Versatility when managing natural turf areas

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Versatility when managing natural turf areas: Managing a property with a huge variety of habitats and landscapes, sports fields, a golf course, formal gardens, lakes, woodlands and heathland areas, is the responsibility of Mark Dodd, the grounds and Gardens Manager at Wellington College in Crowthorne, Berkshiire. He and his team require different management techniques when maintaining the divesre areas on the 410-acre site.

To assist with this complex management puzzle, he has purchased a package of equipment from his local dealer, RT Machinery Ltd, which includes a 4520 all-terrain compact tractor unit, with attachments that includes a 72-inch Finishing deck, a Tough Cut deck and a Stump Grinder.

Versatility when managing natural turf areas

Versatility when managing natural turf areas

“We initially hired-in a machine with a Tough Cut deck to work on the banks clearing scrub on our 9-hole golf course, but quickly appreciated the opportunity the versatility of the machine could provide across the estate,” he said.

“Unfortunately for our Golf team, the machine is used almost exclusively by the Grounds team and that’s simple down to its versatility. The Finishing deck was initially purchased for use on our formal lawns, as it leaves a very pleasing stripe and presentation is very important here at Wellington.

“We used to cut our pitches with a ride-on cylinder mower, but the quality of cut from the Finishing deck is excellent and now we use it extensively on our winter pitches. The light footprint of the machine is another factor and we can continue our maintenance regimes, even in inclement weather.

“We hosted the Women’s Rugby Under-18 Six Nations Festival in April, which included three back-to-back matches over 10 days. It’s a quick turnaround and we cut the main pitch with the Ventrac and finished with our Dennis hand mowers.

“The design of the Ventrac has been well thought through; maintenance is easy and the mounting system allows for a quick and easy exchange of attachments. Add to this the responsive support from our dealer, RT Machinery, and we have a package that we are delighted with.”

Mark Dodd heads a team of 16 across three departments: Grounds, Gardens and Golf. He has been in his current role for the past two years, having joined Wellington in 2015. Prior to this he spent seven years at Benenden School and three years at Epsom College as Head of Grounds & Gardens.

www.priceturfcare.com

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Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

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Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX: SALTEX is on track to have one of its biggest years yet as exhibitor demand sees the floor plan for 2023 increase by 20 percent to accommodate bookings.

Show organisers at the Grounds Management Association have confirmed early bird bookings are up ten percent from the 2022 show and there’s a 12 percent increase in exhibitor numbers with 6000 sqm of hall space already sold.

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Exhibitor demand fuels growth of SALTEX

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, who has been joined on the sales team by Jill Rodham, comments: “Thanks to the early interest in the show the footprint has been increased by 3000 sqm to accommodate the extra demand for space from exhibitors, making it 20 percent bigger than the 2022 show. And plans are well underway for this year’s event with visitor registration due to open in early June.”

So, what does Sarah contribute this early success to? “That’s down to our incredible exhibitors. Those who are returning year after year thanks to continued success in previous years and an influx of new exhibitors who are keen to see what sales success SALTEX can bring them.”

New to the show are Asecos Limited, BigChange, EGHOLM A/S, FJ Dynamics, Grundfos Pumps Ltd, Hopespare Limited, Hubscape, QCR, Syngenta UK Ltd and Watermatic Ltd. New World Sports and Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment were last at the show in 2019 and 2017 respectively and are coming back in 2023.

A successful early bird signing period has also led to big industry names returning to SALTEX including Baroness, Dennis and Sisis, Husqvarna, ICL, Kubota, Ransomes, Reesink UK, Toro and Weibang amongst many others.

Sarah continues: “The 2022 show confirmed the confidence visitors and exhibitors have in SALTEX – it’s an event worth their time to attend. Deals happen, learning takes place and networking is enjoyed, all in a place conveniently located for most of the country. To be in the 77th year of a show and still commanding this level of commitment from the sectors we represent, is proof that the show is as relevant now as it ever was.

“I think people appreciate this is a show which contributes significantly to the growth and success of the industry. SALTEX and the Grounds Management Association work hand in hand – SALTEX is powered by the GMA and in turn SALTEX feeds into the GMA’s extensive work in supporting, and raising the profile of, the groundscare industry in all its guises.”

The show takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. Exhibitors wishing to secure their place at Europe’s largest free sports turf, amenities, and landscaping trade exhibition, should contact GMA Sales Manager, Jill Rodham at jrodham@thegma.org.uk or 07754 552405.

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Flete Estate improve environment with switch to Foamstream

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Flete Estate improve environment with switch to Foamstream: Flete Estate, home to Mothecombe Gardens, have eliminated herbicide use and created a more environmentally friendly space for both people and pollinators, by switching to Foamstream from Weedingtech.

Sustainability has always been a focus for the family-run estate situated in a picturesque part of South Devon and now, under the management of John Mildmay-White, the site is another step closer to being completely organic and chemical-free.

Flete Estate improve environment with switch to Foamstream

Flete Estate improve environment with switch to Foamstream

John took over the running of the estate from his father in 2019, which includes Mothecombe House, the public Mothecombe Gardens and a number of holiday cottages, boasting views of the beach and Erme estuary. “My father converted the home farm to organic in 1990 and my mother has been creating a haven for pollinators in the garden which is the legacy I am looking to build on” he explains. “One of the issues I was keen to tackle was the use of herbicides on areas like our gravel paths and around our holiday lets so I tasked our Head Gardener Martin Haxton with finding a viable alternative.”

