In 1981, at just 16 years old, I co-founded Stangl’s Lawn Spray with my father, diving into the world of lawn care with the conventional tools of the time—chemicals. For many years, our approach was standard: synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and an emphasis on quick, visible results. However, my journey towards regenerative lawn care began much earlier than 2013, tracing back to the late 80’s. Each winter, rather than merely taking a break, I engaged in a process of re-education, breaking down our business practices to aim for better outcomes in the next season. I was constantly battling recurring issues like insects, disease, and weeds, which led me to question the industry’s solutions deeply.
During this time, I revisited the education I received; in 1985, I completed a one-year Horticulture program at Niagara College, and in 1986, I enrolled in the 17th Annual Turf Managers Course at Guelph University. Each winter, I would restudy the information from these courses, searching for insights I might have missed, reading endlessly, and questioning the conventional wisdom. This wasn’t just about refining techniques but about challenging the foundational beliefs of the lawn care industry. Concurrently, I attended local conferences and the LO Congress during the 80’s and 90’s, hoping to find innovative approaches. Instead, I was often served the same industry-driven narratives found in trade magazines—promotions of the latest chemical treatments, funded trials from academia, all aimed at continuing the cycle of chemical dependency. This was all largely useless in terms of sustainability, pushing short-term gains over long-term health, further fueling my dissatisfaction.
My frustration with the turf industry’s approach grew over time. The industry seemed more focused on selling more inputs for volume, promoting cheap, short-term gains rather than sustainable practices. It was disappointing, to say the least. This frustration pushed me to seek better, more holistic methods, leading me to experiment with natural alternatives like molasses, corn sugar, corn meal, and poultry manure, and to question the very essence of what we were doing to the land.
A significant shift occurred in 2013 when I met John Kempf here in Ontario. This encounter marked a pivotal moment, introducing me to regenerative agriculture in a way that resonated with my growing discontent with conventional practices. Following this, my journey took me to the No-Till on the Plains Conference in Wichita, Kansas, in 2019, where I met key figures in regenerative agriculture. This was an eye-opening experience, far surpassing anything I had learned from the turf industry, offering insights into practices that prioritize soil health, ecosystem services, and long-term sustainability over immediate, superficial results.
The Concept of Regenerative Lawn Care
Regenerative lawn care is about nurturing the soil as a living ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity, and improving environmental health through our practices. It’s a philosophy that moves beyond merely avoiding chemicals to actively fostering soil regeneration, which I began to embrace fully after my disillusionment with the conventional lawn care industry.
Why the Switch?
The decision to switch was influenced by:
• Health Concerns: Personal experiences with chemical exposure pushed me towards safer alternatives.
• Environmental Impact: The realization of the long-term damage caused by traditional methods.
• Long-Term Sustainability: A desire to implement practices that would benefit the environment and future generations.
Initial Challenges
Transitioning was not without its challenges. There was resistance from clients used to the instant results of chemical treatments. Learning and implementing regenerative practices required a steep learning curve, patience, and a commitment to education, both for myself and my clients.
Commitment to Sustainability
My commitment to sustainability started in the late 80’s, evolving over time through experimentation with natural amendments. By 2009, when certain chemicals were banned, I had already begun to scale down, moving from serving 1500 customers and managing 6 million square feet to a more focused, sustainable operation. This allowed me to truly live and enjoy life while pursuing regenerative practices.
From 2013, meeting John Kempf, followed by 2014 Graeme Sait, Joel Williams, and 2015 Elaine Ingham in subsequent years, deepened my understanding and commitment. Using tools like the microscope, penetrometer, refractometer, infiltration rings, Haney and PLFA tests, along with visual field assessments and practical tools like the shovel, I’ve been able to monitor and enhance soil health in ways that align with nature’s processes.
Setting the Stage
This article marks the beginning of a series (Ten in total) where I will share the evolution of Stangl’s Enviro Lawn Care over the past 44 years. From the science behind our methods to real-world transformations, we’ll explore how regenerative practices are not just an alternative but a superior approach to lawn care. My hope is to inspire homeowners, landscapers, and anyone interested in sustainability to join me in this journey, understanding that the health of our lawns is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet.
Join us as we delve into 44 years of transformation, exploring the challenges, the successes, and the ongoing commitment to creating greener, healthier landscapes through regenerative practices. Let’s embark on this journey together, for the benefit of our environment and future generations.