MTC Turf News - Fall 2018

Fall 2018

Don’t Miss The

MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show December 11, 2018 • Turf Valley Resort • Ellicott City, MD Plus Summer Annual Grass Control Issues in Maryland

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The Turfgrass Group, Inc. (770) 207-1500 or (770) 710-8139 www.TifTufBermuda.com

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16 Contents • Fall 2018 10 Save the Date!

16 Cover Story

Departments

December 11 MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show

Summer Annual Grass Control Issues in Maryland

6 From the MTC Executive Director 7 Index of Advertisers 8 President’s Message 15 Calendar of Events

4

MTC Turf News

M AR Y L AN D TURFGRASS C OUN C I L 303 S. Talbot St. #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com www.mdturfcouncil.org MTC Turf News is published quarterly for the MTC by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge St. Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 Fax: 615-794-4524 info@leadingedge communications.com

2018 Board of Directors President Jamie Roell AA Co, Rec & Parks Millersville, MD Office: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-370-2582 Rproel09@aacounty.org

Vice President Geoffrey Rinehart National Turf Federation /IAA Beltsville, MD Office: 202-245-5956 Cell: 253-592-3528 geoffrey.rhinehart@ ars.usda.gov

Secretary Cheryl A. Gaultney Churchville, MD Home: 410-734-0650 Cell: 410-322-8275 sandqueen10@aol.com

Treasurer Katy Cooper St. Michaels, MD Office: 410-745-9643 Cell: 443-496-0750 Fax: 410-745-8867 Treasurer@ MDTurfCouncil.com

Past President

THREE-YEAR DIRECTORS Brandon Sands MNCPPC Upper Marlboro, MD Office: 301-780-2426 Cell: 240-821-7139 Brandon.sands@ pgparks.com Kim Bohn Newsom Seed Edgewater, MD Cell: 443-875-5533 kimberly@newsonseed.com Ben Ellis The Courses at Andrews Waldorf, MD Cell: 571-340-0122 Office: 301-440-9882 Benjamin.Ellis@aafbgc.com

TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS Perry Whaley Newsom Seed Fulton, MD Office: 240-554-0359 Perry@newsomseeed.com Chuck Wilkes MTC Independent Towson, MD Cell: 443-791-8796 Wilkesc19@gmail.com Ryan Howard Winters Run Golf Course North East, MD Cell: 610-334-3541 rhoward@wintersrun.com

Les Phelps Phelps Lawn Care Linthicum, MD Cell: 443-623-5472 phelpslawncare@yahoo.com Doug Lechlider Laytonsville Landscaping Laytonsville, MD Cell: 240-372-2788 doug@laytonsville landscaping.com

Executive Director

Dave Nehila Genesis Turfgrass Fallston, MD Cell: 410-404-0112 dave@genesis turfgrassinc.com

Advisor David Coble A.A. Co. Recreation & Parks Millersville, MD Office: 410-222-6250 Cell: 443-764-6444 rpcobl23@AACounty.org

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ONE-YEAR DIRECTORS

Bill Warpinski Central Sod Farms Centreville, MD Office: 800-866-1387 Cell: 410-320-7791 bill@centralsodmd.com Vernon W. Cooper 303 S. Talbot St., #389 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Cell: 443-742-6618 Office: 410-745-9643 Fax: 410-745-8867 ExecDir@ MDTurfCouncil.com

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Fall 2018

5

From the MTC Executive Director

Here’s What’s Happening!!

Hi Folks,

A lot is happening, including the Maryland MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show coming back to Maryland!

This year we are at Turf Valley Golf/Resort/Spa in Ellicott City on December 11, 2018. It is a one day show this year, but the format and excitement is all new with different educational tracks. It will also provide you all the necessary re-certifications you need to update your required licenses. If you have special needs such as licenses from states other than Maryland, please let us know and we will see if we can get those for you too. We have already expanded and locked in the dates for 2019. We will be back at Turf Valley on December 10 & 11, 2019 so mark your calendars now.

Another piece of information which should be of critical interest to all of us is that the University of Maryland, College Park, announced in July that it was considering converting parts of its Golf Course into new athletic facilities for a Track and Field Complex and an additional 600+ space parking lot.

They are considering taking a beautiful 18-hole golf course where the men’s and women’s golf teams play 500 to 600 rounds each year (as well as daily practices) and shutting down 22.2% of the course. High School Tournaments, clinics and lessons all take place frequently on the course and changing it to less than 18 holes will destroy much of that opportunity.

