The ability to aerate sports turf surfaces has never been easier due to the extensive array of decompaction and aeration machinery we now have at our disposal. Yet there still seems to be a misconception by many who fail to invest in this much needed operation. 

There are several key tasks we need to do to ensure our turf remains healthy and fit for purpose. Those are generally mowing, feeding, weeding, aerating and watering. Out of these five key tasks the one operation that rarely gets done, particularly at grass roots sports clubs, is regular aeration of the pitch.

Weidenmann Terra Spike 

The reasons for this can be down to several reasons. In general it could be on cost or not having the appropriate machinery in the shed or perhaps not understanding the benefits of regular aeration work.

There are several reasons why we need to aerate sports surfaces, with the main one being compaction largely caused by usage - i.e people running around on the pitch and sometimes when using heavy machinery.  

Soil compaction in sports turf refers to the process by which the soil particles in the turf are pressed together more closely, resulting in reduced pore space between the particles. This compression of the soil can lead to several issues that can negatively impact the health and performance of the sports turf. 

SISIS solid tine outfield spiker 

When soil becomes compacted, it becomes denser, which reduces the amount of air and water that can infiltrate the soil. This can lead to poor drainage and increased surface runoff, making the turf more susceptible to waterlogging and reducing its ability to withstand heavy rainfall. Additionally, compacted soil has limited air spaces, leading to poor aeration, which is crucial for healthy root growth and overall turf health.

In sports turf, such as football fields, golf courses, and other playing surfaces, soil compaction is a common problem. If left unadressed, soil compaction can result in a hard, unyielding surface that is less forgiving to athletes, increasing the risk of injuries.

Aeration is a critical practice in sports turf management that involves perforating the soil with holes to improve air, water, and nutrient movement within the root zone. This process is essential for maintaining healthy and high-quality sports turf, and its importance can be understood through the following key points:

• Aeration facilitates better enhanced oxygen supply and air circulation in the soil, allowing oxygen to penetrate the root zone. Oxygen is vital for root respiration and aerobic microbial activity. Healthy roots require oxygen to function optimally, and aeration prevents soil compaction, which can suffocate roots by reducing the availability of oxygen.
• By creating channels for water to move freely into the soil profile, aeration helps prevent surface waterlogging and compaction. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing waterlogged conditions that could lead to root diseases and turf decline. It also ensures that sports turf can recover faster after heavy rain or irrigation.
• Aeration also promotes nutrient movement in the soil, making essential elements more accessible to the turf's root system. When nutrients can easily reach the roots, the turf can absorb them more effectively, leading to improved growth, colour and overall health.
• Aeration also helps manage thatch by breaking it up and incorporating it into the soil, allowing beneficial microbes to break it down further. Excessive thatch can hinder water infiltration and nutrient absorption, making aeration an important tool for maintaining a healthy playing surface.
• Overall, aeration is a fundamental practice in sports turf management that directly impacts the health, playability, and longevity of the playing surface. Regular and well-timed aeration helps maintain sports fields in optimal condition, ensuring safe and high-performance playing surfaces for athletes.

Machinery usage

As for machinery we now have a plethora of aeration equipment available, both tractor mounted or pedestrian. 

A typical programme of aeration for a natural grass football / rugby pitch would see regular spiking of the pitch using tractor mounted outfield spikers fitted with either knife or solid tines. These would be used on a regular basis used after games, or monthly depending on ground conditions. The idea of using these is to keep the surface open. Generally these tines just penetrate the surface down to around 150mm if conditions allow. 

SISIS Quadraplay 

In recent years clubs have been investing in the SISIS Quadraplay, a four in one tool that helps rejuvenate pitches after use, usually fitted with a set of spring tines, solid star tine, brush and roller.

It would then be beneficial to use either a Vertidrain / linear aeration machine that can penetrate to a greater depth of around 200mm once or twice a year depending on needs. Usually we Vertidrain the pitch during the renovation period in May and then perhaps do another pass in October /  November to help the pitch cope during the winter months.

