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EDITOR'S BLOG

HOT & BOTHERED
Dealing with heat stress
by TurfPro Editor, Laurence Gale MSC, MBPR

It is clear that the recent hot weather will have significantly affected the maintenance of grass playing surfaces.

For many parts of the country during the last couple of weeks of June (and seemingly set to continue into this week), we all have witnessed some of the hottest weather on record. Almost everyone struggled with the heat and the consequences that came with it.

We are so lucky that in this country our valuable green spaces provide a natural buffer and help keep our urban environment cool.

I read an interesting article from Parks For London. They said as London and the UK experienced record-breaking heat, attention turned to the cooling effects of parks and other green infrastructure. Overheating is more prominent in London and other cities due to climate change and the urban heat island, which can cause temperatures to be 10°C higher than in surrounding rural areas. With dense development, cities typically have more hard surfaces, such as roads and buildings, and less vegetation to absorb the sun’s rays. Vegetated spaces do more than just cool the actual space, they can lower the temperature in the surrounding area, known as the urban green space cooling effect. For example, research by Doick et al., found cooling of up to 4°C over a 440 m distance from a Central London park.

The article went on to say with density and policies calling for infill development, increasing the number of conventional parks is challenging. As such, complementing London’s network of green spaces with other green infrastructure, such as vegetated roofs, living walls and tree canopy, is even more critical to mitigating and adapting to increasing temperatures. Indeed, research conducted in Manchester by Skelhorn et al., concluded that adding 5% mature trees may reduce average surface temperatures by 1°C.

I myself have written several articles talking about the value of trees and green space. Trees play a crucial role in communities and offer a variety of values, both environmental and social.

Trees absorb pollutants and release oxygen during photosynthesis, contributing to improved air quality.
Trees store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels.
Trees provide shade and cool the air through a process called transpiration, helping to regulate temperatures in urban areas.
Trees provide habitats for various species, contributing to biodiversity and supporting the local ecosystem. They offer food and shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife, promoting a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
Trees enhance the beauty of the community, providing a pleasing visual environment.
Green spaces with trees create recreational areas for residents, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Trees help prevent soil erosion and promote water absorption, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality.

Collectively our green spaces within cites are pivotal in reducing heat, especially during the recent hot, climatic conditions.

Also last year I wrote an article about COMBATTING SUMMER STRESSES where I spoke about how to maintain summer sports grass playing surface during periods of drought and hot weather.

Recently we all saw a rise in temperatures with the scales hovering around 32- 37C - making it one of the top three hottest June days on record. It was finally hotter than the previous record temperature of 35.6C recorded in 1976 some fifty years ago.

With Wimbledon in full swing, no doubt this spell of hot weather will have influenced how Neil Stubley and his staff have prepared the courts for this year’s event.

It’s clear that the recent hot weather will have 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).

The effect that these conditions cause is known as evapotranspiration. This is the process where water is lost from plants and the soil – transferred from the land to the atmosphere.

Dealing with hydrophobic (water-repellent) soil conditions on sports playing surfaces in the UK can have serious consequences if not properly managed - both in terms of playability, player safety, and long-term turf health.

Hydrophobic soil repels water rather than absorbing it. This condition is often caused by drought conditions or prolonged dry weather (common in UK summers now due to climate change); organic matter breakdown leaving waxy residues and compaction; or surface sealing by foot traffic or machinery.
Hydrophobic soils affect water infiltration and drainage. Water runs off the surface instead of soaking in, leading to localised flooding or dry patches. This leads to inconsistent moisture levels, especially on pitches with uneven compaction. Over time hydrophobic conditions leads to the grass plant wilting, yellowing, or even death.

We must also consider that prolonged heatwaves and droughts can increase the likelihood of wildfires in green spaces; increase diseases and pests, such as the oak processionary moth; and weaken trees, making them susceptible to damage and potentially presenting a safety hazard, among other heat-induced challenges. In response, parks services, green space managers, landowners and others responsible for providing urban green spaces will have to adapt - at times very quickly - to the changing conditions, potentially in ways that contradict other green space-related policies and practices. For example, concerns about fire risk during prolonged hot, dry weather conditions may necessitate increased mowing frequency, which could influence biodiversity and management plans.

