Delaware Valley Turf

from Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, April 2019

People in Places: Local Artist Nick Santoleri

Business Profile by Craig Whitney

Photos courtesy of Delaware Valley Turf

Delaware Valley Turf is a local, organic-based lawn care company located in Marple Township. What sets them apart from other companies is the level of education and experience of their entire staff. The company founder, Matt McGuire, and the Manager, Matt Fisher, take pride in the fact that every Technician and every Manager has a college degree in one of the Agronomic Sciences. Whether it's the campus of a university or the front lawn of someone down the street, Delaware Valley Turf applies scientific study and personal care to every client.

**(left to right) Matt Fisher and Matt McGuire**

For McGuire, the business began in 2002 with an idea to apply what he learned in his studies from Penn State University’s Turfgrass Science department to lawn care. In 2013, he hired Matt Fisher to manage and oversee operations. Over time, they have tried different methods and worked in different locations, but the consistent priority has been the quality of and the connection with the employees.

The company has really blossomed since those first years into one that has encompassed individuals with a number of agronomic backgrounds,” McGuire recounted.

Experience and specialty can range from sports fields to golf courses, and a number of scientific interests related to grass, soil and agriculture. Together, they have built a team that can address a number of issues and operate independently to treat a range of clients, whether it's residential, commercial, institutional and athletic.

Providing the appropriate service to each client demands a personal inspection and a scientific analysis from someone who is trained in agronomy. The only true requirement of the industry is a pesticide application certificate, but Delaware Valley Turf has always insisted that every employee have a degree in the field and can use their experience and knowledge on the job.

If the lawn care technician has the college education and similar background as the management, they have the ability to answer questions and provide a solution on the job. That has always been very important to us. More importantly, they can identify issues before they become larger problems,” Fisher noted.

McGuire received a degree in Turfgrass Science and Fisher in Turfgrass Management, both from Penn State. The turf technicians and route managers have also received similar degrees from colleges such as University of Georgia, Delaware Valley University and Penn State.

**The Delaware Valley Turf Team (left to right): Chris S., Nick K., Chrissi M., Mike S., Mike S., Mike B., and Matt F.**

Were some companies may run through short-term employees with a pesticide certificate in lawn care, Delaware Valley Turf has invested resources and time into building a team of highly educated and specialized Technicians.

The Delaware Valley Turf process has been refined and improved over time as they have worked with different clients with different needs. The first step is to speak with the management, whether that's McGuire, Fisher, or Mike Stranix, a recently promoted manager who started as a technician. The client informs the company of their situation and their desired goal, giving the team context when they go on their on-site visit. A manager then does an on-site consultation, driving to the location and inspecting the grass. A soil sample with a pH analysis is taken during the first application which gives the team a base line for the plan developed for the customer.

The on-site consultation is something that has evolved into a necessity over time. Many other companies provide a predetermined service for all clients in a given location, but Fisher explained how inaccurate an approach like that can be.

We tried doing it from the office, providing a recommendation based on software. It saved money in the short run, but it leaves a lot of room for error,” Fisher stressed.

There could be a number of factors that could influence the recommendation that can only be understood from an on-site inspection of the property. Some of the things that the managers will take note of might involve existing species of grass, shade, topography, mowing height, drainage, wind exposure and more. For example, if the property is surrounded by shrubs and has an irrigation system, then the property might be more susceptible to turf diseases. There are a number of intangibles that make every home unique, and Delaware Valley Turf makes the investment to understand their client beyond the numbers.

It's our primary goal to give the client an honest recommendation," Fisher said. "And you can't do that from the office. If certain parts of a property cannot sustain a lawn long-term, then that is what we tell them.”

Additionally, for DIY individuals, Delaware Valley Turf also sells their products from its warehouse directly to consumers, such as fertilizer, grass seed and turf pest-control products. This is something McGuire enjoys, having the ability to serve the local members of the community with their own lawn projects.

When people come here, they can get someone who has the background information, can diagnose the problem, and can point them in the right direction,” McGuire explained.

Delaware Valley Turf prides itself on being a local company. Many of the employees are from the surrounding area. Fisher grew up right down the street and still lives in the area. McGuire lives right down the road as well. The work that they do for the people of Newtown Square is something everyone in the company is very proud of.

“We have family in Newtown Square, it’s a great community to grow in and raise a family,” McGuire said. “We like the fact that everyone has a lot of pride in home ownership, they take care of their properties and we get the chance to help them.”

As in any good business, the focus of Delaware Valley Turf is the customer. Whether they are big or small, in the city or right down the street, the client will be provided a high-quality, honest lawn care program.

Personal care is very important to us,” McGuire explained. “You can call our company and you won't be moved around, you can talk to me or another manager if we're available. We bring real knowledge and experience to lawn care, in our recommendation and with every technician that comes and applies the treatment.”

There may have been challenges this past year, especially with the rain and heat and what that has done to grass all over Pennsylvania. With the challenges though, Delaware Valley Turf persists and applies all of their knowledge and expertise. Their focus on honesty and communication gets them through difficulties like that, having built a personal connection with the client. Seeing technicians taking soil samples as the seasons change, having a conversation with the homeowner or applying a unique blend of lawn care products on a warm spring day, it is clear that Delaware Valley Turf is a Newtown Square company at their core. In the way they speak to each other, speak with the client and conduct their business, they provide a great example of how to be honest and considerate in your work.