Tag Archive for: Grass

UK grass about to get greener

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UK grass about to get greener: Each year gardeners up and down the UK throw tonnes of powerful herbicides onto their lawns to try and kill weeds. But David Hedges-Gower, Lawn Association Chairman, explains why this is often a waste of time and money – and dangerous!

“Let’s be clear; a herbicide – that ‘harmless’ addition to many commercial or retail lawn fertilisers for apparently killing weeds – is a powerful and toxic chemical. Despite this, thanks to a shameful lack of regulation in lawn care and incredibly poor advice, our gardeners have for decades been encouraged to buy and spread these ‘convenience’ products. They are promised the benefits but are not told of the environmental impacts.

UK grass about to get greener

UK grass about to get greener

“However, grass isn’t just the most widespread and diverse plant group on the planet – it’s also one of the greenest, being perfectly able to adapt to the most extreme of conditions all by itself.

“So our lawns should be one of the most natural parts of the garden – all that’s needed is to maintain healthy grass the way nature intended. A good native sward, nurtured through basic modern lawn care, simply won’t leave enough room for a serious lawn weed problem.

And using herbicides is not just wasteful – it’s risky too, as David explains:

“In other sectors, all kinds of potentially dangerous chemicals have been removed from general sale. Here at the LA (Lawn Association) we believe it is time to ban the sale of lawn herbicides to the general public. Asking gardeners to use these chemicals responsibly is like asking all motorists to be able to service their own cars safely. Herbicides should be a last resort – and only used by those with professional training and regulation(for the moment)

So, what’s changing?

Until now there simply hasn’t been adequate training – for gardeners or for lawn professionals. Even with proper City and Guilds certification many professionals remain confused about vital precision spraying. Fortunately training lies at the heart of the Lawn Association, which is helping to reduce unnecessary and reckless herbicide use on two fronts

First, through its online lawn care course, gardeners can learn how to create and maintain healthy lawns without resorting to dangerous chemicals. And second, the Association’s new Level 2 Training (coming soon) will help ensure lawn professionals can use herbicides efficiently, when necessary, with confidence, knowledge and skill.

For more information or images please contact Francijn Suermondt at rabbitattackpr@gmail.com or on 07895184395.

Our core mission at the Lawn Association is to make accurate lawn care information readily available via our website and through our Free Membership Scheme for gardening enthusiasts. Go to the @LawnAssociation Facebook page to join the Lawn Enthusiasts Group, and get free association membership via the website, www.lawnassociation.org.uk

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The electric armchair that cuts grass

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The electric armchair that cuts grass: We have the electric car, scooter, and bicycle – all of which are battery powered – now it’s the first drive-by-wire lawnmower for domestic gardens that offers the comfort of a favourite armchair while cutting the grass.

The STIGA Gyro sets the standards for battery powered mowing.  It employs STIGA’s eMotion Technology – a unique electronic system providing effortless steering and speed all delivered through a precise, armrest mounted joystick.

The electric armchair that cuts grass

The electric armchair that cuts grass

Powered by STIGA’s eMotion technology – a unique electronic system developed to effortlessly govern direction, steering and speed – Gyro offers an extremely precise joystick to control the vehicle, allowing it to turn on a sixpence, guaranteeing an enjoyable ride, and taking lawn mowing to a whole new level.

Each rear wheel is driven by a self-contained electric motor and this combination guarantees a powerful cutting performance, superior ergonomic design delivering unsurpassed driver comfort and mower manoeuvrability.

The Gyro is suitable for large and complex gardens up to 8,000 square meters.   The 360-degree turning radius enables close mowing up to lawn edges, even under bushes, while ensuring maximum driver visibility.

“This is what lawnmowers will be like in the future and are available later this month.  Gyro establishes a completely new category of battery-powered sit-on mowers for challenging areas, unbeatable productivity that are not just fun but comfortable to drive too” says Gary Whitney, managing director of STIGA UK.

STIGA Gyro is available from May with retail prices from £7,131.

