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The official publication of the New England Sports Field Managers Association (NESFMA), the New England Blade is dedicated to educating, advising, and informing members of the profession and furthering the goals of the Association. The New England Blade carries news and features related to the sports field management profession. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material and reserves the right to edit any article or advertisement submitted for publication and to refuse advertising not in keeping with the goals of the Association. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the validity of claims in connection with items appearing in the New England Blade. Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by the New England Blade, NESFMA, or Leading Edge Communications, or preference over similar products not mentioned. The New England Blade is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of NESFMA. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. 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.
Officers
President Chris McGinty Framingham Parks Department Framingham, MA
President Elect
Art Goodhind Town of Natick Natick, MA
Treasurer
Andrew Carlisle, CGM Worcester Technical High School Worcester, MA
Past President
Ben Polimer Town of Weston Weston, MA
Directors
Tom Barry, CSFM Greens Farms Academy Greens Farms, CT
Ryan Bjorn Gillette Stadium Foxboro, MA
Brendon Connor College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA
Adam Ferrucci
Read Custom Soils Wareham, MA
Scott Lagana Turf Products Corp. Holden, MA
Board of Trustees
Kim Britton
Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH
John Cunniff Walpole, MA
Victoria Wallace
University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
Management Team
Virginia Wood, Executive Director
Peggy Benjamin
Kristen Dreyer
Charissa Sharkey
NE-SFMA Headquarters
67 West Street Medfield, MA 02052
(508) 653-1241
NE-SFMA.org
NESTMAinfo@gmail.com
Technical Editor
Victoria Wallace
University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
IUnited Toward a Common Goal
am happy to share the success of our recent golf tournament, an event that brought together friends and colleagues while supporting NE-SFMA’s mission of advancing professional sports field management and athlete safety.
The first annual DeWolf Memorial Golf Tournament was not just a day of friendly competition and networking; it was a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we unite towards common goals. Our members, with their unwavering enthusiasm and commitment, helped raise significant funds for scholarships and our benevolence fund. These contributions are pivotal in supporting the next generation of sports field managers and providing aid to those in our community who need it most.
The scholarships funded by this event will empower aspiring professionals in our field, giving them the educational opportunities they need to innovate and excel. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of our industry, ensuring it remains dynamic and forward-thinking.
Additionally, our new benevolence fund created in Mark DeWolf’s memory will be a source of support for members facing unforeseen challenges. This fund is a testament to the
caring nature of our association, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger together.
The success of the tournament reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. I extend my gratitude to the players, sponsors, and volunteers who made this inaugural event possible.
As we move forward, let’s continue to embrace opportunities to come together, share knowledge, and support one another. Together, we are shaping the future of sports field management and making a difference in our industry.
NE-SFMA’s Sports Field Forum will be held at Holy Cross College on October 23. See page 10 for details and I look forward to seeing you there.
Chris McGinty NE-SFMA President
Thank You COMMERCIAL PARTNERS
These companies support NE-SFMA with their membership investment and involvement.
Please be sure to thank you for their support of our industry as you do business with them throughout the year.
These companies support NE-SFMA with their membership investment and involvement. Please be sure to thank you for their support of our industry as you do business with them throughout the year.
A-OK Turf Equipment – www.aokturfequip.com
Activitas, Inc – activitas.com
Aqua-Aid, Inc. – aquaaidsolutions.com
Atlantic Golf and Turf – atlanticgolfandturf.com
Brock USA – brockusa.com
Covermaster Inc. – covermaster.com
Finch Turf – finchturf.com
Franklin Paint Company – franklinpaint.com
G.P.S. New England Mapping Services
Golf Course Management, Inc.
Greenhaven Turf Care – greenhaventurf.com
H2O Irrigation – h2o-irrigation.com
Hayner Swanson Inc – hayner-swanson.com
Helena Agri-Enterprises – helenaprofessional.com
Liberty Landscapes, LLC – libertyathleticfieldcontractors.com
US Playground Surfacing – USPlaygroundSurfacing.com
Growth Happens Here.
