Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | January/February 2010
20 22 14 Cover Story
Words of Wisdom from VTC Leaders and Members 18 Feature Story How Many of These Faces Do You Recognize? (Special Quiz! Name That President)
20 Turf Talk Speaking of the Weather... The Abnormal Is Now The Norm
22 Turf Tips Good Ideas, Worth Repeating
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DEPARTMENTS 6 President’s Message
from Rick Viancour, CGCS
8 Director’s Corner
from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.
10 Editor’s Perspective
from Mark Vaughn, CGCS
12 VTF Report
from Betty Parker
26 Turfgrass Calendar 26 Index of Advertisers
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Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) 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, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright Š2010 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37068-0142, (615) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)
Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
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President’s Message
By Rick Viancour III, CGCS, VTC President
LOOKING BACK, with an Eye on the Future past two years, while I’ve served as president of the Virginia Turfgrass Council, have been both exciting and challenging for our association and our industry. The VTC has held several successful events — including educational programs for our members and prosperous fundraisers for turfgrass research — and we’ve carefully navigated our way around several prickly regulatory and legislative issues, some of which we are still continuing to monitor and influence. Only through the tireless efforts of our board and committee members, as well as those of our executive director, Tom Tracy, have we been able to stay on top of these many time-consuming and attention-demanding “projects.” I sincerely thank all of these dedicated turf professionals for their support and assistance to our organization, to our industry and to me. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my staff at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, including Greg Otto, Greg Galland, Randy Rogers, Angela Waltrip, Jhun Manaloto and Eli Pelaez. During the numerous times while I was away, attending various VTC meetings and functions, they picked up my slack and kept the club’s operations running smoothly. As I look to the future, I see again both exciting and challenging times ahead. While I’m passing the presidential responsibilities to an exceptionally knowledgeable and capable leader, Melissa Reynolds, I also realize that regulatory (and public) scrutiny of our industry and practices will only increase. Melissa and the VTC board of directors will most assuredly need the help our members, so if they call on you, please be willing to lend them a hand. Only by working together — each of us doing our share — can we overcome the obstacles that may come our way. When you serve an organization, believe me, you get back more than you give. This January, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our annual conference. That’s quite an achievement, and I’m honored to have contributed a small part in reaching that milestone. Please, join me in Fredericksburg, January 18–21, as we launch the next 50 years of the Virginia Turfgrass Conference.
The
UT PROSIM, Rick Viancour
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Cover Stor y continued Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com EDITOR Mark Vaughn, CGCS VTC OFFICERS President Rick Viancour, CGCS Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (757) 220-7489 Vice President Melissa Reynolds Dura Turf Service Corp. (804) 233-4972 Treasurer Brian Vincel, CGCS Spring Creek Golf Club (434) 566-2580 Past President Stephen Glass University of Richmond (804) 289-8605 VTC DIRECTORS Patrick Connelly Sam Doak Frank Flannagan Gil Grattan Vince Henderson Jeff Holliday, CGCS Rick Owens, CGCS Steve Smith VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. Erik Ervin, Ph.D. Rajandra Waghray, Ph.D. Rod Youngman, Ph.D. HISTORIAN John Shoulders, Ph.D. CSES Retired EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 681-6065 VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Betty Parker (757) 574-9061
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Director’s Corner
Moving in the Right Direction Requires
PURPOSEFUL NAVIGATION Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director
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ecently I was driving on a two-lane road in a large city that was new to me, when I entered a construction area and saw two road signs that conflicted with where I needed to go. One sign said, “Right Lane Must Turn Right.“ A few feet away, the other sign read, “Left Lane Closed.