From the President
Looking Back and Forward-Thinking
Dear Members,
As we approach the end of another successful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we've achieved together in 2024. This year has been particularly special as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. Our Golden Jubilee was not just a celebration of our past but a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, which continues to grow and thrive.
One of the most significant undertakings this year was the launch of the Economic Impact Study in collaboration with the North Carolina Green Industry Council (NCGIC) and NC State University. This study will provide us with valuable data to further understand and promote the immense value our industry brings to the state's economy. It’s a project that will inform our strategies and advocacy for years to come, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to get it off the ground.
Our 2024 Technology & Turfgrass Annual General Meeting was another highlight, showcasing the latest innovations in our field. It was inspiring to see so many of you engaged in discussions about the future of turfgrass management, embracing new technologies and methods to enhance the quality and sustainability of our work. The enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset of our members ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Of course, no year would be complete without the much-anticipated Turfgrass Field Day at Lake Wheeler Lab. As always, it was a day filled with hands-on learning, networking, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among peers. The practical insights gained and connections made during this event are invaluable, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to its success. We will also be sharing insights from our end-of-year Strategic Meeting in January, so stay tuned!
As we close out this remarkable year, I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence. It’s because of members like you that the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina continues to lead and inspire. I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.
Warm regards,
Wil Sutton President Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
As this edition was going to print, Hurricane Helene devastated our state. This catastrophic event in Western NC is unimaginable and our hearts go out to all communities and families impacted by this tragedy. The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations at nc.gov/donate.
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
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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
Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!
TheNorth 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.
Fast Facts about the NCCTP
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.
Jeff Martin Chapel Hill, NC
Todd Wright Chapel Hill, NC
Peter Ampuja Chapel Hill, NC
West Ross Chapel Hill, NC
Keith Craine Morehead City, NC
Todd Moore New Bern, NC
Brad Sutton New Bern, NC
Jason Jacobsen New Bern, NC
Kenny Carrick New Bern, NC
Krystal Jones New Bern, NC
Clay Griffin Smithfield, VA
Jeffrey White Elon, NC
Willis Wood Elon, NC
Brandon Furr Elon, NC
Keigan Gaddy Cary, NC
James Graham Charlotte, NC
DJ Cope Charlotte, NC
Ross Kingery Bailey, NC
Jamie Niss Cary, NC
Josh Shiver Cary, NC
James Castagna Cary, NC
James Reynolds Elon, NC
Jen Schilkowski Chapel Hill, NC
Torrey Morrison Chapel Hill, NC
Jeremy Herndon Stem, NC
Britt Mccrimmon Wilmington, NC
Todd McElhone Orangeburg, SC
Jonathan Rigsbee Kernsville, NC
Caleb Suttenfield Cary, NC
Burt Brinson Statesville, NC
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/
Industry Events
November 2 – 4, 2024
CFSA Sustainable Agriculture Conference
https://web.cvent.com/event/ f1bdc176-3def-431c-bc15a7cd7e7a047c/summary?RefId=Home
December 17, 2024
Smithfield Pesticide Safety School
Johnston County Agricultural Center
2736 NC-210 STE. A, Smithfield, NC 27577, USA
December 18, 2024
Wake-Johnston Counties Pesticide Safety School
pesticidemanuals.com
The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 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.
Triple Threat Tall Fescue has an unbeatable resistance to Brown Patch and Gray Leaf Spot. The deep rooting ability gives it greater resilience under reduced irrigation during periods of drought. Triple Threat delivers a beautiful healthy turfgrass solution.
2024 PARTNERS PLATINUM
EMERALD
MARK TAMN
For nearly two decades, Mark Tamn has been a dedicated Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) member. As the founder and CEO of Freedom Franchises and Freedom Lawns (now retired), Mark has left a lasting impact on the turfgrass industry in North Carolina and beyond. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mark about his journey, his value in TCNC, and his vision for success in the turf business.
A Long-Standing Commitment to TCNC
When asked why he initially joined the organization, Mark reflected on how the council has enhanced his awareness of local issues, kept him informed about regulatory developments that affect his business, and provided valuable workshops for him and his employees. “Being part of TCNC has been an invaluable asset to both my career and the business,” he shares.
He attributes much of his professional growth to the strong partnership between TCNC and the NC State University Turfgrass Department. This collaboration has allowed him to stay updated on the latest research in agronomic and soil sciences, an advantage he believes has been pivotal in running a successful business.
Benefits of TCNC Membership
One of the early milestones of Mark’s involvement with TCNC was passing the North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) exam. He speaks highly of the NCCTP credential, noting that it’s a valuable accolade for any turfgrass manager. “It illustrates a high degree of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the turfgrass industry,” Mark emphasizes.
