North Carolina Turfgrass - May / June 2024 issue

Consumer Sod Preferences

Management Considerations for the Most Common Diseases of Tall Fescue in NC

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

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From

Happy Spring, Members!

Ihope this letter finds you well and in high spirits as we roll into a new season. I’d like to reflect back for a moment in appreciation of our recent successful event, the 2024 Technology & Turfgrass Annual General Meeting. It is always rewarding to come together to learn, expand our goals and foster new relationships.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our invaluable partners: Green Resource, Sunrock, Simplot, Quality Equipment, John Deere, Quali-Pro, PBI-Gordon Corporation, Jones Advisors, and Sterling Brand Lab. Your steadfast commitment to our mission continues to propel us forward and we are immensely grateful for your collaboration and support.

The wealth of knowledge and insights shared by our speakers enriched our collective understanding and empowered us to navigate the complexities of our day-to-day operations with greater proficiency. Special thanks to Eric Steffensen from PBI-Gordon for his presentation on agronomic programs, as well as Chase Tew and Wes Clontz from John Deere Turf Care for their presentation on the transformative impact of connectivity on our industry. Sunrock’s contribution was top-notch with their educational topsoil presentation from Jay Blanchfield. Furthermore, Tovah Coats from Sterling Brand Lab provided invaluable insights into the realm of data-driven marketing, equipping us with the tools to drive meaningful engagement and growth.

I am delighted to announce the appointment of our new Board, whose leadership and vision will undoubtedly steer our organization to new heights. While we celebrate this new chapter, it is important to acknowledge the exemplary service of Kevin Herrmann as our 2022 – 23 President and our 2022 – 23 Past-President Gene Queen, whose dedication has left an indelible mark on our turfgrass community. Under the stewardship of our new Board, we are poised to embark on a journey guided by a strategic focus encompassing the cultivation of a thriving turfgrass community, the championing of industry interests, and the fostering of a diverse and extensive network.

As we forge ahead, I invite each of you to actively engage, participate, and advocate for our NC Turfgrass Community. Together, we possess the collective power to effect positive change and shape the future of our industry. You are always welcome to reach out to me with questions or ideas at info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org.

Warm regards,

Wil Sutton

President, Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org

CHIEF

Marcy Cottle info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org 984.301.5460

TCNC OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

Wilson Sutton Emerald Golf Club New Bern, NC

VICE PRESIDENT

Greg Harris Leap Frog Land Care, Inc. Fuquay-Varina, NC

TREASURER

Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC

PAST PRESIDENT

Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC

DIRECTORS

Brian Beane Southern Turf Winston-Salem, 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 and Landscaping Services

Canopy Lawn Care

Carol Woods Retirement Community

Carolina Green Corp

City of Asheville Parks and Recreation

City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation

Duplin Sod

Edison Landscaping

Emerald Green

ETM Coastal

Fairway Green of Charlotte

Fairway Green of Raleigh

Fayetteville Tech

Gates Four Golf and Country Club

Green Resource

JRM Inc.

Keith Hiils Golf Club

Leapfrog Landcare

NaturaLawn of America (Raleigh)

Nature's Select

McConnell Golf

Morehead City

Quality Turf

Sod Solutions

Southern Ag

Southern Garden

Southern Seeds, Inc.

The Biltmore Company

The Sunrock Group

Tillery Country Club

Town of Cary Public Works

Town of Garner

Triangle Chemical Company

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.

UNC – Chapel Hill

Wake Forest University

Weed Man

Renewal as of 4/24/2024

Don't see your company's name? Renew today at www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org

CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES

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

Dr. Qiyu Zhou Assistant Professor 313.782.2892 qzhou9@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/

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

All my best,

Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP

Turfgrass Council of NC

Please send 1 – 3 photos and some background information regarding your photo(s) to info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org and we'll make sure we are "Showin' Your Grass"!

Thank You to for sharing our first Showin' Your Grass submission!

2024 Partnership Packages

Logo and Brand Visibility

Position your organization as a leading authority and advocate for the turfgrass industry in the region. Enhance your reputation and credibility by supporting us as a trusted and influential industry voice.

