MTC Turf News - Fall 2019

FALL 2019

MTC WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW DON’T MISS THE

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Plus ALL FOR ONE: FOSTERING COOPERATION ACROSS THE TURF INDUSTRY

UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS 38% Less Water Greater Fall Color Retention

Earlier Spring Transition Increased Wear Tolerance

Reduced Fertility Requirement Extremely Rapid Grow-In

www.TheTurfgrassGroup.com

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CONTENTS • FALL 2019 10 COVER STORY

22 FEATURE STORY

MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show

Market Research Explores Considerations Among Decision-Makers in Choosing Playing Surfaces

18 FEATURE STORY All For One: Fostering Cooperation Across the Turf Industry

DEPARTMENTS 6 8 17 17 21

President’s Message Executive Director’s Corner Calendar of Events Index of Advertisers Maryland Turf Team

MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright © 2019 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly.

Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

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MTC TURF NEWS

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MARYLAND TURFGRASS COUNCIL

PASSING THE BATON WOW!

303 S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com www.mdturfcouncil.org

It is hard to believe it has been almost three years since I was elected President of this informative and necessary organization for the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs, myself and each and every Turfgrass Professional in Maryland. Now it is time for me to write my last President’s Message and pass the baton off to the next President to guide us all into the future and for me to slip into the Immediate Past President position to advise and help where I can.

Have you ever considered helping the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs, the Maryland Turfgrass Industry, and possibly most important, helping yourself by being a part of spreading the use and need of quality natural turfgrass by framing how things are done here in Maryland? Being a member of the MTC Board requires one meeting a month, starting at 4 p.m., usually at the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Turf and Seed Herbarium, and lasting one to one-and-a-half hours to discuss the policies, and programs that benefit us all.

Each year three of the nine directors are elected to serve. If you would be interested in serving, please contact me or our Executive Director, Vernon Cooper and we will prepare the nominations for election during the Annual Conference on Dec. 10.

Speaking of the Annual MTC / Univ. of MD Turfgrass Conference, I certainly hope you can arrange to join us on December 10th for a fabulous program designed and planned by Dr. Roberts and the Board. We have four individual tracks: Golf Course Management; Sports Turf Management; Lawn & Landscape Management; and Mechanics Update Management. Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification is being offered including for all surrounding states if you need that too.

SOME OF THE GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Elliott Downing from the USGA

Dr. Mark Carroll University of Maryland

Dr. Joe Roberts Clemson University

Joe Doherty University of Maryland

Dr. Kevin Mathias Professor Emeritus University of Maryland

Ryan Bjorn New England Patriots

Dr. John Kaminski Penn State University Geoff Rinehart IAA

Dr. Travis Gannon NC State University Dr. Jim Brosnan University of Tennessee

Dr. Karen Rane University of Maryland AND Turf Equipment and Supply doing an advance Mechanics class.

We have also added more time for lunch and Trade Show. We moved the Mechanics class inside, which will be more conducive for learning. Toro is planning a more advanced program to tie into last year’s program.

Simply complete the registration forms found in this publication, send them to Vernon by US mail, e-mail or fax and plan to come be amazed.

Thanks for continued your support!

Jamie Roell MTC President

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MTC TURF NEWS

MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge St. Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 Fax: 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2019 MTC OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Jamie Roell AA Co, Rec & Parks 1010 Kinder Farm Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 Rproel09@aacounty.org jamroell@verizon.net Work: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 Fax: 410-222-6138

VICE PRESIDENT Ben Ellis Paint Branch Golf Course 2806 Brewster Rd. Waldorf, MD 20601 Cell: 571-340-0122 Office: 301-935-5184 golfturf54@gmail.com ben.ellis@pgparks.com

SECRETARY Cheryl Gaultney 12 Pressie Lane Churchville, MD 21028 Home: 410-734-0650 Cell: 410-322-8275 Sandqueen10@aol.com

TREASURER Katy Cooper 303. S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Office: 410-745-9643 Fax: 410-745-8867 Cell: 443-496-0750 treasurer@ MDTurfCouncil.com

PAST PRESIDENT Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms 920 John Brown Rd. Centreville, MD 21617 Work: 800-866-1387 Work: 410-827-5000 Cell: 410-320-7791 bill@centralsodmd.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vernon Cooper All States Turf Consultant 303 S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-742-6618 Fax: 410-745-8867 execdir@MDTurfcouncil.com

THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS Keith Bowman McHale Landscape Design 6212 Leapley Rd Upper Marlboro, MD 20722 Cell: 240-375-8753 keithb@mchale landscape.com Matt Coates Washington Nationals Baseball 1500 S. Capitol St. S.E. Washington, DC 20003 Office: 202-640-7545 Cell: 202-731-4774 Matt.Coates@Nationals.com Shaun Meredith Calvert County Rec & Parks 175 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Cell: 410-610-9007 Office: 410-535-1600 Shaun.Meredith@ calvertcountymd.gov

TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Brandon Sands MNCPPC M&D Randall Farm 4200 Ritchie Marlboro Rd Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Office: 301-780-2426 Cell: 240-821-7139 Brandon.sands@ pgparks.com Kim Bohn Newsom Seed 209 Spruce Ave. Edgewater, MD 21037 Cell: 443-875-5533 kimberly@newsonseed.com Amanda Stillwagon Anne Arundel Co. Rec & Parks 1 Harry S Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 410-553-7663 Cell: 704-877-8810 rpstil00@aacounty.org

ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS Perry Whaley Newsom Seed P.O. Box 510 11788 Scaggsville Rd. Fulton, MD 20759 Office: 240-554-0359 Perry@newsomseeed.com

800-247-BEAM www.BEAMCLAY.com STATE APPROVED CO-OP PRICING

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FALL 2019

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

FOND FAREWELLS D

uring 2019 we were unfortunate to have to say goodbye to two well-known pioneers of the Maryland Turfgrass Industry and both were Past Presidents of the Maryland Turfgrass Council.

Charles Robert “Bob” Lynch was laid to rest September 5, 2019 at age 86. Bob was born January 8, 1933, in Baltimore, MD. After completing his education at Loyola High School and City College, Bob joined his father at the International Harvester Companyfarm equipment dealership in Glyndon.

Bob married his beloved Nancy Lee Hughes on a snowy day in January 1956. Shortly after the wedding, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and was soon given orders for Germany. Fortunately, Nancy was able to join Bob in Germany, and they were always grateful for the happy days they spent in Europe — places they would have only dreamed of otherwise.

After the International Dealership closed in 1980, Bob took a job with the Toro Company and within a year moved on to the G.L. Cornell Company in Gaithersburg.

Cornel specialized in equipment for the maintenance of Golf Courses. To enhance his knowledge of the propagation of specialty grasses, Bob joined the Maryland Turfgrass Council and ultimately served as President during 1988 & 1989.

Bob left behind two sons and five cherished grandchildren and many dear friends.

Emory R. Patton of Silver Spring went home to be with the Lord on September 17, 2019 at age 87. Emory was born November 14, 1931 and was a life-long resident of Montgomery County where he created the family business; Turf Center, Inc, a company he started with the purpose of growing and supplying quality sod to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

Emory, a pioneer of the turfgrass business, was always looking for new ways to produce, harvest and deliver a better-quality sod to his customers. Emory was the first in MD to purchase an automated sod harvester in the late 60s, was the largest sod distributor in the metropolitan area throughout the 70s & 80s and brought new methods to Turfcote Bermudagrass into athletic fields and golf courses in the 90s.

Emory married his soulmate Pat and they enjoyed 66 years of wedded bliss before Emory’s passing. They shared life with a daughter, Diana, and a son, Larry. Emory enjoyed and loved his two grandchildren and his two great grandchildren plus numerous other family & friends.

Emory began his leadership as a U.S. Marine and went on to serve several times as King in the Colesville Lions Club. He was extremely active in his church, Christ Fellowship, and Gideons International. Emory was a charter member and served as President of both the MD Turfgrass Association and the MD Turfgrass Council 1975 & 1976 and again 1985 & 1986.

Emory helped establish the MF Certified Sod program and funding for Univ. of MD Turfgrass Research Facility at Cherry Hill, as well as the beginnings and evolution of the MD Turfgrass Conference.

Both of these great leaders and pioneers in the MD Turfgrass Industry will greatly missed.

Vernon W. Cooper MTC Executive Director

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MTC TURF NEWS

FALL 2019

9

COVER STORY

MTC WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW DON’T MISS THE

Maryland Turfgrass Council and the University of Maryland Turfgrass Science Invite you to attend the Annual Maryland Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show

DECEMBER 10, 2019

TURF VALLEY RESORT

ELLICOTT CITY, MD

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT SESSION 7:30 a.m.

Registration / Coffee & Sweets

Photos courtesy of Turf Valley Resort

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

“2019 in Review” Mr. Elliott Downing United States Golf Association

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9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

“Optimizing Pesticide Applications” Dr. Travis Gannon NC State University 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

BREAK

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

“Making the Case for Biological Control in Turf” Mr. Joe Doherty University of Maryland

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Fungicide Update: Old and New Products” Dr. John Kaminski Penn State University

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

“Optimal Golf Course Weed Management for 2020” Dr. Jim Brosnan University of Tennessee

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

“Understanding Bacterial Diseases on Cool-season Turf” Dr. Joe Roberts Clemson University

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

TRADE SHOW with lunch

2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

“Selecting Grasses for Low Input Areas on the Golf Course” Mr. Geoff Rinehart University of Maryland

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

MTC TURF NEWS

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COVER STORY • continued

2019 MTC WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT SESSION 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

“Development and Adoption of Best Management Practices – MASTMA BMPs” Dr. Joe Roberts Clemson University

7:30 a.m.

