Turf Tenders

Turf Tenders Turf Tenders offers lawn care including fertilizing and w**d control. Allow us to help keep your law

Since 1993 Turf Tenders has been providing residential and commercial lawn care services for Bremen, Indiana and surrounding areas, including; Nappanee, Wyatt, Plymouth, Lapaz, Lakeville, South Bend, Mishawaka, and more. Owner Matthew Huff and his experienced staff strive to offer you the best quality service at the most reasonable price. We take great pride in our work and will continue on the jo

b until you are completely satisfied or your money back. You can trust us in doing a great job every time.

* We will do all the applications correctly... GUARANTEED.
* We will use licensed technicians.
* We will spray all lawns in late fall to reduce pressure in the spring.
* We will spray around sensitive plants with a hand-held backpack applicator.
* We will blow the fertilizer and cut grass off your walks and driveways.
* We will complete all work to your... SATISFACTION. Turf Tenders offers a low-cost Four-Step Lawn Care Program to provide a healthy, green, thick, deep rooted lawn:

1. Early Spring [March-May} Pre-emergent crabgrass and foxtail prevention plus balanced fertilizer
2. Early Summer [May-July] Broadleaf w**d control** as needed plus a standard rate of balanced slow-release fertilizer
3. Late Summer[July-September] Broadleaf w**d control** as needed plus a standard rate of balanced slow-release fertilizer
4. Fall [September-November] Heavier rate of winter fertilizer plus broadleaf w**d control

Optional:

* Grub Control [June-July] Application of insecticide to prevent grub damage
[ Needs to be watered in].
* Core Lawn Aeration [performed in the fall] Turf Tenders offers core lawn aeration as another tool to help your lawn stay healthy. Purdue university recommends aeration at least once each year to revive soil compaction, improve air and water movement into the soil, encourage root growth and help relieve the stress from drought.

Let’s Talk About Spurge! Over the last few weeks, spurge has quickly become one of the most aggressive w**ds in our area...
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.

This Summer’s Lawn UpdateThis summer has been a season of extremes. We’ve experienced heavy rainfall followed by long st...
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.

Watering Strategy for Hot, Dry WeatherEfficient watering is one of the most important practices during a hot Indiana sum...
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.

Preventative Grub Control: Timing & ValueJune remains the most effective time to apply preventative grub control. These ...
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.

Diagnosing Drought Stress vs DormancyA lawn that looks dead in June may actually be dormant. During dry spells, turf gra...
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.

How Wind Impacts Lawn Hydration & EvaporationMany underestimate how much high winds exacerbate drought stress. Wind incr...
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.

🌱 Turf Tenders Lawn Update – June 2025Drought Conditions | Disease Pressure | Grub PreventionAs we enter June, Turf Tend...
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.

10/02/2024

Grub Season is here!

The rain and cooler temperatures have finally brought in more typical fall conditions. Lawns are beginning the recovery process, however in some areas that are not recovering as expected we are finding grub activity.

Grubs are being found on a significant number of lawns in our area. If you did not receive our preventive grub control earlier this year we highly recommend inspecting your lawn for grub damage and activity.

Grubs are normal to have in lawns and finding a few throughout does not require treatment, however in higher populations grubs cause significant damage very quickly. We recommend a curative treatment for areas that are being affected. Please inspect and monitor your lawn for signs and contact us with questions or to schedule a curative treatment.

09/20/2024

Fall Update: It’s DRY!

Our region is in the midst of a flash drought. We have received approximately 2.7" of rainfall since mid-July. Lawns in our area have mostly gone dormant. Typically at this time of the season, we are enjoying cooler temperatures and plenty of rainfall for grass to begin its recovery from the summer dry season. We encourage homeowners to water lawns with 1-2" of water per week. While it is dry currently, the rain will return (hopefully soon!), and, now is the time to overseed thin and damaged areas. We recommend not waiting for the rain to come and then overseed. Rather get your seed on the lawn now and it will be ready for the rain when it does come.

Fall is also the peak time for grub activity and damage. Usually, the best way to look for grub damage and activity is to monitor your lawn for areas that are turning brown. However, with most lawns having significant areas that are already brown from lack of rainfall, we need to closely monitor lawns for grub activity. The best way to determine if you have grub activity on your lawn is to pull at suspected areas. If the turf comes up extremely easily, then grub activity is likely. Look in the top 2" of soil to see if grubs are present. We can do curative treatment to quickly stop any further grub damage.

Armyworms have also been found in our area. We have not seen widespread damage or outbreaks at this time. We will continue to monitor properties and outbreak trackers, but homeowners should also look for them on their lawns. If you have an outbreak on your property we can do a treatment to stop further spread and damage.

Moving into the fall we are waiting for cooler temperatures and rain to return before we start our fall applications on non-irrigated properties. This has the potential to push fall treatments later into the season if this drought becomes prolonged. Fall applications that are later in the season have proven to be highly effective at controlling w**ds and leaving lawns clean in the spring. We are choosing to wait on the rain and to provide quality applications that may be later rather than servicing dry lawns now.

Merry Christmas from the Turf Tenders family!
12/25/2023

Merry Christmas from the Turf Tenders family!

Address

Bremen, IN

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15745463727

Website

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