Alabama Turf Times - Summer 2011 by leadingedgepubs

Summer 2011

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Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

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Upcoming Event —

ATA Annual Conference ATA Member Spotlight —

Wayne Bassett, Beck’s Turf, Inc. Cover Story —

Where Does All That Sod Come From? Special Feature —

The More We Grow, the More We Stay the Same Turf Tips —

Timely Advice for Golf, Lawn, Sports and Sod Turf Recent Events —

ATA Golf Tournaments and Auburn University Field Day

From the President’s Pen ATA Annual Sponsors News from ATA — Call for Applications Industry News — The FarmLinks Fire News from ATRF Calendar of Events Advertiser Index

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 © 2011 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 >>> Tom Wolf

Already an

EVENTFUL SEASON

I write this message, our great state is in recovery mode. On April 27, tornados swept through Alabama and torn our state into pieces. Many of our members experienced damage, some to their personal homes, and some to the businesses, golf courses, farms, sports fields and landscapes that they manage. It will definitely take awhile for our state to recover from this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone suffering from these tornados. I hope this verse will help console those troubled by this disaster. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1–3 I would like to thank everyone for participating in our spring events. Our calendar was jam-packed, from the Auburn University Turfgrass Field Day to our two golf tournaments, the Mole Cricket Classic and the Poa annua Classic. All these events benefit our foundation, the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF), and we greatly appreciate your support.

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

2011 ATA Annual Sponsors The companies listed here support the ATA and its members. Please keep them in mind when making your purchasing decisions.

Speaking of ATRF, the lucky ticket was pulled on April 25 for the Staycation Vacation Give-a-Way, and it was a ticket that was purchased by Lee McLemore and Mark Langner in an agreement to donate the prize back to ATRF. This is the best fundraiser to date for ATRF, and we appreciate Lee and Mark for making their contribution, along with everyone else who made a donation. We are gearing up for a fantastic conference this fall. This will be our association’s 50th conference, so we are planning some extra events, including a tradeshow and equipment demonstrations at Beck’s Turf Farm, a sports turf workshop and a band party, along with our perennial favorites: a golf tournament, live auction and some of the best educational sessions on turfgrass-management issues. It will be a celebration, so be sure to make your plans to be there October 10–12 in Auburn. I look forward to seeing you at the conference!

Tom Wolf 2011 ATA President

GOLD

BRONZE

Beard Equipment Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Golf Ventures West Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

AGRI-AFC, LLC Agromax BASF Bayer Environmental Science DuPont Professional Products Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Southern States

SILVER Agrium Advanced Technologies Ewing John Deere Landscapes Syngenta T&O Products

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

Executive Committee President Tom Wolf Coosa Valley Turf Farms

Vice-President James Bartley Southern Lawns

Treasurer Glenn Hedden Town of Loxley

Past President Jeff Oelmann, CGCS Grand National Golf Course

Board of Directors Golf Jeremy Sutton Montgomery Country Club

Lawncare Kim Byram University of Alabama

Parks & Recreation Raymond Sexton City of Troy

Sod John Carter Carter Sod Farm

Industry Bobby Farley The Capstone Club

Institution Jason Cooper University of Alabama in Birmingham

At-Large Scott Herron Jeff Hill Cullman Golf Course

Craig Jones Alabama Lawns

Officio/Education Advisors Dave Han, Ph.D. Auburn University

Jim Jacobi, Ph.D. ACES, Birmingham 7

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Upcoming Event >>>

CELEBRATING The

50 YEARS of Growing Together!

Alabama Turfgrass Association is turning 50 this year. Be sure to be at the Annual Turfgrass Conference to share in the celebration.

