Phone - 808 269 - 0089
Laulimalandscaping@gmail.com

Uncategorized

You are here: Home » Uncategorized

Get Equipped: Gas & Diesel Mowers

March 5, 2024 Uncategorized 0
From the February 2024 Issue

 

Shopping for a new commercial lawn mower to help your professional landscaping and lawn care team get the job done? Consider this assortment of gas and diesel mowers.

Husqvarna Z560XS

The all-new Z560XS represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Z560X, offering landscapers a 38.5 HP fuel-injected engine. It comes equipped with KENDA TurfSteel steel-belted radial (SBR) tires which feature a gel lining that effectively seals punctures up to ¼”. The Z560XS features a high-performance 60″ 7-gauge commercial cutting deck with 10″ cast iron spindles. The 38.5 HP Kawasaki FX1000 EFI engine is engineered to maintain high blade tip speeds even under heavy loads, thanks to limited RPM droop. Also included: hands-free deck lift system, automatic park brake, and full suspension seat. The Z560XS is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2024.

KIOTI ZXD Series

The all-new KIOTI lineup consists of two models, the ZXD61 and ZXD72, making history as the company’s first-ever diesel mowers. The ZXD Series features a 1.2L KIOTI diesel engine with direct drive transaxles, allowing operation without use of a drive belt. The ZXD61 and ZXD72 are equipped with heavy-duty frames, shaft driven reinforced 7-gauge fabricated steel decks, and semi-pneumatic front casters. A premium rubber isolated 3″ suspension seat, paired with an articulating front axle, provides smooth operation over rough terrain. Easy operator access to the top of the deck, fuel filter, pumps, motors, and engine, allows for quick fluid checks and top offs. With 61″ and 72″ deck sizes that offer top-tier cut quality, these commercial-grade mowers empower operators to achieve immaculate results.

Z Master® 4000 HDX with MyRIDE®

Extra-large and ready to charge through the toughest and biggest jobs — the latest edition in Toro’s Z Master 4000 series offers the widest, heavy-duty deck yet, power from a 35 HP Kawasaki FX1000, and the added comfort of the patented MyRIDE suspension system. The 72″ HDX includes a TURBO FORCE deck made of 7-gauge steel that ensures perfect one pass cutting and enhances the after-cut appearance through dual capture anti-scalp rollers, rubber discharge chute, and rugged I-beam front end. Rolling on 26″ Voodoo Trac™ tires, the HDX can effortlessly handle triple bagger and dump-from-seat bagger attachments to streamline operations.

OTR TR-34 Tire

Offering exceptional performance on grass, mud, and loose soil, while reducing the risk of turf damage and soil compaction, the TR-34 tire features an innovative non-directional design that optimizes tread wear, ride comfort, and traction in both directions. The tread pattern is a hybrid between turf and industrial styles with tread-to-void ratio that ensures even pressure distribution throughout the contact patch, reducing the risk of turf damage and soil compaction. Siped R1-style shoulder lugs enhance traction in mud and loose soil. Also, strategically placed mud breakers and rock ejectors provide efficient cleanout. Four tire sizes are available: 16 X 7.50-8; 18 X 8.50-10; 24 X 12.00- 12; and 26 X 12.00-12.

Exmark Vertex X-Series

The new Vertex X-Series raises the bar for Exmark stand-on mower power and productivity thanks to an available 72″ UltraCut Series 6 cutting deck. It enables contractors to mow more than seven acres per hour thanks to the 14-gallons of fuel capacity. Plus, with the formed and welded tubular steel frame and heavy-duty 15″ casters, Vertex X-Series models provide superior commercial durability. Large 24″ drive tires provide increased traction, reduced turf compaction, and increased ride quality. The operator-focused control center optimizes operator control and comfort, with a bolstered operator pad and suspended operator platform that’s located low and centered between the rear wheels. The Vertex X Series includes Kawasaki FX1000 engines.

