a delicate balance; members pay significant membership fees and it’s essential they’re kept safe and able to play without delays each time they visit. However, a relaxed and welcoming environment is also essential to avoid any hostile perceptions that aren’t in

keeping with the ethos of the club in question.

STARTING BLOCK A good starting point is the 5Ds model, which is based on the ‘onion skin’ principle, and can be applied to any application that requires perimeter security. Multiple layers of security work together to prevent access to a site’s assets, giving you the time you need to respond effectively. On the outermost perimeter, ‘deter’ involves some sort of visual warning, such as fencing and signs. ‘Detect’ can take the form of motion detectors or CCTV, GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

“ Golfing equipment is also a draw for opportunistic thieves forcing clubhouses and even club members to remain vigilant and alert onsite. It’s clear robust security measures are needed to better protect these venues. appearance, and far better security than chain link or steel palisade fencing.

Timber acoustic fencing is a popular option and has the added benefit of reducing noise around the golf club. It can satisfy a number of requirements, is aesthetically pleasing, and blends into most environments. Constructed with an anti-climb flat profile and no gaps between boards, it provides a solid barrier that increases privacy, reduces the risk of stray balls heading towards traffic, and reduces noise by up to 28dB. In high risk areas, it may be worth investing in security rated fencing. LPS 1175 security rated fencing provides the reassurance of tested and certified performance against a range of threats including determined and opportunistic attacks. These products are widely recognised by insurance companies and as such cover any instance where a break in was possible as a result of a failed LPS 1175 certified barrier. while gates and entry systems make up the ‘deny’ layer, allowing you to manage who enters the premises. Extra access control solutions ‘delay’ intruders, and can include rising arm barriers to hinder their progress and offer valuable time to deal with a security breach. Finally, ‘defend’ involves a team of security guards or close contact with the police who can apprehend an intruder.

FROM THE OUTSIDE IN It can be daunting to think about fencing off the whole perimeter of a large, open landscape, and sometimes it can be almost impossible to do this.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

To start, identify the most vulnerable areas - those without thick foliage, left unsupervised, or situated along roads with easy access to the green. Focus on securing these areas with fencing that is fit for purpose - look for high quality steel with a long guarantee, anti-climb designs, and tamper-proof fixings.

Although the initial upfront cost may be more significant, high quality fencing with a long guarantee has a low lifetime cost as it will require less repairs or replacements over time. There are countless styles on the market that combine strength with aesthetics, providing a much more pleasant

SECURITY TOPPINGS While it may seem practical to add barbed wire or spikes as a deterrent, these can make players too aware of the security risks and create a hostile atmosphere. Instead, choose a fence with an anti-climb design, or opt for a discreet security comb.

Alternatively, a combination of fencing and thorny planting is highly effective, and helps to blend the fence into the natural environment. If you decide to install security toppings, use them sparingly around areas that are not too 43

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

visible to players. Security toppings are legal, but make sure you use warning signs where present, and ensure the fencing they are installed on is at least 2 metres high to stop the public from accidentally coming into contact with them.

DETECT INTRUDERS CCTV, alarms, and lighting are obvious security measures that many golf clubs already employ, but some have already started opting for more sophisticated devices that offer discreet protection and can remotely alert the earliest presence of an intruder before it’s too late. Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) are fence-mounted sensors that monitor and detect any form of intrusion. Designed to detect attempts to cut, climb or penetrate the fence on which they are mounted, they are a simple way to enhance perimeter security, and can be retrofitted to existing fencing, whether it’s chain link, welded mesh, or another fence type.

There are no modifications required as

44

“ To create a welcoming environment for members, identify a main access point to the club, with entrance gates that can be left open during the day and centrally monitored, then securely locked at night. long as the fence is well maintained and in good condition.

CONTROLLED ACCESS To create a welcoming environment for members, identify a main access point to the club, with entrance gates that can be left open during the day and centrally monitored, then securely locked at night. Where necessary, add another layer of access control to ‘delay’ vehicles. A rising arm barrier is a good option, requiring access to be granted

before it can be passed and effectively slowing down intruders.

Access to any buildings on site should be thought of too, and the value of the clubhouse and other buildings will be unique to each club. Consider how members and staff access these areas, do they have individual key fobs or swipe cards? And what happens to these after hours? If the building holds high value items such as golf equipment, which is known to be a draw for opportunistic burglars, ensure there aren’t any gaps in the perimeter fencing, making it completely secure. It may be worth installing an additional line of fencing and a gate around these, if this suits the site.

Each golf club will have unique needs but one thing that I am confident of is that there is a security solution out there on the market to suit every venues needs. www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Delivering appearance and functionality Lee on the Solent Golf Club is a beautiful park and heathland course set just inland from the coast and has been testing golfers of all levels for well over 100 years. The course is always in superb condition with small greens and oak and pine lined fairways.

It has 5 excellent par 3’s including our signature 13th hole across a river to a sloping green.

and bridge surfaces elsewhere on the course for many years, we knew the product would work but sought something a bit different as the bridges serve a dual purpose for both pedestrian and machinery access.

