Though they’ve been around for a while in the professional turf and sports industry, Plant Growth Regulators (or PGRs) are now being considered more often for residential use. Simply put, PGRs are chemical substances that regulate the growth of plants—just as the name says. There are various products that have a range of purposes and there are many ways that these products can be beneficial to residential landscapes.

PGRs for Lawn

In terms of turfgrass growth regulators, the goal is to slow grass growth to reduce mowing. But PGRs for turfgrass can also be used to improve overall lawn health and relieve the stress that “growth” puts on your grass. While you may not realize it, grass growth takes a lot of energy and can put stress on your lawn as a result. But PGRs can reduce that. PGRs can also reduce trimming and edging when it is sprayed along sidewalks or driveways, or along plant beds. PGRs might also be considered for areas that are difficult to mow such as hills. By reducing the growth in these areas, less mowing will be required.

PGRs for Trees

While PGRs can be very beneficial for turf management, you might be interested in their effects on trees and shrubs. There are several potential benefits. For one, PGRs have been shown to help new trees become established. That’s because they allow the energy to be redistributed and help new roots to become more established. That’s another reason why PGRs may be helpful for trees that currently have a damaged root system and need more repair time before they can put energy into growing.

The ability of PGRs to slow growth is also beneficial when it comes to trimming and pruning. When used on ornamental trees and shrubs, PGRs can help them to maintain their shape for a longer period of time.

PGRs have also been shown to be effective in controlling insects and diseases in trees and shrubs by increasing their natural resistance.

Many Potential Benefits of PGRs

Undoubtedly, there are a variety of potential benefits of PGRs and they may be something worth considering. Of course, it’s always best to work with a professional who understands their proper application. PGRs can potentially cause problems, such as damaging perennials in plant beds, if not applied properly. That’s why a knowledgeable and skilled professional, like those of us at Terra Lawn Care Specialists, is always your best bet.