Tennessee Turfgrass - December / January 2021

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

NATIVE AND NATURAL ROUGHS for Southeastern Golf Courses

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

Member Spotlight on Tom Samples Turfgrass Professional of the Year

FRANK TURNER

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12 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 2021

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Guest Column — What Exactly is Expected?

Feature Article — 2020 Year in Review from #TNTurfTwitter Feature Article — Member Spotlight on Tom Samples Turfgrass Professional of the Year Frank Turner Cover Story — Native and Natural Roughs for Southeastern Golf Courses

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President

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From the TVSTMA President

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From the TGCSA Chapter Delegate

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From the MAGCSA President

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Index of Advertisers

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The Turfgrass Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021

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FROM THE TTA PR ESIDENT

Doug Ward

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

Serving the TURFGRASS INDUSTRY As

each year seems to bring its own changes to the “norm” that we tend to measure things against, 2020 has without a doubt been one for the record books. Typically, turf professionals begin talking about how weather variables have affected their best laid plans but obviously those differences are of little consequence when measured against the impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

While everyone has certainly had their lifestyle altered or at least inconvenienced by the current crisis, I believe our industry as a whole has adjusted quite effectively through the numerous challenges of the time. The TTA likewise has forged through these times by conducting monthly Board meetings via a virtual connection as we planned for our annual conference.

Many thanks go out to Dr. Brosnan and our Educational Committee, headed by Chris Sykes and Jason Sanderson, for once again putting together an exceptional program for this year’s online conference.

Also, please join me in acknowledging gratitude to our Executive Secretary, Melissa Martin, for her steadfast work and covering the many details necessary to put this year’s production in motion.

With that said, I encourage everyone to prioritize education in all formats. Online offerings such as our TTA conference can be a key part of your professional learning experience. Make it a priority – not only will you personally benefit but your participation will make a positive impact on our Association’s well being and its ability to continue with its mission of serving the Turfgrass Industry.

Doug Ward

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 928-7001 info@ttaonline.org www.ttaonline.org PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 info@leadingedgecommunications.com EDITOR Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club (615) 292-6752 Vice President Chris Sykes Tellico Village (865) 458-5408 Secretary/Treasurer Ryan Storey Vanderbilt University (615) 343-6694 Past President Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc (731) 642-3092 Executive Director Melissa Martin Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 928-7001 TTA 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TTA President

Ryan Blair, CGCS Bart Cash Ashley Gaskin Cal Hill Jeff Huber Brad Jean Jeff Kuhns Jason Sanderson Darren Seybold Mark Stovall Paul Webb Jeff Wyatt TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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FROM THE TVSTMA PRESIDENT

John Wagnon

“ An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So, when life is dragging you back with difficulties it means that it’s going to launch you into something great.”

– Paulo Coelho

W

hile 2020 was not what anyone expected, TVSTMA is looking forward to 2021 and the new opportunities it will present. We are currently planning events for the year.

Our intention is to return to in-person meetings if possible while also continuing to provide educational opportunities virtually for those who may not be able to attend. We will update our website with event details as they become available in addition to emailing our membership directly. If you do not currently receive email updates from TVSTMA, please email your information to sectres@tvstma.org .

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TVSTMA would also like to take one last opportunity to thank our sponsors for 2020. Please continue to support the vendors that support TVSTMA.

John Wagnon 2020 TVSTMA President

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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FROM THE TGCSA CHAPTER DELEGATE

CHAPTER DELEGATES MEETING 2020 THE COVID-19 EDITION

In

a lot of ways, I feel fortunate that I have not had to participate in 12 virtual meetings a day like my wife does working from home in our upstairs makeshift office. I still get to go to my office as we all are in our industry. Working at a relatively small course has kept me away from the virtual meetings. I am sure that there are a lot of you that have had a bunch of these. I had my first real Zoom conference in place of attending the event in Lawrence, KS. It was different but productive and informative as usual.

Obviously, the topic of Covid-19 and how it has impacted the golf industry is the hot topic. The GCSAA has done a good job of cutting costs to make the best of a bad situation. With the GIS being virtual this year, which is a big revenue driver for the GCSAA, the belt must be tightened. And 2020 is the 2-year cycle where dues cost increases are voted on. The dues are raised based on CPI over that 2-year period.

Rounds here in TN seem to be great and would normally be a good sign towards being OK with a $10–15 annual dues increase. But remember the country club down the street that can’t have the weddings, association events or host the 40 Christmas parties that they normally host and might have a banquet/F&B line that is absolutely floundering due to local restrictions. So please remember that dues increases are on the ballot this winter, up $15 for A&B, up $10 for C. Please let me know your thoughts on this topic.

I got a preview of the virtual GIS and it looks pretty cool. I’m not the most tech savvy guy, but it kind of felt like the combination of zoom and a VR platform. The company who is putting the event together seems to be doing a great job. If the show not being in person is deterring you from attending, do me a favor and check it out before

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you rule it out. I think it might be a pretty good event with no limits on the number of people that can attend an education session.

There is a topic concerning the bylaws that has been brought up

by Adam, the Chapter Executive of Michigan. It is not up for a vote this year but maybe next. Essentially it would state that during a year such as 2020 pandemic year when government regulations affect our abilities to manage our businesses, there would be no elections held for the GCSAA board. All members would stay in their place for the next cycle. I think that the GCSAA board members have done a great job this year in shifting focus. I think John Fulling had ideas of what he wanted to accomplish this year without knowing the hand they would be dealt for 2020. But they did a great job of shifting gears to communicating with state and local government bodies to lobby on behalf of the golf industry. Then they had to figure out the GIS issue.

All of these issues took place while business as normal had to continue with all of the programs and member services in normal operation.

