The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
11 Upcoming Event
F E AT U R E D A RT I C L E S
11
Upcoming Event — 2009 Tennessee Turfgrass Association 43rd Annual Conference and Trade Show, Program and Registration Forms
20
Confessions of a Michigan Yahoo... Rolling Research You Can Use on Your Golf Course
26
In the Landscape — Winter-Hardy Camellias for Tennessee Gardens
20
Cover Story
26
Landscape
D E PA RT M E N T S
4
From the TTA President, Bob Hogan
6
Message from the TVSTMA, Stephen Callis
8
Industry News
32
Calendar of Events
34
Index of Advertisers
34
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
FROM THE PRESIDENT Bob Hogan
You’ve Got to
COME TO THE SHOW hope everyone is doing well. We have just had our summer TTA Board Meeting and I truly believe it was a great success. Our main focus was to finish up plans for the 2009 TTA Annual Conference & Trade Show. I know that this year’s conference and trade show will be one of our finest. This year’s education conference will focus on conserving energy and spending money correctly. We will take a close look at being good stewards of the environment, when to water when the neighbors are not looking, how to handle localized dry spots when they cover your golf course, lawns and sports fields, and what the word “off ” means when it comes to lighting. We will discuss how to kill a bug with a budget, how to fleece a fleet of equipment and how to fertilize without piling it on too deep. You will also find topics dealing with inter-seeding bentgrass greens, catching an Oriole at Camden and why annual bluegrasses are not annuals after all. We will learn how to administer first aid and CPR (any volunteers?). Mr. Roy Kramer will bring us stories from the Southeastern Conference. What a great education conference this will be. The format of the conference has changed somewhat. The University of Tennessee Turfgrass Research Teaching and Extension Team Update will be on Sunday, followed by the Golf Course Symposium. The Sports Turf Session has moved to Monday to accommodate individuals attending the STMA Conference. The awards luncheon (not breakfast) and TTA business meeting will be on Monday. We have scheduled our trade show for Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Dr. Tom Samples and the education committee have assembled a great group of speakers. You will be blessed. Please make plans to attend the 2009 TTA Annual Conference and Trade Show. You will need to book your hotel reservations early at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs by calling 1-888-403-6772. If you have any questions about the TTA, you may call Jim Uden at the TTA office (615591-8286) or me at The Hogan Company (888-224-6426). We hope to see each of you, January 11–13, 2009, in Franklin, Tennessee.
I
Bob Hogan TTA President
6
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email:info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editor Mr. Bill Marbet TTA OFFICERS President Bob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Vice President Bobby Stringer Germantown Country Club (901) 754-7755 Secretary/Treasurer Cory Blair Rarity Bay Golf & CC (423) 884-3007 Past President Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & CC (423) 913-2276 Executive Secretary Mr. Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Paul Carter Ms. Shelia Finney Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Bob McCurdy Mr. Scott McNeer Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt Mr. Scott Morgan Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Scott Severance Mr. Robert Stroud Mr. Jay Willis TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan
FROM THE TVSTMA Stephen Callis
Changes for the Better! I write this letter, we are looking at the last few days of August. The way the temperatures have been the last few weeks, you would think it is the end of September. It’s been a far cry from what we saw this time last year. Speaking of change from one year to the next, changes will also take place during the Tennessee Turfgrass Association’s annual conference in January 2009. In years past, the sports-turf sessions were held on Tuesday and always interfered with travel plans to the STMA’s annual conference. The TVSTMA executive board pushed to get the sports-turf session changed so that hopefully more sports-turf mangers will be able to attend both conferences, and that has now become a reality. On Monday, the sports-turf session will be held all morning, with a break to attend the TTA Awards Luncheon. Another educational session after lunch will be followed by the opening of the trade show. We hope this type of set up is more beneficial, not only for those traveling to the STMA conference, but also for all sports-turf managers. Another change we are making is how we elect TVSTMA officers. In years past, officers would be elected during the TVSTMA’s annual meeting at the TTA conference. This year, a slate of officers will be put together and mailed to all voting members for approval sometime in November. By holding our election this way, all members will have the chance to vote and be a part of the process. I want all members to be a part of the decision on who leads the TVSTMA every year, and I believe this is the best way to achieve that objective. This is why I asked in
As
8
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
my previous letter — and will ask again — for anyone interested in serving the TVSTMA in a leadership position to let us know. We held our Lower East TN meeting a few days ago, and those who couldn’t make it, missed a lot. Dr. Samples and Dr. Windham held a great morning session. Ted Broyles and the staff of Chattanooga Parks & Recreation did a wonderful job of showing off some of their athletic-field complexes. I would like to thank the more than 65 people who attended the event and also Dickens Supply, Ewing Irrigation and Smith Turf & Irrigation for their sponsorship of the meeting. Plans are being made for our last meeting of the year. It will be in Middle Tennessee at the end of October. We will get more information out as it comes available. If you are interested in hosting a TVSTMA event, please let us know. We always enjoy going to new athletic-field complexes and seeing what other sportsturf managers work with each and every day. As always, I would like to end this message by asking for any comments you may have. We try very hard to lead the TVSTMA in a way that will be beneficial to its members. If you have any ideas for meetings, or topics to address at meetings, please let me know. I can be reached at 1-888-224-6426 or stephen@thehogancompany.us.
