Ed Folken
Fertilization Supervisor

Ed Folken has been with H & R Lawn & Landscape for 12 years, serving for the past five years as Manager of the Fertilization Department. Ed received his Associate of Applied Science degree in Turf & Ornamental Management in 1997 from Longview Community College.
When Ed arrives at the residence of a new client, he measures to confirm the square footage, takes notes on the property’s condition and considers the time frame required to return it to health. He normally recommends that clients stay on a turf revitalization program for at least two or three seasons before making any judgments on the success of the program. Ed reminds his clients that “There are just no quick fixes or overnight solutions out there.”
Ed emphasizes that the agreement with your lawn care professional is a cooperative venture and requires diligence from the property owner as well as the turf specialist. The lawn care professional applies turf care products, relying on the homeowner to advise of any problems before they get out of control. “While we are on your lawn six times a year on average, the property owner is on the lawn at least once a week.”
Most often, a distressed lawn with an irrigation system in place will respond more readily to lawn treatment. Irrigation activates applied products while the active ingredients are still potent for faster results. The root zone remains moist, which allows the grass plants to concentrate on producing density and color rather than going through dormancy cycles and barely surviving below the root.
On service calls to existing customers, Ed must play detective to determine any current problems since conditions change constantly. Many lawn problems occur because the plants are in a constant state of stress. This allows other problems with insects or disease to get started. “I have to identify the problem correctly before attempting to solve it,” Ed says. “I do not believe in randomly applying pest control products until I have confirmed the target.” He has attended many seminars and continuing education courses in pest identification and management, allowing him to zero in on the problem and how to eliminate it. He has formed an integrated pest management strategy that includes solutions ranging from altering the environment, if possible, to applying pest control products, or sometimes just letting the problem run its natural course.
Regular aeration and overseeding will help maintain turf density since grass plants do not survive forever and our area is known for excessive heat and the presence of many species of destructive insect pests.
Ed lives in Lees Summit with his wife and two daughters, one five years old and one newborn in March. When he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time in his flower garden, playing golf and bicycling with his daughter.

Ed's Top Three

Three of the most common problems Ed encounters are excessive shade, foot traffic and lack of proper watering. Too much shade doesn’t allow the grass plants to achieve photosynthesis, their primary life function. Thinning the surrounding trees may work, as even shade tolerant grasses need sunlight. If trees are large and produce dense shade, installing an ornamental landscape in that area may be the solution. Re-directing foot traffic can be achieved by planting flowers or shrubs or placing permanent obstacles like a bench or birdbath. When properly installed, stepping stones can relieve stress on the lawn. Proper watering is essential to any successful lawn care program. Overwatering encourages fungus growth and shallow root systems. Underwatering causes stress by allowing turf to overheat and wilt. Shade, foot traffic and poor watering all cause the turf to thin out, encouraging insect invasions.