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SAGE named the home event for GRASS

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SAGE named the home event for GRASS: SAGE are proud to announce that they have become the home event for GRASS, a newly launched forum built by a Group of Groundcare Industry Specialists. Taking place 6th and 7th July SAGE will provide a platform for GRASS to introduce it’s objectives to the industry this summer.

GRASS stands for, Groundcare Resources & Sustainability Suppliers, and is the innovative idea of Mark Tomlinson head of environmental and sustainability stadia projects at Bio-Circle, one of the leading companies paving the way in sustainable solutions for the industry.The NEW Networking & Support Forum is a FREE to join group that supports all Groundcare and other sporting industry sustainability projects, providing free advice and knowledge of sustainable pitch care.

SAGE named the home event for GRASS

SAGE named the home event for GRASS

Top Grounds Personnel, Leading Industry Manufacturers and Senior Experts have come together to form a “Go To Group” that allows grounds staff to begin their own sustainability projects with support and advise.

Through the expert sustainable and environmental forum, GRASS will provide the latest information available all under one roof, whether it’s technical pitchcare maintenance, through to recycling washdown, white line marking paint, recycling containers, battery powered equipment, seed, lighting, our information bank is endless.

“A First for the Groundcare & Sporting Industry, and a much-needed Support Forum Group. By coming together and sharing knowledge GRASS can help and support Groundcare personnel with their sustainability projects. We want to help and protect our environment and make a difference.”

Mark Tomlinson

Focus on sustainability

This year, sustainability has become an even more prominent priority across all industries and SAGE is proud to be hosting the first sustainability summit, which will take place on Wednesday 6th July at SAGE 2022, in partnership with Bio-Circle.

The summit will be led by experts across the industry and will provide guidance and support on how sustainable solutions can be achieved by businesses across the sports and grounds maintenance industry. The panel and their colleagues will be on hand to deliver tailored options for those looking to adopt processes that are more environmentally friendly.

Everyone is welcome to attend SAGE 2022. Visitors from last year included educational institutions, local authorities and councils, contractors, construction managers and private estates.

The team at SAGE invites all visitors to stay for the networking event on the Wednesday evening, 4pm – 6pm, sponsored by Fleet Line Markers, where everyone will get the opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals at the stunning showground, with a few added bonus’ as well.

To register for SAGE 2022. Please visit; www.sportsandgrounds.events.

If you would like to exhibit at SAGE 2022, there is still time to reserve your stand, contact us today; team@sportsandgrounds.co.uk

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Etesia is the way for wet grass

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Etesia is the way for wet grass: Adam Patterson, owner of Patterson’s Gardening Services in Northern Ireland, needed a mower that would perform in the wet, and in his opinion, there was only one brand which was comfortably up to the job.

Over the past 30 years, Etesia ride-on and pedestrian mowers have become world renowned for being able to cut and collect – in all ALL weathers. Even in long and wet grass conditions, the mowers provide a quality finish with outstanding collection performance.

Etesia is the way for wet grass

Etesia is the way for wet grass

“We chose Etesia because it has a reputation for being the best at cutting and collecting wet grass,” said Adam. “When it comes to the design and build, Etesia has thought about all the things that other manufacturers simply have not.”

Adam set the company up ten years ago after revealing that it was always his ambition: “It was always going to be the career for me – grass cutting was my summer job and I absolutely loved it,” he said.

Patterson’s Gardening Services, now employs four members of staff, and is highly regarded throughout Lisburn and surrounding areas.

With a glowing reputation to maintain, Adam takes it incredibly seriously when it comes to purchasing new equipment. Therefore, when his pedestrian mowers needed upgrading, he phoned Etesia and had a lengthy conversation with the company to discuss what he was looking for.

He was recommended two models from the PRO 46 range; the PHTS3 – a single speed self-propelled mower and the PHE3 – a push variant.

