Tag Archive for: Third

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

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Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned: Artificial grass rose to popularity several years ago due to its cleanliness, consistently perfect aesthetic, and its ease to maintain. However, last year, data revealed that 24 per cent of people living in Britain would support a ban.

Just 12 months later, new statistics show this figure has now risen to 36 per cent in support of a full ban on the product – a rise of 50 per cent in just one year.

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

Third of Brits now want artificial grass banned

According to research from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, more than a third of people living in the UK want to ban artificial grass. This explains the drop in popularity for the product, with data from the company itself showing enquiries for artificial grass installation were down 48 per cent year on year in 2023. Google data supports this finding, with searches for the product down 20 per cent since 2023 – and 50 percent since 2021.

The new statistics show that support for a ban is universal across all age groups and is consistent for both men and women. Geographically there are some variations, with Scottish capital Edinburgh showing the strongest support. In Edinburgh, more than half (53 per cent) of residents would support a full ban. Manchester was the least supportive – although 32 per cent still stated that they would like to see the product banned. Other results included:

  • Cardiff 41%
  • Liverpool 39%
  • Plymouth 39%
  • Leeds 39%
  • Southampton 38%
  • London 36%
  • Birmingham 36%

MyBuilder.com ran the research across its European territories, which also showed strong support for a ban. Perhaps unsurprisingly, green-focused Netherlands residents stated they would like a ban. Results across Europe included:

  • Data from the Netherlands showed that 43 per cent of residents support a ban
  • Data from France showed that 26 per cent of residents would support the ban
  • Data from Germany showed that 31 per cent of residents would support the ban
  • Data from Austria showed that 30 per cent of residents support a ban

James Lewis, expert gardener from MyBuilder.com, said widespread negativity in the press, and concerns about how artificial grass affects wildlife, has caused concerns with homeowners.

“After an extremely wet 2024, Brits are understandably really worried about flooding and the damage it can cause to both property and gardens. Artificial grass has received a fair amount of negativity for the potential it has to increase any flooding risk.

“We’d advise anyone considering installing it to look at all the pros and cons, as there are still many benefits to the product.”

To help those thinking about it decide, experts from MyBuilder.com have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of installing an artificial lawn.

Pros

  1. Looks aesthetically pleasing all year round

No brown spots, bald patches, or muddy puddles here! There’s no denying that an  artificial lawn looks nice and maintains its appearance, whatever the weather.

  1. No need for watering

No live grass equals no need for watering in the summer. Saves you time, and money, off your monthly water bill. Also useful when the inevitable hosepipe ban comes into play.

  1. Low maintenance

No mowing, no watering, no reseeding – there’s no doubt that an artificial lawn is easier to look after than a natural one.

  1. Easy to clean

We all know the risk of unseen pet poo and urine on our lawns, but with an artificial lawn you can easily hose it down to keep it sparkly clean.

Cons 

  1. Cost to buy and install

Although once in place it may save you money, buying and installing your artificial lawn is likely to be a several thousand-pound cost. The average cost for installation in an average size garden is between £1,200 to £2,500.

  1. Impact on natural habitat

Removing natural grass undeniably has a negative effect on the environment, with the loss of habitat for bugs and wildlife.

  1. Drainage implications 

Although this varies depending on product and installation, an artificial lawn does not drain as well as a real one. This can cause issues in areas where flooding is a problem, such as in new build estates built on previous flood plains, or in areas close to bodies of water.

  1. Can get too hot

Artificial lawns can get too hot for little feet and paws, causing blistering and burns. Vets from Joii Pet Care have recently warned owners that artificial grass can be perilous for pets, and advised caution when allowing pets onto it.

If you’re considering a garden project, MyBuilder have a helpful cost guide at https://www.mybuilder.com/pricing-guides/garden-landscaping-cost

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Third INFINICUT® is the charm for Norwich City

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Third INFINICUT® is the charm for Norwich City: They say that good things tend to come in threes, which is certainly the case for Norwich City FC following the recent addition of a third INFINICUT® SM34 rotary mower to their fleet at Carrow Road.

Giving the team of three outstanding versatility and quality of finish, Head of Grounds Adam Grantham adds that the delivery in June 2023, has also significantly improved efficiency when it comes to that all-important post-match cut.

Third INFINICUT® is the charm for Norwich City

Third INFINICUT® is the charm for Norwich City

Adam’s first INFINICUT® delivery came shortly after taking the reins in January 2022, following an assessment of the current fleet shared across both the stadium and club’s Lotus Training Centre. “I’d used INFINICUT’s at my previous venue and had always been impressed with their performance” he explains. “I put in a request for two SM34 rotary mowers which the club backed, and these proved to be a brilliant investment. The pair gave us a vastly improved battery-life and quality of finish compared to our previous units.”

Used initially and primarily for debris clearance and the post-match clean-up cut, Adam could see the possibilities a third SM34 could bring to the efficiency of operations, with the latest machine delivered in time for the start of the new season. “The trio have become a big part of our preparations as we move through the week, particularly during periods where we want to let the pitch ‘be’ for a little while – cutting with the rotaries to remove quantity ahead of a final cut with the cylinders.” He continues, “They’re bullet proof in their build and the set up couldn’t be simpler, literally one spanner and you’re away!”

