May / June 2023
Highlights from the 2023 TCNC Annual Conference
PGRs Lend a Hand PLUS
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Dear Members,
I can’t believe we are already in the heat of summer! I know it continues to be a busy time for you, but…
I mentioned in the last issue how the TCNC Board had been exploring and starting to implement more networking events with the tagline, The Best Are Here (at TCNC) and I couldn’t be more excited about how we have shown up this year for the turfgrass community in North Carolina.
We held the inaugural TCNC Meetup networking event at Mother Earth Brewery in Kinston in February (mentioned in March issue)!
We held an enriching TCNC Educational Conference in Raleigh at the Raleigh Country Club in March (see more in this issue)!
We held a second TCNC Meetup in May.
And now we are planning for another Meetup!
If you haven’t joined us for a Meetup or for the Conference, you have to make plans to be at the next one! Each of these events have held true to our vision of The Best Are Here…and to make them even better, we need you there.
These networking events and educational conferences are truly some of the greatest benefits of being a TCNC member. Building relationships and networking with other turfgrass professionals is really an intangible value that is only provided through membership.
So if you haven’t been to an event this year or even if you have, make plans to join us for the next one. We look forward to seeing you there!
All the Best,
Kevin Herrmann
TCNC President
Brian
Latitude 36® Bermudagrass has been a game-changer for Duke softball, providing excellent playability and suiting a fast style of play. Latitude 36 has some of the best “playability” of any bermuda on the market and is a favorite in the college sports industry. The Blue Devils employ Latitude 36 on numerous athletic fields around campus including football’s Wallace Wade Stadium.
Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members. Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.
If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at 984.301.6450 or info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org.
DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Barefoot Lawn Care Inc.
Canopy Lawn Care
Carol Woods Retirement Community
Carolina Farm Credit
Carolina Green Corp
City of Asheville Parks and Rec
City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation
Country Boy Landscaping Inc
Divots, Inc.
Emerald Green Inc.
Fairway Green
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Green Resource
Horizon Distributors
Keith Hills Country Club
Leap Frog Landcare, Inc.
McConnell Golf LLC
Murrays Landscape Services
Nature's Select
Premium Turf Services
Quality Turf
Sod Solutions, Inc.
Southern Ag
Southern Garden, Inc.
Southern Seeds Inc.
Southern Turf
Tee Goal
The Biltmore Company Town of Cary Public Works
Town of Garner
Triangle Turf and Ornamentals
Turf Mountain Sod Inc
UNC-Chapel Hill
Vandemark Farms, LLC
Wake Forest University
Weed Man
2022 – 23 Renewal as of 3/31/2023
Don't see your company's name? Renew today at www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org
CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES
Matt Martin Extension Associate 910.409.5899 matthew_martin@ncsu.edu
Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor 919.515.2647 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu
Emily Erickson Crop Science Lecturer 919.513.2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu
Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Professor & University Faculty Scholar 919.280.3443 susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu
Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu
Dr. Charles Peacock Professor and Director of Crop Science 919.906.1324
charles_peacock@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rob Richardson Associate Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu
Dr. Wei Shi Professor 919.513.4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu
Dr. Fred Yelverton Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate 919.515.7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Leader 919.515.8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu
Lee Butler NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab 919.513.3878 ebutler@ncsu.edu
Dr. James Kerns Professor and Extension Specialist 919.513.4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu
HORTICULTURE SCIENCE
Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, Southern IPM Center & Associate Professor 919.513.8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu
www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/people/
Welcome NEW MEMBERS
Eric Denning Lillington, NC
Jeremy Coggins Colfax, NC
Clint Cure Colfax, NC
David Lynch Colfax, NC
Josh Marsh Colfax, NC
Wes Moss Colfax, NC
Jay Reins Colfax, NC
David Smith Colfax, NC
Spencer Stubbs Colfax, NC
Jamie Welch Colfax, NC
Daniel Wilkins Colfax, NC
Adam Harris Charlotte, NC
Ross Jernigan Raleigh, NC
Ben Marshall Greenville, NC
Brad McCurry Greensboro, NC
John Shaw Asheville, NC
Brandon White Charlotte, NC
Jeb Womble Durham, NC
Jason Goss Port Ludlow, WA
Sherry Breen Durham, NC
Joe Gupton Garner, NC
Blake Carlton Simpsonville, SC
Keith Williams Colfax, NC
Jay Jones Willow Spring, NC
Your New Go-To Grass
All claims based on research results from National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials & Oklahoma State University. Visit our website for full reports.