Registration / Coffee & Sweets

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

“Optimal Weed Management for Sports Fields in 2020” Dr. Jim Brosnan University of Tennessee

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

“Modern Day Communication: Benefits and Pitfalls” Dr. John Kaminski Penn State University

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

“Understanding the Feasibility of Bio-Control of Turfgrass Diseases” Mr. Joe Doherty University of Maryland

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

TRADE SHOW with lunch

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

BREAK

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Dealing with Myths Around Pesticide Use on Athletic Fields” Dr. Travis Gannon NC State University 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

“Diverse Property Management: Maryland SoccerPlex” Mr. Ryan Bjorn Maryland SoccerPlex 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

“Latest Research on Organic and Biorational Weed Control in Turfgrass” Dr. Mark Carroll University of Maryland

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MTC TURF NEWS

Spring: Covers have been removed.

(Uncovered turf still dormant) Stakes keep covers in place in brass grommets at 5' intervals.

continued • COVER STORY

LAWN & LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT SESSION 7:30 a.m.

Registration / Coffee & Sweets 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

“Dealing with Lawn and Landscape Bugs” Dr. Kevin Mathias Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

“Gray Leaf Spot: Beyond Ryegrass” Dr. John Kaminski Penn State University 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

BREAK

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

“Latest Research on Organic and Biorational Weed Control in Turfgrass” Dr. Mark Carroll University of Maryland 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

“Deciphering Myths Around Pesticide Use” Dr. Travis Gannon NC State University 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

TRADE SHOW with lunch

1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Weed Management in Lawn and Landscape: Lessons Learned Last Season” Dr. Jim Brosnan University of Tennessee 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

“Selecting Grasses for Low-Input Landscapes in the Transition Zone” Geoff Rinehart University of Maryland 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

“Reviewing Ornamental Pest Problems in 2018 & 2019” Dr. Karen Rane University of Maryland

MECHANICS UPDATES SESSION 7:30 a.m.

Registration / Coffee & Sweets

(Speakers and Titles to be determined)

FALL 2019

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COVER STORY • continued

2019 MTC WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW DECEMBER 10, 2019

TURF VALLEY RESORT

ELLICOTT CITY, MD

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Date | Name | E-Mail | Company Name | Phone | Address | City | State | Zip | PESTICIDE AND/OR FERTILIZER APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION: Cat: 3A, 3C, 6, 10 MD Pesticide License # |

Last 4 of Social Security # |

MD Fertilizer License #PFA |

Other State Pesticide License # |

What State | Category |

Please indicate your main emphasis at the conference (so we can prepare sufficient seating in each session track).

You are welcome to move between session tracks, we are only looking for a starting point.

Golf Course Management

Lawn & Landscape Management

REGISTRATION FEES

Sports Turf Management

Mechanics Management

MTC MEMBERS $75 $115 Free

Prior to Nov. 15, 2019 Nov. 16 to Dec. 11, 2019 Students with School ID

NON-MEMBERS $100 $150 $15

CONFERENCE SPECIAL: If you are not an MTC member, you may join NOW, receive your discount for this year’s conference registration, and be covered as a member through January 31, 2021.

Members may also renew their dues now for 2020 (February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021) if you desire or you will be invoiced in January 2020

TYPE OF MTC MEMBERSHIP Individual Member...................................................................... $50 Student/Educator/Retiree Member............................................ $15 Master Gardener/Non-Profit Volunteer Member....................... $25 Public Agency (First 10 Employees per County or Location)*..... $150 Each Additional employee above 10.............................................. $15

USINESS: B Bronze (1–5 employees)............................................................. $175 Silver (6–10 employees)............................................................. $300 Gold (11–15 employees)............................................................. $500 Platinum (16 –20 employees)................................................. $1,000 Palladium (21+ employees).................................................... $1,500

1. Name | Address | Email |

Phone |

2. Name | Address | Email |

Phone |

Use other sheet for more employees.

TURF QUILT RAFFLE FOR RESEARCH TICKETS: 1 FOR $10 OR 3 FOR $20 Payment Method Preferred |

Check made out to MTC

Credit Card (MC, Visa, Discover, Amer. Ex)

Name on Card | Card Number |

Conference Reg. Membership Dues

Exp. Date |

3 or 4 Digit Security Code |

Mail, E-Mail, or FAX to: Vernon W. Cooper, Executive Director, Maryland Turfgrass Council 303 S. Talbot St. #389 • St. Michaels, MD 21663 • www.MDTurfCouncil.org O. 410-745-9643 • C. 443-742-6618 • F. 410-745-8867 • ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com 14

MTC TURF NEWS

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*Study sponsored by USGA & USDA, conducted by researchers at Oklahoma State University, Evapotranspiration Rates of Turf Bermudagrasses under Nonlimiting Soil Moisture Conditions in Oklahoma, published in Crop Science, March 2018.

