Spring 2010
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Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
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www.AlaTurfgrass.org
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Upcoming Events —
Golf & Sporting Clays, plus Sports-Turf Field Day ATA Member Spotlight —
Danny Martin, Orange Beach SportsPlex Cover Story —
Best Management Practices for Mowing
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From the President’s Pen
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ATA Annual Sponsors
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ATA Member News
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Welcome, New ATA Members!
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Calendar of Events
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Advertiser Index
ON THE COVER: John Hunt Soccer Complex, City of Huntsville. Photo by Tony Ivey.
The Alabama Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Alabama Turf Times, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Alabama Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright © 2010 by the Alabama Turfgrass Association. Alabama Turf Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Alabama Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Alabama Turfgrass Association, Post Office Box 70, Auburn, Al. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertion please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
From the President’s Pen >>> Jeff Oelmann, CGCS
Lots of ATA Activities
JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 20 10
A
fter the winter we have experienced around the Southeast, I think we can joke about climate change for another few years. I hope we all find ourselves sitting favorably after these unseasonably cold temperatures. Most of us welcomed the break, I’m sure, and for some of us, controlling expenses was made a whole lot easier, thanks to Mother Nature. ATA’s 2010 educational sessions and activities were planned at our long-range planning retreat last November. The board did a great job of contributing ideas, wisdom and talents to ensure that our organization is on the right track. I am grateful for such an outstanding group of individuals. Like many businesses, ATA has evaluated its methods and procedures of doing business, and we are taking steps to operate more efficiently on many different levels. One of the first changes has been to eliminate the toll-free telephone lines, mostly due to our communication going to email correspondence. If you have changed (or have not given us) your email address, we want to encourage you to update your records with us. Your email address is vital in communicating with you about urgent issues in our industry and informing you of the many learning opportunities we offer. Also, we are attempting to streamline our billing and registration processes, along with utilizing other increasingly popular avenues for communication. Yes, that means we are now on Facebook. We’d love to have you as a groupie, so add yourself as a fan for up-to-date information on our industry. If you took the opportunity to gain some insight or refresh yourself with ATA’s educational RoadShow Seminars during our cold and rainy spells, I want to thank
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you for your attendance. The seminars have been successful in bringing a variety of topics and speakers to locations around the state. And they have proven very helpful to the industry in many ways. Your attendance helps us learn of your needs and grow with you in the future. Our fundraising for Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) continues this year with the Mole Cricket Classic and Poa Annua Classic. Last year’s events remained strong, and we greatly appreciate your support. The Mole Cricket Classic this year was played on the newly renovated Magnolia Grove course in Mobile, providing a glimpse of what has been the trend in the southern part of our state with the ultradwarf bermudagrasses being utilized. The Poa Annua Classic on April 19 will remain at FarmLinks, which always has hints of new changes on the horizon. This year, we will move south for our Sports Turf Field Day on April 21 — we have an outstanding location accommodating us at the Orange Beach SportsPlex. Immediately following that event, we head on April 22 to the Gulf Coast Youth-Reach baseball field that ATA began as a New Beginnings project last year. This community service project is a way to give back to our communities through our talents. Please join us there, if you can — last year was great, and we look forward to making more progress for the boys at this foster home. Our thoughts and prayers are many in the light of the tragedies and challenges of this past season. I hope this year finds you well and with many blessings. Jeff Oelmann, CGCS 2010 ATA President
Alabama Turf Times is the official publication of the: Alabama Turfgrass Association P.O. Box 70 Auburn, Alabama 36831 Tel: (334) 821-3000 Fax: (334) 821-3800 Email: mailbox@alaturfgrass.org www.alaturfgrass.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Executive Director Tricia Roberts Alabama Turf Times Editor James Horton Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2010 Executive Committee President Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course
2010 ATA Annual Sponsors The companies listed here support the ATA and its members. Please keep them in mind when making your purchasing decisions.
GOLD
BRONZE
Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Golf Ventures West Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Agromax Aquatrols BASF Bayer Environmental Science DuPont Professional Products Harrell’s, Inc. Hugghins Sod Farms, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Regal Chemical Company Southern States
SILVER Agrium Advanced Technologies Ewing John Deere Landscapes NaturChem, Inc. Syngenta T&O Products
Vice President Tom Wolf Coosa Valley Turf Farms
Treasurer James Bartley Southern Lawns
Past President Pat White SouthernTurfCare, Inc.