See Tahoma 31 in the Transition Zone for yourself at:
Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas, TX (fairways, tees, roughs)
Chillicothe Country Club, Ohio (fairways)
Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey (driving range tee)
Naval Academy Golf Club, Maryland (fairways, tees)
Congressional Country Club, Maryland (8-acre driving range)
Southern Hills Country Club, Oklahoma (collars)
Developed by the turfgrass experts at Oklahoma State University, Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass pushes the geographic boundaries of bermudagrass into the northernmost reaches of the Transition Zone. Highly cold tolerant, the name “Tahoma” comes from the Native American word that means “frozen water.”
Use Tahoma 31 to design golf courses that are beautiful, sustainable, easier to maintain and play great.
COLD
Plant Tahoma 31 further north for a strong base in the winter that fights wilt in the sumner.
COLOR
Blue-green most of the year. Golden in dormancy. Earliest green-up for spring color.
PLAYABILITY
Thick, dense turf. ¼ to ½-inch mowing height for tees, fairways.
DROUGHT
Use less water. Takes 18% less water than TifTuf.
QUALITY
Rated #1 for beauty and resilience. Heals fast from divots & wear.
SHADE
Got trees? Handles up to 63% shade.
CAROLINA TURF FARMS PO Box 850, Raeford, NC 28376 910-875-6141 ncsodman@carolinaturffarms.com carolinaturffarms.com
The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) 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, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2022 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. 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 insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, 615.790.3718, Fax 615.794.4524.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE TCNC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s conference! This annual event provides turfgrass professionals around North Carolina the platform to discuss the current state of TCNC, expand knowledge on a wide range of topics, and connect with new and old friends in the industry. This event was presented in partnership with NC State University faculty and staff to provide quality education and knowledge for all turfgrass industry professionals.
TCNC members get ready for a full day of enriching education.
Scholarship
TCNC
winners awarded: Esdras Carbajal & Mathieu LeCompte
Thank You to Our Speakers
Travis Gannon Research Update: Optimizing Herbicide Applications
Dr. Gannon presenting a research update on herbicide applications
Managing Your Financial Landscape
Managing Your Financial Landscape
Mosquito Management in the Lawn and Landscape
Cameron & Furman providing their session on managing a financial landscape
Dr.
Dr. Fred Yelverton New Issues for Turfgrass Weed Management in NC
Dr. Sydney Crawley
Ryan Furman, CPA
Jenna Cameron, CPA
Thank You to Our Sponsors
TCNC members asking questions to Dr.
Thank You to Everyone Who Attended This Year's Event!
Gannon
• Lawns are not going away, but how we manage them is changing.
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ORIGINS OF TURFGRASS, PART 3
Future-Proofing the Lawn Care Industry
By Jay McCurdy Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Extension Specialist Department of Plant & Soil Sciences • Mississippi
State University
Recent, rapid urbanization has driven the development of urban green space in the United States and abroad. The world population has almost doubled since 1970, and more than 80% of U.S. citizens reside in urban areas. As a result, much traditionally rural, agricultural, and wild land has been converted to lawns, parks, sports surfaces, etc. for aesthetics, recreation, and ease of maintenance.
Simultaneously, cities and suburbs are filling with folks who are willing and able to change their habits to fit their belief systems—supporting wildlife conservation, reducing inputs like water and fertilizer, and decreasing fossil fuel use. Those trends will continue, so how can the turf industry meet the needs and demands of an increasingly ecologically and socially conscious society?