After consulting with Barry at GripClad he recommended standard sized panels to run down the middle of each bridge in a continuous configuration and once installed it delivered both the appearance and functionality we were looking for. Now the only challenge on either hole is to get a par ! if you haven’t played the course and want to try your luck, you’re welcome to come and visit us at https://www.leegolf.co.uk/

Recently we decided to install two new bridges crossing the river which service both our 11th and 13th holes. Each steel bridge was finished off with sleepers and having the safety of our members and guests in mind, we wanted a durable solution to help prevent potential slip hazards when the wooden surfaces become wet.

For more information, quote, sample contact GripClad Ltd on 023 8040 6796

Having previously used GripClad Anti-Slip strips on a variety of steps

https://gripclad.co.uk/industries/ golf-industry/

Gripclad hh gk April 2022.qxp_Layout 1 10/03/2022 11:04 Page 1

The No.1 leading pedestrian anti-slip product in Golf ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF YOUR COURSE WITH OUR NEAT, TIDY, AND ZERO MAINTENANCE SOLUTION

• Over 700 UK & Europe Golf Clubs use • 4.00mm thick rigid GRP Diamond Hard plates for sleepers, steps and footbridges our product • We cut to your specified size • Retrofit Surface Mounted with Screws • Delivered within 2-3 Days • Design life in excess of 20 years https://gripclad.co.uk/industries/golf-industry/

Contact us: enquiries@gripclad.co.uk | 023 8040 6796 | 07803 848819

The No.1 leading pedestrian anti-slip product in Golf ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF YOUR COURSE WITH OUR NEAT, TIDY, AND ZERO MAINTENANCE SOLUTION

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

45

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

Tottenham trusts STAR EV with player welfare Three new ambulance vehicles for premiership football club

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has three new ambulance vehicles from STAR EV, two for the men’s team and one for the women’s.

46

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

ottenham Hotspur Football Club is placing its trust in STAR EV and Reesink e-Vehicles when it comes to its football players’ welfare at its Training Centre in North London with three all-electric ambulance vehicles.

T

It is absolutely vital for all the footballers’ welfare that strict medical requirements are in place at all times and as well as having a fully trained medical team, Tottenham now has two new ambulance vehicles for the men’s team and one for the women’s. These vehicles are kept on site, fully equipped and ready to support the medical team at a moment’s notice.

For the club that holds the title of the Premier League’s greenest club, it was a given that the vehicles would be batterypowered, but the decision of which brand to put his trust in when it comes to supporting the medical teams with the safety of the players came down to Darren Baldwin, Head of Playing Surfaces and Estates at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, who explains: “What makes these ambulance vehicles stand out are their logical design and innovative features that combine to make the job of the medical team easier.

“The gurney in particular is applauded for how it slides on and off and locks in securely with just two clicks of the handle, while the auto lift and load feature mean it stands up securely. The medical boxes and good storage capacity make sure the team has everything they need logically stored and conveniently to hand so they can be efficient under pressure.”

It’s not just the ease of use the medical team has commented on though, Darren reports positive feedback on the quality of the product too. He continues: “We’ve all been blown away by the quality of

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

these vehicles, they are far in advance of the competition. The little things have been accounted for, like the windshields, for example, they aren’t plastic, and they have windscreen wipers. That’s a fantastic feature to come as standard.”

The grounds of Tottenham Hotspur are extensive – 18 acres – and these machines are required for the academy, training grounds and pitches so how have they performed on such a large site? Darren says: “There is a lot of trust in the batteries! Obviously, it’s a big consideration choosing electric for such vital vehicles – we need to be able to rely on them 100 percent of the time.

But charging is easy and there are clear controls to show what charge is left.”

Dave French, sales manager of Reesink e-Vehicles, the UK distributor of STAR EV, says: “There’s no reason to doubt battery power these days, especially with STAR EV, it brings to the UK battery power built to last. There’s on-board charging, meaning no expensive infrastructure. And with the Lithium option, you don’t need to worry power drifting away either, you get a constant amount delivered throughout the discharge. Both the AK and Capella ambulance vehicles are nimble and compact vehicles, designed from the ground up to manage the carriage of a casualty, whilst offering excellent support from other passengers.”

Dave concludes: “It’s a real honour to not only have equipped Tottenham Hotspur with such a key equipment purchase to keep its players safe, but that the club, which is voted as one of the greenest in the premiership chose STAR EV to continue on its journey to carbon neutrality.”

To find out more about STAR EV call 01480 226800 or go online at reesink-evehicles.co.uk

47

SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT

UK dealers have seen the appeal of STAR EV with customers from golf clubs, sports stadiums, holiday/ caravan parks, private schools and estates investing in the brand.

Nationwide dealer coverage for STAR EV achieved in first year he arrival of STAR EV, a leading global electric utility vehicles manufacturer, in the UK has achieved nationwide dealer coverage in its first year.