ATA Annual Conference October 10–12, 2011 Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center and Beck’s Turf Farm Exciting features and activities are planned for this year’s event, including:

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

• Over 15 hours of educational sessions • Industry Tradeshow & Equipment Demonstrations at Beck’s Turf Farm • Sports Turf Workshop & Auburn University Sports Field Tour • Golf Tournament • Celebration Dinner, Auction & Band Party • Networking Opportunities • CEUs for GCSAA, STMA, CCA & Pesticide Recertification

<<< News from ATA

Call for Applications:

2011 ATA PRESIDENT’S AWARDS

The

Alabama Turfgrass Association recognizes its members for their expertise, hard work and dedication to the turfgrass industry with the President’s Award of Excellence each year. Four categories are awarded: Sports Field/Complex of the Year, Landscape/ Lawn of the Year, Sod Farm of the Year and Golf Course of the Year. These awards, presented at the Annual Conference and Tradeshow, are given to the member who manages exceptional turf, shows professionalism in their job performance and ability, promotes the turfgrass industry and are dedicated to the profession and ATA. We encourage every member to submit an application for this year’s award before the September 1 deadline.

judge the entries. The application is available on the ATA website at www.

alaturfgrass.org. All entries must be received by September 1. Good luck!

Winners of this award will receive: 1. A plaque presented at the ATA Annual Conference during the General Assembly. 2. Featured member with article in ATA’s magazine, Turf Times. 3. Free registration to the 2011 ATA Annual Conference and Tradeshow, October 10–12.

Criteria for consideration:

The awards committee, consisting of current and past ATA presidents, will

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

1. Applicants must be an ATA member for three or more years. 2. All applications must be submitted in complete form along with a minimum of 10 digital photographs. 3. There must be at least three entries per category for a winner to be awarded for that category. 4. All sports fields, landscapes, sod farms and golf courses must be older than three years.

ATA Member Spotlight >>>

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

ayne Bassett is a name that few people forget, especially if they have ever met Wayne. With personality that is larger than life, Wayne brings his enthusiasm into everything that he does, especially his desire to better our industry. And he has done this full-time for over 17 years!

Wayne is co-owner of Beck’s Turf, Inc., a sod farm in Tuskegee, Alabama, that he purchased along with his brother, Jimmy, back in 1994 from the Beck family. Not only did he buy a family business with his brother, he has a very supportive wife, Sheila, and one fantastic daughter, Britney. Beck’s Turf, founded

in 1938, produces high-quality zoysiagrasses and bermudagrasses, supplying residential and commercial landscapers, golf courses and sports fields throughout Alabama and the Southeast. Wayne is always on the cutting edge of technology and research, which is a big factor in the success of his business. Wayne has been an advocate for the turfgrass industry from day one. He served as the president of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, not only once but twice (in 1998 and 1999), an honor bestowed on only one other brave soul (Carl Edmondson, back in 1976 and 1977). During his service to ATA, Wayne realized the importance of turfgrass research. He wanted to make sure funds were secured specifically for turfgrass research; hence, he founded the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) along with other industry leaders including the late Coleman Ward, Lee McLemore, CGCS, Bill Haberstroh, Bill Cobb, Ronnie Nixon and Steve Johnson. To this day, he serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees for ATRF. One of his proudest accomplishments is the research that has been conducted through grants funded by ATRF; to date, that grand total is over $106,000. Wayne continues to give back to our association every time he is asked for assistance. If you’ve ever attended an ATA auction during the Conference, you have seen Wayne in action. He is one of our famous “yelpers” for this event and does a remarkable job at entertaining the crowd. He even dressed up as a judge for last year’s general session presentation, Carlton’s Court. Wayne, we appreciate your support of the association, your willingness to serve where needed and for your entertainment abilities. You bring so much joy to our members, and we greatly appreciate you for ALL your contributions! If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Wayne, you will get your chance at this year’s Annual Conference. In honor of the event’s 50th Anniversary, Wayne will host the tradeshow and equipment demonstrations at his farm. Be sure to come out and enjoy this grand event at the home of our grand member, Mr. Wayne Bassett.

Cover Story >>>

By Dave Han, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

For

many in the turfgrass industry, when a truckload of sod shows up and the pallets or rolls are unloaded, it means that site prep is finished (or at least it should be!), and the work of transplanting the sod can begin. For the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sod farmers, though, that moment is the culmination of months or years of work. Have you ever wondered where does all that sod come from? In the vast majority of cases, the sod used in Alabama is grown right here in Alabama. As of the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture (2007), Alabama had 97 sod farms with a total of 23,722 acres of sod in production â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the fourth highest in the country. A 2009 Auburn University economic-impact study of the green industry in Alabama showed an estimated total economic impact of $150.3 million by the sod industry. These numbers may have fallen somewhat in the past two years due to tough economic times, but Alabama is still a national leader in sod production. Because sod is a perishable crop and transportation costs continue to rise, the grass used in any given project usually is grown locally. Although sod

may be shipped many hundreds or even thousands of miles in some high-profile situations (for example, fields for the Super Bowl or the BCS championship game), the vast majority of sod ends up less than 300 miles from the farm, usually a lot less. Since the typical sod purchase price in Alabama includes delivery, the distance most sod farms are willing to ship has shrunk in the past few years, although some farmers will ship sod long distances if the purchaser is willing to pay extra freight charges.

