INNOVATION AND GENERATIONS— READYLAWN IS GROWING IN NEW ZEALAND
By Suz Trusty
Editor’s Note: Tis is the fourth in a series of articles showcasing TPI member businesses whose operations are growing through a combination of innovation, utilization of technology, and outreach to upcoming generations, internally and externally. If you have a story to tell, or know of someone that you’d like to hear more about, please contact your editors.
Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) is a conglomerate of family businesses; each based on the dream of the founders and built on their vision for the future. Teir commitment to achieving their goals took continual improvement accomplished through a combination of dedication and innovation. Tat laid the groundwork for the next generation and created the opportunity to grow the company by working together.
Te spotlight first shone on the Morgan family business when this article appeared in the November/December 1980 issue of Turf News under the heading, “International Sod Production:”
Sod Production in New Zealand
(in 1980) Alan and Barbara Morgan are the only ASPA (American Sod Producers Association) members in New Zealand—as a matter of fact, they are the only sod producers in New Zealand. Tey own Morgan/Pollard, Ltd., located in Christchurch on the “South Island” of the country. Tey harvest 18 acres of sod, which accounts for 15 percent of their business. Teir nursery accounts for another 15 percent. Te remaining 70 percent is in the areas of landscape design and contracting.
Today’s Readylawn Industries Ltd. team (left to right) Roger Morgan, managing director; Alan Morgan, founder and patriarch; and Craig Morgan, contracts manager.
Te market in New Zealand, according to Alan, has changed drastically over the years. At times there has been heavy commercial building; at other times, local government housing projects. At the present, there is an emphasis on the home and general residential market. Many home owners want to do their own work. Because of this, Morgan/Pollard helps the homeowners with design and gives them information on how to sod (or seed) and landscape. It is a “package” deal. Te homeowner receives a “Be Your Own Contractor” card; with it they receive discounts from various suppliers.
Alan Morgan explained that the use of seed or sprigs for starting a lawn is decreasing drastically, but, he emphasized, New Zealand is about where the United States was 25 years ago in sod production techniques and uses. Te future, however, is very good. Morgan/Pollard, Ltd., calls their product “Readylawn” Turf and have the slogan, “Ready when you are.”
One market serviced by Morgan/Pollard, Ltd. is sports fields. According to Alan Morgan, the company uses the “British System.” A machine forms a slit and injects sand, causing fast drainage. He finds it a very economical and realistic system to revitalize sports fields.
Te seasons on the South Island of New Zealand are similar to those in northern California. Tere is no dormant season. Tey harvest about eight months after planting. Irrigation is a must.
In 1980, this photo was included at the bottom of the article with this caption: Barbara and Alan Morgan (right) with Turf News editor (Wendell) Mathews.
36 TPI Turf News January/February 2018
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
