the President
New Leadership, Same Outstanding Organization
Dear TCNC Members and Supporters,
I am honored and excited to address you as the new President of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC). My name is Wil Sutton and I am the Golf Course Superintendent at The Emerald Golf Club in New Bern, NC. Born and raised in Kinston, I reside with my wonderful wife, Bethany, and our two sons, Huff and Jimmy.
Having spent 12 years in the turfgrass industry, I bring a wealth of experience and passion for our shared mission. My journey in this field began with my studies in Turfgrass Management at NC State, culminating in my graduation in 2012. I am truly humbled to take on the responsibility of leading TCNC into its next chapter.
As we embark on this new year, I would like to share some exciting developments and initiatives that we can all look forward to:
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
This year marks the 50th anniversary of TCNC, a milestone that speaks volumes about our organization's commitment to the turfgrass community. Let's unite in celebrating this achievement, reflecting on our journey, and setting the stage for an even more impactful future.
Economic Impact Study
Speaking of impact, to better understand and communicate the significant contributions of our industry, the NCGIC, in partnership with CALS at NCSU, is conducting an Economic Impact Study. TCNC is a proud member of the NCGIC. I encourage each one of you to participate by filling out the survey if you haven't already (use QR code below). Your insights are invaluable, and they will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of our industry's impact.
Regional Representatives & Meetings
To ensure that TCNC resonates across the diverse landscapes of North Carolina, we are introducing Regional Representatives. These dedicated individuals will promote TCNC within their respective regions, fostering stronger connections and engagement with various events.
I look forward to working alongside each of you, and I am eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for TCNC. Let us build on the legacy of the past 50 years and create an even brighter future for the turfgrass community in North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Wil Sutton TCNC President
North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
P.O. Box 641
Wake Forest, NC 27588
984.301.5460
www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
Marcy Cottle
info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org 984.301.5460
Published by:
Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064
615.790.3718
Fax 615.794.4524
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TCNC OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Wilson Sutton Emerald Golf Club New Bern, NC
PAST PRESIDENT
Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC
TREASURER
Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC
DIRECTORS
Brian Beane Southern Turf Winston-Salem, NC
Greg Harris Leap Frog Land Care, Inc. Cary, NC
Alpha Jones
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fayetteville, NC
Shaun Kerr Gates Four Golf and Country Club Fayetteville, NC
Spencer Thomas Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC
•
•
•
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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 984.301.5460 or info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org.
Barefoot Lawn Care & Landscaping Services
Canopy Lawn Care
Carol Woods
Retirement Community
Carolina Green Corp
City of Asheville
Parks & Recreation
City of Raleigh
Parks & Recreation
Duplin Sod
Eastern Turf Maintenance
Edison Landscaping
Fairway Green
Fairway Green of Charlotte
Fayetteville Tech
Gates Four
Golf & Country Club
JRM Inc.
Keith Hills Country Club
Leapfrog Landcare
Morehead City
NaturaLawn of America (Raleigh)
Nature's Select
Quality Turf
Sod Solutions
Southern Ag
Southern Seeds, Inc.
The Sunrock Group
Tillery Country Club
Town of Cary Public Works
Town of Garner
Wake Forest University
Weed Man
Emerald Green
The Biltmore Company
Triangle Chemical Company
Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.
Green Resource
McConnell Golf
Southern Garden
UNC - CH
Renewal as of 2/28/2024
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. 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/
2024 NC State Turfgrass Regional Conference Series
These programs will provide pest management information concentrating on turfgrass management. The information will focus on commercial and residential landscapes but is also applicable to other managed turfgrass areas. The program will address a few hot topics and/or frequently asked questions. All presentations are made by NC State University faculty or extension associates.
Who Should Attend
This course is recommended for the following groups of individuals:
• Landscape managers (from single property to multiple client operations)
• Golf course personnel
• Sports Turf managers
• Master Gardeners
• Citizens seeking advanced information
For more details and registration (there will be no onsite registration), please visit www.turffiles.ncsu.edu.
