PAVING STANDARD A YEAR ON
Landscape gardens: Top designs in SGLD awards
Spring renovations: Five key factors for success
Sprayers and spraying: Stats prove tech saves money
Climate resilience: Ways to combat the way of the world
Mowers: Moving up another level
Synthetic turf: Lifecycling key for installers
sculptures and cutting another landscaping leaves off one attach to use. I
Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today! Contact your Local Dealer to book a demonstration on your site today!
“Here at the Garden of Cosmic Speculation with it’s vast landscapes, sculptures and gardens we are never short of jobs to do. We already have a SXG mower for cutting the lawns and one TXG tractor, so to help with the workload we purchased another TXGS24 23hp subcompact tractor.
“With the front loader and bucket fitted it’s largely used for excavating and landscaping purposes. It’s also used for towing trailers, transporting grass cuttings and leaves for easy disposal. With the two tractors we can run the PTO’s and systems o one trailer and can unload into a trailer attached to the other tractor. If we can attach something to them, then we can use it.
“ISEKI o er exactly what we need, they are reliable, comfortable and safe to use. I would recommend these machines to absolutely anyone.”
Ben Wakefield, Portrack House
The year 2026 will be a watershed in our 26-year history, as we go forward under new ownership, with renewed growth and anticipation.
GroundsFest will be a key date in our events calendar as the show marks its fourth year with an expanded Landscape area to reflect mounting interest from sector suppliers. The Landscaper will be intricately involved with GF, both exhibiting and launching initiatives to further build our reader community.
This issue sees launch of our Climate Resilience regular section, which will report on innovations and developments geared to mitigating the impact of climate change (page 16).
Now’s the time to refresh and renovate parks, amenity and landscape areas. We offer top tips for success (page 22).
Editor
Greg Rhodes | 07711 604295 | greg@landscapermagazine.com
07376
Design and production www.lucas-studio.co.uk
Circulation and subscriptions landscaper@groundsfest.com
The Landscaper is owned and published by Purple Ash Media Limited. The Landscaper is an entirely independent magazine. It is not a member of any trade association or society.
Mowers – traditional and robotic – continue to headline as technology drives efficiency and convenience (page 30) while synthetic surface lifecycling comes into focus on page 48.
Greg Rhodes, Editor landscaper@sheengate.co.uk
Next issue advert copy deadline: 1st May 2026
To advertise please email us at helena@landscapermagazine.com
The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and BBC Gardeners’ World Live will mark ten years of the APL Avenue at the NEC Birmingham this 18 to 21 June.
The creative tie-up showcases ambitious design, quality workmanship and professional partnerships between skilled garden designers and landscapers.
Since launch, more than 40 members have created gardens for the BBC event, many scooping top awards.
Trio of:
The Umbrellas Garden by Dave Hodson Gardens, Usk
Inspired by French New Wave film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) the garden reflects the film’s vibrant aesthetic, with bold colour incorporated into hard landscaping, in canopies of strung umbrellas and with jewel coloured planting that pops among a canvas of grasses. Spiky plants hint that the course of true love is rarely smooth.
The Constant Companion by TJ Kennedy Garden and Landscape Design, Melton Mowbray
Celebrating the bonds between human and garden, man and nature, this interactive garden features visual and audio elements connecting visitors with simple but essential gardening tasks. Framed viewpoints highlight different aspects - wild, productive and contemporary, each with its own characteristics.
The Mill Ruins by Gunns & Roses Ltd, Spalding, designed by David Gisbourne from 3DG, Bury
Old Lancashire mills, the powerhouses of the Industrial Revolution, inspired this garden, which portrays the scanty evidence these monuments to northern endeavour ever existed - a few brick walls, old doorways and the occasional heavily corroded remains of metalwork poking out as nature reclaims the land.
An imposing Corten steel moon gate stands at the garden’s entrance, with further Corten and reclaimed brick features providing a throwback to industrial roots. Ninety per cent of the planting varieties are native to the UK.
“APL Avenue has become one of the most important platforms for the Association,” said general manager Phil Tremayne. “The concept was to provide visitors with show gardens that were not just inspirational but achievable, packed with take-home ideas.
“Beyond its public profile, APL Avenue has helped strengthen the APL community, creating opportunities for members to build their first-ever show gardens and provide a springboard on the show circuit. We will be developing a brand-new initiative for BBC Gardeners’ World Live in 2027 for its new home at the Packington Estate.”
Lucy Ashworth, event director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said they’d had “a long, supportive relationship” with the APL. “Its members and officers are excellent ambassadors for quality and professionalism and we share their values. APL Avenue is always a popular highlight at BBC Gardeners’ World Live with stunning gardens that wow visitors.”
Association members will create a stylish lifestyle garden at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu (1 to 3 May) and an apprentices’ garden at the Autumn Fair at Audley End House and Gardens (11 to 13 September) with APL experts on hand to share design and landscaping advice with visitors at all three events.
www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com
Our wildflower mixes create visually striking, biodiverse landscapes for large-scale and public realm projects. Designed to enhance habitats, support pollinators and improve urban environments, they’re available in bulk with technical guidance for major schemes. From highway verges and roundabouts to parks and SuDS basins, John Chambers Wildflowers deliver seasonal colour, increased species diversity and lasting impact. They can also support improved air quality while creating nature-led public spaces aligned with modern planning and biodiversity expectations. Order now for spring sowing and keep your projects on schedule.
Professional landscapers, local authorities and private estate owners can access a new trusted digital marketplace to buy keenly priced high-quality ex-demo and second-hand green space maintenance machines.
to spring commission your irrigation systems.
As demand for sustainable procurement and cost-effective fleet management grows, ‘PreLoved by Etesia’ bridges the gap between premium performance and budget flexibility.
A well-maintained irrigation system is key in saving you time & money while allowing you to protect your landscape’s health & appearance.
“Every machine listed on the platform undergoes rigorous assessment to ensure it meets the high operational standards expected of the Etesia brand,” the manufacturer states.
Key benefits
• The ET Lander: Fully electric, multi-functional utility vehicle offering “a greener solution” for urban and rural tasks.
“Pre-Loved by Etesia makes it easier than ever for customers to invest in the longevity and reliability of the brand,” said the company’s Stephen Muir, “while giving our ex-demo and pre-owned fleet a productive second life.”
• Verified History: Buy with confidence directly from the manufacturer with a minimum of 12 months’ warranty.
A rotating selection of “core favourites” includes:
• Ride-on Mowers: “Unrivalled collection capabilities in all weather conditions.”
We also maintain water features & fountains
• Brushcutters: Pedestrian and ride-on models (Attila range) for tackling tough overgrowth.
• Immediate availability: Skip the lead times linked with new builds.
• Sustainability: Reducing environmental impact by extending the lifecycle of professional machinery.
@waterscapesltd 01963 824166 waterscapes.co.uk
www.etesia.co.uk/preloved
Purple Ash Media, the powerhouse team behind GroundsFest, is proud to announce the acquisition of The Landscaper magazine.
This strategic move brings together the UK’s most dynamic live grounds maintenance event and one of the industry’s leading trade titles, creating a unified, yearround platform for the landscaping sector.
The acquisition includes The Landscaper’s full portfolio: its print publication, digital platforms, social media channels and its extensive 25-year industry archive.
For more than a quarter of a century, the magazine has been a staple for professionals across the UK. Under Purple Ash Media’s stewardship, the title will receive substantial investment to ensure it remains the industry’s most influential voice for the next 25 years and beyond.
What’s new?
Purple Ash Media isn't simply maintaining the status quo; it is supercharging the publication’s reach and capabilities. Key investments include:
• Supercharged circulation: By merging the networks of GroundsFest and The Landscaper, print and digital distribution will widen significantly to reach the sector’s most influential buyers and decision-makers.
• Video-first strategy: For the first time, The Landscaper
will offer professional video production and distribution. From product showcases to ‘day-in-the-life’ features, brands can now tell their stories through high-quality motion content.
• Influencer integration: The magazine will bridge the gap between traditional media and social trends by bringing the industry’s biggest social media voices into the fold, providing authentic, high-engagement touchpoints.
The synergy between the live, hands-on experience of GroundsFest and the editorial authority of The Landscaper marks an exciting evolution for the trade. Advertisers and partners will now benefit from a seamless integration of live events and digital/print media, ensuring their message resonates across every possible channel.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome The Landscaper to the Purple Ash Media family,” said Christopher Bassett, director of Purple Ash Media. “By bringing this iconic title under the same roof as GroundsFest, we are creating a powerful, 360-degree marketing solution.
“Whether it’s physical demo plots at the show or digital feeds in the palms of thousands of landscapers, we can now connect brands with customers more effectively than ever before.”
Firm foundations key when leads dry up, says Paula Warman
But here’s the truth I’ve learned - after more than a decade in this industry, tougher markets don’t reward the loudest businesses. They reward the smartest and most trusted.
When leads become harder to find, the foundations you’ve built over the years are what carry you through.
I experienced this first-hand recently. After writing articles for The Landscaper for the last few years, I gained a brand-new coaching client who reached out purely because they had read my work and felt I understood their challenges.
That enquiry didn’t come from paid advertising or clever algorithms but from sharing knowledge and building credibility over time.
The same principle applies to landscaping businesses.
Right now, my own landscaping company has four substantial jobs on the table. Not one of them came from social media ads or online lead platforms. In fact, no digital marketing at all!
They came from:
• An existing client wanting more work done
• Their neighbour, impressed by what we’d already delivered
• A referral from an architect we’ve collaborated with for years
• A recommendation from a building surveyor who knows and trusts us
• A garden designer who values how we work on site
LEAD GENERATION IN A TIGHTENING MARKET: WHAT SHOULD YOU FOCUS ON?
1 3 5 2 4
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
Or, check out Paula's
That, in a nutshell, is how real lead generation works in a tightening market: relationships.
Too many businesses think marketing is about constantly chasing strangers. The most reliable and profitable work nearly always comes from people who already know you, or from someone who knows someone who does.
Word of mouth isn’t just “nice to have” – it’s the strongest form of marketing you will ever have.
So, what does that mean practically?
First, look after the clients you already have. Exceptional communication, reliability, and professionalism create advocates. A happy client is not just one job - but potentially five or ten future projects through recommendations. Go one step further and create a referral incentive scheme.
Second, nurture your professional network. Architects, designers, surveyors, builders, suppliers – these relationships are gold. They need time, mutual respect and consistency. Dropping someone an email only when you need work is not relationship building. Keeping in touch, sharing updates and collaborating well on projects is.
Third, be visible as an expert. Writing articles, speaking at events, sharing knowledge – these position you as a trusted
authority. That’s exactly how my own magazine articles turned into new opportunities. People buy from people they feel confident in.