2010 Board of Directors Kim Byram Blackjack Horticulture
John Carter Carter Sod Farm
Jason Cooper Birmingham Southern College
Bobby Farley Golf Ventures West
Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley
Scott Herron Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation
Jeff Lee, CGCS Valley Hill Country Club Murphy Turf & Ornamental
Paul Patterson University of Alabama at Huntsville
2010 Education Advisors Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University
David Hubbard Alabama Cooperative Extension System 7
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2 010
Richard Murphy
Upcoming Events >>>
NEW EVENTS OFFERED for ATRF Fundraisers
For
years, ATA has offered two golf tournaments that are fundraisers for the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) — the Mole Cricket Classic and the Poa Annua Classic. These events, co-hosted by the Gulf Coast GCSA and the Alabama GCSA chapters, have always offered an educational session followed by a golf tournament. In an effort to get more members involved, especially ones who may not be golfers, we are also offering sporting clay events this year. The Mole Cricket Classic was held on March 30. Attendees were presented the latest research on pests from David Held and his graduate students at Auburn University. After lunch, the golfers hit the newly renovated course at the Robert Trent Jones Trail at Magnolia Grove for a great day on the links. And
for the first time ever, our marksmen headed south to Taylor Creek Shooting Preserve to hit some clays. A great day was had by all participants. You still have time to participate in the Poa Annua Classic, scheduled for April 19 at FarmLinks Golf Course in Sylacauga. Dr. A.J. Powell, from the University of Kentucky, will be our guest speaker, thanks to SePro Corporation. He will discuss “Poa Suppression Using Plant Growth Regulators.” Since FarmLinks has a new sporting clay facility, we will send the golfers to the golf course and the marksmen to the shooting stations immediately after lunch. Come out, support turfgrass research and have some fun if you’re a golfer or marksman. You can register on-line at www.alaturfgrass.org.
CALLING ALL
Sports Turf Managers!
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
ATA
is hosting an event just for you—the Sports Turf Field Day. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the full-day event will feature sports turf educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be conducted on three fields at the Orange Beach SportsPlex: a softball field, a baseball field and a football/soccer field. Registration is available on-line at www.alaturfgrass.org or by contacting the ATA office at 334-821-3000. The Sports Turf Field Day will include instruction by industry professionals, handouts for future reference and exhibits of sports turf equipment, services and products, plus a delicious lunch. The Sports Turf Field Day is a must for all sports turf managers! 8
Sessions and Demonstrations • Field Painting (striping and stencils) • Cultural Practices (aerifying, topdressing and verticutting) • Pitcher’s Mound and Batter Box Repair • Edge and Lip Repair • Proper Base Alignment • Squaring a Field • Dragging Patterns • Sprayer Calibration • How to Conduct an Irrigation System Audit Register today on-line at www.alaturfgrass.org or by calling ATA at 334-821-3000.
ATA Member Spotlight >>>
By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
The
job of a sports-turf manager is changing. Danny Martin, superintendent of the Orange Beach Parks & Recreation SportsPlex, knows this all very well. Like many municipalities, the City of Orange Beach underwent some structural re-organization about two years ago. These changes cut in half the workforce at the Orange Beach SportsPlex, a wonderful complex with twelve sports fields — including baseball, softball, football and soccer fields — just minutes from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Danny is a sixteen-year veteran with the City of Orange Beach, where he put his heart and soul into the role of superintendent for the SportsPlex. Over the years, Danny has seen budget cuts, but nothing like what this current economic environment created. Danny was challenged to find additional revenue before more budget cuts affected
his facility. So, he went to work booking new tournaments and finding sponsors for programs, tournaments and needed equipment. These new events not only brought in additional revenue to the complex, but also to the City of Orange Beach, with tourist dollars. Danny has done an amazing job with this transition and has turned budget cuts into a profitable win for the entire city. As a sports-turf manager knows, the more events you have on a field, problems are sure to follow. There’s more traffic on the turf, compaction issues arise, and the turf is stressed and needs to be pampered. The City of Orange Beach had the man for the job — Rick Facey. Rick Facey is the landscape supervisor for the City of Orange Beach. The budget cuts affected Rick, too. Not only was he responsible for the city’s landscapes, but also he was given the
jobs as golf course superintendent and sports-turf manager with half the help. This responsibility would probably send most people running; Rick, however, embraced the challenge and has done an exceptional job. He is very humble about his success and credits his knowledgeable crew, John Chapman of Craft Turf Farms and Brett Drinkwine of Harrell’s, Inc., for all their help and advice. The transition of Danny and Rick’s jobs has been a tremendous success. The fields at the Orange Beach SportsPlex are in great condition; the complex is hosting new events almost daily; and the city is making money. Congrats to Danny Martin and Rick Facey for a job well done! We hope that everyone will come out and see the Orange Beach SportsPlex first-hand at the Sports Turf Field Day on April 21. ATA is excited to be part of a new event that Danny has successfully brought to his complex.
