Tag Archive for: The

Meet the Grower

/in , /by

Meet the Grower: Turfgrass Growers Association – Meet the Grower

Stephen Edwards, Inturf

How long have been growing turf for? (including any history facts/ old pictures)

We have been turf growing for 36 years, and it all started with 50 acres, we now produce well in excess of 2000 acres or more than 800 hectares in new money. My father Derek Edwards worked with another turf growing company in the late seventies and early eighties, and helped shape the face of the cultivated turf industry into what it is today, but wanted to carve his own path in the sportsturf World. This was extremely successful, customers included; the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTCC) in Wimbledon, Wembley National Stadium, and many Famous Golf Courses. Since then, we have mechanised and now supply nearly all of the national DIY chains, various Building Merchants, and many Open Championship Golf Courses. We also grew turf in Northern France in the 1990’s from where we re-turfed the Parc des Princes, Paris using our patented ‘turf tile’ and ‘thick-cut big roll’ systems; pioneering systems which were adopted by a handful of other turf growers across the UK and Europe and helped numerous football clubs re-turf during the playing season. We also introduced the ‘standard big roll’ turf format in 1991, and by 1992 no other turf grower anywhere in the world was using this so ubiquitously as Inturf!

Meet the Grower

Meet the Grower

The Team (tell us a bit about your team and what they do in your business)

We have a very dedicated team at Inturf, the majority of whom have been with us for many years, 30 years plus in a few cases, and we are hiring new recruits regularly to keep pace with an inexorable increase in demand for our turf. As the business grows, we will require more and more staff to drive the latest technology and to occupy the growing office.

Employee training and engagement are key markers to retain staff and for success, and we leave no stone un-turned in the respect. Valuing staff is a priority for Inturf.

What is your proudest achievement (within turfgrass work that you have done)?

There are many, however, I think the proudest moment was re-surfacing ‘Centre Court’ at the AELTCC in August 1997. My brother (Alex) and I completed this work behind closed-doors for the club during a very long hot summer. Nearly every court had been re-surfaced using our custom-grown-turf service (another first in the turf world), either before or following the centre court re-turf… to my knowledge, this had not been undertaken before or since our time working with the AELTCC, which spanned circa 20 years.

Why do you love producing turfgrass?

Most importantly, turf is good for our planet… socially, environmentally, and economically and generally speaking the people who operate within the industry are down to earth and helpful. We have an amazing manicured 2000-acre plus garden too, so we benefit from the abundance of positive health benefits turf offers – for instance; it’s noise reductions qualities, flood defensive applications (it reduces water run-off), it has a high efficacy of carbon capturing, in fact, better than any tree per square metre of plantation and turf really does have the ability to calm even the busiest of minds… just try walking on your natural lawn in bare-feet… wearing footwear is an exclusively human characteristic!

What is your favourite piece of equipment or machinery on your turfgrass farm?

It has got to be the turf harvesters, albeit they are temperamental, they cut 4 million square metres of natural turfgrass every year, and without them, we simply could not grow the business in the way we have… hats-off to the Americans for this technology!

If you had one piece of advice for turfgrass customers, what would it be? (can be laying tips, watering tips, choosing the right turf etc)

Prior to turfing; get the ground preparation right by following our ‘online’ advice and easy steps or call a trusted landscaper, lay the turf as quickly as possible (preferably on the day of delivery) and water it well until it is rooted to approximately 100 mm or 4 inches and for no longer than 28 days.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the future of the turf growing industry?

In the short-term, artificial turf has become more ubiquitous and the money and marketing behind the carpet manufacturers is matchless. That said, I think that in the medium to long-term, we have to be careful not to ‘over-cook’ the current high demand for natural turf by using quicker growing methods, such as using plastic netting, which isn’t good for the environment and will only serve to offer the artificial turf producers more ammunition and indeed mitigation against using natural turf in the future… oh, and another global pandemic, because next time, we might not be so lucky!

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.

Ariens has the EDGE in zero-turns

/in , /by

Ariens has the EDGE in zero-turns: The introduction of the EDGE zero-turn mower from Ariens is a landmark in domestic lawn mowing. Manufactured in their UK factory, it reflects the engineering excellence Ariens is known for, and there can be no doubt it looks set to surpass anything else in its class.

Zero-turn mowing in the UK has been steadily growing as the alternative to the conventional lawn tractor. Intuitive, easy-to-use controls coupled with total manoeuvrability mean zero-turns work at speed to outperform most lawn tractors, cutting grass in half the time. The EDGE offers all this and more.

Ariens has the EDGE in zero-turns

Ariens has the EDGE in zero-turns

With a zero-turn, you are free to spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your garden. Driven and steered by the rear wheels via two independent transmissions, the easy control levers are all you need to drive, brake, steer and spin on the spot. Zero-turn mowing is fast. You can whizz around at 6 mph, and at the end of the mowing row do a 180-degree turn, align the deck edge with the row you’ve just cut and keep on going. You have reduced the cutting time by 50% over mowing with a lawn tractor. No more turn, reverse, turn again and straighten out and no stopping. Without a lot of forward and backward movement, the result is outstanding cut quality.