Robert Edmundson
Jeffrey Savage
Joshua Stutts
Lane Jones
Lynne Stephens
Joshua Perruquet
Spencer Rowell
Chris Kelso
James Shook
TJ Jones
Jonathan Dail
Tommy Lineberger
Debra Teague
Nolan Thomas
A Congratulations to the Newest TCNC NCCTP
ustin Fletcher is TCNC’s newest NCCTP – congratulations! Austin loves learning new things in the industry and strives to get better every day. He is certainly accomplishing that with his new designation.
“My inspiration in getting into this line of work started when I was a junior in high school and was working on a golf course part time as a greenskeeper. I was learning the trade,” Austin explains. He then went to GTCC in Greensboro to get a Certificate in Turfgrass Management.
“After getting my certificate, I started working full-time for the golf course. I worked there for five years until accepting a new landscaping job for the City of Lexington, North Carolina. I have been with the City for almost five years.”
We see bright (green) things ahead for you, Austin! Congratulations on your milestone achievement.
The North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals while elevating your 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.
You can learn more at turfgrasscouncilnc.org/certification-page
Our
organization is thriving with some of the brightest minds in the turfgrass industry. We are often blown away by the makeovers, creative hacks, team stories, and so much more that we hear from TCNC members. It would be selfish to keep these inspiring moments to ourselves, so we are introducing a new feature for the North Carolina Turfgrass Magazine: Showin’ Your Grass! Each edition, which is distributed bi-monthly, will feature a member submitted photo.
What are Possible
“Showin’
Your Grass” Submissions?
• Before and After / Makeover photos
• Team or individual photo from a special project
• Landscape photo
• Special event photo
• Employee spotlight featuring their great work
What Makes a Good Photo?
• High resolution (most smart phones take high-quality photos)
• No blurriness
• Good lighting
• Avoid using photos with people who have not given permission to use
Please send 1 – 3 photos and some background information regarding your photo(s) to info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org and we'll make sure you're in the next edition of "Showin' Your Grass"!
All my best,
Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP Turfgrass Council of NC
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.
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 © 2024 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.
The
Good,
the
Bad, and the Ugly of FRAISE MOWING SPORTS FIELDS
By Ray McCauley and Grady Miller, NC State University
B
ermudagrass is the turfgrass of choice for sports fields in North Carolina because of its excellent quality, stress tolerances, and rapid growth rate. However, bermudagrass can produce an excessive thatch layer (>0.5-inch depth) that can disrupt turfgrass health and aesthetics, as well as sports field behavior. Specifically, excessive thatch reduces drought tolerance, increases localized dry spot potential, and slows water, air, fertilizer, and pesticide movement into the soil. Excess thatch also increases the likelihood of winterkill and disease- especially spring dead spot.
Sports field managers often employ topdressing, vertical mowing, and/or hollow-tine aerification to manage thatch. Topdressing, the broadcasting of a thin layer of sand or soil across the field, is the best cultural practice for controlling thatch accumulation (Beard, 1973; Miller, 2008). However, topdressing must be performed multiple times annually to be effective. If thatch levels become excessive, mechanical practices must be used. Hollow-tine aerification and vertical mowing have been the standard practices used to manage thatch. Although their aggressiveness may be adjusted, multiple years of vertical mowing and hollow-tine aerification are often necessary to effectively manage thatch.
Fraise (fraze)
Mowing – The Good
Fraise mowers come as large (4 to 8’ wide) tractor-mounted or small (~2’), self-propelled units. All fraise mowers have blades attached to a vertically rotating cylinder that removes 100% of the surface to depths of 0 to 2 inches. Fraise mowing enables sports field managers to (potentially) remove all thatch without the added time and expenses of gradual thatch reduction. What would have taken years to do with periodic vertical mowing, hollow-tine aerification,
Fig.1 Fraise mowing affects 100% of a field’s surface.
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and/or topdressing can now be done in an afternoon with a fraise mower. A single vertical mowing or aerification event impacts ≤ 31% of a field’s surface area and leaves most of the thatch layer intact (McCarty & Miller, 2002). Fraise mowing impacts 100% of the surface and can remove all thatch to two-inch depths. These numbers demonstrate the efficacy of fraise mowing to remove thatchespecially compared to standard cultural practices.