“ I needed to go straight. Of course it was dark, the traffic heavy, and there was a slight mist. I knew the direction I needed to go — straight ahead. Paying close attention to the signs and the traffic, I eased into the left lane and went past the intersection, where I promptly lost the right lane and continued another 200 yards until the left lane of traffic was diverted to the shoulder for a short distance, whereupon I regained both lanes. The meeting I was headed to that evening was with some VTC members, and I had an opportunity to speak with them about legislative issues affecting the turfgrass industry. Yes, we are facing challenging times with local, state and federal regulations and bills; however, we get through these times just as I drove through that construction. We focus on our mission, remain keenly aware of our surroundings and navigate purposefully. The mission of your council is “to unify efforts to promote turfgrass improvement and advancement of the turfgrass industry”. Our industry is a great one that has many facets, not the least of which is working to protect and preserve the environment. The value of turfgrass — long known to those of us in the industry — is being proven in scientific, peer-reviewed research. A recent Turfgrass Producers International newsletter summarized these studies. “Research over the last ten years has demonstrated that storm-water runoff from a healthy, relatively dense lawn rarely occurs, even on modest slopes... While the total quantity of runoff water is reduced, increased water infiltration also reduces runoff velocity, thereby reducing the amount of sediment carried in the runoff.” Our industry is under attack by people who do not appreciate the value of turfgrass. These people seem to forget that turfgrass is a plant and that plants make our lives on earth possible. We need to be aware of anti-turfgrass persons and not be surprised by their actions; they often initiate legislation and regulations against us. Some seek to remove all non-native plants from American landscapes. Our ongoing response is to educate and cooperate. When necessary, we get involved with the legislative process, both to support some bills and to oppose illconceived ones. Recently, three VTC board members — Frank Flannagan, Rick Viancour and Gil Grattan — spent many hours working with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation on nutrient-management issues. The hours were fruitful because the VTC has a history and a reputation in Richmond of doing the right thing for the environment and for the industry. How do we navigate purposefully? We do so by being mission-focused, by being aware of our surroundings and by constant movement in the right direction. Right direction is determined first and foremost by our mission. It is then “fleshed out” by our goals, objectives and strategies. These last three occur at the committee level and do not happen without members getting involved. Please consider getting involved with a committee. Your involvement keeps us moving in the right direction.
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Editor’s Perspective
Top 10 Reasons for Doing What We Do Mark Vaughn, CGCS Virginia Turfgrass Journal Editor
2009
was an interesting year now, wasn’t it? Not many reasons for those in the green industry, at least financial ones, for us to smile. Continuing budget reductions, escalating costs and flat rates of participation have most of us saying
“good riddance” to ‘09. If you’re a regular viewer of the seemingly endless supply of cable news networks or “talk” shows, or a listener of “talk radio,” or a reader of most any newspaper, you may be convinced that we’re on an unavoidable death spiral into the very depths of financial hell. Add to that another season of political campaigning (which has no end EVER if you live in the great Commonwealth of Virginia), and you may decide a healthy dose of propofol is just what the doctor ordered. A quick glance at my 401k might confirm that opinion, but I have a better strategy for dealing with all of this. Having long ago turned the channel to PBS, Palladia or Comedy Central, and turned my radio dial to Oldies or Classic Rock (satellite radio may not be far behind), I recently took the further step of canceling my newspaper. This, from a person who has been a daily reader of newsprint for 45+ years. The thing is, I didn’t do this as most have done — i.e., simply because I saw the paper as irrelevant in the age of the internet. Instead, I just couldn’t take the @#%& negativity anymore. I am on a campaign to remove as much of this crap as I can from my daily life, both externally and INTERNALLY. To steal a line from one of my favorite Dead songs: “I may be going to hell in a bucket, baby, but at least I’m enjoying the ride. At least I’m enjoying the ride.” In that spirit, and in honor of Mr. Letterman (who didn’t exactly have a banner year in 2009 himself), I offer the top 10 reasons for being in this crazy business. 10. Income-earning potential until you die. 52 weekends off is all the retirement any of us could stand. 9. People always telling me, “You’ve got the greatest job. On a golf course all day. I bet you play a LOT of golf!” 8. Shorts in the summertime. 7. No cubicles. 6. Never have to worry about managing second homes. 5. November – February, life as the other 99.9% of the population know it. 4. Walking past all the other “patrons” in line to our special gate at the Masters Tournament. 3. Never have to worry about traffic on the way to work. 2. Listening to your banker buddies whine about some great course they haven’t played and saying, “Oh yeah, I’ve played it. TWICE.” 1. The smell of Dursban in the morning. Oh yeah. And being a part of any organization that has survived FIFTY YEARS!! Thank you, thank you, and congratulations to all past and present members of the VTC for your hard work, support and perseverance.
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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
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VTF Report
————— WE’RE —————
CELEBRATING
AN ANNIVERSARY, TOO!
