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Summer has Officially Arrived!
With it comes the busiest, but most rewarding, time of year for turfgrass professionals to showcase our talents. Whether you are managing a golf course, maintaining sports fields, producing sod, or serving clients in landscaping, I know this season demands long hours, careful attention, and a deep commitment to quality. I want to thank each of you for the dedication you bring to your work and to our association. Hopefully, each of us can also find some time away from work this summer for a little fun to help balance this busy time of year.
The Alabama Turfgrass Association continues to grow and thrive because of members like you. This year we have put together several great educational opportunities, continued to support turfgrass research and build stronger connections throughout our industry. I am especially proud of our partnerships with Auburn University, local extension agents, and our sponsors that provide us with up-to-date resources on best practices, pest management, and environmental stewardship. I was also pleased to learn that Auburn University has hired Dr. Aaron Tucker from Virginia Tech to be the new Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management. Dr. Tucker’s hire will certainly complement the outstanding turfgrass department at Auburn. Welcome Dr. Tucker!
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for our “Lawn & Landscape Workshop”, which will take place in late summer. Stay tuned for details. This should be a very informative meeting and a good chance to network with your peers. I encourage you to attend and bring someone new to introduce to the benefits of ATA membership.
Before you know it, fall will be here with another Deep South Turf Expo in Biloxi, MS. This year’s DSTE is scheduled for October 27–30. The ATA's annual business meeting and election will be held Wednesday, October 29th at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on a great week on the Gulf Coast.
Finally, I want to thank our board members and sponsors who help make everything we do possible. Your leadership and support fuel the mission of ATA and help us serve all segments of the turfgrass community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas, questions, or interest in getting more involved. Together, we are building a stronger future for the turfgrass industry in Alabama.
Wishing you all a safe, productive, and successful summer season.
Patrick Pierce
2025 ATA President
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Patrick Pierce
The Alabama Turfgrass Association Extends a Warm Welcome to
Dr. Art Appel, Appointed Interim Dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture and Interim Director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
Dr.
Arthur Appel will serve as interim dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture and interim director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, effective Jan. 1. Appel has served in his current role as associate dean for research and assistant director of the Experiment Station since 2021.
“Dr. Appel’s extensive leadership experience at Auburn and within the College of Agriculture and Experiment Station make him an ideal candidate for this interim role,” said Vini Nathan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “His experience and leadership will be crucial during this time of transition as we begin our national search for a permanent dean and director.”
Appel previously served as interim dean and director from July 2015 to March 2016. He was interim associate dean for research and interim assistant director of the Experiment Station from Jan. 2014 to March 2016, and he chaired the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology from 2005 to 2014. He has been on faculty at Auburn since 1985.
“I am honored to lead our college and Experiment Station through this transition period,” Appel said. “These programs are in excellent positions, and we have great teams in place. My goal for the coming months is to continue our current trajectory while preparing the way for our next dean and director and assisting in a smooth, successful transition.”
The College of Agriculture currently has record enrollments of both undergraduate and graduate students, at 1,087 and 404, respectively. 2023 and 2024 have been record years for grant and contract funding for the college and Experiment Station. Faculty attained a record $64 million in grants and contracts in 2023, followed by a second-all-time-record $53.4 in 2024.
Appel will succeed Paul Patterson, who has served as dean and director since March 2016, after serving as associate dean for instruction since 2009.
“Dr. Patterson leaves very big shoes to fill and has positioned us extremely well for the future. He has been an outstanding leader,” Appel said.
Appel holds an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a master’s and Ph.D. in urban entomology from the University of California at Riverside. His research, teaching and scholarship have led to many honors and awards, including induction as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
DEEP SOUTH
OFFICIAL TURFGRASS LOUISIANA HOST PARTNER ASSOCIATION TURF EXPO AS JOINS
TO BE HELD IN Biloxi, Mississippi Anniversary Event 10th
October 27 – 30, 2025
The Deep South Turf Expo (DSTE) is proud to announce that the Louisiana Turfgrass Association (LTA) has officially joined as a host organization for the annual Expo. LTA joins the Alabama Turfgrass Association, Mississippi Turfgrass Association, Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSA), Gulf Coast GCSA, and the Louisiana-Mississippi GCSA in supporting and shaping one of the Southeast's premier turfgrass industry events.
