LATEST NEWS to drain more efficiently and providing a drier , more playable surface .
Weeds
• It ’ s not just the grass that grows more in spring – weeds also thrive at this time of year , so it ’ s important to keep on top of them .
• Apply selective herbicide where required , a weed killer capable of controlling one type of weed without harming the plants you do want . Again , this should only be applied by a qualified operator .
Planning
• For winter sports pitches , now is a crucial time to start planning and finalising your spring renovations . Assess your pitches for areas needing extra attention and set budgets for repairs , overseeding or relaying .
Potential challenges to consider Weather and climate change Spring brings milder temperatures , but climate change means unpredictable weather is becoming an increasing challenge in our industry – all year round .
In 2024 , rainfall in parts of the UK was up 147 % on the long-term average , and at the GMA , we saw a 244 % increase in requests for assistance due to water-related issues . weather throws at us . The GMA ’ s education resources are accredited by the Department for Education ’ s matrix Standard , ensuring the highest quality of information , advice and guidance .
It ’ s also worthwhile considering our own impact on climate change . If you have the opportunity , adopting sustainable grounds management methods can make a real difference . This includes using environmentally friendly treatments and doing what you can to preserve natural habitats . It also means keeping a close eye on things like water and energy use . Carefully managing resources isn ’ t just good for the environment – it can help extend your budget too .
Legislation : Plant Protection Products Bill and Integrated Pest and Disease Management This is a big talking point in the industry at the moment .
At the time of printing , the second sitting of the Plant Protection Products Bill is scheduled for April , grounds staff need to remain flexible in their approach to maintenance .
The bill may limit the use of certain products , so make sure you ’ re up to date with all the latest Integrated Pest and Disease Management ( IPM ) guidance .
Stay ahead of the game with the GMA If you ’ re looking to keep on top of seasonal tasks or navigate the challenges of our everevolving industry , the GMA provides its members with a wealth of support , including :
• The latest best practice guidelines and industry updates
• Discounted rates on industry-leading training courses and events
• One-to-one expert advice from industry professionals
Members also gain exclusive access to our brandnew Member Assistance Programme , and discounts from high street retailers .
Learn more about GMA membership and take full advantage at this crucial time of year : www . thegma . org . uk / membership
And for essential grounds maintenance resources , go to : https :// www . thegma . org . uk / helpful-links / toolkit /
So , the weather needs to be on your radar . Make sure you ’ re not caught unawares – monitor forecasts carefully . As grounds managers , we obviously can ’ t control the weather ( as much as we might like to !) but we can make sure we ’ re prepared for every eventuality .
The GMA offers fantastic resources to help groundspeople stay on top of whatever the
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