Hoerr Nursery Partners with Ideal Turf

Effective February 5, 2008, Hoerr Nursery (D.A. Hoerr & Sons, Inc.) has entered into a partnership with Ideal Turf, Peoria, for the management and sale of Hardy Turf® sod from the Hoerr Nursery sod fields.

This agreement allows Hoerr Nursery to maximize its capital investment while advancing the opportunities for a young turf company owned by Andy Zeigler and Jeff Stahl.

“Ideal Turf is owned by former employees, and we wish them tremendous success in the business,” said Nate Hoerr, president, Hoerr Nursery. “The sod-growing business is a small industry and we would like to see our protégées at Ideal Turf, Andy Zeigler and Jeff Stahl, be successful. This partnership allows the continuation of the legacy of the exceptional D.A. Hoerr sod, created through a ‘recipe’ by John Hoerr, to continue to dominate the market.”

In announcing the agreement, Nate Hoerr said, “2007 was an outstanding year for us at Hoerr Nursery – our best ever – and in order to continue to accomplish the double-digit increases we have seen for two years, the decision was made to emphasize some areas of our business and to de-emphasize others. Ideal approached us with a very attractive offer and it made sense to work out a relationship with them for our current sod crop.”

Andy Zeigler said, “Jeff and I both enjoyed very much our years working for D.A. Hoerr. On a personal level, John H. Hoerr and I shared a passion for the turf industry. I’m indebted to his mentoring. Jeff and I have developed a laser-like focus on the sod customers of Ideal Turf and their needs. We’re excited about this opportunity to grow our business and serve more customers in central Illinois.”

In 2008, Hoerr Nursery was again named as one of the 100 Most Revolutionary Garden Centers for 2008 by Today’s Garden Center Magazine. This is the third year that the nursery has been recognized with this award.

Hoerr Nursery was established by D.A. Hoerr, 82 years ago. Today, the 3rd generation owns and operates the Central Illinois business. The business includes a nursery for growing shrubs and trees, an award-winning Landscape Design and Installation Department, a Lawn Care/Maintenance and Irrigation Department and an award-winning Garden Center with a StoneMarket and a new GardenHouse, a 10,000 sq ft retail greenhouse.

For more information about Ideal Turf, visit their website at www.idealturf.com