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.  

Irish Farm & Garden Machinery (IFGM) is celebrating 50 years of business this year.

L-R: Paul Butterly, Eileen Butterly and Kieran Butterly

The independent distributors of outdoor power equipment, remains family owned and run, now managed by second generation Paul Butterly (managing director), and brother Kieran (technical director). Although retired, Mum (and co-founder) Eileen, continues to pop into the Dublin office around three days a week - just to ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly.

“We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone,” said Paul. “This is a tough industry and the fact that we’re here in 2024, bigger and stronger than ever, is simply amazing”.

Paul continued, “We’ve always focused on keeping the company very nimble and this gives us a lot of flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. We’ve been careful in the rate of our expansion, gradually building the business over time, only working with the very best brands in the industry. No matter what is happening in the economy, people will always buy quality product that offers the best value-for-money.”

In 2006, the business purchased U.K distributor Claymore Grass Machinery, now known as FGM Claymore, an acquisition that greatly extended the reach of the company. In 2022, the business was awarded U.K distribution rights for Echo which, following the appointment in Ireland a few years earlier, made IFGM the third largest Echo distributor in Europe.

The team at IFGM celebrated the anniversary during a special event held on the 28 February in Athlone. Dealers from all over the country, alongside special guests from Briggs & Stratton and Yamabiko, joined the Butterly family to celebrate the anniversary. 

Paul gave a special presentation that covered the history of the company, sharing anecdotes alongside the major milestones that made up the IFGM story. There were congratulatory video messages from garden machinery suppliers in New Zealand, Japan, and Italy, alongside special in-person presentations from Briggs & Stratton and Yamabiko.

Baroness UK have announced the appointment of a new area sales & service manager for Scotland.

Richard Connell

With more than 18 years of industry experience under his belt, Richard Connell says he is well placed to provide sales and technical support to customers and the dealer network across Scotland - proudly becoming the first dedicated Baroness UK representative for the region. 

After obtaining qualifications in land-based engineering, Richard worked for a number of manufacturers and turf care dealers - in both workshop and mobile service engineer roles. Most recently, he brought together his technical understanding and passion for the game of golf in the position of head mechanic / workshop manager at North Berwick Golf Club.

On joining Baroness UK in January 2024, the manufacturer says he brings both hands-on experience and a technical mind to the table as he oversees the sales, service and workshop operations of the established dealer network within his area. 

Richard said, “Before coming on board, I had started to see the Baroness brand more and more here in Scotland and my inner mechanic immediately took an interest in the machinery. I loved their approach and what their portfolio of machines offered to the market.

"It is a huge honour and privilege to be entrusted as the first Baroness representative in Scotland and, after solidifying a number of relationships with those I saw at BTME in January, I look forward to exploring new opportunities and driving business forwards in the months and years ahead.”  

Watford Football Club have credited three formulations of Suståne Natural Fertilizer with their role in the ongoing success of the maintenance operation at the club.

Forming the base of the nutritional programme at both the Vicarage Road stadium and the club’s London Colney training ground, the club says a combination of Bolster Granular 4-4-4+3Fe, 1-1-1 Soil ReGen and Suståne 4-6-4 have delivered consistent results to the satisfaction of the club and grounds team alike.

Watford grounds manager, Scott Tingley, explained, “We’ve been using Suståne products at both of our sites for the last seven seasons. Bolster Granular 4-4-4+3Fe is applied primarily at renovation time, due to the addition of Mycorrhizae.” 

Alongside this, Scott says he also applies Soil ReGen following full or partial renovations - a soil conditioner that reduces compaction, increases water and air infiltration rates while also improving the nutrient and water holding capacity. “This helps us to incorporate lots of valuable nutrients such as Zeolite, Biochar, Mycorrhizae and Humates at a critical time, when the plant is wanting to root and develop."

Scott continued, “Throughout the playing season, we switch to Suståne 4-6-4 organic slow release, to replenish our sand dominant constructions with a rich supply of humus and other essential nutrients. We’ve found this to contribute to increased rooting and a strong, healthy plant more resilient to disease and turf pathogens.”

Scott concludes, “We put a large part of our success as a grounds team down to the benefit of using Suståne products.”

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

View all of 2023's blogs here

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

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
R&A are supporting clubs

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
A course manager's view

A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

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?

In 2023, I wrote a series of monthly articles, and their key purpose was to help all readers increase their understanding of sustainability, learn from the experiences of others and help them deliver sustainable practice in their own organisations and operations. In this new series, I am taking the opportunity each month to look in more depth at individual organisations. How are they seeking to be more sustainable and, importantly, how are they seeking to advise and support members or customers? This month we focus on the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA), an important organisation in terms of supporting operators and businesses in this growing sector.

