Professional Groundscare September 2021

Investment in grassroots and community sport integral to Team GB legacy

in some facilities remaining closed after the pandemic and in need of costly repairs.

The legacy of Team GB’s success during this summer’s Tokyo Olympics risks being lost without further investment in grassroots and community sport facilities, the Local Government Association says.

Councils provide the majority of public swimming pools and leisure facilities. However, they are expensive to build and maintain and with increased pressures to

divert funding from sports to fund statutory services such as adult social care and children’s services. The pandemic has also resulted in many leisure facilities facing additional financial pressures.

The LGA, which represents councils across England and Wales, said 63 per cent of main sports halls and 60 per cent of swimming pools are past their expected lifespans or overdue refurbishment, resulting

Sport England has provided effective support and investment in infrastructure, but their funds are oversubscribed, so the LGA is calling for the Government to provide an urgent second round of National Leisure Recovery Funding, worth £700 million , to enable facilities to remain open and continue playing a vital role in supporting the health of the nation and nurturing the ambition of young people in elite sports.

Longer-term capital investment through the upcoming Spending Review will also be needed to refurbish the estate, bring them up to environmental standards and ensure services are protected in the future.

Investment in sport and leisure facilities, from financial support, to strategic partnership working between central and local government and community organisations is essential in increasing the development of young people, preparing them with vital life skills and healthy habits.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “The country is hugely proud of the tremendous achievements by our athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. Their success could lead to a legacy of inspiring young people to take up sport and healthy lifestyle habits.

“We must take action now if we want to ensure this success is repeated in the future, and that young people from all

backgrounds can aspire to compete in future Games.

“Local leisure facilities play a vital role in ensuring our communities can get healthy and active, but they are also the starting point in discovering bright new sporting talent, that can go on to represent Team GB on the world stage.

“Council funded facilities also offer people from all backgrounds the chance to access a range of free or lowcost activities in a safe and supported environment, which is vital in enabling residents living in deprived areas to be active and to level up opportunities across the country.”

Local Government Association Enquiry 37

New-look Innovation Awards for SALTEX 2021

The GMA announces additional, new categories to the SALTEX Innovation Award, a prestigious hallmark for products showcasing the future of groundscare. Entries for this year are now open via the website.

Since its launch at SALTEX in 2017, the Innovation Award has helped to highlight some of the most ground-breaking, innovative products and services within the groundscare industry and this year, visitors will notice some remarkable differences.

Show organisers have announced that there are now several innovation categories, which include: machinery; hand tools; consumables; vehicles; environmental / Sustainability; information technology; equipment; and robotics.

All submitted entries are evaluated by an independent panel of judges before a final shortlist is devised. The finalists will be announced in the lead-up to the show and the winners will be named in each and every category in a

seminar theatre on the first day of SALTEX (3 November).

Rigby Taylor’s Intelligent One autonomous robotic line marker and Fleet Line Markers’ MAQA line marking machine were joint winners of the first ever SALTEX Innovation Award. In 2018, Agrovista Amenity’s groundbreaking new app, PrecisionPro, picked up the award, and The Cub Cadet INFINICUT SM34 Rotary Mower was crowned the winner of the 2019 Innovation Award.

SALTEX Enquiry 38

Dennis G860

The new addition to the Lawnflite PRO family

Lawnflite PRO’s range of lawnmowers and roller mowers are built to professional specifications with shaft driven gear boxes, heavy duty alloy decks, sealed roller bearings and strong handles, the Lawnflite PRO range offers a machine to suit all applications; great for your business.

The latest addition to the range is the 19” 448HR, with the same great Honda GXV160 as our 21” models, just narrower and lighter for easier access to tight spaces. The height can easily be adjusted between 1577mm for the perfect cut.

The heavy duty alloy deck is built for professional use, while the shaft driven gearbox offers the extra durability you need for your work.

With self-propelled drive and a speed of 3.9km/h the roller mower has a blade brake clutch which means you don’t need to restart the engine when emptying the grass bag, meaning you can get the job done quicker.

For that fine lawn finish the 448HR has a full width all steel rear roller to give your garden

that traditional stripe. The machine also features ‘Easy Pull’ start, to help your day get off to a good start and is quiet in operation, with fan assisted collection, great for picking up damp grass. The large heavy duty 70 litre fabric grass bag enables longer mowing time and less emptying of the bag.

