Pitchcare March/April 2025 Issue 119

SPOTLIGHT ON

BOOSTING UV-C TECHNOLOGY

A CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTION THAT ENHANCES PLANT DEFENCES THROUGH UV FLASHES

battery power storage solutions

ipm at nottingham tennis centre

XL combinesa newact

New turf herbicide or challenging weed control

Trophy XL combines a new active ingredient, Arylex™, with established herbicide technology, offering broad spectrum weed control in turf. Its advanced formulation acts quickly on actively growing weeds and is highly effective against persistent weeds like plantain and clover.

Editor Kerry Haywood

AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT

As we find ourselves heading into March (how did that happen?), the UK’s weather continues its characteristic dance between winter’s lingering chill and the first signs of spring’s warmth.

This transition can be challenging, requiring a strategic approach from turf managers to maintain healthy playing surfaces throughout the growing season. The mix of rain, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional sunshine presents unique challenges for turfcare.

A breakthrough in turf management is on the horizon - UV-C light, is poised to revolutionise the field. This cutting-edge solution enhances the grass plants’ resistance to disease and environmental stressors such as drought and chilling. You can read more about how UV flashes are being used to strengthen plant defenses on page 8.

On the subject of light, industry expert Mark Hunt shares insights into its impact on grass plants (page 16), while our Top Tips section (page 18) explores the challenges of maintaining optimal turfgrass health during inclement weather.

Education remains key to overcoming these challenges and advancing technical knowledge. If you attended BTME in January, you’ll likely agree that it was a vibrant and positive show. With over 4,200 visitors, an expanded exhibitor lineup, and more educational opportunities than ever before, it was a true success. Following the event, BIGGA unveiled key strategic pillars, including a commitment to evolving its membership offerings - ensuring that members at every stage of their careers can get involved, continue learning, and progress. Bravo, BIGGA!

Looking ahead, March brings the return of Scots Turf at Hamilton Park Racecourse on the 3rd, featuring over 13 seminars, as well as the inaugural South Turf event at Windsor Racecourse on the 12th. I’m sure both shows will be a great success! You can register online at t.ly/FwgYZ and southturfuk.com.

Also in this issue, Ryan Middleton from Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre shares how an IPM programme has significantly reduced pH levels. Plus, we explore how to plant and prepare your wildflower seeds and meadows, along with insights on Training & Education, Wellbeing, and much more.

If you’d like to be featured in a future issue, get in touch!...

Kerry

t: 07973 394037

e: kerry.haywood@pitchcare.com

Allscott Park, Allscott, Telford. Shropshire TF6 5DY t: 01902 440270

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Editorial contributions are published entirely at the editor’s discretion and may be shortened if space is limited. Pitchcare make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents but accepts no liability for its consequences. Images are presumed copyright of the author or Pitchcare, unless otherwise stated.

Printed by Buxton Press

Advertising TSP Media t: 01952 234000

Flash light

Attention is turning to turf, with the potential for a sustainable solution that reduces reliance on plant protection products in sport and amenity turf management.

Weather corner

An

Neutralising problems

Ryan Middleton at Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre has battled the extreme weather over the past few months. He explains how an IPM programme has significantly reduced pH levels.

Optimising sand-based and soil-based pitches.

plays

Professional battery equipment has taken a giant leap forward in recent years, with most manufacturers offering electric versions of the key groundcare machines.

C HANGE?

AWARD SEASON

Entries now open for Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year 2025 Awards

Entries for Toro’s renowned 2025 Award opened on 1st March.

Lecturers and employers can give their students the chance to unlock life changing opportunities by nominating them, or student greenkeepers can have faith in their own abilities and put themselves forward.

Aside from industry-leading prizes which include, for both award winners, all-expenses-paid trips to the USA to visit Toro HQ, R&D and manufacturing, educational opportunities, and a one-week work experience placement at a prestigious UK or overseas golf course, it’s as much the long-term benefits winning and taking part bring that make it worthwhile entering.

Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager at Reesink Turfcare, award sponsor and main award judge, says: “The awards are the only ones in the industry to recognise young greenkeepers in such a way and bring extraordinary rewards for those who reach the finals. These are some of the biggest prizes available in the industry, alongside an invaluable platform for young professionals to use to take their career to the next level.”

The finals on 9th-11th September will be held at Rudding Park in Harrogate.

This award-winning family-owned luxury resort is home to two previous winners of the Toro Student Awards – Matthew Milligan who won in 2021 and John Norwood winner in 2019.

Finalists get to meet and compete with the best student greenkeepers in the country and network with influential industry leaders, increase skills and knowledge to enhance professional development and build lasting relationships in the greenkeeping community.

David Timms, Reesink’s National Accounts Manager and young award judge, says: “The awards act as a massive stepping stone in these greenkeeper’s careers and taking part holds a lot of credence with future employers. Entering couldn’t be easier and could be the beginning of the next stage of their lives.”

But really what it comes down to is passion. Passion for the industry and in the belief that a greenkeeper’s role makes a difference. These are the reasons why the awards are the longest standing in the industry and why Reesink, Toro, organisers BIGGA and all the judges believe in them so whole-heartedly.

For more details and how to apply head to reesinkturfcare.co.uk/ students-awards. Entries close on Friday 11th April.

Left The 2024 winners: Jack Vowell of Farrington Park in Somerset and Daniel Parker of Knighton Heath in Dorset.

ASOOTY WINNER

Carden Park’s Peter Pattenden recently won Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year 2025.

Peter’s award presentation was made at BTME, along with the competition’s other finalists, Sarah Phillips of Complete Weed Control and Mark Sippitt of Top Grass UK.

The ASOOTY awards highlight best practice and experience in the challenging role of ensuring accurate application on all amenity surfaces.

Sponsored by ICL and Syngenta and managed by the Amenity Forum, the awards seek to share top tips and advice that will raise the standards of spray application across the amenity industry.

The ASOOTY judges particularly praised Peter’s commitment to complete a comprehensive checklist of mechanical and practical points before every application, including calibration of the sprayer and assessment of the specific requirements for any products being used.

Peter ably demonstrated a deep understanding of the principles of sprayer mechanics and operation.

Sean Loakes, Syngenta Technical

Manager.

An age of sustainability

in amenity and turf management

As concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss grow, sustainability has become a central focus in the industry. With a shift towards environmentally friendly practices, the sector is embracing innovative solutions to reduce its ecological footprint.

With over 2,500 golf courses covering approximately 126,000 hectares, 27,000 sports pitches, and more than 3 million hectares of urban green space in the UK, adopting sustainable practices is essential to protect biodiversity, reduce pollution, and conserve resources.

Environmental concerns and new policies are reshaping the industry, making sustainability a necessity rather than a choice. A survey found that 72% of UK sports clubs are actively implementing sustainability initiatives, such as rainwater

harvesting and electric maintenance equipment. Additionally, the UK landscaping and turf industry, worth over £24 billion, is seeing increased demand for eco-conscious solutions.

Embracing sustainability in amenity isn’t just a trend – it’s a necessity. Developed by BASIS in collaboration with industry experts, this series of courses creating the ‘Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management’ offers a modular experience of key sustainability concepts.

To find out more visit basis-reg.co.uk

THE OPEN RETURNS

#GroundsWeek

17TH-23RD MARCH 2025

#GroundsWeek is the Grounds Management Association’s annual, nationwide celebration of the dedicated professionals and volunteers who work behind the scenes to make playing surfaces and green spaces thrive.

It’s a week dedicated to highlighting the skill, expertise, and hard work of grounds staff, inspiring greater appreciation for their invaluable contributions.

Whether you’re a professional grounds manager, a volunteer, or simply someone who loves well-maintained spaces – #GroundsWeek is an opportunity to showcase achievements and encourage others to explore a rewarding career in grounds management.

The R&A has announced that The 155th Open will be played at St Andrews from 11th-18th July 2027.

The Championship will return to the home of golf for the first time since a record-breaking 290,000 fans attended The 150th Open in 2022, a historic occasion that culminated in Cameron Smith producing a remarkable final-round 64 over the world-renowned Old Course to lift the famous Claret Jug.

It will mark 100 years since legendary amateur Bobby Jones triumphed in The Open at St Andrews in 1927 when his six-shot margin of victory saw him successfully defend the title he won the previous year at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “I’m hugely excited to be making this my first announcement at The R&A. I’m looking forward to The Open’s return to St Andrews every bit as much as the fans and the players.”

“There is something incredibly special about The Open being played

on the Old Course and so many of the great Champions have walked these fairways since the first staging here in 1873.”

“St Andrews is the home of golf and it generates a unique atmosphere for the fans and the players as well as providing an amazing spectacle on television and digitally for millions of viewers around the world. It promises to be another milestone occasion at one of sport’s greatest and most historic venues and we will be doing everything we can to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with The R&A, Scottish Government and VisitScotland to see The Open return to St Andrews in 2027. The 155th Open will be the 31st occasion the Old Course has hosted this great Championship.”

Read the full article at: randa.org

Social media templates and resources to help make the most of the week are available to download. Visit thegma.org.uk

A week of success

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show made a successful return to San Diego 3rd-6th February

Attendance was up over Phoenix in 2024 and Orlando in 2023 with more than 11,000 attendees. More than 6,700 seminar seats were filled, representing the highest total since 2008. In addition to education for superintendents, the event also included specialized education for assistant superintendents and equipment managers.

The trade show floor at the San Diego Convention Center featured 464 exhibitors and 154,100 square feet of exhibit space in addition to areas for education, GCSAA Services, GCSAA Store, a Drone Zone demonstration area and more.

Read on at golfcourseindustry.com

Wireless irrigation for sports and training pitch renovations.

Toro’s Tempus Air. Remote-managed, uninterrupted wireless irrigation control. An intuitive app talks to your base stations using WiFi and 3G controlling your full irrigation system, hydraulic valves, water pumps, pressure valve sensors and filters, it can also link moisture levels, temperature and wind speed, providing essential real-time data. It’s no wires, no effort, cost-effective irrigation control.

reesink-hydroscapes.co.uk

By exposing plants to short bursts of proprietary UV-C sources, we trigger a peak in salicylic acid production

Flash light technology

UV-C light, to be precise - a component of sunlight that is poised to revolutionise turfcare with a bespoke solution for enhancing grass plants’ resistance to disease and environmental stressors such as drought and chilling.

Now, attention is turning to turf, with the potential for a sustainable solution that reduces reliance on plant protection products in sport and amenity turf management.

Technology successfully trialled in France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland could be introduced in the UK as early as the end of this year. Initially applied in fruit growing and viticulture, flash UV-C irradiation has prevented crop losses of up to 40%, growers report, significantly mitigating damage during heavy rainfall, frost or drought.

In the UK, STRI has conducted commercial trials on the effects of UV stimulation on turf. Although unable to comment publicly on these trials, principal scientist Dr. Christian Spring acknowledges the broad benefits of UV across various applications.

“This is sterling technology for all sorts of uses, from sterilising surgical instruments to controlling pathogens affecting high-value crops, including those grown in vineyards and orchards.”

Sportsturf itself is a high-value crop, he continues, adding that the process could apply to synthetic as well as natural turf, though acknowledging that the technology is still relatively new and currently limited to resourcerich clubs, such as those in the Premier League.

Success in the laboratory is one thing; replicating it outdoors is another, Christian maintains. “UV can have negative effects on animal, plant and fungal cells, so the key is to

get the dosage right,” he stresses. “A ‘little and often’ approach is best, though this system of regularity may pose challenges for contractors.”

UV-C light is the safest to apply, he adds, partly because machinery can operate in

Flash dosing and its way of delivering UV-C marks the breakthrough. As we know, constant dosing technology has been around for some years.

NOTE:

Article by Greg Rhodes.

Most machinery used to date is batterypowered, with some units operating via a built-in generator, Christian explains. “This is an evolving technology and we still need to determine whether UV application is purely preventative. In a turf context, there are gaps in our knowledge.”

That said, Christian believes the process holds significant potential as the practicalities of using UV-C light on turf become clearer.

Technology adoption and trials

Trials conducted across mainland Europe over recent years have demonstrated the benefits of UV-C irradiation in vineyards and orchards, increasing crop yields and reducing climate-related losses.

Global manufacturer Kubota Corporation has been an early adopter of the technology, taking a minority stake in 2024 in start-up company UV Boosting, which developed UV-C light application machinery. Prototype equipment was first tested in 2019 on a golf course in southern France.

“Kubota is helping us grow,” states Emanuele

Poggi, International Sales Director for UV Boosting. “Its global distribution network, including France, Italy and the US, is essential for selling our equipment. We are working with them to expand our dealership network.”

Kubota customer sites have trialled the process, which the company states ‘enhances natural defence mechanisms in plants, reducing the need for pesticides and increasing crop yields’.

Across Europe, initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability are intensifying. In some countries, pesticide regulations are more stringent than in the UK; Belgium, for example, has implemented a blanket ban on their use.

