Tag Archive for: The

Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS

/in , /by

Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS: AMS Contractors have been praised for their role in a multi-year project to improve the quality of the sports surfaces at St Mary’s University in Twickenham.

The team visited in early 2024 to re-grade and fully renovate the second of three football pitches at their Teddington Lock Sports Campus, where the university are still reaping the rewards of last year’s renovation work with enhanced pitch appearance and performance.

Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS

Reaping the rewards of renovations by AMS

Overseeing the 30-acre campus, which includes sports pitches, athletics facilities and amenity areas is Grounds Manager David Ember. He explains that a combination of location and high usage is driving the current facility improvement programme. “The three football pitches, rugby pitch and practice facilities operate at over 90% capacity with mid-week games, as well as fixtures at the weekend for commercial and community teams. With a number of local clubs already calling Teddington their home, and other notable venues like The Lensbury nearby, we felt the time was right to invest in our surfaces.”

David spoke with AMS Contractors who undertook the first phase of the works in April 2023. “They did a pitch levelling operation which involved fraise mowing the top of the surface off, power-harrowing, dressing, raking and levelling the surface before re-seeding and beginning the feeding programme. The whole project went swimmingly and, with a little help from mother nature, the results were fantastic!”

“Come the end of the season, the pitch had withstood the pressures of the high wear – even the goal mouths, which tend to be the telltale areas, had retained coverage.”

With one pitch renovated, AMS returned at the end of April 2024 to commence works on the next. “This pitch had always been problematic with significant undulations and steep hollows which risked injury to the players. The process was similar to that conducted previously, with the addition of laser-grading to ensure we achieved optimal, pin-point accuracy with the flattening and finishing.”

Though the weather wasn’t as kind this time around, it didn’t dampen spirits… or results! “AMS had three operatives on site every day, including Myles Strange who was involved in every stage of the project and still checks in regularly to make sure everything is on track.” David adds, “When you see the team arrive on site, with quality equipment that looks well maintained it all helps to instil confidence in what will be achieved. What was really appreciated was AMS’ willingness to juggle their schedule to get our job done at the right time, in the right conditions. This undoubtedly helped the end result, which is fantastic once again.”

“We’re now find ourselves in a position where the quality of the pitches is better than the infrastructure we have to support them, so reviewing things like our irrigation systems is the next step. We’ll then speak with AMS again about bringing similar improvements to the rest of the surfaces on the site.”

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.

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

/in , , /by

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year: The recently held Exhibition News Indy Awards recognised GroundsFest 2023 in an extraordinary way, awarding it both the Best Independent Trade Show Launch and the prestigious Trade Show of the Year.

These honours celebrate the innovation and unique character that GroundsFest has brought to the industry, standing out among top-tier independent trade shows across Europe and beyond.

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

GroundsFest Wins Trade Show of the Year

GroundsFest made waves by introducing a new experience to the industry—a blend of live machinery demos, indoor exhibits, free LANTRA-approved training, and even a live music festival, all at a highly accessible event designed to attract professionals from grounds management to landscaping.

Judges were impressed with GroundsFest’s fresh approach, noting how it has “modernised the grounds care and landscaping sector with an inclusive and fun festival atmosphere” and describing it as a “well-overdue shake-up” in live industry events. They commended GroundsFest’s dedication to the community, with one judge remarking, “There is a real drive to do something different and provide value to the market. Admirable that profits are reinvested into the industry.” Another judge celebrated GroundsFest’s engaging format: “Bringing an industry to life is what events are about, and this event has pulled it off in a superb way.”

Reflecting on the award, Event Director Christopher Bassett expressed his gratitude for the double award win. “We’re truly honoured to receive these awards, especially considering the calibre of trade shows we were up against. GroundsFest was a vision we built from the ground up, and to have it recognised at this level is beyond what we expected.”

GroundsFest offers a fresh approach to trade shows within the grounds management and landscaping industries, inviting attendees to engage with the latest equipment in action while providing an array of exhibitor stands, interactive sessions, and live entertainment.

The success of its inaugural event has propelled GroundsFest to continue pushing boundaries. The event’s future aims not only to attract an even broader audience but to further solidify its role as a game-changer in the industry. With a commitment to community and a focus on delivering real value to exhibitors and visitors alike, GroundsFest is primed for continued growth.