He also finds great value in attending regional turfgrass conferences and seminars. These events provide essential continuing education opportunities for turfgrass professionals and are a highlight for many members. For Mark, the combination of learning and networking at these events makes them an invaluable experience year after year.
A Vision of Success Beyond Profit
When defining success in the turf business, Mark offers a perspective beyond financial gain. While revenue growth is important, he finds his greatest accomplishment in mentoring others. “I found that my greatest feeling of success was in teaching and encouraging others—my former employees and franchise owners— to work hard, always do their best, and above all, perform their work with honesty and integrity. If you practice these steps, the money will follow.”
This philosophy is a testament to Mark’s leadership and the culture of excellence he instilled in his company.
The Next Chapter: Enjoying Retirement
Now retired, Mark is focused on transitioning from his many years of day-to-day business operations to enjoying a fulfilling retirement. As he looks forward to this next chapter, Mark reflects on his career with pride, knowing that his legacy lives on in the success of those he’s mentored.
Mark Tamn’s career is a shining example of how the turfgrass industry can provide professional and personal fulfillment. His commitment to excellence, dedication to education, and focus on integrity have made him a valued member of TCNC and a leader in the field.
Southern Agricultural Insecticides, Inc. is a distributor of pesticides, fertilizers, potting soils, and horticultural supplies with locations in Florida and North Carolina.
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NC STATE TURFGRASS A Look Back
Itseems bittersweet looking back in 2024. It was a year of great events, research achievements and introductions of new faculty to our group. But it was also a year that we said goodbye to some stalwarts of our Turfgrass Working Group.
To start with the last one first, Matt Martin, Fred Yelverton, and Rick Brandenburg retired from NC State in 2024. Matt departed the group in January but is still working in the industry as the Director of Research and Product Development at AquaAid Solutions. Fred and Rick retired in July. Fred agreed to share Agronomist duties for the Carolinas Golf Association, so he is still working in that segment of the industry. Rick took on a special assignment in International Programs with NC State, so he is largely out of the industry ... except for “Turf, Bugs, and Rock-n-Roll.” These retirements are coming right on the heels of Charles Peacock, Tom Rufty, and Rich Cooper’s retirements in 2023 and 2022. It is a shock to the Turfgrass Work Group to have six retirements in less than three years.
By Grady Miller, Jim Kerns, Travis Gannon, Susana Milla-Lewis, Qiyu Zhou, Terri Billeisen, Emily Erickson
To help cover the gaps, we added Dr. Qiyu Zhou in teaching and research in 2022 and more recently Dr. Ray McCauley to fill the extension void from Matt Martin’s departure. Dr. Terri Billeisen was promoted and is covering turfgrass entomology along with teaching several courses. We are presently involved with a faculty search to find a replacement for Fred Yelverton.
In December 2023, we hosted our biennial Turfgrass Research Symposium Turf Trends for Changing Times. The program included a keynote address by Dr. Trey Rogers, Professor in Turfgrass Management at Michigan State University, on challenges and opportunities for the 2026 North America World Cup as well as research updates from a few faculty members and lightning talks by graduate students. The event was attended by approximately 100 members of the industry in North Carolina. An additional 50 registrants attended the symposium via Zoom from within the US but also internationally.
In 2024, a number of extension meetings were hosted by NC State. As most years, we started the year in January with the Green and Growin’ Conference and the NC Sod Producers Meeting in Greensboro. We then held a series of regional turfgrass conferences in the spring in Guildford, Johnston, New Hanover, and Caldwell Counties. We finished spring by holding our annual Turfgrass Short Course at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on NC State campus. The 40 available seats in the Short Course were taken the same week it was posted on the turfFiles website.
In early summer, the Landscape & Turfgrass Working Group organized two tours for County Extension Agents to visit prominent horticulture and turfgrass sites in Charlotte and Raleigh. In late summer the same group organized County Extension Agent training to over 60 extension agents, conducted by several turfgrass faculty at the NC State Plant Sciences Building and the nearby Turfgrass Field Lab.
Our end-of-summer field day in Raleigh was on a beautiful August day. Well over 800 attendees were able to get the latest information related to disease management, mosquito control, herbicide resistance, green fertilization, topdressing benefits, transitioning turfgrasses from cool to warm-season species, turf insect control, aquatic weed management, unmanned aerial vehicle use, and a host of turfgrass breeding studies. Parker’s BBQ and Howling Cow ice cream finished off the day.
The 2023/2024 academic year is another great success story. We added students in our Ag Institute, undergraduate and graduate programs. We now have 37 in the four-year program, 34 in the two-year program, and 20 graduate students supported by the Turfgrass Center for Environmental Research and Education.
Last year was also a very good year for publications, a common measure of productivity in University programs. We had 29 peer-reviewed publications from various disciplines in turfgrass science. There were also two book chapters, one book, and 75 extension publications that were developed by the faculty
associated with the Turfgrass Center for Environmental Research and Education.