Stephen Callis TVSTMA President
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 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, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright Š2008 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Franklin, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. 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, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
43RD ANNUAL
2009 TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PROGRAM
JANUARY 11,TH 12TH AND 13,TH 2009 FRANKLIN MARRIOTT COOL SPRINGS 700 COOL SPRINGS BLVD. • FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 37067
PROGRAM & MEMBER REGISTRATION
CONFERENCE PROGRAM SPEAKERS AND TOPICS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:45 p.m. BREAK
1:00 p.m. Update from The UT Turf Management and Turfgrass Weed Science Research, Teaching and Extension Team (Moderator: Dr. John C. Sorochan) Mr. Gregory K. Breeden Dr. James T. Brosnan Mr. T. Jonathan (Jon) Dorris Dr. Frank A. Hale Mr. William Donald (Will) Haselbauer Mr. John M. Kauffman Mr. Dustin F. Lewis Dr. Tom Samples Mr. Adam Thoms Dr. Alan S. Windham
3:00 p.m. Practical Tips for Inter-Seeding Bentgrass into Existing Greens Dr. A. Douglas Brede, Jacklin Seed
3:45 p.m. The Media: Can't Live With ’Em, Can't Live Without ’Em Mr. John Reitman, TurfNet the Magazine
4:30 p.m. BREAK 5:00 p.m. Managing Turfgrass Insects on a Budget Dr. Patricia J. Vittum, University of Massachusetts
Golf Course Symposium (Moderator: Dr. Tom Samples and Mr. Tommy Mittlesteadt)
5:45 p.m.
2:15 p.m.
Tools to Make Change Work for You Mr. Mark Esoda, Atlanta Country Club, Inc.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Environmental Stewardship Program Mr. Greg Lyman, GCSAA
MONDAY MORNING, JANUARY 12
6:30 p.m. ADJOURN
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Golf Course Session
Sports Turf Session
(Moderator: Mr. Jay Willis and Ms. Shelia Finney)
(Moderator: Mr. Bob McCurdy and Mr. Bill Marbet)
8:00 a.m. Mowing and Rolling Practices for Putting Green Management Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee
8:00 a.m. A Sports Turf Research Update from North Carolina State University Dr. Grady Miller, North Carolina State University
8:45 a.m. Bunker Building and Management Mr. Robert Oppold, New Mix Lab 9:30 a.m. True or False: The Fertilizers We Apply to Turfgrass Pollute the Environment Dr. Brian Horgan, University of Minnesota Twin Cities 10:15 a.m. BREAK 10:30 a.m. Everything You Know about Drought Is Wrong! Dr. A. Douglas Brede, Jacklin Seed 11:15 a.m. Equipment and Fleet Management in Today’s Economy Mr. Todd Gray, Wells Fargo Financial Leasing
12
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
9:15 a.m. Managing Oriole Park at Camden Yards Ms. Nicole Sherry, Oriole Park at Camden Yards 10:15 a.m. BREAK 10:30 a.m. Sports Turf Questions and Answers Dr. Grady Miller, North Carolina State University 11:15 a.m. Stories from the Southeastern Conference Mr. Roy Kramer, Southeastern Conference 12:00 noon AWARDS LUNCHEON AND TTA BUSINESS MEETING
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
MONDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 12 Golf Course Session
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:15 p.m. TVSTMA Business Meeting
1:45 p.m. TGCSAA Business Meeting
TRADE SHOW 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sports Turf Session (Moderator: Mr. Stephen Callis)
Please support our vendors!
