Tennessee Turfgrass - December / January 2015

December/January 2015

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Moss inTurfs?

Why? What to Do?

TTA Award Winners…

TPC Southwind and Fairview High School Also Inside! Preview of the

49th Annual TTA Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow, January 5–7, 2015

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS December/January 2015

16

FEATURED ARTICLES

13 16 22 26 30

TTA Member Profile — Mickey Lovett, Harrell’s LLC, Turf and Landscape Division Upcoming Event — 49th Annual TTA Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow, January 5–7, 2015 Cover Story — Moss in Turfs?

Why? What to Do? TTA Award Winners — Fairview High School, High School Field of the Year TPC Southwind, Environmental Stewardship

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Recent Event — 2014 UT Turf and Ornamental Field Day

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Paul Carter, CGCS

6

From the TVSTMA President, T.J. Derrick

8

From the MAGCSA President, Nathan Sullivan

10

Calendar of Events

33

Index of Advertisers

34

On the cover: TPC Southwind in Memphis, TN, TTA’s 2013 Environmental Stewardship award winner, and home of the PGA’s Federal Express/St. Jude Classic.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015

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From the TTA President

Paul L. Carter, CGCS

Education Is an Investment W

ell, it’s that time of year again when most of the outside work is done, and many of us turn our attention to planning for the upcoming year. Many of those plans will involve creating budgets, repairing or replacing equipment, making capital improvements or continuing to educate ourselves at conferences and tradeshow. No matter what you’re planning for these winter months, remember that TTA is here to help. As a member, you have a ready-made “Rolodex” of people who are able and willing to help. In many cases, all you need to do is ask. I encourage you to use the contacts within the TTA to build your business and your support network. That is what we are all here for — to make the turfgrass industry in Tennessee bigger and stronger.

The best learning opportunity that TTA offers is coming up next month through the annual Conference and Tradeshow

io The miss

(see pages 16–21). If you have attended the conference each year, then you know how much great information is available, and I am sure you will return. For those of you who have not attended the conference lately (or ever), why not? The amount of information available to learn and the number of contacts you can make are, well, priceless. I am well aware that budgets are tight and that companies are watching every penny spent, but learning just one new practice or making one contact could possibly save your company enough money to pay for the entire conference expense.

Like everything else in our industry, education is an investment. I hope you will make the investment in your company and your future and plan on attending the 2015 TTA Conference and Tradeshow. If you are a regular at the conference, this is a perfect opportunity to give this magazine issue to someone

who might be interested in attending, or perhaps give this issue to someone who has never attended and invite him/ her to join us. The registration form is on page 19. What better time can you think of?

I hope and trust that each of you has had a safe and successful 2014 and that we can look forward to a wonderful 2015.

Last winter gave us quite a challenge, and many of us spent the past spring and summer months repairing our properties from the winter damage that occurred. Many lessons were learned, or remembered, as to what happens when you fail to prepare for a harsh winter. Hopefully, the next few months will be normal, and we can all start off 2015 on the right foot, ready to grow some turfgrass.

Paul L. Carter, CGCS 2014–2015 President

n of the Te nn essee Tur fg ra ss A s s o c i at i o

To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

n

From the TVST M A President

T.J. Derrick

Another Year

Wraps Up W

ith the year coming to an end, it’s hard to believe that 2015 is here. It seems like yesterday we were all worrying about what the winter had done to our fields. By now, we have started the process over with overseeding in preparation for spring sports and to help protect our warm-season grasses.

TVSTMA would like to thank everyone who made it out to UT-Martin for the West TN Field Day and especially thank Dr. Totten and his team. Much time and effort were put into the event, and we are extremely grateful for the chance to showcase the University and the research that Dr. Totten and his team are conducting in

Martin, TN. We are looking forward to going back one day.

By now most of you, if we have not already had it, are preparing to head to Father Ryan High School for the Middle TN Field Day. Bill Brunner and Pat Lawson have opened their doors to host our event, and we would like to thank them as well for the opportunity. Bill does a tremendous job with the athletic complex, and we are glad that we are able to show this to our members.

It is now the time for me to pass on the reins to our 2015 TVSTMA president, Marty Wallace, head groundskeeper for the Jackson Generals. I know that I am handing off the TVSTMA to a great person who will continue to grow this worthwhile organization. I want us all to welcome Marty and to do our part in participating in the field days that we host. For this organization to be successful, it will take each one of us participating. Let us all do our part.

