Tag Archive for: heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

/in , /by

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads: At Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, Course Manager Luke Jenkins has been achieving exceptional results using BASF’s Attraxor®, a plant growth regulator supplied by Agrovista Amenity.

Containing the active ingredient prohexadione-calcium, Attraxor has become a key part of Luke’s turf management programme, helping him achieve smoother, more consistent greens and a better balance of grass species across the site.

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Luke, who has been Course Manager at Crowborough Beacon for four and a half years, first came across Attraxor through conversations with Andrew Norman from Agrovista Amenity.

Intrigued by the dual promise of growth regulation and seed-head suppression – and the fact it blended well with the biologicals Luke already uses – he trialled it on the greens and was impressed almost immediately.

“Andrew kept mentioning Attraxor for both growth control and seed-head suppression, and it really ticked a lot of boxes. I started using it and instantly started seeing a difference,” Luke explains.

Seed-head suppression that improves consistency

One of the most obvious benefits for Luke has been the dramatic reduction in seed-head size and frequency – a critical improvement for green speed and consistency.

“You don’t get the big, juicy seed heads you used to get – they’re much smaller,” he says. “We don’t get the white, bobbly greens in the spring that affect roll and speed. Even in a tough seed-head year we had minimal issues compared with other courses nearby.”

Attraxor inhibits a key growth hormone, gibberellic acid, leading to consistent reductions in both shoot growth and flowering. This helps deliver a more consistent surface for golfers and reduces the variability that can make putting unpredictable.

Fast, flexible growth regulation

Attraxor activates on contact with water in the spray tank and begins to regulate growth in as little as four hours – a speed of action Luke values.

“It’s a two-in-one for me: growth regulation including seed-head suppression. I apply it every 21 days and try to get the first treatment on early – because the earlier you start, the better the results,” he says.

Luke typically applies Attraxor around 500 g/ha now and has found it provides consistent regulation across species and cutting heights. That flexibility makes it suitable for the fine turf demands at Crowborough Beacon’s greens, and he notes it keeps growth manageable even when granular feeds are applied.

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Health, density and integrated use

Beyond seed-head suppression and reduced mowing, Attraxor contributes to improved sward density and healthier roots – outcomes that help turf resist both abiotic stresses and disease pressures.

Crucially for Luke’s programme, Attraxor mixes well with many of the biological products and foliar inputs he uses, allowing it to slot into an integrated strategy that emphasises plant health as well as growth management.

Practical, value-driven performance

For a club with limited resources and no fairway irrigation, reliable, low-rate chemistry that delivers predictable results is essential. Luke highlights Attraxor’s cost effectiveness at such small application rates.

“For the price and the quantity you use, it’s excellent value. I wouldn’t be without it now – 100%. Even if you only want seed-head suppression, it’s worth a trial.”

Luke encourages other course managers to test Attraxor on their sites, particularly where Poa seed heads and variable green speed are issues. For Crowborough Beacon, the product has become a key part of keeping greens consistent and playable while supporting the wider restoration and improvement programme Luke is leading.

“If it works on your site like it does on ours, it’ll earn a permanent place in your shed,” he concludes.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA

/in , , /by

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA: Bernhard and Company is preparing for a major few weeks in the industry calendar, with the team set to exhibit at BTME 2026 in Harrogate, England (20-22 January) before heading to Florida, USA for the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando (2-5 February).

Across both shows, Bernhard will spotlight the breadth of its offer, combining industry-leading grinding machinery, technology-led turf solutions, and the training and development support of the Bernhard Academy.

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA

Bernhard and Company heads to BTME and GCSAA

“BTME and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show are two of the most significant events in our calendar,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director of Bernhard and Company. “They give us the chance to meet the people behind the surfaces, demonstrate the innovation within our grinding machinery range, and show how our wider technology and education offering is supporting performance and long-term sustainability in turf.”

BTME 2026: Harrogate – Hall 5, Stand 534

At BTME, Bernhard and Company will be located in Hall 5 on Stand 534, bringing the latest in its grinding machinery portfolio to Harrogate. On stand, visitors will be able to explore Bernhard’s Express Dual reel and Anglemaster bedknife grinding machines, as well as learn more about the wider suite of solutions available through the company’s distribution network.

Bernhard will also be exhibiting SubAir Systems, alongside Soil Scout and Maya Global software, helping attendees understand how data and decision-making tools can support better surface performance, consistency, and efficiency across the seasons.