I believe it is finally time that we saw the true value of maintaining these vital green spaces. Not only do they provide recreational value, and are pivotal in providing habitats for wildlife, they are essential for our wellbeing, providing a buffer from pollutants, noise and filter air quality along with providing a cooling effect during hot weather events.

NEWS

97% OF PESTICIDE ENFORCEMENT VISITS REQUIRED ACTION
In 2025 say the Amenity Forum

In our first WEB ONLY story the Forum is urging land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive pesticide enforcement findings.

NEW INDUSTRY EVENT FOR PROFESSIONALS LAUNCHED
Focused on electrification, technology and sustainability

In our next WEB ONLY story the event focusing on operations in the amenity, groundcare and fleet sectors, is scheduled to take place this month.

REDEXIM APPOINT NEW PRO DEALER
Family-run business

New dealership prides itself on taking the time to understand what the customer actually needs and recommends the machine that's right for them and their budget.

Redexim has strengthened its dealer network with the appointment of Jenkins Garden Machinery, bringing the company's range of turf maintenance equipment to customers across South West Wales.

Based in Carmarthenshire, Jenkins Garden Machinery is a family-run business with deep roots in the industry. Established 16 years ago by Howell Jenkins, alongside his wife Glynis and sons Emyr and Gareth, the company has evolved from its domestic machinery origins into a respected supplier of commercial equipment for sports turf professionals, contractors and local authorities.

Today, the business employs a dedicated team of specialists and has built a reputation for expert advice, strong customer relationships and exceptional after-sales support.

Managing director Emyr Jenkins believes the partnership with Redexim is a natural fit.

"We're very focused on selling the right machine to the right people," he said. "There are businesses out there that will sell whatever is in stock or whatever generates the biggest margin, but that's not how we operate. We take the time to understand what the customer actually needs and recommend the machine that's right for them and their budget.”

The opportunity to become a Redexim dealer arose after Jenkins Garden Machinery received enquiries for specialist turf maintenance equipment. Initial discussions quickly developed into a dealer partnership when the manufacturer began seeking representation in the region.

The addition of the portfolio fills an important gap in Jenkins' offering, enabling the company to provide customers with a complete range of turf maintenance solutions.

"There was a gap in our portfolio for these types of machines and Redexim fills that perfectly," said Emyr.

Summing up what the partnership means for customers, Emyr said, "They're getting a quality product from a quality company, with the local after-sales support they're used to receiving from us."

STIHL & KARCHER LAUNCH BATTERY ALLIANCE
With ALLPRO system as the technological foundation

Companies say the aim of the partnership is to offer professional users a "common, high-performance and future-proof battery standard".

Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG and Andreas STIHL AG & Co. KG have announced the launch of a joint battery alliance.

L-R: Michael Traub, chairman of the executive board of STIHL AG and Hartmut Jenner, CEO & chairman of the board of management of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG

The companies say the aim of this strategic partnership is "to offer professional users a common, high-performance and future-proof battery standard".

The alliance is based around the ALLPRO battery system developed by STIHL, which will be used in the professional equipment of both brands in future.

Michael Traub, chairman of the executive board of STIHL AG explained, “Professional users need more than just high-performance tools. They need systems that cover a wide range of tasks, reduce complexity and ensure their investment pays off in the long term. This is exactly where ALLPRO comes in. The partnership with Kärcher expands the scope of our battery system to include further professional applications, thereby creating added value in our customers’ day-to-day work.”

Hartmut Jenner, CEO & chairman of the board of management of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG, added, “Through the synergy between our equipment, we are creating far more than just a technical solution: we are consistently driving forward the electrification of professional applications, thereby securing a decisive competitive advantage for our customers."

Professional users will in future be able to use the same batteries and chargers for both their Kärcher cleaning equipment and their STIHL power tools. STIHL customers will have full compatibility with the existing AP system - and existing AP batteries can also be used with the new Kärcher battery-powered devices. For Kärcher customers, ALLPRO is an entirely new platform. However, Kärcher say they continue to guarantee full service, spare parts and battery availability for existing devices from the previous Battery Universe.