We have also seen the introduction of compressed air aeration systems, notably the Air2g2, Terrain Aeration’s equipment and the SISIS Javilin which are generally used to help break up severe compaction problems. They achieve this by blowing a shot of compressed air at depth which helps break up any compacted soil layers. 

Air2g2 decompacting greens approach areas 

The cost of hiring a Vertidrain / linear tractor mounted aerator is around £450-£500 per pitch depending on transport distances, the price may come down if you have more than one pitch to do.

As for purchasing a Vertidrain type machine they would cost in the region of £25,000 and you would need a decent size tractor to pull it. 

There is currently some funds available for clubs to buy machinery. The GMA have been instrumental in initiating this opportunity via their Grounds Management Framework and the use of the Pitch Power app.

Laurence Gale, editor of TurfPro, will be part of the line-up of expert keynote speakers at the upcoming Landscape 2023 trade show.

TurfPro editor, Laurence Gale

Loz says, "I will offering tips on lawn maintenance as well as general advice on weeds, pests and diseases in lawns. I'll also be sharing some thoughts on different mowing regimes.

"It'll be great to say hello to as many TurfPro readers as possible who come along."

Organisers of the Landscape show say they have an inspiring line up of over 100 keynote speakers this year. They say they are well-known for their extensive educational events and promise that this year’s edition will deliver "exceptional content from renowned experts and thought leaders".  

The event takes place in Hall 3 at the NEC, Birmingham on the 27th & 28th of September. 

With over 80 percent of floor space taken at SALTEX 2023, and available space up by 20 percent compared to the 2022 show, organisers are promising more exhibitors in one place than ever before and one of their biggest shows yet.

Sarah Cunningham, director of commercial and events at the Grounds Management Association, SALTEX event organisers, says, “Exhibitors are the heart of any show and SALTEX has always attracted a good mix of new and returning, young and established, small and big companies. 

“The reason for that is, they know the visitors will come. And yes, the quantity will be there as it always is, over 8000 visitors last year, but the quality is too. Research has proved that the decision makers attend.”

Two of the latest new exhibitor signings for example, are from overseas. Joining over 20 international exhibitors already signed up to the show, Grupo Sanz is a Spanish-based power tool distributor whilst Monty Miracle meanwhile, sells a patented cleaning product for outdoor spaces.

SALTEX takes place at Birmingham NEC on 1-2 November 2023. 

Iseki UK and Ireland has announced that Euromec has officially joined their network as one of their latest dealers.

Based in Market Harborough, the dealership has already showcased the manufacturer's range of mowers and tractors on their website.

A spokesperson for Iseki said of the partnership with Euromec, "Together, we are committed to providing our customers with unmatched quality and reliability."

Writing on LinkedIn, Annie Povilionis, sales coordinator at Euromec said, " We are very much looking forward to working with all the team Iseki UK & Ireland. We are already off to a great start!"

Higher Wiscombe farm and holiday cottages say a new Etesia Attila 98X ride-on brushcutter is helping them live up to their glowing reputation. 

Higher Wiscombe is a 52-acre farm with a cluster of four holiday cottages in its centre. It is located in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is close to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the South West Coast Path. 

Alistair and Lorna Handyside are the owners of Higher Wiscombe and they work tirelessly to maintain their award-winning five-star gold cottages. The land and green spaces are equally as important as the accommodation, and no stone is left unturned when it comes to maintaining them.

“In order to make the setting as beautiful as possible, we mow approximately 4 to 6 acres each week, which is about 16 hours of mowing,” said Alistair.

 “We bought a third hand Etesia sixteen years ago and it's always been so reliable,” said Alistair. “It was mainly due to it being so good that I wanted to keep with Etesia and the Attila 98X absolutely appealed for the amount of work that we have to do every week.”

