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EDITOR'S BLOG

THE HEAT IS ON!
Coping with summer stress
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

With the mercury rising, turf professionals are having to adapt fast to protect both playing surfaces and staff.

Last week we saw a rise in temperatures with the scales hovering around 32- 34C - making it one of the top three hottest June days on record. It is not expected to challenge the hottest day though of 35.6C set in 1976. However, these high temperatures meant that Wimbledon saw one of the hottest opening days on record.

It certainly been a testing time for Neil Stubley and his staff preparing the court for the Wimbledon fortnight - as described in a recent article I read in the Express.

Neil tells the paper than due to the changing weather patterns, "Our maintenance regimes need to be quite flexible, and we fine-tune where we think we can get that 1% extra for the following year."

It will be interesting to see how the players cope during long matches in this extreme hot temperatures.

It’s clear that the recent hot weather has significantly affected the maintenance of grass playing surfaces.

The combination of the hot sunny weather, and strong winds have increased evapotranspiration rates dramatically. Hot temperatures cause more water to evaporate from the soil and transpire from the leaves of the grass plant, increasing irrigation needs.

Prolonged high temperatures also stress out grass plants, making them more prone to disease, pests, and thinning. Heat and humidity also create ideal conditions for turf diseases like dollar spot, brown patch, or Pythium blight. Warmer weather accelerates insect life cycles, increasing pest damage (e.g., chafer grubs, and nematodes).

Lengthy spells of dry weather will also affect maintenance regimes and impinge on any end of season renovations being undertaken.

During hot spells like the current UK heatwave, turf professionals and greenkeepers adapt in several ways to protect turf health, personal safety, and operational quality.

Irrigation adjustments - Increasing watering frequency during early morning (4-7 am) to reduce evaporation loss and avoid afternoon watering that can scorch grass.

Hand-watering hot spots - Focused watering on areas prone to drying, especially high spots on sports pitches or tees and greens on golf courses.

Syringing – regular spraying of water onto grass surfaces to cool them down

Raising mower heights - Slightly increasing cutting heights to reduce turf stress and increase leaf area for photosynthesis and shade on the soil surface. Reducing mowing frequency – Allowing grass recovery and avoiding additional stress.

Wetters and surfactants - Applying soil wetting agents to help water penetrate hydrophobic dry patches.

Shade provision - Where feasible, providing temporary shade for vulnerable young turf areas. Also, the use of cricket covers to reduce evapotranspiration on cricket pitches

Earlier start times - Many grounds teams start at dawn to complete heavy work before midday heat peaks.

Working hours - Hydration protocols, ensuring all staff carry water, take shade breaks, and watch for signs of heat stress. Rescheduling strenuous tasks (like heavy turf renovation or sand topdressing) to cooler days or early mornings.

Protective clothing = Lightweight UV-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen are standard during hot spells.

Health and safety focus - Monitoring themselves and colleagues for heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms.

This is a good read from a previous of TurfPro about managing turf during dry conditions by Alistair Higgs

I also wrote a article on the optimisation of water recourses which is also well worth taking a look at.

We now also see a wider range of irrigation systems available, from stand alone, self-travelling or boom sprinklers to computer controlled high-tech pop-up gear driven or jet sprinkler systems that are able to deliver precise amounts of water. Many of the top golf courses have what is called wall to wall irrigation systems designed to irrigate greens, tees, approaches and fairways, enabling the course manager to have full control of his watering requirements.

These systems do use a lot of water, albeit more effectively, so consideration needs to be given to the resource available. Is it mains, borehole, well, river or lake water? In most instances an abstraction licence will be required to obtain this water even though the source may be on club owned land. Irrigation constitutes a major user of water resources at times, and in places, when resources are often at their lowest, such as the summer. Incorrect use of irrigation can lead to a waste of water and, in turn, can cause other problems such as increased drainage water, often resulting in the leaching of nitrates into watercourses with the possibility of pollution.

In recent years the government have introduced a number of laws and regulations regarding the use of water resources. The Water Resources (EIA) Regulations 2003 dictates several issues regarding the use of water, of which the Environment Agency is the main governing body associated with policing the use of water in the UK - along with other agencies such as DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs). These new laws and regulations will have a significant impact on the way we use and utilise water in the future.

