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CLEARSKY®
Management of airport grass prevents animal hazards and will reduce maintenance costs.
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Sow sustainably and secure airports while limiting maintenance costs
Each year, across the British skies, airplanes encounter wildlife. These incidents, occurring approximately 1,500 times annually, are not without consequences. Imagine delayed flights, frustrated passengers, and, most critically, damage to aircraft engines or structures. Around 8% of these collisions are severe enough to disrupt air traffic and necessitate costly repairs.
A decade ago, serious wildlife-related incidents were both frequent and critical. However, thanks to effective prevention measures, the occurrence of such incidents has been reduced by two-thirds on average. Additionally, despite the large size of modern jet engines, the number of damaged engines has been cut in half.
One key factor behind this success is the strategic selection of grass mixtures for airport landscapes. For over 30 years, DLF has been at the forefront of developing, producing, and supplying specialized grass seeds. Our research focuses on continuously improving grass varieties to lower water consumption, reduce mowing waste by 40%, and slow growth rates—all while requiring minimal maintenance.
With ClearSky®, we bring our expertise to airport management. This innovative solution helps mitigate bird strike risks while reducing the maintenance costs of grassy areas. Thanks to ClearSky®, the skies are safer, and airport operations are more efficient.
The selection of grass mixtures for airport turfing is a key tool in preventing wildlife hazards.
The Advantages of ClearSky®
Limited attractiveness to birds
It is clear that planes and birds do not mix. At DLF, we have carefully selected grass species specifically for this purpose. The most suitable species is tall fescue, which, when chosen for this characteristic, develops a highly upright growth habit. This vertical structure discourages birds from landing due to its sharp, unwelcoming texture.
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Quick Establishment
Rapid soil coverage helps prevent ground contamination and effectively controls the bird population while allowing perennial vegetation to establish.
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Dense Sward
The high density of turf grass varieties prevents the growth of unwanted grasses and weeds that can complicate site maintenance. It also helps limit the proliferation of small vertebrates and their nesting, which would otherwise attract birds.
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Durable and hardiness
Durability and hardiness are two key factors in selecting species and varieties for ClearSky® mixtures. A resilient blend adapts to various conditions while maintaining an attractive appearance with minimal maintenance. Ensuring long-term durability allows the mixture to retain its characteristics over time.
Reduce maintenance costs
For over 20 years, we have focused on selecting slow-growing varieties. This has been a key priority in our breeding programs, as slower growth leads to reduced mowing and less mowing waste. Lower maintenance also means reduced water consumption and minimal fertilizer requirements.
Environment and sustainable development: greening the airport’s image
ClearSky® mixtures are made up of species and varieties originally selected for landscapes, specifically chosen to address the challenges faced at airports:
- Sustainability: Designed to thrive with limited water and mineral nutrition.
- Reduced maintenance: Less frequent mowing and minimal mowing waste. Slow-growing grass varieties produce up to 40% less green matter, reducing mowing waste.
- Carbon footprint reduction: Achieved through root-level carbon sequestration.
A patented study by an independent laboratory shows that ClearSky® turf can sequester up to 10 tons of CO2 per hectare per year.
A true "carbon sink" right in your grass areas.
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PM125 Clearsky
PM125 ClearSky® is the ideal grass seed mix for airports, specially formulated to promote fast soil coverage and deter bird activity. Its unique blend helps control bird populations by creating an unwelcoming environment, while ensuring the turf remains durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable for long-term use in airport landscapes.
Cultivar | % | Species |
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Debussy | 20% | Tall Fescue |
Essential | 75% | Tall Fescue |
Quickston | 5% | Annual Ryegrass - Turf Type |