Tag Archive for: Summer

Why Late Summer Sowing Works

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Why Late Summer Sowing Works: Why Late Summer Sowing Works – Lawn Advice from The Grass People’s Chris McIlroy 

While spring may seem like the natural time to sow grass seed, lawn care experts are encouraging homeowners to look later in the calendar. According to Chris McIlroy, lawn specialist at The Grass People, late summer is one of the most effective times of year to establish new grass or overseed tired lawns.

Why Late Summer Sowing Works

Why Late Summer Sowing Works

“Sowing in late summer is often overlooked, but it can actually give you some of the best results,” says McIlroy. “The conditions are more stable, soil temperatures are ideal, and there’s less weed competition than in spring. It’s a great window for successful germination.”

Soil is still warm – but the worst heat has passed

“By late August and into early September, the soil holds onto summer warmth but without the extreme temperatures that can dry out young seedlings,” explains McIlroy. “This creates an ideal environment for quick and even germination.”

Rainfall becomes more reliable

One of the key challenges in establishing new grass is consistent moisture. “In late summer, you typically get more regular rainfall,” says McIlroy. “That natural watering supports seed development and reduces the need for constant manual watering.”

Fewer weeds to compete with

Spring sowing often means competing with aggressive weeds. “By late summer, most annual weeds are past their peak,” McIlroy notes. “This gives grass seed a much better chance of establishing without having to fight for space or nutrients.”

A stronger lawn before winter

Sowing in late summer gives your lawn a head start heading into colder months. “New grass has several weeks to grow and develop roots before winter sets in,” says McIlroy. “That makes it stronger, more resilient, and better able to bounce back in spring.”

Ideal timing for repairing worn patches

Summer can take its toll on lawns, especially in high-traffic areas. McIlroy recommends late summer as the perfect time to repair any damage. “Whether it’s from kids, pets or prolonged dry weather, now’s the time to fill in bare spots and encourage uniform growth across your lawn.”

Final thoughts from Chris McIlroy

“Late summer is a golden opportunity for lawn care that many people miss. With the right timing and preparation, you can set your lawn up for long-term success heading into autumn and beyond.”

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Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’

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Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’: Hamilton Golf Club has entered what Course Manager Neil Hogg calls its “summer Wiedenmann phase” — when its fleet of specialist turf care machines is fine-tuned for summer maintenance.

Neil joined the Lanarkshire club in December 2022 from Bruntsfield Links GC in Edinburgh, inheriting three key Wiedenmann machines: a Terra Spike GXi8, a Super 500, and a Core Recycler.

Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’

Hamilton GC underway with ‘summer Wiedenmann phase’

“I’ve always liked how Wiedenmann kit works,” says Neil. “It’s well-engineered, reliable, and gets the job done.”

Since then, the fleet has grown through Fairways GM, Wiedenmann’s exclusive Scottish dealer, with a Terra Spike XP in summer 2023, a Mega Twister blower in summer 2024, and most recently a 2.3m Terra Rake in October 2024.

While many clubs use this machinery mainly in autumn and winter, Neil keeps it working year-round.

“In summer, the Terra Rake goes across fairways, aprons, and tees to lift the grass and break up any matting. Particularly with fairways, many turfgrasses spread sideways, and over time this lateral growth can make the surface puffy and uneven. The rake’s spring tines comb through the canopy, tugging at horizontal shoots and leaf blades to keep that in check. The faster we go, the more thatch we remove, keeping the surface open and healthy. Raking acts as a mild stress, shifting the plant’s energy from spreading sideways to growing upright, which produces a denser, more vertical canopy. The light tearing encourages the grass to repair by sending up new vertical shoots.”

The process is followed by a cut with the new Jacobsen LF570 fairway mower and a clean-up pass with the Mega Twister blower.

“The blower was a godsend in winter for clearing leaves, and now it speeds everything up. It’s reliably versatile — standing up the turf, drying it when needed, and leaving a tidy finish. We can rake, cut, and clean in one go.”

Neil says performance is the priority, with improved appearance a welcome bonus.

“When grass lies over, it mats down and the cut suffers. The Terra Rake is like back-combing the turf — once it’s upright, the mower gives a sharper, more even finish.”

The mower is usually set to 10 mm for daily work, but after raking, Neil drops it to 9 mm.

“The Jake’s brand new, so we get a perfect finish. That fresh cut also improves ball roll and makes the course more enjoyable to play.”

The Super 500 is also key in managing the tiger rough, which is topped in summer to encourage healthy regrowth and prevent matting.

“The rough can grow knee-high. When it’s wet, it just flops over and won’t stand back up — a bit like fairways, only on a bigger scale. In autumn, it’s cut back to 5–7 cm to stop leaves becoming trapped. The rake then reduces thatch and bulk, producing finer, softer growth for the following season.

