Turf is an ‘essential element of the landscape’ says APL Vice Chairman

This was the message from Mark Gregory, Vice Chairman of the Association of Professional Landscapers and Managing Director of Landform Consultants, to turf growers who had gathered for the Turfgrass Growers' Association's autumn members' meeting in Peterborough recently.

Delivering vital feedback from the end-users of cultivated turf, Gregory also said that growers are generally doing a great job at growing a quality product and delivering it on time.

He added that turf has a great future in the landscape due to its unifying affect in a design and its beneficial environmental characteristics and suggested greater use of turf in sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).

He also advised growers that that there was a need to train landscape staff in the laying and aftercare of turf to ensure its benefits are seen at their full potential when in situ.

Commenting after the meeting, TGA Chief Executive, Tim Mudge said: "We recognise that we can gather vital feedback from other organisations within the supply chain and this year's speakers have really got their fingers on the pulse on key issues relating to turf. They opened our eyes to new opportunities and their presentations stimulated more debate and interaction than ever before. We are now looking to organise a seminar for landscape professionals next year in conjunction with the APL and BALI to address the issues Mark raised."