Finally, don’t panic-market.
When enquiries dip, the temptation is to throw money at adverts or slash prices. In my experience, that often attracts the wrong clients and erodes your profit margins. Instead, double down on quality, service and relationships. Remind past clients you’re there. Reconnect with designers you’ve enjoyed working with. Ask for testimonials. Stay front of mind.
In a booming market you can get away with being average. In a tightening one, only the businesses with strong reputations and genuine connections thrive.
Lead generation isn’t about chasing every possible enquiry – it’s about becoming the company people naturally think of first.
That takes time. It takes consistency. And it takes a mindset shift from “Where will the next job come from?” to “How well am I looking after the network I already have?”
Get that right, and even in challenging times, the work will keep coming.
BS paving code confers reassurance and protection, writes Lynne Taylor
Paving disputes remain one of the most common areas of contention within the landscape sector. While failures themselves may not be new, the coverage across social media has raised awareness among contractors and homeowners, bringing expectations and scrutiny into focus. As a result, the number of disputes being pursued is on the rise.
A year on from the publication of British Standard code of practice, ‘BS 7533-102:2025 Pavements constructed with clay, concrete or natural stone paving units. Installation of pavements using modular paving units’, expectations around design, installation and accountability have become clearer across commercial and domestic settings.
From an expert witness perspective, this changes how paving failures are assessed.
Here are my top five reasons paving disputes arise, viewed through the lens of BS 7533-102 and current expert witness practice.
Inadequate consideration of ground conditions is a major contributing factor. Made-up ground, clay subsoils, poor drainage, or variable strata are often identified only after defects appear.
In disputes, I often see specifications that assume well-draining, uniform ground conditions without any supporting justification nor thought given to drainage
systems. This may have been common practice in the past but it is increasingly difficult to defend with references in BS7533-102 highlighting why collating the right information during site surveys is so fundamental a step.
Paving failures are commonly found within projects that have inadequate sub-bases. Insufficient depths, poor compaction or incorrect materials are often identified in paving disputes.
The BS7533-102 standard removes ambiguity around what is considered an adequate sub-base for modular
paving using either a bound or unbound base and provides clear guidance on the use of materials such the type of hardcore and membranes.
Weed control membranes, for example, are still commonly installed in place of non-woven geotextile layers, despite serving widely differing functions. In disputes, this misunderstanding can undermine an otherwise competent installation.
Changes to bedding layer specifications and installation methods have also contributed to disputes, commonly resulting in paving units becoming loose. Traditional approaches are not always compatible with modern paving units, particularly where tighter tolerances and performance expectations apply. BS7533-102 therefore includes guidance on material selection, ratio mixes, bonding and application.
In many cases, the bedding layer itself is not the sole cause of failure but it plays a major role in how defects develop and present over time.
When a paving dispute arises, levels and falls are typically raised as a concern, driven by issues of pooling water or social media. Paving levels have been disputed between contractors for some time, with “back of the bubble” relied on as a gauge.
However, changes in materials, new products and environmental shifts have resulted in defining suitable fall rates for specific paving types and their intended use. BS7533-102 now provides guidance on recommended fall rates for various paving materials.
Some debates still reign but it’s worth noting that many manufacturers started changing their recommendations before the new standard. Informal or traditional methods are more difficult to support when a failure occurs therefore.
From small chips on paving and discoloured jointing to major failures, homeowners are growing intolerant of poor workmanship or excuses, being quick to pursue
disputes in the hope of recouping their outlay, no matter where responsibility lies.
Many projects are budget driven, with some homeowners willing to sacrifice specifications over costs. I regularly see cases where contractors have been encouraged to install paving to reduced specifications despite providing homeowners with their professional advice.
Such conversations are typically verbal and based on trust. When failure happens, lack of written evidence can leave contractors heavily out of pocket and ruin reputations. The BS7533-102 can offer contractors a defence when clients are keen to cut corners and drive down costs.
The BS7533-102 should not be seen as a barrier. It provides reassurance and protection for both contractors and homeowners, offering clear guidance and consistency. It leads the way towards a more professionalised approach for the sector, raising awareness of the skill and knowledge required to work in the industry and paving the way to a brighter future for all.
Lynne Taylor is an independent landscaping expert witness and owner of VirtuScapes, who has carried out various reports on landscape disputes for commercial and domestic projects.
See the big picture when conceiving planting schemes, advises Peter Burks
As someone who loves plants and would happily have one of everything in my garden, I am often disappointed with the varieties seen in many gardens and public spaces when the range of plants that could be used is so great.
I’m no expert on what planners might stipulate as that could significantly affect people’s choices but I will attempt here to suggest good, tough plants that also provide a really rewarding experience.
We all know autumn is the best time for planting all perennial, hardy plants as the warm, moist soil at this time of year promotes good root growth, enabling the plant to grow away very actively the following spring.
But fortunately, container-grown plants can be put in the ground all year round. Don’t try planting in waterlogged soils or into frozen ground though, and always incorporate mycorrhizal fungi such as Rootgrow or a new version Solivita, into your planting hole.
This is especially important if planting in imported topsoil or in areas where ornamental plants have not been grown before. The mycorrhizal fungi you add must touch the roots of the plants for it
to ‘germinate’ and begin its role of assisting the plant to establish and aid the sourcing of nutrients and water.
One of my favorite plants at this time of year is the shrubby, winter flowering Honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima. As the name suggests, this produces wonderfully fragrant flowers but does this throughout the winter.
On mild days the fragrance can be detected many metres away from the plant, so you can enjoy it as you walk past. It grows happily in any soil or situation including shady locations and can grow quite large, reaching 2 to 2.5 m but a trim in the spring, after flowering has finished, keeps it under control.
A second plant just coming into its best season are Hellebores. These have exotic flowers in many colours throughout late winter and early spring and many have attractive leaves as well. They thrive in moist, shady locations so do well planted in the shade of larger shrubs and trees. They will be almost unnoticed as our summer interest plants go about giving us a show but come the late winter they burst into life with long-lasting displays of colour.
Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association, is a fully trained horticulturalist and has worked in directorial and senior management positions for garden centres nationwide for more than 40 years. He ran garden centres with his parents until they retired. Three other family members also work in the sector.
Peter helped set up then ran the multi award-winning Sanders Garden World in Somerset for more than 10 years, being named GCA Garden Centre of the Year twice in that time.
He was southwest regional manager for Wyevale Garden Centres, before becoming general manager for Trelawney’s in Cornwall, and managing Fermoys Garden Centre in Devon, part of the Blue Diamond group of garden centres.
Viburnums are a genus of hardy shrubs that are successful in all soils and locations. While the evergreen, winter flowering Viburnum tinus is often planted, there are several other varieties that are very good.
Viburnum bodnantense Dawn is a fragrant, pink, winter flowering deciduous variety growing to about 2 m tall with a fairly upright habit. Again, a spring pruning will control the size and shape. Then there are some fantastically scented medium sized shrubs such as V. burkwoodii, V. juddii and V. carlesii aurora - all flowering from spring into early summer and making lovely rounded shrubs, laden with pale pink flowers that usually open as a darker pink.
A tough but exotic herbaceous perennial with handsome, shiny, deep green leaves all year around is Acanthus or Bears Breeches. They will grow in sun or shade but will flower better in a sunny spot and have alluring mauve pink, foxglove-like flowers in late summer
and autumn. Fine at the front of a border and will colonise a good space.
I will have to include in this list Camellias. Often thought of as not too hardy as they do so well in Cornwall, they are in fact very much so, rivalling Laurel. The other consideration is they do prefer acidic soil although they are not as fussy as rhododendrons on this point.
With their wonderful shiny, evergreen leaves and truly dramatic size, quantity and form of the flowers makes them a must for any planting scheme. They will also thrive in any location including north facing but don’t like to be too dry. The Camellia sasanqua varieties are also an excellent choice as they are scented and winter flowering.
A genus of plants that I find hard to understand why they aren’t more widely planted are Calycanthus, also known as Allspice. These are deciduous shrubs that will grow from 1.5 to 2.5 m tall with a similar spread and thrive in all soils and situations.
They produce large, very showy, exotic-looking flowers in a spectrum of colours from white, pink to red and even brown continuously from mid-summer into autumn. A must for every location.
When a rare and previously believed to be extinct orchid was discovered growing on a green rooftop in the City of London, it offered a striking illustration of how roofs can become havens for biodiversity.
By bringing nature into residential, commercial and healthcare developments, green roof terraces are reshaping our approach to cityscapes. Jayden Bowie, head of business development at roof terrace experts Raaft, explains how modular terrace systems are enabling more ambitious, biodiverse rooftop designs through the integration of decking, planters and living elements.
Green roofs are typically associated with aesthetics but a well-designed roof terrace can have a significant ecological value. By providing genuine microhabitats that attract insects, pollinators, birds and even small mammals, they also offer food sources, shelter and nesting opportunities.
This requires thoughtful planting, varied substrate depths and features such as deadwood or shallow water trays, elements that turn a roof from a decorative feature into a fully functioning ecosystem.
The rediscovery of a rare orchid on a London rooftop can play a crucial role in changing perceptions and help clients, designers, landscapers and building owners understand that roofs are not simply visual amenities. This shift in thinking opens up the conversation around
roof terraces in supporting biodiversity, food production, wellbeing, social interaction and climate resilience.
An excellent example can be found at 60 London Wall, an extensively refurbished and reconfigured BREEAM ‘outstanding’ building in the City of London. Its roof terraces are home to beehives producing honey, sold directly from the building. The project demonstrates how biodiversity-led design can thrive at height, even in the heart of the financial district.
Planting strategy
Successful roof terrace planting depends on context. Drought-tolerant perennials, native wildflower mixes, sedum and biodiverse meadow systems are among the most effective options, particularly when combined with irrigation strategies suited to the building’s location and exposure.
This was brought into sharp focus on The Spiral at 66 Hudson Yards in New York, a landmark project where Raaft provided aluminium joists and adjustable pedestals to connect atrium workspaces on every tower floor.
Featuring around 13,000 square feet of outdoor space planted above 300 feet, The Spiral is the city’s first attempt to grow greenery at this vertical scale. Initial plant selections were ultimately replaced with hardier, wind and drought-resistant species suited to the extreme conditions at height.
Planting varies by elevation and orientation with prairie species used on the wind-exposed south side, shade
tolerant on the north side and carefully selected flowering trees managed to balance resilience with uplift forces.
Biodiversity should be integrated from the earliest conceptual stage so that structural loads, irrigation, access, and planter placement are designed holistically rather than retrofitted. Early co-ordination also avoids costly mistakes later, particularly on projects where weight limits and waterproofing are critical.
