Groundscare - Forum - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-28T23:37:48Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/feed/category/GroundscareComing to a large garden near you!!https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/around-2-acres-of-lawn-and-these-are-doing-surprisingly-well-but-2024-03-27T09:24:24.000Z2024-03-27T09:24:24.000ZAdam Woodshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/honestservices<div><p>Yesterday I went to a client to see this - there are two of them, and have been sold to keep their 2 acres of lawn comprising of 3 massive lawns, with hills,scattered trees and shrubs, together with a traditional square lawn near. the house. TO cut them all with their Huski zero turn mulching ride on took at least 3 hours a week - then theres the strimming and doing the lawn near the house with a traditional mower - a good 4 hour job </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12404648694,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12404648694,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12404648694?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p>To be honest.... I don't mind... theres loads more that can be done... but they do look weird on such a large lawn, compared with the noise and size of the Huski</p></div>Box blight?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/box-blight-42024-03-20T09:57:11.000Z2024-03-20T09:57:11.000ZAdam Woodshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/honestservices<div><p>So, I am restoring a garden, it is stuffed with Buxus - all are fine, healthy and looking good, even 2m away from this hedge are some that look wonderful, really verdant and 1st class. However there is about 10m of parterre hedging clipped to about 30cms tall that looks like this (I have taken the pic of the worst bit),</p><p>I think it was clipped by the previous gardeners at the wrong time, (it was really hot last summer),</p><p>The owner is convinced it is blight. Whereever I have seen blight before it spreads between bushes and hedges really quickly, but here everything is A1 apart from this small parterre. </p><p>So far, I've given it a good feed, and mulched the base heavilly (I think its some years befroe it had that luxury). I cant see any evidence of moths. webs or other tell tale symptoms.</p><p>What do you think???</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12402755473,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12402755473,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12402755473?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p></div>Full time gardener @ large private gardenhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/full-time-gardener-large-private-garden2024-01-22T22:31:04.000Z2024-01-22T22:31:04.000ZTony Poultneyhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/TonyPoultney<div><p>Just wondering if there are any full time "employed" gardeners working at a large private garden somewhere that could give me some advise. </p><p>I'm about to start a new career as a full time employed gardener looking after a 25 acre property with 3 acres of mature garden. It's been a dream of mine to work somewhere like this and I've only ever done a self emloyed garden maintenance round. Two hours per customer per week. So this will be a big change for me. Something I'm 100% looking forward to. Especially once I saw the garden for the first time.</p><p>I'm trying to plan and schedule tasks. Would it be better if I wait till day one to start working on what and when? Or should I get a feel of the garden and wait for the owner to tell me what they want doing first?</p><p>I've visited the garden a couple of times recently and got a good feel of it. Walked round with the owner first time, got some idea of what they expect. There are other jobs the owner requires me to do outside of tending to the garden. So there is an extensive list of jobs to keep me busy all year. </p><p> </p></div>Large scale leaf containmenthttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/large-scale-leaf-containment2024-01-18T11:36:22.000Z2024-01-18T11:36:22.000ZTobyhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Toby<div><p>Hi all, </p><p>Has anyone got any experience with creating very large containment areas for vast amounts of leaves in order to turn them into leaf mulch (eventually)?</p><p>We've just gained a large new job with a huge amount of trees- mainly mature oak and Beech forest with fruit trees and silver birch. The garden hasnt been touched for over 2 years and the client wants it tidied up. 3 of us took a day last week to clear half of the drive and surrounding lawns, we created a huge heap of leaves which we've dumped in a hidden corner. There's plenty more to come, they want the lawns, borders and paths all cleared as well as new paths made throughout the forest. I'm looking to create a cost effective means of containing them, covering over and creating a lot of leaf mulch for the beds in a couple of years time.</p><p>Thoughts so far have been to use some of the Heras,security style fencing to create compost bays. It's cheap and quick to install, relatively sturdy ( I'll prob have to reinforce the middle of each panel with a wooden post) and durable. The mesh is quite large however so I may have to line with chicken wire? </p><p>Would appreciate any further ideas or interested to see if anyone has solved the isssue in a similar way.