Eco-friendly cultivation methods are on the rise, driving demand for technology that minimises pesticide reliance.

Emerging from its proven effectiveness in viticulture and fruit production, UV Boosting’s flash technology is now being adapted for turfcare.

The science behind UV-C stimulation

The effects of UV-C on plants have been studied since the early 1990s, but a breakthrough came in 2013 when researchers at Avignon University discovered that short bursts of UV-C were far more effective than prolonged exposure.

“Our high-energy UV-C technology uses short wavelengths to stimulate leaves, prompting secretion of salicylic acid and other plant hormones that enhance natural resistance to pathogens and environmental stresses like drought,” explains Emanuele.

By delivering a ‘pre-emptive strike’ against pathogens, the technology stimulates plants’ self-defence mechanisms, reducing disease incidence and mitigating the effects of frost, drought and other adverse weather conditions.

Now ready for market, UV Boosting has developed two products: one powered via tractor PTOs and the other an autonomous unit with a built-in generator.

The equipment allows flexible treatment rates, enabling operators to adjust UV-C flash intensity based on specific needs and disease pressure.

Designed for adaptability, the system is

This is sterling technology for all sorts of uses

suitable for sportsturf where fungal pathogens threaten turf health and playability. “The equipment can be attached to any tractor,” Emanuele confirms. “It requires minimal power - about 11 hp - so even a 25 hp tractor is sufficient to trigger the plant’s production of salicylic acid.”

Positioned just 5 cm above the surface, the machine’s light panels deliver UV flashes in under a second, while the tractor typically moves at 3.5-4 km/h.

The priming effect lasts several weeks, Emanuele continues. “In an independent fusarium trial, light treatment ceased three weeks before observations were taken, yet the benefits persisted.”

Suitable for all grass species, the process requires a minimum fortnightly application throughout the year. “We are working to fine-tune this schedule,” Emanuele adds.

With lamps rated for 10,000 hours and minimal maintenance required beyond cleaning light panels and filters, operational costs remain low.

Addressing safety concerns, Emanuele notes that the machine’s pre-heating phase poses no toxicity risk while in motion. However, if left stationary above the turf for extended periods (four to five minutes), localised ‘sunburn’ may

occur. Notably, UV-C effects do not occur when snow covers the ground.

Cost and market readiness

Emanuele is transparent about pricing: the autonomous unit is priced at €34,600 (approximately £29,000), while the PTO-powered machine costs €36,200 (about £30,000).

“By exposing plants to short bursts of proprietary UV-C sources, we trigger a peak in salicylic acid production, enhancing their ability to counter biological and physical threats more efficiently and rapidly,” he concludes.

Benefits

• Easy to use

• Chemical-free alternative

• Compatible with tractors

• Reduced engine speed

• Suitable for day or night application

The powerhouse biomolecule: Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a crucial phytohormone and signalling molecule that regulates plant growth and defence against disease and environmental stress. It influences seed germination, photosynthesis, flowering and senescence.

Research in the early 2000s highlighted its role in mediating plant defence responses against pathogens and abiotic stressors such as drought, chilling, heavy metal toxicity and osmotic stress.

According to the JournalofExperimentalBotany, salicylic acid regulates plant cell redox status by inhibiting catalase and peroxidase activity, modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS).

In plant defence, it helps recognise pathogens, establish resistance and synthesise additional protective hormones - acting as an effective therapeutic agent, much like it does in mammals.

How UV-C affects fungi and plants

This shortwave radiation destroys fungal DNA upon contact, inhibiting growth, spread and sporulation. However, plant cells have a higher level of protection against UV-C radiation. The same doses that destroy fungal DNA are not strong enough to harm grass plants.

All fungi exposed to UV-C are affected, but fungi living in soil are only impacted if they emerge from the plant to sporulate. The UV-C light does not penetrate the soil or the inside of the plant.

Understanding UV light

There are three types of UV light: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

• UV-A has the longest wavelength and passes completely through the ozone layer. It is the least damaging type of UV light and is commonly known as black light.

• UV-B is 95% filtered by the ozone layer, while the remaining 5% causes skin tanning when exposed to sunlight.

• UV-C has the shortest wavelength and is the most damaging type of UV radiation. The ozone layer blocks it entirely, meaning it does not naturally occur on Earth.

Dr. Irene Vroegop

Turfgrass disease expert at SGL

Constant dosing technology

Dr. Irene Vroegop of SGL discusses the company’s involvement with UV-C technology.

On the market since 2015, SGL’s UVC180 machine, which delivers constant dosing, is in action at Stamford Bridge and at NK Osijek in Croatia. Several UK football stadiums also use the unit, including Chelsea FC, Leeds United FC, Aston Villa FC, Watford FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC. The battery pack powering it is sufficient to treat an entire football pitch.

For over forty years, UVC radiation has been used to disinfect water, air, pharmaceutical products and surfaces. Microorganisms, including fungi and viruses, possess genetic material - either DNA or RNA. DNA molecules consist of two strands bound together by four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T). When biological organisms are

exposed to UVC light within the range of 200 nm to 280 nm, the light penetrates their cell walls and disrupts the DNA molecules, specifically targeting the thymine bases. Disrupted DNA becomes unable to replicate, leading to the demise of the fungi or virus before it can harm your turfgrass or players.

Trial data

A trial conducted at Kristianstad Golf Course in Sweden to combat dollar spot demonstrated that UV-C treatment, applied once or twice daily, significantly reduced the disease compared to the control (shown below left).

Safety considerations

Although UV-C is more damaging than naturally occurring UV-B and can burn the skin with prolonged exposure, simple precautions provide sufficient protection. Wearing long trousers and closed shoes prevents direct exposure.

Additionally, the UVC180’s light bed is positioned close to the ground and the lights automatically shut off when the machine is stationary. As a result, safety goggles are not required during operation.

Treatment frequency

When disease pressure is high, daily treatment is necessary - and in some cases, twice-daily applications may be required. Disease pressure is typically higher in warm weather compared to winter conditions.

OP TIMIZE RESOURCE S

IMPR OV E SUST AINABILIT Y

An insight into light levels on the grass plant

Autumn/winter 2024/5 has been characterised with some significant weather, five named Storms including the extremely damaging Storms Darragh and Éowyn. In addition, we have had mild and humid weather over the Christmas period that caused significant disease activity.

Finally, January brought us snow and prolonged frost, quite an exception to today’s climate norm but more typical of how winter ‘used to be’.

There is one climatic parameter though that has quietly slipped under the radar, and that is light or, more accurately, a lack of it.

Reading the excellent December 2024 synopsis from The Met Office, tucked away in the multitude of graphs is ‘Sunshine Duration’ vs. the 19912020 average as a %.

You can clearly see from the graph (above right) how dull a month it was.

Let’s take this down to grass level

We can measure the amount of light that the grass plant can use using an Apogee PAR sensor fitted to a Davis weather station. PAR stands for photosynthetically-active radiation, and is the part of the light spectrum (shown above) that the grass plant utilises in order to power photosynthesis

and therefore energy production. PAR light is quantified in a unit called the Daily Light Interval (DLI) and represents the total amount of PAR light over a 24-hour period, measured in mols per m2. Less sunshine means quite simply less PAR light available for the grass plants we maintain. We have some pretty loose data which quantifies the minimum DLI requirement per grass species. In the pecking order, Poa annua is thought to grow the most efficiently at low light levels, hence its predominance in shaded areas, and so has the lowest DLI requirement, though that figure hasn’t been nailed down. Lolium perenne sits at 11 mols per m2 per day and Creeping Bentgrass 30 mols per m2. These figures aren’t written in stone though because we have a lot of variables including cutting height, type of cultivar (leaf habit) to name but two.

Below is a graph of the DLI levels in Central Scotland and England over autumn/winter 2024/5 to date with those two known DLI levels included.

What this graph shows is, in my view, interesting. For Creeping Bentgrass, we dipped below the minimum DLI in

the 3rd week of September, and for Perennial ryegrass, in the last week of October. Since then, the DLI has been below the minimum sufficiency level right up until the present day. So, our grass plants aren’t getting enough light

and their energy production to fuel growth is compromised.

So, if your Lolium perenne sward is looking on the thin side lately, this is the driver behind it. A word of caution though, reaching for the fertiliser bag or bottle may not be helpful because it will force the grass plant to utilise its dwindling energy reserves. With low light levels, the grass plant will elongate and the cell walls will become thinner. Thinner cell walls means a plant less susceptible to wear and disease ingression. Maybe also it is time to consider extending the use of plant growth regulators to counteract this effect? The good news to finish off with is that the days are now extending and this allows the DLI to potentially increase, provided we have some sunshine of course.

visit: www.weatherstations.co.uk

Send your questions for Mark to: editor@pitchcare.com

Healthy fine turf

even when the weather doesn’t play ball

Maintaining optimal turfgrass health during periods of inclement weather presents significant challenges.

Reduced solar output and frigid temperatures drastically curtail photosynthetic activity, impeding recovery and potentially leading to turfgrass decline.

A late-season renovation can mitigate these effects, but careful planning is essential. Prior to widespread application, it is recommended to conduct small-scale trials to evaluate the performance of various seed cultivars under the prevailing environmental conditions. This enables a data-driven approach to selecting the most suitable seed for maximising winter coverage. In recent trials, a dwarf rye cultivar exhibiting rapid germination and cold tolerance has demonstrated promising results for achieving effective turfgrass coverage, even in sub-optimal temperature regimes.

Close monitoring for turfgrass diseases, particularly Fusarium patch, is crucial. A severe outbreak late in the season can significantly impact turfgrass health, as diminished growth potential hinders recovery. While Fusarium outbreaks can sometimes manifest rapidly and unexpectedly, preventative measures can be implemented. Regular dew removal, as discussed in previous communications, is a key strategy. Prophylactic fungicide applications can also be effective in mitigating disease pressure. Furthermore, minimising nitrogen fertilisation late in the season is recommended, as excessive cell elongation can predispose turfgrass to disease. Additionally, it is generally considered unnecessary when growth is slowing.

Turfgrass, like any living organism, experiences stress and requires inputs to maintain optimal health. The application of a turf hardener can be particularly beneficial during

periods of environmental stress, such as harsh winter conditions. These products typically contain a blend of iron, calcium, magnesium, and other micronutrients. These elements work synergistically to fortify cell walls, increasing the turfgrass’ resistance to both biotic (disease) and abiotic (environmental) stressors. This ‘hardening’ effect not only enhances stress tolerance but also contributes to improved colour without stimulating excessive growth. Furthermore, by strengthening the plant’s structure, a turf hardener can mitigate the detrimental effects of traffic stress - a major factor in winter turfgrass decline.

Mowing frequency should be minimised during periods of reduced growth. Avoid unnecessary mowing operations based on external pressures; a thorough assessment of turfgrass conditions is essential to determine the necessity of mowing. Mowing under suboptimal environmental conditions can have detrimental consequences, particularly during periods of limited recuperative capacity, such as the winter months. A single ill-advised mowing event can result in damage that persists for an extended duration.

Furthermore, proper maintenance of mowing equipment is crucial. Regular inspection of all mechanical components, including fasteners and hydraulic lines, is crucial to prevent equipment malfunctions that could result in further turfgrass injury and prolonged recovery.

James Matthewman is Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Maesteg Golf Club and welcomes topics for future Top Tips.

hidden waters

Droitwich Golf Club has seen its 10th hole transformed with a recent pond discovery project. Course Manager, Billy Hayes, explained how the pond would not only add an aesthetic appeal, but also benefit the drainage on the course.

Billy started by telling us where the idea came from: “The previous year had been one of the wettest on record at Droitwich and the 10th fairway had suffered the most from the conditions, so we knew that something was needed to help with drainage in that area. On the right side of the fairway,

there was what I thought to be a grass bunker however, upon further investigation, I realised it was an old pond.”

“It had been a dry summer and we had seen a lot of old drainage lines popping up around the 10th fairway. At first, we didn’t know where they led, but one afternoon I followed them to the previously mentioned grass bunker, which used

Left

New pond on the 10th fairway - Drains rodded and opened up and 40 tonne of soil shaped with a solid clay base to hold water.

Below Course Manager Billy Hayes.

to be a soakaway and had been left to grow out. I began to dig and found four lateral pipes leading into the hole. I took 30 tonnes of rubble away from the area, without knowing if it would be beneficial, and reopened all the pipes which had been blocked up with material over the years. The pond was then filling with water, which was nice to see after the challenging work.”

“In order to restore the pond, we hired a digger and it took eight hours to dig it out. A lot of the material has been taken away, but some of it we have recycled to create a feature. The pipes and clay were already in place for us to start utilising it and the project has only cost us £400 to hire out the digger. The difference it will make will be amazing.”

