Turf News is the perfect place for professionals working within the UK’s vibrant turf industry – keeping you up-to-date with topical news, latest market developments and much more across all areas of the industry.
NEWS ARTICLES

FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services

/in , , /by

FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services: An FSI B21 stump grinder is proving that compact certainly does not mean a compromise in efficiency and performance for Joe Baker of JB Tree Services.

With the majority of jobs coming from residential customers in and around Trowbridge, his recently  purchased FSI B21 gives him the manoeuvrability to tackle stumps in tight and restricted spaces as well as providing full control over his work schedule compared to the trepidation of relying on hire machines.

FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services

FSI B21 a great fit for JB Tree Services

After working as a tree surgeon for Bath Council for six years, Joe started working for himself full-time in 2021. Commercial and council work for Trowbridge Town Council remains a key part of his offering, but he explains that the majority of demand for him and his team of two comes from residential customers. “These sorts of customers are looking for a ‘one stop shop’ – if they’re having a tree removed, they also want the stump dealt with on the same day.”

“I started off hiring a stump grinder as and when I needed one, but found they’d turn up used and abused, nearly always blunt. The time was definitely right to invest in our own machine that would be well maintained and available whenever we needed it.” While no stranger to stump grinders, Joe had no prior experience of an FSI, but admits it took little convincing that the brand was the perfect solution! “We had the slightly bigger FSI B31 on demonstration from GA Groundcare Ltd and the first thing we noticed was the outstanding build quality. The whole team had the opportunity to use it and all agreed that of all the various makes and models they’d used, in operation, this was by far the best.”

Peace of mind

Decision made, the pedestrian FSI B21 stump grinder joined the machinery fleet in August 2024. “There’s a lot to like about this machine, with a lot of features bringing newfound efficiency to stump removal.” He explains, “Firstly, the 14hp engine delivers impressive power. The turntable feature is brilliant in terms of operator comfort, the safety bar allows us to disengage the cutter wheel for safe and unhindered movement around the stump. The hill-hold system which is unique to FSI is another gamechanger – blocking any forward wheel motion and allowing us to pull the machine backwards to easily navigate ramps, steps and uneven terrain.”

“The peace of mind of being able to fell a tree in the morning and having the FSI B21 to hand to grind the stump in the afternoon is brilliant, seeing the machine in high demand since we’ve had it. The back-up from GA Groundcare has also been excellent. We can’t fault the machine or the service we’ve had from start to finish.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues

/in , , /by

GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues: Following an outstanding 2024 event, GroundsFest 2025 is set to be even bigger, with significant growth in exhibitor numbers, stand space, and industry influence. The event’s rapid expansion highlights its position as the largest event for the grounds management and landscaping industries.

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 19,365sqm of sold exhibitor space already—with seven months still to go
  • 6,300sqm of extra stand space added to accommodate exhibitor demand
  • 91% of 2024 exhibitors have rebooked, proving the event’s exceptional value
  • 52 brand-new exhibitors already confirmed for 2025, with many more to come
GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues

GroundsFest 2025 Expansion Continues

This rapid expansion cements GroundsFest as the industry’s fastest-growing trade event, offering exhibitors and visitors more brands, more networking, and more hands-on experiences than ever before.

The 2025 exhibitor list is already shaping up to be the event’s most diverse yet, with leading industry names and exciting newcomers joining the GroundsFest community. Some of the new first-time exhibitors include, DEWALT, Bosch Outdoor Garden, AMAZONE Ltd, Martin Lishman, BLOCK BLITZ, Först, Wessex International and Trilo – to name just a few.

The addition of these exhibitors—along with the overwhelming rebooking rate from returning companies—is a clear indicator of GroundsFest’s growing influence and industry-wide trust.

Sales Director Charles Neale expressed his enthusiasm for the show’s exceptional momentum, stating:

“The speed at which GroundsFest is growing is simply phenomenal. The fact that 91% of last year’s exhibitors have already rebooked speaks volumes about the success of the event and the business opportunities it provides. The increasing demand for space, the addition of 52 new exhibitors, and the support from the industry show that GroundsFest is exactly what the sector needed—an engaging, interactive, and accessible event that truly delivers for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

With its expanding footprint, exhibitor line-up, and industry support, GroundsFest 2025 is shaping up to be the most impactful edition yet. The event’s strong focus on education, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, is setting new standards for industry trade shows.

GroundsFest 2025 takes place on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Stay tuned for more updates as the industry’s biggest and most exciting event gets even bigger.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

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

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

/in , /by

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025: The Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has issued a warning about anticipated price increases for turf products in 2025.

Following another year of challenging weather conditions and ever increasing operational costs, TGA members have reported mounting pressures that will inevitably drive up the overall cost of production, and therefore the sale price of turf.

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

TGA Warns of Further Turf Price Increases in 2025

This continues a trend in recent years, as the industry grapples with the ongoing effects of extreme and variable weather patterns. In 2024, further widespread wet weather, increased disease management programmes, and in many cases the legacy of the previous winter’s adverse weather have once again driven up production costs across the whole supply chain.