</p><p>Cheers</p><p>Toby</p></div>Kress Machineryhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/kress-machinery2024-01-02T15:21:01.000Z2024-01-02T15:21:01.000ZAndrew Midgleyhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/AndrewMidgley<div><p>Just wondering if anyone on here have had any experience using KRESS machinery? I saw these this morning at DGM in Torquay. Quality looks good but always useful to have feedback. Thanks </p></div>What did you think of GroundsFest?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/what-did-you-think-of-groundsfest2023-09-24T10:51:31.000Z2023-09-24T10:51:31.000ZPaul Erringtonhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/PaulErrington<div><p>Speaking as an exhibitor, I thought it was OK. First day was busy; second day a bit disappointing but still some good quality enquiries. we shall exhibit again next year.</p></div>Blossom Wilt on Crab Appleshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/blossom-wilt-on-crab-apples2023-09-13T19:17:55.000Z2023-09-13T19:17:55.000ZAdam Woodshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/honestservices<div><p>What magic cure can you all suggest?</p><p>My new client has around 50 x 10' pleached Crab Apples down one boundary.... they appear to (we think) suffering from blossom wilt.</p><p>Other than basic hygene (which I don't think they have benefitted from in the past), is there a fungicide that may help?</p><p>THanks</p><p>Adam</p></div>Wild flower areas - tipshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/wild-flower-areas-tips2023-08-23T08:42:59.000Z2023-08-23T08:42:59.000ZAdam Woodshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/honestservices<div><p>Can you correct me / put me on the right track</p><p>The garden I have taken on has 3 quite large areas of wild flower meadow (each about around 100metres square) - these have been apparently been going for around 10 years, but are not producing the flowers that the owner is hoping for - they look more like areas of long grass.. I'm cutting them back and raking them off at the moment - they seem to only have a couple of wild flower species - ragwort and something else I havent identified yet.</p><p>I'm thinking that next year we need to remove the ragwort as it appears (especially as it borders fields with cows) and somehow encourage others species to grow - that is where I need your help - what are good ways of getting things to grow - I realise that only certain flowers will grow.... but what is the best way of establishing them?<br /> Clearing a bit of grass to give things a chance... or sowing into the grass... or buying plug plants... or .... ????</p><p>Thanks</p><p>Adam</p></div>Tools the professionals usehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/tools-the-professionals-use2023-08-22T11:18:52.000Z2023-08-22T11:18:52.000ZCbyChttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/JaredMillard<div><p>Hiya everyone,</p><p>What heavy duty kit do the professionals use??</p><p>Specifically: Secateurs</p><p> </p><p>Plan on adding more to the thread later - but for now, just need secateur recommendations ;-) )</p><p> </p><p>Thanks in advance for any advice :-) </p></div>Honda pro v kazz prohttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/honda-pro-v-kazz-pro2023-08-19T10:23:57.000Z2023-08-19T10:23:57.000ZGary MCKINSTRYhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/GaryMCKINSTRY<div><p>Just wondering if thete are any difference between the honda 536hrx pro and the kaz pro? I think on the kazz it has the two deeds gear box whereas the hinda has hydrostatic. But other than that is there any difference? I bought a dormak pro a few years ago and the dealer told me it was basically hondas older deck rebranded and everything apart from the decals was honda. Im just asking as I would like a honda pro but at 500 dearer than a kazz is it worth it?</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div>ALKO mower blade stops spinninghttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/alko-mower-blade-stops-spinning2023-07-31T16:28:54.000Z2023-07-31T16:28:54.000ZPaul Williamshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/PaulWilliams181<div><p>I have an ALKO ride on mower. Most of the time it works perfectly well, but sometimes the blade stops spinning, even tough the engine is running.. I can't find the problem, but if I leave it for a few hours, it works again. Any ideas?Could it be somethin overheating.</p></div>Sanding between pavers and puzzled by my performance ?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/sanding-between-pavers-and-puzzled-by-my-performance2023-06-21T14:28:23.000Z2023-06-21T14:28:23.000ZJohn Fhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/JohnF<div><p>Just spent Six days jet washing a large drive which is all pavers using an industrial petrol pressure washer . I am not a dedicated professional jet washer and its a job i try to avoid if i am honest . </p><p>The area itself belongs to a property where i do mostly gardening , The drive has always being cleaned by a professional company but no longer available but they cleaned and re sanded the area in a day so not sure why its taking me so long . </p><p>Outcome after Six days it looks cleaner as it should . </p><p>Returned today with bags of river sand to brush in the gaps as its always being the case but its not making sense the gaps are too narrow between the pavers and seems a complete waste of time . </p><p>First wind or blowier session it will just be gone , I even used to think this after the drive had being sanded by professionals it just blew away . </p><p>Is there anyone that can tell me if i am getting it wrong as i see hours of work ahead of me , I just dont understand why its taking me so long . </p><p>The customer is very pleased with the result and fine about paying but the last company only charged £150 plus vat for a few hours work and i could be on this for Ten Days , No way will i charge for my time in fact i am feeling a bit incompetent i simply blasted the pavers with the lance at high pressure , also managed to use 25 litres of fuel in the process , Is this normal ?