The result, say the two companies, is a working environment for professionals in which they can cover the entire spectrum of daily landscaping, forestry and cleaning tasks with just one battery system. The new batteries will be available from STIHL specialist retailers from 1 August 2026. Kärcher will launch the new batteries and the new tools on 1 January 2027.

In addition to these two companies, numerous other partners - including those specialising in forestry winches, equipment carriers and mobile refuelling systems - will be incorporating the ALLPRO battery system into their equipment. This means that users in the forestry and landscaping sectors, the construction industry, facility management and aid organisations have access to a range of more than 120 devices, all powered by the same battery packs. A charging and energy management system rounds off the offering.

HAMILTON ROSS GROUP TO ACQUIRE AGAIN
Another dealership to be bought

Hamilton Ross Group has announced that it has entered into Heads of Terms to acquire another business with the transaction expected to complete on 30 September 2026.

Hamilton Ross Group has announced that it has entered into Heads of Terms to acquire Henderson Grass Machinery Ltd, with the transaction expected to complete on 30 September 2026, subject to due diligence and the execution of final agreements.

Henderson Grass Machinery is a long-established family-run business based in Haddington. Current owners Alasdair and George Henderson are now looking towards retirement after many years serving customers across the region.

The company says the proposed acquisition forms part of their long-term strategy to strengthen their regional dealer network and further enhance customer support. The addition of Henderson Grass Machinery would expand the Group's groundcare presence, reinforcing its representation of brands including Kubota, Baroness and Honda.

This move follows the developments earlier this year of firstly bringing all their operations together, followed by the acquisition of Ancroft Tractors Ltd.

Following completion, Henderson Grass Machinery will operate as part of Hamilton Ross Group. The Group also plans to consolidate its existing Macmerry operations into the larger Haddington site, creating a stronger presence across the Lothians while maintaining Henderson Grass Machinery's well-established local identity.

The business says that customers can expect continuity throughout the transition, with the same teams continuing to provide sales, service and support, backed by the additional resources and technical expertise of Hamilton Ross Group.

Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Jamie Gardiner, managing director of Hamilton Ross Group, said, "Henderson Grass Machinery is a long-established name with a loyal customer base. Our focus is on giving those customers the parts, technical support and long-term backing that come with being part of a larger group. We look forward to welcoming the Henderson team into Hamilton Ross Group and building on the excellent reputation they have established over many years."

Further updates are promised as the transaction progresses towards completion.

CRAIGIELAW INVESTS IN FLEET
Ahead of championship events

Course Manager Paul Hay, seated, with Reesink Scotland’s Mike Turnbull.

Club has completed a major investment as it prepares to host a series of high-profile events, including Open Regional Qualifying and the R&A Girls' Amateur Championship.

Craigielaw Golf Club has completed a major investment in a new Toro turfcare fleet as it prepares to host a series of high-profile events, including Open Regional Qualifying and the R&A Girls' Amateur Championship.

Course manager Paul Hay, seated, with Reesink Scotland’s Mike Turnbull.

Following a 16-month review process, the East Lothian links has moved to an exclusively Toro fleet supplied by Reesink Turfcare. The new machinery includes Reelmaster fairway mowers, a Greensmaster 3420 and a range of utility vehicles, supported by the supplier's ReeAssure Gold servicing package.

Course manager Paul Hay said the investment reflects the club's commitment to maintaining championship-quality playing conditions as visitor numbers and tournament commitments continue to grow. He highlighted the manoeuvrability of the Reelmaster 3575-D and the Sidewinder technology on the Reelmaster 3100-D, which he said has improved the quality of bunker edging and overall course presentation.

The club has also opted for Reesink's fixed-cost maintenance package, providing scheduled servicing, proactive maintenance and support to help minimise downtime during a busy competition calendar. Greenkeeping staff have also received on-site training to support operation and day-to-day maintenance of the new fleet.

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