Our primary sod grasses Bermudagrass is the most popular grass grown in Alabama, followed by zoysiagrasses (all species), centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass and tall fescue or fescue/ bluegrass mixtures that use heat-tolerant hybrid bluegrasses. Very little seashore paspalum or Kentucky bluegrass sod is grown in Alabama. This reflects the prevailing market for turfgrass in the state and in surrounding areas. Changes in the economic climate can have a large impact on the types and amount of sod grown in the state. For example, in the early 2000s, it was common to see sod farms in south Alabama

grow tall fescue as a winter crop for sale in the Atlanta metropolitan area. When new-home construction collapsed and fuel prices spiked, that practice stopped almost overnight. Bermudagrass, despite the name, is native to Africa, although now it grows in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world. We know that it was in the Carolinas by 1751 and that it was used as a forage and hay crop. The most likely way that bermudagrass came to the Americas was as hay used for bedding on slave ships in the 17th and 18th centuries. Turfgrass varieties of bermudagrass were not actively developed until the

during his fourth trip to China in 1918, he mailed centipedegrass seeds back to the U.S. during that trip. Besides centipedegrass, he also brought back several zoysiagrasses, and the zoysiagrass variety ‘Meyer’ is named in his honor. Besides the original seeded zoysiagrass that Meyer introduced to the U.S. in 1906, other zoysiagrasses have been introduced from Asia over the past century. Zoysiagrass also has spread to temperate and tropical climates throughout the world. Some newer commercial varieties have been developed from plants discovered in other parts of Asia, Brazil and other parts of South America. The varieties ‘Meyer’ (released in 1951)

and ‘Emerald’ (1955) are historically the two most popular varieties in Alabama, but there are many new varieties available with improved growth rate, appearance and hardiness. Nobody knows for sure where St. Augustinegrass comes from. It can be found in tropical climates all over the world, and there is debate among scientists about whether it originated in the Old World and was brought to the New World by Europeans, or whether the Europeans got it from the Caribbean and South America and spread it to the Old World. Some even think that it is native to the Gulf Coast of North America. Certainly, there is a wide genetic 13

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

first part of the 20th century, and the major advances in hybrid bermudagrass breeding occurred in the 1950s. ‘Tifway’, the most popular bermudagrass variety to this day, was released in 1960. The vast majority of bermudagrass sod grown on Alabama sod farms is ‘Tifway’ or one of its descendants or relatives. Centipedegrass is native to China. A Dutch botanist named Frank Meyer worked for the USDA and made several trips to Asia in the early 1900s to collect plants that would be useful here in the United States. Among the plants that he introduced are the water chestnut, gingkos, Chinese persimmons and many vegetables. Although Meyer disappeared

Continued <<< Cover Story

variety among the naturally occurring St. Augustinegrasses from the Gulf Coast, which indicates that it has been here a long time. Native to the meadows of Europe, tall fescue was brought here by European settlers in the 1800s. Kentucky bluegrass occurs throughout Europe and Asia and is thought to be native there. However, it was also well distributed in the northern parts of North America before European settlers arrived.

Sod-field establishment

Zoysiagrass typically is harvested leaving 1" to 2" strips of sod in between the harvested rows to speed regrowth. St. Augustinegrass must be harvested with strips left, since it has no rhizomes — all lateral growth is provided by the aboveground stolons. Since St. Augustinegrass is grown mostly in south Alabama, with the longest growing season in the state, one crop per year is typical for this grass. Centipedegrass can be harvested leaving ribbons of sod, but it may also be clear-cut and then the field re-seeded for the next crop. For sod species that can be seeded, this is often the preferred method, since it allows for the field to be cultivated and weeds to be controlled before the next crop of sod is sown. All of the cool-season grasses (tall fescue, bluegrasses, fineleaf fescues) are seeded every crop.