Networking & Engagement

Leverage networking opportunities to establish valuable connections, engage in meaningful conversations, and build relationships with potential clients, partners, and industry leaders.

Product Demonstrations

Showcase your products and services through engaging demonstrations. As industry leaders, leverage these opportunities to gain recognition for your innovative solutions and contributions.

Increase your brand visibility, enhance your market presence, raise awareness of your products or services, and reach a wider audience within the turfgrass industry.

Speaking Opportunities

Reach a wide audience of turfgrass professionals and maximize your brand by participating as a featured guest speaker at our in-person and / or online education events.

Exclusive Sponsorships

Tailor exclusive opportunities to meet your specific needs and goals. Choose the benefits that align with your marketing objectives and target audience that amplify your brand.

For more information on our sponsorships, call 984.301.5460 or email info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

Event promotional materials

Vendor booth at AGM and/ or meetings

Welcome packets for new members

Marketing materials

Distribution of branded marketing items Logo and Brand Visibility Opportunities

Networking & Engagement Opportunities

TCNC Meet-Ups: The Best are Here

Regional event (eg: Baseball Night)

Member contests & incentive programs

Branded marketing items for members

Customize: Add your idea here!

Showcase Products & ServicesOpportunities

Product demonstration

Host your product & service videos

our education platform

Community service projects (as available)

Customize: Add your idea here!

Advertising on website

Monthly newsletter ad space

Monthly newsletter content space

Social media promotion

Member communications

Speaking & Content Opportunities

Online Knowledge Series

Annual General Meeting (1 AGM in 2024)

Regional Meeting (3 meetings in 2024)

Magazine article(s) (4-6/ year)

Customize: Add your idea here!

Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities

Specific industry designated sponsor

Premier event designated sponsor

Host an event

Have TCNC speak at your company event

Customize: Add your idea here!

2024 Partnership Packages

Our customized sponsorship package is designed to offer you the flexibility to choose the opportunities that best align with your organization's goals and objectives. Our sponsorship package consists of four levels, each offering a range of benefits and services to meet your specific needs.Select the services and benefits that resonate most with your organization. This allows you to create a sponsorship package that perfectly fits your requirements and maximizes the value you receive from your partnership with us.We understand that every organization is unique, and our goal is to provide you with a tailored sponsorship experience that aligns with your desired level of engagement and exposure. If there is an idea that you would like to propose, please do! If we can – we will!

Platinum Sponsorship

$4,500

• Tier 1: Logo, Brand & Digital Opportunities

• Tier 2: Select 6 Opportunities

• Tier 3: Select 3 Opportunities

Gold Sponsorship

$1,500

• Tier 1: Logo, Brand & Digital Opportunities

• Tier 2: Select up to 3 Opportunities

Emerald Sponsorship

$2,500

• Tier 1: Logo, Brand & Digital Opportunities

• Tier 2: Select 4 Opportunities

• Tier 3: Select 2 Opportunities

Silver Sponsorship

$500

• Tier 1: Logo, Brand & Digital Opportunities

Calendar of Events

July 10, 2024

NCGIC Water & Soil Symposium

August 14, 2024

NCSU Field Day Raleigh

June 2, 2024 – 4:00 pm Farm to Fork Picnic Triangle

June 4, 2024 – 2:00 pm Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Series

June 5, 2024 – All Day Statesville Pesticide Safety School

June 14, 2024 – 9:00 am Skills for Success: Email Management & Google Workspace

June 20, 2024 – 10:00 am

Think Green Thursday –Home Lawn Management

July 16, 2024 – All Day Greensboro Pesticide Safety School

July 18, 2024 – 6:30 pm Think Green Thursday –Landscape Planning Basics

August 6, 2024 – 6:00 pm Pesticide Safety Education for Private Applicators

August 9, 2024 – 9:00 am Skills for Success: Networking within your County

August 14, 2024 – 8:00 am Raleigh Turfgrass Field Day

September 9, 2024 – 5:30 pm Private Pesticide Training

September 10, 2024 – 9:00 am Private Pesticide Training

Member Spotlight on

L SPENCER THOMAS

et's drive right in with TCNC member, Spencer Thomas. He is the General Manager at the Keith Hills Golf and Learning Center in Buies Creek, North Carolina. He was the Golf Course Superintendent for two years prior to his current role. To put it simply, he has been keeping things green for 13 years.