Ongoing research at NC State is evaluating the longevity of fraise mowing at 0.25 and 0.5 inch depths on thatch reduction. The thatch reducing benefits of fraise mowing at 0.5 inch depth lasted for >1 year. Fraise mowing at 0.25 inch decreased thatch content for ≤1 year. These Initial results suggest that fraise mowing at 0.5 inches should be performed at three-year intervals for optimal thatch control. Meanwhile, fraise mowing at 0.25 inches should be performed annually.
Thatch affects the behavior of sports fields- especially field firmness. Thatch makes fields softer and slower. Athletes must exert extra energy and tire faster on thatchy fields. Research at NC State and from the United Kingdom observed increasing field firmness with increasing fraise mowing depths (Baker et al., 2005). Therefore, fraise mowing can increase field firmness, providing faster fields with less thatch.
Ancillary benefits of fraise mowing include decreased weed and disease pressure. Annual bluegrass is considered one of the worst winter weeds in all turfgrass settings- especially in sports fields. Its yellowishgreen color and seedheads disrupt field quality, and its poor, shallow rooting decreases traction and increases the likelihood of athlete injury. It produces copious seeds, and it’s increasingly more difficult to control with herbicides. Fraise mowing at ≥ 0.6 inch depth is an option to physically remove annual bluegrass plants and its seed reserves from bermudagrass athletic fields (Baker et al., 2005; Carrol et al., 2021).
Fig. 2 Fraise mowing enables total thatch removal.
Fig. 3 Fraise mowing produces a lot of debris.
Fig. 4 Multiple dump trailers are necessary to efficiently manage fraise mowing debris.
Bermudagrass fields are often overseeded to provide green, ground cover for late fall through early spring sports. In the Carolinas without herbicidal intervention, perennial ryegrass can linger too long into the summer and can compromise long-term bermudagrass health. Fraise mowing at 0.5- or 0.75-inch depths provides turf managers with an effective cultural practice for removing perennial ryegrass from overseeded bermudagrass. For the fastest bermudagrass recovery, field managers should fraise mow at 0.5 inch depth in early to mid-June in the NC Piedmont.
Spring dead spot is the worst disease affecting bermudagrass sports fields. The disease attacks bermudagrass roots and stems and leads to unsightly sunken depressions of dead grass that take weeks to months to recover. Spring dead spot pressure increases with bermudagrass age and thatch accumulation. In previous research, fraise mowing at 0.3 inch depth helped to decrease spring dead spot severity and provided similar suppression as two (mid-June and mid-October) fungicide applications (Miller et al., 2017; Shelton et al., 2016). However, fungicides are still necessary for complete spring dead spot control.
Finally, fraise mowing can be used to restore surface grades on sports fields. Field slopes and surface levelness can get wonky after years of use. Surface drainage is the most effective way to drain water from sports fields. Fraise mowers – especially ones that utilize transits and receivers (Turfplaner franchise) to control cutting depth – may be used to true-up grades and slopes. This is especially true for ‘lip’ – built up infield material around baseball and softball grass edges – removal. Lips impede surface drainage and can lead to standing water to form on the infield. Lips can also create erratic hops or bad bounces that compromise player safety, as well. An annual fraise mowing of these lips can improve field playability and safety without generating a lot of debris.
Fraise Mowing: The Bad and the Ugly
Fraise mowing is a highly disruptive mechanical practice that is not for the faint of heart. Field downtime, debris management, and cost are the three main concerns with fraise mowing. Like other cultural practices, fraise mowing has collateral effects on bermudagrass quality and field behavior, which can last for weeks to months.
Fraise mowing removes all turfgrass shoots and produces an unsightly (often bare ground) surface for ≥3 weeks until bermudagrass recovers. Fields should be closed during this recovery period, which will negatively affect facility revenues. Ideally, downtime should be as short as possible. Bermudagrass recovery time can be decreased with optimal fraise mowing timing and depth, as wells as nitrogen fertilization following fraise mowing.
Bermudagrass does not begin aggressively growing until daytime and night-time air temperatures exceed 85°F and 65°F, respectively, for more than one week. With this in mind, bermudagrass should be fraise mowed when it’s growing optimally. Otherwise, its recovery will be delayed. For example, hybrid bermudagrass recovered two weeks faster when fraise mowed in mid-June versus mid-May (four weeks versus six weeks recovery). Caution should be exercised before fraise mowing before May 1st or after August 15th in the NC Piedmont. Fraise mowing too late (and too aggressively) in the late summer will result in unacceptable recovery before winter, bermudagrass decline or death, as well as increased winter weed pressure (Stewart et al., 2016). Therefore, give your bermudagrass fields ample time to recover and fraise mow in the late spring to mid-summer (1 June to 1 August in the NC Piedmont).