NE-SFMA NEWS Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 3, 2024 MALCP/NE-SFMA Annual Golf Classic
Butter Brook Golf Club Westford, MA MALCP.org
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. NE-SFMA Sports Field Forum Holy Cross College Worcester, MA NE-SFMA.org
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tour of New Balance Track & Field Facility NE-SFMA Annual Meeting & Lunch
Stockyard Restaurant Boston Landing, MA NE-SFMA.org
January 12 – 16, 2025 SFMA Annual Conference & Exhibition
Palm Springs Convention Center Palm Springs, CA Sportsfieldmanagement.org
March 4 – 5, 2025 New England Regional Turfgrass Conference Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI NERTF.org
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. NE-SFMA Awards Meeting & Lunch @ NERTC Providence, RI
December 3 Annual Meeting
Featuring NESN Sportscaster Tom Caron
You won’t want to miss this membership meeting! We’ll start with an exclusive tour of New Balance’s state-of-the-art Track and Field Facility in Boston, followed by our annual meeting and lunch at the nearby Stockyard Restaurant. Our special guest is one of New England’s favorite TV sports personalities, Tom Caron. Tom’s presentation, “The Golden Era of New England Sports: The Role Teamwork Played in Making it all Happen”, promises to be a highlight of this annual event. Stay tuned for details.
Sports Field Forum – October 23
Mark your calendar for what promises to be a great Sports Field Forum on Wednesday, October 23, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA. NE-SFMA’s education committee is planning a program focused on managing natural grass athletic fields featuring John Sorochan, Ph.D. More details about this exceptional program on page 10.
Award Nominations Due January 15
Do you know a NE-SFMA member who has made significant contributions to the sports turf industry in New England? Help us recognize their achievement with your nomination for Sports Field Manager of the Year or Commercial Partner of the Year. Visit https://nestma.org/Awards-&-Scholarships for details and an online nomination form. Deadline is January 15, 2024. The awards will be presented at NE-SFMA’s Annual Awards Meeting and Lunch on March 5, 2025, at the NERTC in Providence, RI.
Charles Mruk Scholarship
In 2024, NESTMA awarded $1000 scholarships to George Tolman, an incoming freshman studying sports field management at UMass. Please help us spread the word that this scholarship (up to $1000) is available to a qualified student who is currently enrolled in a New England college/university and who is pursuing a career in the field of sports field management. The scholarship deadline is January 15. Application is available online at https://nestma.org/ Awards-&-Scholarships. Stay tuned for additional scholarship and grant opportunities that are currently in the planning stages.
Its Never Too Early
It’s not too early to renew your NE-SFMA membership for the coming year! Renewals are quick and easy online at NE-SFMA. org/Renew25. Your continued financial support and involvement are important to our industry and appreciated by your association.
Volunteer Leaders
Have you ever thought about what it might be like to serve on a NESFMA committee or the board of directors? If you’d like to know more about what volunteer leadership entails, please contact any of our current board members or the NE-SFMA management team for details.
Calling All Speakers & Sponsors
NE-SFMA’s education committee is eager to bring fresh perspective and ideas to the membership through our educational programming. Topics ranging from technical turfgrass management to leadership and communication have been suggested. Do you have educational information you’d like to present to NE-SFMA members? Outline your idea using this brief online form (NE-SFMA.org/education-form) and the committee will be in touch.
If you are a Commercial Partner interested in sponsoring NE-SFMA programs, please reach out to Charissa (NE-SFMA.org) at the NESFMA office and we’ll help you find the opportunity that gives your company the maximum ROI.
A premier
event
dedicated to advancing
education and facilitating powerful connections in sports field management.
• Learn about maintaining high-quality natural grass fields to ensure optimal performance and safety for athletes.
• Tour the outstanding athletic fields at Holy Cross, as well as state-of-the-art athletic facilities with the professionals who expertly manage them all.
• Connect with fellow sports field professionals, industry partners, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and foster collaboration. Talk with peers about current challenges and future trends in sports field management and athlete safety protocols.
Key Topics
• Best practices for maintaining and improving natural grass fields.
• Strategies for minimizing athlete injuries through proper field maintenance.
• Innovations in turfgrass management and safety equipment.
Keynote Speaker
John C. Sorochan, PhD Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science & Management University of Tennessee
Dr. John Sorochan is an internationally recognized leader in athletic field safety. In addition to new cultivar and species evaluation, John’s research focuses on actual athlete to surface interactions for performance and safety as well as ball to surface interactions for soccer, football, baseball and even lawn tennis. John and his team at UT, in collaboration with Michigan State University, are leading turfgrass research for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He’ll share trend setting research results that will positively impact natural grass field management well into the future.