</p><p> </p></div>Untidy Palmhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/untidy-palm2023-06-09T07:27:32.000Z2023-06-09T07:27:32.000ZTony @SMhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/TonyHarrold<div><p>Morning All. One of my mow and go customers has a large palm right at the front of his house. It is about 2 metres high and the same in span and he would like it removing. Not sure of the variety but it is the no trunk, spread in all directions type, green but like a very healthy cordyline. He has a very impressive house and this palm is in a small garden accompanied by some really showstopping plants, colourful acers, and some smart evergreens giving a nice show of colour. The palm overhangs the drive and looks completely unruly in it's place as the lower, long fronds have to be regularly cut leaving it looking very untidy. He wants it out and replaced by a couple of pretty shrubs. I save these sort of jobs for winter but I have heard it is very difficult to get palms out altogether. Any suggestions for first removing the palm, and second ensuring it doesnt constantly grow again from some bit of root I may miss.</p></div>Rough cut mowerhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/rough-cut-mower-12023-05-20T09:54:09.000Z2023-05-20T09:54:09.000ZAndrew Stewardhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/AndrewSteward<div><p>I have a Parish Council contract that is a mixture of road side verges cut to one meter inside and more formal/semi-formal areas within the village itself. <br /><br /></p><p>I use my 36inch Ferris Hydrocut for the work alongside the carriageway however the machine is too big to deal with the work in the village as there are tight areas and parked cars. <br /><br /></p><p>I have used my Lawnflite 553 for the work in the village with no collection box and this is OK for the more formal areas that occasionally get cut in between my visits by residents. However there are other areas where the ground is quite uneven or where there are hidden hazards such as large stones and other debris and the Lawnflite is getting too knocked about or I'm concerned I'm going to hit something and destroy it!</p><p> </p><p>I've thought about strimming the other areas but that eats into the time have allotted. Can anyone recommend a medium size mower that is hardy and can cope with long grass and rough ground conditions, inc potential debris?? I guess slightly larger wheels we'll assist. </p><p> </p><p>Much appreciated!!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></div>no mow Mayhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/no-mow-may2023-05-05T21:20:57.000Z2023-05-05T21:20:57.000ZDavid Bensonhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/DavidBenson<div><p>genral queshtion realy has any one been asked not to cut the lawns this month and what did you say when asked. council contrators cutting on a coupple of roundabouts today 2 breeds round the outside left the middle which was full of dandilions that had gone to seed the same on the side of the road for about 2 miles </p></div>Mulching mower for Burial Groundhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/mulching-mower-for-burial-ground2023-04-25T16:33:30.000Z2023-04-25T16:33:30.000ZIan Blackamorehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/IanBlackamore<div><p>Suggestions please for a 19" mulching mower for use between graves. Contract currently states that strimming with the recipricating / scissor blade must be used to prevent grass cuttings going on graves.</p><p>Cleaning each grave is not an option as there are many.</p></div>Kill off moss pet frendly way and to feedhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/kill-off-moss-pet-frendly-way-and-to-feed2023-04-17T06:33:09.000Z2023-04-17T06:33:09.000ZBrian's Garden Maintenancehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Briansgardenmaintenance<div><p>Hi all</p><p>I got a lawn with a lot of moss in it! The client has pets so what is the best way to get rid of the moss, do I just scarfie it or is there something to put onto it that will help with killing it off, please?</p><p>Also what is the best way of feeding the lawn afterwards to get the grass in good condition, please?</p><p>I look forward to your help.</p><p>Thanks, Brian</p></div>Bounce lawnhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/bounce-lawn2023-03-29T16:17:25.000Z2023-03-29T16:17:25.000ZBrian's Garden Maintenancehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Briansgardenmaintenance<div><p>Hi all</p><p>I when to a new client's house the other day and he showed me around when I came to look at the back lawn it seemed very soft and bounced when you sound on it! (hopeful on sinkholes!) This is a newly laid lawn! </p><p>So I am guessing the guys who lad it did firm the ground down? How the best way of sorting this problem out, please?