I read with interest a report in The Guardian recently, that scientists have said that last month was the warmest February on record globally, making it the ninth month in a row with record temperatures for the time of year.

The data shows February was 1.77C warmer than the pre-industrial average for the month, from 1850 to 1900, and 0.81C above 1991-2020 levels. The global average temperature for the past 12 months – between March 2023 and February 2024 – was the highest on record, at 1.56C above pre-industrial levels.

This, coupled with plenty of rain, has greatly affected the maintenance of sports facilities, with many winter games matches cancelled meaning it’s been a challenging time for turf professionals. With less than four weeks to the start of the cricket season, cricket groundsmen are concerned that they won’t be ready for the start of the season. Many grounds are still too wet to start preseason rolling and pitch preparations. 

From past experiences, the weather will no doubt change. We often get some drying winds in March that will soon dry up the ground. Then, most likely, we will all be complaining of not having enough rain!

March is a pleasant time of the year, with spring bulbs (crocus, daffodils and tulips) bringing a splash of colour along - with winter flowering shrubs such as forsythia, virbunum and cherry trees coming into flower.

This month also usually signals the start of the grass cutting season, with lawns receiving their first cut of the year. 

Makita demo day

As turf professionals, we now have a fantastic range of working tools in our armoury to tackle most jobs in the garden.

This was highlighted to me on a recent trip to Wellesbourne, near Stratford upon Avon where I had the opportunity to attend manufacturer Makita’s Outdoor Power Equipment Showcase at the Mecure Walton Hall Hotel. A stunning venue for demonstrating outdoor garden equipment. 

I have been aware about the quality of Makita battery powered work tools for some time, however the company now have built up a vast range, with over 20 different mowers to choose from, along with a plethora of other complimentary tools that included: 

• Power cutters
• Power washer
• Wheelbarrows / power carriers
• Scarifier
• Hedge trimmers
• Blowers
• Mowers
• Linetrimmers and brush cutters
• Chainsaws
• Pruners

The day began with a welcome and introduction to the day’s proceedings by Outdoor Power Equipment & Contracts manager, Mark Earles, who was keen to emphasise the substantial growth in the company’s garden products now available. 

L-R: Kevin Brannigan and Mark Earles 

The day was split into two morning sessions, followed by lunch and then an afternoon session. There were twelve demo stations for attendees to learn about the vast range of products now available. Mark was also keen to announce a number of new products that will be released later in the year, some of which were prototypes that were on show at the event.

In attendance were around 100 practitioners, dealers, hire companies and members of the press. While petrol power has long been the go-to fuel for most outdoor landscaping jobs, many are now making the switch to battery power. With no power cables, petrol or generators to manage, operators can now enjoy total freedom and flexibility to work anywhere across the site.

The absence of a power cable also removes potential trip hazards and eliminates the risk of the cable snagging on something or coming into contact with the moving parts of the machine. And, as there is no need to handle and transport fuel, the dangers of spillage and fire, both in transit and on-site, are removed.

Advances in engineering technology and the adoption of lithium (Li-ion) batteries, mean that today’s cordless tools can achieve torque and speed outputs that are comparable to their corded and petrol counterparts.

I was particularly impressed with the sheer size and range of the equipment now on offer to both domestic and professional end users.  

With over twenty types of mowers, there appeared to be something for everyone, I also liked the full range of hedge trimmers they offer, along with a choice of chainsaws. All in all, they can compete with most OPE suppliers for choice.

I did try out several of the products and have asked the company if I could have some equipment on loan so I can do a full appraisal of some of the products. I would certainly be interested in trialling their scarifier, mowers and hedge trimmers during the course of the growing season.