Tag Archive for: Ground

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

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Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care: As demand grows, and implements get bigger and better, as does the fleet of Kubota tractors for sports turf maintenance company Southern Ground Care.

Established in 2012 by Keith Petley, later joined by his son Lewis Petley, the reliability and ease of operation has seen the company loyal to the brand from the outset – now with an L2-602, two L2-622’s and most recently an M6-131 joining the pack to provide the power to operations at schools, football and cricket clubs along the south coast.

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

Kubota supports continued growth for Southern Ground Care

After working in transport for nearly 40 years, Keith made the break to something new in 2012, helping with the maintenance at a local cricket club in a volunteer capacity. It was here he purchased his first compact tractor from Kubota’s B-Series and the rest, as they say, was history! “Over the years we’ve had a B3030, then progressed to two STV40’s and an ST401 with a cab. Kubota has been the backbone for everything we offer and as we’ve branched into new sports and new operations, our Kubota fleet has grown accordingly” Keith says.

“We currently have three tractors from Kubota’s L-Series which give us the ideal power to weight ratio for the vast majority of implements we use from general maintenance to end-of-season renovations on football and cricket pitches. These have given us outstanding reliability and are intuitive and comfortable to operate.”

The latest delivery made by local dealer Rod Gaskin in July 2024, was a M6-131 equipped with turf tyres. Lewis explains, “We found ourselves hiring an M5 when we needed to utilise the heavier kit which was inconvenient compared to having our own higher HP tractor that we could use as and when required. The turf tyres on our M6 spread the weight really well, avoiding unnecessary compaction and we find the tread is not too aggressive even when working on slightly softer ground.”

With workload ramping up, the team have also invested in GPS systems for all four tractors to optimise efficiency. “We thought it would be good for spraying but we’ve reaped the benefits of it with nearly everything we do! It speeds up the operations, improves the accuracy for operations like seeding, aeration and even mowing, and means that less experienced members of the team can go into every task with confidence.”

“We’re also assisted by the fantastic team at Rod Gaskin who are quick to offer us help and support, together with taking care of our routine servicing to avoid any costly downtime. The back-up with Kubota is second to none” he adds.

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Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

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Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up: The combination of Suståne 5-2-4 and 5-2-10+Fe is providing the perfect platform for a switch to finer grass species at Ely City Golf Club.

Looking to improve disease resistance from the ground up is Course Manager Alan Magee, who explains how the tried and tested programme from Suståne is the ideal base feed for encouraging bent grass to flourish on the greens at the parkland club.

Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

Suståne improving disease resistance from the ground up

Ely City is regarded as one of the finest courses in East Anglia, located on the outskirts of Cambridge and delivering a challenging but picturesque 18-holes of mature parkland. Assisted by a team of five, Alan has been at the club for the last two and a half years. “With the ongoing reduction in chemicals and the drive towards more sustainable practices, as greenkeepers, we’re having to tackle the issue of disease management in new ways – for me, that’s looking at how we can increase our tolerance with better, more resilient, grass species” he explains.

No stranger to Suståne, Alan has been a longstanding user of their 5-2-4 all natural slow-release nitrogen fertiliser at his previous club in Dorset. “The 5-2-4 is really the building block for the rest of our inputs. We apply this at eight-week intervals from the spring onwards, with complimentary liquid feeds put down as and when required.”

The original Suståne formula, 5-2-4 promotes enhanced disease suppression and quick green up, without excessive growth. Suitable for most turfgrass environments, Suståne 5-2-4 increases the soils’ ability to hold water and nutrients, improving suppression of plant pathogens and strengthening the plant’s tolerance again heat, drought and other environmental stress factors. “This product is a fantastic spring starter, getting us moving and providing all the nutrients we need to support bentgrass and strengthen our greens ahead of a busy playing season.”

“For some extra oomph, we use the 5-2-10+Fe every eight weeks from July onwards as we begin to prepare the surfaces for winter” Alan adds. With its 1:2 N to K ratio, Suståne 5-2-10+Fe aids plant hydration and disease suppression, also enhancing chlorophyll production for outstanding turf colour without excessive top growth.

“This combination gives us great consistency and the versatility to adapt to surface requirements depending on the weather.” He continues, “As we pursue a bigger bent population in our greens, I’m a firm believer that if we get the biology right in the soil, the rest of our programme will fall into place. Both the surfaces and the players will hopefully be thanking us as a result!”

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Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

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Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground: Paddington Recreation Ground, in the City of Westminster, has long been a cherished haven for Londoners, offering 27 acres of greenery and diverse amenities since its inception in 1888. Drawing over 2 million visitors annually, this historic parkland boasts a rich tapestry of sports facilities, gardens, and leisure spaces.

To ensure its upkeep and to meet the evolving demands of sustainability, Westminster Council, in collaboration with its leisure contractor Everyone Active, has embarked on a transformative journey, propelled by innovative solutions like the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader.

Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

Powering Sustainability at Paddington Recreation Ground

Overseeing the maintenance of the park is Stephen Scott, who has dedicated 12 years to Paddington Recreation Ground, starting from a gardener and ascending to the role of Landscape and Security Manager. He leads a team of 8 landscapers, ensuring the park remains a meticulously kept green space amidst busy urban life. “It is a truly wonderful place and that is why I have been here so long,” he says. “We are fortunate that the site gets a lot of investment from Westminster Council, so it is always improving.”

