The weather continues to test our skills and patience as practicing turf professionals.

April has brought its usual unpredictable fronts, with many parts of the country experiencing contrasting air and soil temperatures, mingled with typical April showers, frost snow and ice.

As you may have read in last week’s TurfPro blog, many groundsmen will be preparing to undertake their winter sports renovations as soon as the playing season finishes, carrying out essential work to rejuvenate their playing surfaces.

The level of work will be determined by the current state of the pitch. In the main most grassroots or club level rugby and football pitches will need to be aerated (decompacted) using either a Verti-drain solid tine spiker or linear disc aerator. Ideally also scarified to clean out any surface dead fibre, topdressed, fertilised and overseeded.

In recent years we have seen an array of soil conditioning equipment on hand to speed up the way we can renovate grass surfaces. Richard Campey of Campey Turfcare has over the years been instrumental in bringing to market a number of revolutionary sports turf renovation machines that sports turf contractors are now using to speed up and improve renovation techniques. Namely the Koro Fraise mower that can remove up to 25mm of vegetation by literally planing the top off. The Koro recycling dresser meanwhile, is a heavy-duty aerator and root-zone recycler that is able to aerate the underlying soil vertically and horizontally, removing the soil from the root-zone and re-distributing it across the playing surface.

The Recycling Dresser reduces the amount of new top-dressing required, therefore saving labour and material costs and promoting sustainable maintenance. Three different working widths are available in the new range.

Your choice of seed mixtures will be dependent on the sport you are playing and the price you want to pay. In general terms you should be looking to invest in a good quality sportsturf rye grass seed mixture. We have an excellent choice of suppliers and seed companies who over the years have developed top quality grass seed. Listed below are four leading suppliers of perennial rye grass seed for sports pitches.

• Limagrain’s MM60 Grass Seed is suitable for the renovation and repair of winter sports pitches, racecourses and areas where fast germination and quick establishment are priorities.
• A20 (Premier Ryesport) for winter sports pitches, the choice of many top groundsmen across the UK.
• Johnsons J Rescue 100 is also suitable for winter/spring emergency overseeding on winter sports pitches, golf tees, polo fields and racecourses.
• Rigby Taylor’s R14 100% Perrenial Ryegrass Blend Grass Seed 20Kg is also a very popular seed used by many groundsmen

Prices range from £75-£150 per bag, which is not cheap especially when you need between 8-12 bags per pitch. Giving you an average cost of around £1200 to seed a whole pitch, not wanting to waste any seed, it would pay to ensure you use a seed drill to plant the seed into the pitch and not just broadcast it on the surface.

The Vredo Disc Seeder and other similar machines are used for overseeding or sowing sports pitches and large grass areas. The disc system places seed under the surface, improving the rate of germination. The slits are then closed by the rear roller, leaving little disturbance to the surface.

One of the other key factors that determines the success of germination will be the fact that the pitch is kept watered. We would hope that nature can usually take care of this with some timely periods of rain soon after renovations have been completed. However, no doubt some parts of the country will experience dry spells, thus needing you to irrigate the pitch using sprinklers.

Many top end sports clubs and schools have in recent years invested in either, a pop-up sprinkler system or acquired a self-traveling sprinkler system to water their pitches.

Water is now becoming an expensive and valuable resource, with many water companies dictating a lot of restrictions on its use in certain areas of the country, especially during droughty conditions. Last year’s very hot summer certainly affected annual rainfall figures, resulting in many reservoirs becoming depleted. They usually fill back up during the winter months, however, there are a few who are still pretty low. Therefore if we were to get another hot, dry summer, then I’m sure we will see some severe watering restrictions coming into place. Water is no doubt becoming a valuable commodity and we should use it wisely.

I came across an interesting article by author, Giles Wardle CEng, BSc, MSc, on behalf of Irriplan Ltd. regarding FAQs for Irrigation Water Supply for Golf & Sports Turf Facilities - well worth the read.