Billy went on to explain how the pond has improved drainage on the 10th and how it will enhance ecology: “We have already started to see surface water from the 10th fairway draining into the pond. I didn’t want it to be a big hole in the ground with nothing in it, so we have plans to plant wildflowers and make it a place for

I have always valued the work from every team that I have been in

ecology to thrive. We want to incorporate wildlife into the area where the pond is; I know that newts and other wildlife are on the course and, hopefully, they will use the area in the future.”

“The reaction from members has been extremely positive because it has improved playing conditions. Previously, it was extremely wet and harsh to play on whereas in 2024,

we had buggies out in November - which has never been possible before. It was only a little job, but it had a significant impact going into the winter.”

Below 7th greenside pond and approach project which took 3 days to complete.

Over 250 tonnes removed, then dug, shaped and ready for levelling to turf.

On the importance of the winter for small projects, Billy said: “From the end of October through to the end of March, there is a drop off in the number of golfers on the course. That helps because we get a chance to try and recover the course and introduce new projects, without too much disruption. As a golf course manager, you want to get things done nice and early before any of the horrible weather comes in. We like to do things in September and October because we can then get a quicker recovery; the cold nights, including frosts and dewy mornings, can cause complications with

plans. The weather is changing… we don’t get an autumn or spring anymore; it’s pretty much summer and winter with not much in between.”

Being proactive

During his interview, Billy stated that he wanted to join a club that is investing: “I wanted to join a club that was going to back my ideas. The irrigation system on the course was well over thirty years old, so there was no pressure to it and very limited water sources. The club had already started an irrigation project when I joined and, thankfully, I had previously installed an irrigation system while at Leicester City FC, which meant I knew some of the ins and outs of what was needed.”

Billy also highlighted the importance of being proactive with staff, he said: “The team that we

of them are working on their Level 2 and 3 at the moment. I always try and support them and make them feel positive about the job because sometimes it can be a tough industry. I would hate to have an article and not touch on the hard work that the team have contributed to the course, and I have always valued the work from every team that I have been in. I hope that has been reflected throughout my career.”

Left to right

Trevor Ward (Deputy Head Greenkeeper), Tommy Hall (Apprentice), Billy Hayes (Course Manager), Mark Thomas (Greenkeeper), Nathan Slater (1st assistant Greenkeeper) and Cameron Green (Deputy Head Greenkeeper).

Despite Billy being in his thirties, he has racked up a lot of experience within turfcare and here is what he said about his journey so far: “I started greenkeeping the same day as my last GCSE; I was accepted at Lutterworth Golf Club in Leicestershire as a 16-year-old lad. I always wanted to work outside and use my hands, and I had an interest in the industry from an early age.”

Left and below

A recent winter drainage project on the 6th green. 100mm pipe trenched at 600mm. Backfilled with gravel and sand.

I wanted to join a club that was going to back my ideas

A job had come up as an apprentice greenkeeper, which I went for and started the next day. I stayed at Lutterworth for eleven years as I worked through my turfcare education. After accumulating some achievements and winning the Level 3 Advanced Greenkeeper of the Year award at the age of 23, I was approached by Antsy Golf Club to take up the mantle of course manager. I was very young and not in a management position in work or life, but I took the opportunity and stayed there for two and a half years.”

“Then (at only 27), I took on the role as a manager at a golf centre at a hotel in Stratford Upon Avon. That was a fantastic facility with football pitches and tennis courts as well as golf. It was on my shoulders to run a big complex; the overall area was 110 hectares. It felt like I was maturing fast because of the career roles I had acquired.”

“A job then came up at Leicester City’s new training facility in Loughborough. I was the first

person to be employed at Park Hill and I was tasked with building a new nine-hole course around the training ground. I knew it was a massive job working for a Premier League club, there were no pro shops or putting facilities; It was purely for the players and owner to play for leisure. It was a very different career move for me, but I learnt a lot. I had over three years at the club, and it was magical.”

Billy reflected on his desire to be back in management at a 18 hole golf course: “Droitwich Golf Club got in touch about an opportunity as course manager and I knew I wanted to get back into golf club greenkeeping. It has been a fantastic two years here; that’s now a total of eleven years as a course manager and it’s been a great experience.”

Article by James Kimmings.

NEW PREMIER 4TURF 25

SAFEGUARD YOUR TURF BY CHOICE, NOT BY CHANCE

HIGHSEEDPURITY

RAPIDESTABLISHMENTANDOUTSTANDINGWEARTOLERANCE

PROVENTOLERANCETOALL MAJORTURFDISEASESINCLUDING BROWN PATCHAND GREY LEAFSPOT

UNIQUE 8 CULTIVARBLENDINCLUDINGBOTHDIPLOIDAND 4TURFCULTIVARS

EXCEPTIONAL VISUAL MERIT

GROWMAX COATEDFORIMPROVEDESTABLISHMENT

J Premier 4Turf 25 is the result of DLF’s global disease watch programme, the industry’s first mixture with proven Brown Patch and Grey Leaf Spot resistance.

Root development strategies

Optimising sand-based and soil-based pitches

Root development is one of the cornerstones of all high-performing football and winter sports pitches, regardless of the standard of play.

Whether it’s a meticulously maintained sand-based stadium pitch or a soil-based grassroots facility, strong rooting is vital to ensure resilience, playability, and durability. While management strategies differ depending on pitch type, the

fundamental principles of optimising rooting remain consistent.

This article highlights the contrasting approaches required for each surface and provides practical advice to enhance root development and overall pitch performance.

Sand-based pitches

Precision management for elite surfaces

Sand-based pitches are engineered for drainage and playability, but their low water and nutrient retention present unique challenges. Maximising root development requires a tailored approach to irrigation, nutrition, aeration, and stress management.

Mowing height

Mowing height has a direct impact on root development - lower cutting heights restrict photosynthesis and result in shallower rooting. Grounds staff should ideally maintain a consistent height of cut between 24-27mm to balance root health and playability, ensuring sufficient leaf area to support rooting while maintaining the required surface performance.

Water management

Sand-based pitches require precise irrigation to maintain consistent moisture levels. Overwatering encourages shallow rooting, while under-watering leads to drought stress. Wetting agents, such as Qualibra, help retain moisture deeper in the rootzone and ensure uniform distribution, encouraging deeper rooting. After seeding and initial germination, deep, infrequent irrigation should be scheduled to encourage roots to chase moisture deeper into the profile. Maintaining volumetric moisture content (VMC) between 10-15% is optimal for rooting outside of fixtures, while higher VMC may be needed for stability and playability.

Nutrition

Nutrients are prone to leaching from sandbased systems, particularly nitrogen and potassium. Selecting the right pre-seed fertiliser is critical for both quick establishment and long-term pitch performance. Sierrablen Plus Renovator 20-20-8 has been shown to improve root depth and nutrient efficiency, making it an excellent choice for these pitches. The use of recycled phosphorus, such as struvite in Sierrablen Plus Pearl 11-11-5, offers both performance and environmental benefits, with studies showing it can double root mass when incorporated to a depth of 6cm.

Compaction and aeration

While compaction is less of a concern in sand-based systems, regular aeration is essential to maintain oxygen flow to the roots. Grounds teams should aim for deeper aeration (10–15cm) rather than shallow surface tining (5–7cm), which has limited impact on deep root development. Deep spiking or slit-tining during renovation and in-season aeration are crucial to sustaining deep rooting.

Stress Management

Sand-based pitches, particularly in stadium settings, are more vulnerable to heat and drought stress due to their low moistureholding capacity and lack of airflow, which can cause higher temperatures. Biostimulants like Vitalnova Blade and SMX, which improve root mass and stimulate root elongation, can help mitigate these stresses by enhancing root resilience and nutrient uptake. Lighting rigs may also be necessary in shaded stadium environments to maintain growth and recovery, though care must be taken to prevent excessive heat or light stress.

Article by Henry Bechelet Technical Manager, ICL Turf & Landscape, UK & Ireland

Soil-based pitches Practical

solutions for grassroots facilities

Soil-based pitches, typically found at community or grassroots levels, present unique challenges due to their higher moisture retention and compaction tendencies. A different management approach is required to support rooting in these conditions.

Mowing height

Although soil-based pitches retain more moisture, shallow rooting can still be an issue. Maintaining a consistent mowing height of 27-30mm during stress periods helps maintain energy reserves and encourages deeper rooting without negatively impacting playability.

Water Management

Irrigation is rarely available on soil-based pitches, making natural rainfall the primary moisture source. The use of surfactants such as H2Pro AquaSmart can help retain soil moisture during dry periods. Managing waterlogging is also key, and grounds staff should prioritise deep aeration techniques, such as Verti-Draining, to improve drainage and prevent anaerobic conditions.

Nutrition

Soil-based pitches typically retain nutrients better than sand-based pitches and so deficiency issues are less likely. Regular soil testing can help ensure sufficient nutrient availability. Controlled-release fertilisers, such as the Sierrablen Plus range, provide steady nutrient release to maintain plant health while minimising excessive top growth, which can contribute to compaction and disease risk.

Compaction and Aeration

Soil compaction is the primary issue on soil-based pitches, particularly in high-use areas such as goalmouths. Frequent aeration is essential to relieve compaction, improve drainage, and encourage deeper rooting. Deep aeration (15–20cm) through verti-draining should be scheduled when ground conditions allow, particularly during autumn and early spring.

Mowing

Water

Nutrition

Aeration

Stress Management

PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR GROUNDSPERSONS

Sand-based pitches

Maintain a consistent height of 24-27mm to balance root health and playability.

Use wetting agents and deep, infrequent irrigation (maintaining 10-15% VMC) to encourage deep rooting.

Use controlled and slow-release fertilisers (with recycled phosphorus) for sustained root growth.

Aim for deep spiking (10–15cm) rather than shallow surface aeration.

Apply biostimulants (such as Vitalnova Blade and SMX) to improve stress tolerance and root mass.

Soil-based pitches

Maintain 27-30mm height during stress periods to support root development.

Prioritise drainage improvements and use surfactants to retain moisture during dry periods.

Apply controlled-release fertilisers based on soil testing to ensure optimal nutrient delivery.

Conduct deep verti-draining (15-20cm) to alleviate compaction and encourage root development.

Ensure adequate airflow and avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent stress-related diseases such as leaf spot.

By tailoring management strategies to the specific needs of sand-based and soil-based pitches, grounds teams can optimise root development and overall pitch performance. Recognising the fundamental differences between these surfaces ensures that pitches remain resilient, sustainable, and playable across all levels of the game.

TALKING TURF

Greenkeeping: a career with

enduring potential

We caught up with Jack Wellings after his recent promotion, which saw him become the Deputy Course Manager at the JCB Golf & Country Club.

After just ten years in the industry, we quizzed Jack about why greenkeeping is a long-term career.

An unknown career

Like many who join the industry, turfcare wasn’t something Jack initially wanted to do as a career. However, after experiencing the job,

his opinion changed drastically: “I share the same story as most greenkeepers; a lot of us fell into the industry after not knowing what we wanted to do at school and a job outdoors had always appealed to me. The 9-to-5 office job was completely against what I wanted to do. I never had an interest in golf, but when you’re out there and feeling it every day, it is incredibly special.”

After his first week as an apprentice greenkeeper at Brocton Hall Golf Club, Jack understood that this was the career for him: “I grew up with parents who both hated work, but by the end of that first week, it felt like I hadn’t worked and I loved it. Once you’re in the turfcare industry, you don’t really want to fall out of it and this is what I can see myself doing for my whole career.”

Jack highlighted the issues of recruitment into turfcare, as well as addressing what we can do to promote the industry: “You never see anything advertised or promoted about working as a greenkeeper. We’ve tried to get into schools and colleges to promote what the job is and the number of opportunities available in turfcare, and we’ve also attended open fairs and recruitment days to try and get interest. I know that BIGGA are banging the drum with their First Green initiative, but it’s important that everyone else is pushing the same message.”

You never see anything promoted about working as a greenkeeper

From Brocton Hall to JCB Deputy… how did it happen?

“I spent five years at Brocton Hall and loved every minute of it. I’m still good friends with some of the team and I experienced a lot of hands-on training and education. I was originally appointed to take over the role from Ian Underhill who was retiring, and I learned a lot from him.”

Keeping blades sharper for longer

in One Grinder

A fully automatic relief spin grinder, designed to deliver precision grinding at its best.

It features automatic traverse, indexing and in-feed ensuring that every grind is accurate and consistent, returning cylinders and bottom blades back to the original manufacturers specification. The cast bed provides stability and the heavy duty linear bed rails ensure smooth and accurate traverse of the grinding wheel.

For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit www.huntergrinders.com

Can

Grinds both top and front faces of the bottom blade

Sharpening bottom, chipper rotary and flail blades

“Living in Stafford, JCB was only thirty minutes up the road and they were advertising for a Senior Greenkeeper-in-training role. I had my Level 2, which was something that they found desirable. After spending half an hour in the

THE JCB TEAM TALKING TURF

The greenkeeping team at JCB has grown from 33 to 46 in 2025. The company is huge and people won’t have a concept of how much support they give us on the golf course - it’s a massive platform and their vision is mind-blowing. Some people might think 46 members of staff for an 18-hole facility is outrageous, however it’s realistic with the number of things that JCB wants to do.