So, spill the tee, Spencer. What are your main responsibilities?

I oversee the Superintendent and Director of Golf. We have 190 acres of maintained turf. This includes 27 holes of golf, six putting greens and one nursery green, along with a 30-acre practice facility. We have over 40 employees when we are fully staffed and are owned by Campbell University. I am also an adjunct professor at Campbell University where I teach Turfgrass Management to the Professional Golf Management students, and I am taking classes online myself at the moment.

What is one challenge you face?

Balancing the needs of our members and students. We have men’s and women’s golf teams, a PGM program, members, and public play.

That’s a lot of different needs to fill. How do you manage it?

Communication is always the largest factor in managing people and a business. Communication to your customers, employees, peers and supervisors is the most important thing. If you do not communicate, people do not know where to set their expectations.

Very well said! What is one thing you wish people knew about our industry?

I wish people knew how hard people in our industry worked. The guys that go out and trim, mow, blow, lay sod, fertilize, spray, and more are really putting in a lot of work. These guys have families, and they work hard to provide for them.

We love that you call that out. What is something you’ve seen change in our industry over the years?

The change from cool-season greens to warm-season greens on golf courses has been very swift in the past 10 years. I worked on bentgrass until we converted our last nine holes in 2016. This has given everyone more free time and more freedom to experiment and push their greens.

Lastly, why do you choose to be a TCNC member?

TCNC was important to my mentor (and Past-president) Damon Dean. He was always very involved. I think there is no better voice for our industry than TCNC. In the past two years however, the real reason is to further the education of our industry. I am very eager to work on the education of future turf industry professionals.

MANUFACTURERS OF… DISTRIBUTORS FOR…

Blue Colorant

Chelated 5% Iron

Chlorpyrifos 2.5% G

Chlorpyrifos Mole

Mole Cricket Bait

Defoamer

Latron B–1956

Methylated Seed Oil

Snail Bait

Soil Acidifier

Soil Wetting Agent

Soluble 10–30–20

Soluble 30–7–14

Soluble 20–20–20

Spreader Sticker

Surfactant for Herbicides

Tank Cleaner

Turf Green

Tweak

12–0–0–6% iron

GOLF COURSE SALES STAFF

Jim Wells — West Central Florida (941) 720–2712

Bruce Bach — Southwest Florida (239) 989–9947

Roger Welker — East Coast Florida .............. (772) 260–0282

Kevin Downing — South Florida (561) 427–4501

Andrew Wampler — Western Carolinas ........... (828) 674–2594

Brandon Hicks — Central North Carolina (336) 906-0803

AMVAC Andersons Aquatrols

Corteva Agriscience Envu FMC

Gowan

LebanonTurf Milliken

Milorganite Nufarm OHP

Old Castle PBI / Gordon

Quali-Pro Rightline SePRO

Sipcam Agro

Solo Sunniland

Syngenta UPL Yara

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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 designation.

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.

Member Spotlight on SCOTT REEDER

The

President / CEO at Barefoot Lawn Care, Inc. has seen a variety of challenges and changes in his career spanning three decades. His story and insights demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence that has propelled both him and his company to continued success.

How long have you worked at Barefoot Lawn Care?

I started in December of 1992 (31 years).

How did you get into this field?

Honestly, I never really enjoyed school all that much. In high school, I participated in the early-release work program my junior and senior years. I worked at the Swift Creek Nursery because I thought, at that time, I had a love for plants. After beginning my studies at NC State in the Ag Institute, I double majored in Turfgrass Management and Ornamentals & Landscape Technology with a concentration in Agri-Business. I spent my summers working at the Country Club of Johnston County and was named Assistant Superintendent. That was when I realized I enjoyed the turf world a little more than plants.

What are your main responsibilities?

Through the years, my responsibilities have changed as our business has grown, but my most important responsibility is, and will continue to be, my employees. Without good employees, we have no business. We have been fortunate to hire capable managers. They oversee the daily operations of each division, and they are the main contacts for our employees. I miss being outdoors, but I find new fulfillment in the office managing the finances and growth strategies for the business and looking ahead to the future. My focus has shifted from managing individuals to managing the business itself.