TURFGRASS HAS A ROLE TO PLAY
Lawns and other grasslands are important in built environments. They offer greater noise and heat abatement than pavement, hardscape, and synthetic landscaping. However, turf does not replicate the cooling and shading effects of tree canopy, nor does it fill the habitat void left after clearing and removing natural environments for communities.
Turf provides erosion control, nutrient infiltration, and a familiar, low-maintenance aesthetic. Historically, one of turf’s main benefits has been line-of-sight for protection and separation from other humans and the wild—think roadside visibility, fire abatement, pest control, and home defense. With time, those practicalities have developed into the quintessential “American lawn.” Urban citizens worldwide recognize grasslands maintained as turfgrass lawns or open green spaces, such as parks, for their recreational and social functions as well as their aesthetics.
Problems arise from reliance upon any one system. Turf often lacks species richness, and many modern management practices are ecologically insensitive. For instance, turfgrass’s role in carbon sequestration is often touted, but the positive effect of sequestration may be nullified by management practices such as the seed, sod, and transport to establish, mowing, pest management, irrigation, and fertilization. The literature suggests that even modestly maintained lawns may be net greenhouse gas emitters. Most importantly, lawn-age limits the peak sequestration—that is, once a lawn reaches a certain age (30 to 70 years old), the carbon released through decay equals that absorbed in growth (Gu et al., 2015; Tidåker et al., 2017). Regardless of the net balance, reducing fertilization and mowing frequency are essential to minimizing environmental harms (Law & Patton, 2017).
Repeated pesticide and fertilizer application, as well as mowing, favors monoculture rather than plant biodiversity, although biodiversity is generally a key indicator of healthy ecosystem function. The detriments of “industrial” monoculture lawns have been much-discussed, but few arguments have focused on suitable alternatives for the typical suburban homeowner.
Our collaborations with others in the southeast (see RefugeLawn.com) promise new plant materials and systems that incorporate forbs for pollinator habitat, but changing a societal norm like monoculture turfgrass is a slow process and will not be for everyone.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Lawns are not going away, but how we manage them is changing. New approaches to sustainable lawn and land care will incorporate the following principles:
1 ) Plant material selected for low inputs.
Preempting regulation requires good science, and there’s no better science than appropriate species and variety selection. Evaluation efforts like the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA), and others are trying to guide selection. Considerations include drought and shade tolerance, nitrogen requirements, and required mowing frequency. Progress is also being made to increase lawn diversity by including legumes for nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling, as well as flowering forbs for pollinator habitat.
2 ) Improved soil–plant interactions.
Broadly, this involves understanding nutrient cycling within living systems and the underlying effects of soil microflora and fauna. These interactions may improve carbon sequestration, reduce fertilizer and irrigation requirements, and substantially
reduce inputs in turfgrass systems. We have much to learn but focusing on plant health is undoubtedly our industry’s new direction. The difficult part is educating the average consumer.
3 ) Reduced input.
Lawns are relatively high-input agronomic systems. Nitrogen fertilization, chemical pest management, and mowing require energy expenditure, typically fueled by the burning of hydrocarbon-rich fuels. Equipment and noise emissions from internal combustion engines are key concerns associated with lawn maintenance.
Internal combustion engines power most lawn maintenance equipment, but that is rapidly changing. Stakeholders and operators are adopting electric-powered equipment to conserve fuel, reduce noise, and simplify use. Studies of the cost of electric mowers over a 10-year lifespan, factoring in production costs and fuel emissions, suggest at least a 30% decrease in CO2 emissions by switching to battery-powered mowers (Saidani and Kim, 2021). The emissions are further reduced when renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity.