Impact of National Insurance Contribution Changes

Adding to these challenges, the government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions, effective from April 2025, will significantly affect turfgrass producers. Contributions are set to rise from 13.8% to 15%, while the threshold at which employers begin paying contributions will drop from £9,100 to £5,000. These changes will substantially increase payroll costs for labour-intensive industries including turfgrass production.

Richard Owens, Chair of the TGA, commented: “2024 was another particularly challenging year for the turfgrass industry. Alongside continued weather-related disruptions and increasing operational costs, government-mandated fiscal changes are adding further pressures. Price adjustments are essential to ensure the industry’s viability and ability to meet future demand.”

Building on Previous Challenges

The anticipated price rises for 2025 build on the challenges highlighted at the start of 2024, when the TGA warned of price increases driven by extreme weather, rising fertiliser and fuel costs, and supply chain issues.

Looking Ahead

The TGA remains committed to supporting its members by promoting best practices, advocating for industry needs, and exploring innovative solutions to mitigate future challenges. However, with the effects of climate change continuing to impact growing conditions and economic pressures mounting, the association urges stakeholders to anticipate price volatility and plan accordingly for upcoming projects.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Adapted vehicle restores Cornishman’s independence

/in , /by

Adapted vehicle restores Cornishman’s independence: An adapted John Deere Gator has enhanced the mobility and independence of a St Austell resident with an enthusiasm for outdoor life. 

Regional agricultural and turf machinery dealer, Masons Kings, worked in collaboration with Adaptacar to restore Paul Clemes’ ability to doing what he loves best.

Adapted all-terrain vehicle restores Cornishman’s independence

Adapted all-terrain vehicle restores Cornishman’s independence

Mobility challenges have made it difficult for Paul, who is paralysed from the chest down, to access certain areas, so he approached Masons Kings for help.

A John Deere XUV865M Gator was adapted to meet Paul’s specific needs with modifications providing increased accessibility and usability, enabling him to operate the vehicle safely and navigate varied terrain.

The modifications that were made include Adaptacar’s left hand push/pull driving controls and quick release steering wheel aid, a winch to lift Paul’s powerchair into the vehicle, a Perspex screen on the front and rear cage, a person lift, a four-point harness and single folding ramps for the powerchair when using the winch.

“This adapted John Deere machine will change parts of my life,” said Paul. “I now have the freedom to go where I want, and it shows that there are solutions for people with disabilities. Just because you’re disabled, you’re not isolated.

“We were committed to delivering a solution that would make a real difference for Paul,” said David Barnes, Commercial Sales Consultant at Masons King. “It has been a privilege to provide Paul with a vehicle that regains independency.”

Masons Kings is a leading agricultural and turf dealership operating across Devon and Cornwall, providing specialist service and support for 40 years.

A video interview with Paul and David can be watched online.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Carr’s Billington Expands Dealer Territory

/in , /by

Carr’s Billington Expands Dealer Territory: T H WHITE Machinery Imports is pleased to announce that Carr’s Billington, a trusted supplier of groundcare and agricultural equipment, is expanding its dealer territory to cover Northern England and Southwest Scotland.

This strategic expansion enhances access to premium groundcare solutions, including Ferris commercial mowers, Spider remote-controlled slope mowers and Ohashi compact tracked chippers for customers in these regions.

Carr’s Billington Expands Dealer Territory

Carr’s Billington Expands Dealer Territory

The inclusion of Ferris mowers, known for their innovative suspension technology and superior comfort, will enhance productivity for commercial users tackling demanding terrains. Spider’s world-renowned remote-controlled slope mowers provide a safe and efficient solution for maintaining steep and hazardous landscapes. Meanwhile, Ohashi’s compact tracked chippers offer powerful, high-performance solutions for forestry, landscaping and local authority applications.

“We are thrilled to expand our dealer territory for these premium groundcare brands,” said Amanda Smith, Branch Manager at Carr’s Billington, Byers Green, Spennymoor. “At Carr’s Billington, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and expert service to our customers. With Ferris, Spider and Ohashi, we can offer even more solutions to meet the diverse needs of professionals working in groundcare, forestry and landscaping across Northern England and Southwest Scotland.”

“We are excited to support Carr’s Billington in expanding its dealer area for Ferris, Spider and Ohashi brands,” said Douglas Jeffrey, Area Sales Manager at T H WHITE Machinery Imports. “Their expertise and strong local presence ensure that more customers will have access to industry-leading groundcare equipment, backed by exceptional service and support.”

Carr’s Billington’s expanded coverage area will provide enhanced sales, service, and support to new and existing customers, reinforcing its mission to deliver top-tier products and customer satisfaction. Customers in Northern England and Scotland can now benefit from Carr’s Billington’s extensive knowledge and high-quality service for these premium groundcare brands.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.