ASSOCIATION UPDATES
TURFGRASS GROWERS ASSOCIATION UPDATES
By Coral Russell
In April, the UK entered its fourth month post Brexit. Te full extent of this change may not be realized for some time due to the impacts of the pandemic. One of the major changes since the first of January is that the export of turfgrass to the European
Union is now no longer allowed. Te restriction on export of turfgrass is in place to limit the exchange of soil, and therefore soil borne diseases.
It is hoped that, with lobbying by the TGA, the export restrictions may be altered to allow cross border trade going forward.
During 2020, the pandemic-related restrictions caused a surge in the expenditure on gardens and lawns, revamping the nation’s entertaining areas. We are now looking forward to the coming summer season. Te vaccination program is being rolled out with some momentum in the UK, with the proposed date for the end of restrictions being June 21, 2021.
Despite the restrictions being lifted across the UK, it is likely that there will be continued limits to overseas travel for holidays this year. Tis may again cause a positive outcome, as once again the UK will rely heavily on lawns and gardens to provide a venue for socialization. Tis in turn will likely provide opportunities for garden redesign—and for turfing.
Alongside domestic work, the UK’s golf courses can re-open, for the first time since their closure in November 2020. Last summer, when the courses were allowed to open, the sport saw a tremendous increase in the number of players. Te industry is once again hoping to see similarly high numbers.
Although the restrictions meant that golf courses were forced to close from November to March, it in fact allowed greenkeepers to carry out course maintenance that had been neglected over the summer due to the busy season.
Despite challenging spring weather, the natural grass in this production field looks very good.
Te spring weather is bringing many challenges. After a wet winter, we are now in a period of low rainfall and variable temperatures. Over the month of March there have been incidences of snowfall and highs of 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit)—all within a matter of days. Despite the challenges that the UK weather can bring, the TGA members are looking forward to another successful season.
Te market for good quality natural grass is strong in the UK.
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TPI Turf News May/June 2021
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