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COVER STORY • continued

2019 MTC WINTER TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW DECEMBER 10, 2019

2019 TURFGRASS EDUCATIONAL SPONSORS ADVOCATE SPONSORS Chesapeake Valley Seeds Genesis Turfgrass Landscape Supply, VA Newsom Seed

TURF VALLEY RESORT

ELLICOTT CITY, MD

Tuesday, December 10, will be here before we know it. So, it is time to commit to be a Vendor and/or Sponsor for the MTC and University of Maryland’s Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show. The conference and Trade Show will once again be held at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, right off Interstate 70 in Howard County.

VENDORS: Displays will be throughout the main ballroom where we can all visit and learn of the new products and companies just waiting to serve the Turfgrass Industry while enjoying a delicious lunch. At the request of last year’s vendors and participants, we have increased the lunch time to be 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. to allow more time to interact. (lunch for vendors is 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.).

Booths available are a single booth (10' x 10'), a double booth (10' x 20') and a triple booth (10' x 30'). Each has an 8' covered table and 2 chairs. Electric and WiFi are also provided. Booth prices remain the same as last year and 2 name badges are included with each booth. Additional badges may be purchased for $25 each. PLEASE NO SUITCASING.

Single Booth.................. $500

Double Booth.................$950

Outside equipment display space is available but limited.

No charge for outside if inside booth is also rented

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS SiteOne SUPPORTER SPONSOR Landmark Turf & Native Seed Syngenta BACKER SPONSOR

Outside only $500

SPONSORS: If being a Vendor is not your thing, or you want more visibility for your company, you can be a Sponsor which helps raise additional money to promote quality turfgrass and the Univ. of MD Turfgrass Programs. There are several different opportunities listed below. Each Sponsorship includes 2 complimentary conference passes and you may purchase as indicated below for $25 each. Opportunities include:

Conference Mailing (2 additional passes).... $500

AV Equipment (3 additional passes)............. $750

Break-Out Rooms (2 additional passes)....... $500

Trade Show Hall (4 additional passes)....... $1000

Coffee & Sweets (3 additional passes)......... $750

Lunch (3 additional passes)........................ $1000

Friend of the University Programs............. $300 (No additional passes are available)

Central Sod Farms Harrells LLC Outdoor Creations Landscape Services

Company |

PATRON SPONSOR

City | State | Zip |

J. Craver Kenwood Golf & CC D. Goodwin Harford Co Parks & Rec MTA (Sod Growers) Larry Ott Retired Zenon Lis Burlingham Seed Dan McKenzie

Contact | Address |

Email Address | Phone | Payment Method Preferred |

Check made out to MTC

MTC TURF NEWS

Credit Card (MC, Visa, Discover, Amer. Ex)

Name on Card | Card Number |

Exp. Date |

3 or 4 Digit Security Code |

If you would like to be part of the adventure, please complete this form and return it to Vernon by E-Mail, Fax, or US Mail. Thanks for your continued support!!!

O. 410-745-9643

•

Vernon W. Cooper, Executive Director C. 443-742-6618 • F. 410-745-8867 • ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com

303 S. Talbot St. #389 16

Triple Booth................ $1,400

•

St. Michaels, MD 21663

•

www.MDTurfCouncil.org

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

MTC 2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 27, 2020 (Friday)

August 19, 2020 (Wednesday)

MDA Spring Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicators License Recertification

Eastern Shore Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicators License Recertification

MDA Headquarters Annapolis, MD

Talbot Agriculture & Education Center Easton, MD

June 26, 2020 (Friday)

December 8, 2020

Procrastinators Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicators License Recertification

Maryland Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show

University of Maryland Turf Research Farm College Park, MD

including Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicators License Recertification

Turf Valley Resort Ellicott City, MD

Alliance Material Handling, Inc..........................21 www.alliancemat.com

Buy Sod, Inc............................. Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com

Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc....................7 www.centralsodmd.com

Chesapeake Valley Seed.....................................9 www.chesapeakevalleyseed.com

Collins Wharf Sod Farm......................................7 www.collinswharfsod.com

CoverSports USA..............................................12 www.coversports.com

East Coast Sod & Seed.....................................17 www.eastcoastsod.com

Ernst Conservation Seeds.................................26 www.ernstseed.com

Fisher & Son Company, Inc.................................5 www.fisherandson.com

Leading Edge Communications.........................24 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Luck Ecosystems................................................3 NOTE: Remember your Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Licenses Expire on June 30.

www.luckstone.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL............................................11 www.stihldealers.com

Mountain View Seeds.......................................25

DIGITAL MARKETPLACE

www.mtviewseeds.com

Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

Beam Clay..........................................................7

Nutrien Solutions..............................................21 www.nutrienagsolutions.com www.BEAMCLAY.com • www.PARTAC.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc........................13 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Shady Oaks Turf Farm......................................17 www.shadyoaksturffarm.com

Smith Seed Services...........................................7 www.smithseed.com

Sod Production Services...................................15 www.sodproductionservices.com

Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc................. Back Cover www.summithall.com

The Turfgrass Group.................Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Virginia Sand & Stone.........................................9 www.virginiasand.com

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 ( TOLL FREE )

sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com FALL 2019

17

FEATURE STORY

ALL FOR ONE:

FOSTERING COOPERATION ACROSS THE TURF INDUSTRY A superintendent discusses collaborating with professionals in other sectors of turf management and offers steps fellow supers can take to promote a united front.

