The weather this past couple of weeks in terms of soil and air temperatures, plus rainfall, has been dramatic to say the least.

Scotland recorded some of the heaviest rains for many a year, with over 100mm of rain falling in one day. Meanwhile, many other parts of the country experienced above average air temperatures at around 23 degrees (see Mark Hunt's interesting Weather Blog).

This spate of mild weather has encouraged a late flourish of growth, with many lawns and sports facilities needing  some additional mowing to keep on top of this autumn growth.

This spell of good weather has also helped many turf professionals and club volunteers get on with their end of season renovations, safe in the knowledge that these warm temperatures will help germinate the new seed they have put down. It certainly is a busy time for bowls and cricket clubs.

 
As mentioned in my previous blogs, do not skimp on what needs to be done. End of season renovations are a key maintenance task to ensure the playing surface is rejuvenated ready for next year’s play. We now have many quality machines to help us undertake this work. Here are some of my previous end of season renovation articles:

• AUTUMN BECKONS
• AERATION IS KEY
• PLANNING CRICKET RENOVATIONS

Leaf litter

Over the next few weeks, we will start to see a dramatic increase in leaf litter with many deciduous trees shedding their leaves during October and November. 

Trees lose their leaves in the autumn as part of a natural process called "leaf abscission." This process is primarily influenced by changes in environmental conditions, particularly the decreasing amount of daylight and cooler temperatures that occur during the autumn season.

The process of leaf abscission is controlled by hormonal changes within the tree. The hormone auxin, which promotes leaf growth, decreases in concentration as daylight hours shorten. This change triggers the formation of an abscission layer at the base of each leaf petiole (stem). This layer eventually severs the connection between the leaf and the tree.

Overall, the shedding of leaves in autumn is a survival strategy that allows trees to conserve resources, protect themselves from harsh winter conditions, and prepare for a period of dormancy. This process is part of the natural cycle of deciduous trees, which lose their leaves annually and regrow them in the spring when conditions become more favourable.

In the past, the clearing up of leaves was a labour-intensive task. However, we now have a wide range of leaf vacuums and blowers that make the job so much easier. Over the next couple of months, I will be trailing a number of leaf blowers. I recently acquired an EGO LBP8000E backpack leaf blower and I am now waiting for leaves to fall so I can give it a good test.  

By late November all leaves should have fallen, and then we will be entering the tree planting season (November-March ). Planting during this period offers several benefits:

Root Growth: During the dormant season, trees focus on root development rather than top growth. Planting during this time allows the tree to establish a strong root system before the hot and dry conditions of summer arrive. This can result in healthier and more robust trees. 

Reduced Stress: Trees experience less stress when planted in cooler temperatures. High temperatures and direct sunlight can cause water loss through transpiration, which can be detrimental to newly planted trees. Planting in cooler months reduces this stress.

Adequate Moisture: Winter and early spring often bring more rainfall, providing natural irrigation for newly planted trees. This helps them establish themselves without the need for excessive watering, reducing the risk of overwatering or drought stress.

Fewer Pests and Diseases: Many pests and diseases that affect trees are less active during the winter months. Planting in the late fall or early spring can reduce the likelihood of these issues.

Cost Savings: Nurseries and garden centers often have sales or discounts on trees during the off-season, making it more cost-effective to purchase and plant trees during this time.

Due to the combination of reduced stress, adequate moisture, and favourable weather conditions, trees planted during the dormant season tend to have a higher survival rate compared to those planted during the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

However, it's essential to consider local climate and weather conditions when deciding the best time for tree planting. In some regions, winter planting may not be suitable if the ground is frozen, while in others, late autumn and early spring may be ideal. Additionally, proper tree selection, planting techniques, and aftercare are critical for successful tree establishment, regardless of the planting season.

Se my previous blog - THE VALUE OF TREES.

TurfPro owner, Duncan Murrary-Clarke, has featured on a recent episode of the Rural Business Focus podcast, talking about The Ad Plain's journey to becoming B Corp certified.

Duncan Murray-Clarke

Duncan talks to the host, journalist Ben Eagle, about what B Corp is and what it means for the business. He explains the hard work, long process and expense of achieving the certification, but says, "Ultimately, having gone through the whole process, it has been thoroughly rewarding."

You can listen to the whole podcast here - and read more about TAP's B Corp certification here.

Knutsford Golf Club in Cheshire have said a trial of J Tee from the Johnsons Sports Seed range has now been rolled out course-wide after solving a number of issues on their heavily shaded tees.

The combination of high footfall and a lack of sunlight caused by trees have previously posed a number of problems when it comes to the maintenance of the small tees, which course manager David Jones now claims to be a thing of the past.

Knutsford Golf Club, once part of National Trust site Tatton Park, is somewhat unique with a 10-green layout. While this enables golfers to play a different 9 and 18th hole, for David and his team of four, this means double the traffic on the tees which he admits used to let the overall course condition down.