T

Reesink e-Vehicles, the UK distributor for the brand, is proud to confirm there are eight dealers stocking STAR EV alongside the company’s branches, meaning a total of 12 outlets are stockists in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Dave French, sales manager for Reesink e-Vehicles, says it’s a fantastic start: “The response to the STAR EV brand and the range of electric transport options it brings to the UK has surpassed expectation. We knew it would prove popular, as electric vehicles are a hot topic, but people have responded particularly favourably to Reesink e-vehicles, and STAR EV as a brand.

“Like us, dealers have recognised the market for all-electric products is 48

buoyant, as is the range of customers they appeal to. In a year we’ve seen customers from golf clubs, sports stadiums, holiday/caravan parks, private schools and estates all invest in STAR EV, appreciative of the good mileage per charge, on-board charging and extensive warranty they bring.”

The dealers bringing STAR EV to businesses across the UK are: John Osman Groundscare (North Wales), Devon Garden Machinery (South West England), Cheshire Turf Machinery (North West England), Laird Grass Machinery (Northern Ireland), Terry Harrison Machinery (South Wales), Lloyd Ltd (North England and South Scotland), Russells (North/East Midlands England) and AJ Mowers (West England). Alongside Reesink Scotland, Reesink Burwell (East Anglia and Midlands), Reesink Sheffield Park (South East) and Reesink South West and Midlands.

The STAR EV range consists of 28 electric

models for all green transportation needs and features passenger vehicles of up to 23 people and small, medium and large capacity electric UTVs. Dave continues: “There’s so much choice within the range, alongside the option to configure vehicles to the exact requirements for the job. The Capella utility vehicle series, for example, has eight different standard configurations, offering payloads from 150-670kgs and carrying up to four people as well as cargo.”

With minimal maintenance and zero emissions, these machines are dependable and cost less to own than their fuelled equivalents, often lasting three to four times as long, it’s easy to see why so many dealers are taking on the range.

To talk to Reesink e-Vehicles about STAR EV, call 01480 226800 or go online at reesink-evehicles.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

NETS FOR GOLF Made in the UK

NEW Freestanding golf practice net and frame, complete with Archery grade golf baffle net.

Easy to move and no groundwork required.

We offer a complete range of golf netting for the course, driving range and golf bays alongside a range of grounds equipment and accessories.

Order online at www.huck-net.co.uk or ring 01308 425100 Fast 24-hour shipping services available

TOP DRESSING

Two new Technical Managers join Headland Amenity o support continued growth and development as part of Origin Amenity Solutions, Headland Amenity have announced the appointment of two new Technical Managers in the form of Laurence McCrory and Jack Hawkes.

Both will be responsible for delivering Headland’s sound and scientific advice and guidance on product selection, Laurence to customers in the South of England, and Jack to Sports Turf Managers in the South and Central regions.

T

Laurence has been in the turf care industry for 26 years, holding various positions at a number of golf courses including his most recent role as Course Manager at Castle Royle Golf Club in Reading. Having been an avid user of Headland products throughout his career, Laurence relished the opportunity to combine his knowledge and passion for the industry with a change of direction in his career with this new role - providing additional support to customers from the Bedfordshire area and below.

He commented, “I had fantastic firsthand support from Headland throughout my career and it is a brilliant opportunity to now use this confidence and knowledge of their product range to advise and plan programmes for others working in greenkeeping. Since I joined in October, I have already learnt so much and have met some really dedicated turf professionals who I look forward to working with more in the future.”

Also a user of Headland products during his time at Leamington & County Golf Club, Jack Hawkes joins in the 50

Jack Hawkes

Laurence McCrory

“ In the short time I have been at Headland I have broadened my knowledge and have enjoyed working with customers to understand their unique needs and expectations, whether that’s a Premier League football club or local village sports facility!

- Jack Hawkes

role of Regional Technical Manager for Sports Turf – seeing him support customers from football, rugby, cricket, educational facilities and private estates. A keen sportsman himself, Jack is also an FTMI graduate and was selected as an R&A scholar which provided excellent networking opportunities and the chance to work at the French Open, hosted at Le Golf National.

“In the short time I have been at Headland I have broadened my

knowledge and have enjoyed working with customers to understand their unique needs and expectations, whether that’s a Premier League football club or local village sports facility!” adds Jack. “With Headland now a member of OAS, it’s an exciting project to be a part of, with an industry-leading range of tools and opportunities at our disposal to help our customers in achieving their goals.”

www.headlandamenity.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

OUR BIGGEST & BEST YET

26-29 AUGUST 2022 ONLIN E ONLY SA L E

4 DAYS OF EP

UP TO

50% OF SELEC

TED PR ODUC

TS

I C D E A L S!