Many incentives and regulations are guiding the move from gasolineto electric-powered vehicles, but those initiatives have historically had little effect on the lawn care industry. That trend is changing. For instance, California law (AB1346) will effectively ban gas-powered small off-road engines (SORE) of 25 horsepower or less on January 1, 2024, subject to court injunctions and feasibility studies. The battery-powered outdoor equipment industry is adapting, and not just in California.
Even modern electric-powered mowers are not yet widely capable of performing the functions of internal combustion engine mowers; however, reliable autonomous mowing devices have arisen simultaneously. The installation and maintenance of these devices is a whole new market.
4 ) Lawn for lawn’s sake?
We are witnessing rapid transformation on many fronts. The public perception of landscapes and their roles in society is changing. We are riding a post-pandemic high of outdoor recreation interest, but societal norms, market forces, and regulation inevitably coalesce to challenge entrenched ways of thinking.
For a preview, we must consider regional trends. We see movement toward low-maintenance, live-and-let-live roadsides, parks, and lawns throughout much of Europe. Minneapolis has a program to interseed nitrogen-fixing legumes into lawns. The “No-Mow-May” and “Let-It-Bloom-June” initiatives focus on providing pollinator habitat in England. The U.S. golf industry has done a tremendous job promoting natural areas as beneficial for wildlife (and budgets).
I am both nervous and excited about these challenges. I am not disparaging turf, but I know that turf is only one part of a living, functioning built environment. We need defensible, science-based rationales for why lawns are important and how to improve them. We must also realize that lawn for lawn’s sake is not a winning argument. Our toughest challenge is to make turf both societally and ecologically positive.
REFERENCES
Gu, C., Crane II, J., Hornberger, G., & Carrico, A. (2015). The effects of household management practices on the global warming potential of urban lawns. Journal of Environmental Management, 151, 233-242.
Law, Q. D., & Patton, A. J. (2017). Biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in cool-season turfgrass systems. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 26, 158-162.
Saidani, M., & Kim, H. (2021). Quantification of the environmental and economic benefits of the electrification of lawn mowers on the US residential market. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 26(6), 1267-1284.
Tidåker, P., Wesström, T., & Kätterer, T. (2017). Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from turf management of two Swedish golf courses. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 21, 80-87.
Lend a Hand Plant Growth Regulators
By Paul Bartley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Auburn University
Contributing: Jeff Atkinson, Ph.D., Harrell’s and Alex Hedgepath, Auburn University
Since discovering and understanding plant hormones, plant growth regulators (PGRs), both naturally and synthetically derived, have been used to suppress or promote plant growth. Their applications have varied from industry to industry to address varying critical issues. In the 1950s, early adopters like the grape and apple industries primarily used PGRs for blossom and fruit thinning to improve marketable yields. The floriculture industry has used PGRs extensively for half a century to meet the plant specifications of their picky clientele (I’m looking in the mirror here). In the 1970s, utility arborists began applying PGRs commercially to combat the age-old problem of trimming trees away from utility lines. But for the professional landscape operator, PGRs haven’t become mainstream. Instead, their utilization has been more niche.
Take Auburn University’s campus for example. With over 700 acres of landscape to maintain, the use of PGRs is primarily limited to maintenance hazards. “We’d like to start using more PGRs on campus, but right now, we are only using them around fences and barriers that are difficult to mow around,” said Wes Miller from Auburn University Landscape Services. So, why aren’t PGRs more widely used in landscape management? The research convincingly favors their applications regarding enhanced blooming, improved plant health, and less frequent pruning. Like many changes to common practice, market penetration and adoption rates are primarily driven by economics. That is exactly what the research could not demonstrate convincingly. At least, not 10 – 20 years ago
PHOTO 1: Maintenance hazards, like this temporary fence adjacent to a busy road, pose a risk to those tasked with regularly maintaining it. This is a perfect niche application for PGRs to assist with risk management.