I thank each of you for allowing me the opportunity to serve and for the support that you have shown throughout this last year. It has been challenging at times, but I am passionate about this group and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing all of you in 2015!

Your 2015 challenge – bring a friend to a TVSTMA event!

T.J. Derrick

2014 TVSTMA President 8

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 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@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Vice President Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues (615) 799-8664 Secretary/Treasurer Bill Marbet Southern Athletic Fields (931) 380-0023 Past President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms (731) 692-3515 Executive Secretary Jim Uden Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 591-8286 TTA 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob Elliott Scott Freund Luke Hankins Cal Hill Joe Hill Timothy Long Mickey Lovett Mitch Parker Jason Pooler Jason Sanderson Sean VanHoose Doug Ward TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten

TTA • TVSTMA • TGCSA

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From the M AGC SA President

Nathan Sullivan

Wrapping Up the Year W

inter is here, and I know we are all hoping not to have the temps and setbacks we experienced last year. In my 15-year career, I have not seen a lot of winterkill until this past year. This was a learning experience and an eye opener for several of us in the turf industry. So, this fall, I gave more

thought to grass heights, fertility and hightraffic areas before putting things to rest.

Having challenges like this and making the best of a situation not only build character, but they also make you better prepared for the future. No matter how old or young we might be, we can always learn something new.

Another challenge for 2014 has been attendance at our local meetings. For July, we thought outside the box from our traditional meetings and had a good showing.

Winstead Turf Farms hosted us for a field day. We spent the morning touring different fields and got a chance to see the dayto-day operation of a sod farm. Among the 30 attendees, the majority had never seen this, which led to great discussion and many interesting questions. To see a different type of meeting turn out successful was very positive.

I know, over the last several years, the dynamics of a superintendent’s role have changed. Budget cuts and family time have all cut into our free time to get away from the course. These are both good reasons, and I’m as guilty as anyone. For the upcoming year, I challenge everyone to make time to support your local chapters and TTA. 2014 brings the close of my term as MAGCSA president. Serving on the board for the last six years has been a positive and rewarding opportunity. It has provided me the chance to be connected and get to know many of my colleagues personally.

I would like to thank the board members for their service and the time we have had to work together. Thanks for this honor to serve the MAGCSA.

Nathan Sullivan

2014 MAGCSA President 2014 TGCSA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

TTA Member Spotl ig ht TTA Member Spotlight on

Mickey Lovett Harrell’s LLC, Turf and Landscape Division Location: Paris, TN Corporate office: Lakeland, FL Job Title: Territory Sales Manager for Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and north Mississippi Number of years in this position: Three Where did you attend college, and when did you graduate?

University of Tennessee at Martin, in 1979 Currently, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY (only two more courses) How long have you been a member of TTA? 1999–2007 with Zeneca, Novartis and Syngenta Took off five years for seminary Since 2012 with Harrell’s What year did you get started in the turfgrass industry?

1988 with Ciba-Geigy covering eight states in the Midwest: Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North and South Dakota.

Why did you choose a career in the turfgrass industry?

I’ve loved agriculture all of my life. I

started in row crops in 1981 for six years with Ciba-Geigy, calling on corn, cotton, soybean and grain sorghum farmers. A good friend of mine called regarding a new venture in the Turf and Ornamental business. I love adventures and had taken up the game of golf as a hobby. I highly respected the people in the T&O group, so I interviewed and went to work for them.

It was quite a change for a smalltown country boy to start flying around to Midwest cities, calling on big-name golf courses. I loved it! Later, we moved from St. Louis to Kansas City, then to Tampa and then back to Paris, TN, where we have been for the past 18 years.

I retired from the turfgrass industry in 2007 to pursue a second career. I thought I was being called to serve in a paid role in church pastoral work, so I enrolled in seminary. Near completion of seminary, I began the job search. First, I searched church paid staff positions, with no success and very few paying prospects. Then, I searched back in the turf industry, and the opportunity with Harrell’s came to me, along with continued opportunity to serve in my local church. It was a very easy decision for me: people I love, an industry I love and a company whose very first mission statement is to serve, honor and glorify God. The words breathed out by God tell us:

“ Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.

And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. from Genesis 1 ESV Therefore, green is my favorite color.