This year’s Expo, taking place October 27–30, 2025, marks a milestone 10th anniversary and will be held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. The addition of LTA as a host signifies a strengthening of regional collaboration and underscores the shared commitment to advancing education, innovation, and networking across the turfgrass industry.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Louisiana Turfgrass Association into the host partnership,” said Will Arnett, President of the Deep South Turf Expo. “As we celebrate our 10th year, this new collaboration reflects the growing unity and momentum within our industry across state lines.”
The Deep South Turf Expo has become a cornerstone for turfgrass professionals throughout the region, offering a comprehensive platform for continuing education, applied turfgrass research, exhibitor showcases, and peer networking. Attendees include professionals from golf course management, athletic field maintenance, sod production, landscaping, and lawn care operators.
“We are honored to join DSTE as a host,” said Nick Simoneaux, President of the Louisiana Turfgrass Association. “Our participation represents a strategic opportunity to expand resources and knowledge for our members and elevate the regional turfgrass community as a whole.”
The 2025 Expo promises to be the biggest yet, with special programming to commemorate a decade of excellence and collaboration.
Registration details, hotel accommodations, and exhibitor information can be found at www.deepsouthturfexpo.org.
PREVIEW OF KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Wendell Hutchins, Ph.D., University of Arkansas
Wendell Hutchens is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Arkansas. He will present on “Disease Detection and Control.” With a profound interest in turfgrass pathology, Hutchens has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field. He has published numerous papers and articles, contributing significantly to the understanding of sustainable turfgrass management. Hutchens plays a pivotal role in mentoring young scientists and fostering a collaborative research environment.
Joe Roberts, Ph.D., Clemson University
Joe Roberts, an esteemed faculty member at Clemson University, specializes in Turfgrass Management. Roberts has spearheaded groundbreaking studies on the development of resilient turfgrass varieties, catering to both the agricultural sector and recreational sports industries. His expertise in this niche field of study has propelled Clemson to the forefront of turfgrass research and education. The title of Dr. Roberts presentation at this year’s DSTE is “We Thought You Was a Nematode: Understanding and Managing Turfgrass Nematodes!” Dr. Roberts will demystify turfgrass nematodes by covering their identification, biology, and economic impact on warm-season grasses common across the south. Attendees will learn how to accurately diagnose nematode damage, interpret soil assay results, and select appropriate chemical and cultural control strategies. The session emphasizes responsible nematicide use, label compliance, and integrating nematode management by offering practical guidance for turf managers looking to detect and manage nematodes before they cause serious damage.
Ben Wherley, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Dr. Ben Wherley is from Texas A&M University and specializes in Turfgrass Ecology and Physiology. His extensive research portfolio includes studies on turfgrass water usage, environmental stress tolerance, and sustainable maintenance practices. The focus of Dr. Wherley’s presentation at the DSTE is “Irrigation Management and Water Quality in a Changing Environment.” His discussion in this session will explore the connection between irrigation practices, turfgrass health, and pest pressure in warm-season turf systems common throughout the Deep South. Attendees will learn how poor irrigation can contribute to increased disease and weed incidence, and how proper scheduling, soil moisture monitoring, and water quality adjustments can improve pesticide efficacy and reduce unnecessary applications. The session will emphasis the role of irrigation management in promoting healthier turf that is more resilient to pests and less reliant on chemical controls.