STIHL RZ 700 Series

The six models in STIHL’s RZ 700 Series of zero-turn mowers offer deck widths ranging from 52″ to 72″, providing flexibility to suit various needs. The mowers are equipped with high performance engines, including fuel-efficient EFI engines and carbureted engines. The STIHL 700 Series zero-turn mower boasts an 11-gallon fuel tank capacity and a 1.5″ to 5″ cutting range. The series also features an advanced four-wheel suspension system with mowing deck height compensation, independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms, and rear suspension with shock absorbers. The Hydro-Gear® ZT transaxles ensure efficient top-forward ground speeds of 10 MPH, with a reverse speed of 5 MPH for maneuverability. The series’ models have a horsepower range of 25-28 HP.

Kubota F3710

The new F3710 replaces the F3990 in Kubota’s F Series of commercial front-mount mowers and is equipped with a 36.9 HP Kubota Common Rail System diesel engine for fast, powerful, and efficient job performance. Available with both side-discharge and rear discharge pro-commercial mower decks in 60″ and 72″ , the F3710’s high lifting capacity provides the versatility to handle an array of implements like a grass catcher, snow blower, rotary sweeper, and debris blower, and is compatible with all implements currently available for Kubota mowers. An LCD digital panel comes standard on the F3710 and provides operators with vital information like Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) level, engine speed, remaining fuel, water temperature, and hour meter. Additionally, a deluxe high back seat with four separate adjustments for weight control, lumbar support, back angle, and arm rests helps keep operators comfortable.

John Deere QuikTrak™ E Series

QuikTrak E Series stand-on mowers from John Deere feature upgrades that heighten both productivity and operator comfort. Upgrades include the single power takeoff belt system, which significantly expedites the blade-changing process, and the introduction of aluminum commercial mowing spindles. The E-Series comes standard with color-coded, two hand-lever hydrostatic drive controls with levers that automatically return to a neutral position. Additionally, the spacious platform design on the E Series models is equipped with large cushioning that mitigates shock and a high-quality leaning pad protects the operator from machine-generated heat.

Read more Get Equipped features here.

Kubota’s Hometown Proud Contest Now Open

March 4, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Kubota Tractor Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local customers, dealers, and communities with the return of the Kubota Hometown Proud™ grant program. Established in 2021, the program provides a way for Kubota to give back to community projects by integrating Kubota’s dealer network. The fourth annual contest will provide support for even more local communities to grow, build, or revitalize their local projects by awarding 20 grants across the country. Two grants will be handed out in each of the company’s ten operating districts. After a public voting campaign in August, each district winner will receive $50,000, and 10 district runners-up will receive $10,000, totaling $600,000 in grants this year.Local Support, Nationwide

Each dealer in Kubota’s 1,100-strong dealer network takes pride in giving back to the communities where they live and work. Kubota is helping to further foster their local relationships and empower local initiatives. The program is now accepting applications for a chance to bring home funding to communities. All 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 50-mile radius of an authorized Kubota dealer are invited to enter a project. Kubota encourages all types of community projects to apply. From community gardens, public spaces, and food banks, to increasing access to agriculture education; all are welcome to apply.

Here’s How to Enter:

Step One: Visit KubotaHometownProud.com between now and April 12, 2024.Only an authorized employee or officer with the legal authority to act on behalf of the registered 501(c)(3) organization or municipality’s nonprofit partner can enter.
Step Two: Fill out the online application form to tell Kubota about a community project in need.
Step Three: Upload project photos and organization information, then click ‘enter.’ That’s it!

The application period closes on Friday, April 12, 2024. Afterwards, all project entries will be reviewed, and Kubota will select 20 winners. Two winners from each of Kubota’s ten operating districts will then be elevated for public vote. From August 1-14, 2024, the public is invited to visit KubotaHometownProud.com and cast a vote daily for the top project in their district. The community project with the highest number of votes in each district will be presented with a $50,000 grant. Each district runner-up will receive a $10,000 grant. Moreover, voters have a chance to win, too! Every vote cast serves as one entry into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Kubota zero-turn mower or sub-compact tractor.

