The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Field Management Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
TO SAFE AND PLAYABLE MAINTENANCE IS KEY
Natural and Synthetic Fields
Plus, Year-End Wrap-Up: REFLECTING AND PLANTING SEEDS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
September 22 marked the first day of fall. Football season is upon us. Before too long, soups and chilis will be served and we will all wonder where the warm weather went. In the meantime, make sure you are preparing your turf and equipment for the fall. Sharpen those reels for your first ryegrass cut. Tune up your small equipment, blowers, and vacuums for leaf removal. The time is here.
In September, torrential rains from Hurricane Helene pounded the northeast part of our state. Many have lost everything including their lives. Check on one another from time to time. You never know when that call can make someone’s day.
Your Board of Directors are finalizing the agenda for another great conference and tradeshow. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please let us know. In the meantime, invite a friend to attend the conference. You never know where it may lead. I look forward to seeing you in a few months.
Ryan Storey
TTA President
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 6, 2025
2025 TTA Conference & Trade Show Embassy Suites / Murfreesboro, TN
JANUARY 12 – 16, 2025 2025 SFMA Conference Palm Springs, CA
FEBRUARY 1 – 6, 2025
2025 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show San Diego, CA
TIFTUF EARNS SMART APPROVED WATERMARK IN U.S.
When it comes to turfgrass, TifTuf Bermudagrass is the first and only cultivar to pass the rigorous standards and receive the Smart Approved WaterMark designation. New to the U.S., the Smart Approved WaterMark has provided a trusted system of identifying water conservation products in Australia for 20 years.
The Smart Approved WaterMark is described as an “independent assessment certification process providing assurance for consumers, businesses and the water industry that the branded, certified products and services are water efficient, sustainable and fit for purpose.” Recognized for their effective promotion of water conservation products and programs since 2004, this distinction was recently expanded beyond Australia thanks to The Water Conservancy and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
The Water Conservancy has been the key advisory hub for the adoption of improved water stewardship products in Australia. Likewise, the Alliance for Water Efficiency is dedicated to water conservation efforts across North America. Many of the products licensed in Australia have parent companies in the U.S., so this expansion is a great fit.
TifTuf has been posted on the Smart Approved WaterMark product website for years. It is described as “incredibly drought tolerant and water efficient, proven by extensive independent turf trials. TifTuf is a grass that has been bred to stand up to drought conditions and save you water.” In fact, TifTuf Bermudagrass drought resistance and increased water efficiencies makes it genetically superior to other bermudagrass cultivars. This University of Georgia bred turfgrass has over 25 years of research data, backing up its conservation qualities and 38% reduction of water use compared to the most commonly used bermudagrass.
The U.S. has the EPA WaterSense program to evaluate select water efficiency products, but it does not evaluate or promote drought tolerant plant materials. By having the Smart Approved WaterMark initiative, consumers and local leaders can choose water conservation efforts in North America that further encourage increased efficiencies.
In addition, because TifTuf is a proven drought tolerant turfgrass, it is referenced as such in the Water-Wise Landscape Guide for the Georgia Piedmont for reduced water use in landscape planning. Promoted by the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District and the University of Georgia Extension Service, this document educates consumers on water conservation when planning a landscape project, further cementing the importance of U.S. designation.
The Smart Approved WaterMark is a respected label that helps consumers choose water efficiency. Work by a seven-member Technical Expert Panel is utilized to evaluate applications from product manufacturers and service providers. The panel meets three times a year to independently assess those wanting to receive accreditation. There are currently 87 approved certifications across various categories, including turfgrass, irrigation, garden, pool and spa, car washing, plumbing, greywater, and bathrooms.
TifTuf turfgrass and 36 other outdoor water use efficiency tools and technologies, such as sprinkler systems, irrigation controllers, timers and more have earned the label. Product manufacturers that have received the Smart Approved WaterMark endorsement are allowed to use the logo and are recognized on the website.
Saving water is good stewardship. Product advancement helped lead the way, but improved plant breeding by the University of Georgia, and perhaps others, is the new horizon. TifTuf is pleased to have this Smart Approved WaterMark as a validator of water efficiency and delivering on data driven conservation innovation.