when most of the work was conducted. Things have changed. Today, the value-added proposition is less about economics and more about labor conservation. With an evaporating labor pool and demand for services at an all-time high, landscapers like Toby Hughes with Auburn Grounds Inc. have begun incorporating PGR products into their management practices. For them, it wasn’t as much about economics as it was about managing labor reallocation and boosting morale. “Our guys dislike pruning. It was easy to convince them to spray PGRs instead of picking up the hedge trimmers.” Others, like Dennis Pritchett from JubileeScapes think it’s a “win-win, a game-changer. Our customers receive a healthier plant, and we save three or four crews a summer of pruning. The manufacturers are doing a better job educating and that’s helping us communicate the advantages to our clients.” The manufacturers are noting the change as well. “I’ve had about twice as many requests to present on landscape PGRs this year compared to the last three or four years prior,” Dr. Kyle Briscoe, Senior Technical Development Manager with SePRO, remarked. He added, “I think the labor market is driving a lot of first-time use.”
PHOTO 4: For trees and large shrubs, soil injection around the basal flare is the most efficient application method.
PHOTO 2: This photo of boxwood edging was taken 4 months after pruning. Cutless 0.33G was applied to the edging right of path. Boxwoods to the left of the path were untreated.
PHOTO 3: Uniform coverage is key with foliar PGR sprays. This dwarf Burford holly was treated with Cutless Quickstop on the left, and untreated on the right side of the shrub.
For those looking for an extra hand, it’s essential to understand the various PGR formulations available in the market and how they might be best utilized.
GRANULAR
It’s challenging to beat the simplicity of a granular application. Measure the application area, weigh the granules, and evenly distribute them across the treatment area. Perhaps this
simplicity and our familiarity with granules often lead to misapplications and varying results. You understand if you’ve ever striped a yard following a granular fertilizer application. Timing is critical with this formulation. Depending on several factors (species, plant size, and environmental conditions), granular applied PGRs need time for release, uptake, and translocation to the meristematic regions of the plant. As a general suggestion, these products are best used immediately after pruning.
Cutless 0.33G
Herbaceous ornamentals, groundcovers, and woody shrubs
FOLIAR SPRAYS
Does calibration keep you up at night? Rest well knowing that concentration with liquid foliar applications of PGRs is most important. Relative to granular products, foliar applications are fast acting. For these reasons, foliar applications have quickly become the preferred method of PGR application in
the landscape. Shortly after a flush of new growth, mix the appropriate concentration and apply evenly until drip occurs. Leaf cuticle thickness, plant vigor, and environmental factors may influence the longevity of regulation. For the savvy landscaper, a combination of granular and foliar spray products may extend the effectiveness of PGRs. As always, follow the label to avoid exceeding application thresholds.
Cutless QuickStop
Shrubs and groundcovers, flower and fruit suppression
Herbaceous perennials, groundcovers, and shrubs
Herbaceous bedding plants and shrubs
and cool season grasses Trimmit
and cool season grasses
Cutless Shrub and Tree Sculptor
Flurprimidol & Paclobutrazol Shrubs and trees 4 – 12' in height
SOIL INJECTION
Trees are often the most significant investment and liability in the landscape. Whether they are century-old oaks, newly planted ‘Princeton’ elms, or established sugar maples in the middle of a construction zone, arborists and urban forestry specialists utilize PGRs to minimize tree stress. As it’s often impractical to apply a foliar spray, the preferred application method for trees and large shrubs is direct soil injection or drenching around the trunk’s basal flare. Like granular applications, these products will take time to translocate to the meristematic regions of the stems. As always, read the label carefully. The dosage requirements for trees vary by species sensitivity and size.
I was told Burton Sperber, founder and “Head Gardener” of ValleyCrest Companies, once said, “The economy can slow, but the grass always grows.” If the grass…or woody ornamentals… are growing a little too quickly for you, consider the new value proposition PGRs have to offer.
*The products mentioned in this article are only examples of PGR products, not an exhaustive list or an endorsement of any product*
Author: Paul Bartley, Ph.D. has been an Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture at Auburn University since 2019. His appointment is 60% Research and 40% Teaching. He received his B.S. and Master of Science at Auburn University and his Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture Science from North Carolina State University. He can be reached by email at paul.bartley@auburn.edu
Better Built. Quality Results.