Organizations who have entered before can enter again; however, previous winners are not eligible. For more information, visit kubotausa.com/hometown-proud/rules.

For more Turf Magazine coverage of Kubota’s community service efforts, click here.

Successful Year For The Grounds Guys Of Wichita & Neighborly®

March 1, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Both The Grounds Guys of Wichita, and its parent company, Neighborly®, have recently reported great success in 2023.

The Grounds Guys of Wichita

Jeff Baker, owner of KS-based The Grounds Guys of Wichita, was named the 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). Profiled by Turf just this past Veterans’ Day, Baker is a former Air Force veteran and El Dorado police sergeant, who wanted to take the high standards he had instilled in his previous careers and apply them to the service industry.

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of IFA. “We are proud to recognize Jeff with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt his work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.” Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon.

Neighborly

Not only did Baker do well in 2023, but so did Neighborly, parent company of The Grounds Guys and more than 30 other home service brands such as Mosquito Joe and Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Neighborly announced it officially surpassed $4 billion in systemwide sales and 5,500 franchises globally in 2023. The year’s success also garnered a wave of private equity investments across the global franchisor’s flagship brands.

“The substantial private equity investments we’ve attracted across our flagship brands is a major achievement that reinforces the market’s confidence in our strategic vision and highlights Neighborly and our brands as a valuable investment,” said Jon Shell, interim Chief Executive Officer of Neighborly.
Among the many factors that positioned Neighborly as attractive to investors, the company accomplished another year of strong same-store sales growth and exceeded its franchise development targets selling 468 franchises globally in 2023. For more information about Neighborly’s service brands, visit www.neighborlybrands.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly, click here.

Leap Day: Why Do We Do It?

February 29, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Why do we have a Leap Day? Credit: AdobeStock/netrun78

As a profession that answers to the seasons, lawn and landscapers pros should be quite happy that Leap Day exists. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure why we observed it, but this video from Interplanetary, the Youtube channel of Dr. James O’Donoghue, a British planetary scientist and former NASA scientist, presents an easy visual explanation. In very simple terms, the Earth’s orbit around the sun actually takes 365.242 days, yet our typical calendar is a 365-day year. So every four years, we add a Leap Day, February 29, to keep things in sync.

“The way we do leap years is fairly messy looking, but I can’t think of a better way to handle them,” O’Donoghue told Business Insider. “We do it so our seasons don’t migrate over time.” Bottom line: unless we want December becoming a Summer month in the Northern hemisphere in several hundred years, happily embrace the Leap Day!

For more “seasonal” related articles, see:

Snow Season Isn’t Over. The Timeline For Next Winter’s Success Starts Now.

Year-Round Revenue For Landscapers? Here’s How

Turfgrass In The Transition Zone

February 29, 2024 Uncategorized 0
By Christine Menapace
From the February 2024 Issue

The transition zone has always been one of the most challenging places to grow and maintain high quality turfgrass. “Transition zones are areas where neither cool- nor warm-season grasses are completely adapted,” describes the National Cooperative Extension Foundation. Even the exact location of the zone seems to differ slightly from source to source. Yet, as most know, it’s generally a band between northern and southern climates where both cool and warm season grasses are grown depending on the micro-climate. LawnStarter defines the transition zone as including parts of 24 states. That’s a lot of turfgrass acreage. Generally, cool season grasses such as tall fescues, fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are planted in the northern zone. Warm season grasses used typically include Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, and zoysiagrass.

Yet with today’s combination of hotter summers, fluctuating rainfall, as well as improved turfgrass varieties, are grass choices transitioning within the transition zone? What about other challenges?

Dr. Michael Goatley
Dr. Grady Miller

Turf spoke with two turfgrass professors within the transition zone for their perspective. Dr. Michael Goatley serves as the Turfgrass Extension Specialist in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences with Virginia Tech. Dr. Grady Miller is an ENVU Distinguished Professor of Sustainability & Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management at North Carolina State University (NCSU).

