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NEWS ARTICLES

Safe Weed Control by name and nature

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Safe Weed Control by name and nature: As awareness of the hazards associated with glyphosate continues to grow across the globe, it is unsurprising that the number of commercial organisations switching to non-herbicidal weed control is on the rise.

Safe Weed Control, based on the outskirts of Auckland in New Zealand, was established to service vegetation clearance for a range of clients including those in environmentally sensitive areas, which they tackle with ease thanks to Foamstream.

Safe Weed Control by name and nature

Safe Weed Control by name and nature

Owner of Safe Weed Control Matt Kirby was first introduced to Foamstream through his father, who was an early adopter of the technology, available from Weedingtech. “I established Safe Weed Control four years ago after spotting a gap in the New Zealand market for clients who don’t want to be using chemical herbicides but aren’t necessarily sizeable enough to invest in their own Foamstream equipment” he explains. “It was the simplicity and effectiveness of the system really appealed to me.”

Foamstream kills unwanted vegetation including weeds, moss and algae using the precise application of hot water insulated by a biodegradable, organic, plant-based foam. Delivered via a range of patented machinery, the retained heat from the water penetrates the plant through the leaves and travels down the root, killing the weeds quickly and safely.

“We have an L12 and M1200 unit which we use on all of our jobs – everything from roads and verges, to boat ramps and retirement villages! The vast majority of our workload is in playgrounds and Foamstream is absolutely ideal for this purpose, preserving the aesthetic of the area with no harmful chemicals which children can potentially ingest.”

As well as killing the plant, Foamstream also sterilises surrounding seeds and spores, reducing future regrowth which results in fewer treatment cycles per year compared to other non-herbicidal methods of weed control such as burning or steam. “We get fantastic results with this system, in all environments – including sensitive areas – and in all weathers, which is another major plus on the Foamstream system.”

Matt continues, “In addition, the technical team at Weedingtech have always gone above and beyond. Despite the time difference, someone will tend to make themselves available and provide patient, knowledgeable and methodical advice when we’ve needed it.”

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Less thatch at Linlithgow GC

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Less thatch at Linlithgow GC: Linlithgow Golf Club has taken delivery of a 2.3 m width Wiedenmann Terra Rake, from Wiedenmann UK’s Scottish dealer, Fairways GM at Kinross.

Course Manager, Phil Montgomery said “I’d been eyeing one up for a while. The rake pulls up a terrific amount of thatch. Take the day it arrived; the difference it made to the practice ground in one session was amazing: just so much. Over the next few years, it will enhance the entire site.”

Less thatch as Linlithgow GC

Less thatch as Linlithgow GC

The West Lothian club is located on a hill side, high above the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. Its elevation and undulations give Phil some additional challenges.

“A handful of fairways can be affected by moss,” he said. “A few are rocky, and sitting slope-side, they can really dry out in summer, and turn brown.

“If growth doesn’t come back, and rain returns, moss starts to creep in…. all compounded by the same fairways sitting ‘wet’ through the winter…

“We plan to attack the moss there head-on with the Terra Rake on a regular basis. Even though we rota-knife and spike them, until now the surface tension is just too much. The rake will help alleviate that problem and sort them out.”

Beyond the fairways, Phil has an ever-growing list of duties lined up for his new kit addition which means it will be in use all year-round.

“I like the versatility of the rake; it’s great value. I’ve seen it take on many different jobs on YouTube and Twitter. It will be good for standing the grass up prior to cutting, we will use it for presentation and once our new tractor- mounted blower arrives, we will use it for rough management, thinning out and tidying up.

“However, leaf management will be a big part of its work. We are surrounded by trees. With the rake, the blower, and the collector, together the way we clear the leaves this autumn will be far more successful. If you don’t get a chance to clear the leaves they can get trampled into the rough. Again, the rake will help us if that occurs, too.”

This is Phil’s second spell at Linlithgow. His first spell began as a 16-year-old apprentice, staying until he was 22. He returned in 2016 and was promoted quickly through the ranks to Course Manager. Working alongside him are greenkeepers, Colin and Connor, and all three are joined by a small group of volunteers who help for two hours on a Tuesday and Thursday morning.

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Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance

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Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance: A Golf Course Manager from a deluxe golf and spa resort nestled in the scenic Cheshire countryside explains why they use Attraxor to keep their turf green, clear of Poa annua, and easily maintainable.

Golf course manager John Quinn, based at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa near Knutsford, has been using Attraxor for three seasons and has shared the benefits he’s seen on the golf course.

Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance

Using Attraxor for consistency and ease of maintenance

The Mere offers a deluxe four-star hotel experience with a spa and a scenic 18-hole lakeside Championship Golf Course, encompassed by mature trees and extensive vegetation. The 81-room hotel is a popular retreat for avid golfers, with many posting their experience on Trip Advisor complimenting the greens as being “smooth, fabulous, and well kept.”

John discussed the reasons he began to use Attraxor at The Mere: “After hearing lots of good stories about Attraxor, I decided to try it with the hope it would make the greens growth consistent and reduce clippings. We also wanted to suppress the growth of Poa annua seedheads to keep the greens smooth.”

Attraxor has been proven to regulate growth effectively as part of a well-managed turf strategy, meaning the hard work put into the upkeep of the grounds lasts longer. The active product within Attraxor is Prohexadione-calcium, which inhibits the gibberellic acid pathway, resulting in reduction of turf height and biomass. Root growth is promoted through Attraxor to aid strength, whilst turf colour and quality are maintained.