“We’re beyond thankful to our incredible exhibitors, visitors, partners, and suppliers for making this possible. GroundsFest is a real team effort, and this win is for all of you,” Christopher added.

For more information, please visit www.groundsfest.com

You can also follow GroundsFest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GroundsFest for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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.

The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary

/in , , /by

The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary: The Golf House Club, Elie is preparing for its 150th anniversary celebrations with the help of three new Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid mowers, signifying the club’s commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience – as it has done for a century and a half.

The traditional links course, located just 12 miles from St Andrews, is the third oldest in the world, with a rich golfing tradition dating back to 1589. For course manager Matt Baird, only one brand is fit for such a historic course: Toro.

The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary

The Golf House Club, Elie prepares for 150th anniversary

“Though our golfing history dates back to the 16th century, the club was founded in 1875, so we’re eagerly anticipating our 150th anniversary next year,” he says. “It’s going to be a huge occasion and we’re busy renovating tees and preparing the course – that’s where the new Toro mowers will come in.”

The trio of hybrid mowers, supplied by Reesink Turfcare, are classic Toro – precise, productive, highly efficient, and capable of the perfect cut – and exactly what Matt’s come to expect from the brand.

“We’ve been using Toro’s flawless Lynx irrigation system since 2019 and a 3420 hybrid mower for some time now, so we know just how good Toro is,” says Matt. “With all the work ahead of our 150th anniversary, it was the perfect time to expand our fleet and bring in more hybrid power.”

The 3420 is enhanced by Turf Guardian leak detection technology and provides immediate audio and visual indication of possible hydraulic fluid leaks. While this is already at minimal risk due to the hybrid engine, it provides an added layer of reassurance. “Not only does it offer us peace of mind, opting for a hybrid also helps us reduce our total emissions as a club,” confirms Matt.

“We’re working hard to improve surfaces, especially tees and approaches,” he continues. “On a traditional links course like ours, people expect to be able to putt from approaches – with their precise quality of cut, the new 3420s will help ensure our surfaces are immaculate.”

But the deal is as much about the people as it is the brand, according to Matt: “Working with John Rankin and Reesink has been a breeze. With all the renovations going on, there’s a long list of jobs to complete, but they’ve been efficient and reliable – just like Toro! – and that’s made life much easier for us.”

To make a start on the journey towards reduced emissions, visit Reesink Turfcare at 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.

Equipping Turf Managers for the Future

/in , , /by

Equipping Turf Managers for the Future: Turf Science Live Ireland, a renowned educational event in turf management, returned in September, hosted at the magnificent Killeen Castle.

This prestigious golf course provided a fitting venue backdrop for turf professionals to gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in turf science, hands-on product demonstrations, and real-world solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today.

Organised jointly by ICL and Syngenta, the free-to-attend event has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality educational content and showcasing innovative products. It also provides an excellent networking opportunity for golf course managers and turf professionals.

This year’s event featured a series of interactive learning stations, each led by industry experts who shared their knowledge on a wide range of critical topics. Dr. Andy Owen, ICL’s International Technical Manager, led discussions at his station focused on organic-based fertilisers and their role in soil sustainability.

Dr. Owen emphasised the importance of understanding what an organic or organic-based fertiliser truly is, highlighting that many products can be over-marketed with exaggerated claims. He encouraged attendees to take a more informed approach when selecting fertilisers, and showed some demo plots illustrating the value of CRF products by comparing turf response from a range of different fertilisers with matched nitrogen inputs.

At another station, Colman Warde, ICL Ireland Country Manager, presented the latest advancements in precision nutrition. As the demand for high-quality sports turf increases, Colman demonstrated how precision spreaders can dramatically improve the results of granular fertilisers. His station was a reminder of the importance of calibration and investing in proven, high-quality technology to ensure turf managers achieve the best possible outcomes for their courses.

Glenn Kirby, Syngenta’s EAME Technical Services Manager for Turf & Landscape, tackled the growing pressures of climate change at his station. With disease threats on the rise, Glenn provided valuable insights into emerging turf diseases and the importance of fungicide rotation to combat these challenges.