Retrofitting green terraces on to existing buildings presents distinct challenges. Weight limitations, restricted access, shallow build-ups, drainage constraints and long-term maintenance requirements can all limit what is achievable, especially on older or lightly loaded roof structures.
Modular terrace systems distribute weight efficiently, allow controlled drainage and provide accessible service zones, all without compromising waterproofing. Components can also be removed or reconfigured for maintenance, extending the lifespan of both the terrace and the roof beneath.
In commercial and healthcare settings, access to nature is increasingly recognised as a driver of wellbeing. Green roof terraces have been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and boost productivity, making them a priority for organisations focused on employee wellbeing, patient recovery and ESG-driven design.
Raaft has recently supported NHS mental healthcare projects, where safety is paramount. In these environments, surfaces and fixings must minimise risk of self-harm or injury. One effective solution has been resin-bound gravel, a porous yet continuous, fixed surface that combines drainage performance with safety and comfort underfoot.
Traditional roof build-ups can limit creativity, but modular terrace systems offer far greater flexibility.
Adjustable pedestals and modular components allow decking, paving, planters and green spaces to be seamlessly combined into highly customisable layouts without invasive construction.
At 60 London Wall, this flexibility enabled intricately cut porcelain tiles, curved CorTen steel planters and bespoke hardwood benches to coexist on the same terraces. The result is a series of busy, thriving communal spaces that balance architectural ambition with generous planting.
Cities are becoming denser and the roof is one of the last untapped frontiers for green infrastructure. Through careful co-ordination between terrace systems, waterproofing and planting design, modular roof terraces can evolve into living layers of the urban fabric.
This supports biodiversity, enhancing wellbeing and adapting over time as buildings and their uses change. With the right roof terrace systems in place, the urban roof can be so much more than a roof with a view.
www.raaftsystems.com
More UK local authorities recognise trees are not simply there to look pretty but present vital infrastructure.
Here, Treeconomics, specialists in urban forestry, tree strategy development and the sustainable management of urban forests, outline the key elements of a successful scheme and discuss how Belfast City Council created one.
From climate resilience and biodiversity to public health and placemaking, urban trees can deliver benefits lasting decades. A comprehensive tree strategy provides the framework to manage this asset properly - but not all are created equal – serving only as a box-ticking exercise and achieving little other than wasting time.
The sector recognises that the greatest threat to urban trees is not only development but also the absence of long-term strategic management. As urban forestry expert Kenton Rogers MICFor1 highlights, historic studies show most UK urban forests lack proactive management - progress in adopting comprehensive tree strategies has been slow over the last two decades.
Simply put, a tree strategy is a long-term plan for how trees across a town or city will be managed and developed. It sets out measurable targets for establishing
new trees, caring for existing ones and explores how departments will collaborate to protect the urban forest, and how tree equity can be achieved for all residents.
The Belfast City Council tree strategy provides an excellent example of what such a document could look like. Launched in 2023 (and part funded by The Woodland Trust), it provides a 10-year framework for protecting and growing the city’s tree stock. It includes a detailed action plan for the first three years, structured around 37 targets, priorities and actions. These are explicitly linked to wider city objectives, including climate commitments, public health, regeneration and biodiversity. In this way, Belfast’s trees are central to decision-making rather than treated as peripheral.
A successful strategy
1. Focus on local people
Belfast’s vision is to be a city “which focuses on protecting, enhancing and expanding its woodlands, hedges and trees, connecting people to nature and ensuring these continue to be a major asset to everyone who lives in, works in and visits our city.”
Although city-wide, the vision is delivered at
Canopy Cover wards
neighbourhood level to reflect the fact that trees are vitally to those who experience them every day. Accordingly, Belfast’s strategy underwent extensive consultation, attracting more than 600 responses from the public. As Kenton Rogers observed: “Meaningful consultation often reveals strong public affection for local trees, which goes against the perception that trees are viewed primarily as a nuisance.”
2. Evidence first
A strategy must begin with an understanding of what already exists. Belfast carried out detailed assessments, including an i-Tree Eco study, to establish current tree numbers, species diversity, tree canopy cover and condition.
The evidence revealed the current state of its urban forest and progress made over recent decades but also highlighted how far the city still had to go. Such data is an essential starting point for any successful tree strategy.
3. Clear, measurable goals
Belfast has used internationally recognised benchmarks (including tree canopy cover, tree equity analysis, and the 3-30-300 rule2), to set targets against which it can measure its progress over time.
According to Kenton Rogers, “defining what a city is trying to achieve - whether that be increased tree canopy cover, improved biodiversity, or better climate resilience - is essential before resources, policies and partnerships can be set up effectively”.
4. Embrace tree equity
A strength of Belfast’s approach is its focus on tree equity. Mapping tree canopy cover alongside indices of multiple deprivation has helped identify neighbourhoods
with greatest need for trees, to allow the council to plan tree planting and management in the most needy areas.
Growing recognition exists within urban forestry that equitable access to trees should be a core consideration, not an afterthought, given the links between canopy cover, health outcomes and social inequality (harking back to 1 in this list).
5. Prioritise long-term management and tree establishment
Tree planting alone will not deliver a resilient urban forest. Species selection, soil volume, aftercare and continuing maintenance all need considering. Trees must be planted in the right place, for the right reasons, and be managed properly if they are to survive to maturity.
Kenton Rogers consistently highlights that governance, funding and proper resourcing are as important as numbers planted. Without them, planting programmes often fail within a few years.
Under this five-point plan, a solid tree strategy can emerge that is people centric and aims to benefit future generations.
Specialist support
Belfast’s tree strategy was developed collaboratively by the city council, local stakeholders and urban forestry specialists Treeconomics, which co-ordinated the project and provided the evidence base.
Such a partnership reflects a growing trend: as tree strategies become more data-driven, many authorities are drawing on specialist expertise to ensure decisions are backed by hard evidence such as tree canopy data and diversity reports.
Looking ahead
Belfast’s experience demonstrates that a successful tree strategy needs to be a living document, evolving as data improves, trees grow and city priorities shift. For landscape professionals, it offers a reminder that trees thrive best when backed by a clear strategy and collaboration across multiple partners - principles consistently highlighted in Kenton Rogers’ work on sustainable urban forest management.
Alan McHaffie, senior woodland and recreation officer at Belfast City Council, echoes this need for a clear focus: “As a direct result of an extensive public consultation exercise, where we listened to the voices of our communities, working alongside arboricultural experts and key stakeholders, the Belfast Tree Strategy has provided the council with a clear focus and direction as we continue to expand, protect and nurture the urban forest under our care.”
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/documents/belfast-tree-strategy
1 Kenton Rogers MICFor is a chartered forester and director at Treeconomics, specialising in urban forestry, tree strategy development and the sustainable management of urban forests. He works with local authorities across the UK and Ireland to help embed trees into long-term planning, governance and decision-making.
2 The 3-30-300 rule proposes that residents should be able to see three trees from their home, live in a neighbourhood with at least 30% tree canopy cover and be within 300 m of quality green space.
3 https://uk.treeequityscore.org
4 Treeconomics is a UK-based enterprise, working to understand, value and improve urban forests. Using data science, GIS analysis, and collaborative research, it helps local authorities, land owners and communities make evidence-based decisions about the trees in their care. Treeconomics delivers canopy studies, i-Tree Eco projects and tree strategies across the UK. https://treeconomics.co.uk
Greenwood Plants launched its Climadapt climate resilient nature-based solutions at the IPM ESSEN horticultural trade show. The range is “built on botanical knowledge and horticultural innovation to deliver plants bred to meet the challenges of urban design in a changing climate”, Greenwood states.
Developed by leading plant experts, the range offers plants bred and selected for the enhanced ecosystem services they provide, including soil health, water resilience, biodiversity, urban cooling, and phytoremediation.
When fully integrated from design to delivery, the plants support development of resilient, sustainable green spaces and “enhance the adaptive capacity of the built environment as it faces more extreme weather events”.
The expanding range provides futureproof planting that supports urban greening, addressing practical amenity market concerns around cost, maintenance and survivability of landscape planting, to create sustainable landscapes that endure.
Greenwood is partnering with leading plant breeder Pinnacle Plants International to bring the Climadapt range to the amenity market with distribution rights in the UK and selected European markets under the Urbaflora and Bellecour marques.
The first nine products are:
• Agave Urbaflora ‘Hale and Hardy’
• Cotoneaster Urbaflora ‘Urban Carpet’ (pictured)
• Cotoneaster Urbaflora ‘Urban Runner’
• Dispropsis ‘Shade Runner’
• Hedera algeriensis ‘Bellecour’
• Hydrangea anomala Urbaflora ‘Terra Firma’
• Lonicera Urbaflora ‘Precipice’
• Quercus Urbaflora ‘Grace’
• Rubus Urbaflora ‘Happy Wanderer’
“Innovation is one of our core values, informing how we look for new ways to support our clients,” said Glenn Devenish, Greenwood Plants CEO. The range has been selected and bred to thrive in future climatic conditions while offering practical environmental services, adding value to the work our clients do.”
Urbaflora was developed by Pinnacle Plants International in 2022, with the intent of developing the latest in plant innovation through its specialist plant breeder network. Launched in France in 2022, Bellecour has achieved strong sales in its home market and is aimed at building on this success in the UK.
“We are striving to identify and develop rare and exciting plants which can offer novel environmental benefits beyond aesthetics,” said Kevin Hobbs, Pinnacle's managing director. “We are confident that partnering with Greenwood will bring us to the attention of designers, specifiers and landscapers to deliver positive change across the urban design spectrum.”
Climadapt will be available for delivery from June 2026. Further varieties are in development and planned for release in January 2027.
www.greenwoodplants.co.uk
This year many of the show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show have been designed to demonstrate the transformative benefits of gardens and gardening, writes Gillian Taylor. Plants, biodiversity and the interaction of individuals within these special places form a key focus.
Here we look at three with the potential to strike Gold.
The Eden Project: Bring Me Sunshine Gardenjoint designers Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis.
Backed by Project Giving Back, the garden is inspired by the sweeping landscapes of Morecambe Bay and its community. It celebrates regeneration, creativity and the power of young people to shape a better future.
At its heart is a solar powered pavilion providing space for young people to gain horticulture skills. The planting is salt tolerant to reflect the conditions of the Bay and has a softness provided by Armeria maritima, Centranthus ruber and Salvia Rosmarinus interplanted with grasses. Reclaimed materials and limestone boulders provide form and structure.