Q & A With Professors

Do you have a turfgrass recommendation you feel performs best in typical residential yards in your area? Why?

Goatley: In a transition zone state such as Virginia the ‘best’ choice remains debatable given the differences in climate and soils in the state. Turf-type tall fescue is the number one grass for residential yards, but there are definitely situations (especially in the warmest regions of Virginia) where a warm-season grass would be a better choice.

Miller: Yes, but it depends where in North Carolina (coastal, piedmont, mountain climates). Further information can found in “Carolina Lawns: A Guide to Maintaining Quality Turf in the Landscape.

Do you see turfgrass selections changing in the transition zone either currently or in the near future? Are regions for cool season and warm season grasses shifting at all? If so, where?

Goatley: Over my career there has been much more emphasis placed on turf-type tall fescue in Virginia than Kentucky bluegrass. I think that is due to improved genetics in the breeding programs in terms of overall performance and quality of the tall fescue, as well as overall lower inputs for the tall fescue compared to the bluegrass.

The Winter dormancy factor (and loss of green color) for warm-season grasses continues to be a primary reason cited by homeowners for not planting a warm-season grass, as well as the invasiveness of fast growing grasses like bermudagrass.

Although it also has the dormancy issue, I anticipate that the continued developments of improved zoysiagrasses will lead to an expansion of this species in Virginia. But at this time, the increase in acreage is slow because of the high cost/time required of establishing zoysiagrasses, either vegetatively or from seed.

Miller: It has changed since 2007-2008 (droughts). We began moving away from predominantly cool-season grasses towards more warm-season — at least in the piedmont of North Carolina.

Art Bruneau (Executive Director of NCSPA), Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis (NCSU), article source Dr. Grady Miller (NCSU), and Linda Bradley (President of NCSPA) at the Lobo™ Zoysiagrass release in November 2021. Lobo is exclusively licensed through Sod Solutions.

 

Water crisis in many areas is affecting turfgrass. Do you have any thoughts on the future of turfgrass (or types) in these areas?

Goatley: The mid-Atlantic typically gets enough natural moisture to minimize these concerns, but even in 2023 we have had persistent drought in central and northern Virginia, thus reminding everyone of the importance of choosing grasses that require less water.

Virginia Tech is pleased to partner with the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance. Their recommendations for low-input turfgrass species/varieties are also found on our annual Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendation List.

Miller: We have already seen greater use/acceptance of warm-season grasses, especially Bermudagrass in new construction that has no shade, zoysiagrasses, and even an increased interest in St. Augustine-grass in the more eastern portion of the state. Centipedegrass use has remained strong in areas where it’s well-adapted.

Beyond climate issues, what are the main challenges you see affecting turfgrass today (herbicide resistance? pests?) and what are some of the proposed solutions?

Goatley: Some of our biggest pest problems are the management of perennial grassy weeds in perennial turfgrass systems (i.e. Bermudagrass, dallisgrass, and other Paspalums, roughstalk bluegrass, etc.) We have made very significant improvements in programming for Bermudagrass management (“control” is too strong a word) in cool-season grasses, but the other grasses and their management in other use situations remains very difficult. Continued evaluation of new chemistry and use will obviously help, but also continued education on balancing the expectations of property owners regarding “pest free” lawns and the importance of the basics (soil health, selecting the right grass, responsible mowing, and fertility programming etc.) will go a long way towards reducing pest pressure in general.

Miller: There’s still a ways to go to get acceptance of warm-season grasses for those customers that really want green grass year-round. I do not see herbicide resistance as being as big a deal in landscape at this time as with golf/sports turfgrass areas. We do have some new emerging pests (insects, nematodes, mites, and weeds) that have brought some challenges to North Carolina.

Is there a turfgrass variety or area of research you are particularly excited about?

