The Landscaper March April 2025

Sprayers and spraying: Drive to reduce inputs

Milestones in landscaping:

AI: more than a marketing tool

Going underground: Neglect drainage at your peril

Plus: power tools and mowers

SEEDS OF SUCCESS

Synthetic turf: A force for good?

BTME review: A show to remember

Tech: Drones take off

Paving: Setting the style

After a fair few floods this winter, a spell of brighter, drier weather is a welcome opportunity to get back on the tools for spring renovations.

No sooner had meteorological spring sprung than power tool manufacturer Stihl launched a swathe of new products to herald the new season (page 30) but don't forget those key maintenance tips to ensure your kit runs smoothly and seamlessly (page 25).

Millions a year are ploughed into futureproofing landscaping projects and sportsturf to withstand increasingly wet weather. Ignore drainage at your peril, cautions Landscape Academy’s Lynne Taylor (page 13) as doing so can cost dear.

Editor Greg Rhodes | 07711 604295 | landscaper@sheengate.co.uk

Contributors

Paula Warman | Lynne Taylor

Advertising sales

Helena Hughes | 020 4539 3009 | landscaper@sheengate.co.uk

Design and production

www.lucas-studio.co.uk

Circulation and subscriptions landscaper@sheengate.co.uk

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Managing

Love it or loathe it, synthetic turf seems here to stay as a part of landscaping and sport as demand continues to grow for a low maintenance alternative to natural grass (page 34).

Greg Rhodes, Editor landscaper@sheengate.co.uk

Next issue copy deadline: 17 April 2025 To advertise

Blakedown Landscapes wins Royal Park contract

The Royal Parks charity has appointed award-winning landscape specialist Blakedown Landscapes as the official contractor for the new garden in The Regent’s Park, commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

After a competitive tender process, Blakedown deliver landscape construction of the two-acre garden, set to open in 2026, to mark what would have been the late Queen’s centenary year.

Construction is already underway for the garden, which will transform a disused plant nursery into a beautiful and biodiverse space for visitors to enjoy, including circular pond to support wildlife, central promenade with accessible viewing platform and flower garden showcasing species significant to the late Queen.

A disused water tower within the site will be repurposed into an accessible viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the garden while supporting biodiversity through habitats for birds, bats, and invertebrates.

Blakedown will work closely with The Royal Parks to ensure the garden reflects both historic and contemporary design principles while championing sustainability. The project will incorporate climate-resilient planting, reuse of materials from the former nursery and environmentally sensitive construction methods.

The company’s know-how “will help bring our vision to life, creating a tranquil space for reflection that enhances biodiversity and is accessible to all”, noted Darren Share, director of parks at The Royal Parks.

“Having worked with The Royal Parks for over 35 years, we understand the importance of creating spaces that are both enduring and environmentally responsible,”said Blakedown Landscapes managing director Chris Wellbelove.

“The project reflects a shared commitment to sustainability - enhancing biodiversity while adopting responsible construction techniques that minimise environmental impact.”

Public engagement sessions held in 2024 strongly backed the project.

The charity cares for the world’s most famous collection of urban parks, which costs some £65m a year to run.

Follow the project at https://www.royalparks.org.uk/ visit/parks/regents-park-primrose-hill/new-gardencommemorate-queen-elizabeth-ii

GroundsFest expanding for 2025

The third GroundsFest show is set to outstrip 2024's successful event, the organisers predict.

Running on 9 and 10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, the 2025 exhibition

will witness “significant growth in exhibitor numbers, stand space and industry influence”, Fusion Media reports.

“The event’s rapid expansion highlights its position as the largest event for the grounds management and landscaping industries,” it adds.

Nearly 19,400 m2 of exhibitor space has been sold

six months before the event, which brings together landscaping and groundcare sectors, with the organisers adding 6,300 m2 extra stand space to meet demand.More than nine in ten of 2024 exhibitors have rebooked and 52 first timers are already confirmed for this year.

“This rapid expansion cements GroundsFest as the industry’s fastest-growing trade event,” said show sales director Charles Neale, “offering exhibitors and visitors more brands, more networking and more hands-on experiences.”

The 2025 exhibitor list is already shaping up to be the event’s most diverse yet, with leading industry names and exciting newcomers joining the GroundsFest community. Some of the First-time exhibitors include, DeWalt, Bosch Outdoor Garden, Amazone Ltd, Martin Lishman, Block Blitz, Först, Wessex International and Trilo.

"The event’s strong accent on education, live demonstrations and hands-on experiences is setting new standards for industry trade shows,” Charles added. www.groundsfest.com

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Watcombe Wanderers girls U14s play and look the part

Fast-moving Watcombe Wanderers, which won promotion in their first season since forming in 2023, now have two teams sporting kit sponsored by compact tractor and mower supplier Iseki UK & Ireland.

Licensed coach Martin Campbell was approached to form an under-14s team near Newton Abbott, South Devon for players unhappy at the current clubs and during recruitment, received a message from Iseki's vehicle sales manager Phil Catley about his daughter Maddie.

Starting the season late due to player shortfall, Maddie and the other girls quickly forged success to finish runnersup on the last day of the campaign to clinch promotion to Division Two.

Martin wanted to build the team's identity with new kits and hoodies before they kicked off the next season,

so contacted parents.

"They were playing like footballers, so we wanted them to look the part," Martin said. "Like any grassroots club, we rely on volunteers and parents and when it came to kit sponsorship, we asked parents and Phil said he might be able to help.

"People come forward with good intentions but Iseki’s response was positive, sponsoring two kits and hoodies for the girls, and they look outstanding.”

The Wanderers were sitting second as The Landscaper went to press, chasing promotion to the top flight.

“Women’s football is enjoying massive growth,” said Alan Prickett, Iseki UK & Ireland sales director, “so to be able to support an up-and-coming grassroots team is something to be very proud of.”

Roger Moore retires

After 17 years of sterling service, Roger Moore has retired from groundcare machinery supplier the Howardson Group.

A familiar, respected figure across the industry and within the company, Roger joined Howardson Group as customer manager before evolving his role to cover sales, marketing and customer support.

He built strong links with key industry bodies such as the GMA, BIGGA and SAPCA and many representatives from cricket, football, rugby, tennis, and croquet.

He helped organise and develop events in the UK and abroad, dealer days, press days, export dealer events, company

brochures, websites and marketing strategy. The esteemed seminar programmes for bowls, cricket, croquet, football, and rugby he formulated have run for more than 20 years, with Roger and his team continuously refining and enhancing them.

In early 2011, Roger was instrumental in developing a detailed 90-day integration plan to successfully merge Dennis and SISIS after the latter’s takeover.

Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality have left a lasting legacy, Howardson Group states - notably his expertise in celebrating the 2022 Dennis Centenary Year. www.howardsongroup.com

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A package of Baroness and Kubota equipment from dealer George Browns Ltd is playing its part in Mytime Active's investment and development across its 11 courses, including fully rekitting three of them.

Midland grounds manager Dave Cole notes the importance of “outstanding” support and service from all the dealer's departments to help keep ambitious maintenance plans on track. “Our experience with them as a dealer has always been second to none,” he says. “They understand the pressure of time and the importance of getting fast answers, resolving any issues quickly and going above and beyond to get us up and running.”

The new fleet, installed in September 2024, comprises “bulletproof” Baroness GM2810, LM331 and two LM311 all-hydraulic triplex mowers plus a “comfortable, easy to operate” RTV-X1110 from Kubota. “We’ve witnessed a reduction in disease occurrence on our greens because

George Browns delivers the full package for Mytime Active Course connectivity deal cuts three ways

The Royal St George’s Golf Club has confirmed a long-term partnership with John Deere and Tuckwells designed to create course connectivity.

The agreement will see 70 new pieces of machinery installed at the Open venue by dealer Tuckwells, including John Deere full cutting fleet, tractors and utility vehicles plus other groundscare kit.

Greenkeepers will be supported by Deere on professional training and offered opportunities to travel to other world-renowned courses to grow their expertise.

The latest technology will be deployed across Royal St George’s with machinery connected by satellite and

of [the blades’] outstanding sharpness and cut quality,” Dave reports. “They’re capable of working on all ground conditions, and by adjusting height of cut we can mow multiple areas on our multiple sites to a very high level.”

Deere's Operations Center PRO Golf course management software to assign and track progress of every daily task.

Tuckwells will provide The Open venue with all equipment and deliver operator training and rapid parts back-up for essential maintenance throughout the initial five-year agreement, also providing extra machines and labour to support tournaments held there.

Equipment delivery has begun, to complete in spring 2026, and includes Deere’s recently released battery powered 225E walk-behind and 2775E riding greens mowers.

The course has also ordered two 2030A GPS satellite guidance sprayers.

Under a strategic marketing deal covering the UK, Ireland and Europe, Wiedenmann turf equipment is available to buy through John Deere dealerships.

The global manufacturer and turfcare specialist will continue to share technology and work on development projects under the agreement, struck in 2021, which has been extended to provide all Deere dealers with access to the expanding Wiedenmann range.

