Blog Layout
Want to improve the look and health of your turf and spend less money doing it? These lawn care resolutions can greatly improve the appearance of your lawn; more efficiently utilize the products you apply and keep/put more money in your pocket.
RESOLUTION #1: TEST THE SOIL
Not all soil types
are created equal, so how do you know you are applying the right nutrients to your lawn? If you don’t know the pH level, nitrogen analysis or nutrient deficiencies of your soil you could be wasting your time and money buying and applying the wrong products. Applying the wrong products or nutrient can significantly reduce the health of your turf and inhibit efficient nutrient uptake and potentially waste your money. In order to have a healthy lawn you must have healthy soil. Soil testing
is necessary to find out what your soil needs. In Lawn & Landscapes' article, “Know before you grow,” Jeff Carroll, owner of Jefferson Sustainable Landscape Management states, “People will just pump fertilizer and pump fertilizer … and no one really does soil testing… typically, when doing soil testing, I find that the soil has way too much nitrogen as a result of over fertilizing.” The truth of the matter is, flying blind without a soil test can lead to failed plantings (especially with new seedlings) and a costly waste of fertilizer. Making a habit to soil test will benefit the health of your lawn(s) and your finances by reducing over-application, balancing pH levels for efficient nutrient uptake and save you money by only buying and applying the fertilizer/nutrients needed by your soil.
Pro Testing Tips from CLC LABS in Westerville, Ohio:
- Sample during the first visit of the season, before you apply any fertilizer. If you've recently applied fertilizer, wait six weeks before taking the sample.
- Remove any turf and thatch before sampling. If you're unable to do that, you can include the turf and thatch with the soil.
- If you include turf and thatch in your initial test, be sure to continue including them in future tests for consistency.
- For turf, use a 3-inch deep sample, but for trees or ornamentals, use a 6-inch sample.
- Soil testing requires at least 10 to 12 cores for a typical 6,000 square foot lawn so take enough cores or the sample will be too small to test.
- Use a zig-zag pattern to get a sample that represents the entire area.
RESOLUTION #2: ENSURE YOUR SOIL HAS A NEUTRAL (BALANCED) PH LEVEL
A balanced pH level is necessary for your turf to properly and efficiently take-up nutrients and successfully fight off weeds. When your soil pH level is unbalanced, you could be wasting up to 70% of the effectiveness of your lawn fertilizer or control products. A neutral pH level of 6.0-6.8 is recommended for optimal plant health. If your soil is alkaline (7.0 or higher) you should apply Sulfur, if your soil is acidic (6.0 or lower) you should apply Calcium, which is commonly found in Lime. The addition of an annual application of Sulfur or Calcium (Lime) will improve lawn health and it’s ability to take-up nutrients, which will protect the financial investment you make on fertilizer. Applying a soil amendment to your lawn like Lime will also encourage a stronger root system, return depleted nutrients back to the soil (ex: calcium and magnesium), assist with protecting it against environmental stresses and increase water-holding capacity and retention in drought. When you have successfully balanced the soil pH, the fertilizer you apply is utilized to its full potential and so is your financial investment. For optimum effectiveness, the recommended annual application of soil amendments
to balance your pH is spring and/or fall, or anytime your turf could use a quick pick me up. It’s recommended to do a soil test prior to application in order to gage a better understanding of soil health.
- NOTE: Refer to label instructions of soil amendments to determine, when, how much and how often to apply.
RESOLUTION #3: BUY FERTILIZER BY THE TRUCKLOAD
Purchasing fertilizer by the truckload (pick-up truck or 18 wheeler) may be daunting at first but can save you money in the long run. Buying more of the products you need at once can often reduce the total cost per unit, reduce the need to make multiple trips or orders, which can save you on gas, freight and time. Also, you can take the money you save on buying in bulk and upgrade your materials to higher quality products and get more bang for your buck!
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
References:
http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/ll0115-soil-health-prep-testing/
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/Facts_about_Soil_E1566.pdf
http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/how-to-save-money-on-landscaping-costs/
http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/design/14-secret-landscaper-tips-and-tricks-pictures
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/18/15-items-always-worth-buying-in-bulk
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC. We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark Mangan President Turf Care Supply, LLC
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.