All backed by a 12-month commercial warranty, the new 448HR is a great addition to a great professional range of lawnmowers.

EP Barrus Enquiry 40

ISEKI announce roadshow across the UK

ISEKI UK & Ireland are excited to be heading out to meet existing and new customers in September and October this year in conjunction with their local dealers on the ISEKI 2021 Roadshow.

On show will be the full range of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers exhibiting at a variety of sites across, England, Scotland and Wales, offering people the fantastic opportunity to come and ride ‘n’ drive the machinery.

It is the perfect time to pop along, meet with the ISEKI staff and try out all of the ISEKI products.

Every location will have plenty of space to truly test out the machinery with full and professional demonstrations offered throughout each day.

ISEKI Roadshow dates so far….

• 21st Sept NORTH WALES Llyn ATV, Glasyfrn Parc, Y Ffor

• 22nd Sept SURREY Ernest Doe Power, Staines Rugby Club

• 23rd Sept READING John Day Engineering Depot 28th Sept CORNWALL Nigel Rafferty Groundcare, Royal Cornwall Showground

• 29th Sept DEVON MST Group, Bicton College

• 30th Sept DORSET ABA Groundcare, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester

• 5th Oct TURRIFF Balgownie, Turriff Showground

• 4, 6, 7 & 8th Oct

SCOTLAND Gammies 11th Oct EDINBURGH

Fairways GM

• 12th Oct GLASGOW

Fairways GM

• 13th Oct NEWCASTLE Rickerby

• 14th Oct COUNTY

DURHAM Rickerby, Knotty Hill Golf Club, Stock-on-Tees

• 18th Oct WORCESTERSHIRE

TH White, Redditch 19th Oct LINCOLNSHIRE

Chandlers Farm Equipment, Belton Depot

• 20th Oct OXFORDSHIRE

Turney Group

• 21st Oct EAST ANGLIA

Ernest Doe & Sons, Tewin Bury Hotel, Welwyn

For more details please visit www.iseki.co.uk/ isekiroadshow2021, call ISEKI on 01473 599266 or contact the local dealer holding the event.

Streamlined TYM Range from Reesink

Reesink Turfcare introduces the new generation of TYM tractors in a streamlined range with new engines and a new look, following market feedback and TYM’s own rebranding.

Reesink is now comprised of four customer favourites, including subcompact and compact models, and offers a wide range of solutions for the UK’s sports venues and golf courses, contractors, landscapers and equestrian customers.

In response to EU’s emission regulations, three of these models – the T255, T395 and T555 –come with a Stage V compliant diesel engine, which limits the amount of particulate matter produced in an effort to reduce air pollution.

Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink, says: “TYM went through a major overhaul at the end of 2020 to prepare for the next 70 years, showing its commitment to investing in engineering that drives performance, and the result is a customer-focused redesign that provides versatility and value.

“At Reesink we went through a similar process of listening to our customers and streamlining our offering into four favourites. There’s a horsepower option suitable for all fine turf and sports requirements and attachments available from Reesink to ensure all jobs are catered for.”

Steve continues: “There are some clever features to the range. The T255, for example, is Stage V

compliant but avoids the need for expensive exhaust treatments such as a DPF filter, keeping costs down for the customer. It’s also now able to synchronise the HST pedals with the engine throttle for much simpler, and less tiring, operation. Plus, following customer feedback, it now comes with one set of spool valves as standard, rather than as an optional accessory.

“The T555 produces more power than its predecessor while still maximising on fuel efficiency, while the updated panel has a new digital element that shows the tractor hours, fuel gauge and information on the engine and emission system make for muchimproved user control.”

Reesink Turfcare Enquiry 42

Bionema appoints TurfCare as distributor in Ireland

Bionema Ltd, a leading biopesticide technology company, has signed a distribution agreement with TurfCare to sell its unique patented NemaTrident range of products on an exclusive basis in the turf, leisure and amenity sector in Ireland.

NemaTrident is a TriComponent patented, environmentally friendly solution used to control more than 50 different insect species including chafer grubs and leatherjackets.

These pests eat grass roots and can cause devastating damage to golf courses, sports turf and ornamental lawns.

Bionema’s NemaTrident

Tri-Component patented solution incorporates a range of highly virulent insectparasitic nematodes within the Heterorhabditis and Steinernema genera, a biocompatible wetting agent (Nemaspreader) and expert advice. These nematodes attack and destroy the larvae of the insect pests - preventing future pests from developing.