John said: “I use Attraxor every 21 days on our greens and it has lowered the mowing maintenance of the greens and complemented our existing efforts of greens upkeep. During periods of high growth, we alternate days mowing and rolling to reduce plant stress. Attraxor gives me better control of growth rates. Throughout the 21-day period, a more uniform sward is possible each week. I’ve found that the Poa annua seedhead suppression qualities are superior to Trinexapac-ethyl products. If any seedheads do pop up, they are remarkably smaller and leave a much finer putting surface.”

John also discussed the improvement of quality he is seeing within the grass, saying: “We have been overseeding with creeping bentgrass for three years now, and in conjunction with our use of Attraxor, we have seen a much better uptake from our overseeding work!

“Introducing Attraxor to our maintenance regime has meant we spend less time mowing the greens.  Having such good control over the growth rates means the option is always there to give the greens a break for a day without any mechanical input if we feel it would benefit. Attraxor has given me so much control over the golf course, it has allowed for consistent and quality greens coverage with minimal growth which is smooth and develops at the same pace as all the other greens.”

To find out more about Attraxor, visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Growth-Regulator/Attraxor.html#section-benefits

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

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Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy: Royal Norwich has introduced a new international sports turf qualification for students who want to specialise in golf.

The golf and country club has launched the two-year full-time programme of study which will run in conjunction with the Performance Golf Programme.

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

Royal Norwich introduces turfcare academy

“We’re proud to announce the introduction of our Turfcare Academy and Business Management qualification for students looking to specialise in a golfing background,” says John Kerr, CEO of Royal Norwich.

Upon completion students will receive an internationally recognised certificate in Sports Turf from SRUC Elmwood, St Andrews, Scotland, plus an ILM Level 2 and 3 in Business Supervision and Management.

Support will be provided by industry leading partners – including machinery manufacturer John Deere – delivering extensive additional training and support for students. This will give students access to the next generation of systems, services and skills to manage the golf course of the future.

“This innovative programme combines comprehensive turf management education with specialised business skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for success in this thriving field,” Mr Kerr said.

“The Turfcare Academy and Business Qualification is designed to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in sports turf maintenance and management.”

From maintaining lush greens to utilising leading-edge technology, students will gain a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in creating exceptional golf course conditions.

In addition to these qualifications the Royal Norwich will offer its Performance Golf Programme; an exclusive opportunity for students to further enhance their golfing skills. This programme provides a range of exceptional benefits including mid-week unlimited access to the golf course, state-of-the-art swing analysis, 3 x 60-minute coaching sessions delivered by highly skilled instructors, and much more.

Mr Kerr said: “At Royal Norwich we are committed to nurturing the next generation of golf industry professionals.”

There are two programmes, the Full Player Programme at £4,750 per annum, and the Education Only Programme at £3,950 per annum, which does not include the Performance Golf Programme.

On-site accommodation is available for students, and interested parties can contact mail@royalnorwich.co.uk to discuss the options available to support their personal career goals.

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GMA Awards judging panel announced

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GMA Awards judging panel announced: The GMA’s annual awards will take place later this year when we will celebrate industry excellence across sports turf and artificial surfaces.  

With the closing date to submit applications for the GMA Industry Awards fast approaching, the Grounds Management Association is delighted to announce the judging panel for this year’s ceremony.

GMA Awards judging panel announced

GMA Awards judging panel announced

GMA Awards judging panel announced GMA Awards judging panel announced The ten judges have been tasked with selecting seventeen worthy winners from an industry-wide talent pool who, among them, represent every corner of the sector. Comprising of leading industry professionals, the stellar line up includes seasoned professionals, some with long and distinguished careers; many have judged the annual awards several times before and keep coming back!

The 2023 judges include:

  1. Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
  2. Adrian Kay, Head Groundsman at York Racecourse
  3. Meg Lay, Groundsperson at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
  4. Lee Metcalfe, Senior Grounds Manager at Manchester City FC
  5. David Roberts, Director at Training Unlimited
  6. Anthony Facey, Area Sales Manager at Tuckwells
  7. Stuart Kerrison, Head Groundsman at Essex County Cricket Club
  8. Derek Walder, Operations Director at SALTEX
  9. Nasa Hussain, Head Groundsman & Facilities Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club
  10. James Wright, Senior Maintenance Manager at Leeds University

Derek Walder said:

“To be invited to judge the Industry Awards applications this year is a real privilege. Having worked in the industry for over 56 years, it’s fantastic to be able to play a part in supporting the sector by recognising the hard work and dedication of those who contribute so much to maintaining the grounds they manage.  

I’m very much looking forward to the judging process, as well as attending the ceremony in November to celebrate the profound and often unnoticed achievements of the industry.”

Geoff Webb, CEO of Grounds Management Association said:

“It’s wonderful to have received the support of such established industry professionals in helping us to shine a spotlight on the groundscare industry.  

Each judge comes with years of insight and invaluable experience from across all areas of the industry that will be put to good use when carefully considering applications and selecting our 2023 Industry Award winners.  

We look forward to welcoming the industry to Headingley Stadium this November to give a platform to those worthy of recognition.”

You can found out more about this year’s judging panel at gmaindustryawards.uk/judges/

The deadline to submit applications is 14th August at gmaindustryawards.uk/awards-categories/

Tickets to attend the awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 29 November are now on sale at gmaindustryawards.uk/tickets

To discuss sponsorship and other brand partnership opportunities, email Sales Manager Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk.

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