We began this year’s renovation by fraize mowing the existing surface. The pitch was then spike rotavated and power harrowed in two directions. This year we also ripped the subsoil to further relieve any deep compaction.

90 tonnes of 0.9 fibre concentrate was spread across the surface using specialist machinery. The rejuvenation of the fibre concentrate is advised as over time the material can deplete, affecting the performance of the pitch.

5 tonnes of Zeolite, Headland Multigreen 20:0:32 and Kieserite Magnesium Fertilisers were applied and ameliorated along with the fibre concentrate into the top 100mm of the playing surface. The final surface was then prepared with a Blec Rotor Rake.

Limagrain MM60 seed was sown at 50gm2 using a Blec Cultipack.

The post Scunthorpe United FC End of Season Renovation appeared first on Fineturf.

Having previously worked for the premier league side we were awarded the contract to install a new drainage and irrigation system along with supplying and applying new rootzone and seed.

We commenced the project with the drainage system. The main drainage trench was excavated and 100mm drainage pipe placed in the bottom. The trench was backfilled with 4-10mm washed gravel, to within 150mm of the surface, and rootzone in the remaining 150mm.

Lateral drains were excavated, 450mm deep and at 5 metre centres. 80mm drainage pipe was placed in each trench and they were backfilled, again using washed gravel and rootzone. During the project sand slits were installed perpendicular to the lateral drains; the combination of which will ensure water is quickly removed from the pitch. The sand slits were put in at 1m centres and backfilled with drainage gravel and 100mm of rootzone.

Following the drainage installation we removed the top 15mm of the playing surface using a Blec Combinator. This was completed in 2 passes with the majority of material transported into a trailer. Any remaining surface debris was vacuumed using a Trilo.

Using a Dakota we spread 60 tonnes of Chelford 28 Sports Sand across the pitch which was also drag matted. Finally, we sowed Limagrain MM60 seed, at 60gm2, and applied Headland Quickstart fertiliser.

A new automatic irrigation system was installed which comprised of 63mm water pipe around the perimeter of the pitch. 5 sprinklers were positioned down each sideline and 2 on each end. 3 runs of pipe were also installed through the length of the pitch, each with 2 additional sprinklers to ensure the infield was covered.

The post Gloucester Rugby Club 2013 appeared first on Fineturf.

We arrived on site in April and began by excavating the green formation to a depth of 200mm below the proposed final surface of the playing area. The main drainage trenches were cut around the perimeter of the formation and lateral drainage trenches diagonally across the formation. 100mm and 80mm drainage pipes respectively were placed in the trenches and they were backfilled with washed gravel.

Following the installation of the drainage system, 200mm of rootzone was spread across the surface which was then precision laser graded to achieve the required levels for the crown of the green.

An irrigation system, using 4 pop up sprinklers has been installed, a system that is essential in the ongoing maturation of the turf. A 5000 litre above ground water tank and an enclosure to house the pump, starter and Hunter controller were also supplied. Finally, county concrete ditch channels fitted with Astroturf, to protect the bowls, were laid and a perimeter pathway.

When we return to site we will complete the final ground preparation using hand rakes, apply fertiliser and lay 1,110m2 of Tillers greens turf. For this project a Fescue / Bent greens turf has been selected that has been grown on USGA rootzone to match the growing medium.

The post Belvedere Park Bowls Club appeared first on Fineturf.

We used a Vredo disc seeder for the project, overseeding each of the affected areas in 4 directions at 40gm². As with similar projects we used Limagrain MM60 seed.

The post Camden Borough Council Parks appeared first on Fineturf.

• Strip existing surface using big roll turf harvester
• Cultivate area using a Blecavator
• Laser grade to achieve the required fall of 1/100
• Spread and level 40 tonnes of rootzone
• Laser grade the surface a second time to ensure the correct levels
• Lute by hand
• Apply 28:3:15 fertiliser
• Hand rake ready for turf
• Install Tillers Turf Arena Sport big roll turf

The post Woburn Practice Tee appeared first on Fineturf.

You can read the full project report here Woburn Tee Renovation.

The post Woburn Tee is Well Established appeared first on Fineturf.

The fields surface was removed using our GKB combinator with the excavated material transported on a conveyor into trailers and then tipped on site. With the grass removed we cultivated using a Blecavator. A tractor mounted Rotor Rake was then used to remove any stones and debris that may have remained on the surface leaving a fine tilth ready for installing turf.

Prior to turfing we spread a 14:6:8 fertiliser at 35gm². For this project we opted for 5000m² of a ryegrass / fescue / smoothstalk turf that was laid in big roll.

The post RAF Croughton Baseball Pitch Renovation appeared first on Fineturf.

The area to be renovated was string lined and the existing surface stripped. The edges were removed with a pedestrian turf cutter to create an accurate, straight edge. The tee box was then cultivated using a compact Blecavator that brought fresh rootzone to the surface to mix with the existing material. The tee was laser graded, again with a Blec, to achieve a front to back fall of 1/100. A pedestrian stone rake was used to prepare the surface ready for pre turf fertiliser. Prior to turf, as per all of our tee renovations the area was hand raked. For this tee we used Tillers Arena Sport Big Roll, a dwarf ryegrass, smooth stalked meadow grass mixture.

The post Woburn Golf Club Tee Construction appeared first on Fineturf.

The post CQMS Safety Scheme appeared first on Fineturf.

The day began at 09:30 as 32 attending TGA members enjoyed tea and coffee and a quick catch up before the programme commenced. Following an introduction by TGA chairman Tim Mudge the first guest speaker, James Szabo took to the floor. James, from Precision Decisions, discussed the benefits of precision farming and field mapping for turf growers. Following an interesting first presentation Andy McLachlan from Stallard Kane Associates discussed employment law, corporate responsibility and health and safety.

The members were refuelled with tea, coffee and cakes before Mark Hunt from Headland Amenity took to the floor and discussed weather changes and their impact on turf management. The final speaker was Iain MacPherson from Rain Bird Irrigation who educated the members on renewable energy and its benefits.

The members then broke for lunch, a delicious feast served by Fionas @ Sudbrook Moor Golf Club.

Finally, Tim Mudge discussed the TGA Turfshow 2013 and we were joined by a further 9 guests who included exhibitors and potential exhibitors for this summers show. The attendees then made the short trip to the Turfshow site for a tour with Fineturf managing director Simon Hutton.

Many thanks to the TGA, guest speakers, Fionas and all the attending members and guests.

The post TGA Members Meeting appeared first on Fineturf.