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Controlling Annual Bluegrass Before and After Overseeding Bermudagrass Sports Turfs Dr. James T. Brosnan, The University of Tennessee Mr. Gregory K. Breeden, The University of Tennessee
TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 13 7:00 a.m. Prayer Breakfast (Continental Style)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:15 p.m. SPECIAL TOPIC SESSIONS A. Environomics 101 / Course Management on a Budget Mr. Anthony Williams, Stone Mountain Golf Club Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section
TRADE SHOW 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
B. Creeping Bentgrass Greens: Summer Disease Control Programs Dr. S. Bruce Martin, Clemson University Dr. Alan S. Windham, The University of Tennessee
Please support our vendors! 11:00 a.m. SPECIAL TOPIC SESSIONS A. How to Sell Course Improvements to Your Board Mr. Lee McLemore, The Country Club of Birmingham B. Effective Fungicide Programs for Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Greens Dr. S. Bruce Martin, Clemson University Dr. Alan S. Windham, The University of Tennessee C. Taking a Proactive Approach to Water Restrictions Dr. Thomas W. Rufty Jr., North Carolina State University
C. How to Conserve Energy and Save Dollars while Lighting, Heating and Cooling the Maintenance Center and Clubhouse Mr. Keith A. Hoffman, Tennessee Valley Authority
2:30 p.m. SPECIAL TOPIC SESSIONS A. Traditional and Nontraditional Grasses for the Golf Course Mr. Thomas Voigt, University of Illinois
12:00 noon LUNCH
B. Operation Always Ready: A CPR, First Aid and Disaster Preparedness Program Mr. Jerry Lemons, Golf Links Inc. Mr. Michael Richardson, American Red Cross
1:15 p.m. PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION TESTING Tennessee Department of Agriculture
C. New Turf Herbicides: A Research Update Mr. Gregory K. Breeden, The University of Tennessee Dr. James T. Brosnan, The University of Tennessee Dr. Wesley Totten, The University of Tennessee at Martin
3:45 p.m. ADJOURN Please have a safe trip home.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION
13
MAKE E TO E R U S AT T H BE S N VAT I O RESER IN
KL FRAN IOTT R R A M S RING
FEATURED SPEAKERS Dr. A. Douglas Brede Research Director Jacklin Seed, a J. R. Simplot Company Post Falls, ID 800-688-7333
Mr. Keith A. Hoffman Customer Service Coordinator Tennessee Valley Authority Johnson City, TN 423-467-3853 kahoffman@tva.gov
Mr. Lee McLemore, CGCS Director of Golf Course Operations The Country Club of Birmingham Birmingham, AL 205-803-4268 lmclemore@ccbham.com
Mr. Gregory K. Breeden Extension Assistant II The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu
Dr. Brian Horgan Assistant Professor University of Minnesota Twin Cities St. Paul, MN 55108 612-624-0782 bphorgan@umn.edu
Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 27695 919-515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu
Dr. James T. Brosnan Assistant Professor The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 www.turfweeds.utk.edu/index.asp
Mr. John M. Kauffman Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 jkauffm1@utk.edu
Mr. Robert Oppold Manager New Mix Lab Lenexa, KS 66215 800-362-8873 roppold@istrc.com
Mr. T. Jonathan (Jon) Dorris Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 tdorris@utk.edu
Mr. Roy Kramer Former Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference
Mr. John Reitman Editor TurfNet the Magazine 800-314-7929 jreitman@turfnet.com
Mr. Mark Esoda, CGCS Atlanta Country Club, Inc. Marietta, GA 770-953-2229
Mr. Todd Gray Senior Vice Pres., Golf & Turf Division Wells Fargo Financial Leasing 866-336-8382 toddgray@wellsfargo.com
Mr. Chris Hartwiger Senior Agronomist, Southeast Region USGA Green Section Birmingham, AL 205-444-5079 chartwiger@usga.org
Mr. William David (Will) Haselbauer Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 whaselba@utk.edu
14
SP 2 COOL 3-677 0 4 8 1-88
Mr. Jerry Lemons Golf Links Inc. Old Hickory, TN 615-847-8877 jlemons@comcast.net
Mr. Dustin F. Lewis Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 dlewis7@utk.edu
Mr. Greg Lyman Director of Environmental Programs Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America Lawrence, KS 800-472-7878 glyman@gcsaa.org
Dr. S. Bruce Martin Interim Director and Professor Clemson University Florence, SC 843-662-3526, ext. 234 sbmrtn@clemson.edu
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
Mr. Michael Richardson Health and Safety Director American Red Cross Franklin, TN 37064 615-790-5785
Dr. Thomas W. Rufty Jr. Professor North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC 919-515-3660 tom_rufty@ncsu.edu
Dr. Tom Samples, Professor, Extension Turfgrass Specialist The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 tjsamples@utk.edu http://www.tennesseeturf.utk.edu
Dr. John C. Sorochan Associate Professor The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu http://www.turf.tennessee.edu
Mr. Adam Thoms Graduate Student The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 865-974-7324 athoms@utk.edu
Dr. Wesley Totten Assistant Professor The University of TN at Martin Martin, TN 731-881-7936 wtotten@utm.edu
Dr. Patricia J. Vittum Professor University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 413-545-0268 pvittum@ent.umass.edu
Mr. Anthony Williams Head Golf Superintendent Stone Mountain Golf Club Stone Mountain, GA 770-413-5241 anthony.williams@marriott.com
Mr. Thomas Voigt Extension Specialist University of Illinois Urbana, IL 217-333-7847 tvoigt@illinois.edu
Ms. Nicole Sherry Head Groundskeeper Oriole Park at Camden Yards Baltimore, MD 888-848-2473
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
4 3 R D A N N U A L TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
AND
TRADE
SHOW
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT. Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2009 TTA Annual Directory.
