Tag Archive for: Delivers

Suståne delivers consistent quality

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Suståne delivers consistent quality: As the old saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’. That’s certainly the motto for Came Down Golf Club in Dorchester, who have been using a nutritional programme from Suståne on their greens for over 30 years and explain that it continues to give them controlled growth, outstanding colour and enhanced plant health year after year.

Established in 1896, Came Down is a chalk-downland course nestled in the Dorset countryside which has strong historical links with some of golf’s most important institutions including The R&A, The Ryder Cup and The Open. While James Lockwood has been at the venue for 18 years, and Head Greenkeeper for the last three, he admits that the club’s relationship with Suståne goes much further back. “We think Suståne has been used here for roughly 35 years, making us one of the first clubs in the UK to use their products!”

Suståne delivers consistent quality

Suståne delivers consistent quality

James’ current programme, constructed in conjunction with Suståne’s Russell Riley and local distributors Agrovista, includes Suståne 10-1-4 as a spring starter, 5-2-10+Fe applied at lower rates and regular intervals throughout the summer and 5-2-4 to keep the greens ticking over in winter. “This is the tried and tested combination which works perfectly for us” he says.

“Firstly it’s great that it’s all organic. The club are keen to utilise more sustainable solutions and this programme, in conjunction with some of our cultural practices, has helped us to pretty much eliminate the use of fungicides. Secondly we like the control it gives us – no massive flushes of growth, just a steady, healthy growth pattern that leaves the greens looking immaculate and playing well year-round.”

James adds, “We have a couple of greens in shaded spots that have previously struggled with Fusarium. With a bit of trial and error, we’ve found that upping the rate of Suståne 5-2-10 through the back end of the summer, and 5-2-4 in the winter has helped us to limit the impact on these specific areas. It’s becoming increasingly important that we all try and resolve these issues using science and clever microbiology rather than relying on chemicals.”

“Another thing we like is that the granules are nice and fine which means we can apply it exactly when we need to without risking any interruption to play.” He concludes, “It’s testament to the continual quality and results that we rarely have to stray away from the programme that has been so pivotal to things here at Came Down for so long.”

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GreenMech EVO 205D delivers robust reliability

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GreenMech EVO 205D delivers robust reliability: The purchase of a GreenMech EVO 205D has brought additional strength and performance to the fleet of Norwich’s Crown Tree Services.

Upsizing from a 6” road tow unit, Owner James Basey-Fisher has not only been impressed with the EVO’s ability to tackle all types of timber and brash, but also the service received from GreenMech and local dealers Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) since the delivery of the unit in early 2024.

GreenMech EVO 205D delivers robust reliability

GreenMech EVO 205D delivers robust reliability

Established in 2015, Crown Tree Services offer the full range of tree surgery and arboricultural services to domestic and commercial customers in and around Norwich and Norfolk. “I’ve known Neal Hussey for a good few years, and upon joining GreenMech, he got in touch with me at a time when I was toying with upsizing and upgrading our primary road tow unit” James explains. “We had a demonstration of the 8” EVO 205D and were seriously impressed – it has outstanding pull and processing power and sits nicely behind the truck giving us a great set-up for work in residential areas.”

The 205D extends the EVO concept of more powerful bite, torque and throughput. Its deep beam, high tensile steel chassis delivers tremendous strength and robust reliability, while the generous in-feed hopper ensures the free-flow of large brash and bulky material. “It complements our existing tracked woodchipper really well, and has become our go-to day-to-day machine for jobs that demand strength along with reliable power and performance.”

“Another thing about the EVO is the ease of maintenance and servicing” he adds. “It’s clear that the design has the regular upkeep in mind. The chip chamber fully hinges open to allow good access to the flywheel, and things like the replacement of filters and changing between blade sets is simple with more space to work in.”