The Bernhard Academy team will also be based on the stand throughout the week, offering guidance on training pathways, workshops, and educational support for course teams looking to build skills and capability.

Alongside stand activity, the Bernhard Academy will play an exciting role in BIGGA’s Continue to Learn programme, delivering sold-out sessions at the Bernhard Academy hub at Moortown Golf Club. As part of the BTME programme, Phil Helmn of the Bernhard Academy will also deliver a three-hour class on Monday morning titled “The Art of Managing Up!”. The week will also include a seminar delivered by Phil on the Tuesday of the show, while the Academy will introduce the BIGGA Delegation for 2026 at the Bernhard Reception evening on Monday.

“BTME is a brilliant opportunity to connect education with real-world application,” said Sami Strutt, Education Director at the Bernhard Academy. “Whether it’s our Continue to Learn sessions, supporting turf teams with development opportunities, or launching the BIGGA Delegation’s journey, the focus is on helping people grow their skills and confidence.”

GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: Orlando – Stand 1949 (West Building)

Following BTME, Bernhard and Company will continue its trade show schedule in the United States at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Bernhard can be found on Stand 1949 in the West Building, where the team will be exhibiting once again with Soil Scout, having recently launched the Soil Scout range into the North American market.

As part of the trip, the Bernhard Academy will accompany the BIGGA Delegation to the show, where delegates will experience the educational seminars on offer, take part in site visits to high-profile Florida golf venues, and make the most of the networking opportunities available throughout GCSAA week.

Education will also play a central role at GCSAA, with Phil Helmn delivering a four-hour seminar on Tuesday 3 February titled “Budgeting! Bulletproof Financial Management”. The session is currently sold out, with additional places available via a waiting list.

“The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is a key moment for us to spend time with superintendents and course teams, and to build on the early momentum behind the Soil Scout launch in North America,” added Steven Nixon.

For more information on Bernhard and Company, the products and solutions it will be exhibiting at both shows, and the Bernhard Academy, view links below:

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

/in , , /by

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket: The Grounds Management Association’s (GMA) NextGen group is taking its inspiring Schools Into Stadia initiative to new turf, literally for the first time, as it heads to the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 27 June for its first ever cricket edition.

Designed to inspire a younger generation of groundspeople, Schools Into Stadia opens the doors to iconic sporting venues, offering local students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of grounds management, showing off the wide range of career opportunities in a sector that supports sport, recreation and community spaces across the UK.

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

Schools Into Stadia Heads to Home Of Cricket

From pitch prep to turf science, students will get hands-on with the skills and technology that keep the game running smoothly.

Created by the GMA’s passionate NextGen group – rising stars in the industry – Schools Into Stadia is all about sparking curiosity and showcasing the exciting career paths in grounds management. With support from Reesink UK, the initiative is building a future-ready workforce by championing the vital role of grounds teams in sport, recreation and community life.

Having already inspired students at venues like Wimbledon’s All-England Club, Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park and the King Power Stadium, the programme now steps up to the crease at Lord’s – cricket’s most hallowed ground.

The event will see local students experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a groundsperson including pitch preparation and understanding the science behind turf care. They’ll also hear first-hand from professionals about the pathways into the industry and how their work impacts everything from elite sport to grassroots facilities.

With workforce development a growing priority across the sector, initiatives like Schools Into Stadia are a vital part of the GMA’s strategy to engage the next generation and build a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Meg Lay, GMA NextGen Co-Chair and Groundsperson at Lord’s, said: “We’re excited to bring Schools Into Stadia to Lord’s and shine a light on the work that grounds staff do in cricket. Events like this give young people a real glimpse into the industry and help us show that this is a rewarding, hands-on career. If we want a thriving industry in the future, it starts with inspiring the next generation today.”

Lord’s Head Groundsman, Karl McDermott, said: “We’re proud to support the GMA and the NextGen group in delivering this event at Lord’s. Grounds staff play a vital role in making sport possible at every level, and we’re pleased to give students a chance to see that in action at the Home of Cricket. We hope it opens eyes and perhaps even sparks some future careers in the industry.”

To find out more about the GMA NextGen group and how they’re shaping the future of the industry, visit www.thegma.org.uk/nextgen.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

GMA Connect heads to Durham

/in , , /by

GMA Connect heads to Durham: Following the successful launch of GMA Connect in Bristol last month, the Grounds Management Association’s new regional event series continues in the North East on Wednesday 18 June at Durham County Cricket Club.

Designed to bring the grounds industry together in key regions across the country, GMA Connect is a hands-on, one-day event offering a unique mix of expert seminars and live demonstrations from leading manufacturers.