Goatley: Every species has something really interesting going on as breeding programs evolve: better water use efficiency for all species, finer textured and creeping tall fescues, lower input and faster germinating Kentucky bluegrasses, cold tolerant and finer textured Bermudagrasses, simply expanded availability of improved zoysiagrass cultivars and species… those all come to mind.

Miller: Yes. NCSU has two new grasses recently released, (Lobo™ Zoysia- grass in 2021 and Sola™ St. Augustinegrass in 2022, both exclusively licensed by Sod Solutions) and so that is pretty exciting. But all our research, including colleagues’, is interesting to me.

Sola™ St. Augustinegrass was released in 2022 by NCSU and is licensed exclusively through Sod Solutions.

Turfgrass is facing criticism for creating monoculture and limited pollinator support. Yet there is research on “pollinator sod” and “refuge” lawns. If you are involved in that, could you tell us more?

Goatley: My colleague, Dr. Shawn Askew, and I initiated a trial on pollinator sod several years ago and it opened our eyes to the difficulty of what seemed like, on paper, a very promising opportunity for promoting an expansion of pollinator habitat. However, since many of the best and most attractive pollinator plants have taproots, it limits traditional sod harvesting strategies for cutting and transplanting.

Further concepts on our end involve pollinator sod grown on plastic (similar to thick-cut sod programs being used on sports fields), but this strategy would obviously come with a very high price tag. We have made a harvestable sod composed primarily of yarrow and fine fescue, but there’s not a lot of diversity in that end product either.

One of the very interesting things that Dr. Askew did — building upon a concept from Dr. Mike Richardson’s program with zoysiagrass at the University of Arkansas — was to plant Spring blooming bulbs under tall fescue and fine fescue sod to provide visual ‘interest’ in a lawn as it wakes and have it serve pollinator needs at a time when there isn’t a lot of maintenance required for the lawn. After six years, there are a few crocus species that seem to be surviving and expanding underneath cool-season sod. But many species of irises and daffodils are not necessarily competing.

Transforming Turf

TruNorth Landscape earned Gold in Residential Lawn Care from NALP for bringing the green back to this grass. Read more…

Feel free to add other info/perspectives helpful to Turf readers.

Goatley: The expectation of the client for “immediate” responses in product availability and performance, information, etc. is only growing in an age filled with such readily available and powerful technology. This presents a lot of challenges BUT also opportunities for the brightest in the Green Industry to educate and serve a clientele with prompt, science-based information strategies, products, and services.

There will always be the necessity for patience in achieving/ delivering the best lawn and landscape possible, but those that will be successful are going to figure out the best way to deliver science-based information in an easily understandable way. My experience has been that most customers are willing to pay premium prices but they do have expectations of premium performance. It is an era of great challenges AND opportunities in the Green Industry.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, or send an e-mail to the Editor at cmenapace@groupc.com.

Service Autopilot By Xplor Unites With Deep Lawn For Instant Lawn Care Quotes

February 28, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Service Autopilot by Xplor, a software solution for field service businesses, announced it has teamed up with Deep Lawn, an AI platform using satellite imagery and advanced algorithms for instant lawn measurements, quotes, and sales. The seamless connection provides greater efficiency for lawn care operators (LCOs), enabling them to prepare and send quotes to customers in a matter of seconds.

With the new integration, lawn care companies will have:

Effortless quotes and sales: Deep Lawn’s AI powers instant lawn measurement and quote generation.
Seamless data transfer: All customer information, measurements, order details, and custom field data flows seamlessly into Service Autopilot by Xplor, eliminating unnecessary data entry.
Enhanced efficiency: Data-driven insights from both platforms enable smarter decision-making, helping to optimize resource allocation and boost overall business performance.

Additionally, the new tool will empower LCOs to supercharge their success by generating automatic measurements, instant pricing for services based on pricing tables, and the ability to add surcharges or offer unique services.