“It’s about long-term improvement as much as presentation,” says Neil. “Better airflow, better recovery, and ultimately, a better playing surface.”

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Supercharge your summer anthem with EGO

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Supercharge your summer anthem with EGO: EGO Power+ has extended its lifestyle range of battery-powered equipment with the launch of its first outdoor speaker.

One of the most powerful portable speakers on the market, the 180W RMS hi-spec speaker (SK1800E) is designed for premium sound quality. Boasting seven advanced speaker transducers and with an IPX4 protection rating, it can set the beat for any event – whether indoors or outdoors.

Supercharge your summer anthem with EGO

Supercharge your summer anthem with EGO

A must-have for music lovers, connect any playback device via Bluetooth, or 3.5mm audio jack. Bigger sound can be delivered using the Bass Boost function or Party Mode, allowing you to connect up to 100 EGO speakers, providing an impressive sound for bigger events

Andrew Frohock, IoT Product Manager for EGO, comments: “The outdoor speaker is a fantastic addition to our range and is perfect for the summer months – whether it’s parties in the garden, camping trips or even larger-scale events that require multiple speakers to be hooked up.

“Pushing the boundaries of innovation is at the core of our product development. While our lifestyle range enables us to be creative with product solutions, we are committed to maintaining the high quality, power, and performance we are known for.”

Multifunctional, the speaker can charge phones or power laptops via the integrated 100w USB-C PD or USB-A port and can even be used to charge EGO’s 56V ARC LithiumTM batteries when connected to a USB-C PD power supply (not included).

EGO’s SK1800E Outdoor Speaker retails at £339, batteries are available separately.

Find out more about the speaker at: https://egopowerplus.co.uk/products/lifestyle/sk1800e-outdoor-speaker

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Game on this summer with Polaris

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Game on this summer with Polaris: With the summer holidays fast approaching, Polaris UK is pleased to announce a limited-time promotion on its Youth line-up, offering up to almost £1,200 off on select models when purchasing from an authorised Polaris dealer. Allowing for a summer full of adventures, the new summer offer fuels family fun without breaking the bank. The limited-time offer is available until 31st August 2024.

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris UK said: “Getting outside and finding new adventures is always great fun, so to be able to bring the kids along on these trips over the summer holidays with their own vehicle is a fantastic way to bring up the next generation of riders. This limited-time offer is perfect for those looking to get the kids outside and away from their game consoles at an affordable price.”

Game on this summer with Polaris

Game on this summer with Polaris

Polaris Youth vehicles combine off-road fun with important safety, technology, and performance features for parents’ peace of mind.

Ranger 150 EFI

The Ranger 150 EFI is the perfect machine for those aged 10 and up to get involved with tasks this summer and beyond. Designed to grow with them, the Ranger 150 EFI offers industry-leading safety features, including Polaris’ Helmet Aware Technology, which stops the machine when the helmet beacon is out of range. Safety is enhanced further with the Ranger 150’s geofencing technology, which allows parents to set parameters and speed limiting inside and outside of those areas all from the Ride Command App.

Available in Avalanche Grey, with a 150cc electric fuel injection engine, 8” of ground clearance, and 22.7kg of storage capacity, the Ranger 150 EFI is ready for a full day of safe riding. The automatic PVT transmission, along with hydraulic brakes and adjustable seating, ensures an easy ride and ultimate safety. Additionally, it comes with two youth helmets, a safety flag, and a training DVD, all as standard.

Until 31st August, customers can save £979.80 on the purchase of a new RANGER 150 EFI, including VAT.

RZR 200 EFI

Introduced to the Polaris line-up in 2022, the RZR 200 EFI is the perfect first step into recreational UTV riding. With its vibrant design and compact build, the RZR 200 EFI offers a reliable 170cc engine, delivering just the right amount of power while ensuring a safe and controlled riding experience.

Equipped with thoughtful safety features, including a parent-adjustable speed limiter, pin-code start, Polaris’ Helmet Aware Technology, Geofencing, and industry-leading safety kit, parents can have peace of mind while young riders explore the trails.

Its sturdy construction of durable suspension and all-terrain tyres ensures confidence when travelling over various terrain types. Whether tackling trails or navigating through open fields, the RZR 200 EFI is the perfect vehicle to instil a lifelong love for adventure in the next generation of riders.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,059.80 on the purchase of a new RANGER 150 EFI, including VAT.

OUTLAW 70 EFI / OUTLAW 110 EFI

The Outlaw platform provides reliability you can trust for the next generation thanks to its industry-leading safety features and benefits that are designed to grow with young riders. Delivering convenient and reliable single-lever disc brakes, an enclosed engine, a parent-adjustable speed limiter to fit the rider’s age and skill level, and an industry-exclusive safety kit with a Polaris youth helmet, safety tether, training DVD, and whip flag, the Outlaw gives parents that added peace of mind.