What is one challenge you face?

Finding new employees that share our company’s values and align with those of our current employees.

How do you overcome it?

Finding quality employees has been the number one issue for many landscapers over the last few years. I think some companies have pulled back on preferred qualifications, but we have not. We conduct pre-employment drug testing as well as random testing throughout the year. We also conduct background checks and run MVRs on every potential new employee. Finding qualified drivers has also become a serious issue. As painful as this process is, we turn away more candidates than we hire. It’s our mission to promote safe driving and reduce the likelihood of accidents. We know that quality candidates will help us serve our customers better.

What is one thing you wish people knew about our industry?

I don’t think most people understand the financial impact of the turfgrass industry. Furthermore, I don’t think many know the environmental benefits that the industry provides, especially at a time when artificial turf seems to be gaining traction in the residential marketplace. One homeowner sees another homeowner make a change, and then they decide it’s the best thing for them without knowing the full effects of their decision. I believe our industry must do a better job educating the public, which is a major responsibility of every lawn care and landscape company alongside trade organizations.

What is something you’ve seen change in our industry over the years?

This industry has experienced explosive growth. It has become an industry that provides well-paying jobs and benefits that haven’t always existed. Compared to other high-skill service jobs like HVAC, electric, and plumbing, I firmly believe this industry has become competitive in attracting and retaining high-level service jobs that can turn into long-term careers for many.

Tell us a fun fact about you!

I enjoy the beach. My wife, friends, family, and I enjoy hanging out and listening to beach music. We spend a lot of time on Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas. The funny thing is my wife is an incredible dancer, but I cannot shag one bit—I just enjoy listening to the music. This is my HAPPY PLACE. It’s where I go to relieve stress and put the business aside for a while.

Why do you choose to be a TCNC member?

I believe in supporting each organization within our industry. I support meetings and educational events throughout the year. We encourage our lawn care technicians to obtain their pesticide license for which we incur all related costs. This gives them some earned satisfaction and allows them to also attend educational events to further their knowledge as they earn required credits. The TCNC, NCNLA, and GIC have all been great advocates for our industry. Private businesses have benefited through the years from their continued support of this industry. As a graduate of North Carolina State University, I personally appreciate the collaborative efforts and research with the North Carolina State Turf Research Department.

PREFERENCES Consumer SOD

By Grady Miller, North Carolina State University

There are all kinds of studies that look at consumers’ preferences for everyday items based on personal taste, perceived value, quality, and convenience – everything from automobiles to Ziplock bag brands. But what about consumer sod preferences? As part of our USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, researchers from our group polled Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Texas homeowners to determine turfgrass attributes that consumers preferred and their willingness to pay extra for these attributes (Ghimire et al., 2016 and Ghimire et al., 2019). A few years before these studies, scientists at the University of Minnesota sought to determine if consumers in their region had a preference for low-input turfgrasses (Hugie et al., 2012). This article will highlight some of the findings of these studies. For more specifics on study methods and results, consult the original peer reviewed papers referenced at the end of this article.

Above: Consumer using their feet to evaluate turfgrasses.

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In the questionnaire used in the study reported in 2019, Ghimire et al. found that household consumers could be classified into one of two groups based on similar preference attitudes. The first group, labeled “willing hobby gardeners” were more likely to be new homeowners, younger (<45 years), hobbyist, and more willing adopters of improved turfgrasses. Members of this group were more interested in do-it-yourself projects. They tended to have higher incomes and were more likely to buy organic products in general. This group was more likely to pay more for improved turfgrasses. Consumer responses from this group suggested that they would be more attracted to suggestions from home-improvement shows. There was also an expressed interest in USDA certified or “pesticide free” labeling of turfgrasses.

The second group, labeled “reluctant mature homeowners” were on average older (>45 years) and more reluctant adopters of improved turfgrass cultivars that minimize environmental stressors. They were more price sensitive and often feared changes and challenges. Their research showed this group was more willing to accept a turfgrass variety with higher maintenance costs if the initial price was lower compared to a newer variety. It was most evident that marketing strategies for this group must emphasize the price points of the turfgrasses. This group may be best served by using extension programs such as Master Gardeners for promoting turfgrasses.