Joel Northrup, CEO of Deep Lawn adds, “Eighty percent of potential lawn care and pest control customers choose the company that gives the first estimate. Now, with Service Autopilot by Xplor and Deep Lawn, lawn care businesses can get a professional automated lawn care, snow removal, or pest control quote to their client in about 60-90 seconds – and make sure they are the first company, every time.”

Deep Lawn is now available to new and existing Service Autopilot by Xplor members. To learn more, visit the website.

For related articles, read:

Winning Government Contracts

Which CRM Software Is Right For Your Landscape Business?

Transforming Turf

February 27, 2024 Uncategorized 0
By Heather Kortokrax
From the February 2024 Issue

 

When the opportunity arises to transform the turf of an esteemed residence in your area, the excitement is tangible, but so is the pressure. Performing well can mean a happy client, referrals, and a huge increase of brand visibility. Yet the stakes are raised even further when the once-lush lawn is now struggling to impress. Fortunately, our crew at TruNorth Landscaping in Traverse City, MI, were ready for just such a challenge and not only delivered a fantastic looking lawn, but earned a Gold Award in Residential Lawn Care from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

The turfgrass at this Old Mission Peninsula home had multiple issues when TruNorth Landscaping of Traverse City, MI was hired to bring it back to health. Two years later, the property earned Gold in Residential Lawn Care from NALP. (All photos courtesy of TruNorth Landscaping)

 

Partnering With Homeowners

In the middle of the 2019 season, homeowners of an Old Mission Peninsula home contacted TruNorth because they were unhappy with yet another year of their 44,500+ square foot lawn not performing well. The clients had built their dream home in a prominent location in the Traverse City area, and they wanted the landscape to complement the home, not detract from it.

The home is in a highly visible location, situated just across the road from the Grand Traverse Bay, but set far back. As a result, the large but lackluster lawn stood out to both roadside travelers as well as the homeowners every time they pulled in their driveway. The homeowners were also hoping to host a graduation party on their front lawn, but felt embarrassed to do so given the state of the grass.

Lawn Care Challenges

TruNorth faced many challenges on this project. They included:

Existing condition of the turf. Upon inspection, the turf itself was in relatively poor condition. The grass was thin with several varieties of weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and thistle. The existing turfgrass was a Mixed Bluegrass blend, which was the appropriate selection for the yard, however, it was not properly cared for.
Poor communication with the previous provider. In addition to the poor health of the turf, the client’s main motivation for seeking new lawn care services was poor communication with their provider. The homeowners had reached out several times with valid requests or questions and did not receive any form of response. In addition, the previous lawn care contractor had failed regularly and consistently to provide services that were promised.
Size and location of the turf. The size and location of both the lawn and the home were additional challenges. While the landscape around the home is designed with a minimalist approach, the lawn area is extremely large. In addition to its size, the turf is located in an area of the property that receives full, direct sun the majority of the day. The sandy soils of Northern Michigan already make it difficult for grass to hold moisture, and at this property, the issue was magnified.
Poorly functioning irrigation system. Upon inspection of the irrigation system, our team found that it had not been serviced or adjusted in quite some time. Several heads were broken, and watering times were too long in some areas and too short in others. We also encountered several drainage issues in the front area of the lawn near the road. Because of the home’s location along the Bay, winds were also impacting the function of the irrigation system.

Lawn Care Solutions

To begin restoring the turfgrass, we started with regular, weekly mowing. Turf was mowed with freshly sharpened blades at about3 1⁄2″ to 4″ long. Because of the size of the property, we used a 60″ Exmark Staris Stand-On Mower. We also performed edging, trimming, and blowing.

In addition to regular mowing and trimming, we aerated the turf in the Fall and overseeded to fill in thinning areas of grass. This allowed our final fertilization to perform more effectively and the lawn to bounce back looking much better than it did when we originally took over.

We took an aggressive approach when it came to both fertilization and weed control. The following chemical applications were completed at the property to bolster turf health:

18-0-45 with Prodiamine
30-0-4 Slow Release Fertilizer
21-0-4 with Merit
Speed Zone Herbicide
Defender Herbicide
Threesome Herbicide

Again, because of the overall size of the property, we used a stand-on Exmark sprayer/spreader to ensure optimal coverage.

