PUBLIC MAINTENANCE
CARE OF PARKS AND OUTDOOR AREAS
BY DANIEL TOOK, HEAD OF PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT MARKETING FOR KARCHER UK Taking care of parks and outdoor areas is a mammoth task for local authorities and service providers. Lawns must be cared for, weeds managed, paths and parking areas maintained, all making flexible, tailored equipment imperative.
Weed killing Weeds should be deprived of their breeding ground to prevent spread. Pollen settles in dust and dirt, leading to dandelions, thistles, etc. Regular sweeping is the most effective prevention method, but the work should be timed around the grass growth season. If surfaces are well-swept, fine dust pollution is also reduced, but the frequency required can impact personnel and machine costs. If regular sweeping is not possible, there are other ways to prevents weeds without chemicals. If weeds are still small, hot air is appropriate. Air is heated to 450°C via a gas burner, and the plants are literally dried up. Handheld appliances or attachments for municipal machines are available, but only to be used if no fire hazard exists for adjacent greenery or wooded areas.
Hot water can be used for taller plants. Heated up to temperatures of up to 99°C it develops a certain depth effect down to the root, destroying the plant. Similarly, steam can be used, but does not penetrate to the root, so requires repetition. These methods are ideal for water-bound paths, such as gravel, where sweepers cannot be used.
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Well-established weeds with deep roots, really require the mechanical performance of a sweeper with a weed brush. This functions independently of the composition of the underlying surface, but brush arms and the connection between attachment and vehicle must be resilient.
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