The other two articles presented consumers’ preferences of turfgrass traits. This type of information is helpful for not only turfgrass breeders but also sod producers since both groups seek to match a product to consumer preferences. While the Hugie et al. (2012) paper concentrated on targeted consumer preferences within the cool-season turfgrass region of Minnesota, I believe it provided good information that can also be applied in our transition zone. One surprise was that participants in their study placed greater importance on maintenance attributes than on aesthetic attributes. The most important turfgrass attribute in their study was a low irrigation requirement. An environmental concern was a larger motivating factor for desiring a turfgrass with a low water requirement than the cost of irrigation water.

The second most importance in their study was placed on a reduced mowing requirement. As with water, the high importance on reduced mowing was not only based on cost and time savings, but also potential environmental concerns about fossil fuel use. A secondary level of importance was associated with shade adaptation, turfgrass color, turfgrass texture, and the presence of weeds. They found there was a strong demand for shade tolerant turfgrasses. Participants also had a strong preference for turfgrass areas without weeds. The majority of their participants (69%) indicated they would likely purchase a different type of turfgrass if it required fewer pesticide applications. Lastly, the vast majority (96%) indicated they would be more likely to purchase low-input turfgrasses if provided more information. These findings illustrate the greater need for marketing turfgrasses with specific traits.

The study reported by Ghimire et al. (2016) polled consumers in Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Texas and found that in all states surveyed, the most preferred turfgrass attribute was low maintenance cost (54%), followed by shade tolerance (23%), and water conservation (19%). It just so happened that the top three attributes were the same in NC as for “all states”. The least valued attributes across the five states were low purchase price (0.1%), winterkill tolerance (0.7%), and salinity tolerance (4%). In NC, winterkill tolerant turfgrass was more preferred than salinity-tolerant turfgrass. The low importance in sod price was partially attributed to sod cost being a small factor in the overall replacement of a lawn.

So, what is the take home message for sod producers? First, it can be helpful to understand the consumer groups that will be purchasing your turfgrasses and their willingness to adopt and pay for new turfgrasses. This can assist sod growers in targeting new turfgrasses to willing gardeners, while altering their marketing strategy to persuade reluctant homeowners. Secondly, sod producers may also have to change the turfgrasses they grow to align with traits that are valued by their consumers. The sod industry, as a whole, may need to increase marketing of specific grasses with documented traits in comparison to older standard cultivars to increase awareness. The economic impact of adopting new cultivars may take time. But the inevitable mandated irrigation restrictions during droughts, suggest turfgrasses with drought tolerance would see quicker adoption and offer significant economic impacts to the industry sooner than other traits.

References

1. Ghimire, M. T.A. Boyer, C. Chung, and J.Q. Moss. 2016. Consumers’ shares of preferences for turfgrass attributes using a discrete choice experiment and the best-worst method. HortScience 51(7):892-898. 2016.

2. Ghirmire, T.A. Boyer, and C. Chung. 2019. Heterogeneity in urban consumer preferences for turfgrass attributes. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. 38:183-192. 2019.

3. Hugie, K, C. Yue, and E. Watkins. 2012. Consumer preferences for low-input turfgrasses: A conjoint analysis. HortScience 47(8):10961101. 2012.

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Management Considerations for the Most Common Diseases of Tall Fescue in NC

By Jim Kerns, Ph.D., Daniel Freund, and Lee Butler Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology NC State University

Introduction

Tall fescue is a popular cool-season grass species valued for its resilience and adaptability in various climates. It is the most widely grown cool-season grass in NC because of its tolerance to heat, drought, and some diseases. Tall fescue is a bunch-type grass, which means it does not recover when the turf thins from abiotic or biotic stress. Therefore, if this happens it will require re-seeding each year. Although tall fescue is resistant to some fungal diseases, it can be quite susceptible to three different fungi that cause brown patch, gray leaf spot, and Pythium blight. Understanding these diseases and implementing effective management strategies is crucial for maintaining lush, green lawns. This article will cover the most important aspects of managing these diseases and include a disease to be on the lookout for.