With water now becoming a valuable and, in some areas, a scarce resource, we should as commissioners be more aware of how we can maximise its use and not waste it.
For those sports clubs and golf courses who rely heavily on their irrigation systems, they should ensure they inspect and carry out appropriate irrigation audits throughout the year - beginning with the first one due in the spring that encompasses getting the system inspected, checked and calibrated.

This usually entails priming up the system, running it to check for any leaks - calibrating and checking the sprinkler heads so that they are delivering the correct amount of water.
I also came across the UK Irrigation Association (UKIA) website. They are the only independent organisation representing irrigation in the UK. A very useful site with plenty of advice and information, as well as offering a series of booklets on water resources and use. 

Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, has received their 2018 GAA County Pitch of the Year Award, sponsored by Campey Turf Care Systems.

As part of their prize the grounds team at Nowlan Park will receive a specially commissioned award and pitch supplies from Campey and fellow sponsors Irish Turfcare and ICL.

Nowlan Park presented with the GAA County Pitch of The Year Award. Pictured: Brian O’Shaughnessy (Campey); Jim Holden (Turfcare); Colman Warde (ICL); John Horan (GAA President); Jimmy Walsh (Kilkenny Chairman); John Coogan (Kilkenny Groundsman); Kieran McGann (Chairman GAA National Pitch workgroup); Stuart Wilson (Pitch Manager, Croke Park Stadium, National Games Development Centre (NGDC) & Turf Farm).

The Kilkenny city venue was chosen in August 2018 after a thorough adjudication process, with McGovern Park, South Ruislip in London announced as the runner-up.

Other venues including Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, Semple Stadium, Tipperary, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford and Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow were shortlisted as high achievers in the competition for excellence in playing surfaces.

Assessment of the grounds nationwide was completed by Stuart Wilson, pitch manager at Croke Park and the GAA National Games Development Centre, and by Dr Stephen Barker of the Sports Turf Research Institute, who visited all six venues.

The process involved scoring and feedback from referees during the National Leagues in spring and took into consideration a Pitch Quality Assessment based on performance standards, construction, management program, environmental conditions and usage levels.

The awards scheme is part of a wider initiative to improve the standards of playing surfaces around the country and to share some of the expertise and experience used at Croke Park and from the GAA’s National Pitch Committee.

Commenting on the scheme and the results, GAA President John Horan said, “I would like to congratulate all the team who are responsible for the pitch in Nowlan Park on winning this award. It’s a pitch that gets more than its fair share of important, high profile matches and thanks to the time, dedication and investment, there is a surface there worthy of the great occasions hosted by Nowlan Park.

“This is an important scheme for the GAA to champion and I want to thank Stuart Wilson and also the National Pitch Committee for setting standards and encouraging our ground staff around the country to ensure that our pitches are in the best possible condition for our great Games.”

Campey say they continue to place a high priority on recognising excellence within the professional turf care industry as well as conducting regular educational days for everyone from volunteers to full-time turf professionals.

The Amenity Forum has recently run it's Updating Events in London and Belfast.

Discussed at the events was how the management of amenity areas is a vital and important task creating safe and healthy public spaces fit for purpose. Delegates heard that is vital that such tasks are undertaken to the highest professional standards but, as it stands, although there are a number of recognised assurance schemes, there is no overall standard which can easily be recognised as demonstrating those undertaking amenity management operations are professionally competent and using methods at the highest standards of best practice.

Given that, the Amenity Forum said they are developing a standard for the sector. This, they say will inform the public, and those who place tenders or employ operators that the processes implemented are safe and healthy and fit for purpose. The standard will be akin to the Red Tractor logo which is widely recognised in the food sector. The Forum say it will be instantly recognisable and will verify that the various assurance schemes in the sector are maintained at the overall standard.

In the current climate, said the Amenity Forum, cost will always be a key factor when considering amenity management plans but it is vital that quality and standards are an essential element in the final decision. The Forum assert that the new standard and accompanying logo will give confidence to all involved.

