Between the Blades with Portage Turf Specialists
Last Call To Repair Those Struggling Shaded Areas!
Did you that your soil is most fertile in February? Our Frost Seeding service goes a long way in creating a thicker lawn in those areas that consistently struggle. Our frost seeding services start at $99 and does a great job at delivering grass where you thought it was impossible.
Same Faces New Places
At Portage Turf Specialists we believe in promoting from within as it fosters growth, loyalty, and excellence within the organization. By prioritizing internal talent for advancement opportunities, Portage Turf Specialists invests in the professional development and empowerment of its employees. This approach not only rewards dedication and hard work but also cultivates a culture of trust and commitment. Internal promotions inspire others to strive for advancement, creating a workforce that is motivated, knowledgeable, and deeply rooted in the company’s values and goals. Moreover, promoting from within ensures continuity in leadership and a deeper understanding of the company’s unique processes and culture. It also reduces recruitment costs and accelerates the integration of promoted employees into their new roles, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of Portage Turf Specialists.
Due to the support of our communities over the last couple of years, we were able to promote two employees over the winter. We would like to recognize Matt Moneypenny as our newest service representative and Ryan Buckley as our newest sales representative.
Matt Moneypenny-Service Representative
Ryan Buckley-Sales Representative
Matt’s upbringing on a farm instilled in him a deep-rooted love for the outdoors, a sentiment that continues to define his lifestyle. Even as he navigates through urban landscapes, Matt finds solace and joy in spending time on the farm whenever he can, reconnecting with nature and embracing the simplicity of rural life. Beyond his affinity for the natural world, Matt’s passion for sports runs deep, with an unwavering allegiance to all three major teams; however, it’s his undying loyalty to the Browns that truly sets his heart on fire. Despite the highs and lows of fandom, he remains steadfast in his support, finding camaraderie and excitement in every game.
Alongside his sports fervor, Matt’s talents extend to the kitchen and garden, where he effortlessly crafts delectable meals and tends to flourishing greenery with a touch of finesse. Yet, it’s within the realm of his profession that Matt truly thrives, relishing the opportunity to transform lackluster lawns into vibrant landscapes. This aspect of his job not only showcases his skill but also brings him immense satisfaction, merging his passion for the outdoors with his innate talent for cultivation and rejuvenation.
Ryan epitomizes the essence of a family-oriented individual, finding profound joy in spending quality time outdoors with his loved ones. Whether it’s pitching tents under the starry sky or embarking on scenic hikes, Ryan’s passion for camping and outdoor adventures knows no bounds. His children, a son and daughter, are his constant companions in these escapades, fostering strong bonds and creating cherished memories amidst nature’s embrace. However, when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities, Ryan seamlessly transitions to indoor pursuits, immersing himself in the world of video games or delving deep into his coding projects. Despite his varied interests, Ryan’s unwavering allegiance lies with the Cleveland Guardians, a sports devotion ingrained in him since childhood. As he eagerly anticipates each game, his enthusiasm spills over into his professional life, where he channels his passion for landscaping. With both new and existing clients, Ryan approaches his work with zeal, striving to transform lawns into picturesque havens that reflect his clients’ dreams and aspirations. The blend of his familial values, recreational pursuits, sports fandom, and professional dedication defines Ryan’s multifaceted persona, making him a cherished member of both his family and his community.
What's New for 2024?
Insect Bundle Packages
Due to insect pressure over the last couple of years, we are offering some new insect packages for 2024. This will allow our customers full season protection as well as save some additional money on their programs to ensure that have complete and total coverage. Programs available in bundling include
- Mosquito/Tick Program
- Perimeter Pest Program (Keeps Bugs Out of Home)
- Grub/Insect Preventative
- Lawn Insect Protection Program
Mosquito/Tick Program and Perimeter Pest Program will now be applied by an insect/pest specialist (separate from your lawn visit).
Referral Program
Due to the success of our referral program, we have increased the amount of money that we credit our customers per referral. We have bumped this up to $50 per referral from the previous $40 that we offered. Keep in mind there are unlimited referrals, but referrals must be a new customer with Portage Turf Specialists and enlist with a full season package.
Tips For A Great Season
Mowing
Proper mowing techniques are crucial to delivering a great lawn to our customers. Some of our recommendations include.
- Mulching your grass back into your lawn. Grass clippings not only provide nutrients to your soil but will also protect the soil during times of drought leading to less weeds naturally. Customers who bag their lawns can discard up to sixty percent of their fertilizer throughout the season.
- Cut High and Watch It Fly- Cutting the lawn 3.5 to 4 inches is a simple and effective way to fill your lawn in. Allowing the grass to tell you when it needs cut rather than cutting it on a weekly schedule will ensure that the grass has time to recover from environmental stresses. Keep in mind that with each cut the lawn is being damaged and needs time to repair itself before cutting again.
- Rotate your cuts-Mowing in the same direction will teach your grass to lay down. By rotating your cuts you will teach your grass to grow tall and provide additional shade to the soil
- Wait a minimum of 24 hours after treatments. Because we use granular fertilizer this is non impacted by mowing early but any weed control needs time to reach the root system. Waiting 24 hours gives our treatments a reasonable amount of time to do their job.
Watering
In Northeast Ohio, the watering schedule for lawns typically depends on several factors such as soil type, grass species, weather conditions, and local water restrictions. However, a general guideline for watering lawns in this region is as follows:
Frequency: Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and frequently. Lawns generally need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. It’s better to water deeply 1-2 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Timing: Water early in the morning, ideally between 6 am and 10 am, to reduce evaporation and allow the grass to dry before evening, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Soil Moisture: Check the soil moisture before watering. If the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to water runoff and shallow root growth.
Adjust for Weather: Adjust the watering schedule based on weather conditions. During periods of hot and dry weather, lawns may need more frequent watering. Conversely, during cooler and rainy periods, reduce watering frequency.
Watering Technique: Use a sprinkler system or hose with a sprinkler attachment to ensure even coverage. Water should penetrate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to encourage deep root growth.
Conservation: Consider using rain barrels or other water-saving techniques to collect rainwater for lawn watering, and be mindful of any local water restrictions or guidelines.
It’s also essential to monitor the lawn’s health and adjust the watering schedule accordingly. Signs of underwatering include wilting, browning, or footprints remaining on the grass. Conversely, signs of overwatering include soggy soil, fungus growth, and a shallow root system. By following these guidelines and adapting them to your lawn’s specific needs, you can maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn in Northeast Ohio.
Account Management
Please keep in mind that we are a paperless company. Our invoicing is included in your after-service email. Most of our customers choose to prepay for their services to receive an extra 5 percent off their services but we also accept ACH and credit card payments through our online customer portal at www.portageturf.com. We also offer Google and Apple pay payments through Stripe. You can find the link to this quick pay option on our site as well.
We will continue to notify our customers through our texting service as it’s been a customer favorite over the past two seasons. Please keep in mind that this is a full service texting service and that you can text us anytime. Our messages are read and answered by our office staff so if we don’t answer right away we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not routinely see our email communication, please forward your email to us through text at 330-296-8873 so that we can correct your account information.
Current Promotions