Multi stemmed trees, a feature in many of this year’s show gardens, include:
Populus tremula (Trembling Aspen) – so named as the shimmering foliage ripples in the slightest breeze.
Salix exigua (narrow leaf willow) – attractive grey green leaves with silvery hairs.
Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) – fragrant flowers are followed by attractive and edible red fruits.
The emphasis on resilient planting embodies the Eden Project’s mission to inspire positive action for the planet. Designers: www.harryholding.co.uk www.michaelisboyd.com
Landscapers: www.landscapeassociates.co.uk
Tree supplier: www.ebben.nl
The Tate Britain Garden – designer Tom Stuart-Smith
Sponsored by Project Giving Back and the Clore Duffield Foundation, the garden showcases elements of the Clore Garden due to open at Tate Britain this autumn. Offering us a sneak preview of this new green space, which will be a biodiverse haven of plants, it highlights the leading role of museums in providing public gardens in urban environments.
Structural elements include a central sculpture, circular seating area and a complex water feature. The sumptuous planting is based on East Asian woodlands and uses many drought resilient plants. All plant choices are informed by the Tate’s commitment to sustainability and this garden will become incorporated into the Millbank site later this year.
Strong foliage choices include:
Melianthus major – widely used in urban and sheltered gardens this is thriving as the climate changes in the UK. Schefflera shweliensis – striking glossy evergreen foliage and red stems.
Multi-stemmed trees are used to great effect, one of particular note being Acca sellowiana (Pineapple Guava) –an evergreen with silver green leaves and flowers giving a truly exotic feel.
Designer: www.tomstuartsmith.co.uk
Landscapers: www.crocuslandscapes.co.uk
Plant suppliers: www.kelways.co.uk www.deserttojungle.com www.margheriti.it
The Killik & Co A Seed in Time Garden –designer Baz Grainger, Landform is continuing its partnership with sponsors Killik & Co for a third year. Designer Baz Grainger said:
“Based on the idea of making more from less, which reflects Killik investment philosophy, I have created a calm, lasting garden rich in biodiversity inspired by the landscapes of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads.”
The garden combines heritage crafts with resilient planting in multiple habitats. These range from a dry grassland to a wetland area which is fed by the rainwater harvesting system. The aim is to show that the provision of different biodiverse zones will improve species abundance, habitat health and help reverse biodiversity loss in the UK.
The story of the reed is celebrated by showing traditional construction techniques using reed and straw as materials, thus combining traditional craft with contemporary design.
The planting focuses strongly on native species, with over 2,500 different plants in the garden. There are
21 different species of grass, nine species of mixed hedging and numerous wild roses. Fruit trees provide food for wildlife and the family; all areas are accessed by permeable gravel paths which will allow self-seeding of perennials over time. The paths use a shell based material, supplied by Allgreen, which is 50% self-binding.
The garden will be relocated in full after the show to Homewards, a homelessness charity launched by Prince William. www.homewards.org.uk
Designer: Baz Grainger at www.landformconsultants.co.uk
Landscapers: www.landformconsultants.co.uk
Plant suppliers include: www.lincsplants.com www.knollgardens.co.uk www.peterbealesroses.co.uk www.crowdersnurseries.co.uk
I will report back after the show to let you know who did indeed strike Gold.
Understanding why you need a spring renovation is key for success. It could be as simple as trying to improve sward quality but equally, could be a more complicated matter that requires identifying issues that allow correct procedures to be conducted rather than resolving symptoms instead of the cause.
For example, a lawn may have become infested with weeds which might lead you to think that a selective herbicide would suffice. Weeds may just be the symptom and the ground is heavily compacted and therefore, the underlying issue remains unresolved.
Dig beneath the surface (literally) to get an idea of what looks right and what doesn’t, identify any obvious problems and keep records of maintenance and usage to ascertain the right course of action.
Choosing the right products, maintenance and aftercare will all help to generate the best results. Here, some of the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers offer some top tips.
If in your investigations you identify accumulations of thatch, consider hollow coring or scarifying, says GKB Machines. “Using a machine like the GKB V-Strong will remove the layer of thatch and facilitate that all-
important soil contact when seed is sown later in the process,” explains Tom Shinkins.
“If opening the surface and alleviating compaction is the priority, aeration should be top of the to-do list. Using a pedestrian or tractor mounted aerator such as the CombiSlit or Deep Tine Aerator (DTA) will quickly and efficiently create a seedbed and provide space in the rootzone for new roots to grow during the spring months,” he adds.
With thatch, cores and other surface debris extracted, a number of tools are available for post-aeration clean-up – making the process faster and more efficient than ever before. “Incorporating the Baroness FS900 into your spring renovation delivers measurable efficiency and surface quality improvements,” comments Baroness sales director Adam Butler.
The FS900 is a compact, manoeuvrable core sweeper and collector designed for fine turf areas such as greens, tees, lawns and landscapes. It effectively collects aeration cores, grass clippings and sand into its 420 l hydraulic high-lift hopper, reducing manual labour and downtime on tight schedules.
The adjustable brush height can be set from the
operator’s seat, ensuring precise performance across variable surfaces, while balloon-style tyres minimise turf compaction. With a working width of 81 cm and coverage of more than 5,200 m² an hour, the FS900 accelerates renovation workflows, enhances presentation and supports healthier sward recovery.
Selecting the right seed mixture and appropriate fertiliser, and timing these alongside the physical interventions will give you best results.
“If a fine lawn appearance is required, PM50 from DLF can deliver a well-manicured look with pleasing colour and strong disease resistance,” comments DLF’s Ian Barnett. “With its blend of fine ryegrasses and fescues, it is well suited to high-quality, hardwearing lawns and with the addition of 10% Fabian tetraploid perennial ryegrass, it can deliver fast establishment and lead to a lawn with lower future maintenance costs.
“If your lawn suffers with shade, PM60 offers excellent wear tolerance even under low light conditions. With the addition of Sabrina 1 rough stalked meadow grass, this mixture gives a fine, dense and green growth all year round.”
He adds: “Every lawn is different so, if you’re unsure of the right mixture for your renovation, speak to your local DLF technical manager for advice.”
Give the new seed ample time to germinate and establish and withstand the desire to get on the surface with a mower until the sward is strong and dense enough to cope with its first cut.
Pedestrian mowers will be well suited to smaller lawned areas but for sites that need to combine high performance, fuel efficiency and ease of use, operators can turn to the G-Series from Kubota.
The mower offers impressive cutting performance on grass of all lengths and in all conditions, offering convenient, accurate collection in one pass. It’s a versatile choice for landscapers, contractors, local authorities and other green space managers.
The range features an optimised operator platform and instrument panel which provides all the key information at a glance, while the joystick control keeps main functions at your fingertips.
Both the Kubota G231 and wider mower deck and higher horsepower G261 model offer two collector types – a 560 l low dump fabric grass collector or 640 l high dump collector, offering fast and convenient emptying into skips, bins or grass piles from a height of up to 1.97 m.
The sports surfaces making up the showcase at DLF's head site at Inkberrow, Worcestershire, don't look after themselves. They need tending year-round to keep the surfaces pristine to act as an exemplar for the seed grower and supplier.
Enter showcase turf manager Matt Lewis (right), who first came to attention when the site officially opened last summer, (along with huge expansion in DLF's factory capacity) and explains his programme for maintaining the standards necessary to attract existing and potential buyers to invest in amenity and sports seed.
I caught up with Matt at BTME, where he outlined his seasonal schedule for me. “From November to the end of February, it’s best to keep off the surfaces as much as possible to reduce risk of compaction,” he said. “I’m adding potassium to strengthen the turf and also applying biostimulants, which increase availability of the grasses’ to absorb nutrients.
“For the football and rugby pitch, I’ll korrow strip, topdress and overseed. Controlling Poa spread is important too. We want to follow as low an input route as possible as we have almost no wear and strong grass and overseeding are the best defences against weed and disease. Tetraploid cultivars can outcompete it, with Sabrena rough stalked meadow grass for any areas under shade.
Matt’s mission is to make the showcase “inherently sustainable. That means nothing polymer-based. It’s still work in progress but we’re getting there”, he said. Inkberrow presents a special focus for those keen to witness how various seed mixes perform in the field.
Matt Lewis is helping them to experience the impact of professionally managed sport, leisure and amenity turf in a unique setting, with his unstinting vision on preserving a pitch perfect environment.
Football and rugby pitch – sown with J Turf 25
Tennis court – MM50
Cricket strip – J Premier Wicket
Golf tee – J Premier Tee
Golf fairway - MM22
Golf green – J Premier Green
Racehorse gallops – MM TetraSport
First lawn – Masterline PM Pro Nitro
Luxury lawn – J Fescue
While wildflowers are often viewed as low input plants, poor soil preparation is the most common reason for disappointing results. Understanding soil type, managing existing vegetation and creating the right seedbed are all fundamental to long-term success.
Wildflowers generally perform best on low fertility soils. Fertile soils favour fast-growing grasses and competitive weeds, which quickly outcompete emerging wildflowers. On rich soils or former amenity turf areas, levels of nitrogen and organic matter are often too high, so topsoil stripping or fallowing to allow time for nutrient depletion may be an option.
Free draining soils are ideal, particularly for meadow species adapted to calcareous or sandy conditions. Heavier clay soils can still support wildflowers but they require careful cultivation to improve structure and avoid compaction. Poor drainage leads to waterlogging, which can cause seed rot and patchy establishment.
Test your soil prior to sowing to determine nutrient levels, pH and whether soil modification is necessary. You can then select the correct mixture for the site.
Clear the site of any remaining grasses or weeds as these will compete aggressively for light, moisture and nutrients. Sites previously under turf or pasture should be sprayed off, cultivated and fallowed to help eradicate perennial weeds and existing grass.
The soil should be cultivated to a depth of around 10 to 15 cm. Following cultivation, the soil should be firmed to create a consolidated seedbed. Wildflower seed requires good seed to soil contact to germinate and establish properly.
While some seem to encourage the practice, one of the most common mistakes is attempting to sow wildflowers directly into an established grass sward. While this may appear easier and more cost effective, success rates are typically very low.
Existing grass recovers quickly to form a dense sward and rapidly outcompetes germinating flowering species. Even aggressive scarification rarely removes enough grass to allow wildflowers to thrive. Overseeding may then result in a few flowers appearing initially but they are generally short lived and quickly disappear as the grass dominates.
Once vegetation has been removed, the aim is to achieve a firm, weed free seedbed to ensure that allimportant seed to soil contact – avoid loose, ‘fluffy’ ground which can lead to uneven germination. Timing is equally important, with spring and early autumn sowings offering optimal soil moisture and temperatures. In recent years, autumn sowings have fared better than spring ones due to a lack of traditional spring moisture.