—————————————————— Betty Parker VTF Manager
As
the Virginia Turfgrass Council celebrates the 50th anniversary of its turfgrass conference, the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation celebrates its 21st year as an independent corporation. In 1988, acting on the direction of the VTC’s board of directors, Dick Fisher (who was then president of the VTC), Gus Constantino (VTC vice president) and Peter Connelly (VTC past president), along with 4 appointed directors (Sheldon Betterly, Robert P. Ruff Jr., Omer Henry and Ken Giedd), formed the first board of directors for the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation. It was formed to operate exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. Its purpose was — and still is — to further study and fund research related to turfgrass and its environment. Since its inception, the VTF has worked toward establishing an endowment that would be used for the support of turfgrass research in Virginia. To do this, the Foundation directs its efforts in the following basic core areas: • Fundraising • Research Proposal Review • Information Management • Virginia Tech Activities and Extension Education • Finance The Foundation deals almost exclusively with raising funds for and promoting turfgrass research in the state of Virginia. The dollars we raise for this research come from you, the turfgrass industry. Local turfgrass associations within our state such as the Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association and Virginia’s Turfgrass Association host golf tournaments to benefit turfgrass research. The VTC holds an annual golf tournament to benefit turf research, and its donation has been as high as $17,000. The seed law fund spearheaded by Gus Constantino that was brought into law in 1988 provides annual revenue for this research, and Dr. Richard Schmidt and the late Dr. Lincoln Taylor donate a portion of the royalties from a bermudagrass variety that they developed to the research done at the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Research Center. The Virginia Sod Growers, the Tidewater GCSA, the Old Dominion GCSA and the Virginia Sports Turf Managers Association all contribute toward the research that is being done at Virginia Tech. Businesses such as Harmon Turf Services, Landscape Supply, Herod Seeds and many others have also pitched in to realize the goals of the VTF. Our goal is to establish an endowment fund that will sustain this research, year in and year out, regardless of the ups and downs of state funding and economic hardship. We continue to work toward that goal. Today, even after the market’s downfall in recent years, we have managed to grow the endowment fund to its current level of nearly $300,000. We hope to see substantial growth as the market recovers, and we look forward to the day when this will be a sustainable fund for the quality of turfgrass research we now enjoy. Come by the VTF booth at the VTC Annual Conference this January, and see some of the research that your donations have helped fund!
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Cover Story
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By Liz Nutter, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications, publisher of the Virginia Turfgrass Journal
W
hen we decided to make this issue of the Virginia Turfgrass Journal a special commemorative edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Virginia’s annual turfgrass conference, we first turned to John Shoulders, longtime historian for the VTC and a former Extension specialist with Virginia Tech. Initially, of course, we were exceptionally grateful when John agreed to ship his collection of very old VTC publications. When the box of materials arrived for us to comb through, though, we were both astonished and thrilled to find such a veritable treasure trove of VTC history that John had saved. The VTC and its members owe John a huge thank you for his conscientious efforts to collect and preserve these documents over the years — please tell him so the next time that you see or talk to him. While reading through all of these materials, one thing becomes crystal clear — perhaps the greatest benefit of being a VTC member is having access to the combined experience of so many knowledgeable turf managers who, for the past five decades, have graciously imparted their wisdom in the pages of the VTC’s publications. Interestingly, and maybe not so surprisingly, no matter how long ago their comments were published, much of their advice is just as applicable and valuable today as it was back then. Here are just a some of their words of wisdom.
About turfgrass
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Above all else, we must make known the impact of quality turf on people and their environment. How many functions does quality turf perform? We can start with soil conservation and topsoil stabilization, pollution control for streams, flood control, outdoor recreation for mental health, oxygen production, and the list can go on. Turf helps hold this world together. What is ‘essential’ in modern society? Is it turf and trees, or is it a new car, a new suit or a new bike for Junior? That is difficult to determine, but we best be prepared to educate and influence people as to the value — to them — of quality turf. Jack Henry, in his President’s Message, Winter 1975 (35 years ago!)
