EGO launches rear roller & mulching kits

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EGO launches rear roller & mulching kits: With the addition of new Rear Roller and Mulching kits, EGO’s landscaping, grounds care and gardening professionals can now look after the health of their lawn and achieve a professional finish with picture-perfect stripes.

Rear Roller Kit (AR1700/AR1900)

Weighing around 8KG and featuring an innovative design that easily clips over the rear wheel axle of EGO’s LM1700E, LM1700E-SP and LM1900E-SP battery powered mowers, the steel Rear Roller Kit provides the ideal amount of power and weight to help achieve pristine and uniform stripes across a lawn.

EGO launches rear roller & mulching kits

EGO launches rear roller & mulching kits

The Rear Roller Kit is available in two sizes and is compatible with EGO’s best-selling LM1700E, LM1700E-SP and LM1900E-SP mowers.

Mulching Kit (ABP1700/ABP1900)

EGO has also released a brand-new mulching kit to help professionals keep lawns healthy.

Featuring a factory-sharpened steel blade and a mulching plug, EGO’s Mulching Kit helps to deliver optimum cutting performance to achieve a reliable, clean cut lawn. Compatible with the LM1700E, LM1700E-SP and LM1900E-SP mowers, the mulching kit is a fantastic way to keep lawns healthy all year round.

The Mulching Kit works by double-cutting the grass, making it easy to create and distribute mulch. Whether professionals are looking to rejuvenate a lawn by providing additional nutrients, or to manage weeds and pests, EGO’s Power+ Mulching Kit is the perfect must-have addition for professional mowing.

Available now, the rear roller (AR1700) retails at £49.99 and (AR1900) at £57.99 with the mulching kit (ABP1700) at £34.99 and (ABP1900) at £37.99.

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Foamstream wages urban war on Covid-19

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Foamstream wages urban war on Covid-19: Little did we know back in March how long the lockdown was going to last or what lay ahead in our fight to contain the life-threatening virus, Covid-19.

And although lockdown continues, there have been relaxations in the restrictions which means an increase in the movement of people through urban and public places. This has made it more important than ever to ensure that public spaces are safe, with governments doing everything possible to prevent the transmission of the virus.  This is what will keep the R rate down and ultimately help us defeat the virus.  It is known that the Coronavirus can live on some surfaces for up to nine days and municipalities, landowners, and their contractors, need to take this into account when planning their sanitisation programmes. Unless public spaces are sanitised regularly, then transmission of the virus will continue as long as people continue to use them. The big question is this: how do we keep public places safe for people to use and enjoy once again, without using harmful toxic chemicals?  To avoid a second wave of the virus, it will be imperative to get this right.

Foamstream wages urban war on Covid-19

Foamstream wages urban war on Covid-19

British company Weedingtech offers a solution with Foamstream, a thermal system originally developed to kill weeds. Foamstream is now also widely used internationally to maintain & decontaminate public places by deep cleaning and sanitising them, effectively neutralizing viruses and preventing their transmission in the process. In 2019 Foamstream was tested and approved for controlling viruses (inc. Hepatitis C) on outdoor surfaces, with testing following PREN 16777:2014, the European standard with which all biocides have to comply. Foamstream proved to be a very effective way to neutralise Hepatitis-C, preventing its transmission. Given its mode of action, the science indicates that Foamstream is equally effective in neutralising Covid-19, thus reducing its transmission, making public places safer for us all.

Consider the places that need to be sanitised so they are safe for public use. Everywhere from parks to playgrounds, schools to sports facilities, hospital and universities, city centres to cemeteries and any other outdoor areas that may experience high levels of human contact. Authorities and municipalities need to be certain that any method they chose to clean and sanitise these public areas, will help in preventing transmission of the virus, without exposing people to harmful chemicals.

Weedingtech’s Foamstream technology emits near-boiling water (98°C) covered by an insulating biodegradable foam made from natural plant oils and sugars.  The foam retains the heat in the water so, the heat can work effectively to neutralize its target. The Foamstream process can be used on all kinds of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, funghi and non-sporulating bacteria. It’s safe for the operator, who needs only basic training and minimum safety wear, and safe for use in public places around people animals and water. The systems offer a variety of attachments making them suitable to carry out cleaning tasks on any surface.