F

www.agrigem.co.uk

TOP DRESSING

INTRODUCING OUR NEW TECHNICAL GRANULAR WETTING AGENT rand new to our Velvit range, SATUGRAN is a powerful wetting agent loaded onto a zeolite base. It is designed to hold a full application of active ingredient and to release it gradually, extending the efficacy in the driest of conditions. The zeolite base is a quality 1-2 mm ‘greens’ grade and is perfect for high-value shortcut turf areas where it will also increase the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the sward.

still time to apply it to your Greens.

A 45-day application programme is recommended over the growing season with an initial quantity being applied.

Follow up with reduced applications to give even availability to the sward over the required period. A 90-day programme is also possible if labour hours are limited but application rates need to be higher to compensate.

B

We based SATUGRAN on our BESTWET technology, an existing wetting agent within the Velvit range. It allows water and moisture to move down deeper into the root zone by lowering the interfacial tension between water and other substrates. It also enables water to spread out laterally throughout the soil profile, giving maximum stress relief to all plants and reducing vital plant count loss.

52

SATUGRAN also prevents Localised Dry Patch (LPD), a common problem usually caused by biological processes in the soil (for example fairy-ring fungi).

These cause a build-up over time of waxy organic material on soil particles, making them strongly hydrophobic.

The result is persistent areas that are difficult to wet, leading to patches of turf suffering drought stress.

Spreading of SATUGRAN is advised between March – October, so there’s

Use SATUGRAN before, during and after the occurrence of problems to provide protection, conditioning, and stress relieving benefits. Stock up through your local Velvit distributor.

Contact our Sales and Product Development team to find or become a local distributor. sales@greenbest.co.uk www.greenbest.co.uk +44(0)1963 364788

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

SATUGRAN A technical 1-2 mm granular wetting agent designed to extend the release and retention of the powerful active ingredients.

Easy to spread Maximum stress relief Prevents Localised Dry Patch Pushes moisture into rootzone Reduces vital plant count loss Find or become a distributor today sales@greenbest.co.uk | www.greenbest.co.uk | +44(0)1963 364788

TOP DRESSING

AMS Contracting Provide Vital Secondary Drainage to Winchester College Cricket Outfield ricket is a cornerstone of Winchester College’s student experience, and to enhance their already exceptional standards, the school enlisted AMS Contracting to install secondary drainage on their outfield.

C

Head Groundsman, Kim Larcombe, oversees the 250-acre site with the help of four groundsmen and five gardeners. Sixty acres are purely dedicated to sport, with

54

cricket having a long and distinguished history at Winchester.

The programme is devised and run by the college’s cricket professional and is supported by several highly qualified coaches. A winter programme runs from October to the start of the playing season to help players reach their full potential, and it’s when the season comes around that the surfaces are vital.

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

TOP DRESSING

With a tight 55-day schedule planned for summer 2022, Kim must ensure that matches go ahead as scheduled, with rained off games one of the most significant risks. Having had the outfield levelled in August 2021, the experienced 39 and a half year Winchester team member wanted to enhance the drainage with AMS. Kim explains: “We had the outfield levelled back in August/September last year, and the plan was always to have some secondary drainage put in. We didn’t want primary drainage because we’re on chalk, so the water just goes away anyway, but we wanted to help the drainage and levelling a little bit as well.

“I had a preference on what secondary drainage I wanted to use, and I talked it through with AMS, and we looked at other options, but I had my preference.

“It was good to be working with a company who wanted to put options forward and explore them, but at the same time, they weren’t pushy at all. They just presented their opinions and were happy to proceed

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

with what we wanted and work to get the best result.

“I’m really pleased with how the project went. It all ran very smoothly, and I think that was due to the project’s planning and then the execution. It’s filling in nicely, and it was left in good condition, so we were able to play on it a week after the work was completed, and that is a testament to how well everything went.

“We’ve got about 55 days of cricket coming up on there, so it’ll be very busy. Because we have such a busy schedule, we need to play the matches when they are planned, and that’s why having good secondary drainage is so important.”

The method of drainage requested by Kim was the Blec Vibramaster at 20mm sand slits, 250mm apart and 150mm deep.

This was implemented after the whole outfield had been ShockWaved and was followed with topdressing, drag matting and overseeding using a 2.5m Vredo overseeder in two directions. www.amsdrains.co.uk

55

TOP DRESSING

Masterline Mixtures from DLF make the grade for Kingston Grammar School att Parry, Head Groundsman at Kingston Grammar School has praised mixtures from DLF for delivering great results at a great price, all backed up with great support from his local Technical Manager Craig Spooner.

With the whole 22-acre site sown with seed from across the DLF portfolio, this season the focus has been on the outfields and four cricket squares, where a combination of ProMaster 79, ProMaster 80 and ProMaster 36 from the Masterline range has delivered a first-class finish.

M

DLF seed has been Matt’s choice for the last five years, creating the perfect playing surfaces for winter sports, tennis and cricket – used by pupils alongside teams from the local community. “Over time, we’ve sown mixtures from both the Johnsons Sports Seed and Masterline ranges, with an unwavering confidence that whatever we use is going to perform” explains Matt, who heads up a team of three.