Board Voting for 2020. There are three people looking at one position on the board: Marc Weston, Jon Christianson and Chris Reveire. All three seem like solid individuals. I know Marc a little bit, we worked on a service project together at National Golf Day. I have met Chris a few times at delegate events. I will try to get their Bio videos out to you to evaluate.

Anyways, I have wrapped up this Zoom experience and waiting for the next.

Brad Marcy Indian Hills Golf Course

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

FROM THE MAGCSA PRESIDENT

Andrew Foster

Ending Strong M

AGCSA was able to have our scholarship and research tournament with a good turnout. We had great weather and played possibly the best course in Memphis, Windyke Country Club. Because of Covid, it was a little different set up. We had predetermined tee times on 12-minute spacing and also had a grab and go lunch. The final prizes: First, Second, Third, Closest to the pin on multiple holes, and Longest Drive, were mailed to the winners.

Not the traditional tournament, but you have to make changes to make things happen. I want to thank everyone that helped and made the tournament a success. I really appreciate all the vendors that stepped up and contributed to the tournament. I know this would have been an easy year to back out of sponsoring the tournament, but the support was outstanding.

We also had our annual skeet shoot at Bubba Jones’s farm with good attendance as well. The skeet shoot stayed the same as it is easy

to social distance outside, especially holding a shotgun. The shrimp was good as always, and a big thank you to Bubba and his hospitality.

Going into 2021 we are looking for new ways to keep social distancing and still have our meetings with good attendance. Jason Bradley of Memphis Country Club had a great idea of a site visit to his course. We will collect questions from other superintendents, equipment managers and assistant superintendents. These questions will be answered during the walkthrough of the maintenance facility and course. If a success I know other superintendents that would have us as well. We will have it at the beginning of the year while things are still slow. We will try and have our normal meetings in the summer but only time will tell if it will be in person or not.

Andrew Foster MAGCSA President

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GUEST COLUMN

What Exactly Is Expected?

By Neal Glatt, Managing Partner, Grow the Bench

K

nowing what success looks like is one of the most foundational needs we have at work. It often surprises people to learn that, on average, about half of all employees are not completely clear about what they’re supposed to be doing at work. Let’s explore why there is such a disconnect about expectations and how you can ensure your team is set up for success.

The first, and easiest, way to create clarity is around job responsibilities. Make a list of what you (or your direct reports) do on a regular basis. Start with a list of tasks and meetings, then consider areas of responsibility, and finally items that are required to be turned in to other people like time sheets, financial reports, or status updates. Then compare this list to the published job description. See all the discrepancies? It’s important that these get reconciled – either by rewriting the job description to be accurate or by modifying daily work to match the existing job description – in order to help set the tone for clarity around employee job functions.

The second area where we experience confusion on the job is in the arena of relationships. Who do I report to and who reports to me?

Most organizations today are actually matrixed instead of hierarchical, meaning that we often work in teams and report to multiple people over the course of a week, month, or year. This is actually an advantage because matrixed teams can achieve more and be more successful than organizations which have a simple, silo chain of command. However, it naturally opens the door to confusion. Who helps with career planning, team conflicts, pay discussions, or process questions? It could be multiple people and they may not be sure.

Third, there are many cultural expectations, or “unwritten rules,” which are definitely expected and rarely articulated. For instance, when I run meetings, I have an expectation that we have an agenda and begin 12

and end on time. I don’t tolerate people showing up even a minute late, and I’ll stop discussion in the middle of a sentence if we run out of time. When I work with a group, I share these expectations and ensure there is agreement. This way, there is never confusion about what are the expectations, or consequences for failing to meet them. Of course, my expectations may seem harsh to you if your work group, or your preferred style, is different. And that’s the point – the emotional expectations of how a team will function must be explicitly discussed and agreed upon because we all have different ways of working.

Now that it’s clear why, and where, there can be so much confusion about expectations on the job, it’s time to start fixing the problem. No matter your position, initiate both formal and informal discussions around expectations. It takes everyone on the team to engage and adjust to changes by having regular conversations to continually clarify what is expected of each person. But the research proves that teams who clearly know what is expected of them are more productive, cost-effective, and adaptive. And there is no easier way to increase productivity than through job clarity.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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FEATURE STORY

2020

YEAR IN REVIEW E

from TNTurfTwitter

ach new year brings a time of reflection on the one just passed, and for many, sets the stage for the goals and plans of the one newly begun. It’s ironic that just one year ago, so many entered 2020 with great expectations of personal and professional growth, lofty goals, maybe a little travel, fun and excitement, only to be reminded that our best-laid plans are at the whims of mother nature, fate, (mis)fortune… whatever you want to call it.

While none of us anticipated the path 2020 would send us down, the great spirit of innovation and resilience in the turf community has never been more evident than the last 12 months. From professors to distributors to golf course superintendents, sports field managers and their crews, each individual has adapted and pushed forward through difficult and uncertain times.

While we’re continuing to hone our response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic challenges, it is encouraging to reflect on how our industry has overcome so many obstacles to continue our essential operations.

Let’s take a look back on the year that was through the lens of #TNTurfTwitter

The year starts off right with an important update from Dr. Brosnan.

Tennessee turfgrass professionals came together for the annual conference in Murfreesboro.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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University of Tennessee Turfgrass students celebrate their accomplishments at GIS.

Your 2020 TTA Board began the year with committee assignments and big plans for the coming year.

In a sign of what was to come, PoaDay was the first Tennessee Turf event cancelled and converted to an online event.

While many were still scrambling to find ways to continue their work, leaders from TTA, TGCSA, TVSTMA, TGF, TGA and TNPGA came together to lobby state and local decision-makers to allow turfgrass management employees to continue to work, and to keep golf courses open.