Successful wildflower sowing is almost entirely dependent on good preparation. Investing time in soil assessment, vegetation removal and seedbed preparation will deliver a far greater return than seed alone ever could.
www.dlf.co.uk
Staking a tree is a vital step in ensuring healthy establishment, especially in our now often windy, variable climate, say the specialists at Wyevale Nurseries and supply partner Green-tech
Done correctly, staking supports young trees while allowing natural movement that strengthens their trunks.
Newly planted trees, particularly those taller than 140 cm or planted in exposed areas, benefit from staking to prevent wind rock and root damage. Movement in the soil can tear delicate new roots, delaying establishment. Most trees need support for the first 18 months to three years, depending on size and site conditions.
Stakes should be installed at the time of planting to avoid damaging the rootball later. Tree planting season in the UK typically runs from November to April, when trees are dormant and less susceptible to stress. Several staking techniques suit different tree types and locations:
• Single angled stake: Ideal for most young trees. Insert the stake at a 45° angle, leaning into the prevailing wind. Allows the tree to flex naturally, promoting trunk strength.
• Double stake with crossbar: Best for semi-mature or pleached trees. Two stakes are placed opposite each other with a crossbar, securing the tree with ties.
• Guying: https://www.green-tech.co.uk/hardlandscaping/tree-anchoring/rootball-fixing-system/ rootball-wire-fixing-tree-anchor-system: Used for large trees, especially on windy sites. Anchors are placed at 45° angles away from the tree, with wires protected by rubber tubing to prevent bark damage.
Install tips
• Stakes should penetrate at least 40 to 60 cm into the soil
• Use flexible tree ties with spacers to prevent rubbing
• Position stakes on the side of the prevailing wind so the tree moves away from the stake
• Avoid tying too tightly; allow a 2.5 to 3 cm gap between the stake and trunk.
Aftercare
Check stakes and ties annually. Loosen or replace ties as the tree grows and remove stakes once the tree can stand independently – usually within two to three years. Overstaking can weaken the trunk and hinder development. By following these guidelines, you’ll give the tree the best start, ensuring it grows strong and stable for years to come.
www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk
Photos credit: Green-tech
Poplar trees grow fast - and while they offer quick screening and shade, they’re also one of the species most likely to develop structural defects as they age.
At Britannia Park in Rowley Regis, a line of mature poplars had reached a stage where they posed a clear safety risk. After a detailed inspection, it was confirmed that 36 trees needed to be removed to protect the public, nearby homes and the wider park environment.
Beechwood Trees and Landscapes was appointed to carry out the work, and the team delivered the full operation “swiftly, safely and with minimal disruption”, it confirms.
Poplars are known for:
• Brittle wood
• High susceptibility to decay
• Shallow, aggressive root systems
• Crown failure under strong winds.
At Britannia Park, several signs were present including deadwood, internal decay and lean, risking branch or whole-tree failure. With footpaths, park users, fences and nearby properties close to the treeline, “proactive removal was the responsible option”.
Leaving the trees in place would have increased risk of:
• Falling branches injuring the public
• Storm damage
• Property damage along the park boundary
• Future emergency call-outs.
Carrying out the works
Tyson led the onsite team, completing full removal of all 36 poplars in just two days – a level of efficiency
Beechwood says stems from “strong planning, skilled operatives and the right equipment for the job”.
The team used a Sennebogen mechanical tree handler throughout – a specialised machine that
• Grasps, cuts, and lowers sections of the tree in a single controlled movement
• Reduces the need for climbers on unstable timber
• Speeds up removal while improving safety
• Minimises disturbance to the surrounding park
• Allows precise handling near boundaries and structures
“For large numbers of compromised trees, mechanical removal is the safest and most efficient option,” the contractor states.
After the trees were removed, stumps were treated using eco-plugs — “an environmentally responsible alternative to stump grinding, particularly useful in parks and tight spaces”. The small, sealed capsules, inserted into pre-drilled holes, contain a herbicide that stays locked inside the wood, where it gradually stops the stump from regrowing.
Benefits include:
• Zero ground disturbance — ideal when roots run near fences, utilities or footpaths
• Highly targeted — herbicide remains inside the stump, protecting surrounding vegetation
• Low impact — no noise, machinery or spoil
• Safe for public spaces — designed to stay secure
• Prevents regrowth — stopping suckering or stability issues.
Eco-plugs are particularly effective on species such as poplar, which otherwise send up aggressive regrowth if untreated, Beechwood explains.
The work at Britannia Park is a clear example of responsible long-term tree management, it says.
“Removing unsafe trees isn’t just about dealing with what’s there now but about preventing problems later, preserving public safety and creating space for more sustainable planting in the future.”
For more than 80 years, Landscape Services has planned, developed and implemented landscaping, arb, grounds and pest control projects across the South East.
Today, more than 80 operatives maintain more than 1,000 sites such as housing associations, national parks, private landowners, schools and sports clubs.
Helping them service the vast and varied requirements is a Kubota fleet newly expanded with 15 ZD1211 zeroturn mowers, an F391 and G231HD mower and LX-401 compact tractor.
Under an 18-month long strategic move from cylinder to rotary mowers, the contractor has taken delivery of 15 of the zero-turns from local dealer Lister Wilder.
“The switch to Kubota and the zero-turns in particular have enhanced the way we operate,” states Landscape Services managing director Phil Morgan. “Their manoeuvrability allows our team to work efficiently on sites of all shapes and sizes, with their ease of use and low maintenance resulting in significant productivity improvements.”
The ZD1211 is engineered to deliver quality, performance, comfort and durability, Kubota says. The 3-blade, 140 mm deep deck features a flat design and innovative baffling system to lift and cut grass accurately and ensure clippings are evenly discharged. “The quality of the end result is outstanding and, most of all, the team enjoy using them,” Phil adds.
Working alongside the zero-turns are other Kubota ride-ons including an F391 and G231HD cut and collect machine which, again, has improved productivity and safety of the grass cutting operation, Phil reports.
“We also have a compact LX401 tractor, which has proven to be a capable all-rounder - using it on contracts where its narrow frame allows us to reach places a larger tractor can't access, most often when cutting hedgerows.”
Running close to 20 Kubota machines, dealer support for Landscape Services is critical. “We are pleased with the service we’ve had from Lister Wilder, so much so we even awarded them 'Supplier of the Year’ for 2025.” Phil adds.
Although “hesitant” to make such a major change to its fleet, the contractor says results justify the switch, backed up by sound dealer support.
www.kubota-global.net www.kubota-eu.com
Battery outdoor power equipment specialist EGO Power+ has launched its largest-yet self-propelled mower.
Part of the PRO X series, the lightweight unit features dual blade cutting to provide a 76 cm cutting deck, and aims to raise performance, durability and efficiency for commercial operators.
Powered by the 56V ARC Lithium battery platform and Peak Power technology, the mower draws power from two batteries simultaneously to provide extended runtime and consistent performance, with commercial users able to cover up to 4,000 m2 on one charge.
“For many professional operators, local authorities and facilities teams, balancing performance with environmental responsibility is a continuing challenge,” said Joerg Bauerle, EGO Power+ product manager.
“The LMX7600SP changes that. Co-developed with heavy commercial grounds maintenance teams, it pushes the boundaries of what professional users once thought possible from battery-powered equipment and joins our growing PRO X range of tools helping the trade work faster, smarter and more sustainably.”
Presenting a lower noise, zero-emission alternative to large petrol-powered machines, the mower gives commercial users “the flexibility to tackle different mowing
jobs while meeting changing customer preferences”, he adds.
The 39 cm dual blades and versatile 3-in-1 cutting generate powerful airflow to offer efficient side discharge, finely mulched clippings or clean collection in the 88 l collection bag.
Self-propelled drive and blade speeds can also be easily adjusted via intuitive controls within the mower’s fold-flat handles. Users can switch between 3000 and 3800 rpm and when paired with a cutting height range between 20 mm and 125 mm, operators can prioritise clean, more precise cuts or extended runtimes, depending on the task.
The LMX7600SP’s composite deck keeps the mower’s overall weight to just 47 kg, while the metal chassis and steel bumpers aid robustness, manoeuvrability and easy transportation.
The mower also includes LED headlights to enable safe, low-light working, built-in IoT connectivity to pair it with the Connect and fleet apps to help manage tool charging, monitor equipment usage over time, complete over-the-air firmware upgrades and keep track of tool maintenance.
https://egopowerplus.co.uk
Allett Mowers’ battery-powered Omnia pedestrian drew strong interest at BTME, attracting heated attention from UK and overseas turf professionals, the manufacturer reports.
Visitors noted the Nexus Hitch system to change cutter heads quickly, the Smart Steering Assist direct drive dual motor and Vanguard commercial battery. Distributors were said to be queuing up to discuss options.
“Response exceeded expectations, and we are excited about its prospects,” said Dave Allett. “It's a major step forward in battery-powered mowing and cultivation.” Plans are afoot for a full 2026 rollout in partnership with distributors, he added.
The LEDMaster UVC 100 light bar, a sustainable turf disease management tool that integrates directly into routine mowing operations, also caught visitors’ eye and takes dosing technology up a notch by producing a more compact option than earlier forms.
The Omnia range has been developed over more than five years to meet professional grounds teams’ requirements by blending advanced battery capacity, direct-drive technology, ease of use and long-term serviceability.
It marks “a fundamental rethinking” of how electric pedestrians are engineered and maintained, Allett claims and was developed under an Operator First design brief, with every decision driven by reducing physical effort, simplifying operation, improving reliability and enabling operators to achieve results more easily and consistently.
Pivotal to the range, the Vanguard commercial lithium-Ion battery offers scalable capacity up to 7.0 kWh on larger models - a configuration that delivers “up to 20% more capacity than comparable professional
pedestrian machines, enabling extended runtimes for multi-pitch and stadium operations”. Batteries come with an eight-year warranty.
Direct-drive architecture “delivers efficiency and cut quality” and the units feature dual 1000 W rear roller drive, using direct-drive motors to eliminate belts, chains and differentials, and aid turning.
A dedicated 2000 W blade motor “ensures consistent torque in dense grass and when operating the interchangeable cultivation heads.
“Near-silent operation, improved energy efficiency and highly consistent cut quality across a wide range of conditions is the outcome,” Allett maintains.
In its mission to ease operator tasks, Allett has included Smart Steering Assist, which automatically cuts speed during turns and “actively assists steering for smoother, more controlled manoeuvring and reduced operator fatigue”.
The Nexus Hitch system removes need to lift the interchangeable cutting and cultivation heads, while Auto-ID technology automatically recognises which cutting or cultivation head has been attached, and adjusts settings accordingly.