GMA Connect heads to Durham

GMA Connect heads to Durham

Some of the industry’s top brands will be on show in Durham, including headline sponsor Cramer, ISEKI UK & Ireland, Campey Turf Care Systems, Fleet Line Markers, GKB Machines, Abundigro, The Aquatrols Company, AriensCo, Redexim, and Dennis & SISIS.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest machinery and solutions from the likes of Cramer, who will present a full battery-powered range, including robot mowers, a zero-turn model and all-terrain pedestrian mowers. ISEKI and GKB Machines will jointly demonstrate a compact tractor fitted with a Combi Tool and Deep Tine Aerator, whilst Campey Turf Care will demonstrate their UniRake and display smaller machines pitch side, including the Vredo Turf Buddy and Electric Sarel Roller.

Line marking solutions will be available from Fleet and, new to Durham, Dennis & SISIS will bring the FT mower and Auto Rotorake Mk5, whilst Ariens will display zero-turn and high-grass mulching mowers.

Redexim, The Aquatrols Company and Abundigro and will all be on hand to share practical advice and showcase turf maintenance essentials.

A packed seminar programme features weather expert Mark Hunt’s ‘Turf Management in the Current Climate’, a popular practical soil session led by Alex Vickers, and guidance on using a Playing Surface Assessment to upgrade your facility from the GMA’s Ian Mather-Brewster and Chris Hunter.

The day will close with a panel discussion on climate change at top sporting venues, featuring Vic Demain (Head Groundsman, Durham CCC), Alex Vickers (Turf Consultant), Aaron Tong (Head Groundsman, Hull City MKM Stadium) and James Wright (Senior Maintenance Manager, University of Leeds).

Sarah Hunter, Head of Events at the GMA, said: “Bristol was a huge success for everyone involved, and we’re now really excited to bring GMA Connect to Durham. This event series has been designed to serve the needs of the industry, giving grounds staff at every level access to expert advice and practical solutions within their region.”

Jordan Watson, Area Sales Manager for Cramer UK, said: “We want to support events like GMA Connect because it’s a great networking opportunity and it’s a great way to show the industry everything that we do and the technology that Cramer UK can offer to help them in the future.”

Tickets are free for GMA members, while non-members can attend for £15. Membership provides additional value, including exclusive resources, discounted training, access to the Member Assistance Programme and more.

For more information or to register, visit thegma.org.uk/events.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

GreenMech QuadChip turns more than just heads

/in , /by

GreenMech QuadChip turns more than just heads: The two teams that make up South Wales Tree Services need fight no more over their turntable QuadChip 160P from GreenMech, as now, they have two!

So impressed with the 360o versatility and chipping performance of their first machine purchased eight years ago, Owner Alex Terry took delivery of a second unit in September 2022 improving not just efficiency but the safety of his crews when working in domestic areas.

GreenMech QuadChip turns more than just heads

GreenMech QuadChip turns more than just heads

Alex has run a fleet of GreenMech woodchippers since he established South Wales Tree Services in 2014, with the two QuadChip machines sitting proudly alongside a Safe-Trak 19-28 which tackles some of the larger, commercial projects. “We’ve got the versatility on our fleet to undertake jobs of all sizes, with the SAFE-Trak ideal for site clearances where we can chip on location – taking the machine to the material, and not the material to the machine” he explains.

Smaller hedge and tree works or domestic situations where access is more restricted is where the turntable feature of the QuadChip units comes into its own. “This is the main benefit for us. It means that when we arrive outside a property, we only have to turn the chipper in the desired direction – not perform any awkward manoeuvres that compromise both time and potentially the safety of my team operating in or near the road.”

GreenMech’s QuadChip 160P features powerful twin vertical feed rollers which offer exceptional pull and crushing capacity for timber and brash of up to 6”, with consistent processing quality provided by their patented Disc-Blade chipping technology. “We loved our first QuadChip which is the reason that, with demand for it on the rise, we purchased a second unit and this one is even better! The chipping performance is efficient, running off four blades now compared to two on the older model.”

“The service from GreenMech is another thing that has always impressed us. We try and test other brands but forever settle on the GreenMech because in our opinion the build quality is better, the price is competitive and the after sales support from their technical team has always been first class.” Alex adds, “GreenMech were also able to accommodate supplying our latest machine in our corporate colours so while we now have the two QuadChip units, there’s still a fight between the two teams as everyone loves the smart new orange machine!”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.