Foamstream has been shown to work significantly faster than many manual sanitisation practices currently being used. Furthermore, it solves the virus problem without causing another problem downstream by exposing people to harmful chemicals.  Approved for use as an organic biocide, Foamstream is used by local authorities and contractors all over the UK, mainland Europe, North and South America and Australasia. There is a new virtual demonstration platform available for those interested to understand more about the process and Weedingtech urge authorities to see and consider the Foamstream route as their first line of defence against Covid-19 (and other viruses like hepatitis-C, norovirus and influenza) in public spaces.

Foamstream is already used by councils around the UK including Hammersmith and Fulham, Manchester City Council and Southwark as well as by some of the nation’s biggest contracting companies such as idverde and Urbaser.

https://www.weedingtech.com/applications/sanitisation/

In the US it is used in the Cities of New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle and Baltimore.  The process can be seen on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV97mq6e_-E&feature=youtu.

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Industry praises decision to move SALTEX

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Industry praises decision to move SALTEX: The recent announcement that SALTEX will be rescheduling from November 2020 to Spring 2021, has been met with enthusiastic support from both exhibitors and visitors.

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) Board of Directors said that the unanimous decision was based on ensuring the safety of everyone connected with the event and to provide the respite required to readjust to changing professional and personal circumstances. Furthermore, the GMA Board, believes that by acting now, it will allow everyone to plan as effectively as possible and help the industry to regroup and recover.

Industry praises decision to move SALTEX

Industry praises decision to move SALTEX

The announcement has been well received by exhibitors and those working in the industry who have praised the timing of the decision.

“We are pleased to see the GMA take decisive steps to deal with the growing doubt and anxiety about SALTEX going ahead in November. It would have been a difficult decision for a variety of reasons, but for us the right one to remove uncertainty and replace it with a forward date that we can look forward to with optimism. Early March keeps us in the ‘pre-season’ window to be able to give focus to the exhibition before the pressures of the season takeover,” said David Cole, managing director of Reesink Turfcare.

David’s views are echoed by Caroline Shaw, European marketing manager for Trimax Mowers: “The decision to postpone the largest show of the year couldn’t have been easy but the decisive action, coupled with the determination to put the health and well-being of our industry professionals first, is something we are proud to support.”

Roger Moore, sales and marketing manager for Dennis and SISIS said: “At Dennis and SISIS we agree with the decision. In these difficult times the industry will need its trade show and we believe that the postponement until March 2021 is the right decision for both exhibitors and visitors.”

Tom Shinkins, operations manager at GKB Machines, believes that the new dates could be advantageous: “It’s a great decision to move SALTEX to March 2021. The GMA has had to think about people’s safety and the government restrictions put in place but I believe the new dates will actually be more beneficial because we’ll be able to arrange demonstrations with prospective new customers straight after the show.

“With the show previously in November, we would meet lots of visitors on our stand but quite often we would not be able to carry out demonstrations for them until the new year due to the unpredictable weather. Now we will have the whole of Spring to visit SALTEX customers.”

Social media channels and online forums were flooded with industry professionals who also welcomed the announcement:

“It’s a sensible decision which allows everyone to concentrate on the here and now and then focus for 2021,” said Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All English Lawn and Tennis Club, Wimbledon.

Karl McDermott, head groundsman at Lord’s, said: “Sad news but the right decision. I always see SALTEX as a great way to finish off the cricket season but now it is going to be a nice warmup for next season. I’m looking forward to March 2021.”

Landscaper Greg Francis was also positive about the decision: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s a much better time of year for the gardeners because during the months of October/November it is non-stop leaf clearance,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the GMA Board, Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented: “We would like to thank our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers for their support and patience during this challenging time. It has been highly encouraging to see the industry come together and support the GMA’s decision.

“We feel we have acted quickly, working hard to secure these new Spring dates, in order to deliver the event the industry deserves.”