Eric DeBoer, Ph.D., Louisiana State University
Dr. Eric DeBoer is an Assistant Professor and State Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Louisiana State University. His research focuses on enhancing the sustainability of turfgrass systems by examining the interactions among plants, soils, water, and cultural practices. He is dedicated to advancing turfgrass science through applied research and outreach that supports turfgrass managers and promotes environmental stewardship.
Dr. De Boer's presentation at the Deep South is titled "Surviving the Shade: Managing Warm-Season Turfgrass in Low-Light Conditions." He will discuss how shade stress is a major challenge in warmseason turfgrass management, often leading to thinning turf, increased disease pressure, and higher reliance on chemical controls. Attendees will learn how limited light availability affects turf health, pest susceptibility, and pesticide performance. Topics include cultivar selection for shade tolerance, mowing and fertility adjustments, and disease prevention strategies tailored to low-light environments. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how to maintain playable, healthy turf under shade while minimizing pesticide inputs through improved cultural practices.
J. Scott McElroy, PhD, America's Weed Doctor, Auburn University
Dr. Scott is a professor at Auburn University who has dedicated the majority of his life on earth to killing weeds and making the grass underneath our feet better for all people. Dr. Scott received his PhD from NC State, worked at the University of Tennessee for a brief stint, and has been toiling away at all things turfgrass for the last 18 years at Auburn. He is currently the treasurer of the International Turfgrass Society, a fellow of the Crop Science Society of America, and retains an Alumni Professorship at Auburn. Dr. Scott also has spent way more time than he cares to remember installing, running, repairing, and cursing at almost every type of robotic mower on the market over the last five years, which he will gladly tell you about if you buy him a pint of Guinness.
Round Table Discussion
The final presentation on Wednesday is a round table discussion titled, “Developing and Training Tomorrow’s Turfgrass Professionals.” The Discussion will be moderated by Dr. Dave Han, Auburn University, also a long-standing member of the DSTE Education Committee. Panelists include some of the foremost names in the turfgrass industry in our region and include Will Arnett – Program Director and Instructor at East Mississippi Community College, Larry Cagle – Owner of Cagle Sod Farm, Keair Edwards – Sports Field Manager for the City of Gulfport, MS and L. J. Robinson – Golf Course Superintendent at Hoover Country Club, Hoover, Alabama with Dr. Dave Han of Auburn University moderating.
In addition to Wednesday’s full education program, we will have half a day of breakout sessions on Thursday with an impressive list of topics and presenters. Stay posted for a full schedule coming to the DSTE website soon ( www.deepsouthturfexpo.org ) !
Better Built. Quality Results. Period.
OCTOBER 27 – 30, 2025
MISSISSIPPI COAST CONVENTION CENTER – BILOXI, MS
HOSTED BY
THIS REGIONAL SHOW IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE TURF MANAGER INCLUDING Golf Course Superintendents, Sports Field Managers (Institutions, Universities, Park and Recreation), Lawn Care Operators, Landscapers, Sod Producers, Grounds Managers and Right of Way Professionals
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW. DEEPSOUTHTURFEXPO .ORG
A Merger that has Turf at Heart
PAT WHITE Making Progress for His Community
Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Fairhope, AL
ATA member Pat White is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Fairhope, Alabama. He developed a passion for sports field work during a summer job in high school. In furtherance of this career, he attended the University of Montevallo and Coastal Alabama Community College.
Following his education, Pat spent 12 seasons as a groundskeeper in Minor League Baseball with the Birmingham Barons and Mobile BayBears. He has twenty years’ experience as a Sports Field Consultant to numerous high school and collegiate programs. Among his other accomplishments, Pat headed up construction of the playing surface at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile. He worked the first South Eastern Conference Baseball Tournament held at the Hoover Met Fields.
“I have been fortunate to meet many great players and managers during my career, including Hank Aaron, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, Jake Peavy, Paul Goldschmidt, Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona,” says Pat. “My Lord and Savior is and has been my rock throughout my life. The many friends I made through the ATA and the places I have worked have impacted my career in so many positive ways! Some of the best advice I hold to is ‘Wake up every day with the intent to make a positive impact on whatever tasks you are faced with. Start everyday by making up your bed, because it is the little things that add up.’”