</p><p>I look forward to hearing from you.</p></div>Turfing prep joining existing lawnhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/turfing-prep-joining-existing-lawn2023-03-08T16:45:50.000Z2023-03-08T16:45:50.000ZTom chapmanhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Tomchapman<div>Hi, I’m new to the site, I have just finished day 1 of prepping for a 210sqm turfing job. The client had the rear half of his garden sectioned off for sheep who subsequently ate all of the lawn, left a pile of poo and died.The garden level was destroyed with piles of poo and a low corner where I would imagine water drained, I have rotavated the area and raked back to try to fill the holes and started to add top soil to get the area level.I have managed to get the ground level with or just below the existing lawn. So my question is, is it a problem if I run the turf in from there? I appreciate the soil is around 25mm thick but it should settle down and not leave a step, right?Thanks in advance,Tom.</div>Indian sandstone patio cleanerhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/indian-sandstone-patio-cleaner2023-02-11T00:37:47.000Z2023-02-11T00:37:47.000ZDylanhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Dylan<div><p>I've been asked by one of my customers to quote on cleaning their patio.<br /><br />The patio is Indian sandstone covered with black spot and I just so wondered if anyone has used a cleaner with much success as I know the black spot is hard to remove and almost impossible with just a pressure washer</p></div>DeWalt hedge trimmerhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/dewalt-hedge-trimmer2023-02-01T12:06:29.000Z2023-02-01T12:06:29.000ZRachel Bouldhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/RachelBould<div><p>Is the DeWalt hedge trimmer range a worthwhile investment? I already have several DW tools, and handy because they all use the same battery system.</p><p> </p><p>A colleague has also recently reccommended to me the BU-KO 52cc multi functional tool. It comes with long reach accessories and safety kit for around £170 (amazon price).<br /><br /><br /></p><p>My corded hedge trimmer has finally given up so I'm looking for a replacement tool </p><p> </p><p>Many thanks</p><p>Rach</p><p> </p><h1 id="title" class="a-size-large a-spacing-none"> </h1></div>Learning plants names etchttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/learning-plants-names-etc2023-01-04T18:28:43.000Z2023-01-04T18:28:43.000ZTerry Ennishttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/TerryEnnis<div><p>Anyone have suggestions to learn plants I.e YouTube?</p></div>Westermann?? Other mechanical moss brushes?... What actually works??https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/westermann-other-mechanical-moss-brushes-what-actually-works2022-11-20T07:35:12.000Z2022-11-20T07:35:12.000ZJonny Armourhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/JonnyArmour<div><p>Hello all,</p><p>I hope everyone is well! </p><p>I'm considering buying a Westermann sweeper to tackle moss on tarmac driveways (after spraying) - I was just looking for any feedback on the machine or similar tools. I have a couple of the Stihl combi brushes but depending on the condition of the tarmac, do not overly rate them. I have a small AS sweeper that is OK but doesn't se to have the grunt and is time consuming at best. </p><p>Can anyone recommend something that actually does a good job? </p><p> </p><p>Thank you all in advance.</p></div>Equipment you would like to rent, but can't findhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/equipment-you-would-like-to-rent-but-can-t-find2022-09-24T10:02:29.000Z2022-09-24T10:02:29.000ZPaul Erringtonhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/PaulErrington<div><p>What items of equipment have you tried to rent but either had difficulty finding them or maybe not managed to find them at all? </p><p>Here are a few examples:</p><p>Power Rake (for soil preparation)</p><p>Power Scythe</p><p>Powered Hayrake</p><p>Powered Soil Sieve</p><p>Fence Post Driver</p><p> </p></div>Reasonable seed spreaderhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/reasonable-seed-spreader2022-09-01T16:23:18.000Z2022-09-01T16:23:18.000ZBen Mallowhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/BenMallow<div><p>Need to buy a pedestrian spreader for a clients garden. Specifically needs to handle seed well. I currently have PG25 Broadcast spreader, and its appalling for seed. As its only for occasional use, once or twice a year, I'm not after anything over £250. Any recommendations?<br /><br /></p></div>Bracken killerhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/bracken-killer2022-07-07T19:23:45.000Z2022-07-07T19:23:45.000ZOliver clarksonhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/Oliverclarkson<div><p>Evening people </p><p>What chemicals are you using or used that's still on the market for killing bracken.</p><p>Thanks </p></div>Grass hardly growinghttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/grass-hardly-growing2022-07-02T10:45:04.000Z2022-07-02T10:45:04.000ZBuster Gibbonshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/BusterGibbons<div><p>Just thought I'd start a thread to see how often others are mowing 'the average non-fed' domestic lawn at the moment? I'm in the South, very little growth currently. Cheers </p></div>