Those attending London and Belfast recently, welcomed the proposals. It was recognised that many do currently look to employ contractors and the like with assured credentials such as Amenity Assured, there remains others who operate outside such standards. The new Amenity Standard seeks to address this and ensure it is as widely recognised in the amenity sector as the Red Tractor is in food.

Professor John Moverley, chairman of the Forum, said, "I would like to see this standard as an essential requirement when employing anyone involved in amenity management. If employing a gas fitter, I seek to ensure he or she is CORGI registered, a similar requirement should be essential in amenity management. There are a number of well recognised assurance schemes in our sector, this new standard seeks to embrace these and in a simple way, provide everyone of an assured standard and best practice. I would like to see the logo associated the standard to be proudly displayed across the UK in our parks, golf courses, sports grounds and indeed all our public spaces."

The new standard is due to be launched later this year and in the meantime, the Forum urges everyone to seek evidence of a recognised assurance scheme when employing those charged with amenity management in all its forms.

The Amenity Forum is continuing its free Updating Event series and for details contact admin@amenityforum.co.uk

Rigby Taylor has been appointed as the exclusive distributor in the UK turf and amenity sector for Bionema’s NemaTrident nematode solutions for the control of chafer grubs and leatherjackets larvae.

NemaTrident is a tri-component solution incorporating a range of highly virulent insect-parasitic nematodes within the Heterorhabditis and Steinernema genera. The nematodes attack and destroy the larvae of the insect pests thus preventing future pests from developing.

Rigby Taylor say the product is safe, non-toxic to users and consumers, decomposes rapidly and can be targeted at specific pests to avoid harming beneficial insects – providing 70-100% success rates in combating the pests.

Environmental consultancy ADAS recently calculated that the economic cost of chafer grubs alone is up to £85 million a year for UK golf courses from lost income and damage repair. It also highlighted that, on the 40% of racecourses affected by the pest’s damage, lost income could amount to up to £605,000 per course.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Bionema CEO, said, “In a market with significant potential, there is a clear opportunity for Rigby Taylor to continue helping greenkeepers, sports club groundsmen, racecourse managers and landscapers in the control of chafer grubs and leatherjackets larvae, when chemicals such as Chlorpyrifos (also known by the trademark Dursban, Equity) and Imidacloprid (Merit Turf) are banned across Europe.”

Rigby Taylor’s Peter Corbett added, “Our role at Rigby Taylor is to combine all the potential solutions for our customers throughout the UK. Our staff have all been briefed on the most effective way to use the NemaTrident range of nematodes as part of an integrated pest management programme.”

Belgian manufacturer Eliet have launched a new machine, which they claim is set to dramatically reduce the time landscapers and groundsmen spend undertaking scarifying operations and disposing of thatch and moss.

The new C550ZR Collector collects moss and thatch into narrow rows for easier disposal, which the company says results in significant time savings for the operator by reducing the cleaning time by up to 50%.

The new machine removes material from the turf, which it deposits into a discharge channel with an Archimedean screw that carries it to the side of the machine. It is deposited into a narrow row, which on the next pass of the operation can be re-collected by the machine and integrated into a new row, along with the raked-up material from the second strip of turf. In this way the C550ZR can collect the moss and thatch of a 1m working width into one row, which saves the operator time.

This new machine is self-propelled and features a 55cm working width which limits the number of rows to collect, and opreates at 2.5km/hr. The scarifying blades are spaced every 15mm to provide an intensive treatment to the turf and are designed to rotate forwards; thus maximising dethatching performance. This contra-rotation results in improved removal and collection of material which is pulled out and thrown vertically onto the collecting auger, increasing the efficency of dethatching by up to 30%.

In addition, the extremely fine blades have Permanently Sharp Blades technology to ensure minimum turf damage and extended blade life. The machine also features controls with an anti vibration damper for improved operator comfort and safety and runs on a rubber-coated roller that ensures an aesthetically pleasing striped pattern on the lawn.