The treatment and welfare here is also incredible; they want to look after the staff because they want the staff to look after the course to a high standard. Last year, we had eight of the team undertaking Level 2 and 3 and other golf courses would do well to follow the JCB model in terms of looking after greenkeepers.”

Jack paid tribute to those who have helped him throughout his journey in turfcare and alluded to the importance of role models: “There are too many people who have helped me throughout the last ten years. Role models in this industry are extremely important for personal growth and to pinpoint one person would be very unfair. At the start of my career, Ian Underhill showed me everything I needed to know and now, as I progress, Callum Wark continually helps my development. He pushed me to the FTMI (Future Turf Managers Initiative) with Jacobsen and Sam Evans remains a brilliant mentor to me. People like that in this industry are special.”

“As I now reflect on my new role, it’s certainly been a step up. There’s a hell of a lot more pressure compared to being a senior greenkeeper. I’m nowhere near perfect, but I will always push to make things better. JCB are massive supporters of the golf course and they’ve made the transition into deputy extremely comfortable.”

“I won’t stop there though… Ever since I started in this industry, I’ve always wanted to be a golf course manager or a head greenkeeper. I want to follow in the footsteps of those individuals like Sam Evans and Callum Wark.”

What is your advice to others?

Jack has grabbed every opportunity that’s been offered to him, and he encourages others to have the same approach: “Get involved as a volunteer. Come and do some work at JCB when we have LIV Golf in July. You might not be enjoying where you are, but the world of turfcare is huge, and opportunities to change are there.”

I would push course managers and head greenkeepers to encourage their younger staff to get involved at BTME and Continue to Learn. There are so many things that can help develop your career.”

PGR P G R

Neutralising problems

at Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre

Like many turfcare professionals across the UK, Ryan Middleton at Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre has battled the extreme weather over the past few months. He explains how an IPM programme has significantly reduced pH levels.

The problems actually began in December 2023 when he recalled, “We endured 842mm of rain - the highest on record since 1959 - and we recorded an average pH of 7.8. This not only negatively affected nutrient availability to the roots, but we also observed that wormcasting issues were consistently worse when pH levels were high.”

With pesticides now unavailable, Ryan and his team had to find alternative solutions. “Like many others in the industry, we’re adopting more innovative, cultural approaches to tackle this problem and, by implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme we have not looked back.”

Ryan commented: “We know that key factors for consideration when creating an IPM include plant health, aesthetics and playability factors. However, one area of an IPM programme which

is often overlooked is communication. It is very important that lines of communication exist between the team, as well as managers and suppliers to ensure effective decisions, implementation and success.”

Fast forward to 2025: a positive turnaround Following implementation of the programme, Ryan and his team saw significant improvements. “I worked closely with Andy Gray (Assistant Grounds Manager), who supports me with the annual chemical and fertiliser programme. After autumn renovations, even the youngest grass plants were establishing well. We applied nitrogen to encourage healthy growth but at a slightly reduced rate. By incorporating ammonium sulphate, we aimed to lower the soil’s pH. We also tank-mixed this with Bullet Chelated Iron to strengthen the plant.

Ryan also highlighted his relationship with

We have

seen a vast improvement in overall aesthetics

Steve Monk from Pitchcare and the benefits of using the right products. “I call Steve to discuss my plans and it’s great to get reassurance on products and processes. On his recommendation, we have also implemented E² PRO Soluble, a sulphur-based product with a very low pH. It’s a highly

Below Grounds Manager, Ryan Middleton with Andy Murray at the the Tennis Centre practice courts, ahead of the WTA 250 and ATP Challenger event.

I couldn’t ask for a better team. I have complete trust in them!

Following the WTA 250 and ATP Challenger event, the players’ comments were great, and as a team, we were proud of what we had delivered for these international tournaments. We managed moisture levels and surface hardness to the highest standards.”

Managing wormcasts

Before the programme, worm activity was at an all-time high, and the hours spent switch caning the courts became both physically and mentally exhausting.”

With the courts built on high-clay-content soil, caning became a necessity. Ryan explained, “Even the smallest casts can damage the surface. Add in our maintenance work and the additional markings impacted the aesthetics of the courts.”

Now, during a recent court inspection, Ryan noted a remarkable reduction in worm activity. “We asked ourselves - could this be a coincidence? The courts looked healthier, red thread had recovered in areas and, after all the Christmas dinners, chocolates and mince pies had been eaten over the break, it was a relief to find that a quick dew brush was all that was needed before mowing. There was no longer a need to spend hours breaking through casts with canes.”

The importance of a plan

efficient fertiliser known for keeping pH levels down, which was exactly what we needed to achieve. As a result, our soil pH now sits at 7 - close to our target of 6.5.”

“The success of the programme highlights the rounded benefits of using the correct products at the right time and we have received some wonderful feedback from everyone.

On the improvement to the turf in general, Ryan said: “With fewer worms bringing nutrients to the surface, we have seen a vast improvement in overall aesthetics of the courts since we implemented the new plan. There has been a huge reduction in the darker patches and the leaf is standing upright and looking healthier. There has also been less disease present, compared to other years which could

Left Centre court at the end of October 24.

be attributed to other factors such as air temperature and moisture levels on the leaf.”

“Since tennis is a summer sport, our focus on drying out the courts and rolling in preparation for events comes much later. That said, by controlling the number of wormcasts during the summer months, coupled with the overall benefits of the products on plant health,

trueness of bounce etc… it certainly helps with consistency across the whole surface.”

Winter maintenance: keeping up the momentum

Last December, the courts showed some signs of seasonal stress. However, Ryan successfully cut all thirteen courts to 12mm and repeated the

Left

Andy Murray on centre court.

By incorporating ammonium sulphate,

we aimed to lower

the soil’s pH

previous year’s process to evaluate its impact on wormcasts. “We were not disappointedthe grass stood upright with a consistent, vibrant colour across all courts, looking as healthy as it does in spring. Once again, no wormcasts were present.”

“This time of year, you’re thinning the courts due to consistent coverage. We’re currently verti-cutting to keep the turf clean and prevent diseases during the wet season. Winter maintenance ensures we hit the ground running in spring with overseeding and base soil applications.”

“Every venue has different environments, soil conditions and requirements and everyone can acidify soil pH with basic turf problems, but the rounded benefits from the IPM products on plant health, aesthetics and other play criteria – such as firmness, trueness of bounce, wear resistance etc have made a huge difference to us.”

Finally, Ryan praised his team for their dedication: “I couldn’t ask for a better team. I have complete trust in them and I don’t need to oversee their every move - the standards they maintain are fantastic. The wormcast issue was resolved thanks to the efforts of Wayne Thomas, Andy Gray and Chris Churches, who undertook the physical work every day – mostly with smiles on their faces.”

Article by James Kimmings.

Above Highfields after grow in.

Right Day one of the WTA 250.

Whatever the application, there’s a Toro Workman that works for you

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Power plays

Professional battery equipment has taken a giant leap forward in recent years, with most manufacturers offering electric versions of the key groundcare machines.

ABOVE

Machinery utilisation consultant Angus Lindsay has worked with several large contractors on the adoption of battery equipment.

But compared to the relative simplicity of using and fuelling petrol and diesel engines, there’s a dilemma as battery fleets grow - how to ensure that operators know how to get the best out of them and how to charge multiple machines safely and economically.

Machinery utilisation consultant, Angus Lindsay, was group head of assets and fleet management for national contractor Idverde when the business began to trial battery equipment five years ago. It was, he explains, a step into the unknown that many businesses are now facing.

“One issue is how the equipment will be accepted by the workforce and also how

best to operate it.”

“Another challenge is that while twostroke or four-stroke machines are largely interchangeable, because each battery manufacturer uses its own power pack and chargers, you have to commit to a brand.”

Mr Lindsay points out that where hand tools are concerned, battery type needs to be matched to the tool and the job.

“If the job takes more than an hour or so, using a cassette type battery on the machine itself makes the task arduous, so a backpack battery may be better. Yet, if the operator needs to carry the equipment with him on a rideon mower or in a tractor, a big battery isn’t practical; equally, a backpack is not the solution for an arborist.”

Correct installation of equipment is a must, he comments, for example to ensure that a backpack is correctly adjusted to be comfortable for the operator.

Deciding where and how to charge batteries can be another challenge, he points out.

“Consider the applications and need for charging – a battery that lasts an hour and a half on a chainsaw may only do 20 minutes on a pedestrian mower.”

Performance, he suggests, can be as good as petrol machines, in some cases even better.

“Take a long reach hedgecutter – it’s a lighter and better machine without a heavy drive shaft.”

He comments that choosing the right machine for the job can also impact on viability of battery equipment.

“Electric ride-ons are improving all the time, but if you try to cut too low or too much growth it will impact on battery life. Fine turf is a better fit, as the requirement is to cut less material on a more frequent basis, and several manufacturers in this market have progressed well with some very good electric machines.”

Electric cylinder mowers, he comments, are now a match for the best four-stroke machines.

It can be hard to get clear information about charging safety

Mr Lindsay points out that good battery care is important.

“Operators must be aware not to misuse them – it’s easy to throw a machine in the back of the truck, but if the case fractures and moisture gets in, the battery effectively becomes a ‘bomb’.”

He comments that Idverde suffered two incidents of batteries exploding during their initial trials.

“Both led to fires - in one case, the battery was in a charging cabinet so the blaze was contained, but there was considerable damage to the depot on the other occasion.”

This, he says, highlights the usefulness of charging cabinets, which contain all the batteries being charged and are plugged into a single power source. They can then be monitored remotely.

“Batteries must also be inspected regularly to ensure that they are safe to use and charge.”

He adds that the reduced servicing requirements for battery powered equipment can ease demands on the workshop and allow attention to be paid to charging and storage.

“For hand tools and turfcare equipment, the power supply itself in workshops will be more than adequate. Modern sites will all have been built with EV charging in mind, so this includes the vehicles, although older depots may need reconfiguring.”

“There are considerable advantages for sites such as cemeteries and schools from the quiet operation of an electric mower, and the nature of this sort of work

LEFT

With the increasing range of battery equipment on the market, groundcare teams may need to charge multiple batteries each day.

BELOW

Charging cabinets can provide an efficient, tidy solution for the workshop and reduce fire risks.

BELOW

A powerpack can be deployed for teams using seasonal, power hungry hand tools such as blowers.

with multiple sites means trickle charging in the van between jobs could be an option.”

However, he points out that a powerbank kept in the van also needs to be charged and that safety needs to remain the priority when charging away from the workshop.

A final consideration is end-of-life for equipment.

“Most manufacturers will now take back and recycle equipment, but it is Important to have an end-of-life plan.”

Charging systems

Powering up battery equipment is a challenge that manufacturers are looking to address.

BELOW For smaller batteries, a charging rail is a good alternative to multiple leads and sockets.

Husqvarna has been offering battery equipment since 2011, and National Key Account Manager, James Walker, suggests that many of its customers now have the infrastructure to charge multiple batteries in the workshop up and running well.

“It’s still a very individual situation and there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution,” he comments. “We do still see groundcare businesses looking to charge 50-60 batteries overnight and using multiple sockets, which is not safe or efficient. Equally, there may be several operators working from one van with lots of different equipment, who may be field based and not necessarily return to the workshop each night.”

The company’s workshop-based solutions include the 40-C80 charging rail which works from a single socket and provides 80W charge overnight, at a cost that is 75% of the day tariff. It provides a safe charge, without producing heat and doesn’t need fans, Mr Walker points out.

Husqvarna also supplies a range of charging cabinets where there is a fire risk, with a 90min burn time.

Ego Power Plus launched the workshop-based Pro X Charging Hub in 2024, which has the PGX Power Hub at its heart – a 1600W charger that converts AC current into DC battery charging current.

“This draws just 7amps from a standard 13amp socket and provides power to up to 30 three-port docks, or PowerBanks, capable of connecting to 90 batteries. It works sequentially, charging the first three and then the next three so on, and can autonomously charge 70 2.5-amp batteries, or over 250Ah of energy overnight,” explains the company’s IoT Product Manager, Andrew Frohock.

“50Ah of energy is sufficient to power 10 hours of trigger time on our Pro X line Trimmers, or five hours mowing time on the LMX walk behind mower,” he explains. “So, 250Ah should be more than sufficient to keep two landscaping crews running for a normal day.”

Dennis has made strong inroads into the battery powered professional mower market

with its E-series cylinder machines.

To cater for growing fleets, the company has now introduced the Multi Charger Hub.

This mobile unit can recharge up to eight E-Series machines, and includes a smart system that shuts down each mower at 100% charge, preventing overcharging and preserving battery life. The display screen provides an

LEFT

Electrically powered versions of fine turf equipment such as cylinder mowers can now compete with their petrol equivalents in terms of performance.

indication of each mower’s state of charge (SOC) and highlights which machine is currently being charged.

