In a recent article in Horticulture Week, Sally Drury reviewed two new models of chainsaw models: Husqvarna's 560XP and the new MS241 C-M from Stihl.

Both models boast increased levels of technology to improve performance for forestry workers, tree-care professionals, landscapers and home-users.

In a bid to create cost savings in the provision of grounds maintenance services, many councils and contractors have reduced their number of cuts over the growing season. Some councils used to cut no less than 18 times a year using conventional triple cylinder mowers and leaving few grass clippings, or even with an out-front rotary mower, where clippings also are not a problem. But now, with increasing cost cutting requirements, cuts are being reduced to as little as 12 per year, leaving as much as 20 days between cuts.

'Whether you are the manager of a large team maintaining a borough, a lone groundsman tending a school, the head of a small band of gardeners on an estate or working a garden round from a van and trailer, it is likely that you will be looking to make your budgets stretch that little bit further, get more for your money and more from your machinery when it comes to replacement.'

The following market report on ride-on mowers, published in Horticulture Week on 3rd February 2012, provides useful advice on getting the maximum benefit from your mower when budgets are tight.

Stein Safety had a busy year in 2011 - recently into stock and already selling well are the new Stein X2 Climbers. SGM's, Arboriculture Business Manager gives a highly complementary review below.

SGM's Arboriculture provides a very positve evaluation of Stein's latest karabiner in the following review.

The following product review, from SGM’s Arboriculture Business Manager, Andy Hancock, appraises the latest karabiner design to hit the market: the Skylotec passO-PL.

Greenmech's Eco Combi received a very complimentary write-up in the 20^th January 2012 issue of Horticulture Week.

Michael Olleson and David Taylor  of Waterperry Gardens in Oxford tested the machine along with a number of other chippers.

The following review, from SGM’s Arboriculture Business Manager, Andy Hancock, appraises the Stein eye-to-eye accessory cord, a new innovation in arboriculture  equipment.

The following review, from SGM’s Arboriculture Business Manager, Andy Hancock, appraises the Edelrid Roka-e Cambium Saver, an innovatively designed piece of arboriculture equipment.

Although this is not a new product it’s definitely worth a look even if it is on your lottery winner’s wish list – it’s a bit expensive (SRP from £75.00 + VAT) but it’s a very nicely made bit of kit with some nice touches.

Done regularly, and with the right equipment, mowing need not be time-consuming, but it is an essential part of keeping your lawn in peak condition. Here, we offer a quick gardening guide to the best practices for effective lawn mowing.