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FAX: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRIMARY FUNCTION COMMERCIAL VENDOR TURF MANAGER ❑ Commercial Lawn Care ❑ Equipment Dealer ❑ Golf Course ❑ Retail Center ❑ Distributor ❑ Parks & Recreation ❑ Landscaping ❑ Manufacturer ❑ Sports Field ❑ Irrigation Contractor ❑ Other_______________ ❑ Hotel/Resort ❑ Hospital/Health Care ❑ DOT ❑ Other_______________ ❑ School/University ❑ Cemetery ❑ Other_______________ PLEASE CHECK THE BOX FOR ADDITIONAL ASSOCIATION AFFILIATIONS:
❑ PGMS
❑ TNLA
❑ TVSTMA
❑ TGCSA
❑ Other _____________
Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2009 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.
❶ ❷ ❸ ❹ ❺ ➏ ❼ ❽
REGISTRATION OPTIONS ❶
❷
❸
❹
❺
➏
❼
❽
Primary Member Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 175.00
TOTAL
$
Price includes 2009 Membership Dues
Associate Member Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 120.00 $
Registrants from the same facility are eligible for Associate Membership if the facility has two primary members.
Student Member Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
60.00
One Day Pass (Limit 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
75.00
One Day Student Pass (Limit 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
10.00
Awards Breakfast Ticket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
25.00
Endowment Fund Contribution ❑ Research ❑ Scholarship
❑
$ $ $ $
Extension
$
Please make checks payable to:
Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069
GRAND TOTAL
$
(No Credit Cards)
TTA OFFICE USE ONLY
Date______________
Check No. ______________
Cash ______________
REGISTRATION FORM
COMPANY NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTRACT FOR EXHIBIT SPACE
43RD ANNUAL TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM WITH YOUR PAYMENT.
BOOTHS
SIZE
UNIT PRICE
BOOTHS 100 – 823
80 SQ FT
$495
QUANTITY
TOTAL
(Max limit of 4)
ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO TTA: (1 included with 10' x 8' booth rental.
$50
Attend the TTA Awards Luncheon & Business Meeting!
$25/person
Mon., Jan. 12, 2009, 12:00 p.m.
TOTAL
Please make checks payable to : Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (No Credit Cards)
FIRST CHOICE
SECOND CHOICE
THIRD CHOICE
BOOTH PREFERENCE All reservations are made on a first-paid, first-reserved basis only. Please note the cancellation policy as outlined in the section of the brochure entitled “Rules & Regulations.” If electricity is required, please contact Jim Uden at (615) 591-8286 for Marriott form and further information. Purchased luncheon tickets will be included in vendor packet upon registration and setup. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE THE FOLLOWING: NAME:
MEMBER NAME:
(Person responsible for the booth)
(To be included in Directory)
SIGNATURE: FIRM: (As your ID sign should read)
MAILING ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE:
STATE:
ZIP: FAX:
EMAIL: **ADDITIONAL NAMES FOR BADGES: (**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)
**ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: (**If more space is needed, please attach a complete list)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS/SERVICES YOU SELL OR PROVIDE:
RULES & REGULATIONS OPENING AND CLOSING: The exhibit officially opens at 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2009, and will close at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January13, 2009. EXHIBIT SET-UP AND BREAKDOWN: General booth set-up will be from 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2009, until 2:30 p.m. All exhibits must breakdown11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2009.
INSURANCE AND FIRE PROTECTION: The Tennessee Turfgrass Association will exercise all reasonable care for the protection of exhibitor’s material and displays. An official of the trade show committee will be on duty in the exhibit area during set-up and breakdown periods. The exhibit area will be secured during non-exhibit hours.
CONTRACT FOR SPACE: The application for space and the formal notice of assignment constitutes a contract for the right to use the space so allotted. In the event of fire, strikes, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the contract will not be binding. The Tennessee Turfgrass Association reserves the right to cancel any contract with any exhibitor any time prior to or during the conference.
LIABILITY: The exhibitor agrees to make no claim against the Tennessee Turfgrass Association nor its members or employees for loss, theft, damage or destruction of goods, nor any injury to himself/herself, or employees prior, during or subsequent to the period covered by the exhibit contract, nor for any damage whatsoever, including the damage to his business by reason of failure to provide space for the exhibit, nor for failure to hold the Conference as scheduled. The exhibitor, upon signing the contract for exhibit space, expressly releases the foregoing named conference and individuals from any and all claims for such loss, damage or injury.
USE OF SPACE: All demonstrations, interviews, distributions of advertising material or other activities must be confined to the limits of the exhibit booths. No exhibitor shall assign, sublet or share the whole or part of the space allotted without the knowledge and approval of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.
CANCELLATION: In the event an exhibitor must cancel, and cannot exhibit, the following will apply. A. If the reserved booth or island can be contracted, a 100% refund will be granted. B. If the reserved booth or island can not be contracted, a 50% refund will be granted.
BOOTHS: There will be sixty five (65) 10' x 8' booths available. Each will be piped and draped. Each will have a 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, wastebasket and one I.D. sign.
