Turf Tenders

08/13/2026

Thin turf, bare spots or compacted soil?

Fall is the best time to repair and thicken a Northern Indiana lawn. Turf Tenders uses heavy-duty zero-turn equipment to pull clean, consistent cores throughout the property—not simply poke holes in the surface.

Core aeration opens the soil profile so air, water, nutrients and seed can reach the root zone. Paired with professional overseeding, it helps fill thin or damaged areas and strengthen the lawn you already have.

See the difference professional aeration and overseeding can make.

Our fall schedule is limited, and we expect to reach capacity.

Tap “Send Message” and send us your property address to request a quote and reserve your spot.

07/23/2026

We’re Hiring – Lawn Care Technician

Turf Tenders is looking to add another technician to our team.

If you’re looking for a job where you can work hard, learn a skilled trade, and be rewarded for your performance, this may be a good fit.

This is not a mowing or landscaping job. We specialize in professional lawn fertilization, w**d control, insect control, and disease treatments. You’ll learn to operate commercial equipment, diagnose lawn problems, and manage your own customer route.

No experience is necessary. We’re willing to train the right person.

Training Pay: $16–$20/hour

Once you’ve completed training and are running your own route, technicians earn $22–$25/hour and are eligible for daily production bonuses of up to $50–$75.

What we’re looking for:

* Someone who shows up every day and is ready to work.
* Someone who takes pride in doing a job right.
* Someone who can work independently without being micromanaged.
* Someone who wants to keep learning and improving.

We’re proud of the team we’ve built. We hire people with integrity, strong work ethic, and a professional attitude because that’s who we want representing Turf Tenders every day.

What we offer:

* Monday–Friday schedule (8:00 AM–5:00 PM)
* Paid training
* Paid Time Off
* Simple IRA with company match
* End-of-season bonus
* Paid pesticide licensing and professional training

If you’re tired of dead-end jobs and want to build a career with a company that values quality work and quality people, we’d like to talk with you.

Apply online at:
https://turftendersinc.com/employment.php

Know someone who would be a good fit? Share this post or tag them in the comments.

Apply to become a Lawn Care Technician with Turf Tenders in Bremen, Indiana. Paid training starts at $16–$20 per hour, with independent technician pay of $22–$25 per hour plus qualifying production bonuses.

05/29/2026

Windy Spring = Drying Lawns and Some Schedule Delays

We've gone from wondering if it would ever stop raining to watching lawns dry out surprisingly fast.

The biggest factor right now isn't necessarily the lack of rain—it's been the wind. The almost constant wind we've had this spring has been pulling moisture out of lawns at a much faster rate than normal. We're starting to see some lawns show early signs of drought stress, especially those without irrigation.

The wind has also affected our application schedule. We do not apply products during excessively windy conditions because we want treatments to stay where they belong and perform the way they're intended. That means we've had more weather delays this spring than we normally experience, and some customers may notice a longer interval between applications.

If your lawn is starting to look dry, now is a good time to pay attention to watering. Purdue recommends about 1 to 1½ inches of water per week for established cool-season lawns. A deep soaking once or twice per week is generally much better than a light watering every day.

One other note: if you're signed up for grub control and your property does not have irrigation, we may delay that application until we see a better chance of rainfall. Grub control needs moisture to move into the soil and do its job, and we'd rather apply it under the right conditions than waste the opportunity.

As always, we're keeping a close eye on weather conditions and making adjustments where needed. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding.

— Matthew & the Turf Tenders Team

08/20/2025

Let’s Talk About Spurge!
Over the last few weeks, spurge has quickly become one of the most aggressive w**ds in our area. If your lawn has thin or stressed spots, chances are this fast-spreading w**d has already tried to move in. We’re seeing it pop up especially where lawns were weakened by summer disease pressure or heat stress.
Spurge is a low-growing annual w**d that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It hugs the ground in a spreading, circular pattern, and if you snap a stem, you’ll often notice a milky sap. Left unchecked, it quickly crowds out healthy turf, leaving your lawn patchy and weak.
Why so much spurge this year?
Our spring pre-emergent (crabgrass preventer) is designed to protect lawns until late July. Crabgrass typically germinates once soil temps hit ~55°F, while spurge waits until much warmer soils—around 75°F. This season, crabgrass started early in May and spurge followed in July. Unfortunately, several heavy rainstorms in midsummer washed out the protective barrier a couple weeks too soon, giving spurge the perfect window to invade.
The best long-term defense is thick, healthy turf. Proper mowing (3.5–4 inches), consistent watering, and balanced fertilization all help close the gaps where w**ds sneak in. In the short term, we are applying post-emergent w**d control to knock back spurge and restore balance to lawns.
If you’re seeing spurge—or any other lawn issues—give Turf Tenders a call. We’ll get your lawn back on track and looking its best.