Fraise mowing depth has a profound effect on bermudagrass recovery. Bermudagrass recovers from growing points (nodes) on unmown rhizomes and stolons. As fraise mowing cutting depths increase, more nodes are removed, and recovery is slower. Shallow cutting depths (0.25 inches) can recover in as few as three weeks; however, one-inch depths may require ≥ 6 weeks to recover after fraise mowing. Field managers must balance thatch control and longevity of control with recovery time when selecting a fraise mowing depth.
Bermudagrass should be fertilized with nitrogen to speed up its recovery from fraise mowing. In research at NC State, hybrid bermudagrass recovered the fastest when it received nitrogen (ammonium sulfate; 21-0-0) at ≥ 0.5 lb per 1,000 square feet for three consecutive weeks after fraise mowing at 0.25 inch depth. For the more patient, weekly applications of ammonium sulfate at 0.25 lb N per 1,000 square feet or a single application of polymer coated urea at 2.0 lbs N 1,000 square feet (applied one week after fraise mowing) recovered in four weeks after fraise mowing. Normal fertility programs should be resumed after recovery to avoid excessive shoot growth and scalping.
Research at NC State did not observe a consistent increase in soil drainage following fraise mowing. Surprisingly, drainage temporarily decreased following fraise mowing at 0.5 and 1.0 inch depths by 34 and 48%, respectively, despite these depths removing >30% of thatch. Therefore, hollow-tine aerification is recommended immediately after fraise mowing. Aerification will relieve compaction and increase field drainage without negatively affecting bermudagrass regrowth from fraise mowing.
Fraise mowing produces a heck of a lot of debris! Fraise mowing one acre to 0.5 inch depth would produce 67 to 125 cubic yards of material (~35 tons). For perspective, 125 cubic yards is equivalent to ~7 mid-size sedans. This debris is made
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Baker, S. W., Owen, A. G., & Woollacott, A. R. (2005). Physical and chemical control of Poa annua on professional football pitches. Journal of Turfgrass and Sports Surface Science, 81: 47-61.
Beard, J. B. (1973). Turfgrass science and culture. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Carroll, D. E., Brosnan, J. T., Unruh, J. B., Stephens, C. A., McKeithen, C., & Boeri, P. A. (2021). Non-Chemical control of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) via fraise mowing: Efficacy and barriers to adoption. Sustainability, 13:8124.
McCarty, L. B., & Miller, G. L. (2002). Managing bermudagrass turf. Ann Arbor Press.
up of soil and plant material (including viable sprigs), which can be planted, discarded, or composted. Dealing with this debris can be a logistical headache – especially if a facility lacks an adequate on-site dump area. Field managers need equipment to “catch” and someplace to dump (temporarily and permanently) this debris. Equipment- ideally ≥2 tractor drawn dump trailers- is needed to efficiently catch, transport, and dump fraise mowing debris. A temporary, convenient dump site (i.e. a parking lot) is ideal to discard debris, minimize transport distances, and keep the fraise mowing ball rolling. However, the final destination for debris depends on the facility’s dump size and re-establishment needs. If neither exists, debris must be transported off-site, which may add hundreds to thousands of dollars to the fraise mowing expense.
Miller, G. L. (2008). An evaluation of crumb rubber and calcined clay for topdressing sports fields. Acta Horticulturae, 783: 381-390.
Miller, G. L., Earlywine, D. T., & Fresenburg, B. S. (2017). Effect of fraze mowing on spring dead spot caused by Ophiosphaerella herpotricha of bermudagrass. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, 13: 225-228. https://doi.org/10.2134/itsrj2016.10.0839
Stewart, B. R., Philley, H. W., Baldwin, C. M., & McCurdy, J. D. (2016). When will it be ready for play? Fraze mowing recovery time in bermudagrass. In: Abstracts ASA, CSSA, and SSA International Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. https://scisoc.confex.com/crops/2016am/ webprogram/Paper101905.html
Shelton, C., Booth, J., & McCall, D. (2016). Impact of fraze mowing on spring dead spot severity and recovery. VA Turfgrass Journal, 12-13.