He stressed the need for predictive models and responsible management of fungicides to maintain healthy turf in a changing climate, stating, “Climate is changing, and disease pressure is increasing.”

A pressing issue discussed at the event was worm casting, which affects the quality of playing surfaces and increases wear on equipment. Fergal Greenan, ICL Area Sales Manager, and Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical Manager, led a station focused on mitigating these effects. Attendees learned best practices for using growth regulators like Primo Maxx II, with practical insights from Mark Collins, Killeen Castle’s Course Superintendent, on how the product has helped manage worm casting on his course.

In addition to the educational sessions, Turf Science Live2024 provided attendees with hands-on demonstrations of new products, including ICL’s 360ST spreaders. These spreaders are designed to enhance the precision of fertiliser applications, ensuring that nutrients are delivered evenly across turf surfaces.

Beyond the educational content, Turf Science Live was an invaluable networking event, allowing turf professionals to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences. It was an opportunity for attendees to come together and discuss common challenges and explore potential solutions.

Andy Sheehan, Course Superintendent at Milltown Golf Club and President of the Association of Turfgrass Professionals Ireland, shared his thoughts: “Disease management is our biggest issue. Presenting a good golf course is, in my opinion, easy with quality products, but getting the disease timing right is a challenge—especially in Ireland in autumn and winter. ICL and Syngenta help you get through the worst of it.

The networking and education here allow us to exchange insights and problem-solving strategies .”

David Behan, a Course Manager, echoed these sentiments: “Turf Science Live is a highlight of the Irish greenkeeping calendar. Climate change is a growing concern, and the event provided insights into new biology strategies for disease management. The innovative solutions from ICL and Syngenta to manage healthy turf in Ireland’s challenging conditions.”

Mark Bewley, head greenkeeper at Grange Golf Club, added: “The event is a credit to ICL and Syngenta for their research. We tested the 360ST spreader, and the calibration is spot on. The lessons learned today on using organic products and slow-release fertilisers to reduce disease activity will help us maintain healthy turfgrass.”

Turf Science Live 2024 was once again an essential event combining education with hands-on product demonstrations and networking opportunities. Attendees left with practical knowledge, the latest advancements in fertiliser and fungicide technologies, and strategies for managing emerging challenges like climate change and turf diseases.

With industry-leading sessions, cutting-edge products, and opportunities to exchange ideas with peers, Turf Science Live continues to be a must-attend event for anyone serious about staying at the forefront of turf management.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.uk or www.icl-growingsolutions.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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.

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

/in , /by

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System: Designed for professional landscapers and grounds maintenance teams, the SHA 140 vacuum shredder is the most powerful in the STIHL lineup, offering 15% improved suction power compared to the petrol SH 86. Ideal for the autumn and winter months, the SHA 140 makes light work of collecting and shredding leaves and green material. 

The variable speed trigger provides the operator full control to match the power output to the task at hand, whether that’s working around delicate flower beds, or utilising the boost mode to collect damp leaves. The reinforced suction tube can be used to loosen stubborn leaves, ensuring nothing is left behind.

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

The first dedicated vacuum in STIHL’s AP System

The wide positioning of the rubberised handles ensures comfortable handling and excellent maneuovrability, allowing the user to work quickly with minimal fatigue or arm strain. Perfect balance has also been acheived thanks to the central location of the battery between the handles. Like many battery-powered tools, the SHA 140 is lightweight and quiet in operation, eliminating the requirement for hearing protection.

Featuring an adjustable shoulder strap, the 55l collection bag sits comfortably at the operators side without impairing movement. The robust metal buckle openings are able to withstand the toughest working conditions, while the large opening leads to quick and complete emptying with minimal effort.  Ventilation openings can be used to deliver constant suction power, regardless of the fill level or the degree of dust and dirt in the bag.

Easy transport and storage have also been factored into the design, with fast and tool free removal of the catcher bag and suction tube to make dismantling the tool effortless.

With the recommended AP 300 S battery, the SHA 140 has a long working time of up to 60 minutes. For more information on STIHL’s range of AP System tools, please visit www.stihl.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.