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

Makita’s new radio lanterns

/in , /by

Makita’s new radio lanterns: Makita has launched three new cordless radio lanterns for its LXT and XGT battery platforms. The DMR055, DMR056 and MR009G have all been designed to offer function and entertainment for both leisure and professional applications.

The DMR055 18V/14.4V LXT Cordless Lantern is a work light delivering ultra-bright illumination, versatility, and convenience. Featuring a built-in AM/FM radio, and lamp extending to 360-degree light coverage, users can choose between lighting the entire workspace or a focused area thanks to its flexible settings. The lantern is also equipped with a memory function to recall the user’s preferred brightness and light tone levels. For convenience and mobility, this new product features a strap with hook, allowing the lantern to be hung up to illuminate upwards, horizontally or towards the floor.

Makita's new radio lanterns

Makita’s new radio lanterns

The 18V/14.4V LXT DMR056 and 40VMax XGT MR009GZ are packed with further features in addition to the above, including an LCD digital display, Bluetooth and DAB/DAB+ Radio station frequency. Users can choose from two brightness settings and three light tone settings: Daylight White, Neutral White and Warm White. What’s more, the DMR056 and MR009GZ also have two flashlight modes: torch and strobe and are equipped with a USB output port for charging mobile devices.

Makita has designed its latest additions to offer impressive continuous run times: On a single, full battery charge, the 18V LXT DMR055 has a radio run time of 52h, a lantern run time of 16h, or a combination of 12h (when used with the 5.0Ah BL1850B battery). The 18V LXT DMR056 has a radio run time of 44h, a lantern run time of 16h, a combination of 12h, or a flashlight run time of 30h (using the 5.0Ah BL1850B battery). For professionals using the XGT battery platform, the 40VMax MR009G provides 51h of radio time, a lantern run time of 34h, a combination of 21h, or a flashlight run time of 66h (when used with the BL4050F 5Ah battery).

Speaking on the new additions, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “While power tools are what we are known for, Makita aims to bring performance, quality and convenience on site in various ways. For this reason, we are very excited to be launching our new range of lantern radios – equipped with an impressive light and sound quality radio, and even more impressive battery run time.”

To browse Makita’s range of cordless solutions, visit: www.makitauk.com.

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.

Whitemoss appoint Jay Condliffe

/in , /by

Whitemoss appoint Jay Condliffe: Following year on year growth over the last 2/3 years, Whitemoss are delighted to announce the appointment of Jay Condliffe as the new Area Manager for Wales, Shropshire Cheshire and parts of Greater Manchester.

Jay will be discussing Complete Bunker Solution products, BunkerMat, MegaFlo and the full range of bunker sands.

Whitemoss appoint Jay Condliffe

Whitemoss appoint Jay Condliffe

As well as operating in the field, Jay will join the BunkerMat fitting team and they have a very busy autumn/ winter schedule ahead.

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.

PSD’s new partnership with GRIN

/in , /by

PSD’s new partnership with GRIN: PSD Groundscare are delighted to announce a new partnership with GRIN, the world class Italian manufacturer of long grass mowing solutions.

GRIN was founded in 2005 to change the perspective of garden maintenance. The creation and development of the product offering has a common philosophy; to improve the quality of life, to innovate and simplify and to propose sustainable solutions. The GRIN mulching mowing system operates without a grass bag allowing for quicker and more profitable maintenance.

PSD’s new partnership with GRIN

The patented GRIN system – MOWING, NO GRASS BAG, NO WASTE – must not be mistaken for the CONVENTIONAL MULCHING mowing system. Both systems are based on bag-less mowing, but were developed to meet different needs.

The main benefits of the GRIN mowing system include:

– MOWING HEIGHT AND FREQUENCY:
With Grin it is possible to maintain the same mowing height and mowing frequency as with a grass bag type mower.

– GRASS PULVERISATION:
In standard mowing conditions, Grin pulverises grass into very fine fragments, which are deposited on the soil and absorbed as fertiliser.

– MOWING WET GRASS:
With Grin it is possible to mow wet grass much better than with a grass bag type mower.