Brown Patch

Brown patch, caused by fungal pathogens in the genus Rhizocotonia and related genera, is a prevalent disease in tall fescue lawns, particularly during warm and humid weather conditions. It is the most common and problematic disease each summer on tall fescue swards.

Symptoms

The symptoms of brown patch vary according to mowing height. In landscape situations, where mowing height is greater than one inch, brown patch appears as roughly circular patches that are brown, tan, or yellow in color and range from six inches to several feet in diameter. The affected leaves typically remain upright, and lesions are evident on the leaves that are tan in color and irregular in shape with a dark brown border. When the leaves are wet or humidity is high, small amounts of gray cottony growth, called mycelium, may be seen growing amongst affected leaves.

Figure 2. Plant symptoms of brown patch and gray leaf spot. Note the differences in the symptoms that develop on the plants and to see these symptoms many different leaves must be examined.

Figure 1. Stand symptoms of brown patch in tall fescue.

Tall Fescue

Brown Patch Gray Leaf Spot

Factors Favoring Brown Patch Development

Brown patch is most severe during extended periods of hot, humid weather. The disease can begin to develop when night temperatures exceed 60°F but is most severe when low and high temperatures are above 70°F and 90°F, respectively. The turfgrass leaves must be continuously wet for 10 to 12 hours for the brown patch fungus to infect. Poor soil drainage, lack of air movement, shade, cloudy weather, dew, overwatering, and watering in late afternoon favor prolonged leaf wetness and increased disease severity. The disease is most severe on tall fescue swards that are not actively growing. So, over-regulation or under-fertilization could also enhance brown patch severity. This is slightly different from conventional knowledge because for many, many years brown patch was thought to be more severe when plants were fertilized during the summer months. However, this is not supported by current research with the newer turf-type tall fescue cultivars. It is okay to fertilize in the summer months on tall fescue as long as the nitrogen rate does not exceed 0.5 lbs/1,000 ft2.

Management

1. Proper Lawn Maintenance

Maintain adequate soil drainage and avoid overwatering to reduce humidity levels that favor fungal growth. Reducing leaf wetness is an excellent strategy for reducing brown patch severity. Current research demonstrates that the use of soil surfactants can reduce the severity of brown patch and should be considered.

2. Mowing Practices

Regularly mow tall fescue at the appropriate height (3 ½ to 4 ½ inches) to promote air circulation and minimize moisture retention.

3. Fungicide Applications

Many fungicides are effective. For more information, please see:

www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/diseasesin-turf/brown-patch-in-turf/

Gray Leaf Spot

Gray leaf spot, caused by the fungal pathogen Pyricularia grisea, is another common disease affecting tall fescue. It appears as small, irregularly shaped lesions with gray centers and dark borders on the grass blades. Gray leaf spot initially appears as spots on the leaves that are round or oval, tan in color, and have a dark brown border. When the leaves are wet or humidity is high, the leaf spots turn gray and fuzzy with profuse spore production. In time, the leaf spots expand and girdle the leaf, causing it to die back from the tip. Significant damage to the turf stand may occur as the disease continues to progress. In tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, foliar blighting initially occurs in patches from 4 to 12 inches in diameter that are orange to yellow. Like the leaf spots, these patches rapidly coalesce to produce large, irregular areas of damaged turf. The leaves of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass blighted by gray leaf spot are typically matted and greasy in appearance. Because of this symptom, gray leaf spot is often confused with Pythium blight in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass.

Note that the stand symptoms are irregular in appearance when

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Figure 3. Examples of stand and plant stand symptoms of gray leaf spot on tall fescue.

compared to brown patch.

Development Factors

Gray leaf spot is most severe in newly established turfgrass stands. However, can be devesting in mature stands as well if conditions are conducive. As our climate has moderated, the fungus is now able to overwinter here in NC, so the inoculum does not have to be blown in like in more Northern states. The disease can develop when temperatures are between 70 and 95o F as long as 12 to 14 hours of leaf wetness occurs. Recently, the disease seems to proliferate when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 73o F as when this typically happens in NC there is sufficient leaf wetness for infection to begin. Other factors that make gray leaf spot especially severe are extended rainfall events, improper irrigation timing, and infrequent mowing events. Lush leaf tissue is particularly susceptible to infection by the gray leaf spot pathogen.