A 3.5 in high-resolution colour display provides realtime information on travel speed, blade speed and clip rate, alongside maintenance prompts and on-screen diagnostics with QR-linked support.
Ultra-slow 1 km/h crawl speed, heavier sorrel roller options and interchangeable heads “allow effective mowing, grooming, raking, verticutting, scarification and deep cultivation using the same drive unit”.
www.allett.co.uk
BTME visitors were among the first in Europe to witness John Deere's new Gator GS utility vehicles, introduced to add speed and flexibility to daily operations.
Built to meet the growing need for a work vehicle which sits between a go-anywhere, all-terrain machine and a golf cart, the Gator GS allows turfcare professionals to carry out lighter duties quickly and efficiently without sacrificing durability and reliability
“Whether it’s course setup, hand watering, hauling mower trailers, or just moving from hole to hole, the Gator GS allows greenkeepers to get those jobs done on time and efficiently,” says Chris Meacock, John Deere golf and turf division sales manager.
The GS is available now in petrol or electric derivatives, both of which are designed to complete jobs without disruption to neighbours or early morning golf groups.
The powerful, quiet, 14 hp petrol electronic fuel injected engine features an innovative engine and body design that incorporates baffling and sound deadening materials.
Customers choosing the 48V GS Electric Gator will have an AC drive motor and controller system that helps maintain torque during even the toughest tasks, with eight Trojan T-105 batteries providing the power needed to complete the day’s work, John Deere states.
Both machines have a top speed of 17.5 mph, enabling operators to do more in less time. Operation is simple with a pedal start and infinite speed selection that doesn’t require shifting, thanks to the continuously variable transmission drivetrain.
Measuring just 49.3 in across, the body design allows transport through tight areas while avoiding turf damage on the edges of cart paths.
Cargo space has been optimised for tools and materials, with 37 1 of space and a 363 kg cargo box weight capacity. The Gator GS has an easy-access cargo box latch to unlock, tilt and unload materials quickly.
The Gator GS is ready to tow with a standard factory installed 50.8 mm rear receiver hitch and a 544.3 kg towing capacity.
High-back bucket seats focus on operator comfort, as does low-effort steering system design, while multiple storage compartments for gloves, hand tools and mobile devices keep smaller items tucked away safely.
“The John Deere Gator is one the most versatile vehicles that a golf course manager and their team can use,” adds Chris, “and the GS and GS Electric adds to that versatility with its size and manoeuvrability.”
www.johndeere.co.uk
An uptick in blood-sucking pests could follow last year’s long hot summer, writes John Horsley, training and professional development officer at national trade body the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).
Ticks, which are implicated in the spread of Lyme disease, thrive in warmer temperatures but need a degree of moisture in the air too.
In recent years, reports of ticks and their associated diseases appear to be on the rise, although possible reasons for the increase range from changes in land management and improved surveillance to host distribution and climate change.
Usually found in long grass, woodland, moorland, parks and gardens, ticks thrive across the UK where there is shade, deep vegetation and a strong wildlife population.
A parasitic arachnid that feeds from a variety of animal hosts, around 20 different species of tick live in the UK.
Many are specialist wildlife parasites and will only feed on a limited range of animal hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles and occasionally amphibians. However they can occasionally end up on pets and people.
Most native ticks don’t carry infection but some do and can pass on diseases including anaplasmosis, tickborne encephalitis virus, babesiosis and Lyme disease.
Ticks are a major disease vector as they can pick up pathogens while feeding on an infected animal host and transmit them to hosts they may then feed on.
Many species remain infected throughout their lifespan and some infected female ticks can also transmit infections to their offspring via their eggs.
Their lifecycle typically involves four stages, from egg to larva, nymph and adult. They feed only once at each stage, dropping to the ground to moult into the next stage.
John Horsley, training and professional development officer at national trade body the British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
The most commonly encountered native tick species is the sheep or deer tick, which is common in areas of grassland and often abundant in transition zones between vegetation types, such as when woodland meets meadow.
While ticks are most active from March to October, with peaks in June and August, they are largely dormant through the winter, although they can be active on a mild winter day.
Ticks will leave the moist leaf litter at ground level, climbing up vegetation to a height where they can latch on to passing people, pets, domestic animals and wildlife using their hooked front legs.
These have sensory organs that respond to changes in carbon dioxide, heat, odour and physical disturbances –letting them know a potential host is near.
They will wait for a host either until they successfully
BPCA members are qualified professionals with access to products unavailable to the public. They can help deal with a tick infestation but tick bites should be dealt with by a doctor or vet, especially if a rash appears at the site of the bite.
BPCA members are trained, qualified and regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636. bpca.org.uk/find
The BPCA is the UK trade association representing organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests. It is a not-for-profit organisation which acts in the interests of members and on behalf of the pest management industry in the UK.
attach, or have lost too much water, forcing them to retreat to ground level to recover.
Once they have latched on to a host, they will search for a suitable site of exposed skin before they bite and start to feed.
As they fill with blood, larvae, nymphs and adult males will become bigger but adult females can swell to many times their original size, their blood sacs lightening in colour until they reach the size of a small pea. If undisturbed, ticks may feed for up to seven days before letting go.
Tick bites and how to prevent them
While they are usually very small and may go unnoticed when they first bite, ticks become visible to the eye once their blood sacs start to fill.
Removal requires care – if you do it incorrectly, their mouthparts may remain stuck in the skin and can cause infection.
The bite is usually painless but risk of bacterial infections rises the longer the tick is attached. Viruses, though, can be passed immediately. Seek medical advice if any symptoms of illness develop in the couple of weeks following a tick bite.
For landscapers and gardeners, PPE is advisable when working in areas of long grass or thick vegetation to protect against ticks.
Cover exposed skin, wear higher boots and spray trousers with insect repellent. Check clothing and skin regularly during and after outdoor work to reduce risk of a tick latching on.
Keeping grass cut short, clearing undergrowth and debris can help reduce tick populations in high traffic areas while regular vacuum cleaning indoors and giving pets and outdoor clothes a thorough brush after walks is also recommended.
More advice on ticks is available at: bpca.org.uk/ticks
Designed for professionals who require highperformance protective clothing, power tool maker Stihl's Advance FlexTEC trousers are Class 1 certified and are available in Design A and Design C.
Offering a slimmer fit than its Dynamic and Function to wear, the Advance lower leg also provides an elasticated cuff at the ankle for a snug fit that helps prevent exposure to ticks.
The trousers provide clips at each leg opening, which professionals can use to hook on to their shoelaces, closing the gap between the trouser legs and boot tops to discourage ticks from crawling up.
They also offer excellent abrasion resistance, with less risk of holes or damage to the garment, so ticks and pests are unable to exploit exposed areas.
All trousers across the three ranges provide multiple pockets, waistband loops for attachment to braces and are fashioned from recycled material. All blend durable materials, ergonomic designs and high-visibility details to ensure users stay safe and comfortable in all conditions.
Worker socks meanwhile aim to reduce tick attachment, thanks to ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EBAAP) finish (more widely known as IR3535) - an insect repellant. Safe and effective, the compound works by interfering with a tick’s sensory receptors, leading them to move away from the area.
Made from a thermally regulated, smooth-knit merino wool blend, they limit exposed skin at the lower leg and ankles, discouraging ticks, also offering Cell-Tech qualities and flexible channels, which provide “optimum cushioning, excellent fit and efficient strain reduction”, Stihl states.
For more on Stihl’s PPE ranges, visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest approved dealer.
By teaming up with guidance specialist Topcon, Toro has developed its own precision spray system offering precision guidance or autosteer with individual nozzle control.
Independent machinery tester James de Havilland tried out the Geolink spray system on the proven hardware of Toro's MultiPro 5800-G sprayer and shares his impressions with The Landscaper, putting Reesink's claims to the test.
“With low-profile 1,136 l tank, high capacity sixdiaphragm pump and 50 hp Kubota petrol engine, the sprayer looks perfectly matched to its 6.25 m wide, 12-nozzle boom,” James reflects.
“The model features GeoLink guidance, course mapping, autosteer and large, detachable 12 in touchscreen – the interface to the GeoLink system –which make this MultiPro more than just a dedicated sprayer and working it far simpler.”
The system can be set up to map exact areas needing to be sprayed, with application coverage recorded and any missed areas shown on the screen or when accessed later, he continues.
“Accurate area measurement is hugely relevant. When ordering materials for spray application, Geolinkgenerated maps help establish precise amounts, leading not only to savings on material costs but also ensuring inputs are optimised.”
Sprayer operators can start a job only to find the weather changes. The system allows them to stop work then resume spraying exactly where it left off, reducing risk of missing out part of the job or overspraying, James explains.
“Every job is recorded and spray data retained, enabling the operator to compare conditions when materials are applied and measure how results are affected. Also, recorded data may be uploaded into course management software.
“Spraying with a GeoLink-equipped sprayer will be faster and more efficient than using blobber marker or dye-based guidance. Doing away with the disadvantages of these marking systems is a clear plus.
“With autosteer, the steering wheel stays in work, even when the sprayer follows a curved line,” James notes. “During the test, I switched to manual operation from auto-guidance at the end of a spray pass simply by taking over the steering wheel and turning around the sprayer to resume work.
“GeoLink took care of shutting off individual nozzles during the turn and when a few bout matching misalignments would have led to overspraying. Missed areas by poor bout matching show up too. The trick is to turn outside the spray area, broadly align to the next bout and then let autosteer take over.”
James’ demo sprayer had ultrasonic boom levelling fitted – “the icing on the cake,“ he states. “I felt even I would be able to tackle spraying using this system. GeoLink is a guidance and sprayer boom control system and management package rolled into one and, even without autosteer, has much to offer.”
“It’s not often a technology comes along that is so impactful that the products it affects revolutionise an industry.” So claims Toro sole UK distributor Reesink Turfcare for Geolink, which unites multiple technologies such as Real Time Kinematic geo-positioning and an enhanced GPS-based satellite system for “ultra-precise navigation to allow areas to be mapped, setting specific boundaries in which machines operate autonomously”.
Applying fertilisers and pesticides using the tech ensures maximum soil health, Reesink adds, “because uniform coverage and correct application volume is vital, whether delivering essential nutrients or protecting turf from disease”.
Toro introduced GeoLink for its Multi Pro sprayers for, ultimately, precision on repeat. By using pinpoint GPS technology to guide operators, along with a single nozzle level control, it brings advanced, bespoke, repeatable spraying to within one centimetre of set parameters – “about as precise as it gets.”