On top of impressive performance, James has also been pleased with the support received from dealers TNS. “Communication has been brilliant throughout, everything from organising the demonstrations at convenient times to answering any and all of our questions! The aftercare in general has been second to none really. We rely on our equipment and need it running at its best, and knowing we have that level of support from TNS and GreenMech is a huge plus.”

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Green-tech delivers BNG Solutions map

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Green-tech delivers BNG Solutions map: The Government’s Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy is effective from today (Monday 12th February)

BNG is an approach to development, and management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.

As of today, residential developments with 10 or more dwellings, or where the site area is greater than 0.5 hectares, will have to deliver net gains for biodiversity leading to positive outcomes for nature, better places for local communities, and more consistent and transparent requirements for developers.

Under mandatory BNG, all developments in England must replace any biodiversity lost and add a minimum of 10% biodiversity to provide a net gain. The resulting habitat will be secured for at least 30 years via planning obligations or conservation covenants, enforced by s106 agreements.

A brand of leading landscape supplier Green-tech, the team at John Chambers Wildflower Seed has worked with Bridgman and Bridgman to design a new BNG biodiverse green roof mixture.

Bridgman and Bridgman are specialists in the creation of sustainable living roofs. They trialled the wildflower seed mix to ascertain the best-performing species.

The final mixture comprises 40 species of native wildflower to ensure at least 25 species are present once the roof is established to meet the new legislation. The seed mix should be complimented with native sedum and dry grassland species as described in the guidelines.

John Chambers Wildflower Seed Technical Manager Georgia Gilbert explains, “The final mix contains native wildflower seed to combat the huge declines we have seen due to habitat loss, chemical use, and climate change. Native species are incredibly valuable for our native wildlife. We also chose species that are suitable and perform well in green roof structures – ones that are drought tolerant, suitable for full sun and exposed conditions, and thrive in lightweight substrate.”

Green-tech’s Business Development Director Mark Wood, adds, “Like many others in the industry, Green-tech has been planning for Biodiversity Net Gain and the introduction of the Government’s mandatory BNG policy. We have developed an interactive Biodiversity Net Gain map for use alongside the Biodiversity Metric to contribute to different design options, in the creation of a Nature Positive design. We aim to create a collaborative approach with an overview of enabling nature to thrive through considerate development. Users can view the map at https://www.gtspecifier.co.uk/interactive-map/ simply click on the map and they  will find an abundance of information and resources to help ensure their project is BNG compliant.”

For more information or advice contact the Green-tech Specifier team on 01423 332100.

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GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions

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GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions: One of the country’s leading sports construction and maintenance companies has explained why they turn to GKB Machines when it comes to solutions for secondary drainage.

Following the wet winter, Plant and Operations Manager for White Horse Contractors, Mick Cross, predicts a busy season ahead for their pair of Drainmaster’s alongside their GKB Deep Tine Aerator (DTA).

GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions

GKB delivers the secondary drainage solutions

White Horse Contractors were early adopters of GKB equipment, with some machines on their fleet clocking up more than 10 years of reliable service. In addition to two Drainmasters and the DTA, two Combinators and a Rotobrush from GKB form part of a sizeable fleet of equipment, used on projects across the south of the UK by a team of 40+ operatives. “When it comes to purchasing machinery, two things we look for are time-effective solutions and build quality – giving us the reliability to keep on track with a packed schedule” explains Mick, who has been with White Horse for over 30 years. “The Drainmaster’s tick both of these boxes.”

The 2 or 3 cutting wheels of the GKB Drainmaster are spaced at either 50cm or 1m, creating channels at a depth of up to 23cm which are simultaneously filled with sand to leave a stable surface, with improved, long-lasting drainage. “The beauty of this machine is that it conducts multiple operations in one pass, meaning we’re not having to cover the ground multiple times or use multiple machines.”

