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DESCRIPTION AND WHERE TO FIND
Spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculate) is a summer annual weed with a taproot that is native to the Eastern United States. It’s often found to invade crops, gardens, trees, citrus, turf, ornamental beds, fields in sidewalk cracks and thin lawns. It thrives in poor, compacted soil and generally in unshaded areas and grows in mats which will choke out turfgrasses. It grows close to the ground and easily survives short mowing because of its ability to for its branches to grow freely from the base. When the stems are broken, they emit a poisonous milk-like secretion. Although this secretion is currently being studied for various skin cancers cures, it is still an eye and skin irritant and should be avoided, unless proper PPE is worn.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
These weeds produce tiny pink flowers that, along with the fruit, stems and leaves, are hairy. The flowers will be followed by small fruits whose seeds are distinctly hairy and stick easily to animal fur and human shoes when wet. It has dark green leaves with red leaf spots which grow in pairs, are roughly 1/8 to 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The red spot is typically found halfway down the center vein, though only 95% of the time. If conditions are right, a single plant can grow three feet across from the central taproot. The stems will branch out from a central point and will not root at the nodes.
THREAT TO ANIMALS AND HUMANS
The sap that is secreted from the stems is a skin irritant to both humans and animals, especially dogs, as they are particularly prone to itching because they are closer to ground and more likely to come into contact. Is very toxic to animals if certain percentage of body weight were ingested, especially amongst grazing animals such as horses, cattle and sheep. The seeds of the plant attract ants and other pests and one plant can emit thousands of seeds in one season whose seeds can germinate immediately or remain dormant for years. The plant has also been known to be a host for fungal diseases that can damage turf.
HOW TO MANAGE
The most effective method is prevention, since after it’s established, this weed is very difficult to get rid of. Maintaining a dense and actively growing turf though appropriate mowing, fertilizing and watering practices can prevent the growth of this weed. Reducing compaction in the soil can also assist in prevention. Small infestations on lawns can be maintained by hand removal, but PPE should be worn to prevent irritation, especially if seeds have already grown. For more extensive infestations, an herbicide would be more practical. If pulled out, because of its long taproot, if any part of the weed’s roots are left behind, it will begin to grow again.
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://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7445.html
https://wimastergardener.org/article/spotted-spurge-chamaesyce-euphorbia-maculata/
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/spotted-spurge
Photographs:
https://wimastergardener.org/article/spotted-spurge-chamaesyce-euphorbia-maculata/
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.