The lawn care sector, comprising those businesses supporting households across the UK, is large and growing. A survey was undertaken by the Amenity Forum in 2020 to establish an estimate of the size of this sector. The figures emerging estimated that, at that time, around 15 million people in Great Britain employed professionals to help in the maintenance of their lawns. In such projections, lawn care services were defined as having a core activity of providing fertiliser and weed care but with add on services including advice. The estimates did not include those organisations providing a lawn cutting service.  Other key facts were a spend of at least £54 million on lawn fertilisers alone in a year and an estimated area of professionally managed lawn in GB of 10000 hectares. 

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE

Whilst the survey has not been updated, there is clear evidence that the sector continues to grow and develop its offer. Operating organisations are either franchise businesses, with two currently dominating, or independents, largely focussed upon specific local areas. Many of these now belong to the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA). As their website states ‘’this is a voluntary association created by independent UK lawn care operators who are committed to providing the best quality and highest level of lawn care service at homes across the UK. Their members, many of which are local independent businesses, are able to enjoy the support of industry leading manufacturers, benefitting from learnings and networking opportunities of likeminded business’’. The association invests in training events, health and safety and best practice initiatives aiming to bring to their members, and their customers, the latest turf care knowledge and practices. 

Promoting sustainable practice and helping their members to implement methods to be more sustainable are key priorities for UKLCA. As an example, they hold an annual conference and the 2024 event held in January included key-note presentations relating to sustainability. These even included one by the author of this article! UKLCA also issue related guidance notes and newsletters. They are an active member of the Amenity Forum and strong advocates for best practice as well as promoting the UK Amenity Standard and encouraging all of its members to operate at this level and proudly display the logo. In its own operation and administration, it seeks wherever possible to hold online meetings and minimise waste, being very strongly digital in its activities.

PRACTICAL MEASURES

So how are its members responding to the agenda of sustainability at a practical level. Some examples are as follows:

The delivery of services to individual households requires travel by the operator to each home, normally by van. Many businesses are looking to move to electric power although such a change is not as easy as it may at first seem. As Tom Arnold from TopGrass points out, not all their operators return to base at the end of each day and so, if their van is electric, it can involve charging at their homes. This is not always feasible. Also, for bigger vans, the extra weight involved can be a factor. As often emphasised in these articles, sustainability comprises three main pillars, each of which is important to determining best sustainable practice. The pillars are economic, environment and social related. Moving to electric vans is not always able to be defined as the most sustainable based on these three pillars in this sector, certainly at present. However, technology continues to develop and the trend to electric, and indeed hydrogen in future, will continue, linked to government targets. The UKLCA see it is as an important role to keep their members fully updated on such developments.

The UKLCA is also keen to message the public on issues relating to sustainable practice. Lawns can be good carbon sinks, when managed properly, and with appropriate planting of surrounding bedding, can combine to help reduce emissions, create zero carbon solutions and encourage biodiversity. Indeed, John Draper from Greener Gardens reports that a number of his clients are creating specific wildlife areas in their gardens, aiming to reduce emissions whilst still having the green well-cut lawn they see as important. What a large number of UKLCA member organisations employ are systems to assist better logistical planning; optimising routes and seeking to minimise travel by clear route planning. Also, within the sector, tracking software is used providing reports for drivers seeking to create safer approaches and more sustainable practice. Members are putting ever greater emphasis on recycling and reducing plastic use. 

SLOW RELEASE FERTILISERS

In terms of their core activities, key developments have included ever greater use of slow-release fertilisers and using organic products where appropriate and possible. One member reports that they are now exclusively using stabilised nitrogen products, again aimed at better utilisation and slower, more effective release of added nutrient. Most organisations put emphasis on advice to customers on lawn care with reports provided after each visit. This seeks to ensure customers undertake practices to optimise use of inputs applied and reduce waste. Spot spraying of herbicides is now standard practice for most, and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products wherever possible. 

The launch of a new authorised pesticide to combat the damage caused through leatherjackets and chafers has been widely welcomed and will be used but it will be linked with advice to customers on cultural ways of reducing incidence of the pests, such as, importantly, less thatch. The use of nematodes is complex and unlikely to be universally feasible given the small scale of most lawns but is available through many operators if requested. Leather jacket and chafer damage has been a key cause of concern for residents, not able to understand why immediate treatment has not been possible.

ADDING TO SERVICES

Increasingly members are adding to their services. Mention has already been made of advice to householders and other such additions include the use of soil improvers, again seeking to optimise productivity from within rather than through added nutrients. Use of water retention products and clearer advice on watering of lawns are also important. Many businesses now enter into annual contracts linked to monthly payments by house holders. This is an agreement to provide an optimum service, not necessarily based on a specific number of visits or prescribed actions, but visits where appropriate and to meet needs and requirements depending upon conditions. Some businesses now also can provide a fertiliser service for plant beds bordering lawns and one talked to now provides wildflower seeds and planning to help owners produce beds both aesthetically pleasing as well as encouraging biodiversity and wildlife.

