Safety On The Job: Six Steps To Adopting A Culture Of Safety
Turf Editors
What Are The Top Turfgrass Challenges Anticipated For 2022?
Weather is inconsistent; crabgrass, nutsedge, and brown patch can be counted on. With last year’s employment and supply chain issues, the usual technical challenges, like hard-to-control weeds and diseases, did not go away. Looking back on 2021 from Weed Man’s national perspective of franchises across North America, there were plenty of challenging turfgrass issues. Remembering these challenges can help us be on the lookout and prepared for what 2022 may have in store. Weathering Challenges A big part of the challenge when it comes to weeds and disease is related to weather—and unfortunately, we have no control over this major factor. 2021 was a year of weather extremes from record-shattering heat to frigid cold waves, torrential downpours to relentless drought. Weather plays a major role in the amount of weeds as well as the types and severity of diseases. But it also has major implications on efficacy of treatment applications. For example, in mid-February 2021, a historic cold wave crippled the Central U.S. It was especially disruptive to the weed applications already started, from Texas all along the Gulf States. Cold weather can make weed control difficult and slow down weed death; not to mention concerns for equipment freezing. In early summer, the Central U.S. again saw several severe weather systems, producing significant thunderstorms and some hail. These storms were particularly hard on pre-emergent controls as heavy rain can reduce effectiveness. These storms also brought adult army worms which created major issues later in the season. The East and ...
What Are The Top Turfgrass Challenges Anticipated For 2022?
Weather is inconsistent; crabgrass, nutsedge, and brown patch can be counted on. With last year’s employment and supply chain issues, the usual technical challenges, like hard-to-control weeds and diseases, did not go away. Looking back on 2021 from Weed Man’s national perspective of franchises across North America, there were plenty of challenging turfgrass issues. Remembering these challenges can help us be on the lookout and prepared for what 2022 may have in store. Weathering Challenges A big part of the challenge when it comes to weeds and disease is related to weather—and unfortunately, we have no control over this major factor. 2021 was a year of weather extremes from record-shattering heat to frigid cold waves, torrential downpours to relentless drought. Weather plays a major role in the amount of weeds as well as the types and severity of diseases. But it also has major implications on efficacy of treatment applications. For example, in mid-February 2021, a historic cold wave crippled the Central U.S. It was especially disruptive to the weed applications already started, from Texas all along the Gulf States. Cold weather can make weed control difficult and slow down weed death; not to mention concerns for equipment freezing. In early summer, the Central U.S. again saw several severe weather systems, producing significant thunderstorms and some hail. These storms were particularly hard on pre-emergent controls as heavy rain can reduce effectiveness. These storms also brought adult army worms which created major issues later in the season. The East and ...
Business Management: Is Franchising For You?
Thinking about buying a franchise? Then you’re probably facing a lot of questions. When is the right timing? Is it the best path? You want to diversify and grow your business, but is this the best way to do it? Though there’s no question franchising can be a successful way to expand, it’s not right for everyone. Here’s some advice, as well as pros and cons. Timing Is Everything Eric Martin, vice president of franchise development for Lawn Doctor, says that before buying a franchise, you have to consider where you are in life, including where you stand financially. “In order to be successful, you want to make sure that this is the right time for you to make this decision. What are your income goals, and what savings do you have? It takes some time to become profitable and build revenue,” says Martin. Though he adds, “…But it happens a lot faster when you’re not doing it all on your own—when you have the support of a system behind you.” “If you’re looking for ways to add more cash flow, then it’s a good time to explore your options,” says Jennifer Lemcke, chief operating officer of Weed Man Lawn Care. “You might be thinking about adding a new division and weighing what you gain by joining a franchise system rather than expanding on your own.” Lemcke says many business owners contemplate diversification to compete with competition, meet more customers’ needs, and encourage both employee and client retention. More ...