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“
What you do is very important in the tone of our society. While we bake no bread and produce no fiber, we give life an essence. What would life be without
verdant, booming parks, homes and golf courses? It would be like having no literature, music or sunsets. You are to nature what an artist is to a painting. You are a co-creator of good. Be proud! Jack McClenahan, in Jack’s Corner, Spring 1989
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“
Without a serious and long-term commitment to improving the public’s awareness of the environmental benefits of turfgrass, and without a serious and longterm commitment to helping them improve their own environmental practices, this industry will have failed the world, even though all of you in this room have the knowledge and talent to do otherwise. Can we change the public’s perception of turfgrass? My answer would be yes. Is there a need to change the public’s perception of turfgrass? My answer would be absolutely, and here is where we must start… right here, right now. Doug Fender, in an address presented at a symposium in Baltimore, MD, in October 1998 (published in the June 1999 Virginia Turfgrass Quarterly Journal)
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About turf managers’ jobs
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Don’t count on a groundswell of support from the [golf club] membership or players when you have a problem. A good case in point — I saw an article about a fellow who died on a golf course recently. He fell dead from an apparent heart attack on a green. Now, they couldn’t move the body until the coroner certified that the deceased had, in fact, deceased. In the meantime, they threw a blanket over the corpse, and play continued. It was two hours until the coroner finally arrived. The point is, if people will putt around a dead body for two hours, don’t think they spend a lot of time worrying about your problems. … Remember, you can be a great manager and turf grower, but most golfers in general will be more upset about a missing tee towel than a mild case of brown patch. Jack McClenahan, in Jack’s Corner, Spring/Summer 1992
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“
I’m sitting here in early to mid-July, watching our crew wear sweatshirts in the morning with low 60s temperatures in Irvington. I’m not complaining, but all that makes as much sense as having the 70° days that we had in February. Is it El Nino? La Nina? Global warming? No, it is simply life in the green industry in Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
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the Mid-Atlantic region. It is why you can never be sure of anything, and you waste your time if you plan too far ahead. To be successful in the green industry around here, you must be ready to put on the brakes quickly, change directions suddenly and roll with the punches. Sterling Caudle, in his President’s Message, August 1998
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“
Each of us is a resource because of our own unique experience. It is also in our best interest to help each other. So, if you have a [turf] problem you can’t identify, call another superintendent. Sooner or later, we all run into something that is new to us, and it’s a good feeling to know that you are in a profession that encourages the exchange of ideas. Andy Clements, in “Around the Commonwealth,” August 1996
interact with customers are, the better you and your company look. Why not plan some learning and discussion sessions over donuts and coffee during these cold mornings when it is too early to get on the grass anyway? If your company has to turn on irrigation following a job, perhaps an irrigation person would come talk to you about time clocks. If you use sod, ask a sod grower to talk to you about measuring, installing and initial care. Safety issues should be on everyone’s agenda, and it wouldn’t hurt golf course workers to know a little about the game. Louis Brooking Jr., in his Incoming President’s Message, December/January 2001
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”
“All years in the transition zone are tough. Some are tougher than others; that’s a given. As far as I know, only four things still impact turf production. They are soil, climate, management and how it’s used. This year, I’ve seen heroic efforts by the folks in the industry. Some small areas of turf were lost, but larger areas were saved. The people you work for forget the soil, climate and the ‘how it’s used’ portion of the turf-management equation. I’m not sure who has the toughest job in the industry — the person at the largeor small-budgeted operation. The large-budgeted clubs think you can repeal the laws of nature; the smallbudgeted clubs deal with the same laws and don’t have too many weapons to work with. The combat-experienced turf managers, after a few years, come to grips with an ultimate truth. It is that perfection is not likely and, for the most part, unobtainable. Like a General in combat, they learn that turf management, in part, is an exercise in damage control. Jack McClenahan, in “Jack’s Corner,” November 1995
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“
With the slowdown of work, [winter] is a great time to start planning learning sessions for your employees. We all have to realize that it is never enough for us to know the answers to our customers’ questions — it is our employees who need to know how to answer the questions. For instance, the person mowing should know why a grass needs to be maintained at a long or short length and how to tell one grass from another. This will help him do a consistently better job and keep him from answering customer questions with ‘because the boss said so, that’s why.’ The same reasoning applies to secretaries, sales staff, installation crews and maintenance crews. The better informed your people who
About the environment
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Any time a politico anoints himself/herself as the almighty on an issue, I get nervous, so I’m not sure I agree with Al Gore and his posse about the causes of global warming. What they do have right is this: we all leave tracks. The new buzzword, sure to rival ‘organic,’ is ‘carbon footprint.’ If you were at the GCSAA show for Johnny Miller’s rather strange (and, at time, teary-eyed) address, you heard him say that what we (turfies) do is a sacred charge — taking care of the land and creating beautiful spaces where nature can be enjoyed. That’s a little different take than what many believe. For another perspective, Google ‘golf course poison.’ If we do not want the environment co-opted by Hollywood and all the hype muddying the waters, our charge this and every year as caretakers is this — do no harm. Who knows, Mother Nature might even decide it’s time for another Summer of Love. Mark Vaughn, CGCS, in his Editor’s Perspective, July/August 2007