Who Should Attend
Whether you are an athletic field manager, groundskeeper, facility manager, or athletic director, NE-SFMA’s Sports Field Forum at Holy Cross College
athletes
A Day on the Links for a Great Cause
Members enjoyed a wonderful day of golf and camaraderie on a stellar course while helping to raise funds to support NESFMA’s Scholarship and Benevolence fund.
18 teams tee-ed off on a beautiful summer morning. The tournament was followed by a delicious barbeque and prize presentations. During lunch, Brian Luccini gave a moving tribute to his longtime friend Mark DeWolf, and a moment of silence was held in Mark’s memory.
“This new tournament is a great example of members coming together to give back and have some fun,” said tournament chair Art Goodhind. “Many thanks to our commercial partners who stepped up in support, as well as the many players who participated,” he concluded.
LET’S DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR!
Mark your calendars for July 10, 2025 for the second annual Mark DeWolf
Golf Tournament.
Memorial
First Place Team: Harrells - Tom Hoffer, Todd Salmone, Chris Hurley, Wes Jones
Second Place Team: Specialized Turf Services –Ben Leach, John Driscoll, Ryan Bjorn, Eliot Linstrum
U 2024 UConn Turf Field Day
By Victoria Wallace, University of Connecticut
John Inguagiato, Associate Professor of Turfgrass Pathology in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, speaks with attendees of the 2024 Turfgrass Field Day. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo).
Jason Henderson, Associate Professor of Soil Science in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, speaks with attendees of the 2024 Turfgrass Field Day. (Jason Sheldon/UConn Photo).
Conn turfgrass faculty shared updates about new or ongoing research projects with industry professionals at the 2024 Turfgrass Field Day on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the UConn Plant Science Research Facility in Storrs, CT. More than 260 turfgrass professionals were welcomed to the biennial field day event by turfgrass faculty who led tour stops to highlight turfgrass research that supports interests across all turfgrass industry sectors. Attendees throughout New England represented industry professionals from all sectors of the turfgrass industry, including sports field managers, golf course superintendents, municipal and school grounds managers, landscape and lawn care professionals, teachers, and students.
The popular field day format allows UConn faculty to share research with turfgrass professionals. Research showcased sustainable maintenance practices that reduce inputs of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, which directly enhances and improves the health of the environment. Tour stops included updates about cultural management and fertility practices used to reduce disease; fungicide and biofungicide evaluations; the impact of sprayer travel speed on fungicide efficacy; low maintenance, native lawn alternatives; the effect of mower type and mowing height on mowing quality, turfgrass quality, and stress tolerance of turfgrass species; autonomous and conventional mowing strategies; NTEP and Alist cultivar evaluations of bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescues; and plant health products and nitrogen source effects on sustainable turfgrass in landscapes. There were also several selfguided stops, which allowed visits to additional projects that were not included in the circuit of designated tour stops. Three afternoon educational sessions provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about or refresh their knowledge of calibration techniques, turfgrass and weed identification, and invasive plant management strategies. Commercial industry representatives also had space at the event to showcase their products or new technology.
“The day allows for easy interaction between turfgrass faculty and industry stakeholders. Attendees leave with information they can immediately use, and we hear more about the challenges and issues important to them. It’s a day-long, exciting extension and outreach activity where we get to directly share our research with stakeholders,” said John Inguagiato, associate professor of turfgrass science.
Alumni of the UConn turfgrass program had the opportunity to network with fellow turfgrass professionals and commercial business partners. Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to take a brief break from day-to-day challenges of the season. •
TEAM
• De-compaction of Infill
• Deep Grooming
• Rejuvenation
• Magnetic Sweep
• Vacuuming
• Surface Cleaning
• Rotary Brushing
• Add Infill
• Seam Repair
• G-Max Testing
Program
CONANT BRYAN
Superintendent of Parks and Recreation
City of Nashua, New Hampshire
How did you get your start in the sports field industry?
My initial interests in turfgrass management began when I was very young and would go to work with my father at the golf course he managed. When the time came to apply to college, I decided to pursue an education in agronomy. I majored in Turfgrass Management at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. After completing my associate’s degree, I earned a bachelor’s degree at UMASS Amherst in Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences with a focus in Turfgrass and Business Management.