08/12/2025

This Summer’s Lawn Update
This summer has been a season of extremes. We’ve experienced heavy rainfall followed by long stretches of dry weather, cool 70° days in the middle of July, and an unusually high number of hot days—20 days over 90° so far, compared to the seasonal average of 13. Humidity arrived early this year and has lingered for most of the season.
All these weather swings have put significant stress on lawns in our area:
• Heavy rainfall has washed away pre-emergent w**d control earlier than normal.
• Heat stress has pushed cool-season grasses—like bluegrass—past their comfort zone. Bluegrass thrives below 85° and begins to decline above that point.
• High humidity + heat have created perfect conditions for turf diseases like dollar spot and brown patch, which we’ve found in almost every yard this season.
• Thinning turf from stress has left openings for summer annual w**ds like spurge and crabgrass to take hold and thrive, even where pre-emergent was applied.
We’re working hard to help lawns recover, but your participation will make all the difference until cooler, wetter weather (hopefully) returns this fall.
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What Turf Tenders Can Do for You
• Post-emergent w**d control to target any w**ds that have appeared since your last application.
• Poly-coated, slow-release fertilizer to aid recovery when moisture returns.
• Optional insect control to reduce chinch bugs and other turf-damaging insects.
• Optional Fungicide treatments to stop the spread of active turf diseases.
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What You Can Do to Help Your Lawn
• Mow higher. Taller grass means more leaf surface for photosynthesis, stronger roots, better drought tolerance, and fewer w**ds. Cutting too short exposes the soil, stresses the plant, and increases w**d pressure.
• Water wisely. Aim for 1–2 inches per week, applying water deeply and infrequently—3–4 times per week for 40+ minutes per zone. Water early in the morning so grass can dry by afternoon. Avoid overwatering, as disease thrives in constantly moist turf.
• Report problems quickly. You see your lawn every day; we visit only four times per year. If you notice w**ds, insects, or disease issues, contact us right away so we can address them promptly.

06/30/2025

Watering Strategy for Hot, Dry Weather

Efficient watering is one of the most important practices during a hot Indiana summer. When temperatures stay in the upper 80s and 90s, turf roots can quickly become desiccated. Watering deeply and infrequently helps the lawn develop a deeper root system that can tolerate longer dry periods.

The best time to irrigate is early in the morning between 4 AM and 8 AM. This allows the lawn to absorb moisture before the sun evaporates it and reduces the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in damp evening conditions. Light, daily watering does more harm than good, encouraging shallow root growth and weak turf structure.

Turf Tenders advises homeowners to aim for about 1-2 inches of total water per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge or straight-sided container to monitor water output. This summer, thoughtful watering practices are more important than ever for long-term lawn health.

06/23/2025

Preventative Grub Control: Timing & Value

June remains the most effective time to apply preventative grub control. These treatments work best before grub larvae hatch and begin feeding on turf roots. Waiting too long results in costly turf damage, spongy patches, and even the need for reseeding.

Preventative products, such as those containing imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole, offer long residual control and dramatically reduce the likelihood of curative treatment later.

Turf Tenders uses research-backed timing and product selection to protect your lawn proactively. Investing in prevention now saves time, money, and frustration later in the season.

06/17/2025

Diagnosing Drought Stress vs Dormancy

A lawn that looks dead in June may actually be dormant. During dry spells, turf grasses—particularly Kentucky Bluegrass—naturally enter dormancy to conserve water and energy. Dormant grass turns tan or brown but can survive for weeks if the crown remains viable. Recognizing this difference can prevent unnecessary watering or reseeding.

True drought stress, on the other hand, damages the turf beyond cosmetic discoloration. Indicators include brittle leaf blades, thinning patches, and poor rebound when walked on. When dormancy crosses into decline, recovery becomes difficult without intervention.

We’ll provide a guide to help you distinguish between drought dormancy and real damage. Understanding these stages allows you to make informed watering decisions, adjust mowing habits, and decide when it's time to call in professionals.

06/10/2025

How Wind Impacts Lawn Hydration & Evaporation

Many underestimate how much high winds exacerbate drought stress. Wind increases evaporation rates at the soil surface and removes moisture from the turf canopy, often faster than the lawn can absorb irrigation or rainfall. This "wind burn" effect stresses the lawn even when temperatures aren't extremely high.

In dry seasons like this one, Marshall County has experienced frequent windy conditions that compound normal drought effects. As moisture escapes from the soil profile, roots are left dry and stressed, especially in sandy or compacted areas. This also creates ideal conditions for certain diseases to take hold.

We’ll offer practical tips to combat wind-related dehydration. This includes watering deeper and less frequently, protecting soil with increased mowing height, and considering antidesiccant products in the most vulnerable spots.

06/04/2025

🌱 Turf Tenders Lawn Update – June 2025

Drought Conditions | Disease Pressure | Grub Prevention

As we enter June, Turf Tenders is closely monitoring key environmental stressors that are currently affecting turfgrass health throughout Marshall County and the greater Northern Indiana region. With shifting weather patterns and early signs of summer stress, now is a critical time to stay ahead of developing issues.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, our area is experiencing moderate drought conditions, with little short-term relief in sight. Turfgrass researchers at Purdue University have also issued advisories regarding heightened disease activity—particularly in lawns that lack irrigation. The combination of dry soil and humid overnight conditions creates ideal environments for fungal pathogens to thrive.

Persistent high winds have further intensified these stressors by accelerating moisture loss from both the soil and the turf canopy. This rapid evaporation weakens grass roots and canopy structure, increasing susceptibility to fungal outbreaks and insect infestations. We’re already seeing early signs of stress in lawns that would otherwise be healthy this time of year.

🔍 Key Lawn Concerns Right Now:

Turf showing signs of dormancy, thinning, and discoloration

Elevated risk of Dollar Spot, Brown Patch, and Leaf Spot due to warm, dry days and humid nights

Prime timing for preventative grub control—before larvae begin feeding and damage becomes severe

💡 What Homeowners Can Do This Month:

Raise mowing height and avoid cutting during midday heat

Water deeply and early in the morning, if permitted

Apply preventative insecticides now—grub treatments are most effective before activity begins

Consider preventative fungicide applications, especially if your lawn has a history of disease

At Turf Tenders, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programs. Every treatment we offer is informed by current research from Purdue University and localized weather data to ensure your lawn receives the right care at the right time. If you’re unsure how your lawn is holding up, contact us for a mid-season evaluation—we’re here to help you stay green, even through the toughest conditions.