Light shines on green plants with green chlorophyll that photosynthesizes carbon dioxide into oxygen for breathing in the breath of life… and produces carbohydrates for eating… and an industry for us to serve in… and people to love. That reminds me of my two-and-a-half-yearold grandson who simply prays this prayer: “God. Food. Amen!”

What did you do before your current job position?

I have served in my church for a number of years in various service roles, including third-grade Sunday School, Upward Sports, deacon and various teaching roles.

I also have done short-term, Christ-centered good-news trips to Brazil, Senegal, Nepal, Germany, England, Scotland,

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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TTA Member Spotlight Memphis, Detroit, Canada, Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. I love spreading good news!

Helping keep Yahweh’s environment green by selling fertilizer also provides many opportunities to spread the good news. I am quite sure Yahweh opened the door of opportunity for me to work with Harrell’s. I have met scores of people from around the world right here in the good old USA: Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, rednecks, atheists, etc. They all hear a loving bit of good news, and often, it is well received.

So, in a way, what I did before my current job is a continuation of what I do in my current job. My job has always been a platform to share much more than the products that I sell and service. My job is a vehicle for serving God and His purposes. He gave me the job. He can take it away at any time, but He will long outlive

the job. It is a great privilege to work for Him. Who have been your mentors in the industry?

My turfgrass industry mentors from Tennessee include Tom Samples, Bob McCurdy, Jason Pooler, Bobby Winstead, Alan Windham, Frank Hale, Joe Hill, Cal Hill, Dennis Shepard, Howard Bishop, Jeff Gordon, Andy Milligan, Rick Chastain, Jeff Easley, Phil Luckett, Mike Bounds, Steve Ellis, Steve Kuyrkendall, Shawn Emmack, Bob Elliott, Rodney Lingle, Bill Marbet, Bobby Langley, Jeff Rumph, Larry Shore, Carl Quick, Kenny Crenshaw, Kermit Throckmorton, Doug Ward, Jim Uden, Dan Stump, Drew Sullivan, Wes Totten, Raymond Wickard, Robert Stroud… and every customer, distributor and manufacturer I have ever called on!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Researching problems and finding solutions for my industry colleagues and potential customers is the most satisfying part of my job. Helping people accomplish their personal, professional and business goals most often brings joy to all parties involved and ultimately brings glory to God, the Creator of all of those industry colleagues and potential customers.

Have you won any job-related awards?

If so, what?

A few awards, yes. My most valuable awards: dialogue with industry colleagues and potential customers, and the privilege to work in this industry.

How has TTA enhanced your career?

TTA is a great association for all career turf professionals: contacts, education, resources, points, legislative clout, all things turf. This is my second opportunity to serve on the board; it’s a great honor and a big responsibility to live up to. My career depends solely on interaction with customers. TTA and affiliated associations are great places for that to happen.

Serving others always pays off, sometimes in this life and sometimes in the next.

What are your hobbies?

Family activities, reading, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, tractoring, jeeping, photographing, landscaping, home improving, beaching, St. Louis Cardinals and football.

Tell us a little about your family.

My beloved wife Dixie and I celebrated our 34th anniversary on August 16. All three of our daughters are married now to one engineer and two U.S. Marines. We have two grandchildren, a boy and a girl, with another girl on the way! Meredith, Dustin and little Edison (2.5 years old) live near Arrington, TN. Jessica (expecting), Caleb and little Brooke (2 years old) live in Sneads Ferry, NC. Madeline and William live in Holly Ridge, NC. T

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

49

th Annual

Tennessee Turfgrass Association

and

Conference Trade Show January 5, 6 and 7, 2015 Franklin Marriott Cool Springs • 700 Cool Springs Blvd. • Franklin, Tennessee 37067

A Growing Tradition In Tennessee’s Green Industry

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Conference Program Monday, January 5

GCSA Points .50 • TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 5 pts. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance at all Monday sessions.

General Session — Morning 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Better Soils, Better Turf, Fewer Pesticides?

Dr. Burton English, The University of Tennessee Learn how optimizing soil chemical and physical properties can reduce pesticide use on turf.

The History of Aerification: The Hole Story

Tennessee Turfgrass Economic Impact Survey

Mr. John Mascaro, Turf-Tec International Learn about the history of turfgrass aerification as an integrated pest-management tool for maximizing turf quality and minimizing pesticide use.

Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee Results of a research project that determined the economic impact of the turf industry in Tennessee will be presented. Attendees will be able to use this data to have an economic justification for their continued use of select pest-management practices to maximize turfgrass quality.

