IT’S bad news for lawnmower and watering can manufacturers but it could be the answer to reluctant gardeners’ prayers.

Because green fingers and patience are no longer essential for homeowners wanting a bowling-green lawn, according to a Stockport company.

FieldTech is transferring its artificial sports pitch technology to the home and garden.

Having won major contracts both here and abroad for its plastic playing surfaces, the company has launched NoMow a grass replacement in the shape of a synthetic turf carpet aimed at the domestic market.

Constructed from polyethylene fibre, with a tufted latex back, it is installed in gardens by specialists on a rolled-out prepared base.

Joints between sections are glued with a two-composite adhesive, and a layer of rubber granules gives a genuine ‘‘bouncy’’ feel.

FieldTech boss Michael Tittershill explained: ‘‘NoMow creates a surface that is safe for children, because it does not graze the skin no matter how hard they tumble.

‘‘Parents can also be reassured by the fact that the materials that make up NoMow are fireproof and that when the children run inside from the NoMow garden they won’t bring any mud into the house.’’

Contracts

FieldTech has just picked up a £240,000 contract in Ireland to build a hockey pitch for an independent school.

Formed in February last year, the company has also landed more than £1m worth of contracts to design and construct pitches across the north west.

Michael set up FieldTech after spending almost 20 years in the industry as a partner in Dundee-based Greengage Projects.

During that time, he was involved in high-profile projects in Britain and abroad, including the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, and the National Sports Centre, Scotland.

Originally from Marple Bridge, he brought his engineering experience back to the north west and assembled a team of 25 staff at premises in Hollywood Road.

The firm prides itself on taking an old-fashioned approach to its contracts and has bought the necessary specialist equipment - including laser paving machinery for the pitch base and their own sand tanker - to ensure every aspect of its work is carried out by in-house staff.

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