“We conduct a full renovation on the football surfaces in spring to prepare for the cricket season, with overseeding roughly every six weeks throughout the season where it’s needed. For this we selected ProMaster 80 Renovator, purchased from Core Amenity, which gives us strong, equal establishment

56

and a resistant and hard-wearing sward to cope with the pressures of a high wear season.” As the name suggests, PM80 Renovator is ideal for the renovation of worn playing surfaces – featuring 25% Tetragame 4turf tetraploid and 75% diploid perennial ryegrass for a disease resistant, drought tolerant and nitrogen efficient mix.

As the temperatures cool, Matt then switches to ProMaster 79 as a 50% tetraploid mixture for more effective autumn/winter overseeding. “PM79 has proven to deliver great colour and great recovery on our outfields through the colder months.

Completing the programme is ProMaster 36 Wicket which establishes quickly and gives us a dense, resistant sward on our squares.”

“The service we get is as equally important as the quality of the product for me” Matt adds. “I speak regularly to our DLF Regional Technical Manager Craig Spooner, who will update me on what research is taking place and what’s new and upcoming in regard to mixtures. This means I am always able to make an informed choice and gives us the confidence and trust to trial new formulations.”

To find out more about Makita visit: www.dlf.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

TOP DRESSING

SUSTÅNE PROGRAMME KEEPS RUSHMORE GOLF CLUB ‘GREEN’ IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE! hile the course at Rushmore Golf Club may be a tale of two halves, the approach to nutrition is wholly focussed on sustainability – with Course Manager Jaime Acton very proud of the six years that the greens have now been completely chemical-free. Alongside cultural practices and an overseeding programme, much of the success Jaime attributes to products from the Suståne range of organic fertilisers which have delivered outstanding plant health, strength and resilience.

W

With the county line between Wiltshire and Dorset cutting straight through the ancient estate within which Rushmore is situated, the course delivers mature parkland or a more modern challenge depending on which of the 18 holes you’re on! The estate has sustainability at its heart, an ethos which Jaime and his team share and put into practice with the Suståne products. “When I took over almost 10 years ago, I inherited quite a heavy feeding regime, largely based on synthetic fertilisers” explains Jaime.

“I had used formulations from Suståne in previous roles, and knowing what they could do, began ‘weening’ the greens away from the synthetic feeds and the additional chemicals this programme required, and onto a primarily organic regime.”

Working closely alongside technical representatives from local distributor AGS, the Suståne programme has been refined over the years depending on the soil’s

requirements – now consisting of 6-2-4 Turf Revival in the summer and 5-2-4+Fe for feeds throughout the cooler months.

Suståne 6-2-4 is specifically formulated to provide the right nutrients to assist with postmaintenance recovery and plant stress. In addition to watersoluble and organic sources of Nitrogen, 6-2-4 features Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae which has been enhancing the germination of Jaime’s bent overseeding programme. “We apply 6-2-4 every six to eight weeks at 25g/m2 which tends to correlate with our overseeding work meaning the seed is sown straight into that nutrition.

The plant is strong and resilient enough to cope with the pressures of that period, including disease, and specifically Anthracnose.”

Jaime continues, “In the autumn and winter we continue the dormant feeding with Suståne 5-2-4 which keeps microbial levels up, allowing us to protect against disease rather than having to react to it. The small amount of Iron in this formulation also helps to give us good winter colour.”

“While we haven’t used any herbicides or fungicides for six years, that’s not to say we haven’t had disease! But what we do get we can manage by reducing the stress and encouraging the plant to grow again.” He concludes, “With our Suståne programme, we are feeding the soil rather than the plant, getting the nutritional needs right from the ground up and allowing the plant to take everything it needs to remain strong and healthy.” www.sustane.com

TURF MANAGEMENT

Revolutionary Wiedenmann Maredo STrac 700 perfect pedestrian solution The across–all-areas Wiedenmann Maredo STrac 700 system is ideal for turf renovations to bowling greens, sports pitches, landscaped areas and, especially, to turf surfaces where tractors cannot access.

Brought to you via your local Wiedenmann UK dealer, the pedestrian Maredo unit has a guiding handle with controls and a set of inter-changeable heads, each with a working width of 65 cm. A very short turning radius means the rear wheels can adopt a variety of operating positions, while the tools connect effortlessly, cassette style.

Five cartridges that make up the system are the Flex- Verticutter which scarifies to 25 mm; a Vibe-Spike aerator which relieves compaction down to 60 mm;

Darragh McCormack, left, from DMC Plant Hire & Ground Care, County Limerick, recently purchased a STrac 700 along with a seeder head, verticutting head, solid tine head and frase mow head, from Michael Weldon, at Wiedenmann dealer Seamus Weldon in Kerry.

the FlexFrase Mower which strips the top layer to 20 mm, which also removes bumps and undulations on goal mouths; the VibeDisc-Seeder, a slit seeder which can dose seed from 0 to -15 mm at as low as 2 g/m ² to 15 g / m² and finally, the VibeSpike-Seeder, a dimple seeder which creates a pattern of dimples where the seeds will be placed.