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“
In the 21st century, anything associated with even a hint of ‘environment’ is front and center in the public’s eye. And that is exactly how it should be. I am convinced that Virginia’s turfgrass industry is a leader in environmental issues, rather than a major source of the problem. Do we have problems just like everybody else? Yes. But Mother Earth is our workplace, and with appropriate use of her resources, we can sustain and even improve her, while benefiting the quality of life for many. Understand that most people do not likely share our general view of the turf industry as a positive influence on the environment. Plenty of educating is still required to inform others about how we can grow turf and still be environmental stewards. Realize that each of us in this business is an environmental activist in our own right. In the coming year,
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make it a point to let others know of your efforts that demonstrate your environmental stewardship. Take every opportunity you can to show people outside our industry that protecting the environment is our business. Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D., in “Environmental Activists… Are You One of Them? If So, Admit It Proudly,” November/December 2007
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“As professional managers, we must show that we’re committed to using our water correctly and efficiently. This is just the beginning of regulations that we will continue to face as our state’s population continues to grow. If we can demonstrate that we use our water wisely and that we’re leaders in this role, regulators will recognize us as good land stewards and be more likely to listen to us and work with us when regulations come up that we really need to modify. I don’t think we should be afraid of regulations; they’re something that’s a part of life. I sure hope someone is inspecting my food before I eat it. I hope someone is making sure that my quality of life is as good as my neighbor’s. Water regulations are just another part of the business that we’re in, and we just have to deal with it and be a part of the process. We have a great opportunity, while the rules are being drafted — whether it’s water, pesticides or nutrients — to sit and make those regulations with our government leaders. If we don’t get involved, someone else will do the talking for us. Peter McDonough, in “Update on Proposed State Permit for Minor Surface-Water Withdrawals,” March/April 2006
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largest membership possible. Lin Diacont, VTC Membership Chairman, Spring 1990
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The VTC board of directors is nothing more than an arm of the membership. Our job as directors is to try and carry out your suggestions. This means that it is important to us, indeed critical, that we know how you feel about an issue. Peter Connelly, in his President’s Message, Spring 1986
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I’d like to thank all the board members and committee members who are committed to taking time out of their busy schedules to attend meetings and offer helping hands, guidance and assistance to the Council and ultimately their industry. When you have the opportunity to talk to these people, give them a big thank you. I personally find it very rewarding to have the opportunity to work with such fine and dedicated individuals. Many of us are quick to complain and show displeasure in the way things are handled; but, instead of being part of the problem, be a part of the solution by offering your input and assistance. You only get out what you put in. Lin Diacont, in his President’s Message, June 1994
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About industry involvement
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Being involved with a professional group is even more important today with the many critical issues facing the green industry. Group affiliations help keep you aware of the regulations being imposed and the issues of importance. I would like to challenge every member to make it his or her responsibility to bring in at least one new member this year. Virginians in general, and the Virginia Turfgrass Council in particular, are leaders in many ways, so let’s be leaders in creating the
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Feature Story
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How Many of These Should-Be-Familiar Faces Do You Recognize? (Name That President) hile scouring old VTC publications for historical information, we found photographs of most of the association’s past presidents, all the way back to 1963 (which explains why some of these photos are so grainy!). Since new members of the Board of Directors will be elected and installed at this coming Annual Conference, we thought it might be fun to run this little quiz. Take a stroll down Memory Lane, and see how many of these faces you recognize. Even more challenging, do you remember which years these influential “movers and shakers” served as VTC president? Here are a couple of hints: the first three gentlemen each served as VTC president on two different occasions (with their terms separated by several years), and one is shown much earlier than his term in office (but it’s a great photo, isn’t it?!). Answers are on page 26. No peeking, though, until you’ve filled in as many blanks as you can!
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Turf Talk
of the greatest challenges that every turf manager faces — every season of every year, particularly here in the transition zone — is the unpredictability of Mother Nature (who has apparently never read a turfgrass management textbook). In fact, when studying old issues of the Journal, it quickly becomes clear that Virginia hasn’t had a “normal” year of weather for at least the past two decades. Perhaps you remember (and experienced!) some of these notable past weather events.