Irrigation management and the optimisation of watering strategies are important to the proper maintenance of sports facilities. Insufficient moisture when soils reach a water deficit will result in a declining quality of sward, or even death. Legislation is going to force the industry to control and manage this scarce resource, therefore the understanding and implementation of an irrigation strategy is a must for all clubs and organisations.

NEWS

BIGGA & GROUNDSFEST TO COLLABORATE
Announce "strategic industry partnership"

Christopher Bassett, Jim Croxton and Christopher Bennett

In our first WEB ONLY story the two parties say the team-up is aimed at strengthening both events while bringing together professionals from across the grounds care, landscaping, and golf sectors.

ALL-FEMALE GROUNDS CREW FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL
A landmark moment

In our next WEB ONLY story the initiative aims to champion female representation in the sector and promote the diverse career pathways that grounds management has to offer.

ERNEST DOE AGREE TO SELL PART OF BUSINESS
To neighbouring dealer

Company says following a strategic review of dealer coverage in the region, a mutual decision has been made to consolidate operations.

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd have announced that it has agreed Heads of Terms for the sale of its Case IH agricultural business currently based at Woodchurch, Ashford, to Haynes Bros Ltd.

Subject to final agreements, the transfer is expected to take effect from 25 July 2025.

Doe say this move follows five productive years of trading in the Ashford area for themselves. However in an official statement the company has said, ".. with two competing agricultural dealers operating in close proximity both with the Case IH franchise, it has become clear that a long-term, sustainable presence is not commercially viable."

The statement continued, "Following a strategic review of dealer coverage in the region and in close collaboration with CNH Industrial, our principal franchise partner, a mutual decision has been made to consolidate agricultural operations in the Ashford area within Haynes Bros Ltd’s existing CNH dealer network, which already holds the Case IH franchise in Birchington in East Kent."

As part of this agreement, the agricultural business currently operated by Ernest Doe Power Ashford including the agricultural staff, will be integrated into Haynes Bros Ltd’s network and the Ashford branch will close.

Doe stressed that this change does not affect their construction or groundcare operations, which will continue to operate as usual from their Dartford, Esher, Ringmer and Albourne branches.

Graham Parker, sales director, Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, told TurfPro, "Ashford has played a valuable part in our journey over the past five years, and we’re grateful to the team there for their dedication and to our customers for their support. As we continue to focus on long-term strength across our 20-branch network, this move allows us to consolidate our efforts and ensure we’re best placed to serve customers across our trading areas.”

While day-to-day operations will transfer to Haynes Bros from 25 July 2025, Ernest Doe & Sons will currently retain responsibility for the sale agreements on units sold to date, including outstanding account balances.

However, as Haynes will now cover both East and West Kent for Case IH farm machinery, including Case IH manufacturer warranty, customers are invited to open an account with Haynes Bros Ltd for in territory parts and service work.

Doe extended their appreciation to the agricultural team at Ernest Doe Power Ashford and concluded by saying "We are proud of what has been achieved and wish both our colleagues and Haynes Bros every success in this new chapter."

CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP AT ARIENSCO
Senior appointment for EMEAA region

Jochen Schneider, executive vice president for the region, has left the company with immediate effect.

AriensCo has announced a change of leadership in the EMEAA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia).

Jochen Schneider, executive vice president of the region has left the company with immediate effect. In a statement the company thanked him for his commitment and wished him all the best for his future endeavours.

Jim Young, chief financial officer at AriensCo, will assume interim responsibility for the region in close coordination with Nick Ariens, president AriensCo and the Ariens family.

"Looking to the future, we are convinced that greater family involvement in the EMEAA region is crucial to realising our long-term vision," says Nick Ariens. "In addition to our home market, the EMEAA region is hugely important for our global development. We want to further strengthen our commitment in this region with the AS-Motor and Ariens brands.

"Together with our EMEAA team, we look forward to further developing the product portfolio, further expanding our sales channels and growing market share throughout Europe."

TURNEY'S NEW DEPOT WELCOMES NEW BRAND
Extending coverage

Dan Coates, Phil Bush, Peter McFerran, and Craig Parkes

Dealership says the new agreement will be a key part of their machinery offering.

Merlo UK has announced that Turney Group is now representing their brand from a new depot in Bredon, near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, as of 1st July 2025.