Following the same concept of the PRO 46 range of pedestrian mowers first launched in the early 1990’s, both models feature Xenoy cutting decks for increased strength, shear washer crank protection, individual height of cut adjusters, a new 22mm handlebar design, the latest Honda GCV170 engine and are supplied complete with 80 litre grass box and rear deflector as standard.

One main feature of these models is the ‘one cut’ principle. This means the grass is only cut once before being sent to the grass box. The benefits of this are reduced power consumption from fast deck material ejection and secondly, as it is not multi chopped, the grass does not stick to the cutting deck in the same way as multi-cut grass does prevent unwanted blockages. The grass box is manufactured out of the same Xenoy compound as the cutting deck for maximum strength and comes complete with fill indicator.

Adam ended up buying two of each model from his local dealer RD Mechanical and hasn’t looked back since.

“They have an excellent build quality and the weight of them really appealed to me. They are just perfect for all our small amenity lawns. However, we find ourselves using them on the bigger lawns too, especially if it has been raining or there is a lot of dew. In these circumstances the Etesia’s are so much quicker because you are not stopping to unclog the cute after every stripe.

“The PRO 46’s are very reliable and user friendly,” he continued. “From a personal point of view, I really like the way the handles bend slightly down as well – it feels more natural to work with as opposed to your hands being in an upright position.

“We have received an excellent service from our dealer RD Mechanical throughout the process – from advising the correct model, to the delivery, so It’s safe to say I am one happy customer.”

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

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

You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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FA bolster ‘Power Up Your Grass Pitch’ campaign

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FA bolster ‘Power Up Your Grass Pitch’ campaign: Shropshire FA is ready to bolster the offering from the new ‘Power Up Your Grass Pitch’ campaign using the expertise and machinery of Campey Turf Care Systems.

The new initiative from the Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation aims to revolutionise the state of grass football pitches in England. The mission set out by the Football Foundation is to improve over 7,000 grass pitches by 2024 and 20,000 by 2030 to ensure the 12 million grassroots footballers have great places to play.

FA bolster ‘Power Up Your Grass Pitch’ campaign

FA bolster ‘Power Up Your Grass Pitch’ campaign

A significant part of this is reducing the 150,000 cancelled matches due to poor pitch quality last season, and at Shropshire FA, this role falls to Strategy, Facilities and Partnerships Lead Andy Weston.

With over 20-years of experience in football administration, Andy is no stranger to the impact pitches can have. After seeing Campey in action at an open day, he knew they were prime candidates to push their pitch improvement efforts for 180 clubs in Shropshire forward. Jason Moody, Product Specialist for Campeys, has worked closely with Andy to ensure that the right balance of equipment and back-up support was in place.

“Campey has a track record of working with a number of other County FAs, and we did a demo day with them at one of our clubs, and they gave a run-through of the machinery they offer, what it does and gave some hands-on tips. We had several clubs come along, and the feedback was great, so we decided to make something more formal to showcase what they do and how it can improve pitches in our county.

“High-quality pitches are vital to the game, and we are in a position now where the funding and opportunities are there to support the volunteers who work tirelessly week in and week out, and the expertise of Campey is really important to what we want to achieve.

“The game can’t run without volunteers and particularly at grassroots level. You’re reliant on them, and it’s imperative that organisations like Campey are on hand to work with us to provide that support and knowledge on the ground. In these last 18 months, we have all spent a lot of time on Zoom calls. Still, in this instance, I don’t think you can beat being on the ground and hands-on with the equipment because any little snippets of information they can share with those grounds people is invaluable. I think even the most experienced grounds people will benefit from having a conversation with Campey and listening to their experts.

“As well as Jason from Campeys, we are also working with Pitch Advisor Kevin Duffield, so with all those different bodies involved, it is really helpful to the grounds teams up and down our county.”

Teams in Shropshire range from AFC Telford United down the football pyramid to Sunday league outfits. The one thing they all have in common is the need for a good pitch, and through this initiative, Andy aims to make the whole of the county a better place to play football.

For more information on the funding opportunities available in Shropshire, contact Andy.Weston@shropshirefa.com or info@campeyturfcare.com.

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