The decision to integrate electric machinery aligns with Westminster Council’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Stephen notes, “Westminster Council is keen to move our petrol machinery over to electric machinery,” highlighting a shift towards a greener, more sustainable approach. This transition has seen remarkable progress, with Stephen proudly stating, “We were at 20% electric back in 2019, now we are 86% electric in terms of our equipment.”

Central to this transformation is the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader, a pioneering solution that combines power, versatility, and eco-friendliness. Powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, the e6 boasts impressive performance metrics, including a 2.8m lift height and a 900kg lift capacity. Its silent operation and zero emissions make it an ideal fit for urban environments like Paddington Recreation Ground.

Stephen recounts the introduction of the Avant e6 to their arsenal of equipment with enthusiasm, emphasising its seamless integration into their daily operations. “We’ve had the Avant e6 since 2021 and it has been a Godsend ever since,” he exclaims. From green waste disposal to heavy deliveries, the e6 has proven its versatility time and again.

Simon Carrig, one of the Landscape Gardeners at Paddington Recreation Ground, attests to the e6’s reliability and ease of use. “It is used every day without fail,” Simon remarks, highlighting its indispensable role in their daily routines. With attachments ranging from buckets to claws, the e6 seamlessly adapts to various tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

“When it comes to battery-life we are able to get all our jobs done throughout the day on one charge,” Simon continues. “The inside of the cab is very comfortable, and it is good in the winter because it has a heated seat.”

Simon also emphasises the e6’s performance, noting its robustness and agility. “I have put it to the test believe me,” he asserts, reflecting on its ability to lift heavy items and navigate tight spaces with ease. Furthermore, its low maintenance requirements and reduced noise emissions contribute to a more favourable working environment.

Ian Royston from Farol, a trusted supplier of groundcare equipment, was instrumental in Paddington Recreation Ground’s purchase of the Avant e6. Stephen commends Ian’s support, stating, “Ian has been supplying equipment to us for years. He first introduced us to the Avant e6, brought it in for a demonstration and we have not looked back since. It is always a great service from Ian and Farol.”

As Paddington Recreation Ground continues to evolve, the Avant e6 Electric Multi-Functional Loader stands as a testament to the power of innovation in driving sustainable progress. With its eco-friendly design and unparalleled versatility, it has become an indispensable asset in maintaining the park’s pristine beauty while reducing its environmental footprint.

For more information, please visit www.avanttecno.com/uk

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Glendale wins ground maintenance award

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Glendale wins ground maintenance award: Glendale is delighted to announce that they have been crowned Grounds Maintenance Company of the year at a prestigious Pro Landscaper Business Awards event held at East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf on Friday 30 July 2021

Glendale had also been shortlisted in the ‘Arboriculture Company of the Year’ category, totalling 2 out of a total of 15 categories up for grabs for many of the country’s greatest landscaping companies.

Glendale wins ground maintenance award

Glendale wins ground maintenance award

The Pro Landscaper Business Awards returned to London for the fourth successive year and once again brought the landscaping community together for an afternoon to acknowledge the excellent standards set within the landscape industry. Over 400 industry professionals were at the event for an afternoon of networking, great food, and celebration of the best that UK landscaping can deliver. Glendale had to demonstrate professionalism in everything that they do.  The judges were looking for the unsung heroes of the industry who consistently undertake the crucial everyday maintenance tasks, which many take for granted, with the upmost precision and pride.

They commended Glendale for their 30+ year history and for being a well-established and reputable business in the sector. Glendale’s collaboration with local communities providing over 52,000 hours of social value initiatives and the recognition that its staff are intrinsic to the success of operations were similarly commended.  Glendale commits a minimum of 0.5% of total turnover to staff and technology development initiatives. A key component of staff development is its apprenticeship programme – a member of the 5% club, apprentices made up 8% of its workforce in Feb 2021. Glendale delivers on mental health training to all contract managers, how to spot symptoms and how to provide help. Driving forward continual improvement Glendale has committed to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2027 with hopes it will inspire the rest of the industry to make similar goals.­­

Pro Landscaper’s Jim Wilkinson, said: “Our industry is exceptional at celebrating the visual excellence of landscaping with industry awards and RHS shows that highlight how phenomenal landscapes can look, but with the Pro Landscaper Business Awards, we chose to highlight how well businesses operate their processes, staff training, health and safety records and consistently positive customer feedback.”

Kate Anscombe Sales and Development Director said; “Glendale winning the Grounds Maintenance Company award, coincides with a period of exciting new contract wins and contract extensions for us. Across a period that has highlighted more than ever the importance of team work and collaboration and the impact working for a reputable company to provide incredible outdoor green space has to the health and wellbeing of our teams and customers.”

Glendale offers an all-encompassing green space management and maintenance service at a national and local level. They are skilled designers, suppliers and distributors of grounds maintenance, tree management, landscaping, landscape architectural services, winter weather and arboriculture activities, tackling these, and various other green space management tasks, for public and private sector clients across the UK. Glendale is a national company with a local feel, led by a team who care deeply about their people and the industry, and they are dedicated to delivering the best possible service for clients across the UK.

For More information visit https://www.glendale-services.co.uk/

Glendale, The Stables, Duxbury Park, Duxbury Hall Road, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 4AT

Media information contact Paul Airey, https://piranha-solutions.com/

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Hartlepool fans praise ground staff

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Hartlepool fans praise ground staff: Hartlepool United’s National League match against Wealdstone went ahead as planned following a successful pitch inspection early on Saturday morning.

Read the full article from Hartlepool Mail here

Hartlepool fans praise ground staff

Hartlepool fans praise ground staff

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