Mick continues, “We purchased our first Drainmaster in 2010, and a second one more recently and both are out on a regular basis between March and October. Last year, they completed work on upwards of 20 pitches – both natural turf and hybrid pitches which is another great thing about this machine.” Together with football pitches from local council up to Premier League level, the Drainmaster has also been put to task on polo grounds and racecourses. “It’s versatility, efficiency and robust build quality makes it ideal for the contractor market” he adds.

“The DTA is very much built in the same vein, giving us a tough and reliable aerator for regular work on elite sports surfaces.” Mick concludes, “There aren’t many manufacturers offering products so well suited to the requirements of the contractor market which is why we’ve already invested in a fleet of GKB Machines and are currently in the process of increasing this with all eyes on a busy year ahead.”

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DTA delivers robust reliability

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DTA delivers robust reliability: Tasked with delivering reliability and efficiency for both contracting and self-drive hire, a Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) from GKB Machines has so far ticked every box for Cleveland Land Services in Teesside.

Purchased to replace another aerator in the summer of 2021, the robust versatility of the 2.1m DTA has seen it well used on a variety of projects and sports surfaces including football, racecourses and golf course fairways.

DTA delivers robust reliability

DTA delivers robust reliability

Cleveland Land Services have earned a reputation for industry-leading innovation and outstanding customer service across their three divisions – CLS Landscape & Earthworks, CLS Sports and CLS Selfdrive – providing a high-standard of completion on all projects, undertaken nationwide, for over 50 years. With an equipment bank spanning the group, it was the task of Andrew Willis, General Manager of the Selfdrive division, to find the replacement for a well-utilised aerator on their hire fleet.

He explains, “We had a good look at the alternatives and, following a demonstration of the DTA 210 from local dealers Russells, decided that the price, the build quality and the specification of the DTA was a great fit for us. With a range of operators and applications, we could tell this would be capable of delivering any and every task we put it on.”

The DTA 210 combines a 2.1m working width and maximum working depth of up to 40cm (16”) making it an excellent solution for large and/or heavy compacted applications. One of a range of deep tine aerators from GKB, the DTA features hydraulic height adjustment and a range of tine options for complete versatility – making it a popular choice with contractors.

“We’ve been using it on our own contracting work, primarily football pitch maintenance, and when not used internally it’s been on hire with a whole host of turf managers who all find the machine incredibly efficient and simple to operate.” Andrew continues, “One thing we really noticed was how smooth the DTA runs. There isn’t the typical ‘bouncing’ you get with some brands.”

The DTA was the first GKB machine purchased by Cleveland Land Services, more recently joined by an SPM 400 topdresser. “This is another fantastic piece of kit – high capacity and high productivity which is just what we need to ensure jobs get completed on time, and to a high spec.” He adds, “The support from GKB and Russells is also brilliant, quickly answering any questions we have and providing valuable advice to keep everything ticking along as it should.”

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Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill

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Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill: For the last decade, Toot Hill Golf Club has been a committed Toro user. Over that time, the cost of doing business has continued to rise in all kinds of industries; course manager, Tom Cook, has ensured that the kit at Toot Hill Golf Club has evolved to mitigate burdensome and fluctuating expenses by, most recently, acquiring a mix of hybrid and all-electric Toro mowers and utility vehicles.

“Toot Hill is a Toro club, for sure,” Tom remarks. “We’ve been working with them for over 10 years, and I’ve always been impressed with their machinery. Prior to our latest renewal deal, we ran the last fleet for around seven years, and they still worked like a charm.

Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill

Toro delivers cost-savings at Toot Hill

“Toro is built to last,” he goes on. “I’ve always said Toro cuts a lot better than other brands, and for longer – which is important when you think about the total cost of ownership in our current economic climate.”

Because of the loyalty Tom has for the brand, when the time came to renew Toot Hill’s fleet in the most cost-effective way, it was only ever going to be Toro. “One stand out bit of kit we’ve brought in is the Toro Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mower, which was a direct response to the rising cost of petrol and diesel,” explains Tom.