Despite all in-person learning coming to an abrupt halt, the UT Turf Team did not rest. In just a few short weeks, they created TN Turf Tuesdays, a series of timely online classes for turf managers in the state, which included CEUs and pesticide credits.

TGCSA’s Rounds 4 Research marched forward. Despite changes to golf course operations, many courses participated and over $18,000 was raised for turfgrass research and education in Tennessee.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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The grass doesn’t stop growing, and researchers find ways to forge ahead amid “the new normal.”

Though we had high hopes of an in-person event, the decision was made to conduct an all-virtual TTA conference.

While the format may have changed, the top-tier education did not!

Like turfgrass, weather is oblivious to the effects of a pandemic.

Staying on schedule with preventative products remains essential.

Wrapping up 2020 research by sharing findings.

After what seemed like decades, sports seasons began or resumed on fields across the state.

While we were happy to bid 2020 a not-sofond farewell, Tennessee turfgrass managers are sure to greet 2021 with the optimism and ingenuity they demonstrate in the face of any obstacle. #TNTurfTwitter

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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Pure Seed.............................................................. 21 www.pureseed.com

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON TOM SAMPLES PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

FRANK TURNER General Manager, Tennessee Green Lawn and Landscape

How did you get into the turfgrass industry?

I started when I was in high school, I took a job at a golf course in Hendersonville at Bluegrass Country Club. I’d played golf before, I enjoyed the game of golf, and it was just an opportunity for a summer job, so I took that after graduating high school.

My freshman year in college, I was planning to major in forestry.

I noticed quite a few students in that program (this was the early 70s and I think everybody wanted to be in forestry), and it looked like the job market might not be that favorable after four years. I went and talked to the department head at UT and found out that they offered a program in turfgrass management, so I changed my major going into my sophomore year.

Dr. Lloyd Callahan was my advisor throughout my four years at UT, and I still remember speaking to him the very first time, asking him about job possibilities and what the program was like.

How did you start actually working in the business?

Dr. Callahan was instrumental in pretty much all of the golf course jobs that I got after I graduated from UT, indirectly or directly. He had encouraged me to apply for a scholarship from the Georgia Golf

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Course Superintendents Association, which was the Charlie Danner Scholarship, and I was fortunate enough to receive that award. I received that scholarship award and was asked to apply for the position of assistant superintendent at Capitol City Country Club in Atlanta.

I took that job, and I was there for about two-and-a-half years before moving back to Tennessee for a superintendent’s position at Graymere Country Club in Columbia, Tennessee.

I was in Columbia for about six years. In October of 1986, I took the superintendent’s job at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville and was there from 1986 to 1998. I’m thankful that I was given an opportunity with the Litton Cochran family here in Knoxville to form, build and supervise a landscape department. They were owner-operators of 31 McDonald’s restaurants in and around Knoxville, and we worked exclusively for them and within their company, just maintaining their properties.

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club, Cashiers, N.C. October 2015, Frank Turner, Roger Frazier, Jeff Rumph. Frank’s son, Brock Turner, was the Assistant GC Superintendent at the time.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT In October of 2018, Mr. Cochran decided to retire, and he sold a number of his stores, but still kept nine of them. I had to make a decision on what I was going to do next, because nine stores was not going to keep myself, and four men that work with me, busy 40 hours a week. Mr. Cochran and I talked it over and with his financial backing and his business and professional experience, we decided to form our own lawn and landscape company. We continue to maintain the nine stores that he still owns, and we have picked up additional commercial and residential accounts to build our business.

How has the TTA grown and changed over the years that you’ve been involved?

I have some great, great memories of TTA conferences and the association going back all the way to January 1981, which was my first TTA conference as a superintendent. In those days, Dr. Callahan was primarily responsible for the program, and we always had a great program, but one thing that was different from today is that we would have a banquet on either Monday or Tuesday night of the conference.

Everybody would come, you’d wear a coat and tie, they would have a social hour, an open bar that everybody enjoyed for the hour before the banquet. We got to spend time with each other, and then we’d have the banquet.

There’d be a few awards, usually just a scholarship to a student, they would announce the new board of directors, the new officers at the time. We also had entertainment after the banquet. There was one year there was a magician, one year there was a comedian. We had some country music and bluegrass performers come and entertain us. It was always interesting and exciting to see who was going to be the entertainment for the night. Another thing that was interesting or different was that the major companies would have a hospitality suite somewhere in the hotel. In those days we were in the Roadway Inn, down on Briley Parkway. On one of the upper floors, some of these companies would have hospitality suites and instead of going out to eat dinner, which we do now a lot of times, everybody would just jump on the elevator and go up to the sixth floor or wherever the suite was, and they would have plenty of stuff to eat and drink and there would be people standing out in the halls, the doors would be wide open and we’d just have a great time at those hospitality suites. There might even be a card game going on in one of the other rooms. Everybody stayed right there, and it was just a great time.

What would you say is the biggest change in the industry from the time you started managing turfgrass until now?

Certainly that when I was first getting into the industry, most of the courses in the south at that time probably had bermudagrass greens and they were slowly converting to bentgrass greens, because at the time bentgrass was a superior putting surface. Now we’ve gone almost a full 360 and we’re seeing more courses go back to bermudagrass greens because they’ve improved the varieties. There’s ultradwarf varieties that have great putting qualities and so we’re seeing a change because again even this transition zone where it’s difficult to grow cool season grasses in the summertime, it’s difficult sometimes to maintain warm season grasses in the wintertime, so it’s certainly a difficult place to grow grass.