“When access is a problem, this system with its different heads is going to help grounds people deal easily, but thoroughly, with routine tasks, previously impossible,” said Darragh McCormack.

“We can tackle aeration, seeding, fraise mowing and scarifying. We can also hire on 086 3606420.” www.maredo-bv.com

Maredo STrac 700 A revolutionary pedestrian power unit offering separate inter-changeable cassettes to scarify, aerate, seed and fraise mow.

W

NE

Contact your local Wiedenmann dealer for a demonstration or call

0141 814 3366

@GroundProUK @WiedenmannUK @MaredoBV

www.Maredo-BV.com

58

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

TURF MANAGEMENT

Redexim Rink proves a versatile solution for loam & sand dressing at Merchant Taylors’ School ith approximately 80 acres of sports turf making up the 250 acre estate of Merchant Taylors’ School, the key word for Grounds Manager Richard Ayling when it comes to maintenance is ‘efficiency’. Delivering that efficiency when it comes to topdressing is a Rink 2020 dropdresser from Redexim – purchased originally for the purpose of applying loam to the schools 11 cricket squares, but now demonstrating versatility for year-round applications around the site.

W

Richard and his team of nine are responsible for the upkeep of the surfaces, which alternate between summer and winter sports for use by both the pupils and a number of teams from the community. “It’s a high usage site and the equipment we use needs to be able to keep up with the tight turnarounds and renovation windows we have to work to” explains Richard, who has been at the independent day school for 26 years.

“Every cricket renovation season, we’re applying around 32 tonnes of loam dressing and our previous machine would only hold a quarter of a tonne at a time so we needed something bigger to make the job quicker and less labour intensive.”

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

After researching the options available, it was a Rink 2020 that fitted the bill – accurately and evenly distributing dressings and offering a 2.0m3 hopper capacity, equating to two tonnes of cricket loam per load.

“What we didn’t want with a bigger machine is something that would result in increased compaction. The design of the Rink, with its large rear tyres, effectively spreads the weight so we pass over the squares and leave no marks. It’s incredibly easy to use and adjust meaning we can simply load it up and go – getting the operation done, quicker and with improved quality of distribution.”

Thanks to its ability to accurately adjust the spreading thickness, once cricket renovation season is complete in early autumn, the Rink will then switch to hold sand and/ or topdressing soil for in-season dressing and repairs to the football pitches and lawned areas. “What was initially purchased as a solution to one specific problem, has become a versatile machine which we use in different ways throughout the maintenance calendar. It’s been a fantastic addition to our fleet.” www.redexim.com

59

TURF MANAGEMENT

Progressive proves to be the key to consistent cutting over contours hen it comes to optimum heights of cut for fairways, there isn’t a ‘one-heightfits-all’ approach – but one thing all Turf Managers will be aiming for is consistency, which can be easier said than done when dealing with potentially uneven or undulating ground. The Progressive range of multi-deck mowers have been carefully designed with this in mind, offering unrivalled contour-following ability for an accurate quality of cut.

W

While a multi-deck mower may not be required in every situation, it can offer a broader scope of use with its ability to accommodate both flat and undulating turf equally. This flexibility delivers a quality cut without the risk of scalping or shredding the plant, helping to retain plant health and reducing potential entry points for pathogens and turf

60

diseases to take hold. Their versatility sees them suited to operation around the golf course, alongside other applications such as sports fields, turf farms and mowing tasks undertaken by local authorities.

The latest addition to the Progressive range is the TDR-X – featuring three independently floating decks which provide a combined cutting width of 3.2m. It all begins with an adaptive swivel hitch at the front, making the TDR-X more agile and ensuring it works with the tractor to follow undulating ground. The cutting height range of 9.5mm to 84.5mm is easy to adjust, with their industry-leading rotary blade overlap ensuring a precise and even cut. Full width rollers on both the front and rear of each deck completes the specification, leaving a professional finish for both golf and sports surfaces.

The TDR-X sits in the portfolio of ‘finishing mowers’ alongside the ProFlex 120 – the most widely used trailed contour mower. The ProFlex features a 3m cutting width across five decks, each of which can be quickly and easily adjusted to give the operator complete flexibility to make a stepped or transitioned first-cut in a single pass.

Along with other machines in the Progressive range, both the TDR-X and ProFlex 120 take advantage of Progressive’s Pro Lift-N-Turn™ technology, allowing the operator to temporarily raise the decks, with the PTO still engaged, making turning and transportation easier to increase overall productivity.

www.vanmac.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

Alltrec 100% Electric Tool Carrier producing no CO2 emissions during operation

Hedge cutter

Weed controller

Weed brush

A versatile machine that can be used with several different attachments, making it perfect for cutting grass, controlling weeds, brushing or cleaning.

It has no CO2-emission and is suitable for use in multi-use sports complexes, urban areas, campsites, holiday resorts and theme parks.