Above, left: The Orange Beach SportsPlex will host the ATA’s Sports Turf Field Day on April 21. Above, right: Danny Martin (left), superintendent of the Orange Beach SportsPlex, and Rick Facey (right), landscape supervisor. 10
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Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
Cover Story >>>
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By Dave Han, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Turfgrass Management, Auburn University
If
Mowing height For the best appearance and quality, turfgrasses should be mowed at the optimum mowing height for the proper growth and health of that particular species. Each turfgrass species has a range of mowing heights that are preferred for its optimum performance. Of course, a given turf’s optimum mowing height also affects the possible uses for that species. That’s part of the reason why there are few St. Augustinegrass football fields or ultradwarf bermudagrass home lawns. Many factors affect the optimum mowing height. Among these are density, growth rate, leaf texture and shade tolerance. Turfgrass species that spread or grow horizontally, such as bermudagrass, can usually be mowed at a lower mowing height than an upright-growing "bunch-type" turfgrass like tall fescue. Very fine-textured grasses such as zoysiagrass can usually be mowed lower than turfgrasses with coarsertextured grasses like St. Augustinegrass. In addition, denser turfgrasses often require a lower mowing height than less dense grasses. Although these rules give a good general guideline, the most important factor in selecting an optimum mowing height is simple experimentation and learning the growth characteristics of any given grass. A good example of this is centipedegrass. Although it is relatively coarse textured, study after study throughout the Southeast
AT LEFT: 1 – Jack Allen Soccer Complex, City of Decatur. Photo by Paul Floyd. 2 – Every species and variety of turfgrass has an optimum range of mowing heights. Photo by Kim Byram. 3 – Plainsmen Park, Auburn University. Photo by Eric Kleypas. 13
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
you ask me, mowing is the most important maintenance practice for a good-quality turf, but it is sometimes the most overlooked. Fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation and other management practices can’t have their full effect if the grass is not mowed at a height suitable for healthy plants. Once you realize that mowing directly affects the health and quality of turf and has a measurable effect on the way a grass plant grows, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the fine art of mowing (and it can be a fine art indeed — more on that later). The ability of a grass plant to grow and thrive under frequent close mowing is one factor that distinguishes a specific grass species as a turfgrass versus just a grass. However, everything has its limit, and every species and variety of turfgrass has an optimum range of mowing heights. Mow too low, and you might kill crowns and stolons or open up the canopy too much and allow weeds to compete. Mow too high, and the grass may start to shade itself out, become stemmy and unsightly, and produce a thatch layer that hinders water movement into the soil and that provides habitat for a number of pests. Mow too infrequently, and you could end up scalping the turf every time you try to mow. Mow with a dull blade, and you shred the leaves, leaving in your wake an ugly turf that will lose water faster than it should and also is an easier target for fungal infection.
Cover Story >>> Continued
shows that it thrives best when cut low. Table 1 lists the optimum mowing heights for the most popular turfgrass species in the Southeast.
Mowing frequency How often should turf be mowed? That depends on how fast the grass is growing and the height of cut. The rate of turfgrass growth depends on many factors, the most important of which are grass species, fertility (especially nitrogen), irrigation and weather conditions. Mowing height affects the frequency of mowing because a good rule of thumb is to mow regularly and to never remove or mow off more than one-third of the turfgrass height at any one mowing. For example, if you are maintaining a lawn at a mowing height of 2," you should mow the lawn before the turfgrass reaches 3" in height. Also, by following this “one-third” rule of thumb, you will have fewer and smaller turfgrass clippings to deal with. If the turfgrass becomes too tall between mowings, raise the mowing height and then gradually reduce it until the recommended height is reached.