FLOOR PLAN
Please indicate preferences on Exhibit Space contract
COVER STORY
20
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008
Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
CONTINUED
By Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Not
too long ago, I was watching the Top 100 Southern Rock Songs of All Time on VH1. As the countdown reached the final five songs, I found myself wondering which Allman Brothers Band song would be #1. Then, much to my surprise, the #1 Southern rock song of all time was awarded to Lynard Skynard for their 1972 release, Sweet Home Alabama. I was shocked.
So why is any of that relevant? Well, the point is that I certainly don’t blame any superintendent in the South for thinking, “What the heck is this yahoo from Michigan going to tell me about taking care of my warm-season greens?” This makes me think about the line “Southern man don’t need him around anyhow” from Sweet Home Alabama. That line is directed toward Neil Young, who wrote the racially charged song, Southern Man, in 1970. In relation to my putting green research, however, many warm-seasonturfgrass superintendents might think it applies to me as well. Well, let’s start with results from some of my lightweight rolling research, and I’ll let each of you decide if it can be useful to your turf and/or your management of your crew. First of all, I have performed more lightweight rolling research than everyone else combined. I am not bragging; it is just a fact. Beginning in the mid-90s, the objective was to determine the safest rolling frequency for a putting surface without causing detriment to the turfgrass plant or increasing compaction.
Rolling three times per week To make a long story short, rolling three times per week (or every other day) resulted in: • Noticeably increased green speeds every day, as long as the thatch is not too thick. When the thatch is too thick, residual green speed drops off fast the next day. • No increases in compaction, given that the plots were on a sand topdressing program. If the plots were not on a sand topdressing program, I don’t know what the results would be, but I think it is worthy of mention. • No decreases in water infiltration, given that the plots were on a sand topdressing program. • Decreases in dollar spot (this takes several months to a year to become visibly noticeable). • Decreased localized dry spot. • Decreased broad-leaf weeds (which I think means better turfgrass density). • Decreased moss (which, again, I think means better turfgrass density). At this point, I wanted to find different ways to use a lightweight roller and address some concerns of superintendents in the South. The first step was to perform a study in collaboration with Dr. John Sorochan at The University of Tennessee, since I cannot perform studies in the transition zone on my own. My thinking was that there is no more difficult region to grow grass in than the transition zone (or at least that is what I am told), so if rolling could work in that area, it would carry over to different regions.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION
21
COVER STORY Results from alternating mowing and rolling on a daily basis included: • Better turfgrass quality compared to mowing every day (no disease reduction, but improved wear tolerance). • The same green speed compared to mowing every day. • A possible cost saving for a golf course between $12,000 to $30,000 per year, depending upon the mowing program and length of season. I must mention that this portion of the study included a cost-analysis survey written and tabulated by Dan Strunk, who sent the survey to every golf course superintendent in Tennessee. I sat on Dan’s graduate committee. Now to get real for a minute, most superintendents would not alternate mowing and rolling on a daily basis for an entire year (though Dr. Sorochan tells me he knows of four courses in Tennessee that do this as a result of the study and the weak economy). However, results from the research do provide superintendents with a viable option for managing their putting surfaces during the most stressful period of the season. The results beg superintendents to ask themselves, “If I can provide the same playing conditions during the most stressful four- to eight-week period of the season and improve turfgrass quality, then why wouldn’t I?” Could you do this for two, three or four weeks to free up some labor for a special project? I don’t know the answer to that, but if you take daily green-speed measurements during this period, you can determine the answer.