Alistair explained their mowing regime, saying, “There are three types of mowing we carry out. One is the paths around the edges of the field, so that our guests can easily see the perimeter and take their dogs for a walk. The second areas are the pasture which we try and keep tidy. The third area is all about brush clearance, which we do twice a year. We'll go in and make sure the brush hasn't intruded into the field boundaries or we’ll use it to clear an area for some replanting. 

Alistair purchased his new Etesia 98X through Andrew Symons and was quick to praise the support he has received from the Etesia dealer. 

“I’ve had a fantastic service from the team there,” he said. “They're going to come and collect it when it needs servicing, and I can't fault the support we've had from them at all.”

A 41-strong team of John Deere employees has completed its 1,000-Mile Challenge in style, smashing through its distance and fundraising targets in the process. 

The 41-strong John Deere team which completed the 1,000-mile challenge

The group took on the Peak District Ultra Challenge on Saturday 8 July, choosing to navigate either 50km in 24 hours, or 100km in 34 hours. In doing so, team John Deere managed to collectively cover more than 1,400 miles. 

Generous sponsorship has seen more than £11,500 pledged to Cancer Research UK in the process. 

“Cancer Research UK does really important work which touches the lives of so many, and it is our chosen charity for 2023,” said Chris Meacock, John Deere division sales manager for Golf and Turf.
 
“We wanted to find something to suit varying fitness levels to encourage more participation, in turn helping to raise as much money as possible. We achieved both and a highly enthused team set about the challenge.”

Five brave souls completed 100km with 36 covering 50km, and collectively the team far exceeded the 1,000-miles target.

Some of the team completed the 100km course

“It was not easy, but the team was spurred on by the cause,” Chris said. “The event organisation was superb, and our team was looked after fabulously, with food, water, and feet patched up as required. 

“From the company’s point of view the challenge has generated fantastic positive energy and strengthened relationships. The whole team is delighted to have completed the distance and raised a huge amount of money for a thoroughly worthwhile charity.” 

Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/johndeere1000milechallenge

Envu UK, a global leader in providing innovative solutions to turf disease and weeds, announces the launch of Harmonix® Turf Defense a revolutionary bio-control fungicide, for the natural control of disease in managed amenity turf.  

The first registered biological product of its kind, Harmonix Turf Defense answers the call from greenkeepers for sustainable options following synthetic product withdrawals and a growing desire to manage turf in line with environmental aspirations. Perfect for the treatment of Microdochium Patch, Dollar Spot, Anthracnose and Brown Patch, Harmonix Turf Defense offers a versatile and effective solution against disease, whether as a direct replacement for synthetic products, or as part of a wider integrated approach. 

These lipopeptide compounds (Iturins, that inhibit fungal spore germination, Agrastatins that destroy growing mycelia, and, Surfactins that synergise with Agrastatins and Iturins for membrane disruption) are produced during the manufacturing process and are present in the finished product for instant activity when ready to spray. 

“Expectations for turf are shifting alongside environmental concerns, and with the end of synthetic products in sight, we are at the dawn of a new age in grass care. Biologicals are the future of turf disease management. Re-shaping turf management strategy is key and multi-site products like Harmonix Turf Defense offer a more economical and sustainable pathway as, longer-term, pathogens are less likely to become resistant to natural, biological formulations. We have already achieved an impressive guaranteed efficacy level for a biological product with Harmonix Turf Defense and as a company we are committed to further R&D in this area,” explains Phil Logan, National Account Manager, Envu UK & Ireland.

As a natural Bio-control turf fungicide, Harmonix Turf Defense uses the power of a unique patented strain of bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. This works in direct contact with the disease, using three active biological compounds from natural lipopeptides produced during fermentation.

These lipopeptide compounds (Iturins, that inhibit fungal spore germination, Agrastatins that destroy growing mycelia, and, Surfactins that synergise with Agrastatins and Iturins for membrane disruption) are produced during the manufacturing process and are present in the finished product for instant activity when ready to spray.  