I guess you’d say that how the grasses have evolved, how the industry has found new products to help manage these different grasses, that’s the change that I notice the most. Certainly another thing has been, when I think about disease management and diseases in particular.

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Frank Turner accepting the GCSAA Scholarship at the TTA conference in 1978.

Again when I was first working on a golf course with bentgrass greens, you were concerned with brown patch and Pythium, those were the only two diseases you were concerned with. Well now there’s a whole host of diseases you have to be concerned with. I don’t know if they just evolved over time or what, but the superintendents today have to really be on the ball to manage both bentgrass and bermudagrass because things have changed. I don’t ever remember seeing spring dead spot in bermudagrass fairways, or large brown patch in bermudagrass fairways, that’s all new. So superintendents today have to figure out how to maintain those grasses and deal with those diseases.

So that’s been the biggest change that I’ve seen.

What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the industry right now?

From what I’ve read, it appears to be that perhaps both universities as well as golf course and other people within the industry may be having difficulty with labor and manpower or getting students interested in that. Again, the whole industry is a very labor-demanding job, and I guess a lot of young people are not willing to put in that type of hard manual labor to do the work, so I would say that’s probably one of the biggest challenges facing the entire industry is labor in general.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT When you are not working or participating in education and TTA events, what do you do outside of work?

Now that I’m getting older, I like to just relax. I like to do nothing at all! I enjoy playing golf. I’m not a great golfer, I’m probably bogey golf, occasionally I will have a good round or two. I’m fortunate, again, to work with Mr. Tom Cochran, who is an avid golfer and we’ve been on some great golf trips together, so that’s probably my biggest thing that I enjoy is playing golf when I get a chance to. I enjoy relaxing at home, my wife and I spending time together to go and visit – our sons are all three grown and out of the house – so we like to get an opportunity to go see them. Two of them live out of state and one of them lives in Nashville, so we like to go and visit them and spend time with family.

Receiving the Tom Samples Turfgrass Professional of the Year is a great honor and you’re certainly in good company among previous winners, what does that mean to you?

It really means a great deal for me. Just the fact that it’s coming from the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. I’ve been involved in it for such a long period of time, and I’ve got so many great memories and I love attending the conference because I can get the opportunity to see friends that I haven’t seen in a long time.

I definitely think that it was appropriate that it was renamed from the TTA Professional of the Year to the Tom Samples Professional of the Year. He’s done so much for this industry and I even look back on my notes, and I remember this as well. We, as a Board of Directors, decided somewhere around 1990 or 1991 to begin offering this award.

I think Dr. Callahan was the first recipient and I’m not sure of the second, but I’m pretty sure Dr. Samples was the third recipient, and I know for a fact that I presented him with this award at the conference.

He and I have been great friends ever since he was hired, he’s always been there to help you or assist you or answer a question. Just the fact that you try to call him right now, and he’s somewhere else. He’s always on the road, he’s always out helping somebody, and he has been probably the greatest ambassador for the turfgrass industry in Tennessee that we’ve had.

What advice would you give young people just entering the turfgrass industry now?

Obviously, it’s not an easy job. I’m not sure it’s an old man’s job, it’s a young man’s job. But there are still people in our industry that are my age and older that continue to do the work. My advice to somebody coming in is to try to be sure that you make time to balance your life.

It’s not all work. It can easily be a 24/7 job if you let it. But I don’t think it has to be that way. I think you can balance your life where you’ve got

time to spend with family as well as time to be at work. And you’ve got to be able to let that job go when you get home. You can’t carry it with you and I’ve always tried to do that. Some people might not agree with that philosophy. But I just think that you’ve got to work when you’re there, and when you’re finished, just let it go. There’s only so many hours a day, you can only do so much work and then you’ve just got to let it go.

What has been your favorite or most surprising thing about being in the turfgrass industry?

The thing I value the most is the way members share ideas. If someone needs some help, at least from my end, I’ve always experienced this, I could call up another superintendent or another person in the industry and say, “Have you experienced this, have you dealt with it,” and everybody’s always willing to share information to help someone else.

I remember when I first became a superintendent in Columbia, it might have been a year or two in, but the Jacobsen distributor in Nashville was having a customer appreciation day or something so I went up there from Columbia and I met a couple of superintendents from Clarksville, some people may recognize the names, others may not. One of them was Harold Franklin, he was the superintendent in Clarksville, I think he may still be a superintendent at a course, I believe he’s in Georgia, but I’m not 100% certain. The other individual that was a superintendent was Nick Nicholson, and most people will know Nick from his years that he spent as a representative at Smith Turf & Irrigation. When I met the two of them, I described the golf course at Graymere, which at that time, I think we had irrigation on maybe four fairways, it was a single-line, center-line irrigation with quick couplers and there just wasn’t a whole lot there and I was trying to grow bermudagrass, trying to get more bermudagrass, establish the fairways and the two of them had similar situations at their courses in Clarksville. They shared with me what they did in terms of aerification of fairways, how much bermudagrass seed they were putting down, when they put it down, what fertilizer they added, all this stuff and they told me all this and I was able to incorporate a lot of their ideas into programs I was doing at Graymere. That’s just one example of how people share ideas and are willing to help someone else down the road. So that’s the thing I value most in this industry.

We would like to thank Frank Turner for his years of service and dedication to the turfgrass industry and to TTA. To hear the full interview, visit https://theturfzone.com/podcasts/

Family photo; Amanda (daughter in law) and Brock Turner, John Turner and girlfriend, Sarah Curtis, Rob Turner, Judy and Frank Turner (December 2019)

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

TTA THROUGH THE YEARS In 2012, Frank Turner penned a series of columns for Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine. He was asked to share a history of the association and some of his own memories of conferences in years past. These are some highlights from his recollections.