Deere, Wiedenmann move closer still Wildwood wins major business

After a year of expansion in 2024, groundcare business Wildwood Machinery has powered into 2025 by extending its product range via a main local dealership contract with machinery maker Wessex International a major deal with a local authority."

Launched in 2022, Winchester-based Wildwood has scaled up rapidly, winning clients across professional and

Redexim extends George Browns territory

Under a wider reshuffle of its partner network, Redexim

UK has expanded dealership George Browns Ltd's remit by including Essex and North London areas, following take-up of the IP postcode to its central and eastern regions in mid-2024 – the latest move in a partnership dating back to the 1980s.

community sports clubs, local authorities, schools and National Trust properties.

"A vital component in our success has been sourcing, supplying and maintaining the best equipment available to the UK market,” said managing director James Bastian, who praised new sales manager Rob Howarth for his efforts growing the business.

A changing landscape

This year marks the 30th year of The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and 25 years of The Landscaper Magazine.

The Association has changed dramatically in that time and the magazine has reflected the evolving landscape the APL represents.

Several chairs, growing member base and greater involvement from parent The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) mark those three decades.

In that time, landscaping has undergone a remarkable transformation. Driven by tech advancements, environmental awareness and evolving consumer expectations, the sector has grown from a largely traditional trade into a sophisticated, sustainable, highly professional industry.

So what are the most major advances over the last 30 years? Lets start with today’s hot topic - sustainability and environmental responsibility.

One of the biggest shifts over the last three to five years is industry's move towards sustainability. Landscape design and maintenance often prioritised aesthetics over ecological impact. Today, it’s sustainable practices.

Drought-resistance and biodiverse planting, featuring in many garden designers’ work, has been widely promoted in RHS shows and along with native planting, has helped conserve water and support biodiversity.

Use of recycled and sustainably sourced materials has risen markedly, with a shift away from harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in favour of organic and natural alternatives.

With climate change leading to extreme weather patterns, landscaping has had to adapt. Designing gardens to withstand prolonged droughts or intense rainfall are commonplace, creating flood-resistant landscapes using

permeable paving and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Carbon-sequestering plants and green infrastructure also mitigate urban heat island effects.

Suppliers are focused on sustainable practices too, reducing their carbon footprint. Launch of the Elemental tool later this year will support every step of the sustainability journey and is a massive industry step forward.

Technology has continued to strive forward. Thirty years ago you wouldn’t have seen much of a sketch-up design or Vectorworks. Now they are commonplace and feature superb rendered 3D visualisations allowing end users to see exactly how their garden will look - benefiting the designer with their sales pipeline and also the landscaper to see what’s being built.

Automated irrigation is relatively new, springing from production nurseries, while water harvesting and grey water recycling are recent innovations.

Finally battery technology. Who would have thought time honoured petrol powered, noisy, vibrating tools could give way to battery-powered kit, yet here we are. Safer and cleaner.

People’s gardening habits and outdoor space use has changed dramatically. Homeowners see them as an extension of living areas, in turn driving a shift towards multi-functional gardens, including spaces for relaxation, work and play.

Demand for outdoor kitchens, fire pits and entertainment areas has burgeoned too, tied into a demand for Grow Your Own and wildlife friendly areas encouraging pollinator plants, bug hotels and even a trend away from traditional lawns to wildflower meadows and naturalistic planting schemes.

Water demand has swelled, with larger gardens and budgets seeking traditional or natural swimming pools, smaller ones looking to natural wildlife ponds.

Client expectations have changed with advent of

the digital age, as they source and link with landscape and design professionals. Today’s consumers research companies online and rely on social media, Google reviews and websites for decision-making so the industry has had to adapt and become slicker with their media presence. Consumers have actually whetted their appetite for certification . Thirty years ago, landscaping was viewed as a casual trade rather than a professional career. Today, while still striving for that professional recognition, organisations like ours and other accrediting bodies have raised industry standards and consumer confidence, as clients search for accredited professionals who can guarantee quality and accountability.

There’s greater emphasis on formal education, apprenticeships and digital skills from the FE sector now but coaxing the young to engage in what is a fabulous career has toughened. Many colleges have dropped horticultural and landscape courses in favour of pet handling and equestrian.

Meanwhile, health and safety compliance and training have grown across the sector. Introduction of CDM 2015 marked a big change as ‘2007’ had targeted commercial builders but ‘2015’ came in specifically to bring domestic landscapers in line – it proved a milestone in the route to professionalism and will only be advanced further by the new BS7533-102 for domestic paving schemes.

Porcelain paving, composite decking and artificial grass were introduced to respond to our busy lifestyles and allow us to enjoy our gardens with minimal maintenance. All have proved popular and created work for landscapers and garden designers but natural products are making a comeback.

From a largely manual, aesthetic-driven trade, landscaping has emerged a technologically advanced, environmentally conscious profession. Continued innovation and a strong focus on sustainability look set to make it even more dynamic and impactful.

Blakedown bolsters grounds capability

Self-confessed turf enthusiast Ben Morgan is DLF's new regional amenity technical manager for the North East. Formerly an STRI Group consultant agronomist, he has nearly 25 years experience in turf so is well placed to support customers on grass seed selection and sustainable surface management.

Contractor Blakedown

Landscapes has bolstered its grounds maintenance capability by appointing Nigel Payne to refine and advance its maintenance services and drive the longterm growth of the division to enhance value for new and existing clients.

With over 30 years’ experience in landscaping, he brings extensive expertise in horticulture, grounds maintenance, and landscape construction.

Turf and landscape post for Philip

training and greenkeeping, will provide technical guidance and tailored solutions to golf and other clubs across mainly Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, and West Sussex.

GeoLink and digital specialist for Reesink

Lee Rowbotham has accepted the role of geoLink and digital specialist at Reesink Turfcare, moving from service manager to a role newly developed to reflect the importance the distributor places on the advanced technology expected, including GPS and digital, to drive the business in the future.

Richard lifts Toro top award

Working closely with distributors and sports clubs will be Philip Hayes, ICL Turf & Landscape technical area sales manager, south.

Philip, whose home and international career spans management, lecturing,

Reesink South East's Richard Wood has won Toro International Master Salesperson, the manufacturer's first such award outside the US, and one of only three a year globally.

Amy Dahl, vice president of international business at The Toro Company, presented the award to Richard under the guise of a launch event at BTME, with the Reesink UK team and an extensive Toro international team present.

“We looked at all salespeople across the international division,” she said. “Richard’s passion for Toro products and his customers have seen him achieve over 50 per cent market share in his area. With 30 years’ experience in the industry and 12 years at Reesink, he fits all the criteria for this prestigious award.”

Richard reacted: “Winning this award was totally unexpected, I was shocked.”

Neglecting drainage can cost you dear

Drainage is often an overlooked aspect of landscaping projects, writes Lynne Taylor of The Landscape Academy, resulting in disputes ranging from surface water to extensive water damage.

Many clients have no interest in drainage. It offers no aesthetic qualities to their dream garden and is generally judged more by cost than function. With few seeing any value in it and a lack of understanding, should drainage needs be dismissed, landscapers are held responsible for the impact excess surface and ground water can cause.

From experience, it is essential to discuss effective drainage with clients during the initial site visit. Sites and gardens are unique and there is no one glove fitting all solutions. Successful drainage should meet regulations, the site’s environmental factors and the end use, while also accommodating peak flow rate and volume events.

Drainage issues can affect all budgets, from site safety during construction to extensive water damage afterwards.

Here’s my top five drainage concerns:

1. Site survey – falling at the first hurdle!

Failing to understand site specific characteristics, and viewing the area as a whole, is one of the biggest causes of drainage issues in landscape disputes. Removing mature trees and shrub and installing a patio area may not seem much but in the wider picture but the garden may have to accommodate the surface water trees once soaked up.

2. Drainage regulations and standards

Checking and understanding latest guidelines and gaining full understanding of planning permissions, building regulations and environmental standards are key to success. If in doubt, look in to training.

3. Site safety

Drainage issues can occur at any stage of a project. Extensive rain or freak weather conditions can cause major issues during construction, resulting in safety concerns for the workforce – trust me, I’ve been there and was nearly lost down a manhole due to flooding on site! Safety’s paramount. Stop work when the site becomes unsafe.

4. Incorrect installation methods

Lack of drainage construction knowledge has left many landscapers in a pickle. As our industry grows and develops, so does our construction skills, techniques and materials. Ensure you and your team are up to date on training with installation methods for all drainage systems.

5. Clients

Having clients who either don’t ask or don’t listen to advice can be the root cause of a project going wrong but sadly it’s the contractor who suffers.

Advising clients of the importance of drainage and doing so in writing is vital to help prevent you from footing the bill. It could be that the client has a project manager who is focused on cutting costs and that the £50k drainage solution their architect advises has been removed, costing the client £100ks more to put right once the project is completed.

Taking time to undertake proper surveys, upskilling, carry out strategic planning and always keeping the client informed in writing can help avoid these common mistakes - saving time, money and legal actions, while delivering effective, sustainable drainage solutions.