Dislodgement of Foliar Pesticide Residues Following Applications to Turfgrass

Dr. Travis Gannon, North Carolina State University Learn about the latest research on dislodgeable herbicide, fungicide and insect residues following applications to turfgrass.

3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

John Mascaro’s Photo Quiz Comes Alive

Mr. John Mascaro, Turf-Tec International Participate in a case study identifying pest-management and other problems afflicting turf on golf courses, sports fields and lawns.

TTA Business Meeting and Awards Reception Presidential Address

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

LUNCH (on your own)

Mr. Paul Carter, CGCS, TTA President

Committee Reports and Awards Presentations

General Session — Afternoon 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Keynote Presentation — The SEC: Why We Are So Much Fun!

Behind the Scenes at Neyland Stadium

Dr. Mark Windham, The University of Tennessee

Mr. Darren Seybold, The University of Tennessee Learn about turfgrass-management practices used to prepare the playing surface at Neyland Stadium on the campus of The University of Tennessee. An overview of practices used to manage weed, disease and insect pests will be presented.

Tuesday, January 6

GCSA Points .15 • TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 1 pt. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance at all Tuesday classes.

8:30 a.m. • Breakfast

Concurrent Morning Session #1 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Concurrent Morning Session #2 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Fungicide Movement: Up, Down and Sideways

The Fate of MSMA After Application

Five Lessons Learned in 2014

Surfaces or Shoes: What Plays a Bigger Role in Athletic Field Safety?

Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee Learn about how knowledge pertaining to the movement of fungicides in turfgrass tissues can maximize efficacy.

Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section Mr. Hartwiger will present an overview of five case studies observed by USGA agronomists in 2014 in the Southeast, focusing on agronomic and pest-management issues affecting turf quality.

Dr. Travis Gannon, North Carolina State University Learn about the latest research on MSMA’s fate after application to turfgrass.

Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee Hear the latest research to manage stresses (including pests) to maximize field safety and playability for athletes.

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. • TGCSA Annual Meeting 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Tradeshow • Please support our vendors!

The TTA Social on the tradeshow floor will begin at 5 p.m.

Conference Program Wednesday, January 7

GCSA Points .25 • TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 3 pts. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance at all Wednesday sessions.

8:30 a.m. • Breakfast

Concurrent Session #1 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Concurrent Session #2 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

New Insects and Diseases That Will Affect the Landscape of Your Golf Course

Dollar Spot: New Approaches to Controlling an Old Disease

Why Is Large Patch So Difficult to Control?

Exploring the Issue of Off-Types in Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Greens

r. Frank Hale and Dr. Alan Windham, D The University of Tennessee Learn about new disease and insect pests of the landscape that can affect golf course turf.

Mr. Jesse Benlli, The University of Tennessee Learn about the turfgrass disease, large patch, including the latest options for control.

Mr. David Shell, The University of Tennessee Learn about new strategies for controlling the turfgrass disease, dollar spot.

Mr. Eric Reasor, The University of Tennessee Learn about current research exploring the new weedmanagement issue of off-type grasses in ultradwarf putting greens.

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. • Break

Concurrent Session #1 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Concurrent Session #2 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Social Media for the Turf Professional

A Year for Bermudagrass Recovery from Winter Damage

Mr. Scott Boyle, The University of Tennessee Learn how to effectively use social media to communicate messages about turfgrass maintenance and pest-management practices to end users.

UT Undergraduate Internship Feature

r. Brandon Porch and Mr. Austin Hood, M The University of Tennessee Learn about the experiences of UT undergraduate students interning in pest-management positions on golf courses.

12:30 p.m. • Conference

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Mr. Kyley Dickson, The University of Tennessee Learn about practices used to recover bermudagrass turf from winter damage, including management of weed, disease and insect pests.

A Novel System for Disposing of Excess Pesticide Spray Solution

Mr. Daniel Farnsworth, The University of Tennessee Learn about a novel system to dispose of excess pesticide spray solution using soil microbial degradation.

Adjourns • Please have a safe trip home.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Conference and Tradeshow Please complete, sign and return this form with your payment.

Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2015 TTA Directory.

Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2015 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.

