In an area with strong pesticide restrictions, it’s hard to find a product that not only controls difficult weeds, but keeps them from returning. Lawn care operators in Long Island, New York, constantly battle weeds like wild violet, curly dock, oxalis, plantain and ground ivy, which grow rampant in the Northeast.
Rich Mailander, owner of Lawn Patrol of Long Island, researched a variety of products, and kept running into the same problem. The pesticides weren’t labeled for use in Nassau and Suffolk counties, or they didn’t control these key weeds. It wasn’t until he discovered Turflon® Ester Ultra specialty herbicide, designed for postemergence weed control, that he found a solution.
He first used Turflon Ester Ultra on an 11-acre estate covered in violet, red woodsorrel, plantain and ground ivy.
“I was hesitant at first, because it was October, and I thought it was too late in the season to apply herbicides. We tried it, though, and I’m glad we did. We saw great control through the winter and into the spring.”
Rich Mailander, owner of Lawn Patrol of Long Island
He treated the same property again the following fall and summer, and there were no signs of violet, ground ivy or woodsorrel. Since then, he started adding carfentrazone to help the Turflon Ester Ultra move through the plants faster. It also helps with dandelion and chickweed control. In the spring, he mixes Turflon Ester Ultra with a preemergence herbicide for additional control.
He noted cost- and labor-savings, in addition to fewer callbacks.
“Turflon Ester Ultra is a tremendous asset for my business, especially in an area where there are so many restrictions,” Mailander says. “I can make applications in the fall, spring or summer and see great control regardless of the season. As a result, Turflon Ester Ultra has allowed me to expand my route.”
Lawn Patrol works primarily with commercial properties and high-end homes, maintaining roughly 2.5 million square feet of turf per application. Mailander also served as the executive board chairman of the Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association.
State restrictions on the sale and use of Turflon Ester Ultra apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details.
Posted In: Business success
Tagged: ground ivy, Turflon Ester Ultra, violet
