After what I would consider a very mild winter and an exceptionally balmy February, we are now moving into a very busy March for both gardeners and groundsmen.

That recent spell of warm weather will have initiated a flush of growth with many spring flowering shrubs and trees coming into flower along with the need to start mowing your lawns.

As for cricket grounds it signals the start of a very busy year! Particularly for the professional County Cricket guys who will be hosting a number of International matches with the ICC Cricket World Cup and Ashes being hosted in the UK this year.

Starting with a one day, series match with England v Pakistan at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on May 5th, followed by another 22 games with the last one being England V Australia at the KIA Oval London on the 12th September, there is certainly a very busy schedule this summer. See full listings here.

March / early April is one of the busiest periods for groundsmen. With pitch preparation and outfields to maintain, time management is vitally important. Many of you will be under pressure to get your facilities up to speed ready for the start of the season.

Priority will be focussed on your pre-season rolling programme. The length and time you spend on this work will be dependent on several factors. These include the window of opportunity you have - which is principally dependant on the weather - what soils you have plus what the condition they are in (they need to be in a drying state) and more importantly what size rollers you have available.

Other work to be getting on with will include some sorrel rolling to keep the surface open (remember to keep an eye out for disease and worms). Brushing or swishing of the square is a must to help reduce the incidence of both a disease outbreak and help disperse any unsightly worm casts.

The square now needs to be ‘squared off’ as well as locating each pitch to be used. A light Vert- cut or scarification of the square to remove lateral growth whilst mowing the square regularly will increase sward density. Fertilising the square with low nitrogen, higher potassium feed will harden the sward. Carry out renovations and overseed any remaining bare areas.

Pitch preparations should be started following the 10-12 day guidelines. Outfields will also need some attention to detail with a light harrow, aerating, top dressing and mowing @ 15-18mm. Re-commission your irrigation systems (if you have one) and check you have not had any frost damage. Keep records of work carried out such as, core samples, fertilising, mowing & rolling. Last but not least, don’t forget your boundary line!

With March being dry with higher temperatures, the use of covers is extremely helpful in the preparation. The ability to control the drying out of the soil profile is essential in the production of good wickets. However, there is a considerable skill in using covers, knowing when and how long to keep them on. Ideally having access to either flat or raised roll on roll off covers enables you to have greater scope in controlling the needs of your square. Flat sheet covers are usually used at the start of pitch preparations to control the moisture in the pitch during your early rolling, whilst the raised covers are used primarily for drying out the pitch before play.

Wicket Preparations

The 10-12 day prep shown below is only a guide; most turf professionals will have their own interpretation of these activities:

• DAY 1 String out pitch lines to ensure correct width, 10 ft; Mow out @ 8mm. Always double mow (up and down the same line), using an 8 bladed pedestrian cylinder mower for maintaining the square. Test the pitch with a key or knife for moisture. Water the pitch thoroughly in the event that the pitch has dried out through pre-season rolling.
• DAY 2 Brush / light rake, mow @ 8 mm, light roll to consolidate surface levels.
• DAY 3 Scarify or verti cut to remove lateral growth and surface thatch avoiding deep surface disturbance. Mow @ 7 mm. Remove biomass, continue medium light rolling 1000 kg 10-15 minutes.
• DAY 4 Test for moisture. Roll pitch increasing to consolidating surface with 1000 kg roller if available.
• DAY 5 Scarify with hand rake to remove any thatch build up Set & mow @ 6 mm. roll.
• DAY 6 Mow, roll 20-30 minutes.
• DAY 7 DAY OFF
• DAY 8 Light scarify by hand, mow @ 6 mm, increase weight of roller to 1500- 1700 kg continue rolling 30 minutes reducing speed to consolidate surface. Test for consolidation with key or knife for placidity.
• DAY 9 Continue to mow and rolling at slow speed to achieve consolidation. Cover pitch over night to encourage moisture to rise to surface.
• DAY 10 Brush / rake lifting any lateral grasses, reduce mower (with a shaver blade) to 4mm, try to avoid scalping. Roll using heavy roller slow speed (crawling) morning & again late afternoon where possible. Cover pitch over night.
• DAY 11 Brush & mow pitch, roll morning and afternoon slow as possible (crawling).
• DAY 12 Brush, mow & roll to polish surface, test bounce with an old ball along edge of pitch. Continue rolling to consolidate surface. Cover pitch over night.
• DAY 13 Brush, mow & roll polish up pitch. Your pitch should effectively have taken on a straw like coloration, a sign that the preparation has been achieved. String and mark out as in accordance to E.C.B guildlines.

The purpose of rolling is to squeeze any remaining air out of the pore spaces and to consolidate the surface up to 100mm. Rolling is best performed when there is sufficient moisture in the pitch before the ground dries out. In the event of drought, syringing is advisable to assist keying the surface and helps polish the pitch.

