In this episode of Signature Stories, we traveled to the heart of the Bluegrass Region, Midway, Kentucky, to meet Eric Varner of Varner’s Lawn Service. For over a decade, he’s perfected the lawns of homeowners and municipalities, using Exmark mowers—alongside Z Turf equipment—to get the job done. Read on to see how Eric has put his horticultural background (and his Exmark) to work, delivering a level of integrated turf care unlike any other.
Never a Dull Moment
As Eric says, working on sports fields all day, you never get bored. And, on any given job, you never know what you’re going to get into. One day you might be on a field that’s in immaculate shape. The next you might be facing a real challenge, attempting to revive a field that’s been neglected for years. It’s this variety that helps keep the job both rewarding and enjoyable.
A Dream Begins
Being in Kentucky, Eric tends to deal with a lot of overseeded Bermuda grass—as well as cool-season blends of fescue, rye, and bluegrass. Making it imperative that he knows and understands the turf better than anyone. All so that he can work closely alongside his clients to understand their goals and needs. And, to ensure that he makes their property look its absolute best, using integrated turf care techniques.
But this knowledge isn’t all from on-the-job experience—Eric also has a college degree to thank for that. In 2013, he graduated with a horticulture degree with a focus on turfgrass. Shortly after, his father joined him on the job and they started focusing on residential turf, full time. By 2018, they had made a big push into sports turf management and began investing heavily into the necessary equipment.
The Right Stuff
As Eric has grown in his job, he’s taken a lot of enjoyment in showing people that this level of lawncare isn’t just about “hoping for the best.” There’s a level of science and detail that goes into it that really makes all the lawns shine. And, as Eric says, “this approach often solves problems that clients have struggled with for years, giving them results they didn’t think were possible.”
Above all, at the end of the day, having the right equipment is critical. That’s why Eric gets the job done with Exmark mowers, alongside Z Turf Equipment, to get the job done. He’s able to put his horticulture knowledge to use, flawlessly incorporating his Exmark Lazer Z X-Series alongside his Z Turf Spreader Sprayer to deliver the best product possible, job after job.
*NOTE: This video depicts real-life situations from professional landscapers. Some parts and accessories shown are third-party and not endorsed by Exmark. Always follow all safety guidelines and wear appropriate PPE. Reference your user manual for proper operation.