The Turfgrass Center continues to support high value research and extension programs for NC State. The industry advisory committee of David Lee, Todd Pippen, Casey Reynolds, and Jake Holloway guided the selection of the following research proposals for support in the 2024–2025 cycle.
• The Physiological Basis of Drought Tolerance in Zoysiagrass
– Amanda Cardoso
• Improved Approaches to Annual Bluegrass Weevil and Fire Ant Management: Predictive Models, Expanded Distribution and Biocontrol Solutions – Terri Billeisen
• Building international linkages to enhance the visibility and capacity of the turfgrass program and NC State University to gain insight into new complex pest problems appearing in North Carolina – Rick Brandenburg
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based turfgrass evaluation for modernized prediction of National Turfgrass Evaluation Quality Ratings – Rob Austin
• TurfDetect: Leveraging Polarization Camera to Detect Leaf Wilting in Turfgrass – Jing Zhang
• Accelerating turfgrass breeding by implementing genomic selection – Joe Gage
• Elucidating Influential Factors to Optimize Preemergent Herbicide Efficacy in Turfgrass – Travis Gannon
• Elucidating the underlying genetics of and breeding for increased seedling emergence in zoysiagrass – Susana Milla-Lewis
• Low-Input Conversions from Tall Fescue to Bermudagrass or Zoysiagrass – Grady Miller
• Biology and Management of Turf Diseases in NC, Focusing on Root-Knot Nematode and Turfgrass Microbiome – Jim Kerns
• Improving Bermudagrass Putting Green Nitrogen Fertilization Management by Understanding Growth Rate – Qiyu Zhou
• Ecology and Beneficial Functions of Turfgrass Root-Associated Microorganisms – Wei Shi
• Weed management and education programs for goosegrass (Eleucina indica) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua)
– Fred Yelverton
Look for information on these exciting research areas in the coming years. As faculty, we look forward to new opportunities in research and extension. Also know that we are encouraged by our increased student numbers as we work to train the next generation of turfgrass managers and leaders for our industry partners. Please sign up for Turf Alerts on www.turfFiles.ncsu. edu to learn more about future opportunities and the latest news in NC State turfgrass.
As YEAR-END WRAP-UP
Reflecting and Planting Seeds for Future Success
By Kristina Kelly
2024 draws to a close, business owners have a valuable opportunity to reflect on their achievements, learn from their challenges, and strategically plan for the coming year. Wrapping up the current year can set the stage for a prosperous and productive new year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you review, reflect, and plan for continued success.
REVIEWING THE YEAR
Financial Performance
The first step in your year-end review is assessing your financial performance. Compare your actual financial results to your initial goals and budgets. Identify areas where you exceeded expectations and areas where you fell short. Also, how did this year compare to past years? This analysis will provide insight into your business's financial health and highlight opportunities for improvement.
Customer Feedback
Numbers are critical, but they are not the only way to gauge the success of your year. Gathering and analyzing customer feedback is crucial for understanding your business from the client's perspective. Use surveys, reviews, and direct feedback to assess customer satisfaction. Identify common themes in the feedback for areas to improve upon next year.
Project & Service Outcomes
Review the outcomes of your completed projects. Assess project or service efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Reflect on what went well and what could have been better. This analysis will help you identify best practices and areas for improvement in your project management processes.
FINANCIAL WRAP-UP
Year-End Accounting
Closing out your books for the year is an essential task. Ensure all transactions are recorded and accounts are reconciled. This process prepares you for tax season and provides a clear picture of your financial status. Consider consulting with an accountant to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Expense Analysis
Analyze your expenses to identify unnecessary costs and areas where spending can be optimized. Look for patterns in your spending that may indicate inefficiencies. Reducing wasteful costs can significantly improve your bottom line and free up resources for more productive investments.
Cash Flow Management
Cash flow represents the movement of money into and out of your business, encompassing all your financial transactions. Maintaining a healthy cash flow is crucial as you move into the new year. Review your cash flow statements to ensure you have enough liquidity to cover your obligations. Consider creating a cash flow forecast for the upcoming year to anticipate potential shortfalls and plan accordingly.
MARKETING REVIEW
Campaign Analysis
Evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. Analyze metrics such as lead generation, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). Determine which campaigns (mailers, social media, Google ads, etc.) delivered the best results and which fell short. Use this information to refine your marketing strategy for the coming year.
Brand Audit
Reflect on your brand’s growth and market presence over the past year. Assess how well your brand resonates with your target audience and stands out from competitors. Is that being well reflected in your marketing campaigns? Consider conducting a brand audit to evaluate your logo, messaging, and overall brand identity. A strong brand can drive customer loyalty and set you apart in a competitive market.
