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Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns

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Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns: If there’s a saying about the UK’s weather, it should be: “The only thing predictable about the weather is how unpredictable it is.” Right now, we’re experiencing a bewildering mix of sunshine, rain, and everything in between. This unpredictability makes planning outdoor activities, including gardening, quite challenging.

Despite the billions spent on weather forecasting, the reality often feels like a joke: “Rain, with showers at times, drying up to become wet later.” This sentiment resonates with millions of gardeners across the UK, who are left wondering, “Where are the droughts we were warned about?”

Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns

Navigating Unpredictable Weather and Its Impact on Lawns

For lawn enthusiasts, especially those with native bent and fescue grasses, the current weather is less of a hassle. These grasses don’t require annual overseeding. However, for those using ryegrasses, the constant rainfall can be a real nuisance. Seeds can become too wet, get washed away, and by the time the lawn looks decent, autumn is already here. Ryegrass might be popular for sales, but it brings its own set of challenges.

So, what can lawn owners do right now to manage their lawns amidst such unpredictable weather? Surprisingly, the answer is: not much. The ever-changing weather means that a heatwave could be just around the corner, and soon enough, you might have to start watering.

At this time of year, the focus should be on protecting your lawn. The sun can cause significant damage, so maintaining healthy grass is crucial. Here are some simple yet effective tips:

1. Mow Regularly: Frequent mowing with sharp blades reduces stress on your lawn. Consider using a robotic mower that can handle daily mowing, allowing you to relax and enjoy your garden.
2. Use Organic Fertilisers: Opt for organic options like True Grass to avoid scorching and promote healthy growth.
3. Water Wisely: If watering is necessary, do it at night so the plants can absorb the moisture more effectively.
4. Enjoy Your Lawn: If you’re not enjoying your lawn by now, it might be time to rethink your approach for next year.

Remember, during extreme weather, simplicity is key. Overworking your lawn can lead to more harm than good. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever the weather throws your way. For further advice and products to keep your lawn in top shape, visit our website or contact our lawn care experts.

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Water Savings and wash-off

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Water Savings and wash-off: Minchinhampton Golf Club has three exceptional golf courses, all of which are renowned for their year-round immaculate presentation and excellent drainage.

Keeping all courses in such condition involves a dedicated team of greenkeepers and an expanding fleet of machinery and kit. Course Manager, Adam Matthews, can be justifiably proud of his team’s achievements. However aware of the impact on the environment that washing off so many machines could have, his and the club’s attention focused to address the issue. Two matters were of important consideration: 1) The conservation of water and obligation to sustainability  and 2) Prevent pollution of the ground water ensuring compliance with current Groundwater Regulations. Adam believed that a new wash-off facility with water recycling was the only way forward and researched suitable solutions.

Water Savings and wash-off

Water Savings and wash-off

A ClearWater washpad recycling system from Acumen Waste Services looked to be the ideal solution to him and a site meeting was arranged. Following this visit by the company, specifications were drawn up and a quotation provided.

As there is a rather large fleet to maintain, a larger dedicated washpad was agreed upon and, instead of a 5000-litre standard system, one of ClearWater’s 10,000 litre capacity recycling systems with a four-hose wash-off facility was agreed upon and an order was placed. ClearWater’s Matthew Mears explained: “With sustainability being a major factor in business thoughts and multiple machine washing at one time, ClearWater’s 10,000 litre (2640 gallon) capacity is more than adequate and also allows greater dwell-time for the biological treatment.” Minchinhampton chose a turnkey package quoted by Acumen ClearWater and all work was carried out within a week schedule.

So, what made ClearWater the choice for the club? The club takes their environmental responsibilities seriously and sustainability is a major concern, so a compliant washpad and water savings became a must. Adam Matthews said; “ClearWater fitted the bill! It’s great to ensure we are doing our bit for sustainability and efficient wash-off” ClearWater does provide certain advantages over other solutions however: The system is located adjacent to one of the fairways and, as ClearWater is a below ground system is most unobtrusive, just turret tops at ground level may be visible! There’s no noise either, all you will hear is the washwater jet leaving the water guns! Also, the system recycles treated water with very little loss, as the dedicated washpad with it low curb surround is constructed in such a way as the waste wash water is discharged through grass traps and into the underground tank by gravity for treatment. Naturally, some water loss will occur through evaporation, particularly in hot weather. However, the system is topped up by rainwater falling on the washpad (not an uncommon site these days!); sustainability at its best and at no cost!

Machinery wash-off for many has clearly demonstrated huge water consumption and wastage for many years at an ever-increasing cost, financially and environmentally. Water has become an increasingly valuable resource. Washpad water recycling is the way forward for those in the turfcare maintenance sector and other business needing wash off. With water savings in excess of 90% possible, sustainability really does then become a meaningful word!

