Leading scientists recommend applying fertilisers in the Spring and in Autumn (for cool season grasses) and throughout the Summer (for warm season grasses), since this is when the grass plant is actively growing.

Aeration is the most effective way of relieving soil compaction and reducing thatch, conditions which restrict the movement of air, water and nutrients in soil – all of which are essential elements for a healthy lawn.

Here, we provide a brief introduction to lawn aeration, the benefits, and tips for performing aeration.

Lawn top dressing is the process of adding material to the surface of the lawn. This would normally be loam or sandy loam mixes, sand or organic material. Top dressing has a number of benefits, which are outlined in this article, along with advice on types of top dressing and tips for application and follow up.

SGM’s monthly turf maintenance diaries offer a simple checklist of standard seasonal tasks that should be undertaken on any particular month for specific surfaces and sports. Our diaries include seasonal advice for golf course, bowling green and football pitch turf maintenance.

Hand-arm vibration remains a significant health issue for local councils and public service providers. There remains a duty to look after the health of those employees using equipment which can have a detrimental effect on their health and this is especially relevant to those in services such as building, highways and grounds maintenance.

APSE has provided a copy of HAVs exposure monitoring guidance from HSE which addresses several key issues:

• Guidance on HAVs
• Complimentary duty holders practices for managing HAVs
• Vibration risk assessments recommended.

SGM’s monthly turf maintenance diaries offer a simple checklist of standard seasonal tasks that should be undertaken on any particular month for specific surfaces and sports. Our diaries include seasonal advice for golf course, bowling green and football pitch turf maintenance.

Aeration and scarification are important operations in the provision and maintenance of healthy turf. The following product review, devised by SGM’s Commercial Manager, Joe Coyle, evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the John Deere Aercore 800 for turf maintenance operations.

After extensive research, consultation and planning, the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) delivers its guidance on common sense management for tree safety.

This guidance has been produced over a period of five years following the commissioning of new research into trees, their benefits, people’s attitudes to risk, extensive consultation on early drafts and considerable effort by the NTSG Drafting Group in drawing together all the various stakeholder views, concerns and priorities expressed by the full NTSG membership.

Cutting grass on slopes and bankings can be a dangerous procedure if correct precautions are not taken. It is important to understand the main causes of accidents on slopes and basic precautionary measures to prevent such accidents.