Effective Time Management
By Natalie Peterson
Time management, yes, I know you are probably thinking – How am I going to manage the time that I don’t have?! How could I possibly get even more done than I already am? I know. Demands on your time are all around you. Every time you turn around it seems like you are yet again being asked to do more, with less. It is everywhere. So, if this seems like a losing battle, why try?
Because you and I both know that without time management, without the focus and discipline around how you spend time doing the things you HAVE to do – you are all but guaranteeing that there will be NO time to do the things that excite you, no freedom for the things you WANT to do. And there is a better way.
You’ve felt it, you’ve seen glimpses of when things are working well. When your energy is high, you are engaged at work and at home and when you feel strong momentum carrying you through your days.
When you are effectively managing time, you feel happier right? Your confidence is lifted, you feel more control and joy. When time is working for you instead of against you it allows you to participate in life – doing the things you love to do, making time for the things you value and executing the vision you have for yourself.
There are strategies and processes that can make you more effective day to day and I know you are going to continue searching until you find the formula that works for your lifestyle – and I hope to help you solidify that today with 5 Simple Rules for time Management.
Start big and work backwards.
The most important thing you can do for yourself when it comes to staying disciplined and focused is to have a vision for your life and for the person you want to be. It is also important to set that same vision for your month.
At the beginning of each month, map out everything you need to accomplish: Make a list of goals, no more than three, in the following categories: personal development, career, relationships (including family and friendships), financial, and health and fitness. Once you have those monthly goals mapped out, you can start to break your month down by the week. Taking an overall view of your month allows you to see where those goals will fit. Usually, the goals we have for our month are achieved by the things we do on a daily and weekly basis.
Decide when you want to take advantage of your freedom windows.
When are you most productive? Most people have the opportunity for more time discipline in the morning and in the evenings. It is good to know this because not all free time is created equal. For me, I do my best work early in the morning rather than late at night. So, I may choose to do the things that require the most willpower in my morning freedom hours: between the hours of 5:30-7:30 a.m. Things like writing, creating and fitness, and I schedule my family or connect time for the evening.
Decide when you personally are most motivated and inspired to commit time for your personal development – for your fitness, learning, creation. Identify those windows of opportunity on your calendar – highlight them in your favorite color to remind yourself that when you stay focused and disciplined during your non-negotiable hours, you can fill that “freedom time” with whatever you want. And speaking of non-negotiable hours and freedom time…
Block your time every day.
You are probably at a point in your life when things don’t change with your schedule all that much. By this I mean each week you have commute time, mealtimes, work time. These things don’t change and usually they are non-negotiable – so put those in your schedule first.
Once those are in, the other blocks that you should have every single week are: fitness (hopefully multiple blocks), scheduled free time, personal development time, family time, catch up time. By blocking your time this way, you can see windows of opportunity more clearly. Set up these blocks starting around 6 a.m. (or earlier) and structure them until you go to bed.
And here is a bonus tip – as you begin to block out your schedule and you plan the time for all your non-negotiable obligations, be on the lookout for the things that we tend to classify as non-negotiable, but they actually are negotiable. Things like committees, clubs, events and even social outings. Where can you trim down your commitments to other people?
You must do this to make the time and space in your life for the things that are most important to you.
If you don’t, you will never be able to get ahold of your time. You’ll never be able to take the time for the things that bring you the most happiness and connection with the people you care about.
Choose an app or a calendar system that works for you and plug it all in. This gives you a visual structure. Your obligations, the time you don’t control, may change day to day so having it all mapped out in advance will help you identify the blocks of time that allow freedom and choice in how you spend them.
That is where you can plug in those goals you set at the beginning of the month that aren’t addressed by your work hours, commute time and any other block of time that is set in stone based on your day-to-day obligations.
Get rid of distractions.