Directory:_ ______________________________________________________________

1)_______________________________

Company Name:_________________________________________________________

2)_______________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

3)_______________________________

City/State/Zip:_ __________________________________________________________

4)_______________________________

Telephone:______________________________________________________________

5)_______________________________

Fax:_____________________________________________________________________

6)_______________________________

Email:___________________________________________________________________

7)_______________________________

Twitter Handle:__________________________________________________________

Primary Function Turf Manager q Golf Course q Parks &

Recreation q Sports Field q Hotel/Resort

q q q q q

Commercial

Vendor

Hospital/Health Care q Commercial q Irrigation Contractor Lawn Care School/University q DOT Cemetery q Retail Center q Other_______________ Sod Producer q Landscaping Other_______________

q q q q

Equipment Dealer Distributor Manufacturer Other______________

Registration Options 1

2

3

4

5

6

Primary Member Registration....................$185.00

7

8

Total $

Price includes 2015 membership dues.

Associate Member Registration.................$125.00

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)..................................$80.00

$

One-Day Student Pass (Limit 1)...................$10.00

$

First-Time Attendee One-Day Pass................ FREE

$

Endowment Fund Contribution q Research q Scholarship q Extension

$ Grand Total $

TTA Office Use Only:

Date ________________

Check No. ________________

Cash ________________

Registration Form

49th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association

Conference and Tradeshow Booths

Size

Unit Price

Booths 100 – 811 (Max. limit of 4)

80 Sq. Ft.

$510

ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP TO TTA: 1 included with 10' x 8' booth rental.

Quantity

Total

$50 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 on the previous page under “Rules & Regulations.” If electricity is required, please contact Jim Uden at (615) 591-8286 for the Marriott form and further information. Purchased luncheon tickets will be included in the 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:___________________________________________________ State:___________ Zip:________________________ Telephone:____________________________________________ 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:_______________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contract for Exhibit Space

49th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association

Cover St ory

Moss in Turfs?

Why? What to Do?

By Tom Samples, Ph.D., John Sorochan, Ph.D., Jim Brosnan, Ph.D., Brandon Horvath, Ph.D., and Alan Windham, Ph.D., The University of Tennessee

M

ore than 14,000 species of moss have been identified worldwide.

Unlike turfgrasses and most common turfgrass weeds, mosses have no roots or intricate vascular network of conductive tissues (xylem and phloem) to move water, nutrients and sugars from one part of the plant to another. Instead, many are anchored to soil and thatch by threadlike structures called rhizoids, which aid in the uptake of water. Mosses absorb nutrients from their entire aerial surface and are not believed to directly compete with turfgrasses for essential mineral nutrients in the soil. They do, however, intercept sunlight and convert it to chemical energy by way of photosynthesis.

Mosses have no flowers and produce no seeds. Instead, they form capsules of spores. The moss lifecycle begins when a spore germinates and chains of cells called 22

protonema begin to grow. Masses of protonema (protonemata) resemble, and may be mistaken for, algae. Eventually, protonemata give rise to gametophores. It is during this lifecycle stage that mosses form stem- and leaf-like structures. The leaf-like structures usually consist of only one single layer of cells, and margins are often toothed.

Moss species of the genus Sphagnum are valued components of several soil amendments. Many green-industry professionals, homeowners and gardeners have purchased and used Sphagnum peat to improve the water- and nutrient-holding capacity of landscape soils. Depending on the species from which it is formed, Sphagnum peat can hold about 20 to 30 or more times its weight in water.

Mosses range in size from microscopic to 40" or more in length. In turf, they are

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

usually very short and grow well below the cutting height. For example, silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum) can survive in bentgrass and bermudagrass golf greens maintained at a 1/8" cutting height or less. This, like many other moss species, grows in shade or full sun, on concrete surfaces and on damp, compacted soils. In addition to spreading by spores, some mosses may develop from fragments displaced as the turf is mowed or trafficked.

Control measures for mosses in turfgrass Liming Many mosses grow well in acidic soils (pH < 7.0). However, the presence of moss in turfs does not necessarily indicate a need to apply lime. Lime

Moss in a golf course putting green.

should be applied to turf based on soil test results.

Both dolomitic (CaMg(CO3)2 and calcitic (CaCO3) lime are marketed in pulverized and pelletized forms in TN. Granular or pelletized lime is much easier to uniformly broadcast using a rotary spreader compared to pulverized lime.

Fertilization Poor soil fertility also favors the development of moss. Turfgrasses usually require more nitrogen (N) than the soil provides.

Applying supplemental N to cool-season turfgrasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall and fine fescues) in both fall and spring may improve the competitiveness of turfgrass plants with moss. The N requirement of warm-season turfgrasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass is greatest in late spring, summer and early

fall. Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and micronutrients should also be applied as needed, according to soil test results.