Adopting many of the principles of their renowned collection of cylinder mowers, the SM34 from INFINICUT® delivers millimetre precision adjustment and strong vacuum performance for powerful debris removal, cleanness of cut and an immaculate finish – driven by a long-lasting and reliable 105Ah lithium-ion battery.

“Post match training is quite a regular thing here at Norwich so frequently the team and I are having to wait close to an hour following the end of a match before we can get on and cut. This extra machine not only knocks 20 minutes off the job but now means we can each go a bit slower to achieve a really clean, crisp finish.” He concludes, “Normally you get speed or finesse with a machine, but rarely both. With the SM34’s we can tick those boxes to the benefit of my team and the pitch quality alike.”

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FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle

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FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle: Founded in 2019, The FairWays Foundation has now completed its third grant cycle, bringing the total funding to $441,791 since its inception with 29 projects supported across the USA, Canada and UK.

The FairWays Foundation is a stand-alone 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting conservation and stewardship within the turf industry and beyond. The foundation supports conservation-based projects both big and small by granting funds to successful applicants globally.

FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle

FairWays Foundation completes third grant cycle

12 projects have been funded in the 2022 grant cycle, totalling $169,000 in funds. The Grant Committee and Board were delighted to review a diverse array of projects including a Great Salt Lake Field Trip program, the expansion of previously supported Irvine to Girvan Nectar Network, an on-course vegetable garden to serve the golf club restaurant, the installation of bat boxes, restoring an agricultural field to prairie, phragmites removal, canal bank restoration and more.

Matt Foster, CEO & President of Aquatrols and President of The FairWays Foundation said, “We understand making a difference locally takes tremendous grit from a local champion. It might be a green keeper or parks manager or a program volunteer. Regardless, without their will, these projects would never move forward. Our message to those individuals out there with a wish for a healthier environment is The Fairways Foundation can help with the way to get there.”

The 2023 funding cycle opens February 2023. Find out how to apply.

To view more information about all the projects that have been supported this year, click here.

The FairWays Foundation is looking for ambassadors to help reach those who wish to champion environmental projects but are unable to proceed due to lack of resources. Find out how you can get involved here

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Council Invests In Third Toro Machine

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Council Invests In Third Toro Machine: East Devon District Council has recently invested in a third Toro Groundsmaster 360 after its previous two models purchased in 2015, have proved to be a huge success with the Council’s groundscare department.

Dan Haydon, from the groundscare department, says that there were a lot of boxes for these machines to tick with reliability at the fore and the Groundsmaster 360 has ticked them all.

Council Invests In Third Toro Machine

“We have so many different kinds of grounds to maintain, from communal gardens and children’s play areas to sports pitches and cemeteries,” says Dan. “Having a robust, reliable machine that can adapt is vital and the Groundsmaster 360 does just that.

“Our machines need to be in use every day for eight and a half hours from spring until November; it’s a big task. With the two GM360s we’ve been using for four years, we’ve never had a problem, so it wasn’t a hard decision to purchase another one.”

The Council had been using triple cylinder mowers before purchasing the new GM360 rotary mowers. Due to government cuts, the frequency of cutting areas had to be reduced and its previous mowers weren’t able to keep the grass short for long enough, which is why the department opted to trial the GM360 zero-turn mower

The quad-steer all-wheel drive steering of the GM360 provides maximum productivity even in undulating terrain. Able to climb hills without slipping and make 180 degree turns without tearing turf, Dan couldn’t be happier with the machine.

“Whatever the weather or type of terrain – it performs across the board. We’ve seen a real improvement, and so have our other teams. We currently have eight teams across Devon, three of which have Toro machines, but now everyone is noticing the difference with Toro and there is definite potential in the future for Toro to pushed out across all the teams.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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Pitch Vandalised For Third Time

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Pitch Vandalised For Third Time: Vandals have driven over the Rew Valley football pitch for the third time since Christmas.

The pitch, at Watcombe Bottom on Whitwell Rd, Ventnor, is home to Rew Valley Youth FC, which has 125 players and many more who train there weekly.

The damage to the grounds has been a devastating blow for the team, which has suffered an expensive season so far with lots of unexpected costs and things needing replacing.

Organisers are now desperately trying to raise funds to erect fencing around the pitches, to prevent them being driven over.

Jess Cutler, youth team secretary, said: “Being repeatedly hit by vandalism is a massive blow.

“We’re entirely run on donations and the children’s subs, which we try to keep as low as possible as we feel sport and being part of a team or club is really important for young people. It not only keeps them fit but teaches them valuable things like respect and how to work together.

“Unfortunately, since Christmas we have been blighted by vandalism. Our pitch was driven on for the third time in so many months. The first two times the damage was caused by a car driving on it.

“We hoped to stop the problem by erecting a chain across the access lane, which seemed to work, but the latest damage was caused by a motorbike which drove through a gap in the fence. We need to enclose the whole pitch.”

The team is hosting a touring club from Herefordshire for the first time soon, and is hoping the pitch will be in good enough condition.

The children are very active in the club’s fundraising efforts and have recently been bag packing, taken part in sponsored events, sold raffle tickets and run stalls at community events.

A crowdfunding page is at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rewvalley A jumble sale has been organised for Saturday, April 14, at Ventnor Baptist Church from 2pm to 4pm. A quiz night is being held at the Mill Bay Inn on Wednesday, April 11.

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