@thelandscaperscoach

How AI can transform your landscaping business beyond marketing

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries worldwide and landscaping is no exception says Paula Warman

While many associate AI with marketing and content creation (see last issue’s article), its potential reaches far beyond that. As a landscape business owner, garden designer, or industry supplier, you can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, streamline operations and deliver an outstanding customer experience. Let’s explore the most impactful ways AI can support and elevate your landscaping business.

1. Project planning and design efficiency

Garden designers and landscapers invest significant time crafting project plans, from initial concepts to detailed blueprints. AI-powered software with generative design features can speed this process by suggesting layouts based on available space, materials, and customer preferences. Tools like SketchUp with AI enhancements can generate realistic 3D models and offer plant selection recommendations tailored to climate and soil conditions.

2. Automating administrative tasks

AI-powered business management tools can eliminate the burden of manual scheduling, invoicing, and customer service. Automated scheduling software optimises your work calendar, ensuring efficient team deployment and preventing double bookings. AI-powered CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools such as Jobber or HubSpot can track customer interactions, automate follow-ups, and send appointment reminders to enhance client satisfaction.

Additionally, AI-driven invoicing systems can accelerate payment processing and flag overdue accounts, reducing time spent on chasing payments. With administrative tasks running smoothly, you can focus on scaling your business.

3. Optimising supply chain and inventory management

For landscape suppliers, AI can revolutionise inventory management. Predictive analytics tools forecast demand

based on seasonal trends, ensuring you stock the right materials at the right time. AI-powered inventory management systems track stock levels in real-time and send alerts when supplies run low, preventing overordering or shortages when demand spikes.

Similarly, AI can streamline ordering processes for landscapers by recommending the most cost-effective suppliers based on real-time pricing and availability, saving both time and money.

4. Enhancing workforce productivity

Managing a landscaping team presents challenges such as labour shortages and skill gaps. AI-driven workforce management software can assign the right employees to the right projects based on their skills and past performance, ensuring efficiency. It can also optimise work routes for mobile teams, reducing travel time and fuel costs.

5. Delivering an exceptional customer experience

AI chatbots and virtual assistants can handle common customer enquiries, freeing up your team to focus on more complex tasks. These systems can answer FAQs, provide pricing estimates and schedule consultations 24/7, offering seamless customer service without additional workload.

AI-driven image recognition software allows customers to upload photos of their garden, which the system can analyse to recommend suitable design options, plants, or features. This personalised approach enhances the customer experience and increases conversion rates.

Final thoughts

AI isn’t just for tech companies—it’s a game-changer for landscapers, garden designers, and industry suppliers looking to boost efficiency, cut costs, and elevate customer satisfaction. Whether it’s streamlining operations, enhancing project planning, or optimising your workforce, AI can make your business run smoother and grow faster.

Paula Warman is the Landscapers' Coach, working with landscapers to develop and grow their businesses through her Levelling Up mastermind and 1:1 coaching package. If you need her help please get in touch on the details below to book in for a free discovery call.

paula@thelandscaperscoach.co.uk | www.thelandscaperscoach.co.uk | @thelandscaperscoach Or, check out Paula's The Limitless Landscaper’s Podcast on your favourite podcast player.

Drones taking off

In our earlier focus on recruitment ( The Landscaper, Jan/ Feb, 2024) we considered how new tech might entice young people into the sector.

A year on, our interviewee, Rob Pearson of drone developer AutoSpray Systems is happy to report that the five-day training course in the technology, run by Harper Adams University is live and kicking.

“The course has come on leaps and bounds,” says Rob, whose drones company featured recently on BBC Countryfile, “and I'm delighted to say we have the first female learner on the course this month.”

Rob's road to meeting his mission of licensing drone dealers across the UK is nearing realisation, he reports, after a near six-year journey to reach the point of witnessing commercial spraying from the air using the XAG drone platform.

“The June 2022 PricewaterhouseCoopers report, Skies Without Limits, studying the potential economic and environmental impact of drone adoption, helped speed the regulatory process ,” he explains, “Predicting they could grow our economy by £45bn, create 650,000 high tech jobs and save 24m tonnes of carbon.

“Within four weeks, the Drone Ambition Statement policy document was issued by government. That’s when things really changed.” By April 2023, with a Civil Aviation Authority Operational Authority to fly drones weighing up to 120kg, Rob had secured a deal with two entrepreneurs to begin commercial activity, whose projects include spray cleaning and shading horticultural greenhouses.

After submitting spray drift data to the HSE in early 2024, the Executive are working closely with Rob to enable application of plant protection products by drone and he was soon working with key players Bayer and Syngenta.

If fact, Bayer have given AutoSpray access to their full back catalogue, allowing Rob to “cherry-pick” 15 products for drone spraying. Our first two were ferrophosphate and glyphosate,” he recalls. “It’s about choosing the most useful applications – micronutrients and biological nematodes for example.”

Current drone work in landscaping includes dropping lime dosages on to peat lands and applying typha (bulrush) seeds mixed into a clay substrate on to rewetted areas and reseeding sand dunes with grass in the Wirral.

Drone operation is heavily regulated, and Rob is collaborating with CRD to gain Extrapolated Trial Permits, allowing the company to undertake trials and extend operation for minor use, which will lead to including carrying drone information on chemical containers.

The scope of industry interest in drone technology Rob can gauge by Harper Adams course attenders – “horticultural growers, forestry workers and the agriculture sector are all signing up,” he says, “and it’s great to see the rest of Europe now coming on after a slow start, due to heavy regulation.

“The technology has been around for 15 years. The Americas, Japan and Australia all adopted it well before us.”

Smarter, greener, efficient

In the pacey world of landscaping and construction, time and efficiency matter even more today.

Sector professionals, from landscapers and urban planners to landscape architects, are seeking innovations to streamline work and promote sustainability.

Nurseries can offer the one-stop source for many products landscapers need. In the first of our regular look at how these sites for all seasons can help customers buy greener, smarter and more efficiently, we focus on one Yorkshire hort hub claiming to redefine how landscaping professionals access essential materials and services.

Leeds-based Palmer Nurseries offers a central resource where landscapers, contractors and designers can specify horticultural trade supplies, recycling services, rental spaces, and even ready-to-go instant hedging solutions - a one-stop approach aim to transform how projects are delivered across the region.

Given growing demand for reliable, high-quality supplies and services, the company has developed a model designed for maximum convenience and sustainability.

Turf depot: In partnership with grass grower Inturf, supplying premium-quality, eco-friendly turf across West Yorkshire for sports grounds, schools and community spaces. The turf is said to absorb more CO2 , maintain vibrant colour year round and withstand harsh weather.

topsoil and certified compost for healthy plant growth.

Instant hedge: Elveden ready to go, mature hedges deliver instant impact for privacy, boundary definition and ornamental landscaping - available in 17 species and can be planted year round without root shock, Palmer says. Natural stone and porcelain flags: In partnership with Strata, offering high-quality flags for landscaping projects including pathways, patios and public spaces - available in single sizes or mixed-size project packs.

Drive-thru concrete station: Reportedly a first in Yorkshire, offering on-demand concrete, mortar and screed. No minimum order and a fast, hassle-free collection service.

“Landscapers have saved hours on-site by using our drive-thru concrete station, streamlining their workflows and reducing costs,” Palmer adds.

“It has been a real game-changer for us,” says Chris Davison of Davison Fencing. We've been using it for a few months and it's spot on for what we need. We get exactly the amount of concrete we want—no more, no less - so no wasted materials or money down the drain, which is key for us.”

Its focus on efficiency allows customers to save time, reduce waste and minimise environmental impact,” Palmer explains, “crucial for projects of all sizes, from garden makeovers to commercial developments,” it says.

“For businesses relying on multiple services, the onestop model creates seamless project delivery,” Ed Bailey, Rewild, believes. “There’s not a garden we’ve built this year that hasn’t been supplied by Palmer Nurseries. The quick, reliable service and great prices help us deliver projects on time and on budget. They’ve made a big difference to how we operate.”

The shift towards greener, more sustainable practices

is another key benefit of the hub approach, Palmer continues. “With services like green waste recycling and eco-friendly turf, we help reduce carbon footprint and encourage more responsible urban design practices.”

The recycling station processes green waste into biomass fuel and certified compost, turning waste into valuable resources that can be reused in future projects. Meanwhile, the instant hedge options and turf depot promote environmentally friendly solutions that support biodiversity and reduce the need for artificial boundaries.

For contractors, designers, and landscapers, such hubs deliver a new standard in trade supply – offering efficiency, sustainability, and convenience in one location. Whether it’s collecting concrete for a small residential project, sourcing topsoil and turf for a sportsfield, or recycling green waste, the model “ensures that every project can run smoothly from start to finish”.

And by “redefining landscape supply”, Palmer Nurseries claims to deliver pioneering support for landscaping professionals and create greener, more sustainable communities across Yorkshire. www.palmernurseries.co.uk

Tech steers inputs control

Technology is vital to better manage resources, complete tasks faster and maintain surfaces’ playability.