For more information visit www.campeyturfcare.com  CampeyTurfCare  Campeys  CampeyMachinery  CampeyTurfCare

Cutting deck

TURF MANAGEMENT

Iseki’s fab four are pro at Stowe G

rounds Manager Steve Curley has revealed why Stowe School has purchased four different ISEKI machines in just three years.

more horsepower to enable us to do heavier work,” said Steve. “After a few demonstrations of various tractors from our local dealer RT Machinery, we decided to get the TG6675, with 65-horsepower, and that has allowed us to use some

implements and attachments that we were not previously able to. It’s been fantastic for us.”

The ISEKI TG6675 sets the benchmark for compact tractor performance. It is

Steve has been working at Stowe, a leading public school in Buckinghamshire for an incredible twenty-nine years. Overseeing a team of fifteen members of staff, Steve is responsible for three-hundred acres of sports fields and gardens including a ninehole golf course.

In maintaining such a vast area of land, Steve inevitably has a wide range of equipment, but he claims his ISEKI fleet covers most bases.

It all started with the ISEKI TG6675 compact tractor, as he explains.

“We needed something with a bit

62

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

TURF MANAGEMENT

“ After a few demonstrations of various tractors from our local dealer RT Machinery, we decided to get the TG6675, with 65-horsepower, and that has allowed us to use some implements and attachments that we were not previously able to. It’s been fantastic for us.

built to exceptional standards of quality, starting from the front lights through to the back three-point linkage. It is available with ROPS, or a factory fitted, fully air-conditioned category 2 cabin.

All instruments and gauges are easy to read and indicate driving information like engine speed, travelling speed, and PTO speed can be viewed at a glance. All levers are ergonomically located around the driving seat and there is ample space for the driver’s comfort Based on the success of the TG6675, he then purchased an ISEKI TLE3400 shortly after.

“This mainly does all of our trailer work and helps us pick up the rubbish,” said Steve.

“With it being a boarding school, it is like a small town, and we must pick up the rubbish twice a day, every day. We end up with twenty trailer loads of waste per day

and we put that in compactors – so this is ideal to pull the trailers.”

The TLE3400 is ISEKI’s new premium economy tractor. This 38 horse-power tractor has a three-speed hydrostatic transmission and a lift capacity of 1000 kg.

It is supplied with agricultural or turf tyres as standard. An optional front loader is also available.

“After purchasing these two machines, we decided to purchase the ISEKI TG6490 IQ compact tractor for top dressing and slitting,” continued Steve.

“This has been very successful for us and one of the main reasons for buying it was because of the IQ gearbox which enables us to go up and down the gears very easily.”

As Steve says, the ISEKI TG6490 features an IQ dual clutch transmission which offers the control of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. There are eight main gears and three ranges. Gears are changed by simply moving the gear lever through the straight shift gate.

Steve purchased his fourth ISEKI machine when he felt the time had come to upgrade the school’s ride-on mower.

The ISEKI SXG323 + is the ultimate in cut and collection mowers and offers power, performance, and unsurpassed productivity. A 48” (1.22M) mower deck provides a superior quality of cut while the large capacity, high torque 1123cc diesel engine is powerful and fuel efficient.

Furthermore, the SXG323+ performs exceptionally even in the wet conditions, allowing you to work without the weather restricting you.

“The capacity of cut is a lot bigger than our old mower and we can get more grass in the box,” said Steve. “It also has a high tail lift which enables us to put it on a trailer straight away if needs be, so we are not double handling the grass. The other bonus is that it is costing us a lot less to run than our old petrol mower. We use this around most of the gardens and it performs brilliantly.

“Overall, these ISEKI machines have been fantastic value for money. They are very easy to service, and we’ve not had any problems whatsoever. The whole team has enjoyed working with them.” www.iseki.co.uk

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

63

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds Eco Clipper, known for electric mowers for the turf industry, has introduced a special version for the maintenance of sports and recreational grounds.

minutes with an Eco Clipper FM4 Sport.

Users appreciate the efficiency of the electric drive and the mower’s low noise level. To operate the mower a 40 HP tractor is already sufficient, but for transport and driver comfort a larger tractor which can drive 25 mph on the road is often chosen.

The 4.11 m wide front mower features four independent cutting decks . For the FM4 Sport, the side decks can be folded in independently, allowing for narrow passages to be mowed.

The smooth decks with fast rotating small blades ensure a high quality cut and good clippings dispersion. The clippings are also spread well in wet grass.

This makes it possible to schedule this mower almost independently of the weather.

The Eco Clipper mowers are further

distinguished by the high possible mow-ing speed. On turf farms mowing speeds up to 16 mph with the Eco Clippers are not uncommon. This is not practical on sports fields, but speeds of 12 mph are easily feasible for tractors with vario or hydrostatic drive.

This means that on average a sports field can be mowed in less than fifteen

The electricity to drive the mower is generated by a PTO driven generator. For larger tractors, the generator is fitted on the front mower.