I am sure, we all will be entertained by this year’s feast of international cricket matches. I would like to take the opportunity to wish the county Test groundmen all the best. I am sure it’s going to be a long hard season for you all.

And finally, I would just like to mention that this year Cricket World have resurrected the Cricket Groundcare awards 2019. There will be seven award categories and the judging process will take into account the quality of the playing surface, general upkeep of the ground, longevity of service, an 'against all odds' and an overall Groundcare person of the Year. The winners will be invited to a special presentation at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

All you have to do to nominate your groundcare staff or individuals is to fill in the form online and it will go forward to the judging process. 

Royal Reesink, the parent company of Reesink Turfcare, has formed a partnership with Vincent Achten to create TurfTroniq, a company that will develop and deliver the technology for automated steering of Toro mowers to the UK and Ireland.

Roon Hylkema of Reesink Turfcare B.V. on the right with Vincent Achten, representing TurfTroniq, the company developing automated steering technology for Toro mowers

The collaboration with Vincent, who has more than a decade of experience in robotising mowers, is in response to customer interest for automated steering for Toro.

TurfTroniq has developed two types of system, both have been supplied to customers in Europe and ongoing trials continue: the Assisted Mowing System (AMS) is an advanced mowing aid and the Robotic Mowing System (RMS) is a fully automatic system which enables the machine to mow independently.

David Cole, managing director of Reesink Turfcare UK, said, “We’ve watched with interest the progress of this technology so far and it’s ever-evolving. TurfTroniq has developed a real understanding for where GPS control technology is, how it works and what needs to happen to deliver a reliable, safe and quality product to our customers.”

AMS automatically lowers the mower units and follows the pre-programmed mowing lines. All the operator has to do is turn the machine in front of the cutting line and the system takes over. There are several potential benefits to this approach, says David, predominantly that it can be used for training operators and eliminating ‘fairway creep’, raising the standard of the operator, their productivity and enhancing course presentation.

“AMS can be set-up by an experienced operator for a junior member of the team to complete the mowing to an extremely high standard,” David explains. “It gives the operator mowing experience, allows for machine familiarisation and helps with training. The skills of the more experienced operator can then be redeployed to more challenging and technical work rather than time consuming wide area mowing. And because the machine can follow exactly the same route each time, it eliminates ‘fairway creep’ and ensures the definition of the fairway remains the same cut after cut.”

The RMS meanwhile is a fully automatic system to enable the machine to mow independently using 3D camera technology to quickly detect obstacles in its path. David says: “This is a technology some of our customers tell us they are interested in and want to understand more about in terms of its potential place within their own particular maintenance regimes. With a focus on increased productivity through minimal overlap and repetitive mowing results, there’s no doubt a role for it in the turfcare maintenance of tomorrow. We look forward to engaging with customer opinion to understand further what place this emerging technology has for them in a practical sense and that’s where TurfTroniq is right now.”

Over the past several years, the systems have been installed on Toro fairway mowers and have been extensively tested and, according to TurfTroniq, proved to be very reliable. Systems are working in the field and continue to undergo rigorous testing in daily maintenance operations. Both systems are easy to use, and the progress of the machines can be monitored live with any smartphone.

This collaboration to develop GPS mowing technology for Toro mowers with Vincent’s experience supported by Reesink’s distribution network for the UK and Ireland, will ensure that Toro customers will soon be able to benefit from assisted and automated steering.

Roon Hylkema, director of Royal Reesink B.V, concludes:” The market is ready for this innovative technology and we are delighted to be able to make it available in the UK and Ireland.”

Aitkens has strengthened a three-generation relationship with BIGGA by being announced as their latest Education Supporter.

BIGGA's Gavin Rees and Richard Aitken Jnr

Established as Richard Aitken (Seedsmen) in 1963, Aitkens supplies the sportsturf and landscaping industry, with depots in Glasgow and Yorkshire.

The company’s portfolio includes over 900 products and Aitkens is also a main distributor for companies such as ICL, Vitax, Barclays, Bayer, Terralift and Rufford.

BIGGA Education Supporters help the association to provide its members and those in the wider greenkeeping industry with educational opportunities throughout the UK. Better education opportunities help to raise the standards of golf greenkeepers and the courses they manage, creating a more successful and vibrant golf industry.

Richard Aitken Jnr is the third generation of his family to have been involved with the business and said: “We have a relationship with BIGGA going back many years. My grandfather was actually involved with setting up the Scottish & International Golf Greenkeepers Association, which was one of the organisations that evolved to become BIGGA. We’ve been involved with BTME at Harrogate each year, only missing the very first event and we’re also really involved with BIGGA’s local Sections around the country.

“I’m really pleased to have signed this contract to become a BIGGA Education Supporter and we’re really looking forward to developing our relationship with BIGGA and its members even more in future.”