By Logan Freeman, Mountain Branch Golf Club The following story was originally published in the June 2019 issue of GCM and is reprinted with permission.

W

hile there is no debating that the turf industry has come under increased attacks from activist groups and onesided legislation in the past few years, I believe there is a potentially dangerous gap in our defense.

Though not often talked about, a lack of cohesion among the different professions within turfgrass management has left us isolated and separated.

In the specific world of golf course management, we often discuss the importance of communication between the superintendent and golf shop staff, golfers, boards and committees.

We also recognize the benefit of camaraderie and shared knowledge among golf course superintendents. Although the collaboration and community in golf is critical to the success of our work, the lack of communication and support across the various sectors of turfgrass management — golf, sports turf, home lawn care, university professionals, distributors, sales representatives — is rarely addressed. (Photo 1) The origin of this divide is difficult to pinpoint. Perhaps we superintendents felt that cultivating this long-term supportive relationship would have taken too much time and effort away from our immediate day-to-day operations. Or maybe we just saw no value in immersing ourselves in its complexities. Whatever the history, this disconnect now seriously undermines the future of our industry as a whole.

An eye-opening gathering Like so many in our profession, I used to think that sports turf and lawn care just did their thing, and we as golf course turfgrass managers did ours. That’s the way it had always been and likely would remain. Then I went to a meeting for the formation of a local chapter of the Sports Turf Managers Association. This organic creation of the Mid-Atlantic STMA (https://mastma.org) opened my eyes to an entirely different approach to my profession.

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MTC TURF NEWS

Of the hundred or so in attendance, I was the only golf course superintendent in the room. Yet instead of feeling alone and territorial, I felt a sense of connection and an appreciation for my presence. I also felt the support of what the people attending the meeting were trying to achieve.

I discovered a side of turfgrass management I had never before experienced, and I formed bonds with local sports turf managers I likely never would have met had I not attended as a sign of support for the new organization. (Photo 2) Immediately following that meeting, I couldn’t stop wondering why the golf and sports sides of the industry were not more jointly associated. After all, we have far more commonalities than differences. We all manage turfgrass for its playability, in addition to juggling the management of people, budgets and the environment.

1

Sales representatives are among those who bridge the gap between the different sectors of turfgrass management. Here, author Logan Freeman, superintendent at Mountain Branch Golf Club in Joppa, Md., (right) and his assistant superintendent, Erik Dittmar (left), visit with Scott Orndorff, a sales representative from Landscape Supply Inc. Photos courtesy of Logan Freeman

I also began to question why lawn care and other sectors were not a part of this supportive mix. If we are looking to move the turfgrass industry forward and address all the adversity facing us, we must come together in support and appreciation.

No matter our titles — golf course superintendent, head groundskeeper, lawn care provider, researcher, distributor — we all have a passion for this industry as well as a part to play in the narrative of its future.

The future of the turf industry Our industry is increasingly challenged. Part of this growing tension is positive, as ever-restrictive pesticide- and nutrientmanagement laws lead to innovation, ingenuity and leadership.

The downside, however, is equally present, as lawmakers who view the turfgrass industry as an easy target issue uninformed, blanket statements with little regard for repercussions.

Their caustic words and changing tactics frequently appear as attacks aimed at our methods and the products we use rather than as honest attempts at finding common ground and viable solutions.

All too often, legislative bills are introduced at the last second to catch the turfgrass industry off guard. New legislation rarely comes directly on the national level; instead, legislation is brought forth at the county or township level. And while these restrictions are directed primarily toward a specific local aspect of turfgrass management — lawn care, sports turf, golf — the law is often expanded to other issues and geographical areas in subsequent years.

This is where a united industry front becomes critical, because legislation that comes uninformed and with destructive intent stands a greater chance of gaining a foothold and becoming commonplace if we remain an isolated and separated body. Now is the time for us to become unified and vigilant.

2

Forging relationships with fellow professionals in the various fields of turfgrass management — as Freeman (left) has with Nicole Sherry, head groundskeeper for the Baltimore Orioles — is a powerful piece of any effort to advance turfgrass managers’ collective interests.

3

A field of milkweed — which is monarch butterfly-friendly — at Mountain Branch Golf Club in Maryland.

How golf course superintendents can be part of the solution Each one of us must make the effort to reach out locally, regionally and statewide. Here are some next steps.

