Turf Levelling Australia is developing new technology to improve green levels while reducing green downtime.

Stewart's aim is to reduce levelling downtime to less than three weeks. This allows greens to be levelled annually without disrupting the playing schedule. Greens can now be kept practically dead flat (most of the green within 5mm). This is a game changer for levelling bowling greens.

TLA is an Adelaide based company owned and operated by Stewart Jones who has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Adelaide and has played lawn bowls for over 30 years. Stewart has spent the last seven years developing new levelling techniques to reduce green down time, reduce levelling costs and improve green performance. Greenkeepers can now even level their own greens using the new TLA app on their mobile phones.

The techniques are called Laser Topressing and Laser Scarifying. The first step is to conduct a baseline survey of the green and determine where the problem areas are. The second step is to spread 2-5mm of soil on only the low areas and scarify down high areas by up to 20mm. Grass will regrow from the existing root system. Greens can usually be played on 3-5 weeks after levelling. The final step is a follow-up survey six months after levelling to monitor progress. Levelling should be performed annually until the desired green profile has been obtained. There after, a combination of Laser Scarifying and full green topdressing can be performed to keep greens practically flat.

TLA is Adelaide based but operates Australia wide. Please contact Stewart on 0418 814 274 for any enquires.