Figure 4. Stand symptoms of Pythium blight in tall fescue.

This disease typically only develops in areas of extreme soil moisture.

This particular picture is an area of water accumulation from being a low-lying area and collection of water from the gutters on the building to the left.

Management

1. Proper Irrigation

Water deeply and infrequently to prevent surface moisture buildup, which can facilitate fungal proliferation.

2. Fertilization

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization during late summer and early fall (July through September), as it can promote succulent growth and increase susceptibility to gray leaf spot.

3. Mowing Practices

Regularly mow tall fescue at the appropriate height to promote air circulation and minimize moisture retention.

4. Fungicide Treatments

There are a few effective fungicides but typically DMIs and thiophanate methyl are options in lawn care to control gray leaf spot. Unfortunately, many effective fungicides are not labeled for home lawn use. For more information see here:

www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/diseasesin-turf/gray-leaf-spot-in-turf/

Pythium Blight:

Pythium blight, caused by various Pythium species, is a destructive disease that thrives in waterlogged soils and high temperatures. It manifests as rapidly expanding, watersoaked patches of slimy, dark green grass that wilt and die. Pythium blight can spread quickly during periods of warm, wet weather, posing a significant threat to tall fescue lawns. Yet, the occurrence of this disease is relatively limited compared to brown patch and gray leaf spot. It is important to stress that for Pythium blight to develop, extremely wet soils are required! Many in the field think that gray leaf spot is Pythium blight, so be sure to get an accurate diagnosis.

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How

to

BURNOUT BUSINESS AVOID

An interview with Dr. Andy Core by Kristina Kelly

W

hether you are an owner or in a leadership role, business burnout can negatively impact you, your team and the overall health of your business. We enlisted the help of a burnout expert, Dr. Andy Core, to aid you in recognizing the symptoms, impacts, and tactics to conquer it. Dr. Core is a Performance Psychologist, Resiliency Expert, and AwardWinning Speaker.

We’re so excited to have your insight and expertise. Tell us, how do you define business burnout?

Burnout in a business context consists of three things: emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of professional accomplishment.

What are some burnout signs that owners / managers may miss or simply write off as stress?

Emotional exhaustion is when a person is so tired that they lose motivation, and their attitude begins to become more negative. Businesspeople will know they are emotionally exhausted when they start to let things slide that they normally wouldn't. There is a social media meme that says, “I'm at the stage of life where when someone says the sky is green, I just say OK.” It is healthy and a sign of maturity to pick your battles, but resigning yourself from being passionate about your work and standing up for your beliefs is a red flag that you may be experiencing emotional exhaustion and potentially on your way to burnout.

Cynicism is the state of mind where a person focuses on the negative aspects of their work, customers, personal relationships, and potentially most dangerous, themselves. Businesspeople know they are becoming more cynical and at risk for burnout when they stop seeing the potential benefits of their work, the good and other people, and just generally become more nihilistic. An easy way to diagnose yourself is to ask yourself the question, “Am I seeing things more negatively than I usually do?” Essentially, businesspeople will see minor inconveniences as a real pain in the backside, or even a threat to their standing.

Professional accomplishment is essentially feeling that if you work at something, you can be successful. One of the fastest ways to increase the risk for burnout is to believe that your work, your effort does not amount to much. That even if you try, you will not be successful.

What are some common causes of business burnout?

The most common burnout trap for most businesspeople is based on a concept called the human performance curve. Essentially, you have to push yourself to be successful and to grow. And, for a while, the harder you push yourself the faster you progress. But everyone has a point where if they keep pushing themselves their progress not only slows, but starts to decline as do their attitudes and emotional energy level. Being able to identify when you start to become emotionally exhausted, a bit more cynical, or start to lose a sense of accomplishment even though you were trying, is a powerful skill in preventing and addressing symptoms.