The 3kW charger can charge an individual machine from 0-100% in less than two hours. Overnight, it can charge all eight machines from 10%-15% to 100%.

It is trolley-mounted for convenient positioning in workshops and individual cable connections prevent unused wires from trailing across the floor.

Operators can choose to charge all connected mowers to a selected level before moving on to 100% SOC, charge from low to high or high to low. The Hub also has a default setting that charges all connected mowers to 60% initially, then completes the charge to 100%, ensuring all mowers have sufficient charge for short turnaround times.

Users can manually skip to the next mower if required, and the display shows all connected

BELOW Dennis Multi Charger Hub.

being charged.

Mobile and in-vehicle chargers

storage.

Husqvarna has developed multi-chargers for mobile use, including the 40-C1000X4 portable charger, an IPX4 rated power bank which provides 1000w charging power with a maximum of 600W quick charge per slot,

“This is ideal for operators who do lots of shorter jobs as it can be powered from the vehicle via an inverter or plugged into an outdoor power socket,” says Mr Walker.

EGO’s Pro X power bank is compatible with the company’s 40ah high capacity battery and any two portable batteries.

“This is a DC-to-DC charger, using the energy

Unmanne d mowing for sustainable turf care.

The Kress RTKn robot mowers revolutionise pitch maintenance by covering larger areas with precision. Operating au tonomously in parallel lines, they ef ficiently move from one area to another with zero emissions. Without the need for on-site aerials, they provide a cost-effective solution, reducing setup and maintenance costs. Their lightweight design also minimises soil compaction, preserving turf quality, promoting healthier root grow th, and extending pitch lifespan.

The Kress RTKn robot mowers maintain areas of up to 36,000 m² each.

Ask for Kress at your local grounds main tenance machiner y dealer, or learn more at kress.com

Dennis Multi Charger Hub internal cabinet

Electric cylinder mowers are now a match for the best four-stroke machines

from a high capacity battery to charge the smaller ones – it can charge two 5ah batteries in 30 mins. It’s more efficient than running from AC, giving 40ah usable power,” explains

“The advantage of a mobile system is that it can be used as a central charging point and is scalable, he comments.

“The PGX System can be installed in a vehicle, wall mounted or on e-track, and vibration proof cable connections mean that it withstands being transported. It’s also safe to charge from an extension lead back at the yard, or from a leisure hook-up.”

“Flexibility is another benefit. When machines are in use that have a high power draw, such as blowers – the powerbank can simply be swapped between vehicles.

EGO Power Plus is also developing technology with EVs in mind, he explains.

“A national contractor is trialling PGX charging in Ford E-transit vans, with a 2kw power supply which runs from the vehicle battery and keeps the system topped up throughout the day, then charges up when the van is being charged up overnight.”

Husqvarna’s in-vehicle charging hubs include versions for small and large vans plus

Husqvarna 40-C1000X4 multi-rack charger.

TECHNICAL

CASE STUDY

Reesink is among the manufacturers that has been expanding its range of electric equipment recently, with new ride-on and pedestrian mower and utility vehicles added to the offering.

Head Groundsman Stephen Bache uses a range of battery equipment at Hampden Park, as part of the stadium’s sustainability policy.

“The Toro Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 is so much quieter to use, not just for the operator, but also when there are other activities such as filming taking place in the stadium. There’s also less maintenance, with no filters etc to change.”

The ride-on mower and electric utility vehicles used by the stadium are powered up using an offboard or onboard charger from a standard socket, while smaller batteries on pedestrian mowers such as the eProStripe have offboard chargers.

“We had looked at using vehicle chargers along the service road underneath the stadium but the insurance company weren’t keen due to the fire risk. Groundcare equipment is stored in a fireproof building with fire prevention in place, but we don’t charge overnight, either making sure that staff are around to monitor or that it’s on a timer.”

He comments that the eTriFlex, which is mainly used in summer, has plenty of runtime for stadium use, getting two or three cuts out of a charge.

“There’s a desire in the industry to move to battery equipment, but at the moment it can be hard to get clear information about charging safety.”

Left

Stephen Bache at Hampden Park is finding battery powered mowers a good solution in the stadium, but monitors charging closely.

pick-up trucks. These can charge 8-16 batteries using an 80w slow charge, with power supplied via a leisure hook-up or outside power socket and use temperature-controlled drawers for use

“A major benefit of this on-vehicle equipment is the time saving from not having to take batteries into the workshop to charge,” says

“It can also be used on petrol-hybrid and fully electric vehicles, and the advantage there is that it can take power from the vehicle battery even when it is not in motion, so batteries can be kept topped up all the time.”

As a battery manufacturer, EGO Power Plus has been able to develop larger and more sophisticated units, Mr Frohock points out.

The new batteries themselves are suitcase style units, used in the company’s power banks and offer the extra power needed for larger machinery.

“Our current range of ride-on mowers may use up to six portable batteries, and Peak Power Tech manages how they discharge. As the voltage drops in each battery, the available power also drops, but Peak Power monitors this and balances the voltage across the battery packs as they discharge. This gives optimum power and longevity.”

Safety concerns are being addressed both with battery management, with each cell on Ego batteries monitored, and manufacturing, where each cell selected for a battery pack is carefully balanced to build safety in. The connection between the battery and charger is also monitored.

Many of Husqvarna’s products run from common batteries, reducing the number of different charger types required; the company has also invested in a battery development programme of its own. Professional pedestrian mowers are currently the largest battery machines in the range, using the largest BLi950X backpack battery, best charged overnight in a fast charger, suggests Mr Walker.

Article by Jane Carley.

TALKING TURF

In this regular column, we talk all things turf along with the projects and challenges you face on

a regular basis.

Bradley Tennant Head Groundsman and Co-founder of International Greenkeepers For Hire

Exploring and

experience opportunities

Bradley Tennant highlights the importance of multi-sport experience in turf management and why working overseas is more difficult than ever.

Experience can be difficult to define within sports turf. While many skills are transferable between sports, some areas are so distinct that they could almost be considered entirely different jobs.

Preparing a local cricket wicket versus maintaining a football pitch in a 30,000+ seater stadium couldn’t be more different. The fundamentals; grass growth, technologies, renovations and so on are the same, but in terms of management, each sector has its own unique methods for preparing a surface to meet specific demands and requirements.

Having worked across the world in multiple sports including football, NFL, golf, rugby, cricket, hockey, athletics and lacrosse - on both natural and synthetic surfaces - I’ve developed a strong understanding of how each sport approaches turf management differently. Many of these techniques and practices aren’t necessarily taught in training courses or

apprenticeships. Some are site-specific, while others are universal but haven’t yet been widely adopted by the industry.

Different sports and surfaces demand varying performance characteristics. Managing multiple surfaces helps develop an understanding of how turf conditions impact player safety, performance and aesthetics.

I firmly believe there is no single ‘right way’ to turf management. Sure, some practices are more effective than others, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each sport plays differently, and within each venue, variables such as weather, staff, soil profiles and sustainability goals all come into play.

While working in Australia at Sydney University, I helped maintain the cricket surfaces, undertaking all tasks - from pre-season renovations to match-day preparation. What stood out most was their willingness to experiment with new technologies and

practices. Whether testing different grass varieties or using a powered brush to remove thatch instead of a scarifier, their approach emphasised innovation. These experiences stuck with me. As soon as I returned to the UK, I began experimenting with these ideas on

different sports at a private school in Reading. Surprisingly, the majority of these new methods worked - often with greater success than traditional techniques. It just goes to show that sometimes, thinking outside the box can make all the difference.

Spending time on high-end golf courses also gave me insight into aeration and dressing techniques for wet areas - an approach that has worked wonders for me on non-league football pitches. This is a great example of a simple but effective method that isn’t widely discussed. We often see pictures of pristine, well-manicured surfaces online, but rarely do we see those taking risks and trying alternative methods to improve their turf. That’s the point I want to emphasise.

Engage with other greenkeepers and ground staff, consider casual or match-day work,

Left

Steam sterilising the cricket outfield, Sydney University. Below

Clockwise from left Wicket prep ‘blackening up’ Sydney University.

Swindon Supermarine pitch. Crosfields School, athletics track.

Replacing a goal mouth with a Hex TurfDoctor.

or even volunteer in another sport. You’d be surprised at what you can learn - and you never know who your next colleague might be. Working on different surfaces means interacting with turf managers in various environments such as tennis, golf and stadiums. These experiences not only expand your professional network but also expose you to new industry trends and innovations.

Above all, keep learning - and enjoy the process!

The

increasing difficulty of working abroad

Having worked in Australia and attended exhibitions in Europe and the USA, I’m sure there will be more opportunities in the future. Not just for me, but also for former colleagues, peers and friends who have had similar or even greater opportunities.

All of this was possible because of the advantages that holding a British passport used to provide, particularly in Europe. I’ll focus

WHO IS BRADLEY?

Bradley always wanted a hands-on career. Initially, he pursued engineering in college but soon realised it wasn’t the right path for him. Like many in the industry, he found himself in the gardens and turfcare sector by chance. He spent five years working for a local groundscare company, during which he completed his Level 1 and 2 qualifications in horticulture. After earning his Level 3, Bradley took the next step in his career by joining the Belfry Hotel & Resort. He then gained further experience working at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Forest Football Club before moving overseas to explore turfcare in Sydney, Australia, where he completed Levels 3 to 5 in Sports Turf Management. It was there that the idea for International Greenkeepers for Hire was born. Now, six years on, the company has grown rapidly - and, according to Bradley, there’s much more to come.

largely on how this has affected Brits, but it has also had a similar impact in the opposite direction. If you’re an EU citizen, working in the UK has become just as difficult.

Things have unfortunately changed over the past few years, with Brexit being the most noticeable factor. I won’t comment on whether that was the right or wrong choice, but I will discuss the implications it has had for Brits working in Europe. Before Brexit, UK citizens had the freedom of movement within the EU, which allowed them to work in European countries without needing a visa. Now, Brits must apply for work permits, which vary by country and often come with strict requirements. Some clubs hesitate to hire UK-based professionals due to the additional paperwork and costs.

While qualifications still appear to be recognised in Europe, it’s uncertain what the future holds for those seeking work permits and visas, as well as the impact of needing to be reaccredited. European employers now face additional costs when hiring UK-based turf professionals. Visa sponsorships, legal fees and compliance with local labour laws make it less attractive for European clubs and facilities to recruit British workers.

For years, there has been free movement of staff in Europe, particularly for seasonal work or tournament support, which many have relied on to improve their knowledge, network and

Travelling overseas is one of the perks of our industry. Whether you work in turf maintenance, sales or agronomy, you’ll have opportunities to see the world. Right Spraying bunker sand white for an event.

I firmly believe there is no single ‘right way’ to turf management

enhance their CVs. Short-term contracts, such as tournament-based groundskeeping (e.g., the Euros, Ryder Cup), have become harder to obtain. British professionals who previously worked at major sporting events across Europe now face additional visa restrictions and time limits on their stay, which can be costly or, in some cases, even impossible.

It hasn’t all been bad news, though. In Australia, Brits can now complete their three-year Working Holiday Visa (WHV 417) without having to

complete regional work. Previously, they were required to work in specified rural jobs such as food production, but this requirement has been waived as of July 1, 2024. There is still a sixmonth limit on each employment, but after the first year, you can return to a previous employer.

In summary, politics and opportunities are ever-changing. By the time you read this, things may have changed again. The best way to stay up to date is to check the government websites of the countries you’d like to work in.

WELLBEING

The importance of

working relationships

James Kimmings sat down with Course Manager Bert Leonardi at Shooters Hill Golf Club to discuss the importance of relationships within turfcare. Bert highlighted the connections with his team, the committee, members and reps.

Bert started by focusing on the importance of his team’s wellbeing and how strong working relationships can benefit course management: “The hardest part of managing a golf club is managing the people; forget the grass and the golf course itself. You have to have a great relationship with your staff in order to build an efficient team.”

“Last year, I employed a 16-year-old straight out of school. The transition to a 5.00am alarm clock isn’t easy and we all know it is hard graft and takes a lot of motivation. We have now built a good relationship and he has adapted to the environment. It is important to help apprentices develop, build respect and have the passion to work for you.”

“You have to encourage a team all the time and give them incentives like training and education; give them the chance to become

an irrigation technician or a spray operator for example. You want to keep their minds engaged so they stay motivated in the role.”

Bert expressed how things have changed in terms of team management compared to when he first joined the industry: “When I joined the industry, it was very much a ‘get on with the job and don’t speak about your feelings’ culture. It is much better now; I’m managing staff who have different mental health challenges and it’s important to ask the right questions and make sure they are okay with the tasks. You have to manage people with constructive criticism; it is not effective to give people a dressing down or a lecture; you want them to learn the job properly.”