The sod harvest It is simple to tell when sod is ready for harvest: when it holds together enough to be transported and transplanted without falling apart. If you have ever worked with sod, you may have encountered one method for decreasing the amount of time needed to harvest and sell sod: the use of plastic netting on the bottom of the sod. This helps hold the sod together and can

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

No matter which grass species is being grown, establishing a sod field follows a similar pattern. Fields are cleared and leveled (flat fields make harvesting much easier), and if the sod is to be certified, the fields are fumigated or left fallow for a period of time before establishment. The ideal location for a sod farm is in an area that has fertile, well-drained soil and ready access to water for irrigation. Baldwin County is the #1 sod-producing county in the state due to its sandy soils and flat terrain. A well-drained soil is crucial for sod production as it allows the farmer to get equipment (such as harvesters, forklifts and trucks) into the field to work sooner after rainfall. Every day that a field is too wet to harvest is a lost opportunity to sell sod. Sandy soils also weigh less, making the sod less expensive to transport. Sod fields are almost always irrigated. The most common method for a large field is a center pivot, although solidset irrigation and travelling guns or booms are also used in smaller fields and in corners where a pivot can’t reach. It is not impossible to grow sod without irrigation, especially seeded varieties, but dryland sod usually takes longer to be ready for harvest and, in some years, may fail completely. Sprigging without irrigation is not recommended. For bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass, new sod fields are almost always established via sprigging. Centipedegrass and tall fescue or fescue/ hybrid bluegrass blends can be established using seed. The time it takes to establish the field and get it ready for harvest varies widely among species. Bermudagrass, by far, is the fastest. If bermudagrass

is planted early in the growing season, it can be ready in six months, sometimes even less. It may take eight to ten months if it is established in late summer or early fall. Typically, when a bermudagrass field is harvested, it is cut completely and allowed to re-establish naturally from its roots and rhizomes. This process of harvest and re-establishment can continue for many years. Sod farms will renovate bermudagrass fields periodically, however, to reduce contaminants that creep into fields (especially common bermudagrass and any mutations that may arise). Zoysiagrass generally grows slower than bermudagrass, although some of the newer varieties, especially those of Zoysia japnonica, are much faster growing than the old standby ‘Meyer’. Sod farmers typically like faster-growing varieties because they can be harvested and sold quicker. Last fall, I attended a field day that showcased new and experimental varieties of zoysiagrass. About 25 sod farmers were present, and all of them rated the fastest-growing zoysiagrasses much more highly than equally good-looking, but slower grasses. Still, even with the fastest-growing zoysias, one crop per year would be a good result, and with the slower-growing ones, one crop every other year.

Cover Story >>> Continued

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

allow sod to be harvested weeks or months earlier than it could otherwise. Besides the cost of the netting, however, one drawback is that the netting, if left under the sod when it is laid, can work its way to the surface and catch

the feet or shoes of people walking on the turf and also damage mowers. Removing the netting while laying the sod, however, is time consuming. Recently, biodegradeable netting is becoming a popular solution to this problem. There are many different ways to harvest sod for transport and transplant. Perhaps the most familiar method is to cut the sod into slabs (pieces roughly 16" by 24") that are stacked onto pallets, which typically can hold 400 to 500 square feet of sod. The size of the slabs makes them easily transported by one worker, but the need to go back and forth to the pallet makes this method suitable mainly for smaller jobs. When sod is needed over a large area, it is usually harvested in rolls. Harvesting equipment is available that will make rolls in many different sizes, but big rolls are typically 42" wide by up to 100' (sometimes more) long. They

require specialized equipment to lay the sod, but obviously there is a huge time savings in using big rolls versus slabs. Another harvesting method, less common in the U.S., is the small roll, which is 16" or 24" wide by 5' long. These â&#x20AC;&#x153;small rollsâ&#x20AC;? are common in Europe and Australia, and the equipment for harvesting them is now available in the U.S. In fact, some American sod farms have switched over to small rolls since they can be carried by one person, yet cover a greater area than a slab. A pallet of small rolls can hold 700 or so square feet of sod. Harvested sod should be off the farm and in the hands of the buyer as soon as possible. Most sod performs best when it is laid within 72 hours of harvest, and the sooner, the better. The next time you see a trailer load of sod pull in to a job site, before you get to work unloading and laying the sod, take a moment to remember just where all that sod comes from.

