How We Protect The Environment!

The recent news coming from South Carolina of a massive bee kill from pesticide use has reminded us of the high risks involved in our industry. When we first learned about this tragedy, we asked a few questions that were quickly answered. It appears that a major lapse in following proper procedures were made when making the pesticide application. 

As more of the story was made public, we decided that we should make a clear statement on how we protect the environment and the practices and policies we have in place to keep everyone and everything safe. 

Properly Trained and Licensed Technicians

We feel the first step in protecting the environment is to have properly trained and licensed technicians. Every technician employed at Bowman's Pro Turf carries a Pesticide Applicator License through the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This license is obtained only after the successful completion of the CORE examination issued by OISC. Once the exam has been passed, our technicians receive in depth, on site training. Our trainers have a combined 50 years experience in the lawn care industry. 

Proper Disposal of Containers

Each day we go through dozens of bags and jugs of products. All of the used containers are disposed of in an OISC approved facility. Any jug that contained a liquid product is triple-rinsed and holes are drilled in the bottom, rendering them useless. We also require our technicians to make a count each morning and evening of total bags loaded and used. This allows us to track the amount of waste that we produce and ensure that no trash is left behind on a job site. 

Responsible Use and Knowledge of Fertilizer and Pesticides

Several times a year we attend seminars and training sessions regarding industry updates. Through these sessions, new information is shared about advances made on the products we use. We also are extremely conscious about how much products we use on lawns. There are very specific regulations that mandate how much of certain products can be used in a given time frame. We watch these regulations closely and adjust our lawn care programs accordingly. We also are very aware of the recommended nitrogen amounts suggested by several reputable institutions. This allows us to further adjust our programs while still maintaining maximum results. 

Pesticides and herbicides that are used are strictly regulated both at the national and state level. Every product that we apply has already met strict regulator standards put forward by the Environmental Protection Agency. We will never use a product that has not met these requirements. Similarly, each product is issued a label by the EPA. That label instructs the user of specific site, personal protection equipment, rate of product, and any special restrictions. The label is law and if any part of the label is not followed, the user is in violation and at risk of harming themselves, others, and the environment. 

Avoid Adverse Weather Conditions During Applications

Weather is one of the biggest challenges in the lawn care industry. If we feel that the weather conditions are not fitting to make an application, we will hold off until it is more appropriate. Wind can blow products off and away from the indented target. We are constantly monitoring the weather and making decisions accordingly. 

To protect our liquid products from runoff, we mix and additive in our tanks that enhance the ability for the product to stick to the surface of the intended target. If it rains shortly after an application, our products have a higher chance of staying where we applied them and less chance of runoff.     

Pollinator Protection 

Earlier in the year we shared how we have partnered with Bayer Bee Care for their Feed A Bee program. So far, we have distributed over 3,000 wildflower seed packets in the Wabash Valley. We have trained our technicians about how to properly apply our products without harming pollinators. We have several customers who are bee keepers and have worked with them to maintain a pollinator friendly lawn care program. 

You can read our article about the FeedABee program here.

Pollinator Protection EPA

Follow Strict Office of Indiana State Chemist Guidelines

There are hundreds of laws and regulations in place to protect the environment. We gladly follow and abide to each of these regulations. Wavering from any of the safety regulations that are in place can create a business culture of taking short cuts. We will never cut corners when it comes to protecting our employees, our customers, and our environment. 

For more information about the Office of Indiana State Chemist you can visit their website at www.oisc.purdue.edu. 

If you have any questions about our environmental practices, please let us know. You can learn more about our company by visiting our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Midwest Regional Turf Foundation: Purdue Summer Field Day 2016

Purdue University Logo on turf

On July 14th, Dennis and I had the opportunity to attend the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF) Summer Field day at Purdue University. More specifically, we spent 8 hours at the William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center. I wanted to share a few of the topics that were discussed and some pictures from our day. 

It is very hard to accurately describe the Daniel's Center. The grounds hold 22 acres dedicated to studying turf, both residential and sport. Experiments happen daily at all times of the year. Professors and companies work together to test anything you can think of in the turf industry. Throughout the 22 acres, we were able to have hands on experience with the professors and their research as they led us through training sessions and discussion. Some of what we talked learned about was the "behind the scenes" experiments that happen years before a new product, equipment, or grass seed cultivar hits the market. Everything that was discusses helps us to provide a better service to you! 

Not all grass seed is created equally!

One of my favorite experiment plots at the Daniel's Center is where they are testing new cultivars of grass seeds. These experiments test several things including drought stress, disease resistance, and durability. 

Bluegrass Seed Plots

Many of the seed cultivars tested here do not have names. The manufactures test different species and mixes to see how they hold up over time. It was very interesting to see how different each plot was from those around it. These seed plots were planted 3 ago and have had proper irrigation, fertilizer, and weed control. 

The most obvious difference was in the Kentucky-31 or K31 seed. A homeowner will often read "Kentucky" and assume that it is a bluegrass. That is not the case! If you look close at the following picture, you can see the K31 is much lighter in color and has a wider blade.