Here are a few interesting facts from the first three conferences:

THE FIRST CONFERENCE, as noted earlier, was held at the Andrew Johnson Hotel in Knoxville in

1967.

THE SECOND CONFERENCE, was held in Nashville at the Andrew Jackson Hotel

In 1990, a motion was approved at the Annual Meeting, to “give a yearly award to someone with high achievement in the Turfgrass Industry and/or distinguished service to our association and industry.” That award became the Professional of the Year.

The buffet banquet, awards, and entertainment were the highlights of the conference, and to be sure everyone was in the right frame of mind, there was a reception with liquid refreshments prior to the banquet. TTA’s Board of Directors had an entertainment committee whose sole responsibility was to come up with some form of entertainment for the banquet. I can remember a magician, a country/bluegrass band, and a comedian whose act much more x-rated than anyone anticipated!

Without a doubt, the most “entertaining” entertainment was the famous Mouse Race.

Dr. Tom Samples was new to our association and had been appointed to chair the entertainment committee.

Wanting to come up with something new and different, Tom proposed an entertainment act that no one had heard of before – The Mouse Man! I have no idea where Tom found this guy, but for a set fee, The Mouse Man would bring his mice and a 15–20 ft. oval racetrack, and stage a series of mouse/mice races similar to dog races. The Mouse Man would race four or five mice at a time, staging several heats with the winner of each heat advancing to a final race. The racetrack even had some hurdles and obstacles for the mice to negotiate.

TTA members were given monopoly money to wager, and at the end of the races, whoever had won the most, was given a prize.

AND THE THIRD CONFERENCE was held at the Sheraton Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

One of the topics at the first conference was “Poa annua Control in Bentgrass Greens.” One of the directors elected at that first conference was Mr. Buck Allison, a Sod and Seed Contractor from Kingston Springs, just outside of Nashville. In later years, Mr. Allison would be instrumental in helping the TTA secure legislative funding for Dr. Samples’ position at UT. Two topics at the 1968 conference were “Spring Dead Spot” and “Thatch Control in Bermudas and Zoysias”. It’s interesting how these early topics are still relevant today.

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The biggest obstacle, however, was getting The Mouse Man, his track, and the mice into the hotel and conducting the race without the knowledge of the hotel staff.

I’m sure they would not have approved of mice in their hotel! As it turned out, we got the track set up, and everything was ready as soon as the banquet finished.

There was only one problem – Tom could not find The Mouse Man. Fortunately, someone found him. He was taking a smoke in the restroom – but he wasn’t smoking tobacco. Somehow, Tom got him to the track, and the race was on! We had a great time, and I think our executive secretary, Donnie Callis, ended up the big winner.

I can’t recall any entertainment that ever topped that.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

In 1968, when cigarette advertising on television had yet to be prohibited, Phillip Morris introduced a brand of cigarettes marketed to women called Virginia Slims. Its slogan was, “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby.”

I think the same can be said of the TTA and the turf program at UT – You’ve come a long way, baby!

This was Frank Turner’s President’s message from twenty-five years ago, the August 1987 newsletter: There was a young man who grew grass Who said he was having a blast Then one day the cops Examined the tops And threw him in jail on his ____!

“But sirs,” he exclaimed, “I’m the best If growing grass is the test.

I went to UT To earn my degree, And Callahan taught me the rest.”

“I think if you’ll look a bit closer, You’ll see that my grass is quite kosher.

The leaves you observed Were being preserved To include on my schoolyard “weed” poster.”

I’ve started this, now I can’t stop If you think that I’m crazy, I’m not.

It’s just that these words Go sometimes unheard So I’ll leave you with just one more thought.

This organization is you And all the things that you do Your grass may be greener But don’t be a weiner Old dogs can learn tricks that are new.

– By Frank Turner

COVER STORY

Native and Natural Roughs

FOR SOUTHEASTERN GOLF COURSES

By Jay McCurdy, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mississippi State University

G

olf course designers and maintainers are increasingly interested in low-maintenance rough and natural areas. Labor shortages and maintenance costs are partially responsible for this trend. The general public’s growing interest in the environmental benefits of golf courses also contributes to the trend. Numerous sources establish the benefits of native and natural roughs. Although not discussed in length, benefits include:

• Aesthetics •R educed inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, equipment hours, and labor costs • Improved stormwater retention and runoff water quality • Temperature modification • Wildlife habitat inclusion

This article covers several important topics regarding native golf course roughs in the southeastern United States, including species selection, establishment, and maintenance.

Southeastern states share similar environmental and socioeconomic conditions that influence course design and play. These conditions,

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while not unique, distinguish southeastern golf course design and maintenance from that of other regions. For instance, many architects and aficionados desire the aesthetics of a links-style, fine fescue rough, but in the Southeast, this is rarely practical or sustainable.

The Southeast’s humid subtropical climate is characterized by warm and moist summer months. Annual rainfall can exceed 50 inches. Much of that rainfall occurs during the active growth period of warm-season plant species, which dominate the playing surfaces where golf is played year-round. Contrast this with the temperate oceanic climate of Scotland, for instance, where annual rainfall is roughly half that of the southeastern United States and the temperature range is ideal for cool-season species. For these reasons, species selection, culture of native areas, and expectations for golf courses in the southeastern United States should be soundly based.

It is important to differentiate native and naturalized species. Native plants originated locally and predate European settlement. Naturalized plants are not native but grow, reproduce, and maintain viable populations without human intervention. These definitions may seem academic, but an owner’s or architect’s specification of one or the other may have real and lasting consequences.

Natural areas in the southeast are not limited to grasses. They may be composed of trees, broadleaf forbs, sedges, and rushes. Each of these species plays an integral part in a healthy ecosystem.