Special Feature >>>

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

ince the Alabama Turfgrass Association is celebrating its golden year, it’s a perfect time to reflect over the accomplishments, observations, advice and challenges from the last 50 years. In pulling quotes from past association newsletters and magazines, it is evident that the more we grow, the more we stay the same.

We are the original “green” industry. Being “green” is the newest trend to keep our environment sustainable. However, our industry has always been green, and we knew it way back then!

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

We have entered a new dimension of the “environmental age.” The future is NOW. Turf managers must do two things — produce acceptable turf with fewer chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides) and, equally if not more important, tell the public about the benefits of turf. Remind your friends and other contacts about the role turf plays in protecting the environment against wear and wind erosion, how it reduces noise and air pollution, provides a safer playing surface for sports, provides jobs for thousands of workers every day and gives aesthetic tranquility for all. Turf touches everyone. Coleman Ward, 1992 Earth Day: April 22… a day set aside by the government each year to draw attention to the well-being of the earth. As a turf manager, agronomist, chemist, wildflower grower, etc., I believe that every day is Earth Day. The turf industry has an ongoing job — taking care of lawns, golf courses, cemeteries and parks. We should be proud in the fact that we think about nature every day. Todd Rogers, 1997

Regulation and legislation… they never end. ATA works with several industry partners for legislative engagement, including the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association, the Alabama Employees for Immigration Reform, the Professional LandCare Network, the Turfgrass Producers International and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In our contact with our legislative representatives, we should remember to make them aware of our needs and of the contributions made by Auburn University through its research and the educational program of the Agriculture Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Shull Vance, 1979 ATA has a right to be proud! Thank you to Jerry Fuller for drafting the fine proclamation signed recently by Governor George Wallace announcing turfgrass awareness. Ronnie Zwiebel, 1984

The green industry, more than ever, needs a united voice. We are constantly dealing with regulatory changes in our work environment. In order to make certain that future changes in laws and regulations are compatible with both our industry and our environment, we must participate in the legislation of these laws. We must work together through the ATA and other green industry associations to represent positive changes in the future. Chuck Thurlow, 1994

A big issue facing turfgrass managers is in the field of pesticides. As all of us working in turfgrass know, the pesticide regulatory climate has changed dramatically in the past few years. Dave Han, Ph.D., 2003

The results from the Green Industry Economic Impact Study will be used to prove to our governmental leaders that the green industry in Alabama is a major factor in the economy of our great state. Brian Aaron, CGCS, 2003

Turf managers are at the mercy of the weather… always! Whether it’s the recent tornados that swept through Alabama or the next big natural disaster, turf managers will be affected by it, work through it and learn from it. Gulf Shores is still on the map, just not as big as it used to be. Frederick tore up our city and golf course. We lost over 300 trees on the golf course alone, but were only closed for one week while we cleaned up the debris. Bill Norrie, superintendent at Lakewood, is trying to crawl out from under 3,000 trees that were downed by Hurricane Frederick on September 12. Shull Vance, 1979 I hope everyone is getting a chance to enjoy the cool weather of fall and hope the thoughts of winterkill and any other summer problems are quickly becoming memories. Anything is better than last year at this time, chain saws, hauling limbs, etc., thanks to Hurricane Opal. Todd Rogers, 1996

Restrictions, restrictions, restrictions! A word that most of us don’t like to hear. However, many ATA members have been faced with water restrictions most of the summer. This year’s rainfall pattern across Alabama has been below average, which has affected our businesses and home lives alike. James Horton, 2007

There are always obstacles… If it’s not the weather, something else is sure to interfere with a perfect growing season. Several trees have been planted at Rolling Hills Country Club, only to see them cut down by beavers and the bark rubbed off by deer. Sometimes you just can’t win! Ken Mangum, 1980 The final day of our Conference was unfortunately shattered by the tragic events that took place at the World Trade Center. It is my hopes and prayers that none of our members were directly affected by that disaster and the overwhelming loss we suffered that day (9/11). Mark Cleveland, 2001 During my year as president, I visited several ATA members — at golf courses, sports fields and sod farms — and I am proud to say that I have been impressed with everyone’s accomplishments, considering our financial environment. In times like these, we realize how creative we can be with tight budgets, and our talents really start to surface. Jeff Oelmann, CGCS, 2010

Our past ATA leaders and members have said so much more — things that will make you proud of what you do and proud of being a part of this industry and this association. Look for their inspiring words in the next issue of Alabama Turf Times!