Lauren Frazer, Business Development Manager at BIGGA, said: “We’re delighted that Aitkens has made the decision to become a BIGGA Education Supporter as this allows us to formally recognise the incredible dedication they have shown to the industry, stretching back to before BIGGA itself came in to being.”

The latest Toro fleet, which includes greens, tees, fairways and rough mowers as well as utility vehicles, for Celtic Manor marks a relationship spanning a quarter of a century.

Jim McKenzie MBE, director of golf courses and estates management at Celtic Manor, left, shakes on a 25 year relationship with Reesink’s Trevor Chard.

Director of golf courses and estates management, Jim McKenzie MBE, said, “We originally chose Toro in 1993 because it was the only machinery manufacturer that could deliver us a full fleet of machines, or the closest to it anyway. That sums Toro up, it has always led the way and been market innovators, and that’s why the relationship has lasted.”

Machinery was replaced as and when, but in the main every three years from 1993 to 2008 when Jim decided it was time to agree to a five-year partnership agreement.

“Toro and Lely, as Reesink was then, were our preferred suppliers for many years. And the timing was right to formalize the deal in 2008 with us hosting the Ryder Cup in 2010, to have the back up and support that being in such an agreement brings as we took on one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

“Our Toro fleet is as complete as it’s possible to be. We have literally hundreds of bits of kit. And the reason for that is because Toro holds its value and ages well. Toro is part of our image. They look good for many years, and as a result we tend not to sell on the older machines as we replace them. They continue working on estate developments and with the gardening team.”

And at Celtic Manor there’s always something over and above the usual to be getting on with. Whether that’s the redevelopment of all the courses, preparation for The Open and the Ryder Cup, or coming up soon assisting in the planting of thousands of trees around the £4.5 million International Convention Centre Wales which is currently under construction. As Jim says: “We had pretty much every bit of machinery involved in the redevelopment of the courses and the events, and the Workman in particular will be stepping up to the plate when it comes to the woodland management for the ICC. They’re so dinky and can get to all the places a tractor can’t.”

But it’s not just the machinery that counts, Jim says the partnership with Reesink and local dealer Ted Hopkins, is just as important: “There’s always been a really good synergy between us, Ted Hopkins, Reesink/Lely. It just works and has done so for 25 years!”

Etesia UK, the exclusive distributor of Pellenc battery-powered equipment in the UK and Ireland, has announced Sharrocks as a new Pellenc dealer.

Current Etesia dealer Sharrocks, a family owned business who specialise in the supply of machinery for agriculture, grass care and other land management requirements, will now be distributing Pellenc battery powered equipment to the areas of Birmingham, Shropshire, Staffordshire, South Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Sharrocks managing director James Sharrock says he is delighted with the new dealer agreement and believes that Pellenc equipment could well be the future.

“We are taking Pellenc on-board for the first ever time and I’m really excited about it,” he said. “We have been trialling the Pellenc products and have evaluated them over three months and for us it is the future of electric powered commercial equipment. They are astounding products and they complement the Etesia products so well.”

The complete range of Pellenc equipment is now available for both hire and purchase from Sharrocks, who will also take on responsibility for all parts, servicing and warranty for current users.

The Toro Co. have reported net earnings of $59.5 million, or $0.55 per share, on a net sales increase of 10 percent to $603 million for its first quarter ended February 1, 2019.

In the comparable fiscal 2018 period, the company delivered net earnings of $22.6 million, or $0.21 per share, on net sales of $548.2 million.

Adjusted 2019 first quarter net earnings were $55.2 million, or $0.51 per share, compared to adjusted net earnings of $52.1 million, or $0.48 per share in the comparable 2018 period, an increase of 6.3 percent, including $0.03 of acquisition related expenses in the quarter.

"Our professional businesses delivered another good quarter, led by strength in landscape contractor sales, increased golf and grounds channel demand, and positive momentum in our BOSS business,” said Richard M. Olson, Toro’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“New products were again the key to success, as customers responded favorably to the latest lineup of our Exmark, Lazer, and Radius zero-turn riding mowers, and the BOSS Stainless Steel XT V-Plow, which offers enhanced productivity and maneuverability for operators. Recent snow events in key regions also helped bolster sales of both professional and residential snow and ice management products in the quarter."

ICL has announced the launch of two new additions to its range of SierrablenPlus fertilizers.

The new products - 'Renovator' 11-11-5 + 4CaO + 8MgO and 'Turf Starter' 5-28-0 + 16MgO both contain Pearl Technology, which the company says has been proven to greatly enhance root development.

The mini-granular range of SierrablenPlus fertilisers have for many years been a popular choice for those looking to achieve even coverage at low rates for their sports or amenity turf. This is due to the micro-granular formulation containing Poly-S and resin-coated PACE technology with conventional nitrogen sources to provide long-term nutrient release patterns.