Type of mower Another important factor in mowing is the type of mower used. Most homeowners mow their lawns with a rotarytype mower. Rotary mowers are also commonly used on sod farms and many athletic fields. Rotary mowers are the most popular because of their low cost, easy maneuverability and simple maintenance. Most rotary mowers cannot
give a quality cut at a mowing height less than 1," but they are versatile and can be used on taller turfgrasses and weeds, for mulching turfgrass clippings and for general trimming. Recently, new rotary mowers with decks that use rollers instead of wheels have allowed rotary mowers to be used at heights lower than 1," and although they’re more expensive than traditional wheeled-deck mowers, such mowers are cheaper than reels and are gaining popularity with sod farmers. I would expect to see them also become a popular choice for higher-budget athletic fields. Reel mowers are for highly maintained turfgrass where appearance and quality are most important. Reel mowers cut with a scissors-like action to produce a very clean, even cut. They can produce a height of cut down to the .100" and lower settings that are used on putting greens. Reel mowers, however, require a smooth surface to obtain a quality cut. Using reel mowers on uneven surfaces — say, an average home lawn — will result in "scalped" areas. Maintaining sharp cutting blades is vital with any type of mower. A dull mower blade will damage the leaf blades of the turfgrass, causing them to turn brown at the point of impact and giving the lawn a general brown cast or appearance. Sharp mower blades cut the turfgrass leaves cleanly, ensuring rapid healing and regrowth.
Clippings Should clippings be removed? Do they contribute to a buildup of thatch? The
Optimum Mowing Height
Typical Mowing Frequency
Mower Type
1/2" to 1 1/2"
Every 3 to 5 days
Rotary or Reel
1" to 2"
Every 5 to 7 days
Centipedegrass
1" to 1 1/2"
Every 10 to 14 days
Rotary or Reel
St. Augustinegrass
2 1/2" to 4"
Every 7 to 14 days
Rotary
Tall Fescue
2" to 3 1/2"
Every 7 to 14 days
Rotary
Zoysiagrass
1" to 2"
Every 10 to 14 days
Rotary or Reel
Turfgrass Bermudagrass
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
— Hybrid — Common
TABLE 1. Recommended Mowing Heights for Lawn Turfgrasses 14
usual answer to both these questions is no. Thatch is made up of stems and roots, not leaves. Grass leaves are 90% water and decompose too quickly to contribute to thatch buildup, especially if the “one-third” rule is followed. Clippings also return nutrients to the soil and save on the need for fertilizer. Turfgrass clippings should be removed, however, if they form clumps on the lawn surface after mowing. These clumps of clippings can block necessary sunlight from the turfgrass plants. Clumping occurs with infrequent or inconsistent mowing and when turfgrass plants are mowed when wet.
Things to keep in mind If it is possible, vary the site where the mower enters and exits the turfgrass at each mowing. This will spread out traffic and help prevent the wear caused by the mower’s weight. This is especially important when using riding mowers. It is also a good idea to keep off saturated soils with mowers as much as possible to avoid wear and compaction problems. Additionally, wear caused by mowers can be reduced by limiting the forward speed of the mower, especially around corners. Many golf courses have had the experience of wearing out a “triplex ring” on the cleanup laps around the edges of greens using heavy mowers. Changing mowing patterns periodically is a good practice, as it prevents “training” the grass to grow in only one direction. Golf courses will change their mowing directions on greens every day, but many homeowners only have two basic patterns that they alternate through the growing season. On a sports field, mowing patterns may change from game to game, or they may be consistent for a few weeks. On any turf, though, it is a good idea to change mowing patterns from time to time. One of the most fun aspects of mowing, especially with roller or reel mowers, is the chance to create visually appealing — sometimes even stunning — patterns in the grass. This has become especially fashionable in sports turf, with some field managers trying hard to outdo each other with mowing patterns.
4 – Alma Bryant High School, in Irvington, AL. Photo by Tommy Akridge. 5 – Plainsmen Park, Auburn University. Photo by Eric Kleypas. 6 & 7 – Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus OH. Photos by Darian Daily
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
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Member News >>>
ATA Member News New Dealership Golf Ventures West is the new dealer for Jacobsen products in Alabama. Gary Callahan is still with the product line; you can reach him at 770-500-8799. New Positions Billy Humphrey is the new Alabama sales representative for Agrium Advanced Technologies; you can reach him at 205-915-4466. Jeff Inghram is now the grounds supervisor at the University of Montevallo; you can reach him at 205-665-6171.
