Green Side Up — Ep 119: Pounding Trees with Sauce: MitoGrow Boosters That Actually Work
Hosts: Jason Lee & Jordan Upcavage
Date: April 9, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode digs deep into real-life trials and successes using MitoGrow, a biostimulant product, in modern landscaping and tree care. Hosts Jason Lee and Jordan Upcavage share first-hand stories from the field—ranging from revitalizing sickly oak trees to managing turf at busy sports fields—offering raw insights into how MitoGrow booster applications can amplify plant health programs. Listeners get practical advice on sales strategies, application rates, ethical decision-making, and how to adapt client communication and service programs as results unfold.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The "Easter Tree Resurrection": Putting MitoGrow to the Test
[02:37-09:21]
- Jordan recounts a high-alkaline (pH ~8.0) soil experiment on eight struggling oak trees at University of Tampa.
- Initial application rates followed label's lower (maintenance) end, showing little effect. Advice from MitoGrow reps prompted him to "use this really high rate" for a truly restorative impact.
- High-concentration treatment: 0.64 dry ounces per gallon, applying 3 gallons per trunk diameter inch (e.g., 45+ gallons on a 15-inch tree).
- Results: "The appearance of the one tree...was obnoxiously greener, more full. There was still deadwood...but the canopy growth and color was obnoxiously stark different."
— Jordan [05:53]
- This visible, dramatic success led to selling booster applications to the remaining trees and integrating MitoGrow into the 2026 PHC (Plant Healthcare) program.
Notable Quote:
"I no longer think it's snake oil. I think it works."
— Jordan [31:50]
2. Transparent Sales Tactics & Client Upsell
[06:29-09:21]
- Jordan explains how the visible Before/After difference gave him the confidence to sell—using photographic proof in pitches and honest communication about why “booster” rates are necessary for struggling trees.
- Official program verbiage stresses the science and ingredients behind MitoGrow, building client trust.
Memorable Sales Pitch Snippet:
"A one-time MitoGrow application is a booster...MitoGrow is a water dispersible broad spectrum biostimulant...The product includes a combination of biologicals, mycorrhizae, cytokinin, bacillus a plus iba which promotes new fibrous root growth..."
— Jordan [07:38]
3. Field Applications, Techniques, and Lessons Learned
[09:21-19:18]
- Detailed math on mix rates, gallons per inch, and how higher doses seem to make visible differences.
- Soil drench and deep root techniques compared—pros and cons for different site conditions (e.g., trees near seawalls with saltwater intrusion).
- Ethical considerations: With salt-stressed trees, Jordan opts for boosters over more fertilizer, describing this as a “pivot” in philosophy.
4. Turf Trials and Sports Field Revitalization
[12:13-16:27]
- Jason describes using MitoGrow (plus sand and careful irrigation) to foster turf recovery on high-traffic fields.
- Reports of "exponential growth" compared to previous years without MitoGrow; documentation of process is ongoing for further validation.
Quote:
"It was the exponential growth that I saw last year compared to the year before when we did the exact same thing."
— Jason [13:08]
5. Troubleshooting, Fungal Diseases & Rescue Scenarios
[22:05-25:58]
- The team recounts a lawn with severe take-all root rot: conventional fungicides weren’t working, so they tried “common sense”—building up roots with MitoGrow.
- After two applications, the client called to praise the recovered lawn.
- Key takeaway: Sometimes focusing on root/soil biology wins where direct disease control fails.
Quote:
"If we have a disease that is taking the roots away, let's do everything we can to build up the roots."
— Jason [23:21]
6. Technical Application Details
[25:58-29:28]
- Rates for turf: 1 pound per 20,000 sq. ft., applied with fan-tip sprayers for even distribution.
- Discussion on the importance of not overwetting (risk of washing product through), and leveraging surfactant products (like Dispatch) to help drive MitoGrow to the root zone.
7. Customer Service, Communication & Commercial Bids
[34:26-45:05]
- Jordan shares his meticulous approach to commercial proposals—a detailed map, clear scope, client education, and competitive differentiation.
- Both hosts discuss how client communication and service customization help avoid being “blacklisted” by property managers—a risk in the commercial field.
Quote:
"We strive to be good at customer service—control what you can and communicate when things go wrong."
— Jason [43:02]
8. Seasonal Stress, Equipment Readiness, and Scaling Up
[45:13-47:54]
- Spring brings increased stress-testing of both staff and equipment; hosts discuss proactive maintenance, staffing needs, and lessons learned from the busy season.
9. Entrepreneurial Reality Check
Throughout
- The hosts weave stories of wins, learning curves, and honesty—embracing process pivots when the data justifies it.
- Candid conversations about pricing, ethics, and doing right by both clients and their landscapes.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- University of Tampa Oak Tree Case Study: [02:37-09:21]
- Sales Tactics Using Photo Proof: [08:45-09:21]
- Mix Ratios, Techniques, and New Philosophy: [09:21-12:11]
- Sports Field Recovery with MitoGrow: [12:13-16:27]
- Rescuing Lawns (Take-all Root Rot): [22:05-25:58]
- Turf Mix Rates & Bioavailability Discussion: [25:58-29:28]
- Commercial Proposal/Sales Process: [34:26-40:13]
- Avoiding Vendor Blacklist Through Service: [42:09-44:02]
- Seasonal/Ethical Reflections and Business Operations: [45:13-end]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On seeing spectacular tree revival:
“Holy crap, that one's way better.” — Jordan relaying client’s reaction [06:45]
-
On overcoming skepticism:
“If you were on the fence about mitigro...I wondered the same thing. And I no longer think it's snake oil. I think it works.” — Jordan [31:50]
-
On adapting plant health care programs:
"I'm kind of like changing the way I'm doing things a little bit... very candid conversations with customers, scheduling... Maybe we're going to come up with a different plan." — Jordan [11:19]
-
On hands-on learning and photos:
"You have a visible result to help your sales process... great thing to have in your pocket." — Jason [09:19]
-
On customer service and blacklists:
“I think a lot of it boils down to...customer service of communication when there's a problem, which we strive to be good at, and that's where we try to differentiate ourselves.” — Jason [43:02]
Takeaways for Listeners
- Validated bio-stimulant: MitoGrow, used at “booster” rates, shows clear, visible improvement in challenging conditions—especially if regular fertilizer is part of the prior issue.
- Sales edge: Document your results, use before-and-after photos, and be honest about trial outcomes to build trust.
- Ethics matter: Sometimes the best service is steering away from conventional inputs if the biology or site stress doesn’t call for it.
- Communication is king: Differentiating your business may come down to clearer proposals, better documentation, and customer hand-holding when nature or conditions get messy.
For More
- Photos of the case studies will be shared on Green Side Up’s social media—check for visual proof of these experiments.
- For resources or inquiries about MitoGrow, visit mitogrowpro.com.
- To connect with the hosts or book them for speaking, visit the podcast description or the new website features mentioned in the episode.
Episode conclusion:
This “no B.S.” episode exemplifies the show’s promise: battle-scarred honesty, adaptability, sales strategies rooted in real results, and a generous helping of practical advice for any green industry entrepreneur wrestling their own business weeds.