Early indications for SALTEX 2021, the show’s 75th anniversary, are extremely positive after show organisers reported a record-breaking loyalty period, stand upgrades and an influx of debut exhibitors. It comes off the back of the most successful SALTEX to date which saw a record breaking 9,104 visitors attend the 2019 event.

SALTEX will take place on 3 and 4 March 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham.

For more information visit www.gmasaltex.co.uk

To view further industry support and quotes visit – https://www.gmasaltex.co.uk/industry-shows-support-quotes-for-new-saltex-dates/

Follow SALTEX on Twitter @GMA_SALTEX and Facebook – www.facebook.com/GMASALTEX

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ICL completes trilogy of webinars

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ICL completes trilogy of webinars: ICL have recently completed a trilogy of online webinars which explored a broad range of invasive species and offered several innovative solutions.

Invasive plants are an increasing challenge for society, not least in the non-agricultural weed control (amenity) sector. Barry Browne ICL’s Landscape and Industrial National Sales Manager and keynote speaker Dr Dan Jones, Managing Director of Advanced Invasives, were on hand to provide expert advice throughout the webinars.

ICL completes trilogy of webinars

ICL completes trilogy of webinars

The first in the series focussed on Japanese Knotweed which is perhaps the best-known invasive plant species in the UK; this is in large part a consequence of invasive knotweeds possessing a range of biological properties that make them exceedingly difficult to manage.

The webinar explored how invasive knotweed biology and ecology creates a unique set of legislative, legal and management challenges and the solutions to which require evidence-based, pragmatic solutions.

By reviewing Advanced Invasives exclusive academic and commercial field trial research and publications, Dan provided practical, long-term, and sustainable recommendations for invasive knotweed management at all scales.

Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed were the focus in the second edition of the invasive plant webinars. These species cause negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts and in the case of Giant Hogweed, it is also toxic to humans and livestock.

In this webinar Dan explored the biology and ecology of Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed, highlighting how and why they have spread so successfully, but he also identified weak points that can be exploited for their effective management. Using Advanced Invasives exclusive commercial field trial research and unique case studies, delegates gained a better understanding of how these species can be practically applied to deliver effective long-term control and management, using less herbicide and labour.

In the final instalment of the series, Dan examined the woody invasive plants Buddleja (Butterfly Bush) and Rhododendron. He clarified how Butterfly Bush causes significant impacts in the built environment and revealed that Rhododendron is more problematic in upland conservation areas. Despite differences in the environments in which they are commonly found, Dan further explained that these species share a common growth strategy and remain popular ornamental species that are widely planted in the UK.

Ultimately this webinar examined how the evidence underpinning the management of these plants is presently incomplete, leading to the application of ineffective and/or costly management methods and herbicides, resulting in control programme failure. Reviewing the academic and industry literature in the context of Advanced Invasives exclusive research, Dan suggested how practical, long term, management of woody invasive weeds can be better achieved at all scales, at lower environmental and economic cost.

The large online audience across the three webinars consisted of a wide range of sectors which included horticulturists, landscapers, amenity grounds managers plus personnel from the infrastructure and construction sector.

“Seeing so many people attend these webinars was incredibly positive,” said Barry. “We had a range of really great questions from the attendees. The questions covered the ecology of the plants, some specific questions on how best to manage them and other queries regarding how other alternative methods work or do not work. It was good to engage with a wide audience of people that have such a diverse range of interests in invasive plants.

“I’d like to think that attendees would have come away from the webinars with a greater understanding of these invasive species and from a practitioners point of view they would have gained a greater insight into what products will work effectively, when they will work effectively and why they will work effectively. They will now be able to avoid using treatments that are not going to work.”