Communication with the committee

Bert expressed the importance of positive communication with the committee and Greens Chairman and how this can benefit course

management: “It is crucial to have a good committee supporting you. In your own mind, you might be doing the perfect job and you are doing everything you need to do for that club;

however, there might be things that you have missed which people can help to advise you on and that’s why the committee are there.”

A positive relationship with the committee will only make the course better and their feedback can help you to develop as an individual. I am always keen to listen to feedback of the course, which ultimately helps to improve things. In the past, the relationship wasn’t necessarily as good as what it is now; I think the improvement of communication with the committee has helped to move the course forward.”

Bert spoke about the importance of a ‘balanced committee’, he explained what this means: “In my first greens meeting, we had people who were from all different jobs and sectors who didn’t know a massive amount about course management. I wanted that to change - we needed a balance of someone from the pro shop, the ladies’ section and men’s section; it was important to have that balanced opinion.”

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

You have to manage people with constructive criticism

Motivating members

Communication is the key to managing members expectations, Bert said: “You want golfers to understand you and the work. Last year, there was a slight grumbling between members and the greens chairperson had mentioned I might face some tough questions at the greens forum. Six hundred people could have attended the event and twelve turned up to vocalise their opinions.”

“This could be testament that we have improved communication with members. We never sent out a report every month; now we send out a bullet point report of planned

with members, so that they appreciate the work we are doing to improve the course.”

Bert holds a ‘door is always open’ approach to communicating with members: “I have always said that if a member wants to speak about an issue on the course, I would openly encourage that, so that I can attempt to rectify it or explain the situation.”

A rep’s reputation

As well as holding good relationships within your own club, Bert also discussed the importance of having a good connection with company representatives, he said: “When I first became the course manager, Andrew Norman and Jim Russell from Agrovista Amenity were the first people who came to visit. I have a good relationship with them both and I do value their technical knowledge when it comes to my own course management and product choices.”

He expanded on the benefit of reps being respectful to those buying the products: “It is important for reps to understand the challenges and all aspects of your course. I have to have a good rapport with people to buy from them and I am not a fan of cold calling. If someone turned up unannounced with zero relationship or prior communication, I would feel negative towards that because it is all about respect.”

Having built up a good relationship with Andrew and Jim, Bert trialled the plant growth regulator (PGR), Attraxor®. “I wouldn’t have even tried the product without that relationship and trust with the guys, and it did exactly what I wanted it to do. The recommended application is every 21 days however, in our case, it suppressed the seed for longer which was great.”

HYDRATION SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY NEED AND BUDGET

Aquatrols o ers a full range of proven soil solutions for every turf management need and budget.

Maintaining your surfactant and bio-nutritional programme throughout the playing season can signi cantly improve turf and soil health, by promoting natural soil biology and allowing e ective water management throughout your growing environment. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Second in name only

Emirates Old Trafford is one of the country’s premier cricket venues for the international men’s and women’s games, but is now running at full capacity, commentators state.

Lancashire Cricket’s outgrounds in Liverpool, Southport and Blackpool have their own programmes to organise, adding to the fixtures congestion, in part generated by the launch of new competitions.

The club foresaw the issue some years ago and as far back as 2021 submitted proposals for a dedicated second ground. Farington, near Leyland, was its targeted site, and in early 2025, that vision is well on the journey

to completion as what will prove a pioneering cricket facility takes shape in the geographic heart of Lancashire.

After Lancashire County Council’s Development Control Committee approved the plans in March 2023, work began on the green field site in the November with the words of Mark Chilton, Lancashire Cricket’s director of cricket performance heralding “a landmark day” for the club.

The project is proceeding to a 19-month

build schedule and is a collaboration between Lancashire Cricket and Lancashire County Council, with local contractor Eric Wright Construction in charge of raising the facility from former farming fields.

Farington will see top class and community cricket played side by side on two ‘ovals’, each holding a square of 18 wickets.

In a layout reminiscent of the Preston Nomads twin-oval ground at the foot of the South Downs, Farington will be a centre of excellence for women’s cricket in the North West and a focus for the men’s and women’s elite game.

The site will be home to the club’s Academy, as Lancashire Cricket and the county council’s shared values on the development of the game are realised to help continue to bring through “the cricketers of the future”, Mark Chilton added.

The ECB has ploughed in £1.6m funding for the project, a measure of its commitment to Farington’s importance for the game. One

We are looking to maximise sustainability benefits

of the governing body’s largest ever investments, “because of its scope”, deputy chief executive Clare Connor spoke of Lancashire’s pride in “serving diverse groups of participants in our sport”, referring to the ground’s role as a regional development centre for disability cricket.

Above Tom Bailey County Councillor Aidy Riggott and Phoebe Graham at Farington.

These are two massive squares and will take a lot of staff to manage

The oval earmarked for recreational and community cricket is expected to host state schools, local clubs and community groups “to connect more communities through cricket”, she added. The club said the facility would ”encourage sport, fun, participation, health, wellbeing and activity in a safe, managed environment”, adding that one of its main responsibilities and key remits was to grow cricket in the North West and bring through home grown players through its Academy, also harnessing community spirit and to lead on the development of the game.

Major competitive matches will still be played at Emirates Old Trafford, the club stated, while all of the county’s teams will be able to play and train at Farington, including the men’s first XI and Lancashire Women.

“The county cricket format could be played there, apart from The Hundred and international fixtures,” it confirmed, along with some one-day games and T20 matches possibly.

Developed on what is described as mainly low-grade agricultural land, the fields had been levelled by early summer 2024. “A 100mm gravel layer was laid across the whole area, overlaid with 300mm of rootzone to provide drainage, then seeded,” explained Lancashire Cricket head groundsman Matt Merchant.

By early December, the build team could announce that the professional square had been handed over to the club and council to prepare the oval for play to ensure the pitch is bedded in and prepared.

Meanwhile, the centrally-sited pavilion, housing changing rooms and players fitness facility, plus the year-round covered practice area has continued apace, together with the second oval, also to function as a training pitch.

“We expect the community pitch to see

cricket at the back end of this year,” Matt continued, “with the professional square ready for men’s and women’s first team squads and Academy players early to mid-2026.” And that despite a very rainy period hampering progress on site, added Peter Harrison, project manager for Eric Wright Construction.

Germination and growth of the professional

oval has been so vigorous, Matt said he was expecting to give the outfield its first cut early this year.

The project also serves as a major landscaping endeavour. “No waste has been removed during the cut and fill,” Peter said. The 2m depth of earth the heavy plant and equipment moved across the whole area has created perimeter

SUMMER SPORTS

green banking to provide elevated viewing positions for up to 5,000 spectators.

Environmental considerations are part and parcel of the completed site. Tree and wildflower plantings, green spaces and “sympathetic ecological landscaping” will deliver “an attractive setting, encouragement for wildlife and screening for local residents”.

“We are looking to maximise sustainability benefits and opportunities for the new low carbon agenda,” Lancashire Cricket noted.

What lies beneath is seen as every bit as important as the playability and resilience of Farington’s sports surfaces. “To have a venue of this size and scope with the quality of drainage will allow us to deal with adverse weather conditions and get more games on away from Emirates Old Trafford,” Mark Chilton stressed during his visit to Farington last July.

Farington will be a groundbreaking cricket facility in more ways than one. It will nurture cricket right through the network of age groups and abilities that will, in a sense, rekindle the tradition of the village game in a tranquil setting, the envy of many clubs.

“Emirates Old Trafford was built for one professional team to play there,” said former Lancashire and England bowler, now presenter, Paul Allott. “Matt was put under huge pressure, particularly at the back end of the season.”

Facing pressure of a different kind, Matt spoke eagerly about what lies ahead for him and the grounds team. “I’m really excited by the challenge,” he concluded. “These are two massive squares, each the size of Emirates Old Trafford’s, and will take a lot of staff to manage.”

Asked if he felt fear and trepidation about the groundcare journey ahead, Matt replied, smiling: “Just a little bit.”

Article

by Greg Rhodes.

Below Matt Merchant with Lancashire County Council leader Phillippa Williamson on the professional oval.

IT ’S THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

“We needed a tractor to carry out a wide range of tasks, the TG6675 had the lift capacity of 1,680kg and big 67hp engine so we could use all of the current implements. We now also run a blower on the front of the tractor along with woodchipper.

“The PTO switch on the outside of the tractor stops you having to keep jumping in and out of the cab, great feature for us. Front loader moves all our loose materials easily and the pallet forks can be attached to keep everything neat and tidy in the yard

“It is a solid yet compact tractor which is perfect for getting to every area of the golf course. It has been invaluable since day one, the complete package and the best tractor we came across.”

Pete Allen, Gerrards Cross Golf Club

What is it, how does it work and, most importantly, when should and shouldn’t we use it?

Weight Transfer

Many operators of ride-on turfcare products are likely to be familiar with the term, weight transfer. But, have we all managed to make enough time to understand it in depth?

Weight transfer applies to many devices, but for the purposes of this article we are considering, predominantly, turf and agricultural machinery. It is simply the ability to take advantage of the weight in one part of a machine and move it to another more advantageous part of the machine to aid performance, usually in the form of increased traction and stability.

In the industrialised world, farm tractors offer some of the best examples of machines which have an adjustable, operator or automatically controlled, weight transfer system combined with a three-point hitch to improve traction. Sometimes referred to as draft control, but also originally known as “The Ferguson System” with several associated patents filed by Harry Ferguson in the 1930s. It utilised what’s known as a flow on demand hydraulic circuit that “tries” to lift the mounted implement to transfer

LEFT

By applying downforce on the traction wheels, the centre of gravity of the machine is being lowered. This has the effect of making it more stable on a slope.

weight from the mounted implement to the rear wheels of the tractor, dependent on the draught being pulled. This aids traction. A spring-operated weight transfer system was also patented by Ferguson as early as 1921 before the common use of hydraulics

(creditThe Friends ofFerguson Heritage Ltd)

Commercial mowers

These principles have since been integrated into many types of products, including commercial Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE). Most golf and commercial ride-on mowers have some kind of adjustable weight transfer system. There is either a heavy-duty spring or springs which can be manually adjusted to pull on the lift system, trying to lift the mower off the ground. This simple but effective idea transfers weight from the lift arms to the traction unit and is adjustable, either on the go or by predetermined manual settings. In a hydraulic system, valves can be used to create some backpressure in the lift cylinders, enough to try and lift the mower(s) off the ground but not so much that the mowers are lifted. This transfers weight from the mower(s) to the front wheels (usually) of the traction unit via the lift arm mechanism. There are variations and combinations on this theme, but the principle is the same.

Moving weight increases downforce

The most useful question to address is when should you use weight transfer? With a mowing attachment, the most obvious time is on slopes. Moving weight from the mower(s) to the traction unit increases down force on the wheels closest to the lift point of the implement where it meets the traction unit. This is most

It sometimes takes a little practice, but it’s well worth mastering

effective with a front mounted mower on a front wheel drive traction unit. In this case, the front wheels are now forcibly planted on the ground and obtain more grip which improves traction. It’s advisable to select weight transfer before climbing a slope or any other condition where additional traction might be required as it offers a more progressive influence on the tyres’ grip. By applying downforce on the traction wheels, the centre of gravity of the machine is also being lowered. This has the effect or making it less likely to tip, however, the manufacturer’s declared safe working angle of the machine should never be exceeded. The latter will be stated in the operator’s manual and via decals on the machine. A manufacturer approved Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) should also

ABOVE

When weight transfer is on, it effectively takes 105 kg from the mowing deck and transfers 203 kg to the front wheels, adding 49% of downforce for extra traction.

TECHNICAL

be deployed and not folded if a folding feature is provided. You must also be wearing a seatbelt to ensure you stay within the operator safety zone should the worst happen and the machine rolls. Specific training is available from many suppliers, some providing checklists to remind operators of additional safe practice when operating on slopes.

Dual wheels

The effect of weight transfer can further be enhanced by fitting dual wheels. They can offer even more traction and stability on slopes and, whilst benefitting from the weight transfer, spread the load enough to prevent turf damage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Comely is the PR and Marketing Consultant for Price Turfcare, the UK and Ireland distributor of the Ventrac allterrain compact tractor. In his early career, he studied agricultural engineering and was employed by Lely and Ariens before he spent 22 years working for Ransomes Jacobsen in various technical roles including Director of Global Product Management, responsible for a team of product development specialists in the USA and UK. In 2020, he joined ETA Green Power Ltd, a leading design and technology development company specialising in high density electric drive systems, initially as Product and Marketing Manager, before retiring in March 2024 as Product Manager for OPE sectors.

LEFT

Weight transfer and dual wheels can also improve the ability to maintain directional control when the machine is climbing and traversing a slope.

How much additional down force?