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Toro and Reesink working with the R&A

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Toro and Reesink working with the R&A: The idea behind the R&A’s Golf It! initiative was to create a space that introduces people to and promotes the game of golf while proactively giving back to the local community through an apprenticeship programme sponsored by The Toro Foundation.

“The R&A’s original idea was to provide a facility where people in inner city Glasgow could play golf,” says Andy Brown, senior manager of global business development and relationships at The Toro Company. “But we realised there was also the opportunity to introduce the concept of greenkeeping as a possible career choice via an apprenticeship scheme, too.”

Toro and Reesink working with the R&A

Toro and Reesink working with the R&A

Developed by the R&A in 2020 to make golf as welcoming and affordable as possible, the facility has grown into a multi-layered experience for all the family with pitch and putt, adventure golf, putting greens and a driving range, and a greenkeeping team was needed to upkeep the venue to the highest of standards.

Andy continues: “Toro was approached to become a founding partner which we agreed to in conjunction with Reesink UK. Toro provides the turfcare machinery and irrigation system required to maintain the playing surfaces at the facility and Reesink provides the support and training via its Livingston branch in Scotland.

“But taking our involvement one step further, we are now sponsoring two apprentices every year for five years. There are currently four apprentices in place and they’re doing very well in their education and getting lots of experience. They’ve had the opportunity to go to America and were on the tournament team for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Florida this March.”

Russell Smith, general manager of Golf It!, says: “Community is everything at Golf It! and we’re incredibly proud of our two first recruits Anton Sheilds and Lucy Millar. They see this as the life-changing career opportunity it is and have grabbed hold of it, embraced everything we are trying to achieve and surpassed every goal and expectation.

“It’s has been the same with Toro, they bought into the concept of Golf It! immediately and their support in delivering our goals has been invaluable. We’re thrilled they partnered with us on our apprenticeship scheme, actively funding two roles a year for five years.

“Toro machines keep our course and range pristine, and they are helping us create a bright future for young people in our immediate area. This is what partnerships SHOULD be about – teaming up to make the world a better place for those who may face limited opportunities otherwise.”

Bordering the Seven Loch Wetland Park, Scotland’s largest urban heritage and nature park, the initiative is keen to promote sustainability, making Toro a natural partner.

Andy says: “The R&A, like Toro, is extremely focused on sustainability, so part of our commitment was to get as many hybrid and electric machinery options onto the site to reduce its carbon footprint print and provide an irrigation system that would manage its water effectively.”

This is just the start for the Golf It! initiative, as those involved consider how it can be rolled out across the country to benefit more local communities.

To find out more about Golf It! and Reesink and Toro’s involvement visit https://www.golf-it.com/ or to discover more about how sustainable machinery options might benefit your club contact Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor

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Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor: Bernhard and Company has announced a renewed partnership with Norwegian distributor, Tveit Park. The brand-new deal will see Tveit Park become Bernhard’s exclusive distribution partner in Norway.

Bernhard and Company and Tveit Park have enjoyed a long partnership, having worked together for more than nine years. Under new ownership in 2024, Tveit Park will be the exclusive distribution partner for Bernhard and Company in Norway, and the only place to buy the company’s industry leading products and solutions.

Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor

Bernhard and Company announces exclusive Norwegian distributor

“At Bernhard and Company, we continue to reinvest in relationships that we know work,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director for Bernhard and Company. “We are delighted to be extending our agreement with Tveit Park as our exclusive distributor in Norway, and are confident that Frode Tjelta and his growing team are the perfect people to help take our business forward in the region.”

Managing Director for Tveit Park, Frode Tjelta, added: “We are proud to be the sole distributor for Bernhard and Company products and solutions in Norway. Having worked with Bernhard and Company for many years, we understand their products and know that their production quality and attention makes them stand out as an industry leader. It’s important for us to align ourselves with brands that drive the turf industry forward, so we’re excited to be working as their exclusive distributor.”

To kick off the new agreement, the Tveit Park team visited the UK for product and service training at Bernhard and Company’s Haverhill factory facility. In addition, the team has been busy visiting customers all over Norway with Bernhard and Company’s European Territory Manager, Paul Wilcox.

Bernhard and Company products available through Tveit Park in Norway include the renowned Express Dual and Anglemaster ranges of grinding machines, in addition to small machines and accessories.

Bernhard and Company grinding machines are used by more than 65 per cent of the world’s top 100 golf courses to ensure perfect, tournament-ready playing conditions year-round, while the company’s turf management solutions and educational support are utilised at major sporting events around the globe.

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Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

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Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions: Syngenta has published the findings of the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey 2024. Key findings of the report highlight the role for Integrated Turf Management actions to reduce disease outbreaks, including nutrition, rolling, moisture management and fungicide timings.

Assessing responses from over 100 golf course managers, Syngenta Technical Managers, Glenn Kirby and Sean Loakes, reported the scale of issues with dollar spot have become far more widespread – affecting all areas of the course and for a far extended part of the season.