OPERATIONAL REFLECTION
Process Review
Analyze your operational processes to identify inefficiencies. Look for bottlenecks or redundancies that slow down your workflow. Streamlining operations can improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery. Consider implementing process improvements or adopting new technologies to boost efficiency.
Technology Utilization
Review the effectiveness of your tools and technology over the year. Determine whether they met your needs and provided value. Consider exploring alternative solutions if specific tools were underutilized or did not deliver expected benefits. Investing in the right technology can significantly enhance your business operations.
Employee Feedback
Collecting and reflecting on employee feedback is essential for creating a positive work environment. Conduct surveys or hold meetings to gather input on their experiences and suggestions for improvement. Employee satisfaction and engagement directly impact productivity and service quality. Addressing their concerns and implementing their ideas can lead to a more motivated and efficient workforce.
CUSTOMER SERVICE EVALUATION
Service Quality
Assess the quality of customer service provided throughout the year. Review customer interactions, response times, and overall service standards. High-quality customer service is a critical differentiator in the landscape industry and can significantly impact customer retention and referrals. Were response times to customer issues slow? Explore ways to course correct in 2025.
Complaint Resolution
Review how complaints were handled and resolved. Identify any patterns or recurring issues and develop strategies to address them proactively. Effective complaint resolution can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates and enhance your reputation.
Loyalty Programs
Evaluate the success of any loyalty programs or customer retention strategies. If you don't have one in place, start planning one for next year. Determine whether they effectively encourage repeat business and customer loyalty. Consider tweaking or expanding these programs to enhance customer satisfaction and retention in the coming year.
PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR Goal Setting
Establish realistic and actionable goals for the coming year. Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) that align with your long-term vision. Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation for your team.
Strategic Planning
Develop a strategic plan based on the insights gathered from your year-end review. Outline key initiatives, timelines, and resources needed to achieve your goals. A well thought out strategic plan serves as a roadmap for your business, guiding your actions and decisions throughout the year.
Sustainability Goals
How green can you be in 2025? Setting sustainability targets can appeal to eco-conscious clients and contribute to environmental preservation. Consider implementing practices such as using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting energy efficiency. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also enhance your brand’s reputation and attract new customers.
CHEERS TO 2024!
Reflecting on the past year and planning for the future are essential steps for any landscape business owner. Thoroughly reviewing your financial performance, marketing efforts, operations, and customer service can identify areas for improvement and set the stage for continued success. Setting clear goals and developing a strategic plan will guide your actions and help you achieve your business objectives.
The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina is here to support you! As a member you get educational resources like this magazine and monthly newsletters. You also get discounts on the Annual Education Conference, NC State Turfgrass Field Days and Regional Turfgrass Conference. And speaking of cost analysis – as a member you get competitive rates for your Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage. Learn more at turfgrasscouncilnc.org
From everyone at TCNC – cheers to prosperous and productive new year!
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
Progressive
Turf Grass Production Mowers
Highlights from 2024 EVENTS
It is always fun to take a look back at memories made throughout the year, and this year is no exception. It was a wonderful year filled with learning, networking, innovation, research, and smiles.
We’re so happy to thrive in this industry with you and look forward to new memories in 2025!
NCSU CALS FIELD DAY
Highlights from 2024 EVENTS
Your New Go-To Grass
All claims based on research results from National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials & Oklahoma State University. Visit our website for full reports.
See Tahoma 31 in the Transition Zone for yourself at:
Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas, TX (fairways, tees, roughs)
Chillicothe Country Club, Ohio (fairways)
Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey (driving range tee)
Naval Academy Golf Club, Maryland (fairways, tees)
Congressional Country Club, Maryland (8-acre driving range)
Southern Hills Country Club, Oklahoma (collars)
Developed by the turfgrass experts at Oklahoma State University, Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass pushes the geographic boundaries of bermudagrass into the northernmost reaches of the Transition Zone. Highly cold tolerant, the name “Tahoma” comes from the Native American word that means “frozen water.”
Use Tahoma 31 to design golf courses that are beautiful, sustainable, easier to maintain and play great.
COLD
Plant Tahoma 31 further north for a strong base in the winter that fights wilt in the sumner.
COLOR
Blue-green most of the year. Golden in dormancy. Earliest green-up for spring color.
PLAYABILITY
Thick, dense turf. ¼ to ½-inch mowing height for tees, fairways.
DROUGHT
Use less water. Takes 18% less water than TifTuf.
QUALITY
Rated #1 for beauty and resilience. Heals fast from divots & wear.
SHADE
Got trees? Handles up to 63% shade.
CAROLINA TURF FARMS PO Box 850, Raeford, NC 28376 910-875-6141 ncsodman@carolinaturffarms.com carolinaturffarms.com
Highlights from 2024 EVENTS
Fertilizer Chemicals Seed Erosion
EARLY ORDER PROGRAM
