Belle Glade, FL - A number of turfgrass farms in the U.S. are finding that their supplies of certain turfgrasses cannot meet current demand. Although this would seem to be an advantage for the farms, they and their customers are finding that it is more often a headache.

 

It would not be accurate to say that there is a crisis-level shortage of turfgrass in the United States. However, it is true that demand for some popular, proven varieties has grown greater than the inventories available at turfgrass farms that grow them.

 

How did this happen? And, which turfgrasses are in short supply?

 

Some turfgrass producers (farmers) feel that a resurgence of confidence after 9/11 has sparked real estate investment and development. As the real estate sector has grown, lawn installations and renovations have also increased. Although turfgrass production in many regions has been “ramped up” in the last 5-7 years, demand continues to outstrip supply.

 

According to Keith Truenow, owner of Lake Jem Farms in Mt. Dora, Florida, shortages of some turfgrasses can result in a “ripple effect”that causes shortages of other turfgrasses. Keith, who grows EMPIRE^® Zoysia, Palmetto^® St. Augustine, Bitter Blue, Seville, and other turfgrasses, said that when Floratam became harder to get in his region, buyers turned to other turfgrasses, including zoysias. In turn, higher demand for those grasses reduced available inventories.

 

But turfgrass prices remain steady. Reasons are that many farms are reluctant to raise prices charged to large, steady customers. Another is that some farms hold supply in reserve for loyal customers at pre-approved prices, so price changes become less important.

 

Truenow concurs. “Despite higher demand, turfgrass prices have remained roughly where they were a year ago,”he says, “and I don't anticipate that prices will get any higher soon.”

 

Mark Lane of Looking Glass Sod and Irrigation is aware of some turfgrass shortages, but the impact on prices for his landscaping customers has been negligible. “There haven't really been any price fluctuations for me. My suppliers generally hold prices for me,”says Lane. “Shortages have affected a few of my customers who can't wait for an installation; but most of my customers are willing to wait until the grass we want becomes available.”

 

What can shortages mean to the specifier, the golf course superintendent, or the landscape contractor? It may mean that they should go ahead and purchase the supplies they will need soon. Or, if they are not ready to purchase, they may consider an advance agreement with a turfgrass farm, so that the farm will reserve and maintain their orders until the customer is ready to purchase. For buyers who wait, it may mean that they have the inconvenience of a longer search process; and for large purchases, that they may have to locate several suppliers.