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

Dollar spot survey reveals infection pressures and actions

“Dollar spot had typically been attributed as a summer disease, but the reports have shown it can occur throughout the year, with significant numbers of outbreaks reported from March right through to October,” commented Sean Loakes.

“Furthermore, while it has frequently been associated with less intensively managed tees, fairways and approaches, the report highlighted that greens were actually the most frequently affected surfaces.”

He added that all grass species would appear to be affected, with the management actions on turf a more influential factor of disease outbreak, over the species composition of the sward. Dollar spot outbreaks were reported on 81% of instances of fescue dominant greens, compared to 58% of bent blends and 57% poa dominant surfaces.

Linking the postcode of survey responses to local records of Smith-Kerns pressure, of weather conditions that would be associated with dollar spot outbreaks, revealed that high pressure would indicate more disease.

“However, it is not a clear-cut correlation,” said Sean. “Some courses under prolonged high pressure reported no dollar spot incidences, which indicates that the disease can be effectively managed by other turf management actions.

“Equally, some courses with relatively low weather related pressure did report dollar spot infections. This has highlighted that the Smith-Kerns model is a useful guide for risk, but that the numbers must be interpreted along with all other actions in making decisions.”

For effective ITM strategies, frequent rolling, maintaining higher soil moisture content and providing higher levels of nutrition were all associated with lower levels of dollar spot being reported, Sean added.

“The survey responses showed a clear trend of a higher incidence of disease reported where turf was being managed at lower rates of nutrition.

“However, it was not exclusively so, indicating that dollar spot could still be contained on lower nutrient management strategies, providing other ITM actions were taken to avoid outbreaks,” he advised.

“Furthermore, while fewer outbreaks were reported on turf managed with higher nutrient inputs, it could still occur if turf management practices and conditions were conducive to disease.”

Responses to the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey also showed the link between management to target lower levels of soil volumetric moisture content (VMC) and the reported incidence of dollar spot.

Surfaces targeted to manage VMC below 15% reported the highest levels of infection outbreaks, at over 70% of instances. When responses for surfaces managed at a higher target VMC of 21 to 25% were assessed, over 60% of courses reported no outbreaks dollar spot.

“The survey responses showed a clear pattern that the greater use of turf iron for rolling surfaces resulted in a reduced incidence of dollar spot reports,” Sean pointed out.

“On courses where greens were never rolled dollar spot was reported in 75% of cases, with a trend declining to 50% of courses rolling surface five times a week. Most courses (61%) were reported to be rolling surfaces two or three times a week.”

For courses that were rolling almost daily, there was no incidence of dollar spot reported. However, this was a very small proportion of the survey responses (3%).

The survey identified no link between organic matter levels and dollar spot outbreaks, however there was some indication that lower cutting height could be associated with reduced levels of infection. “This is an element of the ITM strategy requires further investigation,” he suggested.

Analysis of the Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey indicate that where greenkeepers are managing to promote fescue dominant surfaces, they are lowering the target moisture levels, reducing the nitrogen applied and raising the height of cut, compared to predominantly poa and bent greens.

Greens containing fescue receive, on average, 40% less nitrogen compered to poa or bent greens. Fescue greens are also managed at a target VMC 4-5% lower and with a height of cut at an average 3.9mm, which is 0.4-0.5mm higher than poa or bent greens.

“From the findings of the report these management practices may also be playing into the hands of dollar spot.

“Whilst the feeling is that fescue species are slightly more tolerant to dollar spot, the management practices needed to maintain them can lead to fescue dominant surfaces being more vulnerable to the disease,” he warned.

The report identified that most greenkeepers – nearly 70% – have used fungicides as part of their strategy to manage dollar spot.

“While in some situations managers may consider that dollar spot doesn’t warrant fungicidal control on all areas of the course, as the climate changes we need to consider how we keep damage at an acceptable level,” added Sean.

“New fungicide technology, good disease modelling to help improve timings and good application techniques will help turf managers get the best out of them as part of their Integrated Turf Management strategy.”

Responses to the survey have provided guidance on a number of actions that turf managers could consider to reduce risks and minimise impact of this increasingly challenging disease.

Sean’s Top Tips to reduce dollar spot pressure and better manage disease:

  • Adequate nutrition
  • Maintain moisture levels
  • Regular rolling
  • Lower cutting heights
  • Monitor weather conditions conducive to disease
  • Timely and accurate fungicide application
  • Year-round management

“A better understanding of the implications of certain management practices on the risk of dollar spot, could help to instigate counter measures to reduce pressure in the future,” he concluded.

Following on from the dollar spot survey, a new Microdochium Patch State of the Nation Survey will seek to identify and share experiences of management practices to help all turf managers effectively tackle the most widespread turf disease. Complete the survey here.

The full Dollar Spot State of the Nation Survey 2024 report is available to download from the Syngenta Turf & Landscape website.

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