Five applications throughout the growing season were timed approximately four to six weeks apart.

The first application consisted of well-balanced granular fertilizer and pre-emergent crabgrass control applied around April.
The second application included slow release balanced granular fertilizer, liquid post emergent weed control, and granular grub control applied in May.
Application three included slow release balanced granular fertilizer and liquid spot treatment of weeds around the end of June.
The fourth application included a slow release well-balanced granular fertilizer with liquid spot treatment of weeds in mid- to late-August.
Finally, a slow release balanced granular fertilizer with liquid post emergent weed control was applied in the Fall.

Communication Solutions

Due to the lack of communication and trust with the homeowners’ previous provider, we knew we had to develop a specific plan of action so the client could feel comfortable and confident that improvements would be made.

Due to the lack of communication and trust with the homeowners’ previous provider, we knew we had to develop a specific plan of action so the client could feel comfortable and confident that improvements would be made.

Our landscape maintenance manager met and discussed a plan with the homeowners prior to beginning service. He explained our service includes regular quality inspections. He also explained the abilities of our landscape management software to the clients and added in several specific notes so no special requests would be missed. The homeowners were also given e-mail addresses and phone numbers of several team members so they could confidently contact us and get a response within 24 hours.

Irrigation & Moisture Solutions

Since the full-day sun was a major contributor to the struggling turf, our team immediately began working on the malfunctioning irrigation system. After hours of troubleshooting, our irrigation experts were able to locate and repair all broken heads.

They also completed what should have been regular maintenance on the system. This revealed drains that were completely clogged in the front yard. Once these drains were cleared out, the drainage issues resolved themselves.

To combat the lakefront wind conditions at the site, we also swapped out several irrigation heads for a different model and adjusted watering times to earlier in the morning instead of late afternoon. For the first few months of service, we also watered two times a day due to the existing state of the turf.

In addition to simply repairing and servicing the existing system, we applied Hydretain, a moistening agent, to the turf. This was especially effective at this property because of the direct sunlight and high temperatures the lawn faces during the Summer months.

Today, we continue to perform regular irrigation maintenance services including adjusting watering times during warmer months.

Troubleshooting Turfgrass Diseases

When battling turfgrass diseases, understanding when to implement cultural and chemical management strategies can save time, labor, and money. Read more…

Award-Winning Results

With a detailed plan and careful attention, we were able to turn the turf around by the middle of the 2021 season. The clients were able to host the graduation party they wanted on an impressive, healthy, and lush lawn. They’re also now excited to pull into their driveway each day.

At TruNorth, as mentioned, we were awarded a Gold Award in lawn care for this property. By addressing the turf challenges head-on, our work at this property showcases the transformative power and importance of specialized lawn care services.

Kortokrax is the marketing and advertising manager for TruNorth Landcaping. TruNorth Landscaping is a design-build and landscape maintenance firm serving Michigan’s Grand Traverse and Leelanau County area.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, or send an e-mail to the Editor at cmenapace@groupc.com.

Bartlett Jr. Awarded TCIA’s Chair Award

February 26, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Robert A. Bartlett, Jr. recently received the Chair’s Award from the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Bartlett Jr. is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bartlett Tree Experts. The award is given by the Chair of the TCIA’s Board of Directors to recognize outstanding contributions to the Association.

TCIA Chair Tom Prosser presented the award at the organization’s 2024 Winter Management Conference on February 12th. In a video announcement, Prosser credited Robert Bartlett and Bartlett Tree Experts. He named them a “leader in plant health care for the past 50 years and for so unselfishly sharing the many discoveries of the Company’s arboricultural research for the benefit of the industry.”

Prosser continued, “It is my honor to honor Robert Bartlett, Jr. as being one of the most important pioneers in the tree care industry over the past 50 years. His commitment to excellence and the progress of the tree care industry ultimately has resulted in a lot of what we call modern arboriculture.”