Recordings of the full webinars along with the question and answer sessions have been recorded and are available to view:

Japanese Knotweed webinar video: https://bit.ly/ICLJKWv

Japanese Knotweed webinar Q & A video: https://bit.ly/ICLJKWvQ

Managing Herbaceous Invasive Plants and their Seed Banks: https://bit.ly/ICLmhip

Managing Woody Weeds webinar: https://bit.ly/ICLMWW

Managing Wood Weeds Q & A video: https://bit.ly/ICLMWWq

Further information on the products discussed during the webinars can be found on the ICL website:

Roundup ProVantage: www.icl-sf.com/uk-en/products/turf_amenity/roundup-provantage/

Roundup ProActive: www.icl-sf.com/uk-en/products/turf_amenity/roundup-proactive/

Icade: www.icl-sf.com/uk-en/products/turf_amenity/icade/

Synero: www.icl-sf.com/uk-en/products/turf_amenity/synero/

Speedway Total: www.icl-sf.com/uk-en/products/turf_amenity/speedway-total

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Makita supports Garden of the Decade

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Makita supports Garden of the Decade: The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2018, built by Landform Consultants and supported by Makita, has won the People’s Choice Garden of the Decade Award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020.

The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2018 was designed by Mark Gregory and constructed by Landform Consultants. Its inspiration came from Mark’s home county, the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, and featured a fast-flowing stream that cascaded through a stunning woodland glade, meadow and vegetable garden. The garden was awarded Gold and Best Construction medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018, where it was also crowned the People’s Choice Award.

Makita supports Garden of the Decade

Makita supports Garden of the Decade

As part of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020, ten gardens from the past ten years were shortlisted for the public to vote for their favourite – and the Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2018 has been named as the People’s Choice Garden of the Decade.

To support the construction of the garden, Makita supplied a range of tools, including chop saws, drills, a blower and a battery-powered wheelbarrow for transporting materials.

Mark Gregory, Managing Director at Landform Consultants said: “I am delighted to win the People’s Choice Garden of the Decade award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020. The Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2018 was a fantastic project from the moment we broke ground.

“Makita provided a huge support to us throughout, by supplying a range of tools which were instrumental to the construction process, including its motorised wheelbarrow. We also used Makita’s submersible pumps to power the stream that flowed through the garden, which performed brilliantly.”

Makita supplied its DCU180Z 18V LXT motorised wheelbarrow to assist the team with transporting materials and plants around site. This machine can carry up to 130kg, making it suitable for transporting heavier materials such as stone and turf. The wheelbarrow is designed with two forward speeds (Hi can reach up to 3.5km/h and Lo can reach up to 1.5km/h) and the constant speed control feature automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load. The wheelbarrow also features a powered reverse function (up to 1.0km/h) and includes a locking break lever, for maximum on-site safety.

For operator comfort, the DCU180Z can be adjusted to three height levels. The detachable rear trailing wheels with kick down brake can also be adjusted from a width of 480mm to 760mm, offering improved stability and reduced operator effort.

In addition, the Landform Consultants team used Makita’s DUB362 powerful cordless blower. The DUB362 is powered by two 18V LXT batteries in series, to supply energy to the powerful 36V DC motor drive system. The inclusion of a brushless motor also offers high air volume and speed, ideal for high-demand tasks.

“During the last stages of construction, I contacted the Makita team with concerns that the buttercup meadows – a key feature of the Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2018 – were lying flat,” said Mark. “I therefore needed a way to lift them; and the team suggested that I use the DUB362 cordless blower. The machine was delivered to site by one of the Makita team, to ensure that we had it in time to rectify the issues ahead of the first day of the show.”

Mark Earles, Business Development Manager – OPE at Makita said: “Huge congratulations to Mark and the team at Landform Consultants for winning the People’s Choice Garden of the Decade at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020, for the Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2018. We are thrilled that we were able to assist Mark throughout this project – Makita’s motorised wheelbarrow reduced on-site labour and our cordless blower helped with the finishing touches.”

Makita has worked with Landform Consultants since 2012, supporting the team on several RHS Chelsea Flower Show installations including the award winning, Welcome to Yorkshire Garden 2019. The garden won Gold and was also named The People’s Choice Best Show Garden 2019. Makita supplied a range of tools and Submersible Semi-Trash Pumps (PF1110) to help bring Landform’s vision to life.

To find out more about Makita and its range of tools please visit: www.makitauk.com

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