GRIN mowers provide time saving mowing. Not only do they offer a high quality of fine cut, but the pulverised grass within the deck is so finely cut that it then returns to the ground as almost invisible fertiliser, returning valuable nutrients to the ground.

All the GRIN lawn mowers are designed, produced and assembled to the highest quality standards: the 3 mm thick steel frame and mowing deck, the engine protection cone for accidental impact, the professional tractions, the steel wheels, the centralized mowing height adjustment, the foldable handlebar are just some of the strengths. The MADE IN ITALY production ensures professional users reliability and robustness. Thanks to the experience gained alongside gardeners, it has been possible to find practical and convenient solutions for daily and intensive use.

Benefits include:

  • It pulverises grass very fine
  • The result is perfect in long and wet grass
  • It works on all types of lawn
  • It is not necessary to mow more often
  • It is built to last

New to the UK market, the comprehensive range of high quality, robust mowers offer highly efficient solutions for local authorities, landscapers, groundskeeping, contractors and private users to help create the perfect landscape.

PSD has a long-standing track record of expertise in long and wet grass mowing solutions and the GRIN range of mowers are perfectly set up for working in UK conditions.

The new range of machinery from GRIN is set to be launched to dealers at an exclusive event early in October, before being unveiled to the industry at Saltex on the 2nd & 3rd November.

PSD Groundscare is the exclusive UK distributor of niche specialist landscaping equipment, with an extensive range of products from market-leading names and innovative European manufacturers including Eliet and Koppl.

PSD Managing Director Chris Gibson said:

“We’re extremely excited to add GRIN to our portfolio and to be at the forefront in the UK distribution of this fantastic product line and we look forward to being able to launch them to our dealer network in October and the UK market at Saltex”.

GRIN CEO Franco Ghezzi, comments on the new UK venture:

“Having developed the continental European market for over 15 years, I am very happy for the start of this new partnership with PSD Groundscare.

Their professionalism, technical and commercial competence and the deep-rooted presence on the lawn maintenance market represent key features for the development of this collaboration and to support our company and our products on the important UK market.

Furthermore, PSD Groundscare has immediately appreciated the unique qualities of our lawnmowers, our innovative mowing system, and the completeness of our product range.

Therefore, one of the most important services they will offer to every dealer and end-user will be the possibility to test the machines.

All this together with the good feeling that was immediately created between our two teams and a very similar mindset, are the key factors which make me very satisfied with the agreement found between our 2 companies.”

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.

DLF Colour Boost mix delivers dazzling display

/in , /by

DLF Colour Boost mix delivers dazzling display: The versatility of wild flowers is well documented, increasing biodiversity and delivering dazzling displays of colour to all types of public spaces and urban environments.

This year, wild flower from DLF’s Colour Boost collection made an eye-catching debut at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park on the stand of professional Chainsaw Sculptor Andy Burgess – who said that the bespoke trays of the Classical mix were being “constantly admired” by the 80,000 visitors in attendance.

DLF Colour Boost mix delivers dazzling display

DLF Colour Boost mix delivers dazzling display

Andy has completed private and public commissions all around the country over the course of the last 14 years, and has exhibited his work at most of the industries major events including the RHS Shows at Chelsea, Hampton Court and Chatsworth. “I’d been thinking about trying to integrate wild flowers into my stand for a few years as the ethos of sustainability and working with nature and natural materials fits with my product” explains Andy. “I got in touch with DLF’s Stuart Yarwood on social media who was a great help from day one and took the time to guide me through the whole process from seed to stand.”

After building bespoke seed trays from pallets, Andy chose the ‘Classical’ mix – a blend of high impact flowering varieties including Cornflower and Love-in-a-mist, in shades of blue and white. “We sowed the seed in early March and then my wife and I nurtured the flowers like children – with Stuart on hand with advice and tips to get them ready for the show at Tatton Park in July. After some careful transportation, we couldn’t have been more pleased with the end result. The flowers were knee high and delivered a swathe of colour that appeared to change on a daily basis with deadheading and new blooms coming through.”