Fraise mowers, dump trailers, and tractors to run them are not cheap. Neither are dumpsters or hauling fees to remove debris. The total cost of fraise mowing can be staggering and intimidating. Joint ownership, borrowing, or bartering with another facility – including golf courses or sod farms – may be ways to soften the financial hit of owning a fraise mower and support equipment. Hiring a contractor is an option as well. Contractor costs can vary wildly depending on fraise mowing depth and handling of debris. Typical ranges are between $0.1 to 0.2 per square foot.
Fraise mowing enables sports field managers to (potentially) remove all thatch from their fields. What would have taken years to do with vertical mowing, hollow-tine aerification, and topdressing can now be done in an afternoon with a fraise mower. Fraise mowing is an extra non-chemical tool for sports field managers to control and suppress weeds and spring dead spot, respectively. Although disruptive, visually jarring, and costly, the good of fraise mowing far outweighs the bad and the ugly.
I Minimum Summer Maintenance Programs for Athletic Fields
By Grady Miller, NC State University
often get questions from secondary schools related to minimum field maintenance during the off-season. In the case of secondary schools, they are usually referring to the summer months when school is not in session. In many instances, the scenario is presented by a coach that has been tasked with maintaining the school’s fields. Most coaches get into coaching because they love their sport, not because they want to take care of athletic fields, so their interest level in taking care of fields may be quite variable. Many of these coaches have learned turfgrass agronomics on the job through trial and error with little to no training. To make matters worse, school budgets for field maintenance are usually very small and often need to be supplemented by fundraising activities. Having parent or student work days may even be used to supplement budgets.
This model has worked at many secondary schools across NC over the years, but it can also result in some fields not being maintained at the level they need to be. No coach wants a player hurt because of their fields, and they realize that athletes enjoy and deserve to play on quality surfaces. For this reason, I encourage everyone involved in secondary school athletics to challenge their school or school district to rethink their field management practices. This includes evaluating the turf care equipment they use for their fields, looking at their turfgrass maintenance programs, and also considering if they have the most appropriate people taking care of their fields.
I believe that if the school does not have a dedicated field/ grounds staff, then contracting out some, or all, of the field maintenance is usually the best option. I am not saying a coach cannot be a great groundskeeper, but I find many do not have adequate time to devote to their fields and often may not have the expertise. Because of state laws related to pesticide use, outside contracting for pesticide applications is often the entry point for school districts to use non-school employees for field maintenance.
In terms of field maintenance programs, it is important to realize that some fields will need more aggressive maintenance practices than others. This is one way that a field manager can stretch their resources. The first place to start is with a plan to address bare areas on fields. Bare areas are most often a sign of excess use combined with inadequate maintenance. Late spring and summer are the ideal times of the year to renovate bermudagrass athletic fields. Please consult more thorough extension publications such as Carolina Athletic Fields: A Guide to Maintaining Quality Turf on Athletic Fields (https://content.ces.ncsu. edu/carolina-athletic-fields) if more information is needed to prepare a plan for renovation.
Renovation work on a field should start as soon as field usage ends in the spring. If the bare areas are larger than ten square feet, develop a sprigging, sodding, or plugging plan, and initiate the work as early in the spring or summer as possible. With a bit of creativity, one can often use their existing field as a source of plant material for light renovations. Springs, plugs, and/or sod can be harvested from healthy, out-of-play areas for renovations. If this is done early enough in the spring or summer, harvested and planted areas recover before fall season begins.
Figure 2. High-use field that could be grown back in with increased fertilization and careful water management during the summer.
Figure 1. High-use soccer field requiring repair/ renovation with sod, springs, and/or plugs.
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LebanonTurf Milliken
Milorganite Nufarm OHP
Old Castle PBI / Gordon
Quali-Pro Rightline SePRO
Sipcam Agro
Solo Sunniland
Syngenta UPL Yara
.