One “
It is apparent that significant acreage of bermudagrass has been lost to winterkill in Virginia [from lots of ice in winter 1993/1994]. As of early May, it appears that severe winterkill has occurred in an area from Arlington south to Chase City, east to Martinsville and north along the Blue Ridge Mountains. … Even Vamont, currently our most winter-hardy, readily available cultivar, was hard hit in some areas. – Front page of Virginia Turfgrass News, June 1994
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The summer of 1995 was one of the hottest and driest on record. Now we have had record cold and snow with the blizzards of 1996. If anything else can go wrong, it will. But we must look forward, and not backward. – Brook Parker Jr., CGCS, March 1996
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The storm on January 7 [1996] dumped an average of 30" of snow in the Valley. Cacapon Resort was probably hit the hardest, with 40" of snow, followed by another 12" three days later.
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The meltdown and rain of January 19 put the snowstorm to shame. Temperatures climbed to 62 degrees and were accompanied by 1"–2" of rain that fell in several hours. There were lakes and rivers in areas that never puddle. I would give anything not to have gravel cart paths. – Peter Schmidt, March 1996
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One peculiarity of the 1998 summer was the warm and very humid conditions we experienced through the end of September. Turfgrasses faired well, but the extended warm spell brought out a flush of new and succulent growth on woody plants that were then damaged by Tropical Storm Bonnie’s winds. Here at Bayville, we lost 52 trees and felt very lucky, knowing our friends closer to the beach experienced devastating damage, closing some courses for almost a week. – Cutler Robinson, CGCS, November 1998
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Does anyone have a clue about this weather? We make it though the summer and expect to glide into fall, and we’re still in a drought. Some golf courses were hand-watering dry spots in December. Winter (and I use this term loosely) arrives, and we do finally get some rain, a couple of weeks of cold weather, and then we’re in the 60s and low 70s in late January. Go figure. – Andy Clements, March 1999
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The weather is once again the main topic in the Valley, with the ongoing drought of greatest concern. The Front Royal area’s last rain greater than one inch was more than six months ago. This, in combination with three years of below-average rainfall, has left the ground bone dry in the middle of March. I just hope that this trend ends before the large, established trees are affected. On the bright side, we managed through a complete winter without tearing out chunks of curbing and sod with the snowplow. – Peter Schmidt, May/June 2002
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Webster says that a reprieve is a formal temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence, especially death, or a temporary respite. I believe we had a little of both today in Northern Virginia. It rained. All day. July 14, 2002. I needed it. I drove around on the golf course and got wet. It felt good, really good. I guess I have had too many days in the sun, with too little rain; my spirit was a little downtrodden. No more; it rained. – Jeff Michel, CGCS, September/October 2002
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The drought of 2002 is now officially history. A good soaking fall and early winter have returned the water tables to near-normal levels. Unfortunately, the infamous winner of the drought and water restrictions, and the resultant late overseeding with no Prograss applications, has been none other than poa annua. But, as any rocket scientist will say, green grass is better than no grass. – Peter Schmidt, March/April 2003
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“By the middle of August, we had already received as much rainfall — 42" — as what we normally get in an entire year. We’ve had standing water in areas that have never been wet before. – Rick Vianour, CGCS, in “From Drought to Drenched: A Year of Rain,” Sept./Oct. 2003
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We have gone from the driest year in recent history to the wettest year ever recorded in the state, and for
an additional misery factor, the outside elements threw in a hurricane [on September 18]. Isabel gave us a lot of rain and wind, with ripped-out trees and downed power lines being major problems. – Louis Brooking Jr., Nov./Dec. 2003
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Ask just about any golf course superintendent in Virginia about this past summer, and you’re likely to get an earful about how horrendous it was. From deluges to drought, scalding heat to smothering humidity, Mother Nature threw some of her hardest punches, blow after blow, and the state’s turf took a beating. – From “Virginia’s Golf Courses Struggle through a Brutal Summer,” November/December 2005
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The challenge of growing turf in Virginia has had many of us wondering if this is the best location to pursue such a career. As the earth warms, we may all find that there is no need of moving away from the transition zone… it is moving away from us. – Cutler Robinson, CGCS, March/April 2007