Locally Find out who manages the sports fields in your area. Communicate with them and form a bond by helping each other. This also goes for lawn care providers, sod farmers and others who work with turfgrass in your community, as we are all potential partners.

Consider becoming involved in local outreach efforts such as the First Green (https://www.thefirstgreen.org) program, which effectively shows our commitment to area youth and extends past golf into sports turf and lawn care. Engaging young people about the turfgrass industry can help educate away fears or misconceptions they and/or their families might have.

Proactively share with golfers, patrons, homeowners, legislators, educators and the general public the environmental benefits of golf course green space. Utilize programs such as Operation Pollinator (http://www.greencastonline.com/operationpollinator) and Monarchs in the Rough (https://monarchsintherough.org)

to help you get started in providing habitat to benefit even the smallest of creatures. Simply reducing or eliminating inputs between fairways and in out-of-play areas provides habitat for a whole range of ecology. (Photo 3) Sports field managers and lawn care providers can recommend pollinator-friendly flowers and reduced-input options. Planters outside a stadium and single landscape beds at a home are small actions, but they often lead to educational opportunities and serve as conversation starters.

Often, it seems people see our industries as a “silent spring,” adversely affecting the environment by constantly applying dangerous chemicals. The responsibility now falls on us to showcase our benefits and diversity of wildlife, and to educate those concerned.

FALL 2019

19

FEATURE STORY • continued

Regionally At the formation meeting of the Mid-Atlantic STMA, I noticed the one common thread among all turfgrass groups: sales representatives/distributors. To me, therefore, it seems obvious that regional sales reps and distributors serve as the primary conduit through which industry information is initiated and exchanged throughout all sectors. University and private researchers are additional common threads that can help the profession coalesce.

Chapter leaders should actively encourage joint functions among all the branches, whether the events are social or educational. Communication between different sectors and the leaders within them is crucial in the process. And if open lines of communication do not currently exist between the industry professionals in one’s area, an emphasis must be placed on improving and streamlining the exchange of information and mutual support.

Statewide When legislation impacting our industry is misinformed or unnecessarily restricting, it is important that we take the time to educate our legislators regarding our products and their usage.

An established method of any proactive body is the development of best management practices (BMPs). The creation/ implementation of BMP documents is already proving to be a powerful tool in the defense of our industry. When our practices are called into question, a BMP manual can provide evidence that we take our profession and its effects on the environment seriously. (Photo 4) We are proud that Maryland was the first state to complete its BMP turfgrass manual (http://www.marylandgolfbmp.org), and we’re beginning to discover its benefit during legislative sessions. The BMP document is a positive first step in unifying the turfgrass industry here in Maryland, and we applaud GCSAA for its effort to encourage all states to follow our lead.

Current and future challenges facing the turfgrass industry will require a multifaceted effort. Documentation like the BMPs, community outreach programs like First Green, and proactive communication with legislative officials, the public and all facets of the industry will serve vital roles in shaping the community’s understanding of our industry.

A unified front Rather than standing silent, segmented and unengaged, we must work as a fully functioning alliance of turfgrass professionals in order to address today’s challenges effectively. We must personally reach out to the different sectors within our own turfgrass communities, for we will engage more willingly if we have a friend or close colleague being affected by new legislation.

Chapters, associations and councils from around the industry must reach out to each other and work as a unified group.

For those of us in Maryland, the Maryland Turfgrass Council will serve as a catalyst for solidifying relationships among

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different turfgrass groups within the state, especially via events like joint turfgrass profession trade shows. National organizations such as GCSAA and STMA can help consolidate industry support through timely messaging via social and print media.

Proactive and courageous leadership will be paramount. The true strength of an industry comes down to the passion, engagement and vision of the individuals who underwrite it. It has been my experience that turfgrass management is full of hardworking, dedicated and driven people. I believe that, with the right balance of camaraderie and shared knowledge, our industry will adapt and thrive despite the challenges that lie ahead. • Logan Freeman is the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Mountain Branch Golf Club in Joppa, Md., and a 10-year association member.

4

Simply reducing inputs in out-of-play areas helps provide habitat for creatures big and small. By working together, diverse branches of the turfgrass industry can facilitate the adoption of such environmentally conscious initiatives throughout the profession as a whole.

MARYLAND TURF TEAM

Prosperity begins here.

Rick Boldissar MDA / Turf & Seed Section Chief Annapolis, MD 410-841-5960 Rick.boldissar@maryland.gov

No one knows keeping things green quite like you. Now with even broader resources and capabilities, your Nutrien Solutions location is even more equipped to help you become a more capable growing professional than ever. nutrienagsolutions.com

Mark Carroll, Ph.D. Dept. of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1339 mcarroll@umd.edu

Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-1337 pd@umd.edu

For support, please contact your local representative.

