Drawing from a background in greenkeeping and boasting over a decade of experience working with various colleges in the UK, Ross Spry manages a dedicated team of seven individuals responsible for the maintenance of sports facilities and gardens at Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
Known for his meticulous approach, Ross identified the need for attention to the College lawns, grappling with issues like weeds, moss, and thatch buildup. Taking decisive action, he remarked, “
The lawns were not in the best shape, and there was a lot of weeds and moss, and thatch build-up in them,” he said. “We bought a scarifier and an aerator to try and alleviate this problem, but I wanted a machine to put seed back into the ground effectively rather than just broadcasting it.
“We looked at various brands of seeders and we found the Dennis S500 Plus seeder to be the best for us.”
Designed for optimal performance on fine turf and ornamental lawn areas used in sports like bowls, cricket, and golf, the dual-purpose Dennis S500 Plus boasts a 510mm (20″) operating width complete with interchangeable spiker and slotter reels. The spiker reel facilitates penetration through the ‘surface pan,’ allowing essential elements like air, water, and fertilizer to reach the root zone. Meanwhile, the slotter reel creates seed germination pockets, minimizing seed wastage. By incorporating the optional seed box attachment, users ensure that grass seed is precisely distributed onto the ground and brushed into the pockets.
Ross Spry emphasized the simplicity of the seeding process with the S500 Plus, stating, “We normally seed in the spring and autumn, and before using the S500 Plus, we apply a selective weedkiller to try and get rid of the weeds and moss. It is so simple to use, and it does exactly what we want it to do. It’s not heavy and it is nice and compact. Some of the lawns at the school are very small, so to have a seeder the size of the S500 Plus is ideal. It is also a lot more accurate than doing it by hand – you get more contact with the soil and better germination. The S500 Plus’ best feature is just how user friendly it is and it makes the task of seeding enjoyable.”
For those seeking further information or a no-obligation demonstration, contact Dennis at 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com.
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