“Close to 80,000 people came through the show over the course of the week and we had some amazing comments, with people saying our Colour Boost display made more of an impact that some of the dedicated flower gardens!”

Determined for the flowers not to go to waste, on the show closing the Classical trays were collected by a contact of Andy’s to make their next ‘star turn’. “The tree surgeon who supplies my wood also does set dressing for film and TV, so knowing that the wild flowers would be available he collected them and they’re now off to feature as part of a memorial garden in an upcoming murder mystery programme!”

More details of Andy’s projects can be found on social media – @BurgessSculptor on Twitter and @burgers44 on Instagram.

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.

Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor

/in , /by

Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor: The fairways at Ashford Manor Golf Club have recently been gaining a lot of attention in the greenkeeping industry, and Course Manager Allan Tait has revealed how he has achieved such incredible results.

Established in 1898 the club is located in the village of Ashford, between Sunbury-on-Thames and Staines-upon-Thames. It is an 18-hole parkland course measuring 6,400 yards and is regarded as one of the finest courses in Middlesex, and beyond.

Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor

Confidence in Aqua-zorb at Ashford Manor

Allan Tait has been Course Manager for just over three years and has certainly helped boost the club’s reputation throughout his tenure. However, like many others, the team at Ashford Manor are facing very testing conditions.

“Currently we are experiencing challenging conditions with drought and high heat stress which is making it very difficult to produce high quality surfaces.”

Matters aren’t helped by the fact that the course is extremely dry having been built predominately on sand and stone. Therefore, Allan ensures that he is always one-step ahead.

“I am a great believer that the work we do through the winter will help us maximise the results throughout the summer,” he said. “During the colder months we frequently aerate and make certain that the water is deep into the profile, so we can keep it there for the summer months. We do adhere to a solid cultural regime and that goes hand in hand with the products we use – and one which has been key for us has been Aqua-Zorb liquid.

Aqua-Zorb liquid from Agrovista Amenity, is a concentrated non-ionic turf wetting agent that will enable water to move faster and deeper into the soil profile. One application can last all season and it is renowned for treating the cause of Localised Dry Patch. Aqua-Zorb can also improve drainage, alleviate compaction, reduce the quantity of irrigation required, suppress the formation of dew and greatly improve the quality of the sward.

Allan had trialled Aqua-Zorb in his previous role and therefore had no hesitation in using the product after Joseph Dormer from Agrovista Amenity suggested integrating it into his maintenance programme.

“In my old job I trialled Aqua-Zorb on the tees, which were poorly irrigated, because I wanted to improve the presentation of them,” he said. “It made a massive difference and so I had a lot of confidence to bring it here at Ashford Manor and apply it to larger areas.”

Due to the longevity of the product, Allan applies Aqua-Zorb liquid early in February/March at a rate of 50 L/ha. “We irrigate and combine it with rainfall to fully wet the profile – this reduces any hydrophobic conditions and ensures even moisture distribution all the way through,” he added.

“Aqua-Zorb is a fantastic product and since using it we are seeing very little dry patch, and when for instance, we are hand watering we are not seeing any beading on the surface – the water is going exactly where we want it to go. We also have less fairy ring activity, and generally the areas that are treated look a lot more solid and uniform.

“What has been really evident is the areas that have been treated and the ones that have not been treated. I am over the moon with the quality of turf we are producing and am still seeing the benefits of Aqua-Zorb in these really dry conditions.”

Allan applies Aqua-Zorb to most areas of the course, but it is the fairways that have received the most attention after a picture of them was posted on social media. Since then, many other greenkeepers have contacted both Allan and Agrovista Amenity to find out the secret behind the incredible fairways. However, the humble Allan refused to dwell on the attention and instead praised the working relationship between himself and Joseph.

“I’ve been using Agrovista products for fifteen years now and I have been working closely with Joseph for seven years,” he said. “He has been a greenkeeper in the past, so he understands where I am coming from. We have a good relationship and have very productive conversations.”

There is also a video with Joseph Dormer and the team from Singing Hills Golf Club which can be viewed by clicking here.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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.