Depending on the requirement, the company says there are a wide range of solutions in the SierrablenPlus range to support healthy turf growth though the season. The latest products to be added to the portfolio, Renovator and Turf Starter, have been specifically added they say, because of their ability to greatly enhance root development due to the inclusion of Pearl Technology.

Pearl Technology blends a unique, recycled, slow-release phosphorus into these 2 new analyses to provide significantly increased rooting and more efficient nutrient use over traditional phosphorus sources.

ICL say following testing, data has revealed significantly increased rooting when SierrablenPlus with Pearl Technology is used as part of a seedbed preparation and during turf-laying. Furthermore, there was a 2.5 x increase in rooting when compared to another existing high-performing product.

Key features

• Controlled-release Poly-S nitrogen with 3+ month longevity for strong turf response.
• Root-activated Pearl® Technology, slow-release phosphorus for increased rooting.
• Contains Polyhalite with K, CaO and MgO.
• Includes recycled nutrients N, P and MgO.
• Earlier harvest time demonstrated when used for turf production.

Running GreenMech woodchippers since 1999, Powerline Services MLJ Ltd and Director Ben Jones have recently taken delivery of their latest additions, two ArbTrak 150’s.

A loyal customer to the tracked units since GreenMech launched their first model in 2003, they say the new machines on their fleet traverse all terrains reducing transport time and increasing productivity.

Herefordshire based Powerline Services offer safe, effective and efficient removal of trees and vegetation from powerlines - serving as a sub-contractor on the Scottish and Southern Energy, National Grid and Western Power contracts.

“Our woodchippers are our core piece of machinery,” explains Ben, “and for the majority of sites we’re operating on, the work calls for a tracked chipper. We’ve always had tracked units from GreenMech but as requirements and the type of materials we’re handling change, we’re constantly reviewing that our fleet is fit for purpose.”

So impressed with the Arborist 150 road-tow chipper already on the fleet, the delivery of the two ArbTrak 150’s from Tallis Amos at the end of 2018 came without the need for a demonstration.

“The ArbTrak 150’s are a perfect size to handle the brashy material that makes up a large percentage of our projects. We can quickly and conveniently track them to the area of work meaning no time is spent transporting material to the chipper, therefore improving efficiency for my teams.”

Not only are Ben and his teams on the road hugely impressed with the quality and performance of the woodchippers, they’re also reassured by the after-sales service. “In my opinion the back-up support from GreenMech is unbeatable, and when you’ve got contracts to deliver on, that’s invaluable.”

Germinal has launched an organic based phased-release fertiliser which they say provides up to five months’ worth of nutrients and trace elements from a single application at a 'budget-friendly' price point.

GSR Tri-Phase is an 18-3.5-8 NPK fertiliser which also supplies one unit of MgO plus trace elements including copper, zinc, boron, manganese and molybdenum.

Recommended by the company for use on all fine grass swards including golf greens, tees and fairways, sports pitches and all amenity areas, GSR Tri-Phase’s mini-granular (1-2mm) formulation delivers a consistent supply of nitrogen and potash over a period of 16-20 weeks.

Richard Brown, Germinal Amenity sales manager said, “We recognise that, for many landscapers, local authorities and golf, rugby and football clubs, grass and groundcare budgets can be very tight. We have therefore developed our own phased-release fertiliser which is as good as anything else on the market but at a more affordable price. It can be used either as a base feed as part of a wider fertiliser programme, or, where budgets are severely restricted, as a standalone, single application product.”

GSR Tri-Phase contains three forms of nitrogen to provide three phases of nutrient release into the rootzone: an initial hit of quick release nitrogen gives way to methylene urea which is subsequently followed by a final release of organic based nitrogen. In addition, potash is also released slowly throughout the growing season to regulate water uptake and to ensure nutrients and trace elements remain mobile and available for uptake.

“This not only reduces plant stress throughout the growing season, but also enhances the sward’s ability to withstand drought conditions,” Richard adds. “A single application of 25-35g/m2 in the spring - typically in late March or early April - will instigate good early season growth and recovery and provide the necessary nutrients required by high performance grass swards for the majority of the growing season and certainly through until August or September. During this time GSR Tri-Phase will release a slow and steady supply of available nitrogen ensuring a consistent rate of grass growth with no intense bursts of activity.”

Avington Park Golf Course near Winchester has earned its reputation for the quality of its greens and friendly atmosphere.

We are looking for a qualified individual to bring their experience and skills to further improve all aspects of the course. The individual will be overseeing and working with one assistant and will be involved in all areas of course maintenance.

Avington is a Proprietary course with around 250 members and a thriving visitor market.

If you would like to be an important part of a small team on this quality 9 hole parkland course then please send your cv to Robert.stent@avingtongolf.co.uk

www.avingtongolf.co.uk

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?

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