They are safe, non-toxic to users and consumers, decompose rapidly and can be targeted at specific pests to avoid harming beneficial insects. These sustainable products provide 70-95% success rates in combating pests.

TurfCare is a leading distributor of fertilizers, seed, irrigation and other amenity sector specialist products within Ireland and the company is constantly on the lookout for innovative products within the sport and amenity sectors.

ISEKI Enquiry 41

No weed out of reach with the Campey AIR Trolly Pack

Campey Turf Care Systems latest innovation, the AIR Trolly Pack from Dutch manufacturer WeedControl BV brings the hardest to access weeds into reach.

The Honda GX120 motor with compressor powers the LPG/propane 3x15kw hot-air burner head with an adjustable operating temperature between 190°C – 290°C.

The small footprint of the trolley and burner means it can easily access hard to reach areas such

as around poles, along walls and road edges, under street furniture and in narrow street passages and alleys where weeds consistently grow. The AIR Trolly Pack is also ideal for inner-city areas and the after-treatment of larger weed removal projects.

Flame weeding is a very effective and environmentally friendly way to remove weeds against alternative methods such as potentially harmful herbicides. Most annual and some perennial weeds can be eradicated using a flame that essentially explodes

the weeds’ cells, turning them into ash. This ash then mixes with the soil or disperses with no harm to other plants while there is no risk of drift onto other areas, which can be common with chemical applications.

WeedControl has explored all health and safety concerns associated with working with a fl ame during the development of the product. Special attention was paid to the ease of operation to ensure that any user can safely and easily operate the machine. All WeedControl

products are made to meet legal requirements when working in public and private areas and impact the environment as little as possible with a focus on sustainability.

The AIR Trolly Pack can be optionally supplied with a hotair bin at the front side. This is equipped with a 3x15kW hot-air burner head. For this, the AIR Trolly Pack is modified at the front side for stability.

Campey Turf Care Systems Enquiry 44

The high performing chemical free weed removal solutions

Unfortunately, weeds are always in season and areas including kerbs, paths, car parks and athletic facilities must be cleared of this unwelcomed growth several times throughout the year.

PSD Groundscare offer a range of weed strippers and brushes that offer the ideal solution to this problem, taking away the worry of complying with chemical legislation whilst doing exactly the same job.

Eco-friendly and entirely chemical free, these devices offer an easy and effective solution to weeding.

The weed strippers from AS Motor and Koppl provide completely green weed removal, they will eliminate all traces of weeds, algae, moss and lichen and the debris that they thrive in, making regular maintenance simple and effective.

Both AS Motor & Koppl also offer innovative battery powered models that are ideal for use in noise sensitive areas eg hospitals, schools, housing estates and business parks due to their quiet operation; the AS 30 E-Weedhex offers incredibly low vibrations – only <1.0 M/ S², is emission free and has a charging time of only 75 minutes and delivers the same high performing results as the standard weedhex models.

Koppl offer a range of 2-wheel tractor power units and interchangeable attachments that are quick and easy to switch including the Compact Easy battery powered model which can be used for a number of applications including; sweepers, weed removal and mowing.

PSD Groundscare Enquiry 45

Top tips on tackling leatherjackets as we head into the key treatment period Foamstream helps keep streets clean

Weedingtech’s Foamstream system is helping street and public open spaces cleansing in Cornwall with two Foamstream M1200 systems now being operated in the county.

Foamstream is known to be the most cost-effective and versatile herbicide-free solution for controlling unwanted vegetation and carrying out sanitisation tasks in large green and urban spaces.

Its patented low-pressure process combines hot water and biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars.

The active ingredient is the heat from the hot water which the foam insulates to ensure it is maintained and kills or severely damages the unwanted vegetation including weeds, moss and algae.

While primarily founded on weed control, Foamstream is also designed for power washing, general sanitisation and chewing gum removal.

It is certified organic by the British Soil Association and approved for killing bacteria. As such, it is highly effective for sanitising surfaces and urban cleaning. Optional lances are used in the process, and the eco-friendly system is safe for use around people, animals and delicate environments.

Use of the Foamstream M1200 system ensures minimum environmental impact on Cornwall’s street and public open space weed control and cleansing. The M1200 combines high performance with low-cost operation and fast treatment speed.

Mounted on a pickup, flatbed truck or trailer, it comes with a large water capacity and delivers a high flow rate, making it particularly well suited to treating large open areas in urban and rural environments.

