The Story Behind Intelligent Lawn Solutions

Fergus Butt

Owner

Originally from Scotland, I fell in love with the turf industry during my first summer living in Canmore while working at Silvertip Golf Course. It was everything about the industry that got me excited: the satisfaction, the attention to detail, the science behind it, before/afters, working outside, etc. You get it, I love every aspect of it. Since then I have gained an invaluable amount of experience at multiple sites while building on my professional certifications, and I have learned a lot in the process.

From what I have seen, there are too many companies just putting down generic fertilizer without really explaining what it does, how it acts, or how safe it is. “Organic-based” is a term I’ve seen loosely thrown around quite frequently, this means their fertilizer only has 15% organic in it and the rest is synthetic. I think we have a great opportunity here to produce some beautiful, safe, and healthy lawns within Canmore, Banff, and the Bow Valley.

With a strong and diverse background in Turfgrass Management, I have worked on and managed some high-end golf courses in Alberta and around the World. I am excited to transfer my skills and passion for growing grass for golf courses & golfers, to lawns and homeowners, while maintaining an environmentally conscious approach.

Having been a Golf Course Superintendent in the Bow Valley means I am on top of my game when it comes to growing some great grass in the area, and I am always up-to-date with the latest and greatest products, equipment, and knowledge.

Below are some examples of the professional development I have undertaken to get to where I am today:

BASc - Turfgrass and Golf Course Management

Yes, I know, you can do a four-year degree in how to grow grass. And I l did it. And I loved it. Having my Bachelor of Applied Science in this field has given me the best possible understanding of the science and biology behind how to grow the healthiest grass on your lawn. I’m a self-confessed turf nerd and could talk for hours about grass types, soils, plant health, and all the different cultural practices to ensure you have the best lawn possible.

Alberta Pesticide Applicators License

This license is conducted through Alberta Environment & Parks (AEP) and I have obtained the Landscape classification of it. This is a license that needs to be updated and maintained every five years through attending in-person seminars, conferences, and/or online classes. This is also legally required for applying herbicides in Alberta and staying up to date with this ensures that I am not only legal but also knowledgeable with the current regulations, latest safety, and how to apply my programs in an environmentally friendly way.

Certified Environmental Professional (Audubon International)

Audubon International is an award-winning education and certification program that helps golf courses and golf course managers protect our natural environment. This is an organization whose intentions I stand strongly behind as they educate and ensure that the operations of turfgrass managers don’t negatively impact our environment. There are several categories that this program focuses on:

  • Environmental Planning

  • Wildlife and Habitat Management

  • Chemical Use Reduction and Safety

  • Water Conservation

  • Water Quality Management

  • Outreach and Education

By learning about these categories and implementing my knowledge into my day-to-day operations, I know and can confidently say that I am safely applying the chemicals that I use.

I have been fortunate to manage and work at several high-end golf courses both locally and around the World. It has been the variety of fertilizer programs that I have been exposed to at these courses which has helped me build what I know will be a perfect program for your home lawn. Below are pictures of the sites where I have been lucky enough to grow grass at. Enjoy!

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