These are small things, but they help make the big things happen. Turn your phone on “do not disturb,” don’t check your email until you have completed a big item on your to-do list, turn off push notifications.
Anything that pulls you away from your most important tasks diminishes their interference.
Put headphones in with a focus or productivity playlist and not only will that help you dial in to what you are doing, but it will also diminish the interruptions when you have those headphones in your ears.
Perfect your morning routine.
A well-managed and productive day starts in the morning. Spend 20 minutes each morning, before responding to texts, emails and social media dialing in your schedule and to-do list for the day. Review your top three important goals for the day, look over the five smaller tasks that also need your attention, be reminded of meetings, appointments and the blocks of time you set aside for your personal development – your workout, your creative time, whatever you have inserted into that day just for you.
Don’t wait for that morning prep time. If you think you can just wait and do it once you are at the office and after checking email, it won’t happen. Our day can get away from us in the blink of an eye. Be disciplined about your morning routine, your
day is won in the morning. If you can win the morning and spend time every day considering, “How can I create movement and momentum in my life today? What absolutely must I do today to be successful?” you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
You will look back each month proud and confident. And at the end of each year, you will have a list of milestones that you hit and you will be excited about what you are capable of for the year ahead.
If you don’t do these things, if you aren’t disciplined and focused with your time, you will look back at your month or year wondering where all the time went and how you let another year go by without accomplishing what you set out to do.
And if you let it go on for too long, you will wake up one day asking yourself, how did I get here, and look in the mirror wondering, who is this person I have become?
So, take your time back. Implement these strategies into your daily life. When you do that, you are charging up your stamina, on your way to building a life you are proud of, a life that you desire.
www.donbrown.org
Don Brown dedicates his career to ‘helping people with people’ in leadership, sales and customer service. Bilingual and experienced at the executive and line-level alike, you see the results of his work across dozens of industries, including brewing, automotive, airline, banking and medical equipment.
Natalie Peterson is the creator of The Stamina Protocol™, Stamina to Care and Fuel & Fit – Habits for Life. She helps successful people and organizations battle the symptoms of burnout.
Written by Natalie Peterson
Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!
Fast Facts about the NCCTP The
North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.
Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today
The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.
The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.
Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.
• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.
• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.
• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.
We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course
The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University. This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.
This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.
Enrollment Requirements:
Hold a current TCNC membership. If not currently a member, go to www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application. Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.
Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.
Submit:
• A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license
• A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).
• NCCTP Program Application: $150
• Self-Study Materials: $50
• Exam Fee: $50
Curriculum and Exam:
Curriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass Characteristics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.
Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam. Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.
Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.
Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed. Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.
Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.
Maintenance Requirements:
Maintain a current TCNC membership as a means of demonstrating ongoing support for the industry. Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities. Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.
Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License. Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.
The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.
For additional information, contact TCNC at 984.301.5460.
NCCTP Certification Program ENROLLMENT APPLICATION
Name Phone Address City State Zip
TCNC Membership #*
Pesticide Applicator License #
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.
MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina.
PESTICIDE LICENSE: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental (or equivalent from another state).
EXPERIENCE: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience.
EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months.
DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation.
Company Title
Supervisor Supervisor’s Phone
Supervisor’s E-Mail
Company’s Address
City State Zip
Work Experience
Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.
NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date)
Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC)
TOTAL $
Credit Card: AMEX Visa MC Discover Billing Zip Code
Credit Card #
Name on Card
By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.
Signature Date
CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL
CODE OF ETHICS
Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.
DUTY TO THE PUBLIC
I AGREE
I AGREE
I AGREE
I AGREE
I AGREE
Printed Name
Signature
Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.
DUTY TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.
DUTY TO THE LAWS OF OUR LAND
Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.
DUTY TO OUR FELLOW PROFESSIONALS
Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry. Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.
DUTY TO THE ASSOCIATION
Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession. Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.
By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.
Date
Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org or mail: TCNC PO Box 641 Wake Forest, NC