John Deere recently marked a manufacturing milestone with the completion of the five millionth unit of riding lawn equipment built at the company’s Power Products factory in Greeneville, Tennessee.

Originally founded as a small, satellite factory, Power Products is now the highest volume facility for John Deere and is responsible for manufacturing many of the lawnmowers sold by the brand. The facility was established in 1988 and celebrated its 30th anniversary last July.

“The production of the five millionth machine is a significant milestone for the Power Products team, John Deere and our loyal customers,” said factory manager Jeff Hollett. “We take immense pride in the legacy we have built here in Greeneville, and to know we have built five million machines is something we are really proud of.”

The Power Products facility currently manufactures the John Deere 100 Series small ride-on models as well as the S240 lawn tractor and the Z300 and Z500 Series ZTrak zero-turn mowers.

“The production of five million units really puts into perspective what we do here on a daily basis,” said Jeff Hollett. “It’s more than just manufacturing machines to help people look after their lawn. It’s about our unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. This is the only way we were able to reach this milestone, which is a testament to the long-term success of John Deere Power Products.”

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is set to unveil a fleet of state-of-the-art golf cars at venues across the UK, following a renewed four-year deal with Club Car, through licensed dealer Carryway, who deliver and maintain the vehicles.

The agreement marks an extension of a long-standing partnership with Club Car and Carryway, which will see the arrival of 137 Tempo golf cars.

Five of the group’s golf venues including Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa, Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa, Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club and Macdonald Spey Valley Resort will receive the new vehicles.

The Tempo golf cars are described by the company as some of the most hi-tech in the industry. The new fleet has been upgraded with drinks coolers, premium leather seats and bluetooth technology allowing golfers to connect their devices for phone calls or entertainment purposes.

The new vehicles represent a strong investment in the golf facilities on offer at the hotels.

Earlier this year Macdonald Hotels & Resorts announced a partnership with the PGA EuroPro Tour for the forthcoming 2019 golf season, which will see four tour events played at a Macdonald Hotel golf course this summer.

Keith Pickard, group director of leisure and golf at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, said, “By continuously investing in our golf facilities, we are committed to providing the best possible experience to those who use them.”

Kevin Hart, director of golf sales EMEA at Club Car, said: “We have always been proud to work with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, and the extension of our partnership means that their guests can rest assured that they are getting the best on the market when they play at a Macdonald venue.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Iain Black and the team at Carryway, who’s exceptional after-care service has made them a trusted partner of Macdonald and has been key in securing this deal for another four years.”

It’s been a time of change for Woking Golf Club in Surrey culminating in the recent signing of a machinery agreement plan with Toro and Reesink Turfcare.

It all started a couple of years ago and has seen the appointment of Andy Ewence as course manager, major works to restore the course to its fast running heathland roots and the undertaking of some modern initiatives in preparation for the milestone 125th anniversary in 2018. The result is a club that has risen 22 places in the Golf World Top 100 Golf Courses in Britain and Ireland ranking in 2018, now ranked 17th in England, and the delivery of a new Toro fleet is the icing on the cake says Andy.

Course manager Andy Ewence, centre, with club secretary Richard Pennell, right, and Reesink’s Mike Taylor

For 125 years golfers have been playing at Woking Golf Club, Surrey’s oldest heathland golf course, and it was this milestone moment that sparked a period of change, confirms Andy: “My appointment in 2017 coincided with progressive plans for the club. There have been major works to the course and the pressure is always on to maintain and improve.”

Andy has long been a Toro customer. At The Buckinghamshire, where he spent five years before joining Woking Golf Club, there was a five-year leasing plan for machinery in place and Andy had just finished overseeing the installation of a new irrigation system across the 226 acre course.

He says: “The quality of machinery and the service is just unbeatable. However, we made sure to explore all the options when the last lease ended. We trialed machines from several different brands, but it proved quickly that Toro was the right way to go.”

Now with a comprehensive Toro fleet which includes a Greensmaster TriFlex 3400, Groundsmaster 4000-D, ProCore 1298 and a Workman HDX-D to name a few, Andy says he is thrilled with how the new machines are meeting the needs of the club as it enters its 126th year.