The complete list of approved products in this program is available at www.smartwatermark.org
Beard Equipment Back Cover www.beardequipment.com
BuySod / SodStarPro 32 www.sodstar.com
BWI Companies, Inc. 37 www.bwicompanies.com
Coosa Valley Turf Farms 9 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com
Corbin Turf & Ornamental Supply 13 www.corbinturf.com
Crossroads Sod Farm 29 www.csfsod.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 23 www.greenecountyfert.com
Kesmac 14 www.brouwerkesmac.com
McCurdy Sod Farms, LLC 17 www.mccurdysodfarms.com
Mid-Atlantic STIHL 21 www.stihldealers.com
North Georgia Turf Company, Inc. 19 www.ngturf.com
Poinsett Turfgrass Company 9 www.poinsettturfgrass.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. 17 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Regal Chemical Company 3 www.regalchem.com
Sigma Organics, Inc. 23 www.SigmaTurf.com
Smith Seed Services 6 www.smithseed.com
Smith Turf & Irrigation 5 www.smithturf.com
Sod Solutions 27 www.SodSolutionsPro.com
Southern Seeds, Inc. 25 www.southernseedsinc.com
Super-Sod 7 www.supersod.com
Sur-Line Turf, Inc. 34 www.surlineturf.com
The Aquatrols Company 23 www.aquatrols.com
The Turf Zone 38 www.theturfzone.com
The Turfgrass Group 11 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
Tri-Turf Sod Farms Inside Back Cover www.triturfsod.com
Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. 34 www.turfmountain.com
Winstead Turf Inside Front Cover, 25 www.winsteadturffarms.com
59 th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW
Since 1965, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has held strong to its core mission: To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research. We invite you to join us at this year’s conference and trade show at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro. This year’s conference features an excellent education program and an expanded tradeshow floor, plus our annual Stars of the Industry awards recognitions! This is a conference you will not want to miss!
REGISTRATION
Registration available online by clicking the links at: ttaonline.org/event
Everyone is encouraged to register early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
The TTA has reserved a block of room at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro until December 1. After December 1, reservations will be subject to availability and regular rates. The TTA rate is $174. Please call (615) 890-4464 to make your room reservation and reference The Tennessee Turfgrass Association group code TTG.
LOCATION
The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. From I-24 East or West take exit 76 Medical Center Parkway. Head north on Medical Center Parkway, hotel is located on the right. It is located 29 miles (35 minutes) from the Nashville airport (BNA). You may reach the hotel by calling 615-890-4464.
PESTICIDE POINTS
Applications for pesticide points will be submitted to Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Mississippi.
GCSAA CONTINUING EDUCATION
This program will be submitted for GCSAA continuing education.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing. They may be emailed to info@ttaonline.org. Full refunds will be made if written notice of cancellation is received on or before December 1, 2024. After December 1, 2024, and prior to December 13, 2024 one half of the per person fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after December 13, 2024. The association has to provide all food guarantees to the hotel on December 13 and is no longer able to lower those numbers.
Substitutions are always welcome.
Experience Superior Turf with TifTuf ®
In just seven years, TifTuf®’s installation of over 2 billion square feet has saved more than 48 billion gallons of water. It’s the only Bermudagrass to top National Turfgrass Evaluation Program trials 93% of the time, far ahead of Tahoma at 73%. Recognized for its drought tolerance, TifTuf® is the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s standard for future university testing and has earned the #1 ranking in the USDA/NTEP ET-Based Water Deficit Research Trial.
TifTuf ®’s water efficiency has garnered numerous awards, including the Smart Approved Water Mark from Australia’s Water Services Association, the Georgia House and Senate’s Extraordinary Water Conservation award, and the
Georgia Association of Water Professionals’ Water Wise Award. It’s also named the Turfgrass of Choice by Southern Living Inspired Communities.
TifTuf® is the most produced proprietary Bermudagrass globally, with more produced in the U.S. than all other varieties combined worldwide. It is the preferred choice for new golf courses, sports fields, and residential and commercial landscapes, and it’s the only Bermuda
sold through Home Depot and Lowe’s by Harmony Outdoor Brands.
While others check boxes, TifTuf® redefines them. Experience the exceptional quality and innovation of TifTuf® turfgrass.
