Member Spotlight: Custom Turf
“We make sure our customer's lawn stands out . . . for the right reasons: thick, healthy, and weed-free turf,” said
Lori Walbring.
Lori and her husband Matt started Custom Turf almost 13 years ago and take pride in making lawns in the Quincy area look great.
“We provide custom application of lawn fertilization and weed control products,” said Matt. “Our business is primarily residential, but we have commercial customers as well. Our lawn care program includes four main applications throughout the year: a crabgrass pre-emergent and fertilizer in March; a spring broadleaf weed control and fertilizer in April or May; a fall application of broadleaf weed control and fertilizer; and winter fertilizer, which is applied in October or November.”
“Mother nature is always the biggest challenge in our business,” said Lori. “We can’t predict or control the weather, which sometimes makes it difficult to schedule product application.”
“This year’s weather patterns have not been ideal for grass,” said Matt. “The frequent rainfall through June prevented the grass from developing a strong root system – and the extended period of hot, dry weather after that put extra stress on grass with already shallow roots.”
While irrigation is an option, and is often helpful in new construction, it isn’t always practical. According to the Walbrings, proper selection and care of grass will help lawns stay healthy and remain green even during hot and dry conditions.
“Bluegrass is great for some lawns,” said Lori, “But it requires the right conditions and some TLC. Fescue has a wider blade, but it withstands heat and drought better than Bluegrass, and grows better in areas with a lot of clay in the soil. We always recommend soil testing before doing any seeding or fertilizing.”
Mowing can also play a big role in keeping grass healthy.
“The biggest problems we see on a regular basis are cutting the grass too short and overcutting, or mowing too often,” said Matt. “We recommend mowing on the highest setting on your mower – 3 or 3.5 inches during normal conditions and 4 or 5 inches during hot, dry spells. It’s also important to keep the blades sharp and the mower clean. Dull blades will shred the tops of the grass blades, causing stress – and mowers that aren’t cleaned between each mowing will spread seed for weeds and crabgrass.”
Lawns also need consistent care to look their best.
“People sometimes think one single application of weed control or fertilizer will solve their lawn’s problems,” said Matt. “Homeowners need to commit to a regular lawn care program - a healthy, attractive lawn is a constant work in progress.”
As Matt and Lori have helped customers develop beautiful, healthy lawns, they have built the business from the ground up, taking time to do things the right way.
“Our business is regulated by the EPA and Department of Agriculture to ensure fertilizer and weed control products are carefully handled – from storage to application and containment,” said Lori.
“We worked with the EPA, even before we started building, to make sure everything was – and continues to be - done correctly,” said Matt. “We had to hire an engineer; it was a long process – but it has paid off.”
“Satisfied customers – with dark green, weed-free lawns - are the most rewarding part of our business. One customer recently sold his home and attributed the quick sale of the house to his lawn. Of course it wasn’t the only factor, but he said his house really stood out among the houses with brown, dormant grass,” said Matt.
Family involvement is the final piece of foundation Matt and Lori have built for Custom Turf.
“We are both involved in the business, and my mom helps with the bookkeeping,” said Lori. “Two of our children already help with small tasks. We hope they will develop an interest in the business as they get older.”
To learn more about Custom Turf or to schedule a free estimate for your lawn, contact the Walbrings at 222-3282 or visit www.custom-turf.com.