Tech abled sprayers to boost application efficiency and save input costs have moved into mainstream landscaping and groundcare from agriculture as managers and operators strive to control budgets and seek sustainability within eco-friendly sites.

Toro’s GeoLink precision spray system is designed to deliver uniform coverage as correct volume of plant protection product application is key to fostering optimum soil health.

“By using pinpoint GPS technology to guide operators, along with a single nozzle level control accurate to within 10 mm, the GeoLink precision spray system helps achieve precise coverage,” Toro states.

It can be added to the Toro Multi Pro 5800-D or Multi Pro1750 to track the sprayer’s precise location for repeatable mapping. If an operator covers previously sprayed ground, GeoLink automatically turns individual nozzles on and off to avoid risk of overapplying.

To ease this critical task still further, the Auto Steer feature can be fitted to the MP5800 “to relieve operator pressure with the touch of a button”.

GPS-guided steering assistance delivers even greater

accuracy and time savings by bringing into play the full width of the boom on each pass.

Optimum accuracy has been engineered into the system to generate aggressive agitation and faster response times for consistent and spot-on spray rates.

Continual tank content agitation means chemicals are always applied evenly at the optimum mixing point, Toro adds, while the ExcelaRate feature in the MP5800 makes achieving precise application rates simple and repeatable to save time and increase accuracy.

The MP5800’s 50 hp Kubota engine allows it to perform in demanding conditions. Its oversized pump –“an industry exclusive” – satisfies the highest spray rates and a 300-gallon tank is ready for the long haul.

The Multi Pro 1750 is billed as one of the most advanced 175-gallon dedicated vehicle sprayers. Intuitive control, “industry-leading” mixing and hill-assist traction is engineered to raise performance and the spray system’s precision and control.

Meanwhile, the bed-mounted Multi Pro WM spray system for Toro's Workman HDX utility vehicle leverages the spray system capability of the Multi Pro 5800 but with a 200-gallon tank. www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Huntercombe keeps it simple

You can access all the sprayer tech you want but sometimes simplicity counts more. So when Huntercombe Golf Club needed a fresh unit, course manager Grant Stewart hit repeat to order a Toro Multi Pro 1750 for the 18-hole Oxfordshire site.

“I need a sprayer to be reliably easy to use,” he said, “and appreciate the technological capabilities and all the extras it can have but ultimately what works for us is a simple, efficient sprayer.” Accuracy and precision wrapped up in an easy use system clearly fits the bill for Grant.

“We mark out the edge of the spray pattern and spray, that's it - easy to maintain and no spray lag. In the 1980s, golf courses had a bad reputation for heavy use of pesticides and chemicals. That's changed.

“Spraying is essential to keep the course in top playing condition but we use nature to solve problems in turf management too. We use ours to apply wetting agents, biostimulants and fertilising in a low regime.”

Irrigation

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Nano-Spray undercover advance

Demand for smaller-scale spraying is rising across the UK, so no surprise recent trade shows have featured new kit to meet requirement for a unit contractors can tuck into the van.

Small contract businesses and grounds professionals have warmed to the Nano-Spray since compact sprayer manufacturer Martin Lishman launched it in November 2023.

The ultra-compact, 36 l, fully electric self-propelled unit is made to deliver a high-precision spray without impacting fine turf. Now a new shrouded boom option has hit the market.

“In an industry where precision is paramount, concentrating the applied liquid to a specific area and eliminating spray drift are crucial benefits,” says Joel Capper, Martin Lishman’s managing director.

“The shrouded boom not only ensures accurate application but also allows spraying near sensitive boundaries and in challenging weather conditions, while minimising risk of exposure to the operator or bystander.”

A customer had suggested adding a shrouded boom to the Nano-Spray, he recalls. “Instead of just

attaching long buckets to the existing boom, our engineering team were able to seamlessly integrate an entirely new lightweight folding boom into the Nano’s frame, ensuring any upgrades will be straightforward and efficient.”

Set for smaller amenity areas and as a handy tool for contractors, the shrouded boom features folding design with quick-release indexing pins to allow it to fold compactly, making it small enough to fit in small vehicles and through most gateways and passageways.

Despite its size, the unit is equipped with features usually reserved for larger, professional-grade sprayers, the company adds, including two-section valve block with agitate, independent shut-off nozzle bodies, stainless steel hardware, lithium battery pack and fingertip spray on/off control. The shroud can be retrofitted to existing Nano-Spray units.

Sprayer shrouding is obligatory in public places, such as golf courses, to avoid risk of drift.

Such protection allows operators to apply spray when they need to, without weather intervening.

Compact sprays like the Nano-Spray fit the bill for private gardens, commercial properties, bowls greens, cricket boxes and golf greens, and it’s 36l tank is twice the typical capacity of knapsacks, while ridding operators of having to bear their weight for long periods.

The sprayer is available through dealers such as Campey Turf Care, which displayed the unit at the recent BTME show. www.martinlishman.com

Cub and Scout pedestrian upgrades

Family-owned Team Sprayers has upgraded its mainstay Cub and Scout pedestrian sprayers to include handlemounted on/off switching and pressure regulation control system with a clear, easy read gauge and a spray or tank agitation valve to keep the tank formulation in suspension.

Am, four-nozzle folding spray boom is removable for transporting and can be swapped for the wider 3m, sixnozzle or 1m Driftmaster covered booms.

Standard models of each machine come with 8 l/min diaphragm pump and single anti-drip check valve nozzle bodies with Lechlar IDK low-drift spray nozzles. An optional upgrade to triple nozzle assemblies is available.

Large-access polythene tanks ease filling, while a tank drain valve ensures complete emptying and flushing out for the Cub (25 l) and Scout (60 l).

With its accent on “friendly, dependable’ knowledgeable service”, the company collaborated with users to modify already popular models to include compact design for easy transport and storage and reworked plumbing to avoid inputs wastage. There’s a new lid for faster filling and a new easy fold handle and boom.

Revised plumbing had already been tested on the Vixen SP Pro, launched last year. Other revisions to Team’s largest pedestrian sprayer model, with 150 l tank, include a lithium battery with Bluetooth connection to a battery APP and new controls for easier spray function.

The business began making trailed and mounted sprayers, applicators and associated equipment solely in the UK in 1981, with build quality and boom stability key features.

Team Sprayers’ Club model is a user-friendly tractor mounted ground care sprayer with a reliable, robust design and easy to use operator controls. Further to that it incorporates all the requirements to meet the latest spraying legislation and all the needs of today’s green keeper or grounds man.

Club gets the treatment too Updated for 2025 following discussions with customers, the Club includes more compact tank design to heighten visibility from its rear window, over the back of the sprayer.

Redesigned tank chassis can be fitted with bolt-on accessories such as a foam marker or hose reel, so two jobs can be completed at once. Integral water tank for system and spray line flushing plus a second integral tank for hand washing are featured now.

The 300 to 800 l tank units are fitted with high-end poly’ diaphragm pump to withstand aggressive plant protection products. Tubular steel spray booms come in 6 to 12 m widths, folding to 1.9 m or 2.4 m for transport and are all fitted with break back feature to avoid damage from unseen obstructions. Clubs are now suitable for category 2 tractor pickup plus the standard category 1 and all include PPE storage. www.team-sprayers.com

Crackling with confidence

In tight times, trade shows can fall foul of failing footfall but BTME proved resilient as visitors thronged Harrogate Convention Centre to witness machinery and equipment innovations and lively presentations under the Continue to Learn education programme.

Organiser The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the reputation and standing of the greenkeeping community after what it stated was an “exceptional” BTME.

Its annual education conference and trade show signed off with news of “a refined strategy that will shape the direction of the Association for years to come”.

Development opportunities and access to latest tech and innovations make BTME among the most important events in the golf industry, reasons why the three-day show drew 4,204 visitors (10% from overseas) to view 157 exhibitors.

Continue to Learn was 99% sold out, BIGGA reports, with 1,220 places pre-booked across the classes and conferences schedule, solidifying its importance in training and development.

The R&A, Bernhard and Company, ICL and others hosted events, along with the Golf Environment Awards. The BIGGA Celebration with Kress revealed the winners of this year’s BIGGA Awards and the Syngenta-sponsored Early Bird Run raised £810 for the Greenkeepers’ Benevolent Fund. The Monster Putt with Huxley Golf raised a further £957 for BIGGA’s charity, which supports members and their families in need.

“BTME 2025 has been a resounding success,” said Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, “Not only in terms of attendance but also in the invaluable opportunities it has provided for learning, networking and innovation.”

The Association unveiled a three-pronged strategy to further advance ambitions in its role as a figurehead within golf, after a recent member survey and lengthy consultation.

Raise member numbers as a unified greenkeeping community.

Increase engagement in BIGGA activity and evolve the membership.

Advance advocacy efforts to positively influence governance structure within golf facilities.

The show returns on 20 to 22 January 2026, with Continue to Learn running from 18 to 21 January.

Wiedenmann displayed a Terra Spike SL6 deep aerator on John Deere’s stand, where it was attached to a 2038R tractor fitted with GPS. The high precision aerator package utilises Deere’s Precision.