In many cases, fields may go into the summer a bit worn but not to the point that renovation is needed. If that is the case, then concentrate on fertilization, aeration, and mowing practices to strengthen the existing stand of turfgrass. For fertilization, refer to soil test report recommendations so that only fertilizer materials that are needed are purchased
and applied. Soil testing in NC is a function of the NC Department of Agriculture (NCDA), with their information readily available online ( https://www.ncagr.gov/Divisions/ Agronomic-Services). For much of the year, soil tests from NCDA are free for NC residents. Alternatively, there are several private labs in NC and elsewhere that conduct soil
tests for a nominal fee. As suggested earlier, most soil test reports provide recommendations for fertilizer analysis and rate. If help is needed to translate your soil testing report to actual fertilizer needs, contact a NCDA Agronomist or your local county agent for assistance. These people are trained to provide this type of assistance and may also offer you guidance of where to purchase fertilizers in your area. You can find your local county agent’s contact information and learn more about your local county extension services by going to https://www.ces. ncsu.edu/local-county-center/ and selecting your county.
Turfgrass on an athletic field will need nitrogen fertilizer to maximize turf density and recovery from damage, but it may (or may not) need other nutrients. The rule of thumb most often used is to apply one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per growing month. I think it is fine to use a lower rate if your turf is dense and healthy; whereas you may want to even increase the rate in localized area that needs additional inputs for healthy growth in thin areas. Like many other cultural practices, to spread resources, treat the areas that need extra inputs more aggressively than the other areas.
Aerification is very important for turfgrass health on high-use athletic fields. Use whatever equipment you have available for core aerification and do it as often as possible. I would suggest at least two aerifications during the summer. If you do not have aerification equipment, there are contractors that can be hired to complete the work. Core aerification can help a field maintain turfgrass density during periods of heavy use. A hard field surface is not a safe field surface. This should not be considered as an optional practice for athletic fields.
Mowing is the most common cultural practice in maintaining athletic fields, and it is probably the most important practice given a minimum budget. Frequent mowing of bermudagrass promotes greater turfgrass density. For bermudagrass
Figure 3. Selective aerification of high-wear areas.
Figure 4. Field which could use more frequent mowing to reduce scalping, prevent excess clippings, and to increase turfgrass density.
keep the height of cut below two inches. For hybrid bermudagrass closer to one inch is much better. If your schedule allows, I would suggest mowing at least two times per week in the summer months. To keep bermudagrass at or below one inches will require mowing 2–3 times a week during June and July. In addition to increasing turfgrass density, regular mowing can assist with your weed-control program. Mowing is probably the most important practice given a minimum budget. Another tip, if mowing with a zero-turn mower, slow down. It can really improve mowing cut quality. Just because this type of mower can be used at a fast pace, does not mean they should be.
For weed control, hopefully there was a pre-emergence herbicide program initiated back during the winter months. This is essential to limit crabgrass and other summer annual weeds. But even with a good preemergence program, one may need to supplement with some post-emergence applications. If weeds begin to grow, tailor your post-control program to your weed species. You may even be able to get away with spot spraying problem areas. Your local county extension service can help you with weed identification and control suggestions specific to the weeds you have on your site.
These are all general recommendations for you to consider, but this approach often works with low-maintenance fields. For more in-depth resources please consult Carolina Athletic Fields: A Guide to Maintaining Quality Turf on Athletic Fields (https://content.ces.ncsu. edu/carolina-athletic-fields) or NC State’s TurfFiles (https://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/). If there are specific issues (e.g. deep ruts in the field, invasive weeds, severe compaction, standing water, etc) then more aggressive approaches specific to your issues may need to be considered. Otherwise, careful attention to fertilization, aeration, mowing, and weed control are the practices that will give you the greatest return.
Embrace Your Inner Coach & Build a Winning Work Team
Owning a business or being in a leadership role is very similar to being the head coach of a sports team. When it comes to coaches, we all know there are forgettable coaches (or coaches you’d like to forget) and coaches beloved throughout history. Which category do you want to fall into?
We sat down with Pete Smith, President of Smith Impact, international motivational speaker and long-time wrestling coach, about how owners and managers can adopt a coaching mindset to build a winning team in business.
Coach for Them, Not You
The key for anyone in a leadership position is to recognize how to get the best out of the people on your team and understand it may require approaching certain people differently.