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

Who: El Nino What: Rain, rain and rain When: December, January and February Where: All over the state of Alabama Why: Warm water source 1,500 miles away from here. Wayne Bassett, 1998

We have been affected indirectly by one of the most devastating tragedies of the century. Several people affiliated with our green industry were devastated with mass destruction of their homes, businesses and quality of life and job losses. Please keep all of the victims of Hurricane Katrina in your prayers. Kevin Goolsby, 2005

Turf Tips >>>

By Dave Han, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University

Golf Although it seems far off, now is the time to look ahead and begin making preparations for winter. The past two winters saw many bermudagrass greens suffering from winter damage. An effective long-term solution is investing in covers for greens. Over the past two springs, greens that were covered during the coldest nights consistently survived better, came out of dormancy earlier and were more vigorous in spring and early summer than uncovered greens. Covers are expensive to buy and require labor to move onto and off of the greens, but consider them at least for the most exposed and vulnerable greens. Putting covers into the budget now and having them available before cold weather will allow you to rest easier this winter.

Lawncare Proper irrigation is key to healthy lawns. Many homeowners are unaware of the basics, even just how much water warm-season grasses need during the growing season (1 to 1 1/2 inches per week). The biggest mistake is forgetting that irrigation is supposed to supplement natural rainfall, not replace it and certainly not add to it. Overwatered lawns are more prone to disease, have shallower root systems that can withstand less stress and waste a valuable resource. Educating your clients on the right way to irrigate turfgrass will make your job easier and build good will. The Alabama Cooperative Extension Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smart Yards program provides materials to help your clients irrigate properly and a host of other useful information. See more at http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1359/ ANR-1359.pdf.

Athletic turf If you are on a regular aerification program through the summer (hopefully you are) and you intend to overseed, remember to make your last core aerification no later than six weeks before your projected overseeding date. For a mid-September overseed establishment, this means no coring after August 1. This cutoff date allows the field to fill in aerification holes, and it avoids having ryegrass germinating preferentially in old aerification holes, giving a spotted appearance. Also, make sure that any fall pre-emergence herbicide applications are made well in advance of overseeding. All pre-emergence herbicides will also interfere with overseed germination. For specific wait times, refer to individual product labels; as a rule of thumb, however, do not use pre-emergence herbicides for at least eight weeks prior to overseeding.

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

Sod production Sod farmers who fall under the definition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;private applicatorâ&#x20AC;? for their use of pesticides in producing sod should be aware that the USDA has provided funding for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to conduct on-site audits of federally required records for restricteduse pesticides. This is being done on a contract basis with the federal government, so decreased state funding for the department should not affect these inspections. If you are unaware or not sure of the recordkeeping requirements, or simply want to double check, contact your local Extension office, which has the requirements and blank recordkeeping books supplied by the USDA.

Industry News >>>

Proof Positive…

WE ARE FAMILY By Jay Brooks, Sales Representative, Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

was a cold, dreary morning, with rain pounding the pavement outside my house in Sylacauga. As I sat at the breakfast table, I received a phone call that would change the remainder of the day and many to follow. “Dude, FarmLinks is burning to the ground!” exclaimed Michael Howell, my co-worker and sales representative from Jerry Tate Turf & Irrigation. When we arrived at the FarmLinks Golf Course maintenance facility, the fire trucks were already there, and the building was engulfed with flames. It was painfully obvious that nothing could be done to tame the situation. It was surreal to stand there with the

maintenance staff, some with tears in their eyes, and watch helplessly as one of the premier facilities in Alabama burned to the ground. I won’t soon forget the look on the face of David Deweese, superintendent at FarmLinks, while we watched the travesty unfold. As Mark Langner, Director of Agronomy at FarmLinks, walked up to the barn, he could only let out a chuckle and shake his head in pure disgust. At this point, Michael and I realized there was nothing more we could do on site. We let Mark and David know that we were there for them and would exhaust every effort to get them going as soon as possible. When we got in the