“We have undulating greens, so having pedestrian mowers that provide precision and a high quality of cut is really important,” says Andy. “In particular, the Toro Greensmaster eFlex 2120 is great. The Lithium-ion battery technology reduces noise so we can get out and start work earlier, plus it saves fuel.”

And, as mentioned, it’s not only the machines that have impressed Andy, but the advice and service from Reesink, too. “The whole process with Reesink has been great,” he says. “They didn’t try to sell us anything the club didn’t need - they listened to what we wanted and came back with the best possible solution. They’ve also come in and given a day long training course to the team on how to use the machines.

"Nothing has been too much trouble.”

Killeen Castle Golf Club in Co Meath is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019, as well as its recent investment in a state of the art golf course equipment fleet deal with John Deere and local dealer Dublin Grass Machinery worth over €500,000, with finance arranged through Deere’s partner Bank of Ireland.

Noel Bennett and director Robert Mitchell of John Deere dealer Dublin Grass Machinery with (centre) Killeen Castle course superintendent Mark Collins and the greenkeeping team (seated behind on the new John Deere machines).

The machinery acquisition represents a significant investment on the part of Killeen Castle in the future of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, as the club enters its second decade of golf operations. The championship golf course opened in 2009 and was described by the 18-time Major winner and course designer as “one of my proudest designs”.

The upgraded equipment fleet includes tees, fairway, greens and rough mowers, utility tractors, Gator utility vehicles, sprayers, top dressers and bunker rakes – with the latest John Deere E-Cut hybrid electric mowers now playing an important part in future-proofing the work of course superintendent Mark Collins and his team.

Killeen Castle has hosted The 2011 Solheim Cup between Europe and USA in addition to three Ladies Irish Opens from 2010 to 2012. The 630-acre estate also features a number of signature residential properties, The Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, Fore Golf Custom Club Fitters and a Norman castle dating back to 1181.

The castle will become the focal point of the estate following a recent grant of planning permission for a 177-room luxury hotel, including the renovation and restoration of the original structure, which will house 17 suites and a number of luxury dining rooms. The new three-storey structure partnering this renovation will incorporate 160 rooms, a day spa, function rooms and a winter garden restaurant.

The investment in new equipment also included an upgrade and enhancement of the club’s rental golf cars and trolleys to the latest state of the art GPS units, as well as re-kerbing of the entire clubhouse compound. This was in addition to significant works around the golf course and peripheral areas to enhance the sanding and drainage profile of the course, all designed to ensure championship standard golfing conditions for members and visitors alike all year round.

“There were many key factors in choosing John Deere equipment,” said Mark Collins. “The relationship with Dublin Grass Machinery and sales manager Noel Bennett was high up the list, with the excellent technical and back-up service provided for the past 12 years. The quality of John Deere machinery is quite simply second to none, and the company’s advances in technology with the hybrid electric mowers made the decision an easy one. The overall package will allow us to continue to improve our work practices and deliver even better standards of course presentation to our members and guests.”

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

FROM WINTER TO SUMMER SPORTS
April is a busy period

THE VALUE OF TREES
Trees bring real benefits to our cities, health and well being

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Choice of fertiliser products will be influenced by many factors

A WONDERFUL INDUSTRY
But we need to be encouraging the next generation

THE VALUE OF PARKS
Facilities must not be taken for granted

A VERY BUSY MARCH
Plenty of work for turf professionals to be getting on with

SHARING KNOWLEDGE
At the Dennis & Sisis groundcare seminar

INSECT DECLINE
A cause for concern

HELP IS AT HAND
Seek advice from industry bodies

SPRING RENOVATIONS
February is a good time to start planning

BTME 2019 REPORT
Great start to the year

BTME WEEK IS HERE!
Harrogate time again

THE VALUE OF PLANNING
Benefits for pitch sustainability

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Opportunities & challenges in 2019

View all of 2018's blogs here