Another variation on the mowing/rolling theme
Alternating rolling and mowing A treatment included in this multi-state study included alternating rolling and mowing on a daily basis throughout the season. To clarify, mow one day without rolling, and then roll the next day without mowing, continuing to alternate on that program for the entire season. Dr. Sorochan used a DMI Speedroller, and I used the Tru-Turf vibratory roller. 22
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As I began presenting those results at seminars, superintendents were very responsive, and I began to formulate other ways to use rollers. I responded by initiating more mowing/rolling frequency studies with the DMI Speedroller and the Graden roller. One of the treatments included in each study was roll every day and mow every other. That’s right; I’ll write it again — roll every day and mow every other. At this point, I must acknowledge the assistance of Mike Morris, CGCS, Crystal Downs Country Club, who performed an identical study on his nursery green in Frankfort, Michigan. Results from rolling every day and mowing every other included: • Improved turf quality compared to plots mowed every day and rolled every other. • Improved uniformity in green speed from day to day compared to all other mowing/rolling programs. • Improved uniformity in green speed through the length of the day compared to all other mowing/rolling programs. • Less dollar spot compared to mowing only, with green speeds increased approximately 18 inches compared to mowing alone (that is on the day rolled and mowed and on the day not mowed and rolled). • No decrease in water infiltration or compaction, given that the plots were on a topdressing program. Wow, that’s a pretty cool option isn’t it? One little caution — to my knowledge, the rollers used in these studies were the
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CONTINUED lightest ones on the market, so if you plan to consider rolling every day, know the weight of your roller compared to the ones listed above. Also, superintendents with Poa annua greens that have experimented with this rolling/mowing frequency on their golf courses have informed me that it only gives accelerated green speeds for five/six weeks (the research was performed on bentgrass greens in Michigan). Only you can determine if the program will work for you on your course. OK, so these studies were all performed on cool-season grasses far north of the transition zone. So, what is the point? Well, if you can make the time to take green-speed measurements from at least one green twice daily (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), you can make more informed cultural practice decisions that can also impact your course’s playability (green speed) and pocket book. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Warm-season turfgrass and rolling programs Is there a hint as to how these rolling programs might work on warm-season grass? Well, the results were interesting enough that I asked Rick Tatum, GCSAA Class A Superintendent at
Grey Oakes Country Club in Naples, Florida, to perform a similar short-term study on his bermudagrass-putting-greens course in 2007. Rick obliged, using his Salsco roller. Rick had three greens that he alternately mowed and rolled on a daily basis, three greens that he rolled every day and mowed every other day, and three greens that he simply mowed every day (in research, we would call those last three greens “the check plot”). Rick performed the studies for three weeks in the summer and three weeks in the winter. The results from both time periods were the same; there were no statistical differences in green speed among the treatments. In all truth, there was a lot of variability within treatments, and I am hopeful to perform this study with Rick again, when I hope to decrease the variability. Additionally, I hope to perform a similar study with Tim Heirs, CGCS, Old Collier, Naples, Florida, on his seashore paspalum nursery green. Note to Neil Young: these are two fine Southern men.
Further studies scheduled Finally, I am performing collaborative lightweight rolling/mowing height studies in 2008 with three other universities (one using
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION
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COVER STORY
ultradwarf bermudagrass greens) to collect “pro and con” data on the long-term impact that numerous rolling/mowing-height programs have on warm-season grass pests. We will be happy to share the results as they come in. Now, I am not certain if “Neil Young will remember a Southern man don’t need him around anyhow.” However, I know that Southern superintendents don’t need me around, so I just want to thank all that I have met for your hospitality. I hope some of my research efforts can be pertinent to your labors.
IN THE LANDSCAPE
Winter-Hardy
Camellias for TN Growers & Gardens By Hubert P. Conlon, UT Extension Area Specialist, with Jim Snavely, Snavely Nursery
rowing camellias in Tennessee is no longer a dream. If you live in an area where winter temperatures do not fall below -10º F (USDA hardiness zone 6-a) and if you can provide some protection from dry, cold winds and direct sunlight, your landscape should include camellias, with both fall-flowering and spring-flowering cultivars.
G
The development of cold-hardy camellias (Camellia oleifera) has expanded their geography into almost all Tennessee counties. Through the efforts of several plant breeders, as many as 40 cultivars of winter-hardy (to -15º F) camellias are now available. Some cultivars have demonstrated a propensity to mutate, leading to a rush of more introductions. Jim Snavely, a nursery grower in Blountville, TN, has grown and sold winter-hardy camellias for the past ten years. Table 1 is a brief listing of “Zone 6 winter-hardy camellias” that both perform and sell well at the Snavely Nursery. “A great camellia,” says Jim, “possesses a long flowering time and dark-green evergreen foliage.” He feels that the “spring-flowering cultivars stand out as possessing the best
‘April Tryst’ is a spring-flowering, winter-hardy cultivar with a heavy bud-set that blooms over a long period of time.
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year-round foliage quality.” Fall-flowering cultivars, however, are more dependable in northeast TN, a region frequently susceptible to spring frosts.
In the landscape
In general, growing camellias in the landscape is similar to the culture of azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurels. Shrubs require two years to become established, and the average camellia cultivar grows 9' to 10' in height and 6' to 8' in width. Timely pruning, however, will shape camellias to fit into most landscape beds. Camellias also make great container plants, but the roots must not be permitted to freeze during winter months. Balled-and-burlapped plants are best planted from late winter through spring or in the fall. Container-grown plants can be planted any time that the ground can be prepared, planted and properly mulched. Understory plants in nature, camellias are best planted on the east or north side of a home or other on-site building, since they prefer filtered sunlight through nearby shade trees rather than direct sunlight. The site should afford protection in winter from strong winds and direct morning sun. Dry winter winds can be very injurious to camellia foliage. Four to five straight days of 60º F plus degrees in the winter is potentially more damaging to camellia flower buds than a long, protracted frigid winter. Also, winter’s normally low humidity may cause premature leaf and flower-bud loss. To protect camellias planted in fully open areas, a burlap windbreak may need to be temporarily constructed over the winter months. Camellias prefer a pH range between 5.5 to 6.5. Add a generous amount of organic matter such as compost, leaf mold or sphagnum peat to the soil. Be careful not to plant camellias too deeply. The crown of the shrub should be planted slightly higher than the surrounding soil, followed by the addition of 2" to 3" of mulch to help retain soil
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CONTINUED
‘Winter’s Rose’ is a fallflowering, winter-hardy camellia that is a very slow-growing and short (about 4 feet tall) cultivar.