truck to leave, we immediately contacted the Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Pre-Owned Equipment manager, as well as Andy Cook, our director of sales, to develop a plan of action to get some type of equipment on site as soon as possible. We spent the rest of that day looking for loaner equipment both from JPTI and the Toro Company. What was to follow in the coming days were the most visible acts of kindness, selflessness and professionalism I have experienced within this industry. As news of the fire spread, my phone began to ring with customers calling to find out what had happened, and every single one of them asked the same

question — “What can we do to help?” It was crystal clear that this industry was willing to accept the challenge of getting FarmLinks back on their feet as quickly as possible. The next morning, I went to Willow Point Country Club to pick up some items that they loaned, and when I got back to FarmLinks, The Country Club of Birmingham was pulling into the driveway with greens mowers. When I got to the maintenance facility, Casey Rowell of Limestone Springs Golf Club and his technician were there with work gloves on, ready to jump in and

get started working. Casey said, “I know if it was my barn that burned, these guys would be at my place ready to help.” People can’t develop this type of “one big family” way of thinking when they isolate themselves at their respective facility. This happens only when they join something bigger than themselves and partner up for the greater good of the industry. Associations such as the ATA, the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation, the Alabama GCSA and the Gulf Coast GCSA help harbor and develop these types of relationships.

I attended the Mole Cricket Classic in Gulf Shores just six days after the FarmLinks fire, and as the word spread that FarmLinks was my account and that I was onsite when the fire was happening, I became a very popular person. Again, to my amazement, the discussions were all about what could be done to help, with a genuine concern for the families involved. I’ve always been taught to find the silver lining in everything, and this was no exception. It is cool to know that when one of our members is hurting, we all hurt, and that when one of us is in a pinch, we will as an industry rally to overcome. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation is the Toro dealer for the state of Alabama with headquarters in Pensacola, FL. Toro has an exclusive partnership with FarmLinks Golf Course, a research golf facility located in Sylacauga, AL, as their featured equipment sponsor.

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

Recent Events >>>

We Teed Up for

TURFGRASS RESEARCH

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

hank you to everyone who participated in — and sponsored — our two spring golf tournaments. All proceeds from these tournaments, the Mole Cricket Classic and the Poa annua Classic, are donated to the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation (ATRF) for future research projects that will benefit our industry. The Mole Cricket Classic was held on March 14 at the Peninsula Golf Club in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Thank you to our host superintendent, Scott Clark, CGCS, for preparing his course for our enjoyment. The Poa annua Classic was held on April 25 at the famous FarmLinks Golf Club in Sylacauga, Alabama. A huge thank you to superintendent David Deweese and director of agronomy, Mark Langner, for having the course in superb condition just 48 days after the FarmLinks maintenance shop burned to the ground. These superintendents define the term professional, and we are honored have them as part of our association. Thank you to all the companies that sponsored the two golf tournaments with tee signs and luncheon sponsorships. This support helps cover ATA’s out-of-pocket expenses for these events and allows us to raise money for research. When you see these companies’ representatives, please thank them for their support of our industry and take their support into consideration when purchasing products.

At left, top-to-bottom: Photo 1. Mole Cricket Classic winners (left to right): Glenn “Jeep” Hogue, Ron Prescott, Mark Cleveland and Dennis Stein. Photo 2. Poa annua Classic winners (left to right): Wallace Brury, Matt Story, Dr. Han and Clay Geurin. Photo 3. Mark Langner addresses the attendees at the Poa annua Classic and gives an update on FarmLinks’ fire.