“We knew that removing trees to allow for better light and airflow was not going to be an option accepted by the members so we had to find another way,” he explains. “I put an SOS call out to Stuart Yarwood, our regional DLF technical manager, to see what we could do and the support and advice we’ve had has been brilliant.” 

Stuart recommended Johnsons J Tee, which combines 4Turf tetraploid ryegrass along with traditional ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue. It additionally includes 5% Sabrena rough stalked meadow grass.

“We began a programme with J Tee in the spring, which has really come to fruition over the summer," explained David. "The biggest difference has been the wear tolerance, the team and I have seen a noticeable improvement in sward density which is withstanding and the wear and tear. The 4th tee is the most shaded and even here, we’ve achieved outstanding coverage.” 

The successes of J Tee come alongside three years of "fantastic results" with Johnsons J All Bent on the greens. “Our greens are over 100 years old and where other varieties have struggled with the drainage and poor soil profile, the strike we had from the J All Bent made this a no-brainer to continue.” David adds.

“We’ve also noticed that we require less water and chemical inputs to maintain the greens, even in the difficult weather conditions we’ve all had these last couple of years, while still retaining good plant health and little to no disease.” 

EGO Power Plus has announced an expansion to its sales team with the appointment of two new key roles.

David Mortimer joins EGO as regional sales manager for UK & Ireland and has the responsibility of increasing sales by working closely with Henton & Chattell, EGO’s exclusive distributor in the region.

David said, “I am delighted to be joining the EGO team. With over a decade of experience in the industry, my extensive relationships within the dealer network highlight my commitment to cultivating lasting partnerships and I look forward to collaborating with both new and familiar businesses across EGO’s network to contribute to the brand's growth and continued success.” 

Elsewhere, Rudi Silkens has joined as business development manager where he will manage the company's current Powered by EGO customer group and expanding the company’s network in the outdoor power industry. Powered by EGO is helping manufacturers by fitting EGO batteries to their product ranges.

Rudi said, “I have been working in the garden machinery industry for more than 17 years and over that time I have worked across all parts of the distribution process. Due to my extensive experience, I have created a solid personal network and a strong understanding of the customer’s needs to make Powered by EGO a success. 

“I am thrilled to be joining the EGO team and look forward to driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.” 

This growth comes at a time when the company says they are looking to increase its collaborative relationship with the dealer network and drive new product development opportunities.  

Peter Melrose, managing director at EGO, said, “Maintaining positive relationships across the industry with our exclusive distributors and Powered by EGO partners is of top priority for us, as not only do our new hires provide us with exciting new opportunities for growth but they are also the vital connection between the brand and our valued customers.

“We have brought Rudi and David on board so that we may continue to create innovative new developments for our customers and in turn boost our growth and position in the industry network.”

Martin Lishman Ltd have appointed Jordan Lister as their new area sales manager for the north of England.

L-R: Joel Capper welcomes Jordan Lister 

With a background in agriculture, the company says Jordan is well-equipped to help drive the sales team to new heights.

“Jordan will be responsible for managing our sales operations in the north of England,” explained Joel Capper, managing director for Martin Lishman.

“He joins myself and southern area sales manager, Liam Geddis to reinforce the sales team. With his wealth of experience and expertise, we are confident that Jordan will provide exceptional service to our customers."

When it comes to all-weather landscaping, the Kress Commercial 60V Backpack Blower stands is a game-changer, redefining the very essence of outdoor maintenance. With a perfect blend of enduring power and near-silent operation, it's the dependable choice for year-round use that will take landscaping endeavours to new heights.

At the heart of this innovation is the remarkable 8-minute CyberSystem battery, ensuring sustained performance without the hassle of refuelling or the frustration of dealing with dead batteries. This technology simplifies the work, enabling the user to focus on what truly matters – their landscaping projects.

The Kress blower doesn't just prioritise performance; it caters to the user's comfort with an ergonomic backpack design. This allows extended, strain-free use, ensuring that the user can complete their tasks effortlessly, even during those long working hours.

Come rain or shine, the Kress blower is an unwavering companion, thanks to its waterproof construction. It's built to endure the elements, promising to keep projects on track, no matter what Mother Nature throws its way.

What truly sets the Kress blower apart is its impressive power. With a remarkable blowing force of 35 N, it not only competes with but rivals even petrol-powered blowers, making quick work of any debris or leaves in its path.

It’s quiet. Very quiet. Using Ultra-Silent Technology, the Kress blower produces a mere 63 decibels of noise from 15 metres away, perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Maintaining peace and tranquility in surrounding areas while achieving top-tier results.

In essence, the Kress Commercial 60V Backpack Blower offers silent power, unmatched durability, and ergonomic comfort, revolutionising the landscaping experience. Say goodbye to noisy, low-power alternatives and embrace the exceptional quality of Kress for year-round sustainable landscaping. It's time to redefine our approach to outdoor maintenance and bring zero emission landscaping to a whole new level.

Visit https://www.kress.com/en-gb/ for more.

