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Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year

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Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and forestry products, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Employer of the Year’ at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024.

The category award, sponsored by Fresh Horticultural Careers, celebrates excellence in leadership, workforce development, and employee satisfaction within the landscaping industry.

Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year

Green-tech celebrates after winning Employer of the Year

The ProLandscaper Business Awards, held annually, recognise outstanding achievements and innovation across various sectors of the landscaping industry. Green-tech was among six distinguished finalists for the esteemed Employer of the Year award. However, the company emerged victorious after successfully showing where staff ideas and comments have resulted in change to create a positive work environment, and how Green-tech demonstrated a desire to support the physical and mental health of its employees.

The awards ceremony was held at Old Billingsgate, London on Friday 19th April, and brought together companies from across all sectors of the industry to celebrate the accomplishments within the landscaping community.

Green-tech’s Managing Director Kris Nellist attended the event with some of the Green-tech team, who were thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the entire company.

Commenting on the win, Kris said: “We are incredibly honoured to be named Employer of the Year at the ProLandscaper Business Awards 2024. Green-tech strives to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Winning this award not only validates our efforts but is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the Green-tech team for working to get Green-tech where it is today.”

Green-tech is celebrating its 30th anniversary so this year is particularly poignant for the company who have set itself an ambitious target to raise £30,000 for five very deserving charities – BALI Chalk Fund, Candlelighters, Macmillan Cancer Support, Perennial, and Shelter. The company is striving to raise £1000 for every year of trading and has six challenges planned over six months, bringing staff together to take part in events ranging from a ‘big sleep-out’ to marathons, cycling, and endurance challenges. The company has raised just over £14,300 so far. To contribute please visit https://bit.ly/49MSksI

For more information about Green-tech please visit www.green-tech.co.uk

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J All Bent to the rescue

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J All Bent to the rescue: When previous attempts to get a practice putting green back into play at Vicars Cross Golf Club in Cheshire had failed, in stepped new Golf Course Manager Richie Stephens, armed with the J All Bent mixture from Johnsons Sports Seed.

A few short months from seeding, and with some favourable assistance from mother nature, the USGA spec green was in business – with the programme then implemented on the construction of a new chipping green that enjoyed similar success!

J All Bent to the rescue

J All Bent to the rescue

Upon joining Vicars Cross just over 12 months ago, Richie was tasked with the completion of the putting surface which had been out of action for close to two years. Keen to unlock the solution, he spoke to DLF’s Stuart Yarwood. “I’ve known Stuart for years and his greenkeeping background means he gives not only technical advice, but the right advice for our situation as he understands the challenge having been in our shoes” Richie says. “We opted to overseed with a 100% bent mix in the form of Johnsons J All Bent.”

The blend of three top-rated browntop bent cultivars in J All Bent delivers a hard-wearing, visually-striking sward, equipped to cope with close cutting and a range of environmental stresses. Its reduced reliance on chemical inputs makes it a popular choice for clubs pursuing a fast but sustainable greens strategy.

“We got it in the ground in May, we were fortunate with the weather and it came through really well. In August we then built a chipping green which overran the original schedule and meant we didn’t get seed until mid-November. Despite this, we still saw fantastic strike before Christmas, even coverage and strong visual impact. The speeds we’re achieving on the putting green is now comparable to what we’re achieving on our regular greens.”

The other 18 greens are overseeded annually during summer renovations with J All Bent, a programme introduced by Richie to try and promote an increase in the bent populations across the site. Elsewhere, it’s PM45 Tee and Fairway Plus from DLF’s Masterline range. “We use this on areas off the greens which has proven very successful.”

“The club, the players and my team have all noticed how far the surfaces have come on since we introduced the DLF mixtures and we’re definitely coming out of winter in a stronger, better position than we have before.”

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T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance

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T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance: Team T H WHITE Machinery Imports geared up for an extraordinary challenge that not only pushed the boundaries of endurance but also aimed to raise awareness and funds for mental health support. The Great Ferris Coast2Coast Challenge took place from April 9th to April 10th, 2024, spanning from Arnside seafront to The Whale Bone Arch in Whitby.