Improving soil drainage and aeration As soils compact, turfs often lose stand density, and the soil surface may remain moist for an extended period of time after rainfall or irrigation. These conditions usually favor the growth of moss more than turfgrasses. Wet, clayey soils are most often much less resistant to compaction than well-drained loam. Routine and strategic core aerification of compacted soils may help speed the flow of water from the surface into the turfgrass rootzone.

Pruning Trees compete with turfgrasses for light, water and nutrients. Shade increases the

amount of time that turfgrasses and the soil surface remain moist following a dew, rainfall or irrigation.

To improve the amount of light reaching turf, select limbs may be able to be removed from the crown of mature trees without compromising their health, beauty or function. The removal of unwanted and invasive, understory plants that are blocking prevailing winds may also improve turf quality and reduce moss competition.

Removing tree leaves Fallen tree leaves lying on turf may block the light and interfere with airflow among turfgrass plants. As a result, turfgrasses below leaves may become spindly and prone to disease. Fallen tree leaves and branches should be removed as quickly as possible.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION â&#x20AC;˘ TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION â&#x20AC;˘ Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

23

Cover St ory

Moss in shaded turf.

Silvery thread moss (Byrum argenteum) is one of the most common turf competitors in the landscape, in either high- or low-maintenance situations. Photo credit: Turfweeds.net @ Virginia Tech.

Chemical suppression Iron sulfate (3 ounces per 1,000 ft2), ferrous ammonium sulfate (10 ounces per 1,000 ft2) and copper sulfate (2 to 4 ounces per 1,000 ft2) continue to be applied to suppress moss in turfs. Several products containing potassium salts of fatty acids (for example, Bayer Advanced 2-in-1 Moss and Algae Killer and SaferÂŽ Brand Moss and Algae Killer and Surface Cleaner) and granular fertilizer + moss-control mixtures (for example, ScottsÂŽ Turf Builder Plus Moss Control) are also marketed for moss control in turf.

The herbicide QuickSilverÂŽ T&O (carfentrazone-ethyl), which is labelled for the control of silvery thread moss, is intended to be applied by professional lawn care operators, maintenance applicators and service technicians for use on ornamental lawns and turfgrass and on stone-covered yards established in institutional, ornamental and residential/domestic sites. However, if the site conditions that favor moss are not changed, it can fully recover following treatment(s).

Moss is overtaking the turf in this very poorly drained soil on a heavily shaded site. Photo credit: Turfweeds.net @ Virginia Tech.

Alternative ground covers Perennial, broadleaf ground covers serve as alternatives to turf. Several are low growing and adapted to shade. In addition, moss species including Hypnum (Sheet), Leucobryum (White Cushion), Polytrichum (Hair Cap) and Dicranum (Broom) may deserve consideration. T 24

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

TTA Award W inners

Congratulations to TTA’s 2013

High School Sports Field of the Year

Fairview High School

By Liz Nutter, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications (publisher of Tennessee Turfgrass)

W

hen a high school has both a game field and a separate practice field for football, the sports turf manager typically deals with wear and tear inflicted on the game field by only one or two games a week. The game field at Fairview High School, however, hosts between six to eleven games every week during football season, including for junior pro, middle school, JV, freshman and varsity teams. “We play more than 60 games on our field within a three-month period,” says head football coach Chris Hughes. “It’s hard to keep the grass going with all that traffic, but our field holds up pretty well.” In fact, it holds up so surprisingly well that it was named TTA’s 2013 High School Sports Field of the Year.

In 1981, Fairview’s field was constructed on the native-soil site of a former pond, which forms a natural oval shape bordered by a track and the stadium bleachers. An irrigation system was installed at the same time (and is still in use today), and the field is surfaced with common bermudagrass.

So, what’s Fairview’s secret? Coach Hughes attributes it largely to Billy Clark, with Clarkland Sports Fields, who handles all the field maintenance except for mow26

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

ing. “Clarkland is out here every week, checking on the grass. They do all the aeration, fertilization, weed control, pest control and seeding (when we need more bermudagrass on worn areas), and they do a great job,” Hughes comments. “For instance, one week, we discovered little mounds of dirt on the grass, which was a sign that beetles had infested our

field. The very next day, Billy was out here, spraying. Theo Lankford, who used to work for Clarkland, also still helps us from time to time with input and advice on what we need to do with the field.”