Tom Walsh MD/Northern VA 410-375-7226 tom.walsh@nutrien.com

Fred Heinlen Eastern Shore 443-669-4284 fred.heinlen@nutrien.com

Harry Kenney DE, MD/Northern VA 410-375-6148 harry.kenney@nutrien.com

Dave Funk Manager, Paint Branch Turfgrass Research Facility University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-8195 dfunk@umd.edu

Kevin Mathias Ph.D. Professor Emeritus University of Maryland/IAA College Park, MD 301-405-4692 JKM@umd.edu

Geoffrey Rinehart Institute of Applied Agriculture University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-405-4692 GJRinehart@gmail.com

Tom Turner Ph.D. Professor Emeritus University of Maryland College Park, MD 301-403-4431 tturner@umd.edu FALL 2019

21

FEATURE STORY

Market Research Explores Considerations Among Decision-Makers in

CHOOSING PLAYING SURFACES

By Casey Reynolds, Ph.D., Executive Director, Turfgrass Producers International

C

ollege and professional football season are upon us, and sports fans can feel the excitement in the air. As always, preseason polls, national championship predictions, and other team chatter is in the news, but also making headlines this year are several recent retirements of prominent football players citing in part, concerns over their long-term safety and health. The safety and health of athletes is and should be a top priority for leagues, coaches, parents, and others. However, what other factors are considered when installing new athletic fields? Is it maintenance, costs, environment, or other factors?

Is it all of the above? If so, which factors play most heavily in these decisions? This was the topic of research targeted in recent market research conducted in 2018 in the United States and Canada.

Six companies submitted proposals for this market research and FleishmanHillard, a global PR firm and digital marketing agency based in St. Louis, MO was selected as the winning proposal. FleishmanHillard is an internationally recognized PR firm that was founded in 1946 that represents businesses including Barnes & Noble, Proctor & Gamble, General Motors, Energizer, EA Sports, and more. They have over 80 offices in 30 countries and as such are able to reach audiences domestically and internationally.

First, FleishmanHillard analyzed the current state of affairs in print and social media with regard to natural grass and synthetic turf. Natural grass proponents and synthetic turf companies tout many of the same benefits including cost, environmental impact, durability and safety — many of consumers’ major concerns. They also analyzed the share of each group’s voice in digital media as well as the positive, neutral, and negative perceptions by subject for natural grass and artificial turf. One of the key items that jumped out was that it appears natural

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MTC TURF NEWS

grass fields are taken for granted. There are fewer arguments for natural grass, rather than against artificial turf, because natural grass is in the default position. Artificial turf often gets more coverage and has non-neutral articles, in part simply because it is new and debated.

In addition to an analysis of print and digital media, FleishmanHillard surveyed 141 decision-makers (coaches, athletic directors, city employees, etc.) in the United States and Canada (Figure 1) to get an idea of what they determined as motivating factors when selecting new playing surfaces for their communities. These respondents were presented with a series of statements revolving around considerations of various playing surfaces and asked for their feedback. Their knowledge and responses to these statements were then compiled for analysis to determine the many factors that go into deciding between natural grass or synthetic turf athletic fields, mulch or rubber playground surfaces, and more.

As you can imagine, the safety and health of users was a top response. There are many factors that contribute to the safety of various types of playing surfaces, including but not limited to, construction and management practices, heat, surface hardness, consistency, others, and even footwear. There are many types of playing surfaces that each have a role in communities everywhere. For example, a playground at a child’s daycare center in the southern U.S. may be more concerned about heat loading than a multi-use event complex in the pacific northwest. Inversely, a collegiate or professional soccer or football complex may be more concerned about traction/footing than an outdoor concert venue. As you can imagine, each of these types of venues lend themselves to different playing surfaces and management techniques but a common theme throughout each of them is user safety.

FIGURE 1: DECISION-MAKERS’ POSITIONS (n=141)

When examining non-contact knee, ankle and foot injuries, play on synthetic turf had a 56% higher rate of injuries resulting in any time loss and a 67% higher rate of injuries resulting in more than eight days of time loss.

The greatest difference in non-contact injury rates between synthetic turf and natural grass were to the ankle/ foot: synthetic turf resulted in a 68% higher rate of injuries resulting in any time loss and a 103% higher rate of injuries resulting in more than eight days of time loss.

An athletic director or assistant athletic director

18%

A committee and/or board member for my city, county or state

17%

An elected official in my city, county or state

17%

A parks and recreation manager and/or superintendent from the local community/county

15%

A city manager, assistant city manager, city administrator or assistant city administrator

13%

A groundskeeper / grounds manager / athletic field manager

13%

Athletes in Division I competitions experienced 199% higher PCL injury rates on artificial turf than on natural grass.

Athletes in Division II and III competitions experienced 213% higher PCL injury rates on artificial turf than on natural grass.

Athletes in Division II and III competitions experienced 63% higher ACL injury rates on artificial turf than on natural grass.

