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I was just reading an article in Irrigation and Green Industry online magazine about St.Johns County Florida putting restrictions on irrigation and fertilizer applications due to excessive nutrients moving into bodies of water in the area. It seems as though they would begin looking at aerating and topdressing lawns with compost which would solve two problems for them. Number one it would reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and two it would add organic matter to the soil that would hold back the run off. The process would also improve the soil. Seems much more simple and earth friendly.
This situation is a prime example of how an alternative method could be helpful if only it was applied.
Posted by John Bentley - 06.30.10 @ 04:33 PM EST
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I just read an article which you can find at the following link: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100615/NEWS01/6150330/1002/NEWS about the Department of Environmental Conservation in New York encouraging a more organic approach to lawn care. This is a trend that has been moving south from Canada through New England and now into New York. It seems folks are waking up to the idea that organic may be a better way to go and it is good for the environment. We have been writing for some time about the importance of stopping the flow of chemicals into our waterways from run off. Because lawns tend to have poor soils aerating and then topdressing with Compost can help improve the soil, reduce water requirements as well as the need for pesticides and high power chemical fertilizers.
There are similar trends going on in other parts of the country but it is most pronounced in the Northeast.
Because of all the interest in organic lawn care other products are being developed that are also beneficial. We believe this trend will gain more momentum in the next few years and provide new options for home owners as well as new service opportunities for land care companies.
Keep topdressing.
Posted by John Bentley - 06.23.10 @ 11:38 AM EST
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The Topdressing season is in full swing and it seems like every year more and more contractors are getting requests from home owners to topdress their lawns. The move toward a more organic approach to lawn care continues to grow. People are beginning to "get it". First we must concentrate on the soil before we can grow healthy grass. The majority of the people I talk to are landscape contractors who are looking into ways to spread compost on lawns. From what I have seen, one contractor begins the process in a geographic area and they become successful after much educating of their customer base. This helps them because now they have one more service to offer their customers and a new way to increase revenues and profit. After a while other contractors will see that it is working and the service expands. As Peter Drucker said "The first with the most". In other words the first one in that captures the market and their name sticks is usually the winner. It is kind of like "Band-Aid" the first one in with the most sales.
Topdressing with compost and compost blends works.
Posted by John Bentley - 04.13.10 @ 11:20 AM EST
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As spring approaches we begin to see the early flowers poking their pretty heads up and it makes us realize that yard work is in order. We usually begin about now in Pennsylvania cleaning out the beds and putting on some Organic Fertilizer. Next is getting the lawn ready. As it warms up we will begin to see some color coming back to the grass. That is the time to begin considering spreading a good quality compost on the lawn and also consider aeration and reseeding. I like to topdress with compost first and then aerate simply because it brings the cores up to the surface where they can dry. Next I spread grass seed and finally drag the yard with a drag mat or a piece of chain link fence with a 2 x 4 tied to the back end for weight. The dragging process helps break up the cores, blend the compost with the native soil and incorporate the seed into the soil. This process helps get more air to the grass root system, increases the organic matter in the soil which improves microbial activity that helps retain soil moisture in heavy soils which in turn reduces runoff and makes the lawn less likely to brown out during dry periods. Wow, that was a mouthful.
After the fall and winter show season we again see an increased number of landscapers that are interested in going more organic in their lawn care approach. We are excited because we understand the value of having healthy soils that grow better grass and are better for our environment.
Have a great spring and go Organic.
Posted by John Bentley - 03.18.10 @ 01:13 PM EST
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| Earth & Turf is just finishing up the winter show season and will have some machines available that have come back from the shows. To find out what is available contact us at 888-693-2638
Posted by John Bentley - 02.15.10 @ 12:48 PM EST
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| The New England Grows Show held Feb. 3rd to the 5th was a really great show for Earth & Turf. Every year more contractors are learning the benefits of spreading compost and other Earth Friendly products onto their green areas. They are also finding that topdressing as a business is growing and a great way to diversify and sell additional services to their customers. Earth & Turf's commitment to improving the soils by providing the market with simple well built equipment is paying off. To learn more about the benefits of topdressing and how you can increase your profits read some of our previous articles or just give us a call at 1-888-693-2638.
Posted by John Bentley - 02.15.10 @ 12:27 PM EST
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Earth & Turf Products LLC will be displaying at the American Baseball Coaches Show held in Dallas Texas January 7th to 9th, 2010. The ABCA is the premier show for baseball coaches from all over the United States. Earth and Turf will display the model 200 Multispread tow type ground drive topdresser as well as the model 24D push spreader. The show will be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Show times are Thursday January 7th from 1 pm to 6pm, Friday the 8th from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Hope to see you there.
Posted by John Bentley - 01.06.10 @ 02:08 PM EST
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| All the compost is spread the seeds have been laid for a beautiful spring lawn that soon will be made. A warm blanket of snow now covers the lawn protecting the the turf til the warm spring dawn. The work has been done and now it's time for some play so grab your sled and enjoy the day. Family and friends all gather around to enjoy creation's beauty in every small town. We wish you the the best and some Christmas cheer and pray God will Bless you in the coming New Year.
Posted by John Bentley - 12.24.09 @ 09:03 AM EST
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