Suitable for ages six and up, the Outlaw 70 EFI features a 70cc engine with an ergonomic design that enables young riders to enjoy the machine for longer. The Outlaw 70 also comes with LED lighting for improved visibility as the evenings start to draw in later in the year.

The Outlaw is also available in a larger engine size – the Outlaw 110 EFI – to provide the next step up for the next generation. Featuring a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection, the Outlaw 110 EFI is aimed at riders aged 10 and up.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,159.80 on the purchase of a new Outlaw 70 EFI, including VAT, as well as saving £1,199.80 on the purchase of a new Outlaw 110 EFI, including VAT.

Sportsman 110 EFI

The Sportsman 110 EFI is the Youth version of Polaris’ bestselling Sportsman ATV. Featuring a reliable 112cc 4-stroke engine – ideal for riders aged 10 and up – and boasting the same legendary handling as its adult equivalent. Youth-centred safety features come as standard, including a speed limiting adjuster, safety flag, daytime running lights, a safety tether, a Polaris youth helmet as well as a training DVD led by Polaris-certified trainers. The Sportsman 110 EFI is the ideal machine for kids looking for a big adventure-fuelled summer.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,199.80 on the purchase of a new Sportsman 110 EFI, including VAT.

Phoenix 200

The Phoenix 200 is a robust 196cc engine, delivering reliable power for traversing rugged terrains with ease. Built for safety, the Phoenix is equipped with key safety features, including an adjustable speed limiter, hydraulic disc front brakes, rear drum brake, industry-exclusive safety kit, and LED lights for added visibility.

The Phoenix 200 features a spacious and ergonomic design, ensuring riders stay comfortable while riding. Additionally, convenient features such as electric start and automatic transmission make operation effortless for riders of all skill levels. Suitable for ages 14 and up, the Phoenix 200 opens up a world of possibilities for young adventurers. With its combination of performance, safety, and reliability, this ATV is ready to redefine the way young riders experience off-road fun.

Until 31st August, customers can save £1,099.80 on the purchase of a new Phoenix 200, including VAT.

Find your local Polaris dealers on the Polaris Britain website here.

For more information on this offer, please contact your local dealer. Read the full terms and conditions here.

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Summer garden trends

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Summer garden trends: Red is the new Green when it comes to the quiet revolution taking place in Britain’s gardens!  Gardeners all over the UK may be shouting about the new trend in cordless gardening tools, but the products will be whispering as they work away at cutting your hedges, trimming your grass and sucking up all the leaves left on your patio.

Mountfield customers have really taken to the battery powered gardening tools in the Freedom100 and Freedom500 ranges, due to the quietness, cleanliness and ease with which they can be handled and used.  But not only that, all of the products in each range have batteries which have a Smart Tool Recognition System. This battery management microchip optimises the performance of the battery to each tool by analysing the electrical resistance. It then adjusts the power output and current levels accordingly to  maximise the battery’s storage ability, longevity and run-time.  The Freedom100 products all use 20V battery and the Freedom500 range is powered by 48v lithium-ion batteries.

Summer garden trends

Summer garden trends

 

Freedom100 Cordless Garden Tool Examples

New for 2022 the MVS 20 Li battery blower/Vac shredder is the ultimate garden tidy tool. Lightweight, easy to use and energy efficient it not only blows leaves and debris away but can also simply vacuum and shred them into tiny pieces which collect in the 45-litre collector. You can blow, suck or shred to your hearts content with the MVS 20 Li, because it is powered by Mountfield’s superstar STIGA 20V Lithium-Ion batteries giving an impressive air speed of 55m/s.

The MMT 20 Li battery multi-tool (seen above) comes with pole pruner and hedge trimmer attachments.  Powered by  a 4Ah 20V lithium battery, it is lightweight and versatile. This easy to use cordless multi-tool is the perfect nifty partner for any small garden!

Freedom500 Cordless Garden Tool Examples

The lightweight, cordless MTR 50 Li grass trimmer (and Telegraph Best Buy 2022) makes tidying up the garden so easy and effortless thanks to its high-performance cutting device.  The telescopic shaft allows the user to adjust the shaft to suit along with the adjustable front handle for a comfortable working position.

The recently launched last year MCS 50 Li top handled chainsaw is a powerful, high performance tool.  Equipped with a powerful 1000W brushless motor and 12” cutting bar with high performance chain the MCS 50 Li cordless chainsaw is lightweight and efficient and makes easy work of woodcutting jobs around your garden.

You can see all Mountfield cordless gardening tools  on the website: www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk

Easy mows, cuts it, blows it…with Mountfield!

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