Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of tree protection and landscaping products, has announced the launch of GT Thorn Guard, a new protective guard designed to prevent damage to trees from grazing livestock.

Offering instant and effective protection for newly planted saplings and established trees, GT Thorn Guard will be officially launched on stand PF E6 at Groundswell 2025, the Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Hertfordshire, on 2nd and 3rd July.

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

The Groundswell Festival is a popular forum for farmers, landowners, and environmental professionals to explore regenerative farming practices, making it the ideal setting to launch the GT Thorn Guard.

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and deer, can cause significant damage to trees in a short period. GT Thorn Guard has been developed specifically to deter even the largest livestock and ensure trees are protected to enable them to establish and thrive.

GT Thorn Guard is manufactured from high-quality galvanised steel, making it strong and built to withstand the rigours of agricultural environments. Supplied as flat grids for ease of transportation and storage, the guard is easily assembled on-site. Once rolled into shape, it forms a secure cylindrical barrier with outward-facing spikes positioned at regular intervals to deter livestock. This instant and effective solution provides reliable protection against cattle, sheep, deer, and other grazing animals, helping to ensure the successful establishment of trees.

Installation is straightforward and the guards can be assembled and installed around new or existing trees in just a few steps, offering a no-fuss solution for farmers and land managers looking to protect their planting projects.

Richard Gill, Green-tech’s Sales Director, comments, “The GT Thorn Guard is a practical solution to a widespread challenge. As we support more tree planting across the UK, especially on farms and estates, protecting that investment from livestock is critical. This new guard is simple to use, highly effective and built to last.”

Visit the Green-tech team on stand PF E6 at the Groundswell Festival to see the product and get technical advice and support on a wide range of tree planting and protection products.

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SGL expands LED grow lighting range

SGL expands LED grow lighting range: SGL, global leader in pitch management solutions, announces the expansion of their LED grow lighting systems range: the LED60, LED30, and LED10. Developed and produced entirely in-house, these new products allow SGL to cater even more precisely to the needs of grounds teams—offering compact, user-friendly solutions for every situation.

Tailor-made solutions

As the turfgrass industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for adaptable and complete solutions. SGL aims to meet the full range of grounds teams’ needs with a product for every scenario. The introduction of the LED60, LED30, and LED10 ensures that a suitable lighting solution is available—whether for quick repairs in tight corners or broader turf recovery in high-wear zones.

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

Designed for performance and practicality

SGL undertook extensive research and development to optimise its existing LED product range. The result is a new line of lightweight, compact units built for frequent and efficient operation. A slim construction, combined with smart leg design and strategic SmartBox placement, ensures minimal shadowing beneath the unit and superior, uniform light distribution in all climates.

The separation of light and heat, an important function of LED grow lighting technology, is now available even in the smallest units, increasing efficiency while saving energy in the process.

All three models are fully developed and produced at SGL’s headquarters. With the opening of their new office, production processes are further streamlined—reinforcing SGL’s long-term vision for in-house innovation and growth.

Three models, three solutions

Although launched simultaneously, the LED60, LED30, and LED10 are distinct products, each designed for specific pitch conditions.

The new LED60 sets a benchmark in turf lighting performance. Designed to cover 60 m², it is the largest of the three compact models—ideal for high-wear zones such as goalmouths.

Compared to its predecessor, the LED50, the LED60 maintains the same compact dimensions while delivering 10 m² more coverage. This is made possible by a custom-engineered lens that ensures optimal light distribution.

What truly sets the LED60 apart:

  • Higher efficiency: With a state-of-the-art LED efficiency of 3.9 µmol/J, it delivers more light with less energy.
  • Lower weight: Nearly 100 kilograms lighter, making handling and deployment significantly easier.
  • Reduced cost: Despite its enhanced performance, the LED60 is available at a lower price, offering exceptional value.

The LED60 combines innovation and practicality—delivering more light, more coverage, and more efficiency, all while reducing operational costs.

The LED30 covers 30 m², offering the same advanced features in a smaller format. It’s well-suited for targeted recovery across the pitch, providing flexibility for grounds teams who want precise application in a compact, easy-to-handle unit.

The LED10 is the most compact unit model, covering 10 m², and is perfect for fast recovery in specific high-wear zones such as corners. Its two-leg rear design with wheels makes it especially easy to handle and reposition.

Connected to TurfBase

All three units are supported by SGL’s data management dashboard, TurfBase, which enables users to register lighting hours, remotely turn units on and off, or schedule timers to optimise the microclimate 24/7. All with the aim of maximising efficiency to achieve the best agronomical results with the lowest energy consumption.

With this launch, SGL expands its commitment to delivering precise, practical solutions—empowering grounds teams with the tools they need to maintain high-quality playing surfaces, no matter the challenge.

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GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar: The GroundsFest Academy is set to host another free educational event on 31 July 2025, focusing on the latest robotics and sustainable technologies in the groundscare and landscaping industries.

Taking place at Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, this CPD-accredited day brings together leading experts from Husqvarna, Turf Tank, and Lantra to explore how innovation is reshaping outdoor spaces.

GroundsFest Academy's Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

GroundsFest Academy’s Free Robotics & Green Innovations Seminar

Attendees will gain hands-on experience with robotic mowers, battery-powered machinery, and automated line-marking technology, alongside expert-led talks and practical training sessions.

Topics include:

  • The benefits of robotic mowing systems and how to implement them
  • Sustainable machinery solutions and green technology trends
  • Live robotic line marking demonstrations
  • Career guidance and training course insights from Lantra

The event runs from 09:00 to 15:30, and is completely free to attend, with CPD points and certificates provided to all participants. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided.

Bradley Tennant, Director of Education for GroundsFest Academy, commented:

“The GroundsFest Academy is about bringing innovation and education together in a way that’s practical, engaging, and completely free to access. This Robotics and Green Innovations day is a chance for professionals to get hands-on with the technology that’s changing our industry, while also gaining CPD points and valuable knowledge to take back to their teams or their own projects.”

The GroundsFest Academy is made possible thanks to the ongoing success of the main GroundsFest event, with profits being reinvested directly back into the industry. This commitment ensures that professionals at all levels have access to free, high-quality training opportunities throughout the year – helping to support long-term growth, innovation, and education across the groundscare and landscaping sectors.

Register for your free place at www.groundsfestacademy.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on X, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views

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