PESTICIDE SESSION INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Monday January 6, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
You must pre-register for this class no later than December 1, 2024. You cannot register for this the day of the program. If you have not pre-registered, you will not be able to attend this class.
Learn all you need for the Category 3 exam required to be a certified applicator in TN. At the end of the session, all individuals have the opportunity to take the exam.
REGISTRATION FEES
The registration fees for this session are $225. These fees include instruction, session materials, lunch and the exam.
REGISTRATION
Please complete the registration form (including the email address of the registrant). You must pre-register for this session no later than December 1.
Thank You for Your Support !
2024
59th Annual Conference & Tradeshow
January 6 8, 2025 | Embassy Suites, Murfreesboro, TN
Exhibiting and Sponsorship Opportunities
Listing in Official Conference Program
Sponsorship ribbons attached to name badge of each company representative attending
Special Recognition in Tennessee Turfgrass magazine x
Recognition on Conference Agenda
Advertisement on TTA webpage from November 2023September 2024
Acknowledgement on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
Recognition on all 2024 TTA Conference & Tradeshow emails
Recognition on all TTA emails from November 2024September 2025
Opportunity to distribute promotion item with your company logo at on-site registration desk (promotional items to be provided by the sponsor - i.e. pens, bags, mugs, hats, etc. )
Recognition During Conference Welcome
Promotion During Breaks on Looped Slides
CONTACT INFORMATION
Company Name
Representative to Contact:
Mailing Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Email
January 6 - 8, 2025
Embassy Suites Hotel
Murfreesboro, TN
Submission of this registration form to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association constitutes your commitment to serve as an exhibi tor and your agreement to pay exhibitor fee.
SAFE AND PLAYABLE MAINTENANCE
Natural and Synthetic Fields is Key to
By Glenn Lucas
Summer heat, an active hurricane season, fall weather transition, torrential rains… in recent months, Mother Nature has presented us with many challenges we can’t control, but the following paragraphs will discuss things we can control when working to provide the best athletic field surfaces for athletes’ performance and safety.
Maintenance is a major factor in keeping athletic fields safe and playable for athletes and weekend warriors once they step on your fields to compete for championships, trophies, rings… you get the picture. If fields are deemed unsafe and unplayable, it becomes our responsibility as field managers to take all necessary measures, within our control, to ensure their safety. This applies not only to natural turfgrass fields, but also to synthetic (artificial) fields, which are found not only in major cities but also in rural communities.
Maintenance is essential for all types of fields, whether they are natural or synthetic, although the methods differ for each surface. In 1998, when I started in the industry, most of the athletic fields were natural with very few AstroTurf fields. In 2024, there are still more natural fields, but synthetic fields are quickly becoming a reality in cities across the country. So, with all this in mind, I will highlight some thoughts and ideas that can help make your fields better for your athletes and keep the fields safe and playable. These suggestions are not an all-inclusive list for maintenance, but some of these are the most often neglected in field maintenance practices.
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1. Soil Sample. A soil sample for sports fields is analogous to a person having a physical every year. By pulling cores and getting soil samples, you can discover what is happening on the field, as well as direct the fertility program for the upcoming season. Soil sampling allows you, at very little cost, to plan for the growing season and fertility calendar for your fields, as well as help you budget for the year. Recommendations are to have your soil tested in, or around, the same time each year. This enables an accurate analysis of the soil and prevents results being skewed with a recent application of lime or fertilizer. Samples can be tested at multiple independent laboratories across the USA, or you can send them to your local extension agent, and they can get the results. You can find state by state testing sites @ https://www. justpuregardening.com/state-by-state-list-of-soil-testinglaboratories/
2. Preemergent Herbicides are a form of chemical weed control which prevents germinated weed seedlings from becoming established. Why is this important? It allows your preferred turfgrass (typically Bermuda on sports fields) to thrive and flourish without any competition from weeds, or non-desirable plants. The question is often asked, “Can I apply a preemergent herbicide if my field is overseeded every year with Ryegrass?” Yes! You can use a preemergent, but read the label prior to applying and identify the window that is needed from time of application to the time of your overseed. For example, Dimension is one of several preemergent herbicides that has a window of 6–8 weeks before overseeding. If you miss the window and overseed too early, it can hinder your ryegrass from becoming established in the fall. As with any herbicide, pre or post, always read the label and follow the instructions exactly.