Mental health is a pressing issue affecting millions worldwide, with one in four individuals experiencing some form of mental health issue annually. Recognising the profound impact mental health has on physical health, relationships, and work, Team T H WHITE Machinery Imports was committed to making a difference.

T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance

T H WHITE Machinery Imports Went the Distance

Supported by Ferris, the team embarked on a 160-mile journey across the stunning landscapes of Cumbria, the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors – all aboard a Ferris IS 2600Z mower. This unique challenge not only showcased the durability and versatility of Ferris equipment but also symbolised the endurance required to tackle mental health challenges, with the patented suspension system offering unmatched comfort even over rough terrain.

“We’ve all experienced ‘down days,’ and it’s crucial to recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health,” said a Bill Johnston, Director of T H WHITE Machinery Imports. “Through the Coast2Coast Challenge, we aimed to spark conversations, raise awareness and funds to support those struggling with mental health issues.”

The team invited everyone to join their cause by making a donation to their designated charity, Wiltshire Mind. Donating was simple through a dedicated Just Giving page, accessible via the provided link or QR code.

Supporters rallied behind the team as they navigated through challenging terrains, spreading awareness and raising vital funds for mental health support. The journey was followed closely, and contributions to their cause poured in. Donations are still coming in and they are set to raise over £3000!

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Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council

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Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council: Agrovista Amenity is excited to announce that it will be continuing its partnership with national environmental charity The Tree Council, pledging to sponsor the planting of more than a thousand trees. The trees will be planted over the next three years in community projects the length and breadth of the country. Collectively, as part of a team of green-hearted corporate partners, Agrovista Amenity will also support the establishment of fifty ‘Golden Orchards’, in celebration of The Tree Council’s 50th anniversary.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Ed Smith, Landscape Team Manager for Agrovista Amenity, said: “The Tree Council set an ambitious planting target to be achieved through community projects. As one of the Jubilee Partners, it was great to see this target accomplished and the huge amount of environmental, biodiversity and other eco-system benefits made.

Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council

Agrovista Amenity continues partnership with The Tree Council

“It was an easy decision for us to continue this support and be a Tree Partner going forward. We regularly join The Tree Council on planting days, and it is great to see different demographics and generations getting involved and recognising the opportunity to make a positive change to our environment. The Tree Council have always been forward thinking in terms of best practice, by using biodegradable guards, locally sourced stock and sharing ideas.”

The Tree Council’s Tree Partner programme brings businesses together to plant trees and enhance treescapes across the UK, improving the health, wellbeing and biodiversity of local areas. Community groups, schools and volunteer Tree Warden Networks (www.treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens) will apply for funding to deliver a community tree and hedgerow planting project in their areas during the tree planting season (November – March).

Agrovista Amenity and other Tree Partners will not only provide financial support to establish new trees and hedgerows. The tree-loving business teams will also donate hundreds of volunteer hours to help establish the new trees and hedgerows and to give essential aftercare during the drier summer months to ensure their survival.

Sara Lom, CEO, The Tree Council said: “We are delighted to continue working with Agrovista Amenity to do something truly wonderful for nature. Trees and hedgerows are heroes – they help tackle climate change, provide homes for thousands of species of precious wildlife, improve our health and wellbeing and so much more. By getting involved, Agrovista Amenity is helping to grow a greener, tree-filled future for all of us. We’re so grateful to them and all our Tree Partners.”

Launched to celebrate The Tree Council’s 50th anniversary, The Tree Council’s new Tree Partners programme will build on the successes of its Jubilee Partners who, between 2022 and the end of 2024, will have collectively supported the planting and care of 42,000 trees in communities across the UK, in celebration of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

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

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Ariens zero-turn mower faster on the spot

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Ariens zero-turn mower faster on the spot: In 2005, zero-turn mowers accounted for just 5 per cent of the total lawn tractor market in the USA. This figure has now risen to around 52 per cent.

Zero-turn mowers have become the absolute standard there, whether for private or professional users. The demand for zero-turn mowers is also growing strongly in Europe. The reasons are obvious: significant time savings, more comfort, a long service life and, not to be underestimated, more fun when mowing.