In addition to golf, this course provides sanctuary to the surrounding urban environment. The University of Maryland

It’s time to write to:

and tell them how you feel.

See you in Ellicott City,

Vernon W. Cooper MTC Executive Director 6

MTC Turf News

Golf Course is more environmentally friendly than most due to its bioretention systems, rain gardens, and large tracts of milkweed that provide a sanctuary to Monarch Butterflies, which may very soon become an endangered species. This is a critical area for the University Environmental Studies and Outdoor Recreation Classes. Plus, this would change the wildlife in the area, as well as possibly change the runoff to the nearby Anacostia River.

The plan is to shut down the 1st, 9th, 10th and 18th holes, leaving a 14-hole course, which as we all know would essentially be a 9-hole course. Do you think the football team would be satisfied with an 80-yard field? How about only 2/3rd of a basketball court or tennis court? Better yet, do you think the administration would give up 20% of their plush office space or 20% of their coveted parking spaces?

The University had other alternatives, including the Chapel Fields, Fraternity Row, the south lawn of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and a dozen or so more. However, University Vice President Carlo Colella likes the golf course because it simultaneously addresses the need for new Track & Field facilities and more intramural fields. What is wrong with making all the parking lots into taller parking garages and place athletic fields of natural turf on top?

Once the Golf Course is lost it will NEVER come back!

University President Wallace Loh 1101 Main Administration Bldg College Park, MD 20742-5025

&

Vice President Carlo Colella 2119 Main Administration Bldg College Park, MD 20742-5035

Index of Advertisers

All States Turfgrass Consultants, LLC...............13 Alliance Material Handling, Inc............................5 www.alliancemat.com

Buy Sod, Inc............................. Inside Back Cover www.buysod.com

Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc....................9 www.centralsodmd.com

Chesapeake Valley Seed.....................................9 www.chesapeakevalleyseed.com

Collins Wharf Sod Farm....................................18 www.collinswharfsod.com

CoverSports USA................................................5

Nutrien Solutions..............................................15

www.coversports.com

www.nutrienagsolutions.com

East Coast Sod & Seed.....................................18

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc........................13

www.eastcoastsod.com

www.progressiveturfequip.com

Ernst Conservation Seeds.................................15

Shady Oaks Turf Farm......................................18

www.ernstseed.com

www.shadyoaksturffarm.com

Fisher & Sons Company, Inc...............................3

Smith Seed Services.........................................13

www.fisherandson.com

www.smithseed.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL............................................11

Summit Hall Turf Farm, Inc................. Back Cover

www.stihldealers.com

Mitchell Products................................................7

The Turfgrass Group.................Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com

www.mitchellsand.com

MTC Turf News is the Maryland Turfgrass Council magazine. Subscriptions are complimentary to MTC members. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, its board of directors, MTC Turf News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as MTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in any issue of MTC Turf News. Copyright Š 2018 by the Maryland Turfgrass Council. MTC Turf News is published quarterly.

Presorted standard postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: MTC allows reprinting of material published here.

Permission requests should be directed to MTC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

Fall 2018

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President’s Message

Welcome To the first annual, all new

MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show!!!

The

concept of combining the efforts of the MTC, VTC, University of Maryland, and VPI was an excellent idea for providing an A+ educational program in the form of M.A.T.E. However, after 3 years it became obvious that we were not providing what our MD Turfgrass Professionals needed by always holding the conference in Virginia. Facilities just are not available at a reasonable cost in MD to rotate the program between the states. Therefore, we are bringing the MTC / University of Maryland Turfgrass Conference and Trade-Show back to Maryland.

For our triumphant return, we have made arrangements to have the 2018 MTC Conference at the Turf Valley Resort and Spa, Ellicott City, on Tuesday December 11.

You ask how this is different from previous years when we had a conference in College Park? Well let me see if I can answer that for you: Parking is free and easier Classes are in 3 distinct tracks – Golf, Sports Turf, Lawn Care Lunch will be provided right in the Trade Show room.

Plenty of rooms are available right at the conference center for anyone who wants to come Monday evening and/or stay over Tuesday evening.

Spa treatments are available at the resort for yourself or your better half.

Vendor

olf is available at the resort the day before or the day after.

G Next year, the conference will be December 10 & 11, 2019 right back here at the Turf Valley Resort So, look over the program the Maryland Turfgrass Professors have developed for us included inside this magazine.

Complete your registration on page 14 and get it into Vernon, and join us for a great day of education, mingling and just plain having fun.