3. Aerification and Topdressing. These two cultural practices are some of the most overlooked and least utilized when managing sports fields. Waldo Terrell, former SEC turfgrass director, mentioned this in a turfgrass conference. “If you think you have aerified your field enough during the summer, then do it one more time.” Aerification can help the turfgrass reduce thatch buildup, reduce compaction, allow nutrients, water, and oxygen to get to the root system, and overall make your turf healthier. There are several methods to the process of aerifying: solid tines, core or hollow tines (deep or shallow), bayonet tines, needle tines, talon tines, etc. Whichever method you choose, the suggestion is at least once during the growing season, you need to core aerate and top-dress with a clean washed sand, USGA is
preferred. Topdressing your field after core aerating will allow the sand to move into the pore spaces created and allow for the water and nutrients to get to the roots with less resistance.
Along with aerification and topdressing, the process of Fraze mowing has gained momentum as a method of maintaining turfgrass. According to Advanced Turf Solutions website, Fraze mowing is a field renovation technique that removes thatch and organic matter build-up and leaves the strongest grass to regenerate. The process of Fraze mowing is the removal of the top layer of turfgrass which encompasses any weed seeds present in the thatch layer. It also helps shave down any high spots in the field creating a more level playing surface.
4. Mowing. Creating a dense healthy turf is the best herbicide that money can buy and mowing on a regular basis is the key to achieving healthy turf. Ideally you want to use a reel mower (Toro, John Deere, Jacobsen) that allows the turf to be mowed or cut between a bed knife and reel, scissor approach to cutting the blade of grass. A general rule of thumb is you do not want to remove more than 1/3 of the blade of grass each time you mow. Therefore, you will need to mow your field 3–5 times per week, depending on how much the grass is growing.
a. There are chemicals that can be used to help slow the growth of grass (plant growth regulators or PGRs.) They limit the vertical growth of the plant. If you decide to use PGR’s, be sure to follow the label and apply every 28 days during peak growing season.
b. As technology increases, the industry is seeing the influence of autonomous mowers, like the robotic vacuums that are used in many homes. The use of autonomous mowers allows you to save time. In the industry, some groundskeepers are using the mower during the offseason to minimize the footprint from the reel mower. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing like mowing a field and seeing the results of your work, but if you can save time and allow the robotic mower to cut the grass, it allows you to spend time elsewhere on, or around, your field, etc.
5. Fertility. Fuel is important to all living things, whether it be people, animals, flowers, plants, or turfgrass. Fertilizer is the fuel for your turfgrass. When choosing a fertilizer, you need to identify one thing: How long do you want the fertilizer to last? Once you determine the timeframe, you can then decide which fertilizer should be applied to your field. If you want a quick spurt of growth, you can use a 13-13-13, 21-0-0, etc., without any slow-release
components in the bag. This will give you quick green up and growth, yet it only is available to the plant for 2-4 weeks. If you want your fertilizer to last 8-10 weeks, then a 24-2-11 with 50% polymer coated urea will be needed. We have all heard that time is money, so, with the fertilizer you choose, you will pay for time in the cost per bag. Example, a bag of Triple 13 that lasts 2-4 weeks will cost less than a 24-2-11 that lasts 8-10 weeks. If you take the cost per bag and the cost of your time to apply the fertilizer, it will help you decide which is best for your field and budget in consideration to how long you want it to last. With any plant, a nice consistent feed during the growing season is ideal to provide dense healthy turf.
As mentioned earlier, synthetic fields are an ever-growing reality in the world of athletics and these fields are not maintenance free. They require maintenance and if not maintained properly, then they become unsafe and not very playable for the athletes. I have been involved in local municipalities that have installed synthetic fields ranging from entire fields to just the infield surfaces. I stressed to the board of alderman that yes, you can install synthetic fields, but are you as a city willing to invest to keep them safe for years to come? You don’t have to water, mow, fertilize, etc., on synthetic fields, but you do have to broom or brush them, as well as add infill material (crumb rubber, sand, etc.) Additionally, worn turf around Homeplate and the sliding areas around the bases or in front of the pitching rubber must be replaced. If you have a natural outfield and synthetic infield, the transition will have to be edged and maintained to allow for a smooth ball roll from one surface to the other.