Deere also showed its much-vaunted PRO Golf platform, said to include “every aspect of golf course management”, hosted within its Operations Center.

Accessible from any device with Internet connection, the platform allows course managers and greenkeepers to track staffing, working hours, equipment maintenance schedules, irrigation costs, chemical investment and the weather.

Tasks can be created, assigned to staff, progress tracked and marked complete, automatically documenting all actions. The subscription service is available on annual licence.

Brushing up on maintenance

Campey Turf Care launched the Fairway Falcon articulating, pull-type fairway contouring, covering 4.5 m

span. Towed by equipment compatible with an electric 12-volt system, it suits pre-cut preparation, dew removal, dethatching, disease control, worm cast and aeration core removal and topdressing.

The professional BM45 scarifier features hi-tip collection and fixed blade collection so replacement doesn’t need transmission and rotor disassembly, only worn blades. High-performance rotor “delivers in all conditions”, while the collector with hydraulic discharge on the ground allows collection in a single pass.

Campey's latest, smaller, Seed Shot carries 19 holes for smaller seeds such as bent grass application to fairways and greens, while injecting up to 4 to 5 mm depth in precise quantities and delivering optimal germination rates.

Airter arrives

After more than three years in development by Novokraft AG, the pneumatic airter neo and airter trike aerators are now available from dealer Lister Wilder under an exclusive deal. The units use mpressed air to ease surface compaction and provide “100% biological and effective control of pests, root-damaging grubs and Tipula larvae (leatherjackets)”.

The 12-lance airter ® neo 12140 suits large golf greens and football pitches - the eight-lance electric trike 8140 self-propelled unit suits smaller areas, with plans afoot for it to become the first airter autonomous unit.

Toro turns autonomous

Toro's long-awaited autonomous technology debuted

with the GeoLink Solutions autonomous fairway mower, headlining sole UK distributor Reesink Turfcare’s focus on sustainability.

Delivering high cut quality, it uses well-proven GPS functionality to map the area, setting boundaries to operate autonomously and staying within the predefined work zone. For use in higher cut grass areas such as fairways and close-cut (12 to 25 mm) sportsfields.

Two Turf Pro robot mowers and the Range Pro ball picker, collecting over 15,000 balls in 24 hours also featured. The mowers achieve “consistently clean, wellmaintained turf with minimal input from operators”, Reesink Turfcare notes.

Choose from three cutting heads and mowing area of 45,000m2 (the 300) or five heads and 75,000m2 area (the 500) to 20-100 mm cut height.

Greensmaster eFlex 1021 and Greensmaster e1026 pedestrian mowers and Greensmaster eTriFlex 3370 electric greens mower also appeared, as did GeoLink rover kit on the updated, battery-powered, Toro Workman MDX Lithium utility vehicle, delivering satellite mapping technology for pinpoint course surveying.

OAS fertilisers launch

Manufacturer and supplier Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) unveiled its Xtend CRF fertiliser range blending two technologies for controlled release and offering “superior nutrient efficiency, enhanced environmental sustainability and consistent turf performance year round”.

ProTect temperature-released coating technology reflects the plant’s nitrogen requirement, is less affected by moisture-primed release, offers more consistent delivery of the element and protects the nutrient core, OAS states.

• Xtend CRF 20-5-10 for spring and summer application, providing quick turf response and steady nutrient release.

• Xtend CRF 12-20-12 for seeding or established turf, featuring Crystal Green and Phosphoactive for improved phosphate availability.

• Xtend CRF 15-2-20 - autumn application, promoting strength and density through winter into spring.

• Xtend CRF 25-0-0 - high nitrogen formulation safe for summer stress, offering flexible application rates and strong colour response.

Let lawns act natural

Tempted to apply synthetic fertilisers for an early spring lift to lawns, think again. Many ways are out there to grow a healthy sward but synthetic fertilisers can leave behind unwanted runoff and contamination. Perhaps wiser to focus on creating healthy soil with natural drought resistance and growth promoters, beneficial micro-organisms, and various nutrients.

Here are four nature-based treatments to enhance soil health for long-term benefits to the sward.

Start with a rich blend of nutrients, advises biological products producer Bionetix International.

While many fertilisers major on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, Organic Plus draws on them from natural sources, adding calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, boron, and manganese. Humic acids further enrich the soil and improve nutrient absorption, while a natural wetting agent supports more efficient use of water to reduce drought stress. Application fosters new growth in early spring, the company says but can continue weekly as the grass matures.

Organic fertilizers often need micro-organisms to make nutrients available to grass roots. A biofertilizer such as Eco-Turf fits the bill, delivering minerals, vitamins and plant

extracts and containing 75 million colony forming units of beneficial bacteria per ml, Bionetix reports.

These help break down organic matter to create a nutrient rich soil structure to support vigorous leaf, stem, and root growth after applying the liquid by sprayer or irrigation system every two to four weeks.

Thatch and dead organic material make it harder for water and oxygen to reach grass roots. Scarifying is often recommended, however Eco-D-Thatch biotreatment, applied every two to four weeks, serves as a supplement to or replacement for this method, using beneficial bacteria and enzymes to break down thatch and organic debris, creating more nutrient rich humus while giving oxygen and water better access to soil and roots.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can further promote healthy lawns and nutrient breakdown. Soil-Bac Premium serves as a natural plant growth hormone while mycorrhizae help boost active biomass. Symbiotic and free-living bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen to increase nutrient availability and ease absorption, even before green shoots emerge.

Spring into sustainability

Spring renovations are in the minds of many and for more of us that can mean 2025 is the year to start the journey to greater sustainability, in both the tools we use and the project plantings we choose.

Claiming to lead the charge in sustainable gardening with its battery-powered tools and robot mowers is Stiga, whose cutting-edge solutions meet growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. But before you get stuck into the new season, a few maintenance tips will help ensure your work runs smoothly.

They offering quieter, cleaner, more efficient gardening experiences, Stiga maintains, relying on lithium-ion technology to help deliver reliable performance for operators, “to stay connected with nature while reducing environmental impact”.

The company’s ePower 48V and 20V batteries are designed for durability and efficiency, Stiga adds, enabling users to tackle tasks such as mowing, trimming and hedge cutting with ease. These tools are ideal for eco-conscious gardeners, offering zero emissions, reduced noise, and low maintenance compared to traditional petrol-powered equipment.

Spring maintenance tips

Proper care is vital for peak tool performance. Here’s how to prepare your equipment for the season:

1. Check components: Inspect screws, seals and cables for wear. Replace any damaged parts with genuine accessories.

2. Oil mechanical parts: Lubricate metal components such as blades, to prevent rust and corrosion.

3. Sharpen blades: Keep cutting tools sharp for precise, healthy cuts that encourage plant growth.

4. Store batteries properly: For cordless tools, charge batteries fully and store them in a cool, dry place (10°C to 20°C).

Autonomous robot mowers

Robot mowers such as Stiga’s are redefining lawn and turf care with no boundary wires and easy control via its stiga.go app. The mowers adapt to the lawn shape and contours, offering tailored schedules and efficient mowing patterns.

• Active guidance system (AGS) optimised mowing patterns for the appropriate coverage.

• 4G connectivity: Remote management and real-time updates.

• Healthier grass: Frequent, light mowing promotes growth.

Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce even smarter features this year, it reports, to enhance installation and control options.

Winter storage

And it’s never too early to get a handle on off-season storage to keep your mower(s) in top condition:

• Keep the dashboard closed to protect components.

• Brush off dirt and use a damp cloth for cleaning. Avoid water on sensitive parts.

Seeds of success

Grass is constantly adapting to its environment, not always the way landscapers and grounds professionals may wish it to but cultivars most adapted to a particular niche will be the ones to thrive there.

Human intervention helps steer natural selection for our benefit however. “We use selective breeding to confer the traits that suit our purpose,” notes Dr Christian Spring, principal scientist at STRI Group, adding: “The benefits of plant breeding to bring forward genomic characteristics can be overlooked – it's a very powerful process.”

Looking through British Society of Plant Breeders' Turfgrass Seed 2025, the grass cultivar go-to guide, it’s hard not to wonder why we have developed such a bewildering array of seeds for every season. Simply, says Christian, “because traits can dissipate over time once grasses are out in the field due to natural genetic mutations”.

At the end user point of the process, STRI Group conducts varietal testing trials for growers such as DLF, DSV and Barenbrug because, as Christian points out: “There’s no point in a cultivar having the world’s best trait if you cannot produce the seed in quantity, so we

put grass in trial plots side by side to see how it compares with known varieties – effectively we’re a test station for sport and amenity grasses to assess and rate performance over the years”.

Whatever that turns out to be, once a lawn or pitch is in place, maintenance is crucial, he adds, and that includes fitting the mowing and nutrients regime to sward type.

When the production cycle for a new cultivar can take 10 to 15 years, growers and suppliers want to gain the best bang for their buck commercially. “It’s a continual cycle of breeding and production,” says Christian. “For growers, there’s a value proposition once cultivars top the league in the turfgrass seed guide.”