All zero-turns do this, but the EDGE brings a host of other benefits to the mowing experience. Ariens has built a tough, durable mower with a wide range of commercial style features at an affordable price. With its Ariens 635cc engine, the EDGE is powerful, but Ariens also build it for comfort. The plush, high-back adjustable seat with natural airflow enhances operator comfort while keeping you cool. Stepping aboard is easier compared to a lawn tractor. You just lift the handles and get seated. All the controls are positioned in ergonomic, easily accessible locations and mostly hand-operated, making this zero-turn simple to use and an effortless driving experience for everyone.

The EDGE comes in two versions: EDGE 34 with an 86cm (34”) cutter deck and the EDGE 42 with a 107cm (42”) deck. The commercial-style, four-point deck hanging system enhances deck stability and robustness for a premium cut quality. There is a foot-operated deck lift for simple changes of deck height. By pushing the pedal forward and using the lever you can select seven from cutting heights, from 3.8cm to 12.7cm (1.5” to 4.5”). The large 50.8cm (20”) high, 20.3cm (8”) wide rear tyres are gentle on turf, delivering excellent traction and absorbing shock on uneven ground to give a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The EDGE comes with a 2-year/150 hours warranty and a range of accessories is available. For more information, visit your local dealer or go to www.ariens.com/en-gb

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.

Toro stands the test of time

/in , /by

Toro stands the test of time: Toro is well known in the industry for its durability and reliability, and nowhere has Toro’s longevity been put to the test quite like the machines at Westridge Golf Centre in the Isle of Wight. Several machines have been in use for over 20 years – and are still going strong – which is why the club has recently purchased another two Toro machines. 

Course manager Paul Jenkins explains: “Toro machines are so well made and are by far the most durable brand. In our experience with Toro, if you look after it, it will last. That’s why we have our own mechanic and service each machine after every 50 hours of use. In fact, our oldest machine is a Toro Groundsmaster 3000-D which we’ve had for 30 years and is still being used!”

Toro stands the test of time

Toro stands the test of time

But it’s not just the machines themselves that have lasted so long. With 44 years in the industry, Paul’s faith in the brand has also stood the test of time, and continues, as he invests in another two Toro machines.

“The first club I worked at bought one of the first Toro GM3 machines in 1975, and from then I’ve been hooked,” explains Paul. “At every club I’ve worked at, I have always strived to ensure there is at least 70 percent Toro machinery in the fleet to ensure the best possible course maintenance, and Westridge is no different.

“When I joined around 17 years ago there was a limited amount of turfcare equipment,” he continues. “Over the years we’ve invested so that we have a majority of Toro machinery, and that continues with our latest purchase of a Toro Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder and Reelmaster 5610-D.”

Having worked at 19 major tournaments around the world including The Open, US Open, US PGA and the Ryder Cup, all of which were Toro venues, Paul knows a thing or two about excellent presentation. And with Westridge Golf Centre in the process of expanding from a 9 hole to an 18 hole course, there was no better time to invest in more Toro to keep standards at the course high. Something which the club’s owner, Mark Wright, fully supports says Paul: “We’re fortunate to have someone like Mark who recognises the value in investing in quality equipment. He’s a pro by trade and he understands that to play on the best surfaces you need the best equipment.”

“We really pride ourselves on our presentation here, so both the new machines will be put to good use on the course, and even more so once it has been extended,” says Paul. “The new Reelmaster 5610-D is great as it’s slightly smaller and provides a finer cut than the Reelmaster 6500-D we had been using for the fairways. Despite the 6500-D being 16 years old, it’s still a good solid machine so we will keep using it on the driving range.

“The Reelmaster 3100-D Sidewinder is also brilliant,” he continues. “Every few years there always comes along an innovation that really stands out, and for me, the Sidewinder technology is one of those innovations. It’s so unique to have a machine that can slide the cutting units from side to side and cut hard to reach areas safely. As a dual purpose machine, it’s also reducing manual labour which is a great bonus.”

As the only pay-as-you-play course available on the island, with a growing membership and an expansion underway, Westridge Golf Centre certainly has an exciting future ahead, with the course set to be enjoyed by the whole community for years to come.

“It’s a very exciting time for Westridge and it’s great to have Toro on board to help with the course maintenance now and in the future,” says Paul. “Put simply, Toro machines are just designed well with durability in mind. I’ve visited the Toro factory in Minneapolis before, and I’ve seen for myself that what Toro is doing is head and shoulders above everyone else.”

To find out more about the Toro range or the finance options available, call Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.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.

Nip bugs in the bud

/in , /by

Nip bugs in the bud: A host of bugs usually appear in April to prey on trees and shrubs but the recent cold snap early in the month may have proved a stay of execution for some species.

“The dip in temperatures most likely pushed things back a little,” says Dr Jon Banks, Research Lab Manager at Bartlett Tree Experts, “but plenty of undesirable things will be coming out very soon.”