Member Achievements ATA is extremely proud of two Auburn professors and researchers for their recent honors. Beth Guertal, Ph.D., was named a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy. This is the highest honor given by this professional society. She was nominated for this award by ASA members based on her professional achievements and meritorious service. Also, the Auburn University College of Agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station recognized Dr. Guertal with the 2009 Dean’s Award
Welcome, ATA NEW MEMBERS! David Aufdemorte Aufdemorte Lawn Service Birmingham, AL 205-617-7729 Cy Avery Florantine SE Pace, FL 251-327-6543 John David Andrus Spring-Green Lawn Care Opelika, AL 334-363-2237
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 2010
Jamie Brady Cutting Edge Lawn Service, LLC Auburn, AL 334-826-8806 Matt Bryan Mountain Brook Club Birmingham, AL 205-802-1317 Joe Burns Color Burst Greyson, GA 770-822-9706
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for Teaching Excellence and Scott McElroy, Ph.D., with the 2009 Junior Researcher Award. Congratulations, Beth and Scott!
Beth Guertal, Ph.D.
Scott McElroy, PhD
The ATA Membership Drive is coming along strong. Be sure to get your recruits in by October 15 to be included in the drawing for prizes. Also, the top three recruiters will receive cash: $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place! Membership applications can be found on our website at www.alaturfgrass.org
Kyle Clifford Craft Farms Golf Club Gulf Shores, AL 251-968-3498
Patrick Hazen Priority Pump, Inc. Winder, GA 678-863-0447
Neil Pittman Nitro-Green Lawn Care Harvest, AL 256-562-1116
Reynolds Cook Southern Lawns Montgomery, AL 334-272-3644
Sam Hicks The Trades Publishing Co. Crossville, TN 931-200-6725
Jimmy Phillips Phillips Lawn Service, Inc. Chancellor, AL 334-684-2498
Gary Smith City of Oxford Oxford, AL 256-831-2660
Patrick Davenport Country Club of Brewton Brewton, AL 251-867-2969
Scott Knowles Lakewood Golf Course Auburn, AL 334-524-1150
Jeremy Poole Lindsey Construction Auburn, AL 479-200-4996
Fred Swingle Lawn Master, Inc. Pensacola, FL 850-476-1601
Stephen Dickerson City of Auburn Auburn, AL 334-501-2976
Tony Mitchell Troy Country Club Troy, AL 334-670-0993
Jerry Redmill City of Jasper Jasper, AL 205-221-2100
David Thurman Colonial Golf Course Meridianville, AL 256-828-0431
Chris Earnest Tiger Lawn Care, Inc. Auburn, AL 334-749-5037
Lou Newman Nature Safe Fertilizers Ridgeland, MS 601-497-4643
Brad Rounsaville Beard Equipment Co. Mobile, AL 228-424-2468
Chad Warren Warren Lawn Care Bessemer, AL 205-283-3761
Jennifer Fidler City of Fairhope Fairhope, AL 251-928-8003
Shannon Parsley ChemPro Pensacola, FL 850-469-0588
Tommy Ryan Jeff Wells Greenville Country Club Lawn Master, Inc. Greenville, AL Pensacola, FL 334-382-8571 850-476-1601 Ray Saseen The Andersons Lilburn, GA 404-580-3564
Don Simmons City of Cullman, Parks & Rec. Cullman, AL 256-734-9157
Jeff Williams Lawn Master, Inc. Pensacola, FL 850-476-1601
Calendar of Events >>>
Index of Advertisers >>>
Turf Events April 19
October 19–21
Poa Annua Classic “Poa Suppression Using PGRs,” Dr. A.J. Powell, Univ. of KY FarmLinks Golf Course Sylacauga, AL
2010 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
April 21 Sports Turf Field Day Orange Beach SportsPlex Orange Beach, AL
April 22 New Beginnings Work Day Gulf Coast Youth-Reach Summerdale, AL
October 18–20, 2011 2011 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL
AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com . . . . Inside Front Cover Bayer www.bayerprocentral.com . . Inside Back Cover Bel-Air Turf www.belairturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ewing Irrigation www.ewing1.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Greenville Turf & Tractor www.greenvilleturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hendrix & Dail www.hendrixanddail.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Humphries Turf Supply www.humphriesturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Riebeling Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Southern Specialty Equipment www.ssequip.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sur-Line Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Texas Sod Leasing www.texassod.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Turfgrass Group www.theturfgrassgroup.com . . . . . . . . 3, 15
Alabama Turf Times >>> S p r i n g 20 10
Trimax Mowing Systems www.trimaxmowers.com . . . . . Back Cover
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