Setting seeds aside for elite application, retail or landscape and amenity blends give good coverage across a spread of requirements, Christian says. “They provide a broad range of performance to allow them to persist in the relevant conditions.”

Annual meadowgrass, the blight of many lawncare specialists, is suffered by some almost as a necessary evil. “It’s an exemplar of competitiveness, pumps out lots of seed and can grow in super low input environments,”

Christian explains, “so the key is to keep on top of it and cut off seed heads as soon as they emerge.”

Overseeding is part of maintenance, especially if the client wants to keep a specific, higher quality breed of lawn, he adds. “If the grass is thin, keeping out weeds by restoring cover is the best option.”

As breeding times reduce, think about the challenges of tomorrow, today, Christian urges. “How can we achieve the same level of quality with less inputs? Climate change is bringing on a longer disease season so building grass resilience is vital.”

Tips:

Understand the challenges in the particular location. If your customer wants regular mowing, that wish may determine the grass characteristics you select.

Access information sources. Talk to seed producers and distributors. They can conduct purity checks to ensure you avoid potential weed seed.

Buy quality as doing so will provide multiple benefits over time.

Time well spent

“Thirty years ago, I knew grass was green and cows ate it.” So states David Rhodes, DLF technical manager, about his entry to the turf sector. Today, he probably knows many of the estimated 12,000 species as he is involved “in all aspects” of what is arguably the planet's most successful plant family.

Tetraploid varieties (DLF grows and markets 4Turf) have come on strong recently, he reports. “They grow more vigorously, have higher sugar levels, resist freezing and are stress tolerant as well as a lush green, making them good for landscape applications or stadia.”

Among DLF’s entrants to the cultivar catalogue are Saulsbury browntop bent, for golf greens and fine turf

lawns, Sybille slender creeping red fescue, also suited to fine quality lawns and fairways and Starling perennial ryegrass for landscaping and summer sports.

“With its very slow regrowth, there’s less need to cut it. That reduces clippings and saves mower fuel,” he adds.

“Huge future”

A fair slice of grower DSV's seed output targets landscaping, although it also produces Eurograss Pro Premium professional varieties for sports applications such as golf courses and football grounds.

Its landscape mix typically comprises 60% perennial ryegrass and 40% strong creeping red fescue, “a cost-effective drought resistant infilling producing a dense sward”.

Recently topping league tables in the British Society of Turfgrass Growers’ annual listings, DSV predicts “a huge future for tall fescues in landscaping. “They have good colour retention, are drought resistant and a root formation that makes them suited to banked areas,” states grasses manager Samuel Horner.

But Sam’s cautions, when buying seed, as percentage by weight in the bag doesn’t always correlate with sward composition. “Bents for example have tiny seeds, around 10,000 a gram, whereas tetraploid perennial rye may number only 400.”

Germinal launches ‘climate smart’ A Range amenity seeds

Performance and sustainability unite in formulated seed products from specialist developer and supplier Germinal Amenity targeting landscape projects, architecture, golf and sportsturf applications.

‘Climate Smart’ A Range places sustainability “centre stage” to meet the needs of landscape architects and turf professionals, combining performance grasses with new, resilient clovers and nature-positive wildflower mixes that support transition to greater sustainability in landscape projects, amenity grass and sports turf management.

The range includes four climate smart seed products with “cutting edge innovations” in plant varietal development from R&D division Germinal Horizon. Low maintenance hybrid clover DoubleRoot produces stolons and rhizomes, fixing free atmospheric nitrogen for companion grasses, while withstanding temperature extremes and drought and holding up under mowing.

ASustain – low maintenance, self-sustaining grass seed containing DoubleRoot provides a sustainable surface for landscape projects, solar farms, domestic lawns, road verges and green roofs.

A18 road verge and embankments – which includes resilient grass varieties and DoubleRoot to revitalise grassed areas and enhance wildlife habitats and soil health.

A35 sandy soils – a hybrid grass mix, selected herbs and wildflowers formulated for road verges on sandy soils to deliver heightened environmental performance.

A36 loamy and clay soils – a versatile mixture for more productive loamy and clay soils blending durable grasses, herbs and wildflowers to deliver biodiversity and sustainability amenity areas.

“The challenges to how we achieve net zero and adapt to changing climatic conditions have brought environmental sustainability into sharp focus,” said Graham Parker, Germinal Amenity Ireland technical sales manager, “and has become a key concern for landscape architects, greenkeepers and the wider turf community.”

Designers and groundskeepers were looking at how they used scarce resources and how they could lower or even eliminate need for fertilisers and pesticides to support greater biodiversity. “Our plants need to be resilient in the face of changing climate,” Graham added.

“The A Range has been developed with sustainability at its core but without sacrificing performance. It includes tried and trusted mixes together with our Climate Smart products in new formulations incorporating significant innovation,” he concluded.

The A Range embraces Germinal’s seed products for landscape, golf and sportsturf duties including ForeFront Greens, AberMajesty Blend, A5 Golf Tees and Tour Leader plus pollinator-friendly wildflower products, including True Meadow, formulated for developed areas and natural habitats.

This year, Germinal, Germinal Amenity and parent group Openfolde mark 200 years as family-owned businesses.

www.germinalamenity.com

TMS reinvests in ‘green’ machines

Iseki mowers’ cut and collect features have made them the go-to choice for landscape contractor Team Maintenance Services Ltd for 15 years – and it has just replaced the fleet for the third time.

The Cornwall-based contractor delivers grounds maintenance countywide to retail parks, local authorities, industrial estates and schools, all demanding premium mowing.

Local Iseki dealer Devon Garden Machinery once again supplied mowers – five Iseki SXG327 compact lawn tractors – for duties across a host of sites. “We want to reduce our carbon footprint so recycle our green waste,” explains TMS Managing director John Julyan.

“Removing clippings is also important aesthetically and practically. Schools don’t want students walking grass into buildings, nor do businesses want staff doing it either. The mowers leave the grass with a clean finish and little debrisconsistency to keep us using Iseki.”

The SXG327 rear axle is mounted high under the seat with chain drive to each rear wheel to allow qgrass to flow straight through from deck to collector.

Air vents on top of the deck can be opened or closed to allow maximum grass and debris to be picked up and

passed through to the collector, useful when cutting heavier, wetter grass. They can be closed in the summer to avoid excess dust and debris.

An SRA550F joins the five SXG327s, a finely balanced brushcutter “capable of cutting anything it can drive over”, to help TMS’ 20 staff tackle most landscapes.

Professionalism and reliability have steered the family business growth since its 1998 launch, with mower performance and build quality key qualities. “We rarely have to change parts and when we do, Devon Garden Machinery are always very responsive,” John concludes.

Bobcat CTs target landscaping

Bobcat compact tractors have landed in Europe, targeting the landscaping sector. Part of the company's ground maintenance equipment (GME) offering, the 1000, 2000 and 4000 series feature nine models from 25 to 58 hp, designed “to increase productivity, versatility and reliability.

These machines help to do the job efficiently thanks to robustness, smooth operation, flexible configuration and full compatibility with a spread of Bobcat attachments”, the company states.

Each of the nine four-wheel drive CTs offer day-long comfort, varying in size and engine horsepower, with the option of manual and hydrostatic transmissions: 3-point hitch with telescopic or quick lower links and open canopies (ROPS) and cabs.

Air conditioning (cab models), suspended seat, adjustable steering wheel, linked pedal and intuitive ergonomic controls add appeal.

Proven in the US for performance and reliability, the range is backed by Bobcat's extensive dealer network, each CT carrying 24-month, 2,000 hr warranty.

The units can be fitted with front, mid and rear connections and power take-offs. Features include an independent PTO, auto-PTO; PTO cruise, HST cruise or draft control.

The Bob-Tach system is standard, with front-end loader option, to switch easily between different Bobcat attachments. The Eco PTO limits fuel consumption, while the linked pedal ensures optimum driving performance from ach tractor is backed by a 24-month, 2000-hour warranty. www.bobcat.com

Stihl powers up PTs

A flurry of product launches greeted media earlier this month when manufacturer Stihl unveiled four power tools and three mowers at its Contra House HQ in Camberley.

Billed as the market's most powerful batterypowered clearing saw, the 2.0 kW FSA 400 (equivalent to the petrol FS 411 C-EM) is the producer's first AP System tool compatible with shredder and circular saw blades, letting professionals to clear dense, woody growth comfortably.

Sturdy battery housing with stainless steel air filter ensures optimum battery and motor protection - 28 mm aluminium drive shaft and gearbox matching those on the pro petrol range. The FSA 400 and all AP System batteries are IPX4 certified, so are all weather.

The new handlebar carries 10-point harness connection point for fine balance and operator comfort, while its anti-vibration system permits extended periods in use “with no reduction in manoeuvrability or cutting accuracy”, Stihl says.

Simple controls with LED display allow operators to cycle between three maximum RPM settings. The saw also detects automatically whether a metal blade or line mowing head is in use, adjusting the RPM accordingly to further heighten performance and energy efficiency.