As the industry’s first and only reel mower with a true hybrid drive system, the 5010-H pairs a Kubota 24.8 hp diesel engine with an in-line motor generator and a self-recharging 48-volt battery pack. Together, they make up Toro’s patented PowerMatch hybrid power system – an effective remedy for high fuel costs and troublesome leak points.

“When compared to diesel-powered alternatives, the hybrid option was very similar in price; however, in the long-run when you factor in the total cost of ownership, rising fuel costs will make the 5010-H a much more economical option,” Tom comments.

“As far as performance is concerned, it’s a great machine: it cuts very well, especially along the many undulating fairways we have here at Toot Hill. They’re no trouble for the 5010-H!”

In a similar cost-conscious vein, Toot Hill Golf Club has also acquired two models of the new Toro Workman GTX. Powered by lithium-ion technology, Toro’s flagship grounds and turf crossover vehicle has been built from the ground up to deliver hours of high-end performance at just a fraction of the cost.

“There’s the diesel cost-factor again, but also the electric motors are much quieter and that’s something the team has really enjoyed with the utility vehicle; no more headaches and you can get out much earlier in the morning,” Tom concludes. “If the team’s happier, I’m happier! Saving fuel costs on top of that is a bonus.”

To discover Toro’s hybrid range of machinery, call 01480 226800 or simply visit https://www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

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Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings: An M3 Multipurpose from Trilo has become a valuable extra member of the team at Knaresborough Golf Club, following an extensive search for a more time-friendly solution to the task of leaf clearance.

Purchased in May 2023 with both a flail rotor and brush, not only has the M3 delivered versatility for tasks around the course and throughout the maintenance calendar, its large capacity and high-productivity have also resulted in large fuel and labour savings.

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

Trilo M3 delivers large fuel and labour savings

Knaresborough Golf Club in North Yorkshire is a picturesque parkland course, maintained by Head Greenkeeper Neil Jarrett and a team of four. “Ideally we’d be operating with a team of six especially as we go into Autumn, with leaf-fall from our heavily tree-lined fairways only further exacerbating an already busy maintenance schedule” Neil explains. With a flail collector too ‘cumbersome’ to get onto the course, and a combination of blowers and rotary mowers proving too time-consuming, a more effective solution to this problem was needed.

“Gareth, my Deputy, organised a couple of demonstrations and we had a really good look at what was out there. When we saw the Trilo M3 machine, it became a clear decision. The portability and multi-functionality this displayed really impressed the club manager and all of the team – it was head and shoulders above the competition for us.”

The Trilo M3 Multipurpose is a 3-in-1 machine that, with a range of optional attachments, can facilitate a range of operations including scarification, cut and collect and debris clearance. A working width of 1.5m makes the unit both compact and manoeuvrable, while the hopper capacity of 3m3 and hand-held suction hose makes vacuuming of materials from large or hard-to-reach areas a breeze.

“The wanderhose has transformed how we clean and clear clippings and leaves, particularly around the clubhouse and the dykes we have on the course. Tasks that would have previously involved three people, two rotary mowers to mulch the leaves, a blower and hand-rake can now all be cleared in a matter of minutes by one person.” He continues, “Using one machine with a hopper the size of the one on the M3 also means we’re making less trips to empty, reducing fuel, saving money and moving towards being more sustainable which is something we’re actively trying to address as a club.”

Together with the brush which makes for effective sweeping and clearance of turf areas and hard ground such as the club car park, Knaresborough also purchased a flail rotor attachment enabling them to utilise the M3 for one-pass cut and collect. “Over the summer we’ve been using the M3 to cut back and thin out our long rough and it’s been brilliant! This will be an ongoing project over the next few years as we try to maintain a ‘wispier’ rough, which looks more attractive as well as making the areas easier to play.”

