Arsenal groundsman gets award for turf quality

13:20 30th October 2008

Modern Premiership football pitches are often the envy of British gardeners and none more so than that of the one at Emirates Stadium in north London.

Arsenal football club head groundsman Paul Purgess has been named Groundsman of the year after creating a carpet-like surface.

"This award is special as it covers all aspects of turf care from golf course maintenance, football, rugby, cricket, parks and amenity areas", Mr Burgess said.

The award was given last week, according to Horticulture Week, but gardeners looking to improve their lawns need not despair.

One way of doing so is to use lawn aerators to help improve drainage, as well as allow the grass roots to absorb more oxygen, water and nutrients, according to lawnandmower.com.

Using lawn aerators as part of the turf care routine will have the lawn looking excellent come spring - the perfect compliment to any plants grown or in the greenhouse over winter when it comes time to move them outdoors.