Applying precise amounts safeguards the investment from a time and cost perspective. “It also brings efficiency gains, dependable operations, consistent playing conditions and enhanced course aesthetics.”
Benefits in a nutshell
If an operator covers previously sprayed ground,
GeoLink automatically turns individual nozzles on and off to avoid the risk of overapplying.
Auto Steer can be fitted to the MP5800 to take pressure off the operator with the touch of a button.
The GPS-guided steering assistance feature enhances accuracy and time savings by using the full width of the boom on each pass.
The spray system optimises efficiency, engineering aggressive agitation and faster response times for consistent and accurate spray rates.
Continual tank content agitation means chemicals are always applied evenly at the optimum mixing point.
ExcelaRate feature in the MP5800 makes achieving precise application rates simple and repeatable to save time and increase accuracy.
Machines to match
Geolink can be added to the Toro Multi Pro 5800-D or Multi Pro 1750. The MP5800 features a 50 hp Kubota engine, oversized pump (said to be an industry exclusive) and 300 gall tank.
The MP1750 dedicated vehicle sprayer has 175 gall tank, intuitive control, innovative mixing and hill-assist traction to enhance performance, and spray system precision and control. www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk
Professional precision and operator comfort when spraying amenity and sport sites is the promise from Team Sprayers for its self-propelled pedestrian model, the Vixen Pro. Building on the company's reputation for robust, reliable machinery, the unit blends modern electric drive technology with practical features tailored to the needs of landscapers and grounds professionals.
With 150 l tank capacity and 24V electric drive system, the Vixen Pro SP offers “extended operating time, excellent manoeuvrability and minimal ground impact”, says managing director Danny Hubbard, “making it a fitting choice for maintaining high-quality turf surfaces”.
A 24V diaphragm pump lies at the heart of the machine, delivering up to 23 litres a minute with full pressure regulation and agitation to keep mixes consistent. “Operators benefit from simple, handle-
mounted controls, including boom section shut-off, pressure adjustment and battery monitoring,” Danny adds, while the fast-charge system “ensures efficient turnaround between jobs”.
The 3 m welded steel boom, fitted with triple nozzle assemblies and anti-drip check valves, delivers consistent spray coverage and flexibility to operate at 1 m or 2 m widths. The boom also features a springloaded ‘break-back’ design to protect against accidental impacts. For more sensitive areas, a covered boom option is available, helping reduce drift near boundaries or in breezy conditions.
Designed with turf protection in mind, the sprayer is fitted with low-ground-pressure tyres and an axle differential to avoid scuffing. Forward and reverse electric drive allows precise control on slopes and in tight access areas. Optional extras include hose and lance kits, foam markers and a transport trailer to let users tailor the machine to their requirements.
“Professional turf managers have been asking for a pedestrian sprayer that combines ease of use with true versatility,” Danny says. “The Vixen Pro SP delivers exactly that: reliable spraying performance, minimal operator fatigue and the flexibility to handle both open ground and confined spaces.”
Made in the UK, the sprayer “reflects Team Sprayers’ longstanding commitment to quality engineering and customer support”, he concludes.
www.team-sprayers.com or contact Team Sprayers directly at info@team-sprayers.com
Landscaper comfort and automatic, precise liquid distribution blend in Stihl's SGA 60 battery sprayer, removing need for manual pumping, while delivering consistent pressure in use.
With working pressure of up to 4.5 bar, the SGA 60 uses Stihl's AK system battery and includes 15 l tank capacity. Five nozzles let operators tailor spray pattern to application, while a quick-change feature lets professionals select single, double, quadruple, fan-jet and adjustable modes.
The design features straightforward pressure controls, intuitive on/off switch and clear battery charge indicator. Padded shoulder straps, back support and hip harness “evenly distribute weight for minimal strain, allowing for comfortable use”, Stihl states.
The SGA 60 launch allows Stihl to offer a full range of manual sprayers alongside battery powered options across its three battery systems – AK, AS and AP, says marketing and product manager Paul Hicks.
“Building on the success of the AP System’s SGA 85, we have introduced two battery powered sprayers: the SGA 60 for the AK system and SGA 30 for the AS system, each meeting different price points and tasks, whether large or small, professional or domestic.”
SGA 60: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rxd2eORPo4E
Precision amenity spraying just advanced another step with introduction of shrouded boom options across Martin Lishman's compact line - the Nano-Spray and Micro-Spray.
Developed in response to customer demand, the booms aim to deliver highly targeted, low-drift spray application, making them suitable for use on fine turf, sports surfaces and sensitive amenity environments where accuracy is critical.
First launched in 2023, the fully electric, self-propelled Nano-Spray was created to meet the need for an ultracompact sprayer capable of high-precision application without impacting delicate surfaces.
Its 36 l capacity, lightweight design and no-impact manoeuvrability quickly made it a firm choice among contractors and turf professionals working in confined or hard-to-access areas.
Building on this success and on the long-established reputation of the Micro-Spray since its launch in 2015, the company’s engineering team developed integrated shrouded boom systems tailored to each machine.
Customer demand
By enclosing the spray pattern, the shrouded boom concentrates application to the intended target area while significantly reducing spray drift. This enables operators to work safely near boundaries, pathways and public spaces, as well as maintain accuracy in less-than-ideal weather conditions, the company says. The enclosed design also helps minimise exposure for operators and bystanders alike.
“We had direct requests from customers for shrouded boom options on both machines,” explains Joel Capper, Martin Lishman managing director. “Rather than adapting existing booms, our team engineered lightweight, folding designs that integrate seamlessly into each sprayer’s frame, staying true to our modular philosophy and allowing for straightforward future upgrades.”
Both shrouded boom systems feature compact folding mechanisms with quick adjustment, making transport and storage simple while allowing access through gateways and narrow passageways.
Combined with professional-grade features such as multi-section valve control, independent shut-off nozzle bodies, stainless steel hardware and modern battery technology, the Nano-Spray and Micro-Spray “continue to set the benchmark for compact, precision amenity spraying”, the company states.
www.martinlishman.com
Structured charging strategies can help mobile teams stay powered throughout the working day, advises Paul Hicks, marketing and product manager at Stihl GB
Battery-powered tools are now a core part of many modern landscaping operations. Reduced noise, lower vibration and greater flexibility are helping teams work more comfortably and efficiently, particularly in mixed or sensitive environments.
But as battery adoption increases, charging management becomes critical. For teams working across multiple sites, poor planning can quickly lead to downtime and lost productivity.
Understanding the challenge
Unlike workshop-based environments, landscaping teams rarely have guaranteed access to power on site. Crews may be travelling between locations, operating from vehicles, or working in remote areas where mains supply isn’t available. That means charging needs to be planned, not a reactive process.
A clear strategy considers when batteries can realistically be charged, how many are required per shift, and what power output is needed for the tasks at hand. Matching battery capacity to application is key to maximising working time and reducing unnecessary swaps during the day.
Safety must also be factored in. Batteries should be
stored, transported and charged using secure, purposebuilt systems suited to demanding environments. Wellorganised storage reduces handling risks and supports smoother daily routines.
Preparation starts in the workshop
Where possible, charging should begin before the team leaves the yard. Overnight charging can provide a simple, reliable foundation. Systems such as Stihl’s CM 8 charging management solution allow up to eight chargers to run from a standard 230V socket, automatically switching from the first bank of four to the second four after they’re charged, meaning multiple batteries are ready at the start of each shift.
Multi chargers like the AL 301-4 can even be used on each socket, providing the opportunity to charge 32 batteries overnight via a single socket.
For teams with unpredictable workloads, fast daytime charging also plays an important role. Highercapacity chargers can provide quick top-ups between jobs, either back at the yard, on a break, or on the worksite, via a 230 V socket or via a power bank. This fast-charging capability helps maintain momentum during busy periods.
Centralising charging within a designated workshop area improves organisation and accountability. Charging cabinets, including Stihl’s partnership range with Asecos, support structured storage and are designed to offer certified fire resistance, adding an extra layer of protection for both equipment and premises.
Charging on the move
For fully mobile crews, vehicle-based charging becomes essential. Integrated vehicle solutions, such as Stihl’s CB 1 Charge Box, allow multiple batteries to be stored and charged securely within a van or truck setup. When
paired with portable power supplies, these systems offer greater independence from fixed mains access.
Being able to charge batteries during transit or while on site reduces manual handling and shortens turnaround times at the end of the day. Once back at base, vehicle-mounted systems can be connected directly to the mains, streamlining workflow further.
Building charging confidence
With the right planning, battery tools can deliver significant advantages for landscaping teams. A structured charging system ensures tools are available when needed, reduces unexpected downtime, and keeps operations running smoothly across multiple locations.
By combining workshop preparation with mobile charging capability, teams can maintain flexibility without compromising reliability, allowing them to focus on the job in hand rather than the next charge cycle.
One hundred years young Stihl celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Since 1926, the manufacturer has defined the global standard for battery and petrol-powered forestry, landscaping and residential gardening equipment for professional and domestic users.
Visit www.stihl.co.uk or contact your nearest Stihl approved dealer.
More on its historic milestone at https://100.stihl.com
In today’s competitive grounds maintenance sector, it can be tempting to undercut competitors just to secure a contract. While winning work might feel like the priority, signing up for jobs that don’t deliver profit is unsustainable.
Contractor Majestic Grounds Maintenance has seen how important it is to build pricing strategies and operational systems that protect margins while still delivering excellent service to clients. Below it outlines the benefits of its experience in the sector.
Understand your true costs
“One of the biggest mistakes we see in the industry is contractors pricing based on what they think a job should cost, rather than what it actually costs,” says operations director Ryan Pembroke.
“Labour, fuel, machinery maintenance, insurance, waste disposal and compliance all add up. Without fully factoring in these overheads, companies risk taking on contracts that drain resources instead of building a stable business.”
A practical approach, he continues, is to break each job down into:
• Direct labour costs (wages, pension, National Insurance).
• Operational costs (fuel, equipment servicing, consumables).
• Overheads (admin, vehicles, insurance, office space).
“Once the full picture is clear, it’s easier to set rates that reflect reality rather than guesswork.”
Resist the race to the bottom
It’s natural to want to win contracts, especially when competing against larger firms, Ryan continues, “but underbidding simply to get your foot in the door can cause long-term damage. A contract that doesn’t pay its way will affect cashflow, morale and the ability to reinvest in equipment and staff”.
Instead, focus on communicating value, he advises. “Highlight reliability, quality of work, compliance and customer service. Many clients will pay more for peace of mind, particularly in sectors like education, commercial property and local authorities where reputational risk matters”.