Nip bugs in the bud

Nip bugs in the bud

Our treasured conker trees grow fearful this time of year of what may be about to hit them – the horse chestnut leaf miner.

These tiny moths emerge from leaf litter just as horse chestnuts burst into leaf, feeding off the fresh green foliage to leave unsightly trails and brown, crinkly remains.

The trees can even drop their foliage mid-season, giving up the ghost for the year in the hope of a better climate next time round.

Leaf miner, and another blight affecting the same species – horse chestnut bleeding canker – spread alarm across the UK when they first struck some 15 years ago but things are improving, Dr Banks notes.

While leaf miner is endemic now, arborists, landscapers and grounds managers are finding ways to combat the condition, he says.

“The moths typically emerge just after the tree’s leaves have expanded. Disposing of leaf litter can help reduce or prevent outbreaks and while no licence is currently available specifically for treating horse chestnut leaf miner, spraying with a broad-spectrum systemic insecticide, such as synthetic pyrethroid (trade names include Decis and Bandu) designed for amenity trees, is proven to be effective,” he explains.

“Tightly focusing the spray using a lance targets the treatment liquids where they are most needed,” he says. “Ideally, apply the liquid until just before run-off occurs as that ensures maximum adhesion to leaves.”

Turning his attention to larger specimens, Dr Banks adds that Bartlett Tree Experts have developed tailored management services, using spray equipment designed to safely deliver plant protection products efficiently and effectively to the canopy.

“Leaf miners have three generations during the summer so follow-up spraying is critical, he states. “Two treatments usually are applied. The first, in April or May, lasts three to four weeks, then it’s time for the second application. However, a third spray will provide better coverage for the full season.”

Lance spraying also delivers ecological benefits, Dr Banks believes. “We’re not just spraying for our own sakes. Losing leaves mid-season deprives wildlife of habitat and the less spray that falls where it is not needed or where it may cause harm, such as any nearby water, the better.”

Spring is a time when clients realise their trees are not in full health, or are dead and yell for advice, he says. “It’s a good time to look at trees as often we can see branch structure very well but also gain an idea of what’s coming into leaf, depending on the species.”

The good news about horse chestnut bleeding canker, which is caused by the pseudomonas bacteria, is that more trees may be tolerating the disease due to system induced resistance, he adds – because wholesale loss of our conker trees would deprive new generations of children of a favourite pastime.

https://www.bartlett.com/resources/horse-chestnut-lead-miner.pdf

www.berthoud.fr/en/

Find Berthoud on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Just the job

With 6 Bar pressure ceiling, the Berthoud Cosmos 18 Pro is tailor-made for treating trees using its giant telescopic lances, extendable to 2.4m or 3.6m and made in light, robust, rigid composite materials.

Highly chemically resistant and mechanically tough they come with hose, quick connect adaptor and profiled handle.

Check the website for calibration formulae and nozzle-to-target distances.

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.

Kubota is top of the class

/in , /by

Kubota is top of the class: Taking grasscutting in-house has allowed site manager Ed Crawford to have better control of the mowing cycle at Horncastle Primary School, and a Kubota Z122R is just the machine for the job.

The Lincolnshire school accommodates 580 pupils from nursery-age to year six, and the four-acre site includes grass playing fields and lawns, from small areas around car parks to a one acre field.

Kubota is top of the class

Kubota is top of the class

“We have used a contractor in the past, but last year decided to do the pedestrian mowing ourselves. It then made sense to have a ride-on for larger areas, as we were paying £2500 a year just for grass cutting.”

A discussion with local Kubota dealer Irelands Farm Machinery, which opened its groundcare division last October, suggested that a Z122R zero turn would be the ideal solution.

Powered by a 19hp petrol engine, the mower packs a punch with a 1.07m (42in) cutting deck to tackle larger areas with ease, but features a clever zero turn steering system. This uses a pair of levers for precise control of forward and reverse and steering, allowing it to manoeuvre in its own length for effortless work in tight or tricky areas such as around flowerbeds or street furniture.

“It’s very manoeuvrable,” comments Mr Crawford, who is the main driver, “But can really move on and cover the ground on a longer run. The levers took a little getting used to but I was soon up and running; it’s very easy to operate.”

He notes that the twin blade rotary deck produces a high quality cut, and says: “The grass has always been cut with a cylinder mower, but I actually think the rotary is doing a better job. We’ve also got the flexibility to mow when the grass needs it, rather than on a contractor’s fixed schedule, and at a time and in conditions that suit us.”

Cut height will mainly be kept fairly consistent, but he praises the ease of adjustment allowing a taller sward to be left in spring and autumn.

“The Kubota has a good, comfortable operator platform and there’s a clear view over the deck,” Mr Crawford notes. “The deck lifts up and there’s a hose slot for easy cleaning out, and on our use so far, fuel consumption looks low,” he says.

Irelands Farm Machinery will offer servicing as needed, but Mr Crawford expects the Z122R to have low running costs.

“It’s a really well-built machine, much more robust than others that we looked at, so I think it will stand up well to the work and will last. We’re very pleased with our choice.”

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.