As with anything in life, maintenance is the key to keeping fields, houses, cars, etc. in good or great condition. Being a turfgrass (field) manager, we should always keep safety and playability at the forefront of our minds. Making it a priority through daily, weekly, monthly and yearly maintenance practices, we can assure the fields to be ready for any athlete.
WINSTEAD TURF MATRIX
1. What is Matrix?
• Reinforced product grown at bottom of sand based profile
• Sprigged field to insure highest percolation rates
• Ready to Play product
2. Where is it used?
• High demand athletic fields: football, soccer, baseball, softball, and rugby.
• High traffic areas: Horsetracks, goalmouths, and tournament crosswalks.
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 © 2024 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.
Triple Threat Tall Fescue has an unbeatable resistance to Brown Patch and Gray Leaf Spot. The deep rooting ability gives it greater resilience under reduced irrigation during periods of drought. Triple Threat delivers a beautiful healthy turfgrass solution.
Reflecting and Planting Seeds for Future Success
By Kristina Kelly
As YEAR-END WRAP-UP
2024 draws to a close, business owners have a valuable opportunity to reflect on their achievements, learn from their challenges, and strategically plan for the coming year. Wrapping up the current year can set the stage for a prosperous and productive new year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you review, reflect, and plan for continued success.
REVIEWING THE YEAR
Financial Performance
The first step in your year-end review is assessing your financial performance. Compare your actual financial results to your initial goals and budgets. Identify areas where you exceeded expectations and areas where you fell short. Also, how did this year compare to past years? This analysis will provide insight into your business’s financial health and highlight opportunities for improvement.
Customer Feedback
Numbers are critical, but they are not the only way to gauge the success of your year. Gathering and analyzing customer feedback is crucial for understanding your business from the client’s perspective. Use surveys, reviews, and direct feedback to assess customer satisfaction. Identify common themes in the feedback for areas to improve upon next year.
Project & Service Outcomes
Review the outcomes of your completed projects. Assess project or service efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Reflect on what went well and what could have been better. This analysis will help you identify best practices and areas for improvement in your project management processes.
FINANCIAL WRAP-UP
Year-End Accounting
Closing out your books for the year is an essential task. Ensure all transactions are recorded and accounts are reconciled. This process prepares you for tax season and provides a clear picture of your financial status. Consider consulting with an accountant to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Expense Analysis
Analyze your expenses to identify unnecessary costs and areas where spending can be optimized. Look for patterns in your spending that may indicate inefficiencies. Reducing wasteful costs can significantly improve your bottom line and free up resources for more productive investments.
Cash Flow Management
Cash flow represents the movement of money into and out of your business, encompassing all your financial transactions. Maintaining a healthy cash flow is crucial as you move into the new year. Review your cash flow statements to ensure you have enough liquidity to cover your obligations. Consider creating a cash flow forecast for the upcoming year to anticipate potential shortfalls and plan accordingly.
Nashville Soccer Club opened the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States which made its inaugural debut in 2022.
Groundskeeper Adam Portenier fell in love with Latitude 36® Bermudagrass during his previous role at FC Dallas which led to the selection of this variety for the new GEODIS Park.
“You’re looking at five fields in the MLS with Latitude 36 and they’re probably all towards the top every year in quality and playability and coverage. You never see these fields beat up. I think just overall in this league Latitude is a very proven grass.”
– Adam Portenier, Groundskeeper, Nashville SC
Latitude36Bermudagrass
MARKETING REVIEW
Campaign Analysis
Evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. Analyze metrics such as lead generation, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). Determine which campaigns (mailers, social media, Google ads, etc.) delivered the best results and which fell short. Use this information to refine your marketing strategy for the coming year.
Brand Audit
Reflect on your brand’s growth and market presence over the past year. Assess how well your brand resonates with your target audience and stands out from competitors. Is that being well reflected in your marketing campaigns? Consider conducting a brand audit to evaluate your logo, messaging, and overall brand identity. A strong brand can drive customer loyalty and set you apart in a competitive market.