Depending on the system design and implement mass, the percentage of weight that is added to the front wheels of the traction unit can be up to 49%, more than without weight transfer engaged. That’s a significant amount of extra grip available. The geometry of the machine needs to be such that the rear of the machine does not become too light as weight is also being transferred from the rear to the front of the machine. This can usually be mitigated with counterbalance weights and the inherent characteristics of the machine’s design. In summary, using weight transfer with a front mounted mower(s) and front or all-wheel drive will increase traction on the front tyres of the traction unit. This is most useful whilst operating on slopes because it decreases the potential to slide and lose control of the machine.

Are there conditions when you shouldn’t you use weight transfer?

The short answer is yes. If you are on flat ground or less challenging undulations, it is often best to reduce or eliminate weight transfer. Why? The are several reasons depending on what type of weight transfer system your machine has. When using mowers that have rear rollers, and you want to leave a striped effect after mowing, it’s desirable to increase the weight of the mower being supported by the roller so it has the best chance of leaving a definite stripe. If you are traversing undulations, too much weight transfer can cause the mower to “hang” in the air as it crests an undulation. It will eventually lower, but depending on your forward speed the mower will miss some of the grass to be cut on the lea side of the undulation leaving an uneven height of cut.

Adjusting your weight transfer according to conditions is very desirable, especially if it can be done ‘on the fly’. Some machines have rotary valves, some, more recent, machines have electronically controlled settings, and some have very effective adjustable spring settings. Most, if not all of them can be adjusted ‘on the go’ very quickly, enabling the operator to maintain productivity. It sometimes takes a little practice, but it’s well worth mastering.

Planting seed digging up data

and

Conservation Greenkeeper at Woodhall Spa Golf Club, Stephen Thompson explains how to plant and prepare your wildflower seed and meadows.

Stephen also touches on the importance of recording data and how undertaking something so simple can have lasting benefits for the club, its members and the wider public.

Sowing seed

“You want to start looking at areas in the winter period, maybe in October and November. Have a look at areas that you could easily turn into a wildflower meadow; areas out of play or between two fairways are ideal. You can choose areas that golfers might not see, but you equally want some in areas that golfers will see.”

“At my previous club, we chose an area that was near to water and in between two fairways; it was a piece of ground that didn’t have much grass cover and it was the perfect opportunity to turn it into something colourful.”

“In October, we started by scarifying the

area which was down to 60% bare soil and then applied the seed mix in autumn. The following months were very wet which gave the perfect conditions for the seed to prosper and, when summer arrived, it was full of colour and insects. We had a survey done which showed five species of bumblebee and numerous other insects.”

There are several methods for sowing wildflower seed; Stephen highlighted another previous example: “Instead of scarifying, we selected an area behind one of the greens and removed the turf. We used a machine to break up the soil and rotovate it, then sowed the wildflower seed at the end of March… it then came up well in the summer.”

“For wildflower areas, the less fertile the better, as it reduces competition from unwanted weeds and grasses. If it is a thick grass area full of weeds, you might add a Yellowratlle seed into a mix; it is a parasitic flower so that will attack the roots of the thicker grass that you don’t

Winter is a perfect time to gather data and send it off to the relevant wildlife and conservation trusts

want. Mixes that are more suitable for claybased soil are also available and others which are better for sand-based soil - it is advisable to contact a seed supplier when purchasing mixes for more clarification on which type is best.”

Stephen continued “It is important to have patience when preparing a wildflower project. It takes a while for the seed to grow and how long it will take to have an impact will depend on where you plant. In theory, you could be looking at four weeks before the preparation stage even starts. If you are considering a highly weed populated area, I would recommend using some kind of weed killer first and then leave it for a few weeks. You might then need another application to fully remove all weeds to avoid ruining the wildflower meadow.”

The misunderstanding about golf courses

Stephen touched on the misconception about golf courses and how greenkeepers can use the extra space: “Many people assume that golf courses are just expanses of grass. Golfers don’t play in every corner of the course, and we all have out of play areas where weeds, nettles and trees are growing. Those are the areas that you can add a bit of colour in the form of wildflowers, providing a natural habitat to insects, bees and butterflies.”

“Golf courses are areas full of a whole range of different habitats. If you can provide food at the bottom level with wildflowers and grasses, you then attract insects for pollination, the insects will then attract birds and bats, and other birds will then eat the smaller birds.”

“Data collection can be important when it comes to evidence. A lot of people will complain about golf courses not being good for the

environment due to machine and chemical use. Whilst we do use those things, I have evidence in my data book and spreadsheets that prove golf courses are important for wildlife.”

The golfer perspective

With golfers often wanting to just play golf, Stephen was surprised by the reaction of the players when discussing previous wildflower projects: “The comments were overwhelmingly positive; many players noted how colourful the meadows were and appreciated the added visual interest during their game.”

“It is particularly nice to add something different for visitors coming from other clubs; a field of colour amongst all the green areas is something that a lot of golfers might not see.”

“Some members might question why you are turning an area into a wildflower meadow,

Coring the area.

Soil down ready for seed.

First signs of life.

Before.

After.

and I would use collected data to show them evidence of what you are doing and why you are doing it. Show them the increase in population and the importance of pollination and wildlife; communication is the key.”

Why is data collection important?

“Since I started here, I have been keeping a track of the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, moths, bats and other mammals. We are outside all of the time, which means you see a lot of things. Year on year, you can see improvements in population of species or decline of certain species and, if you have a decline, you want to know why. The data helps you to track what is going on and then analyse what might need doing from a conservation perspective.”

“I would recommend undertaking a data survey to determine how many insects you are spotting around the course and then you can introduce the wildflower meadows and carry out another survey to evaluate the improvement in population.”

“Winter is a perfect time to gather data and send it off to the relevant wildlife and conservation trusts such as The Butterfly Conservation or Cambridgeshire Moths. The records can help them to keep a track of what is happening with the specific species and contribute to tracking local wildlife populations.”

It is a numbers game when collecting data, Stephen concluded: “When I started at Woodhall, I found a previous list of moths recording from the early to mid-2000s which was at 235 species. I have been here for 18 months and it has already increased to 404 species. In those 18 months, I have recorded 60 species of birds, 16 species of butterfly, 14 species of dragon fly and numerous others - by getting out regularly you will find more species.”

Temping TALKING TURF

To be or not to be?

Head Greenkeeper Tom Barnett has been at Stourbridge Golf Club for just five months. He aims to implement gradual changes over time and has been deliberating about the temporary greens.

he course has tried using temporary greens and tees in the past; however, it has never stuck.

Tom explained why: "The course is very dry and free-draining, and the club likes to define itself by that. The greens might be a little wet at this time of year, but the club sees it as - once they’re dry, they’re ready to be played on again. There are occasions when

it can be tough to manage. When the weather is against you, it can be hard. It was minus five degrees last week; we are now three days into the thaw, and a few greens still won’t take a screwdriver. Unfortunately, because of this, we are currently closed. That is partly because we don’t have a temporary green policy."

He reflected on how this differs from his previous experiences: "My previous places of work had temporary greens and tees as a policy. It meant we could protect the greens. However, it also meant that the approaches had to be maintained to a high level in the summer because those temporary greens were in place throughout the winter. It’s a bit of a give-andtake situation."

Tom expressed his view on the use of temporary greens: "It’s a tough one. When the rain eases and the water levels drop, the course is very playable due to the good drainage. It’s when you have leaf frost or severe wet weather that you want to give the greens a rest and use a temporary. Unfortunately, here, that isn’t possible, so you have to consider closing the whole course. As a professional, you want to protect the course as much as possible. It’s in very good condition in most parts, and if we had the option of temporary greens, we’d probably be open today. It’s something I want to discuss with the club, but I’ve only been here for a brief

Tom Barnett Head Greenkeeper

In this regular column, we talk all things turf along with the projects and challenges you face on a regular basis.

time, and it’s about introducing new ideas slowly. People often want to enjoy the golf, and they don’t really notice whether it’s a temporary green or not."

"There are benefits to not using temporary greens. When they’re ready, they’re good to go. The golfers pay a lot of money, and we appreciate that they want to play on proper greens. We are a sand-based course surrounded by a lot of clay-based courses. So, when other places are shut and we are open, we get that footfall."

He also touched on the effects of the recent extreme weather conditions: "We are getting mild, wet autumns with a few cold snaps here and there. It’s site-specific; the clay courses are probably looking better because they close to protect the course. We try to stay open as much as possible, but we also need to manage the traffic on the course because of the long-term damage it can cause."

You appreciate what course managers have to do a lot more when you’re in the position!

TALKING TURF

Below

It was back to business after winter frost had thawed with the Air2G2.

Working in a new team

Tom expressed his gratitude towards the team at Stourbridge for welcoming his ideas and changes: "There’s myself, and four others working under me at the moment, and we are hoping to add one more in the future. They’ve been great and very receptive to the new ideas I’ve tried to implement.”

“I’ve never had a change of boss at a workplace before, and I didn’t really know how the team would feel about me coming in, but they’ve been very understanding. You can’t make big changes straight away; you have to take your time. I

always have a calm process of managing people. You have to build relationships and learn about the different personalities."

With this being his first head greenkeeper role, Tom reflected on how this has challenged him: "It’s the exposure you get as the ‘boss’. You don’t really have that when you’re further down the ladder. You appreciate what course managers have to do a lot more when you’re in the position. It’s been a tough start, but very enjoyable."

Career so far

Tom started his greenkeeping journey at Hagley Golf Club, just a stone’s throw from Stourbridge. He told us why greenkeeping was for him: "I’ve played golf throughout my life. Even as a child, I always had a keen eye for how the course was managed - seeing the mowers out and watching the team working on the course. In the summer holidays, I would be playing golf and would always ask if they needed a hand. Often, they did, and I sort of fell in love with it."

With five months under his belt as Head Greenkeeper, Tom reflected on his career so far: "To be a head greenkeeper in my early thirties, I’m pretty happy. I joined Stourbridge from Drayton Park Golf Club, where I was a deputy course manager for two and a half years. I was at Moor Hall before that for six years, with brief spells at other clubs in between. I feel like I’ve gained a lot of experience working with a wide range of personalities and skill sets. Working under different management, you learn a lot of techniques about managing turf, people, and the golf element."

Tom reflected on the usefulness of role models in turfcare: "I was lucky in college; I had a lot of

good tutors at Rodbaston. Kevin McAdams used to be at the Belfry, and he helped me through my level 3, which was great. To work in this job, you have to have a passion for it. Everything you do could have a positive or negative result. If you love the game of golf, it’s a brilliant career."

EDUCATING OTHERS ABOUT OUR INDUSTRY

"If I didn’t play golf when I was a kid, I wouldn’t know about greenkeeping. You never see it at careers fairs, on billboards or advertised online. There’s a big space for us to push the industry into people’s view. It doesn’t have to just be young people; it can be those who want a career change. We just need to recruit."

"There’s always a misconception of what we do. I’ll tell someone my job, and they’ll say, ‘You cut grass.’ In reality, a lot of us are greenkeepers, mechanics, agronomists and naturalists. We need to change the stereotype."

I

want to keep striving to get better at the job. I want to put Stourbridge on the map. I’ll always be proactive and try to display what I can do."

Empowering Sports Turf

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE: WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR

Having observed a shift in the way golf courses use technology and approach turf management in 2024, here Reesink Turfcare lists the top six trends to watch out for in 2025 – so you can make the most of new opportunities or mitigate impending challenges.

1. Autonomous mowers

Autonomous mowers have been on the horizon for some time and it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s the technology everyone’s been anticipating and talking about for years. Now, Reesink Turfcare can proudly say it’s a reality in the UK, having unveiled the first autonomous fairway mower from Toro at BTME.

Autonomous mowers operate manually or automatically by combining sensors and software to control, navigate and drive the vehicle. Toro’s GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower is built on years of precisioncontrol research and development to deliver the

high cut quality the Toro name is known for, using well-proven GPS functionality to map out the area, setting specific boundaries in which the machine can operate autonomously. When the mower reaches the edge of the predefined work zone, based on satellite positioning, it intelligently keeps within it.

Reesink’s Divisional Business Manager, Jon Cole says: “The intention is not to replace labour with autonomous products, but instead to allow staff to focus where they’re needed most, such as doing

Since 2022, there is an increase of 3.1 million adult golfers playing the sport

more detailed work that requires more skill and decision-making.”

Autonomous technology can help golf clubs become more efficient, providing a way to dramatically increase productivity and get even more consistent results. By maximising the use of available labour means resources can be reallocated to other critical tasks such as enhancing course aesthetics and perfecting playability.

With this mower, which is designed for use in higher cut grass areas, such as fairways and close-cut sports fields requiring a mowing height of 12-25mm, Toro has instantly made 2025 one to remember and neatly leads us on to the next trend we know for sure will make 2025 stand out further when it comes to the available technology for turfcare professionals.

2. Robotic mowers

Robotic mowers are still a form of autonomous technology, but they operate with less human intervention. While autonomous mowing machines work in conventional mowing environments to scale up the workforce, robotic mowers allow for effortless but productive operation, opening up access to steep and difficult areas safely and efficiently and, for example, providing a way to cut roughs even in difficult weather conditions.