AUTUMN TURF DISEASE PREVENTION

DISGUSTING VANDALISM

GROUNDSFEST KICKS OFF

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE - PART II
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

THE VALUE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY CLUBS

BUSY SHOW SEASON UPON US

WATCH OUT FOR AUTUMN DISEASES

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

HEDGE CUTTING SEASON

AERATION IS KEY

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

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

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?

George Hobson, volunteer groundsperson, Sutton Upon Derwent Tennis Club

Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, you’ll find Sutton Upon Derwent Tennis Club. Celebrating its 100th anniversary since the club was first founded in 1923. 
 
Rev. Michael Pimm was behind many major developments in the village in the 1920’s, from saving the church roof, building the village hall and forming the local tennis club. The tennis club flourished and remained in use through the 1930’s and was even visited by airmen from the Free French Bomber Squadrons. The French airmen donated a shield ‘The Free French Shield’ which is still competed for to this day. 
 
After the death of Rev. Pimm in 1947 the village seemed to enter a decline. The tennis club was no exception and ceased to exist. It wasn’t until 1970 when a long debate went on to decide on turning the overgrown tennis courts into a playground or to carry on Rev. Pimm’s wish of having a local tennis club. A decision had been made and the next day local villagers were out in force bringing the tennis club back to life. 

This picture was taken around the summer of 1929, in the background construction has started on the village hall. This took 3 years to build and cost £1600.
 
Over 50 years later the tennis club is stronger than ever. With 120 members, 5 mixed tennis teams, 2 men’s teams and ladies’ team all competing in the York Tennis League. The facilities have improved no end, with 2 all-weather courts and the two original grass courts now at a very high standard for a village tennis club. (the only grass tennis courts in the York tennis league)
 
I’ve played tennis since I was a junior and grew up playing on the grass courts at the tennis club. About 5 years ago whilst playing tennis and having countless bad bounces (if it bounced at all!) I thought it was about time to try and get these courts to a level where they ought to be. I set about learning the art of maintaining grass tennis courts, and that’s where this obsession began. My career background is quite varied across my 27 years. I come from a family farming background of which I’m involved in, and also a magician! I’ve been lucky enough to perform all over the UK from many private events to overseas at Le Mans 24-Hour Race with Aston Martin Racing. 
 

Volunteering
 
I now volunteer my time looking after the tennis courts, and I have a newfound appreciation for all volunteers who donate their time looking after grassroots pitches. The courts are cut three times a week at 8.5mm from May to October with our Dennis FT610 (with 11 blade cutting cylinder, sorrel roller cassette, Scarifier cassette and Verticutter cassette). This has been a game changer for the quality of the courts. 

Allowing the courts to be cleaned out with the verticutter throughout the season not only helps with play but also helps reduce the amount of material to scarify out at the end of the season. Each year the courts have a soil sample taken, and then a plan is devised for the season ahead for products to be (or not be) applied. Throughout the Winter the courts are cut with the rotary hayter mower at 13mm. Aquatrols Tough Turf program is applied throughout the colder months to keep the grass happy and keep disease to a minimum. 
 
Other off-court improvements over the last year is the new container that’s used to store machinery, from what before was a garden shed we needed something more secure and bigger. I found an insulated lorry body and had an idea of how we could make it into a feature. As you can see from the picture it’s now a feature people can’t miss when they enter the village especially when it’s all illuminated at night! 

The container
 
The irrigation has been upgraded, which for last season was incredibly valuable. There are 5 pop-up Toro 855s sprinkler heads, (these were donated to the club and thank you again for those who made it happen) and the water tank was upgraded to a 7000L capacity which now allows for plenty of water to be irrigated on during the warm summer months, which we didn’t see much of this summer. 
 
Renovations
 
Renovations vary year on year. Our biggest renovation which changed the courts drastically was down to Campey Turf Care, whom I and the club will always be indebted to. The courts were Koro’d off, the Uni-Scratch contraption tillered up the soil before a Vredo disk seeder and dimple seeder put down 100% ryegrass.
 
This year with the wet weather in July meant matches were rearranged and the season went on longer than normal. This in turn meant renovations were delayed. The plan this year is to reduce the cut height down to around 6mm, depending on the level of organic matter between 5-10 passes with the scarifier cassette. A Billy goat vacuum and the Hayter will be used to ensure the surface is clean before an aerator with solid tines runs through the surface. We’ll apply around 4 tons of Binder’s tennis loam which has a clay content of 23% Finally we’ll put down Barebrug’s Ultrafine 100 ryegrass, this is at a rate of at 50g m2.

 
ICL preseeder fertiliser goes down two weeks after germination. From here the courts are cut regularly and our winter feed program kicks in. 
 
A highlight this year was welcoming an Australian professional tennis player to train on the grass courts for a few days before she went to compete in Junior Wimbledon. It was interesting to hear a professional tennis player’s opinion on the courts, talking about the bounce, the speed how the ball reacts, thankfully it was very complementary! 
 
I have been extremely grateful for all the knowledge and support from others in the grounds industry who have helped catapult the grass courts at this little village club to another level. The tennis cub has been the heartbeat of the village for decades and long may we hope that carries on for another 100 years.