Where
did you go from there?
I took a job as the Director of Grounds at the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsborough, MA. This job followed my work on golf courses that included many summers working alongside my dad at the Country Club of Pittsfield, college internships at Charles River and Fenway Golf Club, and assistant superintendent at Woodland Golf Club for five years. After managing the Academy of Notre Dame school grounds operations for six years, I was offered my current position as Superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Nashua, NH.
Who have been your sports field mentors?
My mentor has always been my dad, James Conant, CGCS. He has been in the turf industry for more than 40 years and is an industry legend. He is always a great resource and provides helpful insight. Another mentor is Matt Hayes at Boston College who always has time to answer a question about “HOW IT IS DONE @ Chestnut Hill.” He runs a top-notch operation, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to pick his brain on any topic. Additionally, being able to call on Chris Cowan from Atlantic Golf & Turf, Brian Luccini from Tom Irwin, and Connor Cinque from Harrell’s has been beneficial in helping to create the department’s agronomic program using products from all the vendors. I also have a network of support and mentors from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.
What’s your favorite thing about your current position?
The Parks Department for the City of Nashua was established in 1896, and I personally love the history of the department. Meeting the expectations of the various leagues and organizations that use our park facilities can be stressful but very rewarding. I enjoy the positive impact we can make on the community. I’m very fortunate that the City of Nashua believes that a good parks system is a must and always provides support when it comes to the department’s needs and improvements. Within the Parks Department I’m extremely grateful to have a team made up of dedicated individuals. Together, we maintain one of the best parks systems in the state of New Hampshire.
Bryant Conant at Holman Stadium, Nashua, NH
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Is there a recent project that you have been proud to complete?
The renovation of Atherton Park is a project I am very proud of. The park was completely striped and two new soccer fields, and a new playground were installed. It was great to watch the entire team working hard toward a common goal during this renovation. Seeing the immensely beneficial impact it has had on the neighborhood has been a positive experience.
What is the next “game-changer” you see on the horizon for the sports turf industry?
Autonomous equipment. It is already on the scene, but I see it becoming more prevalent in the near future.
What’s your favorite / most useful:
Equipment? 1298 TORO PRO CORE is a key piece of equipment in our fleet. A good cultural program is a must on high use athletic natural turfgrass fields and this aerifier provides great results and is a big part of the department best management practices program.
Product? Polyon 31-0-10 with Acelepryn and Dimension is also essential in the department’s best management practices. It has 16-20 weeks of consistent release no surge growth, and all year protection. It provides peace of mind.
Technology? The Turf Tank turf sprayer allows us to keep up on the roughly 34 soccer fields the department lines. The Turf Tank frees up a lot of labor. Rain Bird IQ & Smart water technology is a huge game changer. Having constant access to the system for closer monitoring makes the irrigation programming far more sustainable than in years past.
Holman Stadium Bryce, Analise, and Cassidy Conant
New Atherton Park playground
What advice would you share with people starting out in sports turf management today?
Be patient. Be the first to listen and collect your thoughts, and the last to talk. Create a considerate and collaborative work environment when managing your team. Once you accomplish this you will see more buy-in from your team members and their quality of work enhanced. Details matter! Small things add up and snowball into big things so don’t overlook them.
Please share a bit about your family life and what you enjoy doing in your free time?
My wife Susan and I have been married for ten years this fall. We met at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and have been
together ever since. We have three children: Analise (9), Bryce (5) and Cassidy (2). As you can imagine, we stay very busy! For hobbies we like to grow a large vegetable garden and like to garden, in general. We raise Berkshire pigs and sell the pork under the name Conant’s Custom Cuts. Taking the kids to go swimming or fishing is an activity the family always enjoys. We love being outside!
What do you find most beneficial about being a NE-SFMA member?
