Josh Landreth, Vice President Ace of Blades • 479-530-7001 aceofblades@cox.net
Jay Randolph Sebastian County Park Admin. & Golf Course Superintendent jrandolph@co.sebastian.ar.us
Ricky Self Cypress Creek r.self@yahoo.com • 501-605-8000
CHANGE THE GAME.
Thank You Members!
We’re halfway through 2025 and what a year it has been! From snow and ice to a wetter than normal spring. The ATA hosted a weed ID class in February, which was well attended. Dr. Wendell Hutchens, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science gave an in-depth class on weed control and identification.
On August 6th, The University of Arkansas will be hosting Turfgrass Field Day at the Horticulture Field Lab in Fayetteville. It will feature the latest information about new products and turfgrass research studies. The Arkansas Turfgrass Association is proud to be the sponsor this year for the onsite trade show.
As we get into the fall, we hope to host a “one day” education class again. If you check the Arkansas Turfgrass website, we will put the dates and location there. Thank you to Board member Kyle Sanders for creating these opportunities throughout the year.
Thank you members for your continued support of the ATA! Have a great and safe summer and we will see you soon.
Richard Covert President Arkansas Turfgrass Association
Mike Richardson, Ph.D. Professor 479-575-2860
mricha@uark.edu
Wendell Hutchens, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science University of Arkansas, Department of Horticulture Cell: 276-952-8186 Office: 479-575-6205
wendellh@uark.edu X / Twitter: @HutchensWendell
Hannah Wright Smith Weed Specialist-Turfgrass, Specialty Crops, & Forestry 501-251-4416
hw044@uark.edu
John H. McCalla Jr. Program Technician III 479-575-5033
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
G
iven 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.
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 non-target-site resistance mechanisms were particularly common with ALSinhibiting 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 long-term 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 handson 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 tank-mix 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.
The Business Behind the Green
YOUR FOR PROFIT PRICE TO HOW SERVICES
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.
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. •