OPERATIONAL REFLECTION
Process Review
Analyze your operational processes to identify inefficiencies. Look for bottlenecks or redundancies that slow down your workflow. Streamlining operations can improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery. Consider implementing process improvements or adopting new technologies to boost efficiency.
Technology Utilization
Review the effectiveness of your tools and technology over the year. Determine whether they met your needs and provided value. Consider exploring alternative solutions if specific tools were underutilized or did not deliver expected benefits. Investing in the right technology can significantly enhance your business operations.
Employee Feedback
Collecting and reflecting on employee feedback is essential for creating a positive work environment. Conduct surveys or hold meetings to gather input on their experiences and suggestions for improvement. Employee satisfaction and engagement directly impact productivity and service quality. Addressing their concerns and implementing their ideas can lead to a more motivated and efficient workforce.
CUSTOMER SERVICE EVALUATION
Service Quality
Assess the quality of customer service provided throughout the year. Review customer interactions, response times, and overall
service standards. High-quality customer service is a critical differentiator in the landscape industry and can significantly impact customer retention and referrals. Were response times to customer issues slow? Explore ways to course correct in 2025.
Complaint Resolution
Review how complaints were handled and resolved. Identify any patterns or recurring issues and develop strategies to address them proactively. Effective complaint resolution can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates and enhance your reputation.
Loyalty Programs
Evaluate the success of any loyalty programs or customer retention strategies. If you don’t have one in place, start planning one for next year. Determine whether they effectively encourage repeat business and customer loyalty. Consider tweaking or expanding these programs to enhance customer satisfaction and retention in the coming year.
PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR Goal Setting
Establish realistic and actionable goals for the coming year. Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) that align with your long-term vision. Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation for your team.
Strategic Planning
Develop a strategic plan based on the insights gathered from your year-end review. Outline key initiatives, timelines, and resources needed to achieve your goals. A well thought out strategic plan serves as a roadmap for your business, guiding your actions and decisions throughout the year.
Sustainability Goals
How green can you be in 2025? Setting sustainability targets can appeal to eco-conscious clients and contribute to environmental preservation. Consider implementing practices such as using ecofriendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting energy efficiency. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but can also enhance your brand’s reputation and attract new customers.
CHEERS TO 2024!
Reflecting on the past year and planning for the future are essential steps for any landscape business owner. Thoroughly reviewing your financial performance, marketing efforts, operations, and customer service can identify areas for improvement and set the stage for continued success. Setting clear goals and developing a strategic plan will guide your actions and help you achieve your business objectives.
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
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
THE TURFGRASS TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Professor, The University of Tennessee Director – UT Weed Diagnostics Center 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 EJ Chapman Drive. Knoxville, TN 37996 Office: (865) 974-8603 tnturfgrassweeds.org weeddiagnostics.org mobileweedmanual.com @UTturfweeds
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu @DicksonTurf
Midhula Gireesh, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
The University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211 mgireesh@utk.edu (615) 835-4571
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
Becky Bowling, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist
The University of Tennessee 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 E.J. Chapman Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 974-2595 Rgrubbs5@utk.edu @TNTurfWoman
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
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
Nar B. Ranabhat, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211 (615) 835-4572 nranabhat@utk.edu @UTplantPathoDoc
GREEN ROOFS AND GREEN ROOF RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
By
Michael Ross, SITES AP, ASLA, Assistant Professor, Plant Sciences Department + School of Landscape Architecture, University of Tennessee and James D. Zimmerman, MLA Graduate Student, School of Landscape Architecture, University of Tennessee
Green roofs have been used for centuries to mitigate stormwater, insulate buildings, preserve architecture, and increase sustainability in the built environment. (Dunnett, 2008). Throughout Scandinavia and in the US Great Plains, sod, native grasses and forbs, and earthen roofs have been a traditional building material.
As a design element and constructional component, green roofs are well understood. Loading rates, water retention, architectural modification, and individual components can often be adjusted and optimized to meet specific outcomes. This flexibility allows variability across green roof systems that will be unique to each project. Green roofs help insulate buildings, reduce albedo (light and radiated energy reflectance), mitigate urban heat island effect, capture stormwater, and provide biological resource habitat.