There is still plenty of time if you would like to be a Vendor and display your company and products for all to see. We are limited to table tops this year with a Single Booth for $500, Double for $950 or a triple for $1400. Each booth will be 10' x 10' with an 8-foot table and 2 chairs. Electric / WiFi is also provided.

While being a Vendor and exhibiting will help everyone become familiar with your company, you may also want more visibility and/or would like to sponsor one or more of the educational rooms, lunch, morning coffee & pastries, or perhaps just a benefactor to help offset the cost of the conference and raise more money to promote quality turfgrass and the University of Maryland Turfgrass Programs. Sponsorship Opportunities include: Coffee & Sweets – $500; Break-Out Sessions (6 available) – $500; Lunch (5 available) – $1,000; Exposition Room (Trade Show) – $1,500; AV Equipment – $750; and Friend of the University Programs – $300.

Sponsor

Company | Contact | Address | City |

State |

Email Address | Total Fee Due:

Zip |

Phone | Payment Method Preferred |

Check made out to MTC

Credit Card (MC/Visa/Amer.Exp./Discover)

Name on Card | Card Number | Exp. Date | If you would like to be part of this new adventure, please complete the form and return it to: Maryland Turfgrass Council, 303 S. Talbot St. # 389, St. Michaels, MD 21663 8

MTC Turf News

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Fall 2018

9

Save the Date!

MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show December 11, 2018 • Turf Valley Resort • Ellicott City, MD

The

return of the Maryland Turfgrass Educational Conference & Trade Show promises to be an excellent educational opportunity as well as a great day for interacting with other members of the turfgrass management community. Further details will be posted on the Maryland Turfgrass Council website at mdturfcouncil.org.

Following are some of the speakers participating in this year’s Maryland Turfgrass Conference: Kevin Frank, Michigan State University

The Hotel at Turf Valley Resort

Grady Miller, North Carolina State University Brian Winka, Advanced Turf Solutions Peter Wendt, Congressional Country Club Don Follett, Baltimore Ravens Elliott Downing, United States Golf Association Karen Reardon, RISE Peter Dernoeden, Emeritus Professor, University of MD Joe Roberts, University of MD Karen Rane, University of MD Geoff Rinehart, University of MD Tom Turner, University of MD Mark Carroll, University of MD Cody Beckley, University of MD Joe Doherty, University of MD.

Continued on page 12 10

MTC Turf News

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Save the Date! • continued

MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show December 11, 2018 • Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD

Among the topics to be covered and discussed at this years conference are: •W inter Injury in Warm Season Turfgrasses: Understanding, Preventing, & Diagnosing • Bluemuda for Fairways, Roughs, and Athletic Fields •E ffects, Remediation, and Preparation for Heavy Summer Rains •M anaging Cool & Warm Season Grass Landscapes During the Worst of Times • Complexities of Annual Grass Weed Control in Wet Years • Understanding Communicating the Glyphosate Issue • New Chemistry for Disease Control & Resistance Concerns Original Course Hole 13 at Turf Valley Resort

• Turfgrass Amendments for Improving Disease Control • Microbial Community Assessments & Biocontrol Implications • Reviewing Ornamental Pest Problems in 2018 •P rocedures for Identifying Turfgrass Problems & Nutritional Deficiencies • Latest Research on Organic and Bio Rational Weed Control • Warm Season Turfgrass Disease Issues in 2018 • Coloring Green Grass • S electing Grass & Cultivars for Athletic Field Use in Maryland – Using the Data • Weed Management in Athletic Fields • Understanding & Using Surfactants • 1st Green Programs • Golf Course Turf Management in 2018 – A Review •U nderstanding and Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Turfgrass Fertilization Photos courtesy of Turf Valley Resort

Continued on page 14 12

MTC Turf News

Fall 2018

13

Save the Date! • continued

MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show December 11, 2018 • Turf Valley Resort • Ellicott City, MD

Registration Name | Company Name | Address |

Company

City |

State |

Email Address |

Zip |

Phone |

Last 4 of SS # | MDA Pesticide Lic # | MDA Fertilizer Lic # | Please indicate company’s emphasis

Home

Sod Farm

Golf

Lawn Care

Licensed other State (which) |

Sports Turf

Other

Registration Fees

MTC Members

Non-Members

Prior to Nov. 15, 2018

$75

$100

Nov. 16 to Dec. 11, 2018

$115

$150

Students with ID

Free

Free

Conference Special: If you are not a member, you may join now, receive your discount for conference registration, and be covered as a member through January 31, 2020. Members may also renew their dues now for 2019 (February 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020)