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IN THE LANDSCAPE Table 1: Recommended Winter-Hardy Camellias
Spring-flowering Cultivars CULTIVAR
BLOOM COLOR
FLOWER FORM
BLOOM PERIOD
COMMENTS
‘April Kiss’
reddish pink
double
early to mid-spring
A compact, well-formed plant with a moderate growth rate and small to medium-size, formal double flowers. Earliest blooming of the ‘April’ series.
‘April creamy pink Remembered’
semi-double
early to mid-spring
Semi-double, cream-colored flowers that shade to pink on the outer edges of the petals, creating a beautiful two-tone effect. Plant habit is vigorous.
‘April Tryst’
dark pink
anemone
late spring
Bright dark-pink (closest to red), anemone-form flowers. Erect habit and excellent form, with a medium growth rate and a heavy bud-set that blooms over a long period of time.
‘Pink Icicle’
pink
rose
mid to late spring
Clear shell-pink flowers of high-peony to semi-double form with rabbit-ear petals. Plant habit is totally upright and medium in growth rate. Flower has great color, body and substance, and it is a personal favorite of the authors.
‘Spring’s Promise’
rose red
single
early to late spring
Least hardy of camellias, requiring some winter protection. Plant possesses great form, as it branches well.
Fall-flowering Cultivars BLOOM COLOR
FLOWER FORM
BLOOM PERIOD
COMMENTS
‘Autumn Pink Icicle’
hot pink
semi-double
mid-fall
Good flower substance; best of the fall bloomers for flowering and plant habit.
‘Polar Ice’
white
anemone
early fall
Glossy, dark-green foliage with slow to moderate growth and low habit (potential ground cover).
‘Snow Flurry’
white
peony
early fall
Very floriferous, with a plant habit that is moderately vigorous, upright and somewhat open. Semi-glossy, medium-green plant. A personal favorite of the authors.
‘Survivor’
white
single
early fall
White, single blooms on a vigorous, well-formed, freeflowering plant that blooms in early autumn.
‘Winter’s Beauty’
pink
peony
early to mid-fall
Frilly blooms of a medium, glowing shell to peachy pink, with very light-pink petaloids near the center of its peonyto anemone-form flowers.
‘Winter’s Fire’
medium pink
semi-double
early to late fall
Large pink flowers with occasional white spotting on petals. Blooms almost all winter during mild temperature spells.
‘Winter’s Joy’
bright pink
semi-double
early to mid-fall
Glossy, dark-green plant with upright, vigorous, compact growth; grows tall (12 to 14 feet).
‘Winter’s Rose’
shell pink
double
early fall
Miniature, formal double flowers appear early in autumn on a very slow-growing, semi-glossy, dark-green plant. Shortest cultivar (height of 4 feet in 12 years).
‘Winter’s Star’
pink
single
early fall
Pink blooms with lavendar-purple overtones appear in early fall on a semi-glossy, dark-green plant of moderate, upright growth.
CULTIVAR
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CONTINUED moisture and to minimize ground freezing and thawing over the winter months. During the first planting season, whenever seven-day natural rainfall is less than one inch, water plants thoroughly and deeply each week into the fall. Soil moisture drainage must always be near perfect for camellias. In gardens with heavy clay soils, camellias should be planted in raised beds. Healthy camellias will not grow in ground that is subjected to periodic flooding or over-irrigation. Camellias are constant light feeders. An acid-based fertilizer should be applied in early spring, followed up with two half-rate feedings in June and mid-August. To prevent possible bark splitting and other winter-injury symptoms, no nitrogen-based fertilizers should be applied after mid-August. A six-month slowrelease fertilizer, applied in late March, will adequately supply plants through the summer months. Generally, camellias need only minimal pruning to remove weak or dead branches, to control shrub size and to renew the vigor of older plants. Jim recommends that camellias be pruned after the spring-flowering cultivars’ blooming period and after the spring growth flush has ended, although renewal pruning for older camellias is best performed in spring before the plants have broken vegetative buds. Pruning should be delayed on late-winterflowering cultivars until after the bloom period is over.
‘Pink Icicle’ is a spring-flowering, winter-hardy cultivar with a totally upright habit and medium growth rate.
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‘Winter’s Joy’ is a fall-flowering, winter-hardy camellia that is a vigorous grower, reaching 12 to 14 feet tall.
Although ‘Spring’s Promise’ is the least hardy of the winter-hardy camellias, it branches well and has great form.