You've talked about mindset as a top challenge in your research. Can you elaborate on that?

In resiliency research, one of the top three most resilient mindsets is called a challenge mindset. This mindset is based on the belief that change, challenges, difficult situations, are normal, and just part of life, and when you really think about it, is when you've grown the most as a person. Therefore, a resilient person looks at difficulties as, "This is not great, but challenges are normal, and I'm likely to learn or grow as a result.” This may seem like common sense, but when a person is under significant stress, their mindset is impaired and results in focusing on the threats they face or inconveniences they don't want to deal with versus the challenge and opportunity to grow.

What is the impact of unchecked burnout?

The impact or consequences of experiencing burnout symptoms is often nothing at first. Businesspeople are usually pretty tough and can withstand a lot. However, everyone has that inflection point where if they continue to push, their mindset and their bodies start to deteriorate. If left unchecked past this point, mental, physical, and emotional health start to degrade rapidly. Once a person reaches actual burnout, there is not a short-term fix; they need significant time off to recuperate and repair their body and their outlook on the world.

What are your favorite tactics for overcoming this challenge?

My favorite strategies for not only minimizing your risk for burnout, but also maximizing your ability to perform at your best and live a very high-quality of life, personally are based on three methods. First is control. Most people think of control as focusing on the things that you can control, which, while helpful, is not what that means in resiliency science. In resiliency research, control is the belief that if you work at something you can be successful; therefore, one of my favorite strategies is to ask yourself the question, "If I work at this and I try hard, do I have a reasonable chance to be successful?” The best way to ask yourself this question is to use it as a journal prompt. Additionally, this is a great question to ask other people when you want to increase their resiliency and motivation at work and in life.

Second is curiosity. In resiliency science, commitment is defined as believing that your goals, or work is meaningful, interesting, and worth your full investment. In business, most people believe that their work is meaningful and worth their investment. However, what I've noticed is often missing in people who are struggling to maintain their motivation and resiliency to stress is a sense of curiosity about their work tasks, challenges, teammates, customers, etc. I found that the most successful people are often the most curious. They look at each challenge, opportunity, or teammate as something interesting. In contrast, people who struggle with challenges are more focused on the fear of what may happen versus being interested in finding solutions, workarounds, additional resources, etc.

The third is challenge. A challenge mindset means choosing to see difficulties as normal, interesting, and a way to grow. People who struggle under stress have conditioned themselves to have difficulty seeing past the potential threat or inconvenience of their situation. My favorite mantra to use the challenge mindset is to ask, "OK, this may be a bummer, but what is the challenge here?” Another great reframing question is, “OK, there may be some real pitfalls to this situation, but what do we have control over in this situation?”

The bottom line for business professionals to mitigate the risk for burnout and manage burnout symptoms is threefold. First, they probably need a break. Taking even a little time off and setting yourself up for a couple of good nights' sleep can often take the edge off and recenter your thinking so that you can see your situation in a more accurate and productive light and develop more productive mindsets. Second, learning how to think when you feel stressed or challenged is not something most businesspeople are taught. Resiliency is likely the most important skill for business success in today's rapidly changing and uncertain conditions, the most important Brazilian mindset: control, curiosity, and challenge. It is worth taking the time to learn about these mindsets and practice them so that they become automatic whenever a flush of stress hits. Third, and likely the most overlooked in our virtual world, is peer support. There is significant research to show that the more frequently you connect with other people who know what your work, stressors, and wins are, the more resilient you are to stress, the fewer depressive symptoms you feel, and the more motivated and determined you are to reach your goals.

Once you conquer burnout, what advice do you have for sustaining it?

My core mantra, and the title of my latest book, is Change Your Day, Not Your Life. The underlying thesis of this book is that success is based on patterns and motivation is just momentum in disguise. Basically, if you want to be sustainably motivated and successful, improve your daily patterns. Success is most often based on skill, so it makes sense to make how you live your daily life a skill that you've honed to maximize your focus, energy, and results.

Thank you so much Dr. Core for this interesting and insightful look at business burnout. We think we can all relate to many aspects of this throughout our careers. For more amazing research and education from Dr. Core or to purchase his book, please visit: www.andycore.com