Working with people that are committed every day to making a difference and taking pride in their work makes your job so much more meaningful, according to Pat. “The downside of this work is that it can sometimes be difficult to keep up the morale of the staff. More people have become increasingly harder to please, and they choose social media to voice their grievances.”
Pat enjoys working with coaches to improve their sports fields. He also enjoys anything to do with the outdoors. A member of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, as well as the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), and the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA), White was also the 2009 ATA President and winner of the 1996 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Sports Field of the Year –Hoover Met.
Pat is married to Ashley, his wife of 30 years in May. Ashley is a former teacher, CEO of the house, and small business owner. They have a son, Solon, who at 23 is a recent graduate of Springhill College in Mobile where he played four years of baseball for the Badgers. He is employed with Container Maintenance Corporation in Mobile and an assistant baseball coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope. He is engaged to Hannah. Pat and Ashley’s daughter, McKinley (20), is a ballerina at the Houston Ballet in Texas. She is a former ballerina with Mobile Ballet and was the Lagnaippe Magazine Dancer of the Year in 2022. She is a graduate of Baldwin County Virtual School.
In the future Pat plans to continue to make progress for his community in whatever capacity he is afforded at that time. “I want to be reflecting back on all of the projects and changes
for the betterment of the Fairhope community and all the great people and teamwork it took to accomplish them.”
Pat says, “I have grown and learned so much in my career by being involved in the ATA. I made so many lifelong friends and contacts along the way that have made an impact on me and my career. At 25 years old, I was tasked with overseeing the construction and operations of a professional baseball stadium and I leaned on the contacts and resources that I had through the ATA to see me through challenges I didn’t have the answers to. Dr. Dave Han at Auburn University has been a tremendous resource for me over the years, and I am truly grateful for our friendship. It is not possible to know everything in our industry of managing turfgrass because the industry is ever-evolving. You need to know how to humble yourself when necessary and know who you are going to reach out to because those that refuse to adjust are those that fall behind.”
RESIST POA SUCCESS PROJECT of the USDA-Funded
By J. Scott McElroy Professor, Turfgrass Management and Weed Science, Auburn University
and James D. McCurdy Professor and Extension Specialist, Turfgrass Management, Mississippi State University
Given the current climate surrounding federal funding discussions, we want to provide detailed information about research outcomes from the ResistPoa project. Our goal is transparency about what taxpayer dollars accomplished when this project received funding. For information regarding this project, please see http://resistpoa.org/
Project Background
ResistPoa launched in 2018 as a nationwide initiative to tackle the growing problem of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass (Poa annua) in turfgrass systems. This four-year, $5.7 million project, funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative brought together 16 scientists from 15 universities across the country.
The project had clear objectives: develop better management practices for annual bluegrass control, map the extent of herbicide resistance nationwide, and create decision-support tools for turf practitioners. Essentially, we needed to understand how bad the resistance problem really was and give golf course superintendents, sports field managers, and other turf professionals the tools to fight back.
Annual bluegrass might seem like a small problem, but it's not. This weed costs the turfgrass industry millions of dollars annually in control measures and lost playability. When herbicides stop working, managers face expensive reseeding, overseeding, and intensive maintenance schedules that strain budgets and resources.
Major Research
Discoveries
Nationwide Resistance Survey
Our team's biggest accomplishment was conducting the first comprehensive national survey of herbicide resistance in annual bluegrass. We collected and tested over 1,300 populations from turf sites across five different climate zones. The results were sobering—by 2023, we documented populations resistant to up to nine different herbicide modes of action.
This wasn't just academic research. These findings gave turf managers concrete data about what to expect in their regions. Instead of guessing whether an herbicide might work, superintendents could now reference our maps and data to make informed decisions about their control programs.