Thanks to the Sponsors of the 2011 ATA Mole Cricket Classic Agri-B Agromax Agrium Advanced Technologies Aquatrols BASF Beard Equipment Company Dow AgroScience Golf Ventures West Ewing Floratine SE FMC Harrell’s, Inc. Humphries Turf Supply Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes KeyPlex Pinhigh Compound - JESCO Quali-Pro Regal Chemical Company S & S Pumpworks Southern States Syngenta

TURF MANAGERS CONVENE PLAINS ON THE

By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

ore than 100 turf managers convened on the plains for the annual Auburn University Turfgrass Field Day on Wednesday, April 13. Attendees were treated to a morning full of researchplot tours and educational sessions on topics ranging from mole cricket feeding ecology and movement to Poa annua control in bermudagrass to turfgrass fertility to proper application of fungicides. This opportunity allows attendees to compare various turf products’ effectiveness in a wide range of conditions, to find out what products will be on the market in the near future and to view research plots first-hand. After the plot tours, everyone enjoyed a catfish lunch under the bigtop tent at the Auburn University Turfgrass Research Unit. A big thanks to all the researchers at Auburn University, especially Dr. Scott McElroy, for organizing a great field day. We look forward to this event next April. Be on the look out for more details!

Thanks to the Sponsors of the 2011 ATA Poa annua Classic

Luncheon Sponsor Greenville Turf & Tractor

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

AGRI-AFC, LLC Agri-B Agrium Advanced Technologies The Andersons BASF Bayer Environmental Science Coosa Valley Turf Farm Dow AgroScience DuPont Professional Products Golf Ventures West The Gowan Company Greenville Turf & Tractor Ewing Floratine SE FMC Harrell’s, Inc. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation John Deere Landscapes KeyPlex Pennington Seed Quali-Pro Regal Chemical Company Southeast Turf Maintenance Southern States Turf Syngenta Valent Professional Products

News from ATRF >>>

Index of Advertisers >>>

And the Winner Is…

AGRI-AFC, LLC www.agri-afc.com . . Inside Front Cover

THE ATRF! By Tricia Roberts, ATA Executive Director

hank you to everyone who donated money toward the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation’s (ATRF) Staycation Vacation Give-a-Way. The grand prize winners were Mark Langner and Lee McLemore, who bought a ticket together and donated the prize back to ATRF. Ultimately, the grand prize winner was ATRF. This contribution from these gentlemen, totaling more than $5,300, made a huge impact to ATRF’s goal… to fund turfgrass research.

These funds will be used to complete a two-year commitment on three research projects: “Nitrogen Rates and Timing in Hybrid Bermudagrass,” “Dietary Preferences in Mole Crickets” and “Marketing the Bentgrass Cultivar from Auburn University.” The total commitment of these three research projects total more than $16,000. Every ticket that was purchased during this fundraiser makes a contribution to turfgrass research. Thank you for your support of ATRF!

The Anderson Technologies, Inc. www.andersonsgolfproducts.com . . . . 8 Bayer www.bayerprocentral.com . . . . . . . . 14 DuPont Professional Products www.proproducts.dupont.com . . . . . 7 Ewing Irrigation www.Ewing1.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. www.greenvilleturf.com . . . . . . . . . . 11 Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation www.jerrypate.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 NewLife Turf, Inc. www.newlifeturf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Quali-Pro www.quali-pro.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Riebeling Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Southern Specialty Equipment www.ssequip.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Southern States Cooperative www.southernstates.com . . . . . . . . . 16 The Turfgrass Group . . . .3, Back Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com Trebro Manufacturing . . . . .Inside Back Cover www.trebro.com

Turf Events >>>

July 17–18

July 18–23

ANLA Annual Meeting (American Nursery & Landscape Assn.) Liaison Capital Hill Washington, DC

Perennial Plant Symposium Hyatt Regency Atlanta Atlanta, GA

July 18–20 ANLA Legislative Conference Liaison Capital Hill Washington, DC

Alabama Turf Times >>> S u m m e r 2011

July 18–22 TPI Summer Convention & Field Days (Turfgrass Producers International) Grand Sierra Resort Reno, NV

October 10–12 NEW DATE! 2011 ATA Annual Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow Auburn Univ. Hotel & Conf. Center Auburn, AL

October 27–29 Green Industry & Equipment Expo Kentucky Exposition Center Louisville, KY

January 10–14, 2012 STMA Annual Conference & Exhibition Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA

January 22–25, 2012 APRA 65th Annual Conference (AL Parks & Recreation Association) Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center Auburn, AL

Tri-Est Ag Group, Inc. formerly Hendrix & Dail . . . . . . . . . . .9 www.hendrixanddail.com