The FSA 400’s power gives users versatility in cutting attachments. Shredder blades are popular for

clearing brambles, utilising an up-and-down motion to cut and shred green material, while circular saw blades suit small tree and bush felling - more comfortable than a chainsaw sometimes.

When used with the AutoCut 46-2 mowing head, the 520 mm cutting diameter lets users ut quickly to leave more time for other tasks.

The FSA 400 is ready for integration with Stihl’s Connected fleet management system. The Smart Connector 2A plugs directly into the tool’s control module, sending data such as working time and operating speeds, to the operator’s phone via Bluetooth.

Cordless hedge trimmer

Designed for professional landscapers, the HSA 140 R and HSA 140 T are the most powerful bxattery-powered hedge trimmers in Stihl’s AP System, comparable to the petrol HS 82.

Comfortable, weighing 4.3 – 4.6 kg (without battery) it’s easy to hold, balanced and the rotating rear handle locks into three positions across 180 degrees, reducing wrist strain when working extensively on the same side of a hedge.

The trimmer’s anti-vibration system quietens the unit, suiting it to long continuous use, while operators are free of the petrol fumes that can collect within the hedge to result in a poor work environment.

The 140 R’s 38 mm tooth spacing best suits annual pruning or hedge reducing and lower 3,200 maximum RPM lets thicker branches enter the cutters efficiently. The 140 T’s higher maximum RPM and smaller 30 mm tooth spacing mark it out for ornamental or fine leaf hedges such as taxus, buxus or privet.

New gearbox design consists of a two-step planetary gear to give high cutting performance, fast cold start-up and more protection of internal components courtesy of the integrated slip clutch.

The 140’s anti-blocking system reverses the motor’s rotational direction to unblock blades, cutting downtime and raising efficiency.

Using the same double-edged blades as on the HS 82 professional petrol models results in “longlasting sharpness, consistently clean cut and ample durability for long cutting seasons”, Stihl says. The AP 200 S battery gives up to 150 minutes work time for the 140 R – up to 140 with the T.

Single-sided

battery hedge trimmers “first”

Single-sided hedge trimmers gain from longer, lighter cutting bar and improved safety, as do the pro HSA 150 R and HSA 150 T, the first such units in Stihl’s AP System, matching the petrol HS 87's performance.

In 75 cm or 100 cm lengths, the 150 has catcher plate as standard to increase hedgecutting speed.

Operator comfort, 4.3 – 4.7 kg weight (without battery), is boosted by ergonomic handle grips, while wide grip stance and central centre of gravity allows easy pivoting.

Anti-vibration system ensures quiet running and lengthy sessions, with potentially better work environment than petrol models, Stihl says. The 38 mm tooth spacing also best suit the 150 R to annual pruning or reducing hedges.

Its lower 3,200 maximum RPM also allows thicker branches to enter the cutters efficiently, whereas the 150 T’s higher maximum RPM and 30 mm tooth spacing better suits ornamental or fine leaf hedges, as with the 140 Two-step planetary gear again gives fast cold startup

– integrated slip clutch protecting internal components.

Anti-blocking reverses the motors rotational direction to unblock blades to cut downtime and enhance efficiency, while the same friction optimised, doubleedged blades as on the HS 87 petrols deliver longlasting sharpness, consistently clean cut and durability. Using the AP 200 S battery, the 150 R lasts up to 150 minutes - the 150 T up to 140.

Forestry petrol chainsaw sets new heights

The MS 400.1 forestry chainsaw is said to set new standards in the 60 cc class, to “offer the best power-toweight ratio of any professional chainsaw”.

Sitting between the MS 261 C-M and MS 462 C-M, it replaces the MS 362 and MS 400.0 models and is a totally new machine, building on the strengths of the MS 400 and taking it to the next level. At 5.5 kg, it’s 300g less than that unit with smaller, 62.6 cc, engine displacement but still maintains 3.9 kW power output.

With 4.3 Nm torque, the saw is less pressure sensitive when cutting large timber and less likely to bog down mid-cut. Like all Stihl's pro petrol chainsaws, the MS 400.1 uses latest M-Tronic technology to ease starting and deliver “super-fast” acceleration.

Technical improvements to the engine, larger magnesium flywheel and improved muffler all help keep the saw cool in use, while larger HD2 filter maintains running in tough conditions and reduces maintenance and downtime.

Improved rear handle geometry heightens comfort and the end profile has been widened to rest securely on the operator's leg to ease plunge cutting.

Optimised underside rib pattern quickens cleaning and helps the saw glide along the trunk when snedding, preventing bark and twigs from catching. Better access to the oil pump control bolt, eases adjustments with a standard combination tool.

Toro hybrids cut a dash for The Golf House Club, Elie's 150th

Traditional links course The Golf House Club, Elie, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the advent of three Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3420 hybrid mowers.

Just 12 miles from St Andrews, the course ranks the world's third oldest, dating from 1589.

“Though our golfing history dates back to the 16th century, the club was founded in 1875,” explains course manager Matt Baird. “It’s a huge occasion and we’ve been busy renovating tees and preparing the course – that’s where the Toro mowers [supplied by Reesink Turfcare] mowers come in” - delivering a “precise, productive, highly efficient” cut.

“We’ve used Toro’s Lynx irrigation system since 2019 and a 3420 hybrid mower for some time, so it was the perfect time to expand our fleet and bring in more hybrid power.”

The 3420 is enhanced by Turf Guardian leak detection technology and provides immediate audio and visual indication of possible hydraulic fluid leaks. While this is already at minimal risk due to the hybrid engine, it provides an added layer of reassurance. “Not only does

it offer us peace of mind, opting for a hybrid also helps us reduce our total emissions,” confirms Matt. www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Royal Warrant once again for Hayter

A historic British lawnmower manufacturer has received one of the country’s most prestigious awards.

Hayter, synonymous with mower excellence for more than 75 years, has been awarded the Royal Warrant by appointment to His Majesty the King, as manufacturers of horticultural machinery.

The honour, held until 2030, “reaffirms the company's commitment to quality and innovation”, from its petrol mowers to the cutting-edge cordless Harrier range.

“As a British business manufacturing products from

the same factory site in Spellbrook since 1946, our dedication to British engineered products, consumers and professionals has never wavered,” said Craig Hoare, sales and marketing manager. “We will continue to innovate within the grounds care industry, pushing standards well into the future.”

Hayter’s story began in 1946, when the company’s founder, Douglas Hayter, conceptualised the iconic Hayter rotary lawnmower after seeing a 100-year-old horsedrawn rotary mower in the London Science Museum.

Returning home to Spellbrook, Hayter made his first rotary mower with a collection of spare pieces, a dustbin lid and a two-stroke engine – the rest is history.

The company was first awarded the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 – maintaining the honour ever since and now to hold it unbroken for 70 years.

The latest Harrier 56 60V mower uses a dual battery system, enabling both to share the workload simultaneously, lowering battery temperature and mitigating charge loss.

Toro UK Ltd is the UK manufacturer https://www.hayter.co.uk/mowbattery-moty-mowers

Stihl unveils trio of battery pro mowers

Manufacturer Stihl's 7 series professional battery mowers are built for demanding lawn care in noise-sensitive areas. An extension to the AP System, they perform equivalent to the 7 series petrol models.

The 48 cm cut width RMA 750 V is the smallest of the three. The RMA 756 V has 54 cm cut width for faster working, while the RMA 7 RV is a dedicated mulching mower with no collection bag and 51 cm cut width.

The first to feature Stihl's Double AP platform, drawing power from two AP batteries, the mowers utilise a 72 V motor to give capability to cut large areas of overgrown grass, “with no compromise in collection quality”, Stihl says.

Mono-comfort, sturdy aluminium and steel handlebar is standard, to improve access to the collection bag and is height adjustable to fold over neatly for compact transport and storage.

Variable speed transmission is adjustable in five steps from 0 – 6 km/h. The gearbox is protected by a sturdy cover while the soft start feature prevents jolting forward.

Powder coated aluminium deck with abrasion-resistant polymer inner casing heighten durability.

Eco-mode mowing automatically reduces RPM when under light load to maximise battery working time.

Standard mode suits day-to-day work, with Auto-Boost handy for tackling dense grass and vegetation.

Power setting and drive speed are adjusted via intuitive controls and electronic display. Battery charge level and connectivity status can also be checked at a glance, with Stihl Connected as standard to monitor work time and maintenance plan. www.stihl.co.uk

Echo robots’ resounding success

Robotic mowers are pleasing grounds staff and members alike at Hartsbourne Country Club after supplier GroundTech delivered them to tackle perimeter area presentation in challenging winter conditions.

The 27-hole South Hertfordshire club is laid on heavy clay and can often stay stubbornly wet during prolonged rainfall, creating problems in getting machinery out to regularly cut the rough and fairways.

The knock-on effect extends well beyond winter, explains general manager Terry Mulford-Lawlor. “Both presentation and playability suffers, then come spring the grass is so long and dense it takes a lot of hard work to get them back to where we want them to be. The proposition that the Echo robotic mowers could be cutting consistently whatever the weather was of great interest.”

