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#TurfKiller - Wild Parsnips

June 18, 2020

#TurfKiller - Wild Parsnips

June 18, 2020
wild parsnip in back yard
DESCRIPTION
Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a biennial/perennial weed. When left unmanaged,  it can reach 4 to 6 feet tall. The plant bears clusters of large flowers called umbels that spout from a hallowed and grooved thick stem. The umbels are typically 2-6 inches wide and contain many small, 5-petaled yellow-green flowers that bloom from June to late August. The rosette leaves alternate along the stem, are pinnately compound, and are distinct by egg-shaped leaflets with saw-tooth edges that are arranged in pairs along the stalk. These leaves get increasingly smaller near the top of the stem. 

This weed is considered a biennial/perennial weed since it forms a rosette of basal leaves the first year, lives through winter, and then flowers the second year. Occasionally remaining in that rosette stage for more than a year like a perennial.

This plant will form a long thick taproot that is similar in appearance and smell to cultivated parsnips, hence the name. The roots are commonly smooth and cylindrical, but sometimes lateral roots will grow out from central taproot. Wild Parsnip can be confused with other similar-looking species like Golden alexander (Zizia aurea; native) or Prairie parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii; native). 

Wild Parsnip’s method of spreading is through distributing seeds. it’s seeds’ can remain viable for several years. If this highly invasive weed is ignored, it can spread rapidly and develop into large monocultures that replace native animal and plant habitat entirely.

DAMAGE

Even well-established turf can be invaded-by-proxy as this weed can become established in landscapes or along wooded lots and distribute seeds in turfgrass areas. Once that infestation begins, it can form dense weeds in turf, fairways, fields or meadows and be very difficult to control without extensive mechanical or chemical control and appropriate PPE equipment to prevent injury from contact with plant.


Human health can also be impacted as this plant produces a compound in its leaves that when contacted with human skin in presence of sunlight will cause a rash that often leads to blisters and discoloration of the skin, known as phytophotodermatitus. If sap comes in contact with skin, avoid exposure to sunlight and immediately wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention, if required.

MANAGEMENT

Wild parsnip is found in open places with reduced shade. Eliminating the seed production is going to be key in controlling the Wild Parsnip. Despite it being very labor-intensive, mechanical removal can be an effective control method, but only with appropriate PPE to prevent contact damage to skin or eyes.


If mechanical control is preferred, please take note that Wild Parsnip does not flower all at once, the affected area must be monitored closely for several weeks to prevent seed distribution. Mowing or cutting stands before flowering in June will eliminate the majority of the mature plants and drastically reduce seed production. Make sure to wash equipment after words to prevent movement of seeds to new areas. The rosettes and recently bolted stems that haven’t seed-set yet, may be controlled by severing the tap root 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Careful monitoring required to remove re-sprouts and recently germinated seedlings and rosettes.

PREVENTION

Management plans that combine early spring and late fall applications of a foliar herbicide with the active ingredients, metsulfuron, 2,4-D or Dicamba have been effective at managing this weed and any newly germinating plants. Complete eradication may take a few years as Wild Parsnip seeds are very viable. Any regrowth to affected lawn area will also help prevent another infestation as more vegetation grows to compete for nutrients and reduces where the weed can reestablish itself.


Essentially, the less space there is for Wild Parsnips to grow, the less likely they are to reestablish in your turf. Healthy, full turf will help prevent the growth of this weed and many others. To stave off disease and weeds, you should adopt a seasonal fertilizer program to ensure your turf has the nutrients required to stay dense and strong.

For professional fertilizers with herbicides to prevent and control weeds, 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.

Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog

Turf Care and Beaty Fertilizer Unite for Growth, Innovation, and Increased Value to Customers

April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”

Grub Management: Understanding Life Cycles and Optimal Treatment Timing

April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.

Platte River Equity - Press Release: Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.

October 9, 2024
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.
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