Understanding Resistance Mechanisms
We dug deep into the science behind why annual bluegrass develops resistance. Through molecular analysis of dozens of populations, we identified specific genetic mutations that allow the weed to survive herbicide treatments. For example, we discovered a novel mutation in the β-tubulin gene that helps annual bluegrass resist popular pre-emergence herbicides like prodiamine.
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But genetics wasn't the whole story. We also found that annual bluegrass uses other tricks—enhanced metabolism and reduced herbicide uptake—to survive treatments. These nontarget-site resistance mechanisms were particularly common with ALS-inhibiting herbicides like foramsulfuron (Revolver) and trifloxysulfuron (Monument).
Practical Management Solutions
Research is only valuable if people can use it. Our team tested alternative control methods that don't rely solely on herbicides. We demonstrated that aggressive fraise mowing (essentially shaving the turf surface) could dramatically reduce annual bluegrass infestations in bermudagrass turf. While this technique isn't suitable everywhere, it gives managers another tool in their arsenal.
We also examined how cultural practices affect the weed's competitiveness. Studies in Oregon showed that adjusting irrigation frequency and phosphorus fertilization could influence how well annual bluegrass competes with desirable grasses. These findings are being incorporated into our best management practice guidelines.
Human Factors Research
What makes ResistPoa unique is that we have included social scientists to study the human side of weed management. Through surveys and interviews with turf managers, we identified real barriers to adopting better practices: budget constraints, risk aversion, and simple lack of awareness about resistance.
We developed a user-friendly decision support tool—essentially a calculator that helps superintendents visualize the longterm benefits of diversified management versus short-term cost savings. This economic modeling helps justify upfront investments in integrated approaches rather than relying on the same herbicide year after year.
Sharing Knowledge
From day one, we emphasized getting information to the people who needed it. The project created ResistPoa.org as a central hub for resources, now hosting about 70 educational documents that users can filter by turf system and control method.
We produced a best management practices poster explaining herbicide modes of action and effective rotation strategies. This poster was distributed to over 2,000 stakeholders in print and downloaded more than 1,000 times online.
Our team organized field days, workshops, and webinars across the country. These weren't just presentations—they were hands-on demonstrations where turf managers could see control trials in action and ask questions directly.
Perhaps most importantly, we trained the next generation. At least 22 graduate students, 25 undergraduates, and roughly 10 postdoctoral researchers received training through ResistPoa. These students are now professors, consultants, and golf course managers, multiplying the project's impact.
Industry Impact
The real test of success is whether the turf industry is actually using our findings. Early indicators are positive. Golf course superintendents are referencing our resistance maps to make proactive decisions about herbicide rotations. Instead of waiting for a product to fail, they're switching to different chemistries based on what our survey showed in similar conditions.
We worked closely with industry advisory panels from the beginning, including golf course superintendent associations, sod growers, and lawn care companies. This collaboration ensured our research reflected real-world conditions and that recommendations fit industry needs.
When preliminary results showed certain populations surviving standard herbicide rates, industry partners helped us quickly alert practitioners so they could adjust rates or tankmix with other products. Seed producers worked with us to test for annual bluegrass contamination and resistance in turfgrass seed lots.
Scientific Output
The project generated over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Weed Science, Crop Science, and Weed Technology. This wasn't just about meeting academic requirements— these papers ensure the knowledge is archived and accessible to guide future research and management decisions. Our management guides are “Open Access”—you can download them from the Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management Journal.
Our investigators delivered dozens of conference presentations at weed science and turfgrass meetings, sharing results throughout the project's duration rather than waiting until the end.
Long-term Value
ResistPoa created lasting benefits beyond its four-year timeline. The network of scientists, Extension agents, and industry professionals formed during the project continues to collaborate on turf challenges. We've seen the power of coordinated research, and that collaboration model is being applied to other problems.