Many American golfers and superintendents are familiar with the look of fine fescue roughs on links-style courses, such as Chambers Bay or Oakmont. Unfortunately, fescues often fail to persist in the mid to coastal Southeast and are rarely “low maintenance.” Despite the availability of many suitable native and naturalized grasses, superintendents are often unfamiliar with their characteristics.

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COVER STORY Tall Fescue

Native Warm-Season Species

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is common in golf course natural areas throughout the Southeast. It is a cool-season grass native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in many places outside of its native range. Many pastoral golf settings (Sweetens Cove, Old Waverly, and Jackson Country Club) have mixtures of tall fescue and the native warm-season grasses little bluestem and broomsedge. Tall fescue is only moderately drought tolerant compared to most warmseason alternatives; nevertheless, it persists well in much of the mid and deep South. As a cool-season perennial, it is best established in the fall. It tolerates relatively low mowing heights in the moderate climate of the Southeast’s transition zone but generally does not require mowing to propagate by seed, as seed heads ripen in midsummer. The further south one goes, the less tolerant of mowing it becomes. For this reason, it grows well in complex with other species but is difficult to maintain as a monoculture. Frequent reseeding is required if monoculture stands are desired.

Warm-season species predominate power line and transportation rights-of-way throughout the Southeast, and the golf course industry has renewed interest in including them in native roughs. This trend seems to have gained traction after Pinehurst No. 2 renovated mown rough in favor of wider fairways surrounded by penal vegetation and natural waste areas in 2011. There has since been a growing demand for that same aesthetic, unfortunately often without proper consideration of costs, plant availability, or agronomic practicality. What works in sandy Coastal Plains soils rarely works in the chalky prairie soils of the Black Belt or the red dirt of the Piedmont. Some species that work well across almost all southeastern environments are described on page 32.

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A tall fescue area at Alotian Club, Roland, AR; Superintendent Koji Mitchell.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org

COVER STORY Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is perhaps the most prevalent native warm-season species on golf course roughs in the Southeast. It tolerates most soil pH conditions and is relatively easy to establish from seed. Commercially available varieties and local populations may have different heights, plant vigor, and even color. When growing in rich soils as a monoculture, little bluestem can reach heights greater than 5 feet. Under typical conditions where it is paired with tall fescue or bermudagrass, however, its height may be less than 3 feet.

Bushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus) has a large fluffy inflorescence. It is common in open fields and waste areas of the southeast. It grows well alongside its equally as common cousin broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus). Both prefer acidic soils but grow well in almost all low-maintenance areas. These two species are challenging to propagate by seed because of a fluffy appendage that makes them difficult to spread or drill. If using a drill, it should be equipped to handle fluffy seed types.

Senesced little bluestem, Mossy Oak Golf Course, West Point, MS; Superintendent Brad Suggs.

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COVER STORY Other Native Species In addition to those previously mentioned, several warm-season grasses tolerate full sun, including purple muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), purple top tridens (Tridens flavus), wiregrass (Aristada

species), and prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). Height and biomass can be an issue with lowland and upland switchgrass (Panicum virginicum), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and indiangrass

The golden seed head of indiangrass.

A mixed native warm-season grass rough that contains spartina, bushy bluestem, wiregrass, and broomsedge, Preserve Golf Course, Vancleave, MS; Superintendent Stephen Miles.

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(Sorghastrum nutans), but they too can be attractive additions.

Very few native warm-season grass species thrive in shaded conditions, such as woodland margins. Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) or upland switchgrass can persist, but these plants reach heights of 6 to 8 feet.

Several native cool-season grasses can be used for maintaining green color and texture through winter. They include those that are less dense than tall fescue but mimic its height and texture. These may be planted in conjunction with other warm-season grasses or may be planted alone. Southeastern wildrye (Elymus glabriflorus) needs full sun. Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus) does well in partial shade.

Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis) prefers moist soil and partial shade. Riverbank wildrye (Elymus riparius) does well along creeks and rivers. Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrics), a woodland edge species, does well under deciduous trees.

In wetland margins, lowland switchgrass may be used, but this species may reach heights of 10 feet or more. Several spartina species, including prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinate), are common along the Gulf Coast of the Southeast. Hardy sugarcane (AKA Silver plume grass; either Saccharum alopecuroides or S. giganteum) is very tolerant of wet areas but plant height may be 8 to 10 feet.

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Keys to Establishment Vegetation control prior to tillage and planting is critical. Multiple applications of nonselective herbicides (typically glyphosate), sometimes a full year in advance, are necessary to control weeds like bermudagrass, johnsongrass, dallisgrass, and vasseygrass before seeded establishment.

While fall seeding is best for cool-season species like tall fescue, native warm-season grasses are typically seeded in the spring when soil conditions are warmer than 55 degrees.

Native grasses are slow to establish and require some additional consideration. It may take three or more years to reach a mature, dense stand. Weed control during this time may be aided by application of Plateau (imazapic), which is safe on many native warm-season species but will control most cool-season species, including tall fescue. Plateau will control young crabgrass and will suppress bermudagrass and dallisgrass but has little effect on broadleaved weeds. The exposed soil of slowly establishing native warm-season roughs is an open invitation for warm-season

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annual broadleaved weeds like Virginia buttonweed, tropic croton, chamberbitter, and poorjoe. A broadleaf herbicide like Crossbow (2,4-D and triclopyr) or NativeKlean (2,4-D and aminopyralid) is often warranted during the first few years of establishment.

Complicating weed control further is the fact that these native roughs can grow so tall that a standard boom sprayer cannot pass over them.

For this reason, a single nozzle boomless sprayer is sometimes required for lateseason applications.