Knowledge is power and if you aren’t educating your staff and yourself about new products or techniques, you are hindering your operation. NE-SFMA makes this possible by putting on some great educational and networking events. •
“I had the pleasure of meeting one of my turf heroes David Mellor at Fenway Park recently. Dave is a turfgrass industry legend. It is because of people like him that we are viewed as professionals. I have long admired Dave for his contributions to our industry. After meeting him, I’m just as impressed with him as a person. He cares deeply about his family and staff and knows how to treat people the right way.” Brian Conant
Bryan & Susan Conant
David Mellor and Bryan Conant
Lincoln Park 2024 Athletic Fields
Increasing Chinch Bug Populations & Approaches to Their Management
By Olga Kostromytska, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Chinchbugs (Blissus spp.) are some of the most destructive insect pests of turfgrass. There are several species of chinch bugs, which look very similar and differ mainly in their geographical distribution and respective hosts. For example, southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis) are problem in the southern United States and their preferred host is warm-season St. Augustine grass. Common chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus leucopterus) occurs mainly in western and mid-western states, the Northeast, and some southern states, but mostly prefers grain crops such as sorghum, corn, and wheat, and occasionally infests turfgrasses such as Bermudagrass, fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, zoysiagrass, and crabgrass. In New England, hairy chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus hirtus) are the most common chinch bug species affecting different species of cool season turfgrasses.
Adults of this species are small (only 1.6" long, Fig. 1), and have distinct contrasting black-and-white coloration with an “X” -pattern and black marking on the wings. Nymphs are very small when eggs first hatch and are bright orange and initially have a white band across their bodies (Fig. 2). They look like smaller, orange, and wingless versions of the adults. Older nymphs become darker, and black wing pads can be distinguished on their backs; the lighter band remains noticeable across their body.
In New England, two generations occur per year. Adults overwinter and become active in the spring, depending on the temperatures. This year, adults were noticed in the beginning of May and by the end of May, eggs and nymphs were observed. In mid-July, most of the specimens collected were adults and nymphs appeared by the end of July. These second-generation
nymphs will develop into adults and these adults are not likely to produce any progeny before seeking shelter for overwintering.
Despite being relatively small, hairy chinch bugs can cause significant damage (Fig. 3). Populations are often overlooked, and their feeding damage is often confused with turfgrass dormancy or drought stress, until it is too late. If densities are high and damage is severe, even with additional irrigation, turfgrass fails to recover. Chinch bug feeding is easy to confuse with drought symptoms because, unlike other turfgrass pests (white grubs, billbugs, caterpillars), they do not chew the grass blades. Their piercing-sucking mouthparts are modified to pierce the grass tissues and suck up the juices. Thus, grass will look dry, with no chewing signs present. Dry and hot conditions benefit this species and exacerbate the damage, therefore dry, well drained, and sunny areas of the lawn are most commonly affected by this pest.
Previously, damaging high-density populations of chinch bugs were not common. The main recommendation was to irrigate affected areas to provide enough resources for turf to tolerate and recover from the chinch bug feeding. This approach remains effective if chinch bug density is low. Chinch bugs have a complex of natural enemies, such as the big-eyed bug (Geocoris spp., Fig. 4), an egg parasitoid small wasp (Eumicrosoma beneficum), and the naturally occurring fungus Beauveria bassiana which can help to keep populations at bay. When conditions are conducive to growth and development, however, these are often not capable of keeping chinch bug densities below damaging levels and intervention is necessary to avoid damage. Unfortunately, the frequency of high-density populations occurring is on the rise and now chemical intervention is often necessary to avoid significant turf loss.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
A changing weather pattern with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall is one of the factors that can explain the recent increase of chinch bug densities. Some changes to management of turf pests, such as introducing new insecticide chemistries and restricting/banning use of older insecticides, can also be a factor in increased reports of high densities of chinch bugs. For instance, the new class of insecticides used for grub management, anthranilic diamides (chlorantraniliprole), that came to replace the neonicotinoids (imidacloprid, clothianidin) can only provide suppression of chinch bug populations (according to the label).
Chinch bugs are traditionally targeted by pyrethroids (bifenthrin), insecticides that stay in the thatch, act on contact, and are relatively fast-acting. However, this insecticide class, if overused, tends to lead to resistance. Chinch bugs in New England were managed by pyrethroids for many decades, and even though we have not yet documented any resistant populations in our region, the risk is high, especially if the frequency of high-density populations increases. Another active ingredient used for chinch bug management is clothianidin, a neonicotinoid. Because of its harmful non-target effects, neonicotinoids have become a restricted-use insecticide class in Massachusetts with an uncertain future in the turf industry. Considering the increasing risks of chinch bug damage, risk of resistance development, and lack of tools to manage them, the need for alternative management solutions is a high priority.