The students and researchers trained under ResistPoa have spread throughout the industry, carrying this knowledge into their new roles. This multiplier effect means the project's impact extends far beyond the original $5.7 million investment.
Turfgrass represents a $100 billion industry encompassing millions of acres of golf courses, sports fields, and maintained landscapes. ResistPoa demonstrated how targeted federal investment in specialty crop research can protect this industry and the green spaces Americans value.
Annual bluegrass remains a formidable opponent, but the collective action marshaled by ResistPoa has given the industry evidence-based tools to manage this weed sustainably. The project exemplified how integrated approaches—combining science, education, and industry partnership—can tackle complex agricultural challenges effectively.
REFERENCES
Bagavathiannan, M. V., McCurdy, J. D., Brosnan, J. T., & McElroy, J. S. (2018). National team to use $5.7 million USDA award to address annual bluegrass epidemic in turfgrass. Texas A&M AgriLife News.
Grubbs, B., McCurdy, J., & Bagavathiannan, M. (2019). Poa annua: A plan of action. Golf Course Management Magazine.
Rutland, C. A., Brosnan, J. T., McElroy, J. S., & Zuk, J. W. (2023). Survey of target site resistance alleles conferring resistance in Poa annua. Crop Science, 63(5), 3110-3121.
McCurdy, J. D., and others (2023). Developing and implementing an integrated weed management program for herbicide resistant Poa annua. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management, 9(1), e20225.
Allen, J. H., and others (2022). Herbicide resistance in turf systems: insights and options for managing complexity. Sustainability, 14(21), 13399.
USDA-NIFA. (2020–2022). ResistPoa Project Extension and Training Outputs. USDA-NIFA Annual Reports.
Beard Equipment 3 www.beardequipment.com
BWI Companies, Inc. 21 www.bwicompanies.com
Coosa Valley Turf Farms 9 www.coosavalleyturffarms.com
Crossroads Sod Farm 29 www.csfsod.com
DryJect 19
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 21 www.greenecountyfert.com
Jackson Sand 15 www.jacksonsand.com
Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Back Cover www.jerrypate.com
Leading Edge Communications 27 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
Legacy Turf Farms 21 www.legacyturffarms.com
North Georgia Turf Company, Inc. Inside Front Cover www.ngturf.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. 13 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Regal Chemical Company 7 www.regalchem.com
Riebeling Farms, Inc. 9 riebelingfarmsinc@gmail.com
Auburn’s new Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management
uburn University has officially hired Dr. Aaron Tucker to be their new Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management, starting in August of this year. Dr. Tucker, a Mississippi native and graduate of the Mississippi State University turfgrass program, has a Ph.D. in plant pathology from Virginia Tech.
Aaron attended high school in Carthage, Mississippi at Leake Central. There, Aaron was heavily involved in the Agricultural program. After graduating, he earned his Associate of science degree at East Central Community College, where he played golf.
“In high school, I learned to play golf. But my father is an ag teacher, and I’ve always grown up around agricultural related things. We showed cows, and my brother wound up becoming a vet. I’m curious, so I like science. I didn’t want to teach golf for a living so I looked for an avenue that would encompass both golf and agriculture, and turfgrass is right down that alley. I chose to go into turfgrass at MSU and I’ve been fortunate to be provided great opportunities along my journey.”
Several factors played into Aaron’s decision to continue his education at Mississippi State after earning his Bachelors’ degree there. “Mississippi State is one of those places that has a rich tradition in our family, but also oftentimes you tell folks, ‘When it comes to your career path, choose what you love, and let the rest fall into place.’” Aaron earned his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in the field of golf and sports turf management, and then began work on his Master’s degree, honing his area of interest in plant pathology.
As he was finishing his undergrad degree, Aaron was offered the chance to do research with Dr. Christian Baldwin (then an MSU professor) focusing on plant physiology. This work planted the seed of pursuing further study in turf pathology.