Neil concludes, “The M3 has really delivered and we’ve yet to find anything it can’t do! The service and advice we’ve had from our local dealer F G Adamsons (RFS Ltd) and James Boyle of Vanmac Trilo has also been very good. As we move forward and explore its full capabilities, we know we will be well looked after.”

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ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

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ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College: Ross Spry, Head of Grounds and Gardens at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, claims that his new Dennis ES-510 cylinder mower is supporting the college’s sustainability requirements.

Ross, who has been working at Cheltenham Ladies’ College for 15 months, explained the reasons behind choosing a battery-powered cylinder mower.

ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

ES-510 delivers at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

“It is College policy to be sustainable. Whenever we are thinking of purchasing a new product, we must always look for an environmentally friendly option first.

“We needed a new cylinder mower and there was only one battery-powered machine we looked at. That was from Dennis because I don’t think anything else can match their mowers.”

The mower Ross was keen to look at was the Dennis ES-510. The ES-510 is based on the popular Dennis FT510. With a choice of 12 interchangeable cassettes, the ES-510 is capable of scarifying down to -10mm. Ideal for fine turf it has the power to cut 10km on a single charge.

The ES-510 features a robust LCD keypad screen on the handlebar console providing the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information. Furthermore, traditional FT510 cassettes will also fit their battery-powered alternatives, meaning that customers will not have to purchase additional cassettes.

The aim with the Dennis E-Series is to help professionals meet sustainability and environmental initiatives, reduce carbon footprint emissions, running costs and noise without any range anxiety. Ross believes the ES-510 certainly delivers on all fronts.

“We knew we instantly wanted it following the demonstration,” he said. “It is very easy to use, and it provides an excellent cut every time. Every member of the team enjoys using the machine. Personally, I like being able to change the clip speed while I’m mowing, and the fact you can set the speed of the machine to suit your walking style is a great feature.”

The mowers take just 2 hours for an ultra-fast full battery recharge utilising a 1.5KWh battery and will help turf professionals meet sustainability and carbon neutral goals. The ultra-low HAV’s and noise allows operators to use the machines for a full day in any environment and along with the low maintenance, very low lifetime costs and significant cost savings on fuel are all benefits of the Dennis E-Series range.

“It is very comfortable to use, and you don’t get the vibrations which you get when using a petrol mower,” continued Ross.

“We predominately use it on our cricket square, but recently we used them on the College lawns during lesson time to see if we got any complaints. Normally, we would have to cut these lawns early before classes start because of the noise of the petrol mowers. Not one person said a single word after using the ES-510 because they are so quite in operation. The noise level alone is worth getting them for and these will be great for when exams are on.

“We never have any problems with the ES-510, and it is a joy to use.”

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford

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Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford: J 4Turf 25 from the Johnsons Sports Seed range is ticking the boxes of wear tolerance, quick establishment and fast recovery for the team at Stratford Racecourse – as the track finds itself in the midst of a packed eight-month summer race season.

Head Groundsman Sam Linley has been relying on the tetraploid blend for the last two years, with the deeper rooting and harder wearing perennial ryegrasses providing outstanding strength to the highest areas of wear and tear around the track.

Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford

Johnson’s J 4Turf 25 delivers strength at Stratford

Racing has taken place at the Warwickshire venue since 1755, with the summer jumps track hosting a meet on average every two weeks between the months of March and October. While seasonal breaks present an opportunity for Sam and his team to conduct some remedial works in late spring and early autumn, the batches of fixtures leave little time in the remainder of the season for recovery. “Stratford isn’t the biggest of tracks in terms of width and total ground” Sam explains, “so quick recovery is absolutely critical – especially in the summer where meets come thick and fast!”

“We’ve been using J 4Turf 25 for two years now after struggling to find a mixture that could withstand the high impact around the fences. Our Regional Technical Manager from DLF Ian Barnett together with Adam Moss from Aitkens recommended the tetraploids for their deeper rooting and we honestly can’t fault the results we’ve had with it, particularly on the bends and the landing and take-off areas.”