L-R: Turney Group's Dan Coates, operations manager; Phil Bush, managing director; and Peter McFerran, aftersales manager; with Craig Parkes, regional sales manager, Merlo UK

This follows the planned closure of P&D Engineering (Bredon) Ltd at the end of June, marking the retirement of Mike Pullen after 49 years in business - more than 20 of which were as a Merlo dealer.

The Bredon depot will serve as a dedicated Merlo centre for the area, offering full sales and aftersales support for the range of telehandlers. Turney Group will also offer a range of groundcare and agricultural machinery brands at the site, but with Merlo the sole telehandler franchise at this location.

Several members of the former P&D Engineering team will be joining Turney Group at Bredon, ensuring continuity and familiarity for customers, and reinforcing the company’s commitment to trusted local service.

“The Merlo brand will be a key part of our machinery offering from Bredon, and we are proud to extend Turney’s coverage into Gloucestershire and Worcestershire,” said Phil Bush, managing director at Turney Group. “This new depot will allow us to build on our commitment to offering premium machines with exceptional service and support.”

Owen Buttle, national sales manager at Merlo UK, added, “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Turney Group through the addition of their new Bredon depot. Their specialist team and long-standing reputation align perfectly with Merlo’s values of quality, innovation, and customer care. We’d also like to thank Mike Pullen for his decades of dedication to Merlo and wish him all the best in retirement.”

GADGET BOOM PREDICTED
Robotic mower maker sees great opportunity

A recent report has revealed an uptick in new technology usage across Britain, with the market expected to more than double over the next five years.

A recent Aviva report has revealed an uptick in new technology usage across British homes, with the market expected to more than double over the next five years, as household robotic device capabilities improve.

Last year alone, for instance, Britons spent more than £300 million on robot lawn mowers.

On the back of this report's findings, Segway, makers of the Navimow robotic mower range, have stressed how increasingly popular with UK gardeners, robotic lawn mowers are becoming. They point out how the current market features a wide range of brands and models specifically designed to handle gardens of all shapes and sizes.

According to George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow BU, “Offering unparalleled convenience and productivity, robotics continues to reshape the way we live, especially as more budget-friendly options enter the market, driving widespread household adoption.

“Not only can robotic mowers fulfil the everyday needs of households, regardless of size and maintenance requirements, but their capabilities are increasingly extending to commercial use for estate managers, local councils and more, all the while saving time and achieving outstanding results."

In the first three quarters of 2024, Segway say the Navimow’s global revenue increased by 380% compared to last year, reflecting the trend in the wider robotics market.

George continued, “Our growth reflects our dedication to innovation and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. As such, the foundations we laid in 2024 have positioned us for sustained momentum and continued year-on-year sales success.

“There has been a clear uptick in robotic lawnmower usage driven by advancing technology in GPS integration, smart home connectivity, and battery life, which we can only expect to continue as households increasingly seek everyday convenience. With time, and as autonomous mowers’ capabilities improve, their potential for commercial application presents a gap in the market for further innovation in slope and terrain navigation,” he concluded.

TRADE SHOW SELLS OUT AGAIN
Fourth year in row

Show’s exhibits will cover an area greater than 20 football fields with organisers saying it offers a wealth of opportunities to dealers and end-users.

For a fourth year in a row, Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, has sold out its available exhibit space at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, USA.

Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the OPEI who own Equip said, “We have 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, including the Outdoor Demo Yard. Every inch of the Kentucky Exposition Center that can be used for exhibit space this year has been sold, as of mid-June 2025. That translates to thousands of products and services that can help landscapers, contractors and dealers expand and better their business.”

Kris noted that due to high demand to participate in the show, over the past year the Equip staff worked with KEC officials to re-imagine space and opened up Freedom Hall to exhibit sales for the first time. Equip also moved and expanded the UTV Test Track to deliver an even better experience for attendees in 2025.

“People are excited to be here and part of this dynamic industry. We have more than 1,100 exhibits. This is the place where innovators roll out new products and talk about where this industry is headed. It’s where landscape contractors try out new equipment and meet the people who design and make it,” says Kris.

Attendees can register for early bird tickets until September 4, 2025. Equip Exposition drew a record-breaking 28,500 attendees last year from all 50 states and 50 countries and is one of the top five largest trade shows in the U.S.

Check out Service Dealer's Digital Special Report from last year's Equip.

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