Ariens zero-turn mower faster on the spot

Ariens zero-turn mower faster on the spot

 Mow 40 per cent faster

In contrast to classic lawn tractors with a steering wheel, Ariens zero-turn mowers are driven by two independently operating wheel motors on the rear wheels. The drive wheels are controlled individually with two steering levers. They can therefore move in the same or in different directions. In practice, this means that you can turn in one go – without having to manoeuvre forwards or backwards. There is no time-consuming turning with a zero-turn mower – obstacles can be circled precisely and in one go. This also means that less uncut grass remains in the turning area. The precision of an Ariens zero-turn mower significantly reduces the need for tedious cleaning out at the end. Another reason why zero-turn mowers are so fast is their low centre of gravity in combination with the large-volume, welded mowing deck. As a result, significantly higher mowing speeds are achieved compared to classic lawn tractors.

The preconception that zero-turn mowers are only worthwhile for professionals who have very large areas to mow can be debunked. We recommend taking a closer look at this option for lawns of 1000 m² or more. Zero-turn mowers are available from a cutting width of 86 cm. The device class with a cutting width of 86 cm – 107 cm, such as the two models Ariens Edge 34 and 42, is aimed at private individuals with larger properties. Especially in gardens with numerous obstacles such as flower beds and bushes and many turning manoeuvres, the time saved is enormous.

Ariens zero-turn mowers provide real mowing pleasure

In addition to the speed, the comfortable operation also speaks in favour of an Ariens zero-turn mower. The greater legroom compared to conventional lawn tractors and the comfortable seats, which can be optimally adjusted to the driver, ensure significantly more comfort. The low effort required for steering movements and the smooth-running controls also contribute to a pleasant working environment.

Ariens mowers are synonymous with durability. Compared to traditional ride-on mowers, Ariens uses significantly less plastic on its zero-turn mowers. High-quality frames and welded steel cutting decks ensure a long service life.  Premium engines and robust hydrostatic transmissions contribute to sustainability and resource conservation.

The fun of mowing

For users who have switched to an Ariens Zero-Turn, the conventional lawn tractor with steering wheel has had its day. And this is not least due to the fun of mowing. The combination of speed, manoeuvrability and comfort clearly contributes to this. 40 per cent faster also means that there is more time for other activities. Mowing without a grass collector also eliminates the tiring and annoying task of disposing of clippings. And the result is also perfect: high blade speeds and a strong airflow produce an excellent cutting pattern.

Anyone can drive a zero-turn

The generalised objection that users would not be able to cope with steering with two driving levers is untrue. Anyone can drive a zero-turning circle mower after a short period of familiarisation. Millions of private users prove it and no longer want to do without the advantages. This is easy to prove with a brief explanation of the functions and a test drive in the yard of a specialist dealer. The shopping trolley comparison is the best way to do this. Depending on the driving manoeuvre, the drive levers are moved accordingly (see diagram 3).

Practical trial and study prove the benefits

In a practical example from the online portal todaysmower.com, a classic lawn tractor and a zero-turn mower were tested on a 4000 m² area with 40 trees and other obstacles. The result was clear. The zero-turn mower was 40 per cent faster than the lawn tractor with the same mowing width (106 cm).

A comparison of the steering modes of conventional ride-on mowers and zero-turn mowers as part of a study conducted by the University of Hohenheim, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, also confirmed the aforementioned advantages. A practical comparison test between a conventional lawn tractor (107 cm mowing width) and an Ariens Ikon XD zero-turn mower (107 cm mowing width) showed that not only is the turning manoeuvre significantly faster, but the turning radius is also significantly smaller. The turning manoeuvre on the classic omega-shaped lawn tractor takes 5 seconds. In comparison, the Ariens IKONXD turns in just 3.7 seconds. When asked which of the two mowers the 17 test participants would buy, the answer was also clear. More than twice as many participants would opt for an Ariens zero-turn mower.

In conclusion, for a slightly higher purchase price, zero-turn mowers offer the user the time savings described above, a much more comfortable driving experience, a considerably more durable machine and not to forget – more fun when mowing.

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