A member of my community’s athletic association

6%

A community leader (serves on local boards, etc.)

1%

FALL 2019

23

FEATURE STORY • continued

Field safety has long been a research topic among the scientific and medical professions and there have been many research papers published in academic journals citing varying differences in surface types. Many of these studies use some type of injury surveillance reporting system to seek out and analyze trends in injuries in different playing surfaces. For example the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has collected injury data through their Injury Surveillance System (ISS) since 1982 (Kerr et al 2014). The National Football league (NFL) has recorded and reported injuries using a similar system since 1980 (Hershman et al 2012). These types of injury recording systems are capable of capturing data on injury type, weather conditions, playing surface, athlete exposures (AE), and more. These reporting systems allow medical trainers and researchers to access and analyze vast sets of comprehensive data over extended periods of time.

Two papers that have been recently published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine focus on injury data analysis from the National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Previous research has revealed that football cleats interact differently on synthetic and natural turf, which may lead to a different risk of injury. Divots — when a cleat creates a hole in the field — signal that the grass has absorbed force from the cleat and released the cleat back again, rather than capturing the cleat and releasing the force through a players’ foot, ankle or knee, which could cause injury.

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MTC TURF NEWS

Since cleats can easily create divots on natural grass less force is placed on the lower body, which may help prevent injury.

Data for the NFL study came from the analysis of all 1,280 NFL regular season games and 213,935 distinct plays from 2012 through 2016, 555 of which were on synthetic turf and 725 on natural grass. All 32 NFL teams reported injuries through an electronic health record system, and each injury report gives full details of the injury and circumstance, such as the contact, impact, activity, time lost, game-day weather, and surface type and conditions. The researchers then examined all cases of lower body injuries along two outcomes: any time loss, and greater than eight days of time loss. They also examined the rates of contact-related injuries and noncontact-related injuries, since noncontact injuries are more likely to be related to the playing surface.

A total of 4,801 lower body injuries occurred from 2012 to 2016 affecting 2,032 players. Play on synthetic turf had a 16 percent higher rate of lower body injuries than on natural grass.

This included contact and noncontact that resulted in any time loss. For noncontact injuries, synthetic turf injury rates were 27 percent higher than injury rates on natural grass. However, when examining noncontact knee, ankle and foot injuries, play on synthetic turf had a 56 percent higher rate of injuries resulting in any time loss and a 67 percent higher rate of injuries resulting in more than eight days of time loss. The greatest difference in noncontact injury rates between synthetic and

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FEATURE STORY • continued

natural turf were to the ankle: synthetic turf resulted in a 68 percent higher rate of injuries resulting in any time loss and a 103 percent higher rate of injuries resulting in more than eight days of time loss.

In the NCAA research, there were a total of 3,009,205 athlete exposures and 2,460 knee ligament and meniscal tears reported by the NCAA Injury Surveillance System throughout the 2004–2005 to 2013–2014 NCAA playing seasons. Injury rates for all knee ligament and meniscal tears examined during this period were higher during competitions than in practices.

Analysis of this data indicate a significantly increased rate of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on artificial turf compared to natural grass during competitive events. Although, there were no differences in the rate of medial collateral ligament (MCL), medial meniscal, or lateral meniscal injuries.

Specifically, athletes in Division I competitions experienced PCL tears at 2.99 times the rate on artificial turf (199% increase) as they did on natural grass. Division II and III athletes experience ACL tears at 1.63 times the rate of those playing on natural grass and 3.13 times the number of PCL tears as those playing on natural grass. This equates to a 63% increase in ACL tears and a 213% increase in PCL tears to Division II and III football players on artificial turf. Furthermore, the rate of PCL tears during competition in all divisions on artificial turf was 2.94 times higher (194% increase) than on natural grass.

The research and scientific communities will undoubtedly continue to investigate injuries among athletes, causal mechanisms, relationships between cleats and playing surfaces, and more. More information on each of these two studies can be found in the original research manuscripts at the citations below. You can also visit www.TurfgrassSod.org/Resources.

Citations Hershman E, Anderson R, Bergfeld J, et al. An analysis of spe cific lower extremity injury rates on grass and FieldTurf playing surfaces in National Football League games. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012; 40(10):2200-2205.

Kerr Z, Dompier T, Snook E, et al. National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System: review of methods for 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 data collection. J Athl Train. 2014;49(4):552-560.

Loughran, Galvin J., Vulpis, Christian T., Murphy, Jordan P., Weiner, David A., Svoboda, Steven J. Hinton, Richard Y., and Dave P. Milzman. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2019;47(6):1294–1301 Mack C, Hershman E, Anderson R, et al. Higher rates of lower extremity injury on synthetic turf compared with natural turf among National Football League athletes: epidemiologic confirmation of a biomechanical hypothesis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;47(6):1294–1301 •

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MTC TURF NEWS

319 FEWER lower body injuries would be expected.

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