Kentucky 31 or K31 grass between Turf Type Tall Fescue

Walmart and Rural King will have K31 grass seed on sale for a very cheap price. As you can see, even with ideal irrigation, fertilizer and weed control, the K31 stands out as undesirable among the rest. It goes to show that you get what you pay for.

Thousands of studies!

As the day progressed, we were able to learn about just a handful of the current studies that are happening. It was fascinating to hear how many different ways they test equipment, products, grass types, and much more. All of the experiments they preform are replicated at multiple locations throughout the 22 acre complex to ensure that they have the most accurate data. Below are pictures of some of the experiments.

This picture shows one experiment testing what affects mowing height and fertility have on dandelion blooms. A common theme throughout every experiment that involved mowing height was that the higher you mow, the less weeds are present. You can also observe that the turf is darker on the plots that are mowed above 3.5 inches.

Mowing Height Demonstration

The white grub is one of the most destructive insect pests in our region. This area is being used to test different behaviors of the white grubs and their adult beetles. It is fenced off with electrical wire and the beetles are protected in small cages to protect them from being eaten by animals. 

White Grub Management Experiment

The hot, humid, and rainy conditions have produced an ideal environment for many turf diseases.If you look closely at this picture, you can see the middle area was treated with a fungicide. The surrounding areas might have also been treated with fungicide but maybe at a different rate, with a different machine, or different formulation. 

Golf Course Turf Disease Management

This area shows the effectiveness of about 10 different types of crabgrass pre emergent used at the same time. The study went into detail so far as to test the effect of watering in immediately or waiting a week for rain. Each herbicide was also tested at different strengths.

Pre-emergent Experiment

Summary

Field Day Book

Overall we had a great day! Special thanks to everyone how put on this event and Dr. Aaron Patton who led many of our sessions. We had a great time learning about current topics in the lawn care management industry and how we can better serve our customers. A lot of what we talked about was how we can achieve better results. I was fascinated to see how many different ways they test one product before it even makes it back to the manufacture for final production. We talked about much more than what I can fit into this blog post!

As I have said before, lawn care is more than just a hobby. We are constantly reading and learning about different turf management topics. We utilize experts to become better informed so that we can provide the best service to our customers. While having a license to perform lawn care applications is important, a company also needs to have the knowledge of how to use that license. 

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Head over to our website for more information about services we offer.

About MRTF

The mission of the MRTF is to support turf research and education at Purdue University for the advancement of the turfgrass industry.

Visit www.mrtf.org to learn more about the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation.

Problem Pest: Moles

Moles are some of the most destructive pests that we see on a daily basis. Recently, we have received more phone calls than normal regarding mole treatments and what solutions we have for this issue. Below are some common questions and answers about moles. All of this information can be found through Purdue University and has research to back it up.

Mole

If I have moles that means I have grubs!

No. This is simply not the case. Moles primarily eat earth worms. If you do have grubs, they will also eat the grubs. We have been asked to preform grub treatments on lawns to "get rid of the moles." Because this is a huge misconception, we have not and will not ever claim that the grub treatment will get rid of moles. Getting rid of grubs will not get rid of moles. 

Spraying castor oil and soap on my lawn will prevent moles, right?

Again, no. There is nothing on the market that has been scientifically proven to prevent moles. Spraying oils and soaps on your lawn will actually do more damage than good. Articles and DIY blogs instruct to soak the lawn so visible puddles are shown. These pictures show the oily rainbow slick produce by the "treatment." Home remedy solutions to moles and other lawn care nuisances are often more toxic and harmful to the environment than products specifically designed for that use. 

If you want to waste time, money, and hurt the environment then go ahead and spray this oily solution all over your lawn. We do not recommend going this route, no matter what the DIY bloggers say. 

Chewing gum, beans, and bombs! 

Mole Run Damage 

No, no and NO! These remedies simply do not work. Many of the home remedy solutions involve a "Caddyshack" like approach to fix the issue. Almost all of these remedies are more harmful to humans than they are to moles. 

Traps don't work!

You guessed it...no! Traps have been our most reliable form of mole control. With the proper placement and trap, moles stand little chance. The more traps that are properly set, the more likely the moles will be caught and eliminated. Many consumers believe that traps are just like snake oil and do not work. Traps need to be well maintained and placed in areas where moles are active. If nothing is caught, move the trap! 

Our Recommendations...

We recommend and provide 2 treatment options for moles.

1. Mole Bait-The mole bait that we use looks like earth worms. When applied correctly, the moles will eat the bait and be eliminated. 
2. Mole Traps- The mole traps that we use are spring loaded and all underground. We recommend moving the traps ever few days having several traps in the infested area. 

Remember, there is nothing on the market that will ever prevent mole families from moving into your lawn. As research has shown, the most effective and reliable method is trapping.

Always read and follow all labeled instructions when using traps or bait. If you are unsure, call a professional like us. We can provide these treatments and get your on the right track to finding a solution to manage this issue! 

You can read more about moles here! Make sure that you are getting your information from a credible source. Just because you hear multiple say the same thing does not make it right. Do your research like we have. Check multiple sources and see what experts say. There are individuals who spend years doing research on the environment. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Head over to our website to find our more information about our company and the services we offer.