“Sometimes, leaders or coaches will refuse to budge their style — claiming that is just who they are. If you are one way with everyone on your team, then you don’t strike me as a great leader. You are making it about you — where everyone has to conform to your style instead of recognizing that you have to be different in order to tap into people on your team differently.”
Coach Pete gave us examples of how he can yell and be blunt with one student on his wrestling team and that student will respond positively, but if he treats another student the exact same way – they may just quit.
“It is up to the leaders to know your team and know what your players need and at what time. Gain a better awareness of people on your team and situational awareness. When is it appropriate to be tough and when is it better to be encouraging? I don’t treat everyone equally, rather what is best for them individually moving forward.”
The path to praise always comes with feedback. When it comes to feedback, the only way your team will be receptive is if they 100% believe your agenda in doing so is entirely for their benefit. They need to believe it isn’t about you or your pride, but that you’re dedicated to tapping into a part of them that pushes them to be successful.
“You want their success to be #1 on your list, then they will be more receptive to the feedback,” the motivational speaker explains. He reminds us to follow that up by being their biggest cheerleader. Make a big deal of wins and celebrate it. Push through the agony of defeat together and enjoy the thrill of victory together.
“Like any great team, you want to surround yourself with people who want the same goal. In business, you can create what the endzone is and work toward it. If you didn’t reach that goal, let’s figure out why not. Reset and make it meaningful, lofty and exciting. You do that and you have a team on board that can’t wait to be a part of what you’re doing.”
Build a Winning Culture
Is it all about winning? Pete tackled this controversial issue. “The lessons learned in the journey are what matter most. The intent and focus should be we are here to compete and win and we learn that way. I see too many people shying away from taking a bold stance and saying that they are leading a team and the goal is to win. We may get there, we may not, but our energy and focus will 100% go into understanding how to win. You, as a leader, can define what is winning. Define what it means to win on your team and strive to do so.”
Part of it starts with knowing your team. “Your people genuinely have to like you. Connect with them in some way that is outside the business environment. Know what teams they root for or what their kids’ names are.” Pete encourages you to find that common ground.
“We can relate to being in a stadium or sports bar where the big game is on the TV, and the impossible play happened or a historical win finally went in the books. People are hugging strangers and completely united. That’s what common goals and clear objectives do to people.” You certainly don’t have to take your crew to a Panthers game, but making an effort to know them on some level outside of work is incredibly helpful.
Interview with Pete Smith by Kristina Kelly
Pete Smith, President of Smith Impact
Communication is Key with Clients
and Crew
Mr. Smith shared a personal story with a lawn care company that really outlines the importance of communication. “It isn’t just about winning. It’s how you get there,” says Pete. We know that means no sweeping the legs, but how does that translate into our industry?
Pete bought a new home on the coast and had a coincidental meeting with a local lawn care business owner. The owner chatted quite a bit with Pete. They talked about where they're from and how the grasses differ from up North compared to North Carolina. They decided to work together.
“We developed a great relationship with him,” Pete said. “He ended up treating our lawn. He didn’t do the maintenance of it, but the treatment itself. He knew his stuff and how to get the best use of that grass, plus water cycles. He was great and reliable,” he shares.
Unfortunately for Pete, the owner got so busy that he was able to hand pick his clients closer to where he lived and refer the other clients out to someone else, including Pete.
“So, we’ve been using someone else, and it just isn’t the same. The first person made it relational, while this second person is simply transactional. They could be using the same fertilizer, but there seem to be different elements. I’m sure he knows his stuff, but it is a different relationship. If he is here, maybe I get something hung on the door saying they were there, but I don’t know what the treatment was or if I’m supposed to do or change anything.” His relational experience became a transactional experience.
Most of us have experience with homeowners who don't quite understand what is taking place or they are very patient with expected results. Sometimes it is a matter of unclear expectations set with the homeowner.
“In other words, if we [the homeowners] expect something is going to potentially take four months to see results, let me know where we are in that cycle as I have a lot of other time frames to juggle. Show me the outline we discussed. Tell me where we are in that timeline and what to expect in this phase. You can have a copy and paste situation, just tell me that you are a part of this with me. Make it relational. I have a hard time remembering the guy we use now, and that’s sad. You don’t want that with your clients.”