The blend of highly-rated diploid perennial ryegrass, along with Fabian and Tetragame 4Turf tetraploids makes J 4Turf 25 an ideal choice for equestrian use. The sward strength, outstanding visual merit and ultra-fast establishment delivered by the tetraploid cultivars have proven their worth as both a post and in-season renovation mix.

“The sooner we can get recovery post-race, the quicker we can crack on with the other maintenance tasks we need to get done, sometimes in very limited windows between fixtures. That’s been brilliant with the Johnsons mix.”

This year, Sam has also introduced further visual appeal to the site through the introduction of a wildflower area sown with the Chameleon mixture from DLF’s ColourBoost collection. “We had a banked area in one of the enclosures which was maintained but looked a little run down. Ian and Adam suggested some high-impact wildflowers and this has transformed the space… great effect with very little effort! Not only have we had lovely comments from people admiring the display but it’s been great to see more bees, butterflies and moths around.” He adds, “It’s been a great to compliment the work we do on the track with a real array of colour along the walkway to enhance the overall visitor experience. That’s what it’s all about.”

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Suståne delivers perfect bill of health

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Suståne delivers perfect bill of health: A year-round programme from Suståne® Natural Fertilizers has been effectively managing moisture and turf stresses to keep the 27-hole course at Wellow Golf Club disease-free.

Course Manager Lee Payne describes how the ‘perfect combination’ of Suståne® products including 5-2-10+Fe and 6-2-4 Turf Revival® has seen a drastic reduction in the frequency and severity of a variety of turf diseases, lowering fungicide applications and delivering long-lasting visual appeal.

Suståne delivers perfect bill of health

Suståne delivers perfect bill of health

Steeped in history, Hampshire’s Wellow Golf Club is set among 200 acres of parkland surrounding Embley Park – once occupied by King Alfred and later the family home of Florence Nightingale. Skip forward a couple of centuries, the site now boasts a beautiful 27-hole course maintained by Lee and his team of five. Privately owned and broken down into three 9-hole courses; the rotation of the Ryedown, Blackwater and Embley courses enable a ‘TLC week’ to take place one in every three… or at least that’s the idea!

“We’re constantly busy!” exclaims Lee. “We conduct a lot of in-house drainage projects as we’re quite a heavy site meaning that for most of the winter months, we can’t get a sprayer out. That leads me nicely onto how good the Suståne product really is, an annual programme from whom keeps us ticking over superbly well.”

“It was the organic aspect that led me to Suståne® initially. We were looking for something that would boost the good bacteria in the profile and not be harmful to the environment or our aquatic life, while also keeping on top of the variety of turf diseases that appear.” The programme, drawn up by Suståne’s Russell Riley and Neil Rogers from AGS consists of 4-6-4 slow-release fertiliser, 5-2-4+Fe for a boost of colour during December, January and February before a switch to 5-2-10+FE during spring and autumn. Lee also uses Bolster™ Liquid Biostimulant and Suståne 6-2-4 Turf Revival® which he claims provides instant recovery following heavy renovations in March and August.

“Recovery is one of the biggest factors for us, with tight turnarounds in maintenance windows and this is where Suståne® has been fantastic. The extended slow-release nitrogen within the 6-2-4 product gives us an instant boost followed by a month or two of consistent recovery.” Lee continues, “We also have a couple of greens particularly susceptible to Anthracnose. If this starts to appear we simply put down a half rate of the 5-2-10 which provides enough goodness back into the soil to effectively control any outbreaks.”

A noticeable consistency to overall plant health has meant that Lee doesn’t feel the need to try anything else. “We know our programme, we know it works for us and we know that advice is always available from Russell or Neil to tweak things if required. Not only that, but it’s also reassuring to know that we’re running the course in a way that is sympathetic to the environment we’re in to protect what we have here now and into the future.”

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