Build contingencies into your pricing
“Grounds maintenance is full of variables – weather, site access, client requests, or unexpected repairs. If pricing leaves no room for contingency, these factors can quickly turn a profitable contract into a loss-making one. Adding a realistic buffer into tenders can protect your margins without making your quote uncompetitive.”
“Winning contracts is important, but profitability keeps your business alive. Know your costs, resist underbidding, price for contingencies, and review regularlyyour bottom line depends on it.”
Many loss-making contracts do not fail due to poor pricing, Ryan adds, but rather poor mobilisation. “As the operational foundation of a project, the mobilisation phase carries the risk of financial leakage if asset data is incomplete or specifications are unclear.
“These gaps often lead to inherited liabilities and unexpected repair costs that can quickly erode profit margins before work has truly begun. To safeguard longterm profitability, it is critical that handover information is verified and operational baseline expectations are agreed upon by all parties at the very outset of the contract.”
Review and adapt regularly
Markets shift, costs rise and what worked two years ago may no longer be viable, Ryan contends. “Regularly reviewing contracts ensures you’re not locked into agreements that no longer make financial sense. Building in annual review clauses and being transparent with clients about rising costs helps create sustainable relationships.”
Think long term
Ultimately, profitability is about sustainability, Ryan concludes. “Majestic Grounds Maintenance focuses on building partnerships with clients rather than chasing short-term wins. By pricing fairly, delivering consistently and reinvesting in staff and equipment, we’ve been able to grow steadily without sacrificing standards.
“Winning contracts is important, but profitability keeps your business alive. Know your costs, resist underbidding, price for contingencies and review regularly - your bottom line depends on it.”
Majestic Grounds Maintenance provides commercial and residential grounds and garden maintenance across East Anglia, the East of England and North London, backed by 30 years of experience and industry accreditations.
• Working with landscapers and their clients
• Bespoke packages for lawn and border
• Modular system for easy installation
We work with you to design fully automated garden irrigation systems for your clients. Our approach makes installation simple and easy with pre-built modules.
Full drawings and expert advice.
For landscaping businesses, the van is far more than a means of getting from A to B. It’s a mobile workshop, a secure tool store, a towing vehicle and often the most visible representation of your business on the road.
As vehicle technology evolves and operating pressures increase, choosing the right van has never been more important.
The annual Commercial Vehicle Show brings together latest advances in vans and is well worth landscape contractors large and small popping down to the NEC Birmingham on 21, 22 or 23 April to check out what’s new. Entry’s free.
Billed as the UK’s largest event dedicated to commercial vehicles, the show unites manufacturers, converters and industry experts to showcase the latest vans, pick-ups and fleet solutions.
For landscapers daily relying on their vehicles, the event offers the chance to compare options side by side and gain clear answers to practical, real-world questions.
Vans designed for working environments
Landscaping places unique demands on light commercial vehicles. Payload capacity, durability and ease of access are critical, as is the ability to adapt a vehicle to carry a wide mix of equipment, from hand tools and plant to mowers, compact machinery and bulk materials.
Show visitors can explore a wide range of small, medium and large vans, alongside pick-ups that are increasingly popular with contractors working across mixed terrain. Importantly, many vehicles are displayed with working conversions rather than bare load spaces, allowing visitors to see how racking systems, load liners, tipper bodies and secure tool storage function in practice.
For growing businesses, the chance to speak directly with vehicle manufacturers and approved bodybuilders can help ensure a new van is specified correctly from the outset, saving costly modifications later on.
Electric vans: separating fact from fiction
The rise of electric vans is one of the biggest talking points in the industry but for many landscapers, the practicalities still raise questions. Payload trade-offs, towing ability, charging access and real-world range are all key considerations, particularly for businesses operating outside major urban areas.
The CV Show allows visitors to dive deep into these issues with vehicle designers and suppliers. Rather than relying on headline figures, landscapers can explore how electric and alternative-fuel vans perform day to day, including stop-start work, seasonal mileage spikes and mixed urban-rural routes.
The show also unites charging infrastructure providers, energy specialists and telematics companies, giving visitors a broader picture of how electric vans can be integrated into a working business.
Safety, compliance and peace of mind
Vehicle safety and compliance are growing increasingly important, particularly for businesses running multiple vehicles or employing staff drivers. Suppliers will
showcase technology designed to improve safety, protect vehicles and reduce risk.
Tech covers camera systems, driver assistance technology, telematics and vehicle safety equipment, all of which can help reduce incidents, support insurance requirements and provide valuable insights into vehicle use.
For landscaping businesses, these systems can also highlight inefficiencies, improve driver behaviour and help extend vehicle lifespan.
With regulations and best practice continuing to evolve, the show provides a useful opportunity to understand what changes may be coming and how to prepare for them.
The show will feature a full programme of conference sessions and seminars, designed to address the challenges businesses operating commercial vehicles face, whether sole traders or larger fleet operators.
Sessions of particular relevance to landscapers include:
• Managing rising vehicle and fuel costs
• Preparing for low-emission zones and future regulation
• Understanding total cost of ownership when replacing vehicles
• Improving fleet efficiency and reducing downtime.
The focus is firmly on practical guidance rather than theory, making these sessions useful even for those who don’t manage a formal fleet.
relevant audience, not a generic trade show
While the CV Show spans the entire commercial vehicle sector, its visitor base reflects a strong mix of construction, agriculture, home services and mobile service businesses, sectors that share many operational similarities with landscaping.
This creates an environment where landscapers are surrounded by peers facing comparable challenges, from tight margins and seasonal demand to recruitment and compliance pressures. This makes the show as much about learning from others as it is about seeing new vehicles.
Saving time by seeing everything in one place
For busy contractors, time away from site has to be justified. The Show allows landscapers to:
• Compare multiple vehicle brands
• View different conversions and configurations side by side
• Speak directly with technical experts
• Gain insight into future developments Whether you’re actively planning a vehicle replacement or want to stay informed about what’s coming next, the show offers a market snapshot.
As vehicles become more complex and operating conditions more demanding, staying informed is increasingly important. The show provides landscapers with a chance to step back from day-to-day pressures and take a clear, informed look at the tools that underpin their business.
https://forms.reg.buzz/the-cv-show-2026/landscaper
In his latest column, Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO of EMEA Synthetic Turf Council (ESTC), underlines what the synthetic turf industry is doing to reinforce its commitment to sustainability, including responsible processing at end of life, developing natural infills, and standardising life cycle assessments for synthetic turf products
From community sports clubs looking to combat the risks posed by the weather to landscape architects eager to create safe, accessible green spaces where natural grass might otherwise struggle to grow synthetic turf has brought a host of benefits to a variety of users around the world.
While many of these promote sustainability in a social or economic sense, we’re also very mindful of the responsibility of our industry to ensure the product category is as environmentally sustainable as it can be too.
The industry is currently heavily invested in five areas – each of which will play a vital role in making synthetic turf as environmentally friendly as possible for those who specify, buy, install and use it – both now and for many years to come.
1. Sustainable processing of end-of-life turf
We recognise that the growing popularity of synthetic turf over multiple decades has now raised concerns around what happens to that turf when it reaches the end of its natural life. While the use of recycled and recyclable components is growing among manufacturers, responsible waste management remains paramount for those end-of-life surfaces.
Over the last 10 years, more than €55 million has been invested in 10 responsible waste management facilities across Europe. These 10 recycling facilities, including Sportex in the UK, have a collective processing capacity equivalent to 5,000 full-size football pitches,
aiding compliance with the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC), which applies across the European Union and United Kingdom. Given that the average lifespan of a synthetic turf pitch is around 10 years, the current provision of facilities goes some way to addressing the issue. We do, however, also recognise that capacity will need to increase further in order to cater for the volume of new fields and pitches being installed.
2.Recycled (and recyclable) artificial grass
Processing waste responsibly is important, but even more important is the need to minimise waste by committing to the core principles of a circular economy. A number of synthetic turf manufacturers are developing fully recyclable products made from a single polymer, creating the potential for it to be recycled repeatedly into new products – from picnic tables and benches through to gates and foot bridges.
Provided it is separated from any infill or backing, specialist artificial grass recyclers can take this single polymer product and convert it into one of a number of new polymer products – including new artificial grass –without losing quality or performance.
3. Sustainable infill alternatives
For many years now, a key component of the synthetic turf pitches used for football and rugby in particular has been polymeric infill such as EPDM, TPE and SBR (3G pitch rubber crumb). Like many other industries, we appreciate the need to explore ways we can reduce the risk and prevalence of microplastics and as such, the use
and types of infill used on our sports pitches is an area currently subject to a lot of investment and exploration.
With this in mind, a number of alternatives to polymeric infills are already available and will continue to be developed by manufacturers within our industry. These include a number of natural synthetic turf infills such as cork, processed olive stones and wood chip, while a selection of non-infill synthetic turf systems are already on the market. ESTC is actively supporting the development of non-infill synthetic turf systems and alternative natural infills before the European Commission bans the sale of polymeric infill such as rubber crumb from 2031 onwards.
4. Artificial grass maintenance to minimise microplastics
Like any product with a polymer or plastic component, the general wear of synthetic turf can create a microplastics risk when it is not managed correctly. For this reason, the synthetic turf industry is committed to mitigating concerns about microplastic contamination from turf used for sports and landscaping. Proper artificial grass maintenance is paramount when it comes to managing this risk, and this is something ESTC is making every effort to highlight proactively.
We recommend investing in, and regularly using, specialist maintenance equipment that is capable of capturing loose
fibres and fibre debris. By doing so, synthetic turf owners are able to capture and dispose of these fibres and debris in a responsible way that prevents them from escaping into the environment and becoming microplastics.
5. Standardised Lifecycle assessments for synthetic turf
As environmental concerns grow, the need for transparency of information on the production, installation and maintenance of the products we all come into contact with will need to follow suit. The synthetic turf supply chain is no exception. With this in mind, ESTC has developed a new life cycle assessment (LCA) tool to align with the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR), allowing for the accurate calculation and reporting of environmental impacts of the entire product lifecycle of synthetic turf surfaces.
These Category Rules for synthetic turf help specifiers and buyers identify the most sustainable manufacturers, installers, maintenance experts and recycling facilities, while curbing unverified claims. To make these assessments as simple as possible, the LCA tool allows the industry to independently assess the environmental impact of synthetic turf systems and their components via simple data entry, with minimal emphasis on complex or costly data collection.
Like many other industries, the synthetic turf sector is on a journey towards greater environmental sustainability as there are very few quick fixes. By encouraging close collaboration between each component of the supply chain – from specifier to end user – we can ensure our industry remains as kind as possible to the environment while it continues to deliver the raft of social and economic benefits it has long been known for.
For more information on ESTC and its sustainability commitments, visit estc.info/sustainability
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