Coach Hughes mows the field himself at a 3/4" height, three times a week in summer and twice a week in fall, after a plant growth regulator has been applied

Chris Hughes (left), head football coach at Fairview High School, accepts TTA’s 2013 High School Sports Field of the Year Award, presented by Theo Lankford (right) at the 2014 TTA Annual Awards Ceremony during this past January’s conference.

when the football season starts. He also mows the field after every game. “As soon as everyone is out of the locker room after a game, I head out to mow the field, even if it’s late at night. Mowing right then takes care of the divots and indentions left by play,” he explains. “Billy Clark recommended doing that, and it has been a key for us. It’s not that the field needs cutting right after a game, but the rolling from the reel mower packs the grass back down. I also use the roller occasionally to lay the grass down in different directions to stripe the field.”

As head football coach at Fairview High School for the past six year, Hughes served as head coach for the middle school for the previous 12 years.

He believes that the quality of the high school’s game field gives all the Fairview teams a sense of pride and encourages them to play harder. “We’re one of the few high schools that allow the junior pros to use our game field, and they love to come here,” he comments. “Most of the kids who play for me now came up through the junior pro and middle school programs here, so they’ve been playing on this field for many years straight. They’ve grown up on this field, and it truly is their field.” T TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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TTA Award W inners Congratulations to TTA’s 2013

Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient

TPC Southwind

By Liz Nutter, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications (publisher of Tennessee Turfgrass)

O

ne of the first golf courses in Tennessee to become certified as an Audubon Sanctuary 21 years ago, TPC Southwind in Memphis was honored at TTA’s 2014 Annual Conference with the association’s 2013 Environmental Stewardship award.

Opened in 1988, the 18-hole, par-70, private facility is a Tournament Players Club that is owned by the PGA Tour.

The tournament held there, the Federal Express/St. Jude Classic, moved to Southwind in 1989 and typically takes place the first weekend of June. Superintendent Jim Thomas, CGCS, and his crew maintain around 220 total acres on the property, including about 150 acres of golf turf, as well as native areas, lakes, ponds and streams.

Originally, Southwind’s greens were creeping bentgrass, but in 2004, the course was renovated and the greens were converted to Champion ultradwarf bermudagrass. The fairways and tees are Meyer zoysiagrass, and the roughs are a hybrid bermuda.

In addition, the maintenance group has incorporated about 25 acres of native areas planted in a mixture of fine fescues that are allowed to grow up to 12" to 18".

“Those are spread out across the whole golf course in small and large areas that add a lot to the wildlife on the course and help give it a natural, meadow look,” Thomas explains. “We also have a few Audubon-like flowerbeds where we’ve tried to stick with native plants.”

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS

Thomas is particularly conscientious about trying to conserve water and manage it most efficiently through the course’s irrigation system, as well as through the application of wetting agents and plant growth regulators. “We use our ponds for irrigation, with wells that fill the ponds,” says Thomas. “A series of streams connects the lakes and runs through the property. We keep buffer zones along the

edges of all the water areas, not only for aesthetics but also to protect the banks from erosion.”

For water clarification and to control algae in the ponds, Thomas uses ecofriendly products. Around some of the lakes and ponds, he has installed aquatic plantings to act as filters for surface water running into them, with a no-fertility zone around those areas.

Jim Thomas, CGCS (left), superintendent at TPC Southwind, accepts TTA’s 2013 Environmental Stewardship award, presented by Jason Sanderson (right) at the 2014 TTA Annual Awards Ceremony during this past January’s conference.

Adjacent to the golf course, Southwind’s Tournament Committee owns a 25- to 30-acre area that is used for parking during the Tour events. Throughout the rest of the year, though, Thomas lets it grow up and even builds some brush piles there for wildlife. “Also, my landscape foreman got interested in bird watching,” Thomas says. “So, we studied what bluebirds prefer as nesting areas, and we sited our bluebird boxes based on what we learned.”

Now working on his ninth year at Southwind, Thomas graduated from the University of Tennessee, with a degree in horticulture and turfgrass management.

Prior to arriving at Southwind, he had spent the previous 21 years as superintendent at Colonial Country Club, also in Memphis. Before that, he spent three years as an assistant at Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth, TX, and he was also a superintendent for three years in Baton Rouge, LA. “I have sixteen Tour events behind me — nine Tour events at Southwind, four at Colonial in Memphis and three at Colonial Ft. Worth,” says Thomas, “and I hope to have a few more.”