Weedingtech Enquiry 47

The combination of wet and dry weather spells we have experienced this year, provide ideal conditions for leatherjackets which typically survive in moist soils above 12oC. Typically pupating from August onwards, greenkeepers should be prepared to control them three to four weeks after sightings drop off.

Colin Mumford, technical support manager at Bayer, notes that leatherjackets can be a challenge to identify. “Following mild weather, localised die back of the turf tissue will indicate that they’re active, but when it’s wet it can be hard to see signs of activity and often secondary damage from birds is the first indicator you see.”

He adds that it is important to actively look for crane flies from the spring right through to late autumn to ensure optimum treatment timings.

“There are two main species of crane fly that we find on managed turf in the UK. The European crane fly which is active from August to late October, only reproduces once a year; and the Common crane fly, which can have up to three generations in the same year.”

Given these lifecycles, and the identification challenges, Colin gives his top tips on how to successfully control leatherjackets.

How to control leatherjackets When it comes to controlling leatherjackets, it is important to think outside the box, as there are limited controls available and ironically, they are more attracted to healthy turf.

“Chemical controls are extremely restricted due to changes in legislation, but there are alternative methods out there which offer successful control.

“In particular, nematodes offer a great alternative to chemical controls. Being totally biological, they aren’t subject to the regulatory processes that synthetic pesticides have to meet but are still registered with the relevant authorities in each country,” says Colin.

He explains that nematodes work by entering the leatherjackets and releasing a bacterium which causes paralysis and ultimately kills the pest.

“It’s a symbiotic relationship between the nematodes and the bacterium. The nematodes are the transport mechanism for the bacterium, and the bacterium creates the conditions the nematode requires to complete its lifecycle. The nematode’s offspring then feed on the leatherjacket cadaver and once they have used up all the resources from the cadaver, they eat their way out of it, moving on to find another host to complete their lifecycle.”

He says that Bayer’s Harmonix® Tri-Nema nematodes, are a unique solution which contains three different species of entomopathogenic nematodes.

“Each species has a different role, making them more aggressive, as the different species try to outcompete each other to become dominant.”

Using nematode controls correctly To get the most out of using nematodes it is important to use them correctly, however this is not difficult as there are clear instructions to follow.

“Firstly, when receiving your nematodes make sure you store them correctly. Take the packets out of the box and keep them in the fridge between 4-8oC. Don’t stack them, as they can get squashed.”

Next Colin explains that monitoring and application timings must be right to achieve successful control of the pest.

“Monitor adult crane fly populations visually or with pheromone traps and apply the nematodes to the turf three to four weeks after you start to see a drop in adult numbers. This will enable the nematodes to target the leatherjackets in the soil when they’re young and vulnerable. When it’s time to apply the nematodes, pick an overcast day but when soil temperatures are above 12oC, it’s important to note that direct sunlight will kill them, and cold weather will limit their activity,” says Colin.

He adds that the area of application should be irrigated the day before, to ensure there is adequate moisture for the nematodes and it will help them move through the rootzone.

Nematodes are applied in liquid form. “Before filling the sprayer, remove all the nozzle filters, even the one in the lance if using a knapsack sprayer, as this can cause blockages. Also, wash the nematode packet out as they will stick to the sides,” he advises.

Colin says, use whole packets where possible so you get the right mix of the different nematode species. One pack of Harmonix ® Tri-Nema will cover 1,000m 2, which is enough to cover two average sized golf greens.

“Finally, within 30 minutes of applying the nematodes, turn on the irrigation briefly to lightly wash any nematodes remaining on the turfgrass leaves into the rootzone.

“A popular myth is that nematodes are difficult to apply, but in reality, it’s simple – just follow the instructions and you will achieve successful control,” concludes Colin.

Bayer Enquiry 48

Formulated from naturally occurring ingredients such as acetic acid, New-Way Weedspray produces discolouration and browning of the foliage within a few hours of treatment*

It can be used on hard surfaces, and natural surfaces not intended to bear vegetation, as well as permeable surfaces overlying soil.

New-Way Weedspray is the only registered herbicide approved for the control of moss on hard surfaces in the UK.

Weed expert praises Roundup ProVantage

Ian Adamson from Complete Weed Control has praised the consistently good results he achieves from Roundup ProVantage.