Our lab conducted research on the efficacy of different management strategies against chinch bugs this season. In the laboratory studies, we discovered that commercially avail-
able formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana can cause 98-100% of chinch bug mortality within 72 hours. However, in the field study, only the pyrethroid bifenthrin, the neonicotinoid clothianidin, and the combination products containing both bifenthrin and clothianidin provided a 95-98% reduction of the chinch bug population. Unfortunately, Beauveria bassiana was not effective in the short term (at evaluations conducted 1 and 2 weeks after application); nor was it effective one month after application under field conditions. According to our preliminary data, the efficacy of bifenthrin declines over time and we observed similar chinch bug densities as in the untreated plots, although the population remained below the damage threshold.
The applications in the study were done in late May as soon as adult activity was detected. This timing is generally recommended as the optimal timing for chinch bug management because the populations are weaker after overwintering and densities are lower than during the summer because of winter mortality. According to the results of our study, applications of bifenthrin, clothianidin and in combination, using this timing, can reduce chinch bug population densities below the damaging levels without the need for additional applications later in the season. Next season, we plan to conduct additional studies to determine the optimal conditions for Beauveria bassiana efficacy and the efficacy of other new chemistries against chinch bugs that could help to replace the use of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids against this emerging pest. •
Reprinted from UMass Hort Notes August 2024.
Fig. 4
Fig. 3
The Importance of Slowing Down When Completing Synthetic Turf Maintenance
By Arthur Eddy, ASLA, LEED AP
Synthetic turf has revolutionized sports fields, offering durability, consistent performance, and reduced maintenance. However, maintaining synthetic turf is crucial to preserving its benefits and longevity. Sports field managers tend to be very busy with intensive schedules, juggling multiple responsibilities and ensuring that all aspects of the facility are in top condition. Amidst this hectic pace, one of the easiest things to overlook is the synthetic turf field. Rushing through maintenance can lead to several issues, compromising the turf’s quality and lifespan. This article explores why taking a measured approach to synthetic turf maintenance is essential and how it can positively impact the turf’s performance and durability.
Understanding Synthetic Turf Maintenance
Synthetic turf maintenance involves a range of activities, including brushing, debris removal, infill replenishment, and periodic deep cleaning. Each of these tasks plays a vital role in ensuring the turf remains in optimal condition. Brushing helps keep the fibers upright, debris removal prevents surface contamination, infill replenishment maintains proper cushioning, and deep cleaning removes embedded dirt and bacteria. While these tasks might seem straightforward, the way they are performed significantly affects their efficacy.
The Perils of Rushing Through Maintenance
1. Inconsistent Results: Rushing through maintenance tasks often leads to inconsistent results. For example, hasty brushing can leave some areas with flattened fibers while others remain upright, creating an uneven playing surface. This inconsistency not only affects the turf’s appearance but also its performance, especially in sports applications where a uniform surface is critical.
2. Damage to Turf Fibers: Synthetic turf fibers are designed to withstand regular use, but they can be damaged if handled improperly. Rapid, forceful brushing or using incorrect tools can cause the fibers to break or become misshapen. This damage is often irreversible and can significantly shorten the turf’s lifespan, leading to costly replacements.
3. Inadequate Debris Removal: Debris such as leaves, twigs, and litter can accumulate on the turf, creating a potential safety hazard and affecting drainage. Rushed debris removal may not thoroughly clear the surface, leaving behind small particles that can embed into the turf and damage the fibers over time.
4. Poor Infill Distribution: Infill is crucial for maintaining the turf’s structure and providing cushioning. When infill replenishment is rushed, it can result in uneven distribution, leading to areas with inadequate support. This can cause the turf to wear unevenly and increase the risk of injuries for athletes.
Benefits of a Deliberate Maintenance Approach
1. Enhanced Longevity: Taking the time to perform maintenance tasks correctly ensures that synthetic turf remains in good condition for a longer period. Proper brushing techniques keep fibers upright, reducing wear and tear. Thorough debris removal and even infill distribution help maintain the turf’s structural integrity, extending its lifespan and delaying the need for costly replacements.
2. Improved Performance: Consistent and meticulous maintenance enhances the turf’s performance. For sports fields, a uniform surface is crucial for predictable ball behavior and athlete safety. By slowing down and ensuring even brushing and infill distribution, the turf provides a reliable playing surface, contributing to better athletic performance and reducing injury risks.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Synthetic turf is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal, providing a lush, green appearance year-round. Proper maintenance ensures the turf looks its best, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the area. This is particularly important for sports facilities where appearance matters.