Martin explains how, after trialling various alternatives, the team settled on Foamstream. “There are various tools and techniques that all claim to provide an effective non-herbicidal solution. We did some research and tried various options such as burning, which we found was very labour intensive, expensive and at the end of the day, not overly effective.” He adds, “There were lots of positives about Foamstream, firstly that it’s all organic and another is the ability to use it in all weather conditions which means you’re not reliant on the perfect weather conditions to conduct the operation.”

Foamstream is a green solution to weed and moss control, utilising a combination of hot water and a patented foam made from natural plant oils and sugars to retain heat and effectively kill a wide variety of weed species. In trials, Foamstream has demonstrated similar efficacy to glyphosate, outperforming other non-herbicidal alternatives. “It was clear during our research that Foamstream had been thoroughly tried and tested, in a range of situations and would give us the results we wanted” says John.

“We purchased an L12 in August 2022 and it’s been a brilliant investment. The set-up is quick and simple and operators have commented on how easy it is to move around the gardens meaning we can tackle weed growth in all areas thanks to the 20m hose and highly portable lance applicator.” John concludes, “We’re delighted with how well Foamstream works and how this will help in our drive to provide a cleaner environment for everybody, including wildlife, to enjoy.”

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Reesink announces Master Service Technicians

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Reesink announces Master Service Technicians: The Master Service Technician award, the highest training achievement Reesink Turfcare and Toro Commercial has to offer, has been awarded to four more technicians.

Chris Hester from Cheshire Turf Machinery, Ian Hill from Oliver Landpower, Stuart Barrie from Reesink Scotland and Michael Dixon from Lloyd Limited (Newcastle branch) have completed one of the most stringent and comprehensive training courses in the industry and are now able to offer the highest level of service in the UK.

Reesink announces Master Service Technicians

Reesink announces Master Service Technicians

The Master Service Technician (MST) programme is specifically designed to provide the most thorough training for Authorised Dealer Technicians, ensuring their skillset is updated and meets the demands of the industry’s continuous evolution.

With the rapid development of electric and hybrid technology, it’s important that the skills and knowledge in those areas progress at an equivalent rate so that technicians and dealers can better serve their customers and the Toro product.

Stuart confirms this is very much the case: “As engineers we need to keep up with industry progress and development. We all know about climate change and the move from petrol/diesel to electric power in the car industry. Not so well known is our industry is going through the same changes. This course makes sure all engineers are adequately trained to carry on with day to day repairs and requirements as the changes happen.”

When considering the advantages this will bring for customers, Ian says: “The MST course provides the opportunity to train to a standard that’s not widely available in the industry. In a customer facing role, it’s an advantage to be able to give the best level of support and advice to customers and ensure high standards of service on hybrid and all electric systems.”

Michael agrees: “Completing the MST training has meant that Lloyds as a dealer has also benefitted, receiving better warranty return rates and boosting the dealer standards score. It has not gone unnoticed by the company that my efforts have had a positive impact on the business.”

And it’s not just customers who benefit from Reesink setting the standard and offering this course as Chris explains: “For a start, it’s a huge achievement to pass the interview process and be accepted onto the course; that in itself is a worthy addition to the CV! But most of all, it’s recognition for the dedication and hard work you’ve put into your career and with it being similar to a degree in this sector, it’s a big deal.”

Summing up the benefits having a qualified MST in the business, Sean Trotter, service manager from Lloyds, says: “This training gives the engineer the recognition they deserve for their skill set and abilities. It’s an industry recognised qualification held in high esteem with our customers in the golf industry and brings financial benefits with warranty reimbursement and a contribution towards the training once qualified.”

The course has been set up with further benefits for the qualifying technician too as Michael explains: “There’s a trip to America to get a first hand insight into the goings on of Toro and where it all comes from. For someone who works for a dealer this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and trips like this rarely come around.”

Further courses run throughout the year to keep the technicians up-to-date with evolving products and technologies and with all qualified Master Service Technicians hailing from different dealers, it means there’s a good chance customers across England and Scotland now have access to this higest level of service and support.

But there can never be enough, so for dealers wanting to recognise their technician’s talent and ambition, and for technicians wishing to further their careers, call Reesink on 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk/resources/training-courses.

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Banish the dread of Red Thread

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Banish the dread of Red Thread: Summer is on its way, and with it can appear the scourge of groundskeepers everywhere – the fungal infection Red Thread.

This common disease causes reddish-brown patches of turf, especially during warm wet weather and heavy dews, spelling disaster for those attempting to maintain pristine grass. Fortunately though, there is a way to protect managed amenity turf and improve immunity and growth – by using BASF’S Insignia®.

Banish the dread of Red Thread

Banish the dread of Red Thread

Insignia® is a long-lasting fungicide with a broad disease-control spectrum and high performance, treating turf diseases such as the afore-mentioned Red Thread, as well as unsightly infections such as Dollar Spot and Microdochium Patch. But Insignia® is so much more than just a fungicide. As part of the Intrinsic™ fungicide family, it also increases growth efficiency and enhances stress tolerance – both essential for those looking to maintain and improve turf conditions for years to come.

When used on the desired area, Insignia® forms deposits on the leaf surface which act as as a reservoir, releasing the active ingredient to protect the leaf’s surface and deeper tissues over a number of weeks.

Insignia® has numerous benefits alongside its fungicide performance and is the first fungicide with plant health effects. Greenkeepers will find that through the use of Insignia, turf will have an ehanced response to heat and drought as well as mechanical and biotic stresses, resulting in a healthy root system and improved plant health.

To find out more about Insignia® go to

https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-Search/Fungicides/Insignia.html

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