GETTING TO THE ROOT
OF SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES
Changing weather patterns are The shortages in turf this year is with one another to an extent – it is
affecting turf growers across the largely due to a knock-on effect of business after all – we recognise that
country, and in turn, their valued the extreme heat experienced in these are problems we are all facing.
landscaping clients. John Payne, the summer of 2018, which caused Most suppliers still engender business
Partner at Paynes Turf, explains what extended drought in many parts of the relationships with trust at their core,
the industry is doing to meet these country. Additionally, demand for turf so openness about our predicaments is
unprecedented challenges in turf in landscaping is at an all-time high, key. We all want to be able to continue
growing. with large quantities being used in the to serve our customers to the very
building industry. best of our abilities, so landscapers
Turf is in short supply. Fact.
are urged to discuss the matter with
Landscapers more than anyone will Unfortunately, with increasingly have felt the effects of this situation extreme weather patterns resulting this summer, with many having been from climate change, such as hotter turned away from their regular turf summers and colder winters, The challenge is a familiar one
suppliers, put on waiting lists or told problematic growing conditions are to Paynes Turf, which from its
that turf can only be supplied to key likely to become the norm rather than headquarters in Weeley, near Clacton-
account holders. It’s been a difficult the exception. On-Sea, cultivates a variety of
situation for everyone involved,
and especially challenging for the
industry’s turf suppliers who hold
customer service so dear. Thankfully,
this frustrating situation should not be
ongoing.
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Landscape & Urban Design Issue 39 2019
Landscapers should rest assured,
though, that turf growers are working
tremendously hard to meet these
challenges head-on. Although many
turf growers are in competition
their turf supplier if they have felt
frustrated.
products on its farms across Essex
and Suffolk, including premium-grade
turf and hardwearing sports turf.