Maintaining Southwind’s environmental-based philosophy requires a conscientious thought process, Thomas points out. “It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but you do have to think about it and do a little homework in order to do it right.

We try to be conscious about everything, from our chemical applications, to our buffer zones, water conservation and water

quality and our IPM program. We always look at things from an environmental standpoint, and we look for additional opportunities to enhance what we’re already doing.”

For its efforts, in addition to the TTA award, TPC Southwind also earned GCSAA chapter awards as Environmental Leaders in Golf in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

29

Rec ent E vent

2014 UT Field Day

Embraces Technology and Continues to Grow

By Scott Boyle, Turfgrass Communications Coordinator, The University of Tennessee

30

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

On

September 11, The University of Tennessee celebrated another successful Turf and Ornamental Field Day, one of the largest and fastest-growing field day events in the United States, with more than 500 turf professionals from several southeastern states attending.

Dr. Jim Brosnan, University of Tennessee Associate Professor, said the Field Day has really grown the last few years. “When I started here at UT several years ago, probably only about 200 people attended, but we have been well above 500 the last two years in a row,” he said.

Brosnan said attendees saw the most cutting-edge research on managing weeds, disease and insect pests that affect turf.

The Field Day focused on cultivar evaluations, athletic field turf, ornamental plant materials and the latest strategies for managing infestations of turfgrass weeds and diseases. Professors, staff and graduate students presented seminars to attendees at the East Tennessee Research and Education Center in Knoxville.

“The purpose of the Field Day is to provide a framework for people in the turf industry to see the types of research we do on cool- and warm-season grasses in a transition zone climate,” Brosnan explained.

Through Field Day’s embrace of technology, this year’s attendees were able to download a free, interactive mobile app to enhance their event experience. The app, co-developed by Turf Republic and the UT Turfgrass Science and Management faculty and staff, included interactive station information, contact information for each presenter, a download center providing digital information from presentations and an interactive map of the Field Day layout. The app, the first of its kind at a university field day, received rave reviews from attendees.

The Field Day again also went social in 2014. Partnering with Turf Republic, this year’s social-media experience gave a look into the UT program with interactive photos, videos, interviews, updates and a brand new live blog. Using the hashtag #UTTurfFD14, UT faculty and staff were able to have real-time interaction through-

Rec ent E vent out the event with attendees and even those unable to attend.

“We’ve integrated social media into almost everything we do,” Brosnan said.

“Social media is really important from an Extension standpoint because it has helped extend the reach of the information that is presented at Field Day.” The evening before the main event, TTA members were treated to a Member Appreciation Social at Barley’s Taproom.

The day after Field Day, attendees were invited to a tour of UT facilities, including Neyland Stadium, the UT football team’s state-of-the-art indoor practice facility and the UT baseball field.

A video showing the sights and sounds on Field Day 2014 is available at TurfRepublic.com. T

Thanks

to Our UT Turf and Ornamental Research Field Day Gold-Level Sponsors

FMC Professional Solutions Harrell’s John Deere Landscapes Quali-Pro SunCor Energy Syngenta

Thanks

to Our Sponsors for the TTA Member Appreciation Social at Barley’s Taproom

BASF Direct Solutions John Deere Landscapes Keeling Company Modern Turf Rain Bird Corp.

32

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Calendar of Events January 5–7 49th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show Marriott Cool Springs Franklin, TN

January 5–9 Green & Growin’ Show

(NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC

January 13–16 STMA Conference and Exhibition

Colorado Convention Center Denver, CO

February 16–19 TPI International Education Conference and Field Day (Turf Producers Intl.)

La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, CA

February 21–26 Golf Industry Show Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX

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 ©2014 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, 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.

TTA • TVSTMA • TGCSA

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RD Murphy, LLC...................................................... 9 www.rdmurphy.com

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Ewing Irrigation..................................................... 31 www.ewing1.com Helena Chemical Company..................................... 9 www.helenachemical.com Jackson Sand........................................................ 33 www.jacksonsand.com John Deere Landscapes........................................ 14 www.johndeerelandscapes.com Kesmac Brouwer................................................... 11 www.kesmac.com KWMI / K & W Products, Inc.............................. 12 www.KWMIequipment.com

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Digital Mar ketpla c e

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Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone, and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS December/January 2015 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com