“Turf pathology made sense naturally,” Aaron says. “I reached out to Dr. Maria Peterson, since there are a lot of plant interactions that happen in turf pathology between plants and fungi, etc. She already had an idea in mind for research, so we just went with it.”
Upon finishing his Masters’ degree at MSU, Aaron was invited to pursue his Ph.D. with plant pathologist Dr. David McCall at Virginia Tech. After meeting at an ASA conference years earlier, the two had stayed in touch. “Dave is good at getting funding for his lab group.
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The lab was supported by a single graduate student at the time I met Dave. Now there are five. We’ve got plenty of bodies that do field research, trials, and help with grants.” Another element of working in Dr. McCall’s lab that interested Aaron was extension work. He’d previously not been exposed to that aspect, and that also influenced the choice to pursue his Ph.D. through Virginia Tech.
One area of research that Dr. Tucker focused on at Virginia Tech was understanding lance nematodes and their effect on creeping bentgrass greens. “There’s been limited options of nematode control in turfgrass since the Environmental Protection Agency’s restrictions on Nemacur (active ingredient fenamiphos). Since that product was restricted, the turfgrass industry has been looking for new solutions. The products available to replace Nemacur were used in abundance by the industry with limitations on product efficacy for controlling lance nematodes. These limitations have contributed to a gradual increase in lance population densities over time, which in turn created a need for understanding more about these nematodes.”
Dr. Tucker plans to continue his nematode and pathology research at Auburn, hoping to find solutions to help golf course superintendents in the state. Warm season putting greens typically have their fair share of disease issues, and plant parasitic nematodes can cause extensive damage to these putting greens that are abundant within the state.
Looking forward to beginning his work at Auburn this August, Dr. Tucker says, “I believe that being able to educate is paramount, and if you do it the right way, then you don’t have to do it twice.” Teaching turfgrass to the next generation of turfgrass professionals is an opportunity Aaron has long been waiting for. Being able to teach a subject he loves at Auburn is important, but more meaningful is that he will be able to interact with students as his father has done in his teaching career. “It feels as though I have come full circle with my heritage,” he notes.
Aaron and his wife, Emilee, have two children, Elliott, born in 2020 and Hazel, born in 2024. Aaron says in his free time, he enjoys spending time with Emilee, Elliott and Hazel and occasionally finding time to golf, or even fish, with his father.
The Alabama Turfgrass Association wishes Dr. Aaron Tucker every success as he pursues his career at Auburn. Welcome!
Alabama Turf Times allows you to narrow the focus and get your message directly in the hands of your customers. The magazine is a key benefit of Alabama Turfgrass Association membership – providing valuable research, education, and industry information. Readers can also access the Digital Edition through The Turf Zone website. Archived issues ensure that your advertising will continue to be seen indefinitely, for long-ranging impact. ATA Members Include:
The Business Behind the Green How to Price Your Services for Profit
By Kristina Kelly
W
hen it comes to running a turfgrass business, your work is rooted in results. Healthy lawns, properly installed sod, and satisfied customers are the visible signs of success. And behind every vibrant blade of grass is a business owner making daily decisions that impact their bottom line. One of the most important? Pricing.
Setting the right price for your services can feel like trying to hit a moving target. Charge too little, and you’re leaving money on the table or risking your ability to sustain operations. Charge too much, and you might struggle to stay competitive in your market. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, understanding how to price your services for profit is key to long-term stability and growth.
Know Your True Costs
Before setting any price, you need to understand what it actually costs to deliver your services. That means looking beyond just materials and labor. Your total cost should include direct and indirect expenses, such as:
• Labor wages, including payroll taxes and workers’ compensation
• Equipment maintenance, fuel, and depreciation
• Material costs, like sod, seed, fertilizer, and irrigation supplies
• Insurance, licenses, and permits
• Office overhead, marketing, and administrative costs
If you’re only calculating based on materials and hourly labor, you may be unintentionally operating at a loss. Developing a simple spreadsheet or using job-costing software can help you track these figures and understand your cost per service. This step lays the foundation for profitable pricing.
