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Using grass seed to establish a lawn is a much cheaper alternative to turf, it can also be more flexible as there is a wide array of grass varieties available for different situations. Another advantage to grass seed is that it can be stored for long periods if conditions become unsuitable, turf rolls quickly degrade once lifted and ideally need...

Planting & Growing Wildflowers - A (pro)green experience! Ever fancied an alternative to grassland paddocks? Eager to reduce the mowing burden of a large back garden? You are not alone – as the rise in wild flower meadow areas attests. Not only do wildflowers look like a colourful painters palette in full bloom but the benefits to insects as a...

A special offering for Bracken control - on sale for a limited period   Buy Asulox Now   Bracken is a very invasive plant that has many significant detrimental health effects for animals and humans. The foliage harbours pests such as ticks which transmit Lyme’s disease and spores which have been linked to cancer. It is very invasive and swamps...

The last two seasons have seen a marked rise in the awareness of Chafer grubs and Leatherjacket larvae. Unfortunately this has been in line with the increase in turf damage caused by these pests. The withdrawal from use of common insecticides such as Merit Turf and Chlorpyrifos has forced everyone to look for alternatives for affected grassland and turf where...

All vehicle mounted application equipment used to apply professional pesticides must hold a valid test certificate - rather like an MOT for sprayers, issued under the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS). Legislation is in place for all sectors where they might be in use, such as; agriculture, horticulture & the amenity sector. The description ‘Amenity’ covers many areas, including: golf...

A quick, easy guide to Autumn lawn treatments that should be considered for maintaining good grass and improving flagging lawns. MOSSKILL Autumn is a good time to apply a high iron fertiliser or moss killer. Look for iron (Fe) content above 6% or it will simply green up the grass with little or no control of moss. The moss will...

Are you, or do you know an outstanding sprayer operator? The 2018 Amenity Forum Sprayer Operator of the Year Award is now open for entries! Seeking to recognise and reward the high levels of professionalism and standards in the sector, a choice of three fantastic prizes are on offer, including a trip to a world-leading US turf or amenity show...

Customers often ask us how to get rid of tree stumps. Once the offending tree has been cut down some species will re-sprout shoots and ten saplings grow where one once stood. Many vigorous, deciduous trees such as ash, willow, beech, lime, poplar, elm, birch, alder and buddleija will re-shoot after chopping down. Sometimes they grow directly from the stump (usually around the outer...

Soft Rush (Juncus effesus) is an ongoing problem for grassland grazing and hay production areas. Soft Rush (Juncas Effesus) in a Paddock Cutting Topping/ cutting with a rotary or flail mower before the plants produce seed can help slow the spread of Rushes. New fresh shoots are more susceptible to a herbicide application. Topping should take place before the seed...

The importance of good soil and a healthy pH for growing plants, or turf, is often overlooked. Healthy soils ensure that plants will be provided with all the nutrients they need to survive. The biggest three nutrients for plant growth are: (N) Nitrogen (P) Phosphorus and (K) Potassium. Other important nutrients are calcium, magnesium, sulphur and trace elements of iron...

Horsetail also known as Mare’s tail and nicknamed the bottle brush plant (Equisetum arvense) is extremely hard to control due to its deep rooted nature and thick silica structure. We are often asked what will kill the horse tail weed? There are a number of methods that can be used to control mare’s tail, with varying degrees of success. It’s...

It’s the start of the season – you shouldn’t just be thinking about ground care products such as weed killers, fertilisers and grass seed but you should also taking time to make sure all your grounds maintenance equipment is up to scratch. Often landscaping equipment such as knapsacks, broadcast spreaders and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) such as coveralls, masks and...