Bartlett represents the third generation of the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. Bartlett said, “I would like to thank TCIA Chairman Tom Prosser and the Association for this honor. We are thrilled to be recognized for our contributions to advance our industry and benefit the public through education, science, and technology.”

For more recent Turf Magazine coverage of Bartlett Tree Experts, click here.

Davey Will Recycle Wood Waste Into Biochar Soil Additive At New Facility

February 26, 2024 Uncategorized 0
Photo: Davey

The Davey Tree Expert Company is proud to announce the opening of its biochar facility in East Dundee, IL, that will recycle wood waste from client properties and turn it into an environmentally friendly soil additive, biochar.

“Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal-like substance that offers many benefits to the soil,” said Jim Zwack, vice president and general manager, Davey Institute. “Incorporation of biochar into the soil can help resist soil compaction, improve infiltration and retention of water, hold nutrients, and absorb salts. It also doesn’t decompose, unlike compost, so it will continue to provide benefits for many years.”

Photo: Davey

The biochar produced at this facility is not only made of recycled wood waste from client properties, but the opening of the facility will also help Davey reach one of its 2030 goals, to have zero woodchips go to landfills.

“The biochar that we’ll be producing in this facility sets itself apart from other biochar products because it’s created using sustainably-produced wood waste from the work we do on client properties, rather than using non-plant materials or intentionally removing trees just to produce biochar,” said Mike Veney, director, environmental programs, Davey Institute. “We hope our clients see that opening this facility shows that we’re recycling wood waste from the work we do at their properties, which in turn will create a product that’s put back into the environment to benefit the other plants and trees on their landscapes, as well as help the environment as a whole due to biochar’s many sustainable benefits.”

The 4,800 square-foot facility is an expansion of Davey’s mulching operations, which are a set of mulch-producing facilities where wood waste from client properties is used to create natural mulch that is used back on client properties and sold.

“Our mulch facilities and this new biochar facility are all not only great examples of turning waste into a sustainable product for the environment, but also turning waste into revenue,” said Veney. “We see the biochar especially having a great impact on the construction and agriculture industries. This biochar facility will be a pilot for us, and we hope to add more biochar-producing facilities in our other markets down the road. We also believe we’re the first green industry company to open a biochar-producing facility, which is something we’re very proud of.”

The facility currently houses one biochar kiln that will operate 24/7 with plans to install a total of three kilns in the future. The biochar produced at the facility will be used on client properties and sold to the general public.

For more on biochar, see this video from Davey:

Field Management Tablet Plus: Pre-Loaded Jobber Software On A Verizon-Connected Tablet

February 24, 2024 Uncategorized 0

Verizon Business and Jobber have announced the Field Management Tablet Plus, an all-in-one solution designed to meet the needs of home service businesses, such as lawn car and landscape companies. Small and midsize businesses can take advantage of this out-of-the-box bundled solution of preloaded Jobber software on a Verizon-connected tablet to streamline, automate, and organize their daily operations.

The Field Management Tablet Plus solution makes managing field service work easier for business owners, their employees, and the customers they serve. With the Jobber platform, daily tasks such as quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payments are all managed in one place. Customers can also benefit from automated communications and an online self-serve portal.

Having the Jobber app preloaded onto a Verizon-connected tablet removes a barrier many small businesses face: the time-consuming task of loading software applications on a device-by-device basis. Further, through this partnership, businesses can save more by bundling and can receive a single combined bill from Verizon.

Field Management Tablet Plus also helps address security concerns that small and midsize home service business owners face when company and customer information is on their employees’ personal devices. The solution comes preloaded with Verizon Mobile Device Management (MDM), which helps simplify tablet deployment, management, and security policies.

Customers who purchase the Field Management Tablet Plus solution can sign up, manage, and add users to their Jobber account directly through Verizon sales representatives.

For related reading, see:

Get Equipped: Software and Technology

Call Now