Factor in Your Desired Profit Margin
Once you know your costs, it’s time to add your profit margin. This isn’t greedy. It’s necessary. Profit allows you to reinvest in your business, build a financial cushion, and pay yourself a fair wage as the owner. A healthy net profit margin in service industries typically ranges from 10 to 20 percent, though it may vary based on your service mix and market.
For example, if it costs you $2,000 to complete a sod installation job, and you want a 20 percent profit margin, your price should be at least $2,500. Many business owners make the mistake of only charging enough to cover costs, which can lead to financial stress or burnout down the road.
Understand the Market (But Don’t Let It Dictate Your Value)
Knowing what competitors charge is important, but it shouldn’t be your only reference point. Pricing strictly to match or undercut the competition can turn into a race to the bottom. Instead, use market research to understand the range of prices in your area, and then position yourself based on the value you provide.
If your work is high quality, your team is reliable, and you offer responsive customer service, you don’t need to be the cheapest option. Instead, you can charge what you’re worth and attract customers who recognize and value professionalism. That might mean saying no to some price-sensitive clients, but it will help you build a stronger, more sustainable client base in the long run.
Avoid the Temptation of Flat-Rate Guesswork
It can be tempting to offer flat-rate pricing to simplify your quotes, but this approach can backfire if it’s not backed by data. Every job is different, and variables like square footage, site conditions, soil prep, and access points can dramatically affect your costs. If you rely on gut instinct or round numbers to quote jobs, you may end up underbidding without realizing it.
Instead, develop a pricing model based on per-square-foot or per-hour rates that can be customized to each job. This approach also helps you educate your clients and show transparency in your pricing.
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Build in a Buffer for Risk and Rework
Not every job goes according to plan. Weather delays, equipment breakdowns, and last-minute client changes can eat into your profitability. When calculating your price, include a small buffer to account for the unexpected. This might be an extra percentage added to your labor costs or a built-in contingency fee.
Additionally, consider how you’ll handle rework or warranty issues. If you offer a guarantee on sod establishment or turf health, make sure that’s reflected in your pricing structure. It’s better to plan for these scenarios than to absorb the cost later.
Review and Adjust Regularly
Your pricing shouldn’t be static. Costs increase over time, and so should your rates. Review your pricing annually (or more frequently if you experience major changes in labor or material costs). Communicate price increases clearly and professionally with clients and reinforce the value they receive. Most customers understand that inflation and industry dynamics affect pricing, especially if they trust the quality of your work.
Regular reviews can also help you identify services that may no longer be profitable, or spot opportunities to package offerings in a way that increases revenue.
Package and Upsell Strategically
One way to boost profitability is by offering bundled services or strategic upsells. For example, if you’re installing sod, you could offer irrigation system checks, soil testing, or seasonal
fertilization packages. These added services not only increase the overall value of a job, but they also help position your business as a comprehensive turf solution provider.
Clients often appreciate a “one-stop shop” approach, especially when it simplifies their to-do list and increases the success of their lawn or landscape investment.
Know When to Walk Away
Finally, remember that not every job is the right fit. If a prospective client pressures you to lower your price or match a competitor’s rate without understanding the difference in service quality, it may be best to politely walk away. Saying no to low-margin work frees up your time and resources for jobs that are actually profitable.
It takes confidence and discipline, but walking away from the wrong clients is just as important to your bottom line as securing the right ones.
Pricing Done Right
Pricing is one of the most important decisions you make as a turfgrass professional and business owner. It requires a clear understanding of your costs, an honest evaluation of your value, and the willingness to protect your profit margins. When done right, pricing becomes more than a number on a quote—it becomes a reflection of your professionalism and the foundation of a thriving business.
By taking a thoughtful, data-driven approach to pricing, you’ll not only ensure the health of your business but also earn the trust and loyalty of clients who see the value in what you do.