The design-build firm Living Roofs, Inc. in Asheville, NC specializes in green roofs, and their founding partner and design principal Kathryn Ancaya, PLA, describes these installations as:
“…more than a decoration, green roofs are a powerful and effective tool for building regional resilience. Green roofs address significant climate challenges impacting our region, specifically: urban heat, biodiversity loss, and the damaging effects of stormwater runoff. A green roof also presents an opportunity to create multi-species habitat, restore native plant communities, and provide stopover sites for migratory species. Whether we are working on a brownfield site on the edges of Columbia, SC, a multi-story apartment building in downtown Asheville, or a tiny kiosk in a neighborhood park, we look to native plants and ecology for inspiration. Rooftops are an unlikely space for plants to grow and present a unique set of environmental conditions”
(K. Ancaya, personal communication)
There are three main types of green roof systems that allow for opportunities across a variety of conditions: extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive green roofs. For years now, extensive green roofs have done a fair job of meeting the basic green infrastructural needs of the built environment. They are reasonably light, mitigate stormwater, add thermal insulation to a building, and are adaptable enough to have decent survival rates. Sedums are typically the species of choice for extensive green roofs and are light enough that they are often the best option to retrofit an existing roof. Companies have even gotten to the point that they can pre-grow sedum trays that are then placed in sequence on the roof for an efficient and relatively inexpensive green roof. Extensive green roofs are relatively low maintenance once established.
Semi-intensive green roofs are similar to extensive green roofs as they are still lightweight and require relatively little specialized structural support. While this type of green roof still mitigates stormwater and adds thermal insulation, they have an additional ecological function. Instead of using sedums as the plant material, semi-intensive green roofs begin to incorporate low growing, lightweight grasses, forbs, and perennials. Using a diversity of these plant types allows for higher ecological function and ecosystem services by increasing genetic and structural diversity, organismal interactions, and aesthetic performance. The design-build firm Living Roofs Inc. project Camp Mending Heart (Figure 1) is a good example of a diverse semi-intensive green roof.
Figure 1. Camp Mending Heart green roof.
Image courtesy of Living Roofs, Inc.
Intensive green roofs require more structural support, higher initial investment, and more intensive maintenance. However, because they are intensive, these green roofs allow for larger and more complex plantings and typically provide an amenity space. They can even be experienced or programmed to serve as a garden or park. Intensive green roofs are occupiable for human use. The overall soil depth of intensive green roofs can range from 8" – 30", which requires greater structural support. Intensive green roofs tend to be much more expensive to design and install than extensive or semi-intensive roofs, yet tend to provide greater long-term benefits that include energy cost savings, extended roof lifespan, and increased property value.
Some landscape architecture firms, such as Living Roofs Inc., Omni Ecosystems, and Andropogon Associates have embraced green roofs as all or part of their work. Omni Ecosystems’ business model includes design and development of green roofs, such as Omni Ecosystems Headquarters (Figures 2, 3), and green roof products, such as Omni Infinity Material. The Omni Ecosystem Headquarters green roof includes a diversity of native plantings and an ADA accessible rooftop deck. Omni describes their Infinity Media as a “horticulture growing medium that is used as rooting substrate supporting plant growth in onstructure applications” (Omni Ecosystems, 2024).
Andropogon Associates include green roofs in several of their designed projects, such as U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, INCYTE Corporation, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Figures 4, 5, 6). During the construction of the SUNY green roof, Andropogon’s design team experimented with test plots on an adjacent building’s rooftop (Figures 7, 8). During this experiment, they tested several variables, including soil depth and planting mixture, that helped to determine the best strategy for vegetated areas of the planned green roof. These firms have been developing and researching green roofs in the professional realm for several years and have been the precedent for current green roof research occurring at the University of Tennessee.
Figures 2 and 3.
Omni Ecosystems Headquarters Green Roof. Images courtesy of Omni Ecosystems and Scott Shigley.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Design and research done by Andropogon Associates. Image courtesy of Andropogon Associates
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As part of the Living Systems Design Group, established within the Ross Lab at the University of Tennessee, green infrastructural applications are deployed and evaluated in terms of biodiversity, species richness, and ecological performance. At present, these applications serve as core elements of experiential learning and sources of scholarly outputs. Ecological systems that perform multiple services in designed and built environments that include green roofs provide interesting to study the impacts of climate change, species competition, succession, colonization, and occupation.