Pest problems
In Tennessee, camellias enjoy relief from most of the pest problems that plague them in the deep South. Significant disease and insect problems, though, are likely to become more common as the popularity of camellias increases. The leading camellia pest is scale. Plants should be carefully inspected when purchased from nurseries further south. After a scale outbreak has been detected, frequent sprays of summer oil, Distance® and Orthene® insecticides are effective when applied in an alternating schedule. Spider mites may also be troublesome during long hot, dry weather, causing the leaves to look bronzed and speckled. Also, camellia canker is found on plants that have been improperly watered. Long summer dry spells often lead to greater outbreaks of stem canker diseases on camellias. Disease problems are best avoided by planting camellias in the proper location with proper sun, good soil drainage and air movement, along with supplemental irrigations during extremely dry weather periods.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Task Force Reports on MSMA Negotiations (recent update from GCSAA)
The
MAA Research Task Force reports that it is having productive discussions with EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs on continuation of the registration of organic arsenical herbicides, especially MSMA. The monosodium salt of methanearsonic acid (MAA), MSMA is an herbicide used for grass weed control in bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, as well as in some cool-season turfgrasses. According to the task force, MSMA is expected to be available at least for the next several years (and perhaps considerably longer). Current discussions with EPA are focused on the issuance of a time-limited registration, with the idea of a science review at the end of the negotiated period. This approach recognizes data indicating that inorganic arsenic is a threshold carcinogen, which means that exposure to low doses of arsenic should be of no health concern. A change in EPA’s science conclusion would eliminate concerns regarding the possible transformation of organic arsenic to inorganic arsenic in the soil and enable the agency to permit the continued availability of these herbicides. There is no discussion of a phase-out or cancellation of MSMA, according to the task force. However, EPA has invited discussion on several additional mitigation measures to further reduce the exposure to inorganic arsenic possibly resulting from the use of MSMA. The mitigation measures are targeted mainly at surface water. Discussions have commenced regarding EPA’s initial suggested mitigation measures, and those discussions are expected to continue for the next several weeks or months. The task force is consulting with GCSAA and other user groups with regard to the applicability of the proposed mitigation measures.
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“We applaud the task force, the EPA and user groups for working together to resolve issues related to the labeling and use of MSMA,” said Clark Throssell, Ph.D., GCSAA’s director of research. “By working together, these parties are helping golf course superintendents retain an important tool in providing customers the playing conditions they demand while at the same time ensuring golf’s compatibility with the natural environment.” Members of the task force include Drexel Chemical Co. (APC Holdings), KMG-Bernuth Inc. and Luxembourg-Pamol Inc. These companies are global providers of products to the turf care and agricultural industries. For more information, please visit the task force website at http://www.maatf.com/index.html.
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I N D E X O F A DV E RT I S E R S
CA L E N DA R O F E V E N T S
BASF www.basf.com ............................................Inside Back Cover
November 2–4
28th Annual International Irrigation Show
Location: Anaheim, CA
Bayer www.bayerprocentral.com ..................................................23 Burlingham Seeds www.burlinghamseeds.com ............................31 November 4
BWI Companies www.bwicompanies.com ................................7, 30
MAGCSA Meeting
Location: Chickasaw Country Club, Memphis, TN
Covermaster, Inc. www.covermaster.com ........................................9 E & S Soil and Peat www.eandssoil.com ......................................30
November 17–20
Carolinas GCSA Annual Conference & Tradeshow
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Ewing www.ewing1.com ......................................Inside Front Cover Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc. www.JohnDeere.com ........................3
November TBA
TVSTMA Middle Tennessee Field Day
Location: to be announced, Nashville, TN
Harrell’s Custom Fertilizer www.harrells.com ................................10 Jackson Sand ..............................................................................32 January 11–13, 2009
Keeling Company www.keelingcompany.com ................................29
43rd Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show
Location: Marriott Cool Springs, Franklin, TN
Kesmac www.kesmac.com ............................................................5 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. www.midtennturf.com ....................................33
January 13–17, 2009
20th Annual STMA Conference & Exposition (Sports Turf Managers Assn.) Location: San José, CA
Pennington Seed, Inc. www.penningtonseed.com...........................18 RCH Distributors www.seriousred.com ..........................................25 Sigma Organics Inc., Nashville, TN www.sigmavalidation.com ........30
February 2–7, 2009
Location: New Orleans, LA
Smith Turf & Irrigation www.smithturf.com ......................Back Cover Southeastern Turf, LLC www.southeasternturf.com ..........................7
February 6–9, 2009
The Turfgrass Group www.theturfgrassgroup.com ........................33 Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. www.turfmountain.com ............................32
ANLA Management Clinic (Amer. Nursery & Landscape Assn.) Location: Louisville, KY
Sur-Line Turf, Inc. ........................................................................24 Syngenta Turf & Ornamental ..........................................................9 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com
GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show
February 9–14, 2009
TPI Midwinter Conference (Turfgrass Producers Intl.) Location: Point Clear, AL
Turf Specialties www.turfspecialties.net ........................................24 Winstead Turf Farms, Inc. ............................................................19 www.winsteadturf.com
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