For smaller tractors and optimized weight balance Eco Clipper also offers a separate gener-ator unit option for behind the tractor. www.ecoclipper.com

‘Dedicated to offer the best mowing system for maintaining large area turfgrass’

Eco Clipper FM4 Sport for sporting grounds ww.ecoclipper.com

64

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

PREVENT FLYING DEBRIS WHILE MOWING

parking

property

debris

For Any Brand BRUSHCUTTER

Trims close to hardscape materials

＆

Input 10,000rpm speed

Perfect for lawn care

Reduce to 3,300rpm

Spin

Dual Blade

www.idech.co.jp @IDECH.CORPORATION

@IDECH_Inc

Reduce to 500rpm

info@idech.co.jp idech_corporation

idech-corporation

TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Stay cool and safe at work

Snickers Workwear Trousers

From top to toe and inside out, Snickers Workwear clothing will look after your wellbeing and working efficiency on site this summer. For sunny weather, there’s new LiteWork topwear and accessories that deliver UPF 40+ sun protection - a must if you’re working outside for long periods. Look out for Snickers Workwear clothing which uses the quick-drying 37.5® fabric technology with advanced ventilation.

Snickers Workwear’s trouser families are suited to any kind of work on site. Delivering maximum functionality, comfort, protection and mobility they’re the products of choice among discerning professional tradesmen and women. For them, sustainable, street-smart, body-mapping clothing are key parts of their product choices.

It’s really good at ‘wicking’ moisture away from the body. It also keeps you dry so you can work with an optimal body temperature if it’s warm, or if the weather cools off. As well as Shirts, there’s stylish new Shorts, Work Trousers and Hoodies in a range of styles and colours in the LiteWork range. And, with a close eye on sustainability, they come in street-smart, body-mapping designs for an amazing fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

SAGE to provide ideal platform to showcase trenching machines’ capabilities Trencher Hire UK (Stand 69) are delighted to be attending SAGE 2022 (6-7 July) and will be displaying a Toro TX525 Dingo with Vibratory Plow Head attachment, alongside a real workhorse of a smaller machine – the Toro TRX-16.

Operations Manager Steve Kingdom commented: “Pedestrian trenchers make light, easy and neat work of trenches. Whether it’s for laying water pipe, drainage pipe or electric cable, our range of trenchers CAN provide the ideal solution.

“We took a stand at the inaugural SAGE event last year and believe that the show will go from strength to strength. Come and visit us on our stand for an informal chat. Find out more in the meantime by visiting www.trencherhire.com

66

Hi-tech fabrics, functionality and fit are the hallmarks of these market-leading products. The AllroundWork trousers are ready for any kind of work in any trade. FlexiWork trousers deliver superior freedom of movement. While LiteWork trousers keep you cool, dry and ventilated.

Then there’s RuffWork trousers, reinforced and tough for the roughest work on site. ProtecWork protective wear for hazardous environments and certified High-Vis trousers when personal visibility on site is a priority. www.snickersworkwear.co.uk sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

Leading by design Turf Aerators

Turf / Sod Cutters • Exceptional Traction & Cutting Ability • Low Operator Hand Arm Vibrations • 12 - 24 inch Sod Cutting Widths

Soil / Core Collector • Hugs Contours for Clean Collection • For Groundsman Aerators, Turf Tractors and other aerators

Versatile Reliable Performance...

• Solid or Hollow Coring Tines • Proven Reliability & Performance • Consistent Depth to 5” Depth

Tractor Aerators • Core and Collect in one Pass • Fast Coverage • Clean Collection with No Smearing

Tel : +44(0) 28 2766 7049 info@groundsmanindustries.com www.groundsmanindustries.com

GroundskeepingJournal.co.uk | July 2022

#SALTEX2022

GET AHEAD OF THE GAME SALTEX 2022 2-3 NOVEMBER, BIRMINGHAM NEC

If you are passionate about keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable, and you’re keen to stay ahead of the game in the grounds care industry, then SALTEX is the show for you!

It is the must-attend event for everyone involved in the supply and management of products and services that help to create high quality leisure, recreation, and sports surfaces. Make sure you are ahead of the game by registering now for Europe’s largest FREE sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition with over 400 brands showcasing products in three halls, across two days, at one centrally located venue – Birmingham NEC. It provides a great opportunity to meet industry colleagues and make new connections – building networks, knowledge and learning about new innovations. With visitors and exhibitors from around the UK and overseas it’s FREE to enter and FREE to join the learning sessions.

Visit saltex.org.uk and register now for your FREE ticket. Get involved! #SALTEX2022 #AheadOfTheGame

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

GO ANYWHERE

DO ANYTHING

MAX UP WITH A MICRO NEW K008-5/U10-5

Go anywhere or do anything with the UK’s best-selling micro excavators from Kubota. These small but powerful machines are about to get a whole lot better, with a host of brand new innovative features as standard, designed to make your working day easier.

Contact your local dealer to find out more. www.kubota.co.uk