GroundTech and Echo paired the club with six TM-2050 robots with solar array and portable battery chargers. The largest in the range, they each mow up to 75,000m2 , providing precise mulching for a professional finish.

Originally intended for the rough, the mowers are also cutting fairways. “The robots have already freed up our team of ten greenkeepers to focus their efforts elsewhere,” Terry reports, “hand-cutting areas such as aprons, which we’ve not previously had the resources to do and focusing on technical and agronomic aspects of course management to take us to the next level.”

Members say the rough has never looked better, he adds. “They love watching the robots at work. We’ve even been asked if it’s possible to name and sponsor them.”

Turf: A force for good?

In part two of our look at the pros and cons of synthetic turf, industry players assess its value to landscaping, sport and amenity

Despite widespread use in landscaping and sporting applications, it could be argued that synthetic turf remains among the most misunderstood products. Here, EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC) and one of its members discuss some of the areas in which synthetic turf can be a force for good and address some of the market developments intended to increase product sustainability and longevity.

Turf’s Up

Synthetic turf can be seen as an easy target for criticism within landscaping, with its man-made construction frequently framed as at odds with the natural setting, comments ESTC chief executive officer Stefan Diderich. When the benefits are laid out, however, it clearly plays an essential role within the sector and can be a force for good when applied appropriately.

The goal of ESTC and its members is not to undermine the key part natural grass plays, with its many benefits but environmental conditions and operating costs can make it

impractical for some applications, so other solutions must exist to help cater to these needs.

Balancing the benefits

Every landscaper and grounds professional knows the struggle of those shaded areas of lawn and turf where grass just won’t grow. Whether through lack of sunlight or other factors, patchy grass can be remedied through tactically placed synthetic turf, with specially designed products available to seamlessly blend in with natural grass.

The opposite challenge here is too much sunlight, which can quickly cause bleaching and discoloration in natural grass. While not as much of an issue in the UK, synthetic turf is used extensively in countries such as Spain for this very reason, helping lawns stay evergreen year round.

Natural grass also requires constant careoverseeding, watering, mowing, weeding, aeration, feeding, scarification and edging – to keep it in good shape. On a commercial scale, this requires skilled, full-time staff, which eat into budgets. Synthetic turf upkeep though spans occasional brushing, sweeping and removing debris - easily completed by an untrained sole operator.

Domestically, tending natural grass may prove difficult for those of limited mobility, such as the elderly, while

synthetic turf offers a practical, hassle-free alternative. With up to 49% of the UK suffering with hay fever, it presents a hypoallergenic solution.

Synthetic turf fits the bill here, not to replace natural grass but as a necessary alternative where it cannot be used. A concrete option would be unsightly and invite its own challenges of drainage and health and safety. Simply put, synthetic turf needn’t be seen solely as an alternative to natural – but in the majority of cases, applied in place of hard landscaping.

Sport for all or not at all

While the benefits of synthetic turf for landscape applications are already clear, these are redoubled where sporting applications are concerned. Weather is an even greater factor here, with a short period of heavy rain putting a natural grass pitch out for the best part of a month.

Recent research from Sport England puts this into sharper focus, revealing that four in 10 organisations are already being affected by weather-related interruptions to play, while the FA estimates that 120,000 football fixtures are being lost to bad weather each year.

Synthetic turf, by comparison, is designed to drain and dry off far quicker, is mud-free, and highly resistant to damage, allowing it to be used shortly after, or even during periods of extreme weather.

With the Met Office projecting that, compared to 1990, winters are set to be up to 30% wetter by 2070, synthetic turf will clearly have a key role to play in enabling sport for years to come.

Maintenance requirements must again be factored in here. A high-level natural grass pitch demands even

more time and cost investment to maintain than that of natural grass in landscaping, with grow lights, fertilisers, and complex under soil heating through the winter all necessary, alongside a skilled grounds team.

The unfortunate reality is that this is an expense that is far out of reach for most communities and reserved only for professional sporting institutions. A synthetic turf pitch by comparison, can accommodate the use of 6 to 10 natural grass pitches, and is the most practical and cost-effective method of providing access to good quality outdoor sporting infrastructure. For many, the choice comes down to this – synthetic turf pitches, or no pitches. I believe the choice here is clear.

SIS to lay hybrid pitch for Aramco Stadium

A year after it installed the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch at Kingdom Arena, SIS Pitches is set to deliver another major football project in Saudi Arabia.

The ESTC member, which produces hybrid, synthetic and natural pitches for an array of sports, is partnering with Aramco Stadium in Al-Khobar to design and build a hybrid grass stadium surface, SIS Air classic vacuum and ventilation system, two natural grass training pitches, associated irrigation and drainage and pitch accessories. The stadium and training pitches should be finalized in 2026, SIS says.

Grass from the producer and installer’s Saudi farm will be installed specifically for the Aramco Stadium works and is due to be operational from April 2025.

“Demand for high-quality sports surfaces in the region has skyrocketed in recent years,” said David Ball, SIS Middle East managing director. The project will be the perfect opportunity for us to help support Middle Eastern sports and showcase our wide offering – from pitch design and construction to irrigation and

ventilation – across a range of disciplines, including football and cricket.”

SIS Grass Hybrid is SIS Pitches flagship hybrid pitch technology, offering a 95% natural grass pitch that can be installed in as little as seven days, while said to accommodate considerably more playing hours than a 100% natural grass field. www.sispitches.com/uae/

Setting the tone for patterned paths

Demand for products balancing aesthetics, sustainability and practicality continues to grow. Consumers increasingly view driveways and patios as extensions of their homes, with design preferences mirroring the attention given to interiors.

Patterning is a dominant trend, offering a way to infuse personality and character into outdoor spaces. A well-designed driveway isn’t just functional – today, it’s a statement. As the first part of the home visitors see, it sets the tone for the entire property.

With slimline design, reduced carbon footprint and versatile appeal, Piccolo Setts are poised to reshape how we approach commercial and domestic paving projects, concrete and stone manufacturer and importer Bradstone claims.

Inspired by the classic beauty of Dutch clay pavers, the UK-made setts mimic the tonal richness and timeless aesthetics of traditional clay yet are fashioned from premium concrete.

Terracotta, sepia, smoke and twilight options allow landscape designers, architects and homeowners to create visually striking outdoor spaces blending tradition with contemporary materials.

With around half less carbon emitted during production compared to traditional clay pavers, Bradstone claims, the pavers are “a responsible choice for environmentally conscious projects, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on looks to make greener choices”.

Laying patterns can span classic herringbone, basket weave or contemporary linear arrangements to create distinctive and memorable bespoke spaces.

Nib-free profile ensures a smooth and precise fit, reducing installation time and labour costs, while the setts can withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic, so suited to driveways and patios. Regular sweeping removes dirt and debris, while occasional washing maintains colour and finish. Sealing the pavers can offer additional protection against stains and weathering.

“Sustainability is no longer a luxury,” states Bradstone’s director of landscaping products Neil Bills. “With its reduced carbon footprint, Piccolo Setts aligns with the construction industry’s drive towards greener building practices, responding to growing demand for materials that combine beauty, performance, and responsibility.” www.bradstone.com

Premium look for patios and driveways

After a decade of development, landscaping specialist Marshalls uses latest concrete printing technology to create a premium look for patios and driveways with easy install plus the durability of traditional material.

Infinia paver can be cut without specialist blades and laid as ordinary concrete or block paving, according to application, saving landscapers time and labour and easing upkeep for homeowners.

The printed surface-coated design has a protective layer to shield the surface from stains, UV fading, frost and abrasion, also guarding against risk of efflorescence - sometimes seen on the surface of concrete productsalso providing R11 rated slip resistance.

The range includes nine options for use independently or together, each with at least 16 variations to prevent design repeats and provide more authentic look. Innovative print technology also delivers colour consistency between batches, Marshalls say.

“Traditionally, concrete can be seen as an unattractive, budget option – especially for patios – but Infinia changes the game,” said Alice Turner, Marshalls’ head of product and campaign marketing. “Professionals benefit from easy laying using everyday equipment.” https://www.marshalls.co.uk/infinia-paving

Euroflor flower seed mixes deliver beautiful flowering displays that enrich our environment and support biodiverse habitats.

A choice of vibrant or more subtle mixes makes Euroflor ideal for a diversity of urban and rural settings including roadsides, recreational areas, public open spaces, energy and green infrastructure projects, golf courses, conservation schemes and BNG habitats.

• A choice of 18 annual and perennial mixes

• 1kg of seed covers up to 333m2

Orders and enquiries: 0800 138 7222

• Encourages and conserves biodiversity

• Minimal maintenance required

sales@originamenity.com www.originamenity.com

Unmanned mowing for sustainable landscaping.

Kress RTKn robot mowers extend unmanned mowing to larger areas. They efficiently operate in parallel lines and autonomously move from one area to another, as if driven by humans. Their sleek design and no need for on-site aerials ensures the aesthetics of the landscape are preserved.

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