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Perhaps best said…
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The state’s weather researchers have informed me that this was the 23rd unusual spring in a row. Normal weather seems to occur a lot less often than a 100-year flood. – Dick Fisher, Summer 1988
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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
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Turf Tips
One
of the most valuable benefits of belonging to the Virginia Turfgrass Council is having access to the knowledge and guidance of the association’s many experienced turf managers. Since the very first issue of the Virginia Turfgrass Journal (a members-only benefit) and its predecessors, members have found lots of tips and techniques for making their jobs easier. Below are some of the best ideas offered over the past several years. The majority of these ideas were gathered from previous submissions to the former “Around the Commonwealth” department. Unfortunately, that Journal department was dropped a couple of years ago due to declining participation among contributors and a lack of editorial space. Considering the value of the advice given below, though, maybe it’s also a good idea, worth repeating, to bring that department back! “The off-season is the time for turfgrass shows and educational seminars. Please don’t overlook the investment opportunity you have available with your general staff. MSDS reviews, equipment-training videos and first-aid training are worthwhile activities during poor weather. The staff will respond to the opportunity to learn. The education and training will provide added value to ownership. It is critical to keep trained employees within your operation during the winter months so that you are not challenged to fill vacancies in the early spring. Don’t lose your staff to Pizza Palace — make them more valuable!” – Jeff Michel, November 1998
a misaligned tee marker, a project underway, a good or bad example of pin placement or anything else I might have to take someone back out to see, I take a picture. That way, I can show the employee what I want done or changed without physically going to the site. This obviously won’t replace actually being out on the course, but it may make your time out there more effective.” – Dick Fisher, Spring 1990 “Mayday! Not the definition that means a Communist day of celebration, but the one that brings a sickening feeling to the pit of your stomach. When you get that call on a crew member’s radio, it can only mean a serious accident. Although our maintenance staff member sustained extensive injuries, they were fortunately not fatal, and he is well on the road to recovery. Because of his radio, I was able to reach him in about three minutes. Further communication allowed the rescue squad to respond in 12–15 minutes. The location of the accident and the time of day would have otherwise left this man undetected by golfers or other staff for at least 45 minutes. Moral of the story? If you have employees working by themselves without radios, you are playing Russian roulette. Accidents will happen. Count on it.” – Mark Vaughn, November 1998 “Last year, we tried several methods of bunker reconstruction in an attempt to solve the problem of
“The room at the seminar on personnel training at the Virginia Turfgrass Conference was full to the brim. I think that indicated a real interest in learning how to help our people do a better job. The most-lively discussion of the day centered around communication. It struck me that simply showing someone the task at hand is much easier and effective than a verbal attempt to tell them what is expected. Of course, that takes more time, something we don’t always have a lot of. My idea to help solve this dilemma was to buy a Polaroid camera and stick it in my truck. Now, when I see 22 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2010 www.vaturf.org
Cover Stor y continued
major sand washouts during heavy rain. One method worked extremely well, as we had no washing even after torrential rainfall. We extended the drainage system up the slope of the bunker and in contour with the edge of the bunker. This created a frown-shaped drain design. This frown drain captures the water before it can undermine the sand and prevents the washing effect. We will rebuild the front 9 this year and the back 9 next year.” – Cutler Robinson, March/April 2006 “It’s a shame the weather isn’t as predictable as golfer comment, but I think we can use this to our advantage. Why wait until the complaints start to come in to address these issues? Once again, we’re talking about communication. I post notes concerning our programs in the most conspicuous places possible. Now, these notices are strongly reminiscent of last year’s, but it still amazes me how many people say they didn’t understand about aerification or soil-temperature effects on the growth of plants or many other things we’ve discussed for years. And, generally, these turf notes get a positive response from the golfers. If nothing else, it helps generate dialogue between turf managers and our patrons. And that’s half the battle!” – Andy Clements, June 1997 “Newletters and bulletin boards not working? Try the bathroom approach. Post your notices above the urinals and on the inside of stall doors. You won’t win any interior design awards, but your notices will be read!” – Andy Clements, March 1996 “Dollar spot continues to be the disease du jour on fairways and tees, Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council