4. Cost Savings: While it might seem counterintuitive, slowing down during maintenance can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. By preventing damage to the turf fibers and ensuring even wear, the need for repairs and replacements is minimized. Additionally, well-maintained turf requires less frequent intensive cleaning, reducing overall maintenance costs.
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Best Practices for Slowing Down During Maintenance
1. Use Proper Tools: Investing in the right tools for synthetic turf maintenance is essential. Use brushes designed specifically for synthetic fibers, as these are gentler and more effective. For debris removal, opt for equipment that can thoroughly clean without damaging the turf.
2. Follow a Routine Schedule: Establish a regular maintenance schedule that includes all necessary tasks. This prevents the buildup of debris and ensures infill levels remain consistent. Sticking to a routine also allows for more manageable, less rushed maintenance sessions.
3. Train Maintenance Personnel: Proper training for maintenance personnel is crucial. Ensure they understand the importance of each task and the correct techniques for performing them. Training should emphasize the need to take their time and focus on quality rather than speed.
4. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly monitor the condition of the synthetic turf and adjust maintenance practices as needed. If certain areas show signs of wear or inconsistent infill levels, take the time to address these issues promptly.
Continuous monitoring helps identify potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention. Additionally, keeping detailed logs of maintenance activities is essential. Logs should include information such as the date, type of maintenance performed, areas serviced, and any observations or issues noted. These records provide valuable insights into the turf’s condition over time, helping to refine maintenance practices and schedule timely interventions.
Conclusion
Slowing down during synthetic turf maintenance is not just a matter of preference; it’s a necessity for preserving the turf’s quality, performance, and longevity. By taking a deliberate and careful approach to maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your synthetic turf remains a valuable asset for years to come. From enhancing aesthetic appeal to preventing damage and reducing costs, the benefits of slowing down are clear. Invest the time and effort into proper maintenance practices, and your synthetic turf will reward you with sustained excellence and durability.
Arthur Eddy is CEO of RePlay Maintenance in Rumford, Rhode Island. Connect with Art at Aeddy@replaymaintenance.com or (877) 641-1819. Photo courtesy of the author.
Turf Grass Production Mowers
WORKING SLOWER
By Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM
There are times when managers have no choice but to jump into the field and lend a helping hand to meet some pressing obligations. And while most managers bring a big boost of productivity in these times, I no longer personally contribute that way. My goal, when I have to perform a critical task outside my role, is to work slower, and it’s a strategy that more managers might want to copy.
The key reason why I work slower is because if I’m performing duties outside of my role it means something has gone wrong. Either we don’t have the manpower available (because we made them feel undervalued and quit) or the manpower available isn’t competent enough to perform the task (because we haven’t trained them well enough). Either way, the problem lies with us as managers.
So, I leverage the opportunity to be hands-on not to perform work as quickly as possible because I can, but rather to work slow and remedy those two workforce problems. I enter “training mode” where workers are protected from all the time pressure of the job, and we slowly demonstrate every step of every process. Work is frequently paused to explain the reasoning that tasks occur, and work is done in specific ways. And, when something is completed, we often undo the work so it can be redone without my involvement while I supervise and provide feedback.
The other benefit of slowing work down is that there is plenty of time to express appreciation for everything that employees are doing well. That may be as simple as being open and receptive to instructions or exercising care in delivering quality work. Whatever behavior is occurring that I would like to see replicated I affirm, compliment, and reinforce.
Working slowly is like saving money. In the moment, it requires discipline and doesn’t deliver immediate gratification. Something must be sacrificed in the short-term, but there are real benefits in the long-term. When I work slower, it’s usually only once or twice with an employee on any given task because they become empowered to run the show on their own after that point. It’s like earning compound interest.
The solution to not having enough time and people to complete all of the obligations is to slow down, not speed up. Taking this counterintuitive approach to dedicating resources and effort to training, especially when it feels like we can’t, is the way to empower organizations to break the vicious cycle of always playing catch up.
Neal Glatt is the Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, an online training platform for the green industry. Connect with Neal at www.NealGlatt.com.
For use on: Trees, landscape plants, golf course tees, greens, fairways, and sports turf.
