Some example embodiments may provide a capability for intelligent control or management of a number of assets in connection with yard maintenance with the assistance or inclusion of a management unit having distributed properties. Thus, for example, sensor equipment and task performance equipment operation may be coordinated between local management and remote management entities for efficient monitoring and maintaining of lawn wellness.

Some example embodiments may provide a capability for intelligent control or management of a number of assets in connection with yard maintenance with the assistance or inclusion of a management unit having distributed properties. Thus, for example, sensor equipment and task performance equipment operation may be coordinated between local management and remote management entities for efficient monitoring and maintaining of lawn wellness.

The present invention relates to a method for applying biochar to turf and landscape to allow the turf and landscape to be effectively maintained under reduced water and/or reduced fertilizer applications.

An apparatus for applying a desired amount of mechanical abrasion to plants and selective cutting of undesirable plant material is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a brush and an elevation device for maintaining the base at desirable height. The base has a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves, the grooves being oriented approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The brush has a second longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristles and/or blades extending outwardly from the second longitudinal axis. The brush is attached to the apparatus such that the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis and the brush is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis. The brush is spaced from the base such that the plurality of bristles engage the plurality of grooves. The base is adjustable enabling the operator to move the base closer or further from the rotating brush/blades.

A garden tool is comprised of a handle and a head having a plurality of parallel tines each having a free end. The garden tool also has a span perpendicular to the tines. The span is connected to each of the tines at an intermediate position along the length of each tine. The span has a sharpened edge configured to sever plant growth.

A method of reducing or preventing the transfer of pathogens between individuals interacting on artificial turf comprises treating the various components of the artificial turf with a residual antimicrobial coating composition. Treating the artificial turf comprises moving an artificial turf treatment apparatus over the turf in at least one pass, the apparatus being capable of liberating particles of infill material out from between the plastic blades of grass of the artificial turf and spraying the particles with the residual antimicrobial coating composition while the particles are in the air above the turf.

An autonomous ground maintenance system comprising a vehicle comprising a chassis supported upon a ground surface by ground support members, a container supported by the chassis, the container defining a discharge outlet operable to disperse treating material held within the container to a target area of the ground surface, a gate adapted to selectively open and close the discharge outlet, a sensor adapted to identify the target area, and an electronic controller supported by the chassis, the controller being in communication with the sensor and the gate. The controller is adapted to position the chassis at a location proximate the target area such that the discharge outlet is capable of delivering the treating material to the target area and energize the gate to open the discharge outlet.

An autonomous ground maintenance system comprising a vehicle comprising a chassis supported upon a ground surface by ground support members, a container supported by the chassis, the container defining a discharge outlet operable to disperse treating material held within the container to a target area of the ground surface, a gate adapted to selectively open and close the discharge outlet, a sensor adapted to identify the target area, and an electronic controller supported by the chassis, the controller being in communication with the sensor and the gate. The controller is adapted to position the chassis at a location proximate the target area such that the discharge outlet is capable of delivering the treating material to the target area and energize the gate to open the discharge outlet.

Provided is a piercing tool which can be used by optionally replacing a distal end portion, which is to be first brought into abutment against an object to be pierced such as the ground, and can facilitate a replacement operation of the distal end portion. A piercing tool (1) includes: a distal end portion (2), which has a cylindrical shape, and is to be first brought into abutment against an object; and a main body portion (3), which has a cylindrical shape at at least a part of the main body portion (3), and has one end portion to which the distal end portion (2) is mounted, wherein the distal end portion (2) is removably mounted to the one end portion of the main body portion (3). The distal end portion (2) has an inner peripheral surface having a female thread formed at an end portion of the distal end portion (2) on a side to be mounted to the main body portion (3). The main body portion (3) has an outer peripheral surface having a male thread (36) formed so as to be engaged with the female thread at the end portion of the main body portion (3) on a side to which the distal end portion (2) is mounted. The distal end portion (2) has a Rockwell hardness higher than a Rockwell hardness of the main body portion (3).

A striper arrangement (200) for striping a lawn (1) configured to be arranged on a robotic work tool (100). The striper arrangement (200) comprises a striper mat (10) and a holding arrangement (300) for holding the striper mat (10) in contact with a N surface of a lawn (1) and is configured such that the striper mat (10) is movable in upwards and downwards direction; and further configured to bias the striper mat (10) in downwards direction by a biasing force (BF), such that movement of the striper mat (10) in upwards direction is restricted until a counter force (CF) exerted by the striper mat (10) onto the holding arrangement (300) exceeds the biasing force (BF). The counterforce (CF) is the force exerted by the striper mat (10) onto the holding arrangement (300) when the striper mat (10) transits from a convex bent shape to a concave bent shape or vice versa. A robotic work tool 100 comprising a striper arrangement (200) for striping a lawn (1).