| 23
but I have had a better time handling it this year than in years past on the greens. [Research] from Dr. Thomas Nikolai, from Michigan State, helped me deal with this SOB of a disease. In his studies, he found that rolling two or three times a week substantially reduced the amount of dollar spot disease pressure, and it also substantially reduced LDS. Well, like most of you, I just couldn’t believe it. [However,] I have been rolling greens on Mondays and Thursdays since April, and I can tell you that the lack of dollar spot on my greens is very evident.” – Charlie Fultz, September/October 2005
Just for fun… “Many courses report a bumper crop of poa this year. The seedheads have been helpful in distracting my members from the aerification holes that don’t want to heal up. In the future, I think superintendents should get together and aerify on the same day or at least the same week. We’ll say it’s national tennis week and that we’re doing our part to promote tennis at our facilities.” – Andy Clements, June 1996 “In my quest to find the cloud in the silver lining (I was taught this by one of our eternally pessimistic club members), there is one thing deeply troubling me this spring — bermudagrass green-up. There’s too !*#? of it. The one year out of many that I chose to overseed our fairways, what happens? Bermudagrass is busting out of the ground and wrapping itself around slow-moving golfers like kudzu. And all this in MID-APRIL! Please, God, can’t I look intelligent one time? What I wouldn’t give for a good frost. I’d show all you smart alecky guys (like Dick Fisher) who didn’t overseed. Actually, Dick has a theory that I may subscribe to. He figures that Mother Nature is out to get as many people as possible, so find out what the majority is doing and then go the other way.” – Mark Vaughn, June 1998 24 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2010 www.vaturf.org
Index of Advertisers
Calendar of Events
Turf Industry Events
Collins Wharf Sod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.cwsod.com E & S Soil and Peat . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.eandssoil.com
January 12–16, 2010
February 3–5, 2010
STMA Annual Conference Orlando, FL
Central VA Nursery & Landscape Association Winter Short Course Henrico County, VA
Earthworks & Sprinklers Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . 23 www.earthworkssportsfield construction.com East Coast Sod & Seed . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.eastcoastsod.com
January 18–21, 2010
February 8–12, 2010
Egypt Farms, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 www.egyptfarms.com
Golf Industry Show and GCSAA Education Conferences San Diego, CA
Ernst Conservation Seeds . . . . . . . . . 24 www.ernstseed.com
VTC 50th Annual Turf & Landscape Conference and Trade Show
February 23, 2010
Fredericksburg, VA January 24–30, 2010 Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course Virginia Beach, VA
Harmon Turf Services, Inc. . . . . . . 9 www.harmonturfservices.com
Pesticide Recertification Virginia Beach
Herod Seeds, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.herodseeds.com
April 2010
Homefield Fertilizer/ Meadowspring Turf . . . . . . . . . . . 17 www.meadowspringturf.com
Pesticide Recertification Fairfax, VA
April 8–9, 2010 Initial Pesticide Certification Henrico County, VA
May 2010 Pesticide Recertification Staunton, VA
Jacklin Seed, A division of Simplot . . . . . Inside Front Cover www.jacklin.com Kesmac/ Brouwer, Inc. . . . . . Inside Back Cover www.kesmac.com Luck Stone Corporation . . . . . . . . 5 www.luckstone.com Mid-Atlantic Sports Turf . . . . . . . 24 Modern Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.modernturf.com
Answers to “Familiar Faces” Quiz (from page 18) 1. Jack Kidwell, VTC president in 1973 and again in 1981.
11. Janet Rogers, 1999–2000.
2. Gus Constantino, 1977–1979 and again in 1990.
13. Lin Diacont III, 1993–1994.
3. Jack Henry, 1974–1975 and again in 1982. 4. Jack McClenahan, 1991–1992. 5. David Harmon, 1976. 6. Brook Parker Jr., 1995–1996.
12. Dick Fisher, 1988–1989. 14. Steve Glass, 1994–1995. 15. Louis Brooking Jr., 2002–2003 (photo from 1985). 16. Rick Viancour, 2008-2009. 17. Lee Dieter, 1971–1972.
Oakland Plantation Turf Farm, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.ncturfgrass.com Oakwood Sod Farm, Inc. . . . . . . . . 7 www.oakwoodsod.com Precision Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.precisionlab.com Revels Tractor Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . 25 www.revelstractor.com Scott Turf Equipment, LLC . . . . . 21 Smith Turf & Irrigation . . Back Cover www.smithturf.com
18. David Fairbank, 1983.
Texas Sod Leasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.texassod.com
8. Robert Barksdale, 2001.
19. Harry McSloy, 1962–1963 (the VTC’s 1st president).
9. Sheldon Betterly, 1969–1970.
The Turfgrass Group . . . . . . . . .3, 13 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
20. Sterling Caudle (1997–1998).
7. Robert Ruff Jr., 1984–1985.
10. Peter Connelly, 1986–1987.
26 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL January/February 2010 www.vaturf.org
Titan Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 www.titanturf.com