The Green Roof Experimental Lab at the University of Tennessee seeks to explore the ecological function, hybrid ecology, and ecosystem service production of green roofs (Figure 9). This project was made possible through collaboration with the Department of Plant Sciences, School of Landscape Architecture, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, and the UT Gardens. Experimental research is conducted on biodiversity and spontaneous plant colonization, mycorrhizal interactions, organic decomposition rates, organismal interactions, and aesthetic performance of roof systems that preference native plant communities. Green roof media was sourced from Omni Ecosystems.
Units were designed and constructed by students in the College of Architecture and Design and Department of Plant Sciences Sustainable Landscape Design concentration (Figure 10). Students were trained in Omni Ecosystem’s methodologies and green roof media establishment protocols. Units were designed to be mobile in case of emergency by skid-steer. The units aim to provide immersive teaching opportunities, a method for reducing ambient temperatures in built systems, a means of reducing stormwater runoff, create novel native habitats, improve air quality, reduce ambient noise, and to provide research opportunities (Figure 11). Green roof research is also in progress on the roof of the Sustainable Landscape Design concentration’s storage unit, where a native pocket prairie is being established. In 2009, a sedum green roof was installed.
Figure 9. Green Roof Experimental Lab units at the UT Gardens on the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture campus. Image courtesy of Ross Labs
Figure 10. Green Roof Experimental Units under construction by students.
Figure 11. Drawing proposal of Green Roof Experimental Units. Images courtesy of Ross Labs
Over the last couple of years, a decision was made to retrofit the storage shed roof with an ecologically diverse, functional pocket prairie. Old media was removed, and Omni Ecosystems media was incorporated to develop a hybrid system. Native species were interplanted into the existing sedum, creating a hybrid prairie and sedum system with approximately 17 different species (Figures 12, 13).
In 2024, the new Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) building on the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s campus will be completed. An intensive green roof is proposed to be built where additional research and design opportunities will continue to develop. As proposed, this green roof installation will support several different and ongoing program initiatives, including monitoring the performance of green roofs across time. The design proposal will contain an outdoor classroom, a multi-use plaza, green roof trial beds, and a weather and green roof monitoring station.
Green Roof research initiatives at the University of Tennessee stand at the forefront of advancing sustainable solutions for the built environment. Through collaborative efforts across disciplines and partnerships, with industry leaders like Omni Ecosystems, students and faculty are not only exploring the ecological functions and ecosystem services of green roofs, but also actively contributing to their evolution and innovation. The future of green roof research at the University of Tennessee will further enhance our understanding and application of green infrastructure for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Figures 12 and 13.
Sustainable Landscape Design storage shed and its new hybrid green roof.
Images courtesy of Ross Labs
Ancaya, K. (2024, March 7). Kathryn Ancaya quote.
Andoropogon Associates. (n.d.). SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Andropogon. https://www.andropogon.com/project/suny-college-ofenvironmental-science-forestry/
Andropogon Associates. (n.d.). Incyte Corporation. Andropogon. https://www.andropogon.com/project/incyte-corporation/
Andropogon Associates. (n.d.-b). U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. Andropogon. https://www.andropogon.com/ project/u-s-coast-guard-headquarters/
Archtoolbox. (2021, September 19).
Green roof systems: Intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. https://www.archtoolbox.com/green-roof-systems
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-green-roofs-reduce-heatislands#:~:text=Green%20roofs%20provide%20shade%2C%20 remove,effect%2C%20particularly%20during%20the%20day
Green Roof Technology. (2021, October 16). Intensive green roof. https://greenrooftechnology.com/ green-roof-finder/intensive-green-roof/
Living Roofs, Inc. (n.d.).
Camp mending heart: Single family :: Living roofs inc..
Camp Mending Heart | Single Family :: Living Roofs Inc. https://www.livingroofsinc.com/projects/camp-mending-heart
Omni Ecosystems. (n.d.).
Omni Ecosystems Headquarters. https://www.omniecosystems.com/portfolio/ omni-ecosystems-headquarters
Omni Ecosystems. (n.d.-b). Omni Rewild. https://www.omniecosystems.com/omni-rewild
SLD Living Systems Design [Ross] Lab https://sldlivingsystemslab.utk.edu
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