With wireless operating, operators can start or stop, easily track and adjust performance via computer or mobile device, at anytime from anywhere, receiving alerts and automating certain processes. Sensors and programmed boundaries guide movement and seamlessly slot these machines into working alongside other Toro solutions.

Using GPS RTK technology, the Turf Pro navigates with 0.75–1.25 inch (2–3cm) level precision and mows a consistent pattern (up to 18.5 acres) with a minimal overlap. There’s the choice of three cutting heads and a mowing area of 45,000m2 with the Turf Pro 300, or five cutting heads and a mowing area of 75,000m2 in the Turf Pro 500, with both bringing repeatable results and providing a cutting height range of 20-100mm.

3. Drones and new technologies

Already essential in the construction and surveying industry, the game-changing potential of drones is finally being recognised by forward-thinking greenkeepers as well.

In addition to capturing stunning photos and videos that can be re-used for promotional purposes, drones deliver high-res imaging that offers greenkeepers a holistic view of

Toro’s robotic Turf Pro 500 allows operators to programme boundaries for repeatable results.

Far left Toro’s new GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower uses well-proven GPS functionality to help clubs become more efficient.

Below Drone images can help clubs monitor and survey things like coastal erosion.

TECHNICAL

professionals can expect everything under the sun when it comes to the weather!

be analysed to monitor the general health of the course and promptly address problems such as pest infestations, grass disease or ineffective drainage.

Not only that, but links courses are now routinely using drones along the cliff edge to monitor and survey coastal change. This allows the team to record the rate of erosion – playing an instrumental role in planning.

The use of new technologies to optimise greenkeeping outcomes is a broader trend that will continue to transform the golf industry over the upcoming years. From irrigation to labour management, weather forecasting and operations planning, specialised apps help simplify the daily job of greenkeepers and ensure consistent results throughout the course.

That’s why we anticipate that smart connected technology will become critical to intuitively visualise key insights from multiple apps in real-time, making sense of a proliferation of data sources.

4. Changing weather patterns

We all love to talk about the weather, and we anticipate it to be in trend lists for the foreseeable future thanks to the effects of changing patterns, especially with wetter winters and hotter summers. And after seeing how the climate is evolving in the rest of Europe – consider for instance the disastrous Spanish floods of October – we can assume that the situation won’t improve any time soon.

and waterlogging, or damage from drought.

Turfcare professionals have to learn to quickly adapt to dealing with high levels of rainfall in short periods of time regularly. This entails focusing on the drainage capabilities of greens and fairways to make sure water can move quickly through the soil and avoid puddles or flooding.

Warmer weather, especially over the autumn months, can also make grass disease more prolific, which combined with new bans on chemical pesticides, complicates turf management and is likely to accelerate the move to more sustainable solutions. On the other hand, colder and wetter winters can exacerbate fungal growth and threaten the health of grass.

5. Eco-friendly turfcare management

As the push towards sustainability continues across all industries, we expect a progressive adoption of eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact and uplift green spaces through an optimised use of natural elements.

Turfcare professionals will look to achieve these ambitious goals without affecting the playability or the overall quality of the playing surfaces. This usually involves finding organic alternatives to chemical pesticides, improving water management through advanced irrigation systems, supporting biodiversity, reducing noise pollution and preventing damage to the turf from hydraulic leaks.

A strategic choice here can be selecting drought-tolerant and disease-resistant types of grass to reduce the need for pesticides and water – although local climate and turf conditions should be carefully considered for optimal outcomes.

Turfcare professionals are collaborating with nature conservation bodies and employing sustainable landscaping practices to act as sanctuaries for local flora and fauna more than ever before. Some of these strategies include building wildlife habitats, rewilding, planting trees and making space for nature.

By becoming environmental defenders, golf, sports, and grounds customers can play a vital role in protecting the land they occupy. It’s a subject Reesink is passionate about and dedicated to helping customers effectively contribute towards, which is why the business has helped form the GreenGrounds initiative to promote environmental awareness of sustainability solutions within the turf and groundscare industries.

The idea is to form a collective approach and help the industry by sharing meaningful, free advice and knowledge, and creative and practical solutions, to ultimately be joined-up in the thinking, so everyone together can make a real difference.

reesinkturfcare. co.uk to find out how the company pieced together some of the best practices to support sustainable grounds maintenance and prevent greenwashing.

How to start a sustainability project is one of the most frequently asked questions, which is where the seed for GreenGrounds comes from. There is a real and growing interest and enthusiasm to start making a difference, and Reesink is here to support and encourage that.

WE MAKE SPORT HAPPEN

6. Rising costs, tighter budgets

Rising costs of golf course management are shrinking the revenue of UK clubs, forcing them to diversify, increase fees and operate with tighter budgets.

In addition to inflation exacerbating the annual cost of spare parts for maintenance equipment such as greens mowers, aerators and utility vehicles, the cost of energy and water bills are also expected to rise, making the optimisation of water and clubs’ electric resources a business necessity.

Not everything, however, is changing for the worse. Due to decreasing global demand, national fuel costs of petrol and diesel fell between August and November 2024 and some feel that is likely to continue on this trajectory in the upcoming months as well.

One of the most notable changes in 2025 will be the rise of minimum wage and National Insurance contributions announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, which combined will increase the cost of employing minimum wage staff by roughly 10 percent.

There are, however, ways to offset these unexpected and unavoidable expenses. When making a purchase, it’s recommended to understand the Total Cost of Ownership. When choosing new machinery, consider its maintenance costs, longevity and productivity versus its residual values over time; prioritise precision and efficiency in an irrigation system; and choose a distributor with competitive, market-leading finance options and full sales and servicing back-up. These decisions combine to make significant long-term savings.

Whatever the future has in store, Reesink’s team will be there to assist you with decades of practical industry experience. They work

Left

With golf enjoying growth clubs should have a focus on ways to optimise course quality.

GOLF PARTICIPATION CONTINUES TO ENJOY GROWTH

In September 2024, the R&A announced there are now 42.7 million on-course golfers (nine and 18-hole) in R&A affiliated markets (outside the USA and Mexico) which, since 2022, is an increase of 3.1 million adult golfers playing the sport.

The research found the growth trend began before the onset of Covid-19 and is now accelerating faster than the 2020-2022 pandemic period when there was an average of 2.5 million new on-course golfers per annum.

The sport continues to increase in popularity, now up 44 percent from 29.6 million on-course players in 2016.

one-on-one with customers, finding solutions to turfcare problems and most, if not all, have previously worked in the field, so they understand the changing marketplace, emerging technologies and industry developments.

And, of course, they have on hand some of the best brands serving the turfcare industry. Toro leads the way when it comes to its robust R&D processes, pioneering new technologies and range of innovative, problem-solving and efficient machinery.

For further information, please contact Reesink Turfcare on 01480 226800 or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Designed for Professionals, Built for Every pitch.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

MAKE TIME WORK FOR YOU

The clock is ticking!

If you feel there is never enough time in the day to get all your work done, then finding an effective time management strategy and technique to get the most out of each day is crucial.

Well-developed time management strategies will help you have more control over your time and productivity.

Regardless of your motivation for improving your time management, implementing some form of process will provide some key benefits:

1 in 5 (18%) have a proper time management system

The remaining managers (82%) do not have a time management system and simply rely on the least successful time management technique of all, ‘dealing with whatever comes up first’!

• Increased confidence in yourself.

• Reduced stress and anxiety.

• Ability to consistently meet deadlines.

• Colleagues see you as a reliable achiever.

Pitfalls of poor time management

It is commonplace that some managers experience a wide array of perceived obstacles reducing their ability to manage their time effectively. Fortunately, it is possible to identify and address time-management challenges, and by doing so can help optimise our productiveness:

Low motivation

Sometimes, finding the motivation to complete important tasks can be the first obstacle to good time management. You might have experienced a situation when you have plenty of time to complete a particular task, but you don’t feel like doing so. Finding motivation is a common

Through self-reflection, you can identify what’s working and where you can continue to improve

challenge, try finding something about the task you feel enthusiastic about and focus on that part of the project that interests you.

Overbooking

Although it is often easy to accept new tasks with enthusiasm, sometimes the reality of the time needed to carry out them exceeds the time available. Carefully consider your current workload before taking on new assignments and ask for an estimate of the time needed to complete the job. If you are already overbooked, consider trying another time-management strategy such as delegating, re-scheduling, collaborating or simply deleting, (see Fig. 1).

Not enough rest

Hard-working individuals sleep fewer hours per day or choose to avoid breaks in hope of having extra time to be more productive. Reducing or cutting time out in this way may feel productive in the short term, but it usually makes you less effective overall. Productivity often increases with well-rested energy, so it is vital you rest when you need and are able. Consider building breaks into your day to refresh your energy.

Multiple distractions

Distraction-proof your workspace by using indicators that you are working, such as wearing a set of headphones or even closing your door if it is appropriate. Consider placing your phone or other electronic devices across the room, silencing it, or turning it off completely if you have another way to receive essential information.

Techniques for working smarter in the workplace

Knowing what works for you is critical. The object is to create a routine that feels empowering and lets you perform at your best. It is important to understand yourself and match your schedule with your energy levels and ability to concentrate. Creating a schedule with the tasks, responsibilities and other activities which need your focus is a fantastic way to improve your time management and productivity.

Fig. 1. Decision matrix (Dwight Eisenhower 1950).

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Below are some tips that can help you be more organised:

Write Things Down

Trying to remember things will not help you to stay organised. You should try writing things down. You will only further complicate your life by trying to have important dates and reminders in your head. Write down everything, when you applied fertilizer, what the application rates were, what the results were periodically after application and so on. This form of logging information is extremely useful for your future success, (see Fig. 2).

Follow a routine

Have a plan of what you need to get done and when you’re going to check those action items off your to-do list. Sticking to a routine helps to automate tasks that need to get done, whether you dread them or not, because doing something every single day will make your brain happy and help to create good habits.

Make deadlines

Organised people don’t waste time. They recognise that keeping things organised goes together with staying productive. They make deadlines and set goals. And most importantly, they stick to them!

Don’t procrastinate

Article by Phil Helmn. Author of The Power of

The longer you wait to do something, the more difficult it will be to get it done. If you want your life to be less stressful and less demanding, then organise as soon as you can. Putting in the effort to get things done as soon as possible will lift the weight off you from doing it later.

Give everything a home

Keeping organised means keeping your things in their proper places. Organised people keep order by storing things properly and by labelling storage spaces. A big ‘NO’ is to never label a storage space as “miscellaneous”!

Creating the perfect schedule for you!

Designing a schedule takes time and practice to develop. A successful schedule will require constant refining before the ‘perfect’ format is reached, one which will boost your productivity and save you time. It is important to appreciate that schedule organisation is rarely a one size fits all approach, that said, there are fundamental behaviours for developing and keeping a successful schedule:

• Pay attention to how you feel. Create a workflow that helps you perform your best work by matching jobs with your mood and level of motivation.

• Make mornings effortless. Create a simple set of morning habits which help you establish a reliable starting point for each new day.

• Set priorities for the day. Avoid being distracted by everything you want to do. Identify the top three most important tasks, then schedule enough time to complete them.

• Tackle the most challenging tasks first. Getting an important job done early gives you the motivation to keep working. Not only can this put you in a good mood, but it can also help you be happier at work over the long term.

Taking time to reflect on what you accomplished in the day will help set yourself up for success for the following day. The end of the day is the perfect time to review your to-do list, to see all the items you checked off, and what is still left to be tackled. The end-of-day review is also a chance for honest self-reflection about how well you managed your time.

Through self-reflection, you can identify what’s working and where you can continue to improve. Becoming more self-aware will help improve your time-management skills. Knowing when your energy levels are highest can help you focus on tasks at the right time of the day. If you concentrate better and are more creative in the mornings, it may be more productive to focus on writing tasks. If you know your energy levels are lower in the afternoons, consider jobs that require little energy, such as course walks or those less important meetings.

People

• Absolute Advanced Generate 12-3-9 +2%MgO +2%Fe Fertiliser

Balanced turf nutrition with high nitrogen, magnesium, and iron for a lush, consistent green.

£25.15 per 20kg

• ICL Sportsmaster Renovator Pro 14-0-5 +6%Fe +MCPA +Mecoprop-P

Ensures even spreading, rapid breakdown, and immediate results. Contains iron for moss control and 2 selective weedkillers, MCPA and Mecoprop-P.

£34.78 per 25kg

Tougher, lusher lawns

GreenClean Pro 1L Hard Surface Algae Remover

E ectively removes algae and green deposits from hard surfaces: buildings, drives, roofs, paths, synthetic courts, sports pitches, concrete, tarmac, and block paving.

£54.90 per 1L ex.

A blend of perennial ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue, ideal for landscaping where hardwearing, stresstolerant qualities are needed.

£99.50 per 20kg Includes free shipping