 
In addition, the Bacillus naturally activates the grass's defense genes and forms a protective biofilm at the roots. Envu has used its formulation expertise to further boost the active Bacillus in Harmonix Turf Defense with naturally formulated adjuvants and wetting agents to optimise leaf coverage, significantly reducing residues and improving overall efficacy, giving greenkeepers an effective and sustainable solution.

For additional information on Harmonix Turf Defense, visit https://www.uk.envu.com/turf-management/harmonix-turf-defense

RAIN STOPPED PLAY

EDUCATION IN SPORTS TURF

by guest editor, David Roberts

SPORTING (SURFACES) PROWESS

WATER SHORTAGES

CRICKET ON THE UP

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS

by guest editor, Andrew Turnbull 

BIODIVERSITY IN PARKS

DROUGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL

MAY BE BUSY

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
by guest editor Angus Macleod

TURF HARVEST FESTIVAL

FEEDING TIME

TIME TO GET TOUGH

STAY CURIOUS!
by guest editor, Alex Vickers

A TRANSISTIONAL MONTH

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

View all of 2022's blogs here

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

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?

This week I am keen to talk about a specific ornamental tree that during the last 30 years has become a popular choice in many parks and large gardens.

The Tulip Tree, scientifically known as Liriodendron tulipifera, is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern part of North America. It is also commonly referred to as yellow poplar, tulip poplar, or tulip magnolia, although it is not closely related to the true magnolias.

Liriodendron, or Tulip Tree is quite unique, named after its distinctive flowers that appear each summer in a rich yellow and green colour with a contrasting orange base. It is a fast growing tree, ideal for large gardens and open spaces.

Its common name, Tulip ree refers to the small, pale green tulip-shaped flowers which only appear on mature trees, usually over ten years old.

When young, the Liriodendron will form a conical shape however as it matures it will form a broad, oval canopy.

A further attraction to this tree is the foliage, dark green shade during the summer months, it has an unusual leaf shape, and it is these leaves which take on attractive buttery yellow tones prior to leaf fall in autumn.

The Tulip Tree is also a fantastic choice for urban areas thanks to the trees robust nature and amazing  tolerance of pollution, making it a popular choice for towns and cities.

 
Here are some key characteristics of the Tulip Tree:

• Size and Appearance: Tulip trees are known for their impressive size, often reaching heights of 70 to 90 feet (21 to 27 meters) or more. In favourable conditions, they can even grow over 100 feet (30 meters) tall. The trunk is typically straight and can have a diameter of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters). The tree has a pyramidal or columnar shape when young, but it becomes more broad and rounded with age. The distinctive leaves are four-lobed and resemble tulip flowers, hence the common name.
• Leaves: The leaves of the tulip tree are large, measuring around 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) long. They have a unique shape with four lobes that create a distinctive tulip-like silhouette. The leaves are bright green and have a smooth texture. In the fall, they turn yellow or golden, adding to the tree's visual appeal.
• Flowers: Tulip trees produce beautiful, tulip-shaped flowers in the late spring to early summer, typically in May or June, depending on the region. The flowers are yellow-green with orange markings inside. While they are visually striking, they are located high up in the tree canopy and may be difficult to see from the ground.
• Fruits: After the flowers, tulip trees develop cone-like fruits composed of dry, winged seeds. These structures are often referred to as samaras or "tulip tree cones." Each cone contains numerous seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
• Uses: Tulip trees have been valued for their wood, which is lightweight, easily worked, and resistant to decay. The wood is commonly used in cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments, and veneer. Additionally, the tree provides significant ecological benefits by supporting various wildlife species and acting as a valuable source of nectar for bees.

Tulip trees are often planted as ornamental trees in parks, gardens, and larger landscapes due to their majestic stature, attractive foliage, and showy flowers. Their rapid growth rate also makes them popular for providing quick shade.

As for costs depending on the size of plant being sold generally starting at around  £30 for a small 3ft size specimen in most garden centres.-