Ian has managed the Tyne & Wear area for almost 20years. He holds a BASIS certificate in crop protection and is a certificated surveyor in Japanese Knotweed. It is safe to say he knows his weeds and how to treat them.

“I have used Roundup as a brand for the whole of my career,” he said. “In particular, I have relied on ProVantage for the last three years. I choose this over other brands and products purely because I get such good results.”

As Ian says, Roundup ProVantage - a glyphosatebased herbicide, sets the standards in weed control and is renowned for its top performance.

The optimised blend of surfactants as well as the high loading makes Roundup ProVantage the most advanced amenity glyphosate on the market.

Roundup ProVantage offers superior performance – with improved rain-fastness and speed of uptake. Rainfast in just one hour for annuals, this product reduces the risk of run off and ensures the maximum amount of glyphosate reaches the roots for the optimum effectiveness.

The effectiveness of Roundup ProVantage herbicide, and its favourable environmental

characteristics, have combined to make it one of the most widely used and trusted herbicides in the world.

“I tend to use it on a variety of sites such as highways, central reservations, verges, pavements and industrial sites,” continued Ian.

“Depending on the site and the severity, I would normally look to apply it two or three times with a period of six to eight weeks between each application.

“This year I am intending to use ProVantage as a convenience tank mix with ICL’s LockStar, this will offer me both knockdown and longterm residual control.

“Throughout the summer we see great results within just a week, but it is also effective in cooler weather” This year, for example, I did a job in February when the temperatures were still very low, and within 3 weeks the Roundup ProVantage had achieved a total kill.

“Another huge benefit of ProVantage is that it is a 480 concentration instead of 360 so there are 25% less packaging materials to dispose of. For me that is a big selling point.

“We will continue to use and promote the use of Roundup ProVantage as it is a premium product and I’m very happy with the results” Ian concludes Roundup ProVantage is distributed in the UK by ICL.

Headland’s New-Way Weedspray for hard surface moss control

Headland Amenity’s New-Way Weedspray is a fast-acting, nonselective herbicide, active against most soft plant tissue it comes into contact with - including grasses, broad-leaved weeds and mosses.

Used on hard surfaces or even synthetic grass, depending on weather conditions, the product produces discolouration and browning of the foliage within just a few hours of treatment.

New-Way Weedspray (MAPP No. 15319), is a non-selective herbicide based on naturally occurring ingredients. The active ingredient - acetic acid (vinegar) - has been formulated from the highest food-grade product and developed with a naturally occurring protein ingredient.

This combination doubles the herbicidal properties of acetic acid compared to standard

products. Perennial weeds generally require more than a single application for control, but annual weeds are usually controlled with only the one. In warm, sunny weather, most weeds will die within 1 to 2 days.

New-Way Weedspray is the only registered herbicide approved for the control of moss on hard surfaces in the UK.

Its versatility means it can be used to control weed growth in amenity situations such as footpaths and pavements, parks, and in industrial areas such as railways, industrial sites and fence lines etc. Unlike other moss killers, New-Way Weedspray will also control weeds and grass as well, negating the need for separate applications.

The product is not translocated within the plant and therefore is

safer to use around trees, shrubs and other valuable plants. Also, as there are no residual effects with the product in the soil, new sowing and planting may be

undertaken as soon as the weeds have died.

Headland Amenity Enquiry 52

ACO responds to home rennovation boom with launch of GravelGuard

With the UK experiencing a home and landscaping renovation boom, ACO Water Management has launched its easy-to-install gravel stabilising ground reinforcement system, GravelGuard.

Stabilisation systems play an important role in projects that incorporate gravel, addressing issues such as gravel drifting and rutting, through to membrane moving and water ponding on nonporous surfaces. ACO’s new GravelGuard includes features that combat these problems, as well as speeding up installation

and reducing maintenance for years to come.

Manufactured from 100% polypropylene, it is designed to facilitate unimpeded drainage of surface water, while simultaneously ensuring gravel stability for pedestrian and vehicle access. It is suited to a range of applications, including driveways, garden paths, public spaces, and roof surfaces.

One of the defining features of GravelGuard is the incorporated geo-textile membrane, which helps to reduce weed growth, and

crucially speeds up installation by not requiring the installation of two separate layers of membrane and grid.

This integrated filter fleece can be easily cut to fit irregular

edging, saving project time in what is likely to prove a busy summer for builders and landscapers.

ACO Water Management Enquiry 53