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35

COVER STORY

Little bluestem area that has been mown midsummer to improve playability at Mossy Oak Golf Course, West Point, MS; Superintendent Brad Suggs.

Little bluestem, one week after burning in mid-December.

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Mowing and Burning Native and naturalized species propagate by seed. Golf course superintendents may leverage this characteristic to manipulate stand density.

Cool-season grasses disseminate their seeds during the summer. Warm-season grasses disseminate their seeds during the fall and winter.

Seed propagation relies upon open, exposed soil, which may be achieved by grazing, mowing, or burning. Tall fescue evolved under grazing pressure rather than seasonal burning, but mowing is a common substitute. Most species native to the southeast evolved under grazing or periodic burning, and thus mowing is a viable substitute.

For playability, one may wish to decrease plant density in natural areas so that golfers can find balls. This is achieved by mowing at suboptimal times. For erosion control or aesthetics, one may wish to increase plant density.

This is achieved by favoring the desired plant species. Most courses will strategically mow or burn parts, but not all, of their rough on an annual basis. For seed dispersal and increased stand vigor of native warm-season species, mowing or burning should occur when seed heads are ripe and plant material is senesced (dry and brown). The recommended mowing height for most natives is at least 8 inches.

Tall fescue tolerates relatively low mowing heights (~4 inches).

Many superintendents favor a mixed stand of tall fescue and native warm-season grasses like broomsedge and little bluestem. Shifting a population away from tall fescue and towards native warm-season grasses is easy to achieve with winter burning followed by two applications of Plateau (in roughly April and June).

Alternatively, introducing cool-season species with fall seeding of tall fescue or native coolseason grasses can be aided by suppressing the growth of native warm-season species with summertime mowing.

Flowering Plants and Pollinator Habitat Introduction of flowering plant species is rarely discussed in context with establishment of biodiverse golf course rough. The topic deserves its own essay, but the same techniques mentioned above may be used to favor the seeded establishment of pollinator-friendly forbs and wildflowers. These species are far less tolerant of the herbicides mentioned thus far. In fact, Mississippi State University

research indicates that very few herbicides are safe across the typical species found in southeastern flora. The ACCase-inhibiting herbicides, like Fusilade (fluazifop), Poast or Segment (sethoxydim), and Acclaim (fenoxaprop), that control grasses, are useful during the

establishment of broadleaved species and can be applied at rates that allow tall fescue and most native warm-season grasses to recover. Halosulfuron (Sedgehammer, Manage, Prosedge, etc.) is useful for sedge control and is safe across most grass and forb species.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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COVER STORY Controlling annual broadleaf weeds within mixed grass and forb areas relies upon spot treatment for control, but low rates of Image (imazaquin) or Basagran (bentazon) are moderately tolerated by established stands of many flowering plant species.

There are two approaches one might choose to establish pollinator habitat in native and natural roughs of the southeast: 1) Pollinator refuge “islands”. These islands would intentionally be forbs rather than grasses. Start clean. Prepare a seed bed by controlling all vegetation and tilling prior to seeded establishment of a seed mixture.

This will result in more uniform density. Grasses can be kept at bay using repeat applications of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides. 2) Mixtures of grasses and forbs. These mixtures mimic what naturally happens in prairie environments of the southeast. Experience suggests that starting forbs in established grass is easier than trying to establish grasses and forbs simultaneously. This is because of the need for herbicidal control of many weeds during the early establishment

period. A better strategy may be to establish native/naturalized grasses in years 1 and 2 then thin grasses mechanically or chemically to interseed flowering forb species in spring of a subsequent year.

Parting Thoughts Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. These areas require a unique skillset, trained labor, specialty equipment, and knowledge.

Native and natural areas are penal. Owners, architects, and other stakeholders should be involved in course design and the development of a strategy that leads to long-term success. That strategy should include flexibility and patience. This long-term approach can be aided through signage and written communication that educates golfers and helps our colleagues in the pro-shop. Most importantly, enjoy the process. These areas are fascinating to watch as they ebb and flow throughout the seasons.

CITATIONS: Richard, Michael P., Jesse I. Morrison, and James D. McCurdy.

“Effects of preemergence herbicides on establishment of little bluestem and sideoats grama golf course rough.”

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THE TURFGRA SS TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE José Javier Vargas Almodóvar Research Associate II Turf & Ornamental Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @UTweedwhisperer

Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-8603 jbrosnan@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @ UTturfweeds

Frank Hale, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 fahale@utk.edu ag.tennessee.edu/spp

Tom Samples, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Extension The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-2595 tsamples@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ tnturfman

John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ Drjohnstier

Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @gbreeden1

Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu @ DicksonTurf

Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ UTturfpath

John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ sorochan

Alan Windham, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 https://ag.tennessee.edu/spp/ @ UTPlantDoc

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 © 2021 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. 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, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

POWER UP YOUR SOIL.

Take your Lawns to the

Level

It’s never too early to start planning for N-Ext season.

Concentrate

Concentrate

Soil & Plant Formula

Concentrate

0-0-5

Pro Directions For Use

SHAKE WELL!

CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 6.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) 3.0% Sea Kelp Extract (Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum) (Microbe food) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 91.00% Water Purpose Statement: Adds humic acid to the soil.

May increase micronutrient uptake.

May increase microbe food.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html http://aapfco.o Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com SDS & Labels F2735

Fertility Forward®

1.0 gal = 8.7 lbs at 68° F

□

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Do not exceed 3 ounces when daytime temps are above 85 degrees.

Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 3 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough water to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than a 7:1 dilution with water. wate Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext RGS™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext RGS™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, ove herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect on the populations of soil organisms.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms.This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

Slow Release Liquid Nitrogen plus Micronutrients

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen (N).....................26.0% 13.2% Urea Nitrogen* 6.4% Ammoniacal Nitrogen 6.4% Nitrate Nitrogen Boron (B)...................................0.02% Iron (Fe).....................................0.4%

Derived from: Urea, Ammonium Nitrate, Ferrous Sulfate *13% urea nitrogen stabilized with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Pro Directions For Use

SOLUBLE POTASH (K2O)..............5.0%

SHAKE WELL! The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

Warm Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 16 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage.

Cool Season Turf: Apply at a rate of 20 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft.

Mix with water at a minimum 10:1 dilution. Apply directly to foliage.

ALSO CONTAINS NON-PLANT FOOD INGREDIENT(S): 8.0% Humic Acids (Derived from Leonardite) Purpose Statement: May increase micronutrient uptake.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

Information regarding the contents and levels of metals in this product is available on the internet at http://aapfco.org/metals.html

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service. Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Derived from: Potassium Hydroxide

Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 1-855-606-3378 ▪ greenecountyfert.com F2735 SDS & Labels

Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.

Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.

Caution: This product contains the secondary micronutrient iron. Iron may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces. Apply only to turf and soil.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact immediatel with skin or eyes flush with water immediately.

SDS & Labels: Manufactured and Guaranteed by Greene County Fertilizer Company, Inc. ▪ P.O. BOX 1346, Greensboro, GA 30642 ▪ 1-855-606-3378 ▪ GreeneCountyFert.com ▪ F2735

□ net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5.0 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

1.0 gal = 10.7 lbs at 68° F

SHAKE WELL!

Compatibility: These concentrated materials are compatible with most fertilizers and chemicals but should not be mixed directly with other chemicals. Conduct a jar test as needed to ensure compatibility before tank mixing. Mix in spray tanks with water and proper agitation. Apply in accordance with best management practices (BMP’s) established by your Cooperative Extension Service.

Observe any State or Local fertilizer application regulations.

Do not apply near water, wate storm drains, or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected.

Apply this product only to your lawn/garden, and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk, or street back onto your lawn/garden.

Caution: Apply only to turf, plants, and soil. If plants are flowering, apply to base of the plant to avoid staining of blooms. This product may stain concrete, wood and other pervious and impervious surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children. If product comes in contact with skin or eyes immediatel flush with water immediately.

Fertility Forward®

1.0 gal = 8.1 lbs at 68° F

Fertility Forward®

Pro Directions For Use Tank Mixing: Apply at a minimum rate of 6 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. and a maximum rate of 9 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. Dilute with enough liquid to cover 1 acre. Do not apply with less than 7:1 dilution with water. Apply in spring or fall; however, liquid aeration can be done anytime during the growing season. Product is safe for use on all turf types and ornamental plants.

Product is intended to be used as an additive to current fertilizer program.

The mixed product should be agitated prior to and during application.

MIXING WITH FERTILIZERS: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with liquid fertilizers.

Apply in this order: 1) Water, 2) N-Ext AIR-8™, 3) Water Soluble or Liquid Fertilizer.

Mixing with Pesticide, Herbicide or Fungicide: N-Ext AIR-8™ can be mixed with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and applied. We recommend the following: Use the product within 24 hours of mixing products (especially with fungicides). Do not over-apply pesticides, herbicides or fungicides as they can have an adverse effect e on the populations of soil organisms.

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Product will store for 2 years under warehouse conditions.

□

net volume 2.5 gal (9.5 l)

□

net volume 5 gal (18.9 l)

□ net volume 275 gal (1041.0 l)

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Seller warrants that this product consists of the ingredients specified and is reasonably fit for the purpose stated on this label when used in accordance with directions under normal conditions of use. No one, other than the officer or Seller, is authorized to make any warranty, guarantee, or directions concerning this product. Because the time, place, rate of application and other conditions of use are beyond Seller’s control Seller’s liability from handling, storage and use of this product is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price. Buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and use not in accordance with label instructions.The product names are registered trademarks of Greene County Fertilizer Company, Compan Inc.

Fertility Forward® MFR/HQ: Greensboro, GA Orlando, FL • Salt Lake City, UT

High Performance Plant Nutrients Fertilizers ▪ Specialty Products Soil Amendments MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT & SAVE GreeneCountyFert.com

Distributor of Lawn and Ornamental pest control products • EOP

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

39

Your Best Fall Offense For Turf Defense

CIVITAS TURF DEFENSE™

Fungicide, insecticide and plant protection product for turf on golf courses, sports & athletic fields.

Fall and winter hit turf hard. Maximize your turf’s ability to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses, and start spring with a stronger, greener course.

Don’t wait. Applying CIVITAS TURF DEFENSE in the fall primes your turf to increase stress tolerance throughout the fall and winter months, leading to improved spring turf quality. Experience the true benefits of plant protection by including CIVITAS TURF DEFENSE as part of your fall application program.

Leaf Spot Prevention Large Patch Prevention

Why it’s time to Rethink Green with CIVITAS TURF DEFENSE • LESS WATER, LESS STRESS: Reduce water usage by up to 25%.

• SEE SPRING SOONER Prevent and improve regrowth from winter damage.

• BACKED BY OVER A DECADE OF SUCCESS For 10 years, we’ve proudly maintained excellent turf quality and durability.

Delayed Dormancy Earlier Spring Green Up Advanced Spring Playing Conditions

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS

Visit civitasturf.com for additional research and Distributor information.

MAXIMIZED TURF QUALITY

•

ENHANCED IPM EFFICIENCIES

™Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under license. ™ Owned or used under license © 2020 Hollymarks, LLC used with permission by HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing, LLC.

• IMPROVED DISEASE CONTROL