The grass is greener for Geraint as pitch perfectionist becomes a Lawn Master!
THE head groundsman at one of South Wales’ major sporting venues has left preparing pitches for some of the world’s sporting greats behind to focus on improving domestic lawns in the area.
Experienced turf professional Geraint Scannell has joined national lawn care company Lawn Master, purchasing a franchise area covering Cardiff, Barry, Pontypridd, Llantwit Major, Cowbridge, Pontyclun, Dinas Powys and surrounding areas.
Lawn Master started treating lawns in the 1990s and franchised the business in 2002, with the aim of having a qualified greenkeeper or grounds person in every area of the UK delivering high-quality lawn care to domestic customers.
Franchisees include former grounds staff from Chelsea and Arsenal football clubs, and the course managers of Royal Winchester golf club and St Mellion International. The company provides bespoke treatment plans and a range of services that improve a lawn’s health, appearance and durability, such as aeration, scarification and overseeding.
Geraint began his turf management career 25 years ago as a greenkeeper at The Vale Resort, where he completed his City & Guilds qualifications and a NVQ Level 4 in Sports Turf Management, later becoming assistant head greenkeeper.
In 2006, he became head groundsman at the Wales National Centre of Excellence, where he was responsible for the development and maintenance of six international football and rugby pitches.
In 2012, he was appointed head groundsman at Dragon Park, the Wales National Football Development Centre in Newport, where he prepared playing surfaces for the national team, premiership teams including newly-crowned league champions Manchester City and high-profile visiting sides like Real Madrid.
He was recently involved in drawing up the design and construction specifications for the natural grass pitches at the Football Association of Wales’ new facility at Colliers Park in Wrexham.
Many lawns are looking lacklustre after last year’s hot, dry weather, but Geraint’s customers are already benefitting from his expertise.
“I’m using the same professional products, machinery and turf maintenance practices that I used on my sports pitches and on the golf course”, he explains. “With the right approach, even the most neglected lawns can be rejuvenated. I’m enjoying being my own boss and working with homeowners and their gardeners to make sure their lawn stays in great condition all year round.” ■ Contact Geraint on 0800 062 2706, email geraint.scannell@ lawnmaster.co.uk to arrange your free lawn analysis or visit www. lawnmaster.co.uk for more information.
Greenkeeper Geraint Scannell has joined national lawn care company Lawn Master