TRAINING & UPDATING

UKLCA puts great emphasis on helping sign post its members to training and updating as well as providing its own continuing professional development (CPD) activities. A major reason for lawn care businesses being members of UKLCA is the access to information and CPD. However, it is interesting that a recent survey of customers by one of the larger independent lawn care businesses indicated that, although of course homeowners wanted to be more sustainable, key to them still was a green well maintained lawn. One other question also posed was if they did not use chemical control would they be prepared to accept weeds in their lawn. Over 95% said, in this case, they preferred, for now, using chemicals and high control – interesting and highlighting the challenge of marrying public stated views on sustainability with what it impacts directly upon them.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

UKLCA were keen to emphasise that the association invests significantly in training events, both physical and on-line, emphasising health and safety and best practice initiatives. To independent members they seek to provide an affordable opportunity to invest in their business and staff ensuring they stay ahead of the latest knowledge and practices.

Lawncare is big business directly engaged with the public in all its operations. It has a key role in promoting and implementing sustainable practice and helping achieve zero carbon goals and more integrated approaches. Yet in all of this, its customer demand a first-class lawn and marrying the two is not without challenge. My discussions with UKLCA convince me that the sector is taking matters very seriously, as ever interesting and challenging times but never short of opportunity.

Next month’s article will focus on the training and qualification sector and specifically the work of Lantra in helping sector deliver sustainable practice.

Previous articles in this series

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR

As a practicing landscape gardener, I have an array of tools at my disposal. However, my most used tool is a handheld blower that I use daily to help clean up any debris and rubbish after mowing lawns and other jobs. 

I currently use a STIHL BG56 petrol two stroke handheld blower. Up to now I have not been tempted to go battery powered as I believed that they were not as powerful as their petrol driven counterparts. 

However, a recent trial of the EGO LBP8000E backpack blower convinced me that the latest range of battery powered leaf blowers are now equally as powerful as any of their petrol driven equivalents. 
 
I found the LBP8000E easy to use and sat comfortably on my back. It was simply the case of attaching the two 56V 5.OAh ARC Lithium™ batteries and away you go. This battery-powered backpack blower features a brushless motor that delivers power equivalent to a 60cc petrol engine.

Users can alter the performance of the blower via its tailored digital controls, which include a battery level indicator and speed control with turbo lock on the blower’s adjustable handgrip and tube.

 
These digital controls are the major highlight for me. Give the trigger a light pull, and the display comes on. Immediately, you see a battery level indicator which I found extremely helpful.

The trigger can vary the speed of the blower, moving you up through four distinct power levels. If you’re working for an extended period, the button on the left locks the power level in. Just pull the trigger to the level you want to work in and press that button to set it. You can still hit higher power levels with the trigger if you need them. Once you let go, it returns to the level you set.

I, and fellow work colleague John, had the chance to try out the blower on several of our customers’ gardens during last autumn and found it to be powerful and easy to use. As for battery life, its two batteries kept us going all morning without having to recharge. Using an EGO CH5500E rapid charger we were able to recharge each battery in less than 40 minutes. 

 
I also lent the blower to Rob, a neighbour, to try. He was equally impressed with its performance, using it to clean up his lawn. He liked the turbo feature and the fact that it was relativly quiet, powerful and comfortable to use.  

The build quality of the blower was robust. The turbo button enables you to deliver more air speed if you need it to blow wet leaves etc. With the manufacturer claiming the blower delivers 1360m3/h, with air speeds up to 190 mph, and 26N push force, there was more than adequate power for our needs. 

Finding points of criticism, for me the blower was quite large and cumbersome to lift and transport - however, once in position on your back the padded harness comes into play, making the blower a comfortable fit and easy to use.

 
The variable speed controls enable you to decide what power outputs you want to use, for given work requirements. I certainly noticed the blower to be comparatively quieter than my petrol blowers - with hand vibration also less noticeable.

The ability to be powered by two batteries  enhances the power and running time of this blower. Also, because you can use different powered batteries, it gives you longer running times.

All in all, I believe EGO have produced a powerful and professional backpack blower that can provide commercial gardeners and landscape contractors with a reliable robust tool that is environmentally friendly and competes excellently with any petrol powered equivalent. 

Specifications:

EGO LBP8000E Premium Cordless 56v Back Pack Blower 1360m3/h

Air flow max. 1360m 3 /h
Air flow speed "BOOST": max. 260km/h
Force at nozzle exit (N): max. 26
Speed Control: Variable
Motor power: 1100w
Engine type: 56V, carbonless
Noise level 83dB(A)

Operating time - 2.5 Ah battery - 7 - 60 min.
Operating time - 5.0 Ah battery - 15 - 120 min.
Operating time - 7.5 Ah battery - 20 - 180 min.
Operating time - 10.0 Ah battery - 30 - 240 min.

Charging time - 2.5 Ah battery. Fast charger - 30 min. Standard - 50 min.
Charging time - 5.0 Ah battery. Fast charger - 40 min. Standard - 100 min.
Charging time - 7.5 Ah battery. Fast charger - 60 min. Standard - 145 min.
Charging time - 10.0 Ah battery. Fast charger - 70 min. Standard - 190 min.

Weight without battery 6,2kg

Harness: padded, double-armed