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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.

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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.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.

October 4, 2024
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

Turf Care Supply Goes Electric

September 28, 2023
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.
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