Similar to being a wrestling coach, Pete doesn’t teach his athletes something one time and it’s done. He builds muscle memory - doing the same drills over and over. Borrow that same principle for your business with clients and crew.
“Setting the right expectations and following up on those expectations with reminders is key. Do not expect homeowners (or your crew) to remember the glorious plan that you’d laid out and the intricacies of the fertilizer you’re using. Let them know how you can accomplish your goals together.”
Coaches get in a mindset that if you show something one time, you should know it. In athletics, you want to develop muscle memory through repetition.
“When others say why are we drilling this for the thousandth time, it is because we are working our way to 10,000 times. I want you to get to a place to move instinctually, because it becomes part of your identity. I think the coaches that struggle with this think if they show something once that they should be able to run with it. Take a different approach: I showed you once. I want to watch you do it and provide feedback in real time. I want to tweak it and give you another chance to do it.”
Some managers or coaches fear that is micro-management. “No. It is maintaining a healthy and high standard of excellence,” he explains. My whole goal is to have that person do it to that high goal consistently without my involvement.” He further pointed out that it is an excellent way to train someone to take over your role, so they can train the new people. That’s how the system grows beyond one person.
Reaching Your End Zone
Being a coach or a manager doesn’t come with a playbook, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t start building or expanding on one. Don’t shy away from repetitive, but collaborative communication. Taking bold steps is defining what success means to you. Be involved in your crew’s day-to-day operations in a supportive way that shows you’re invested in them and their success. You can show appreciation for those accomplishments that often go unrecognized to help momentum and reach your “end zone.”
Interview with Alpha Jones of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Alpha Jones is the Director of Field Operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the A-Affiliate of the Houston Astros. Alpha shares insights from his career and offers advice to others interested in sports field management.
How long have you worked with the Woodpeckers?
I will complete five years in March of 2024. I was hired 33 days before the Inaugural Opening Day in 2019.
You were named Carolina League and Single-A Groundskeeper of the Year. How did you feel earning that honor?
I like the way you phrased that question, using the word “earned.” I feel it gives a better description than “winning” the award. I certainly appreciate the recognition for the work that was done during the 2023 season, it was a team effort. Admittedly, I am immensely proud of the success that we had last year.
It was a hardworking crew where we fed off of each other’s energy at different times of the year, and this helped us be successful throughout the whole season.
Each time that I’ve been congratulated on the award, I tend to reflect on the season and the many challenges we overcame with the weather, the late nights, adjusting to the new requirements and so forth.
My feelings are best summed up as humbly proud. I’m humbled by the honor and very proud of the hard work that we put in as a team. It is exciting to be recognized for it.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell them to explore the many different sports and levels of sports field management, there are many more than just what is broadcast or streamed.
Take advantage of at least one internship. Learn something at each place you work, ask questions, apply what you learn and build on it. Pursue industry related education and certifications. These enable you to demonstrate your knowledge, which can open doors to more opportunity.
Build a network of colleagues and mentors, some of which will grow into relationships. Call on these people, talk with them about work and life, share your stories. Ask questions!
Be of service to others, have a willingness to help no matter your role in the situation. If you put these things into practice every day possible, you will be successful in this industry and in life.
What is one tip you have for managing a crew?
Learn the difference between managing and leading a crew. Managing a crew is primarily about the productivity of the work output. Leading a crew is about growing the people that make up the crew. Their growth improves decision making, creates a collaborative environment and increases the capabilities of the team. Learn how to lead.
Do I have a favorite Woodpeckers moment?
There are so many moments to choose from, however, the Inaugural Opening Day has a lot of unique stories that revolve around getting the stadium ready, coordinating all the “first and only” times things could happen in the stadium. I like sharing the stories about the CSX employee who last minute worked on the Game Day crew or the Black Daggers skydivers who had to crash land in the Kids Zone (play area) and the kids were taking selfies with them right after and lastly, the championships that have followed.
I have to say seeing players who played on our field in 2019 contribute to the Astros World Series success and earning the Series MVP in 2022 is probably my favorite Woodpeckers moment. It’s pretty cool watching the young players grow into baseball superstars.
We sincerely appreciate Alpha’s time and thoughtfulness in sharing his experiences and wisdom with us. Have a story you want to share with us? Email info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org
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