Type of MTC Membership Individual Member..................................................................................................................................................................................$50 Student/Educator/Retiree Member..........................................................................................................................................................$15 Master Gardener/Non-Profit Volunteer Member......................................................................................................................................$25 Public Agency (First 10 employees per County or Location)*................................................................................................................$150 Additional employees above 10................................................................................................................................................ $15 (each) Business: (1 – 5 employees)*.........................................................................................................................................................$175 (Bronze) (6 – 10 employees)*.........................................................................................................................................................$350 (Silver) (11 – 15 employees)*.........................................................................................................................................................$500 (Gold) (16 – 20 employees)*................................................................................................................................................$1000 (Platinum) (21 + employees)*................................................................................................................................................... $1500 (Palladium) Payment Type (Dues and Registration may be combined in a single payment): Total Payment:

Payment Method Preferred |

Check made out to MTC

Credit Card (MC/Visa/Amer.Exp./Discover)

Name on Card | Card Number | Exp. Date |

Send to: Vernon W. Cooper, Exec. Dir. ExecDir@MDTurfCouncil.com Maryland Turfgrass Council or Office: 410-745-9643 303 S. Talbot St. #389 Fax: 410-745-8867 St. Michaels, MD 21663 Cell: 443-742-6618 14

MTC Turf News

Security code |

Calendar of Events

Mark Your Calendar &

Save These Dates!

December 11, 2018 MTC Winter Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show Turf Valley Resort Ellicott City, MD

January 22–25, 2019 STMA Conference and Exhibition Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix, AZ

Native grass & wildflower seed

January 28–31, 2019 Mid Atlantic Turfgrass Expo (M-A-T-E) Fredericksburg Expo Center Fredericksburg, VA

February 2–7, 2019 Golf Industry Show San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA

ernstseed.com sales@ernstseed.com 800-873-3321

Fall 2018

15

Cover Story

Summer Annual Grass Control Issues in Maryland

By Dr. Joe Roberts, University of Maryland and Dr. Tom Turner, University of Maryland

M

any would consider the Maryland region one of the toughest areas to grow amenity turfgrasses.

Weather conditions in the region can support both cool and warm season grasses at different times of the year, yet neither are known to thrive year-round, making turfgrass establishment and maintenance difficult for managers. While turfgrass managers know to expect the unexpected, 2018 has been particularly difficult due to environmental extremes observed on both the cold and hot ends of the spectrum.

To begin, the National Weather Service reported the first week of January in Baltimore to be one of the coldest starts in over 140 years. Though many will recall the warm days in February and March which offered a glimpse of spring, others will focus on the persistent cold temperatures and snow events extending into April. Encouragement of turfgrass growth during the extended low temperatures of April and May was difficult, as many turfgrasses prefer soil temperatures above 50° F for shoot production.

The cold transitioned to heat relatively quickly in late May and early June and, along with the summer heat, frequent rains have pummeled areas throughout Maryland, generating one of the wettest years on record. Rainfall amounts from January through July 2018 were the 2nd highest recorded since 1895. Needless to say, turfgrasses have struggled this year, pest issues have been consistent

16

MTC Turf News

throughout the season and we have received multiple inquiries regarding annual grass weed control.

Why are so many weeds in my lawn this year?

Close examination of the weather patterns can be indicative of the weed pressure we have observed this year.

Going back to the extended winter-like conditions, the slow start to turfgrass growth for both cool and warm season turfgrasses in 2018 translated to lower density at the early stages of the season.

Turfgrass density and vigor is one of the first lines of defense in reducing competition for weeds. Some of our most common annual grass weeds in the region, crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), goosegrass

Photo 1: Annual Grass Encroachment into Tall Fescue During Summer of 2018 Despite Preemergent Herbicide Application

(Eleusine sp.), and foxtail (Setaria sp.) are known to emerge when soil temperatures are consistently between 60 and 70°F. Frequent rainfall, like that observed throughout much of the growing season this year, can also encourage weed seed germination or sprouting, allowing weeds to colonize voids in areas where desirable turfgrasses are less competitive.

My lawn has weeds even though I used a preemergent herbicide!

When applied properly, preemergent herbicides are an effective method to limit weed populations and multiple chemistries are widely available. Herbicide activity is contingent on the concentration of the herbicide necessary to limit the target weed activity. The length of control achieved given the recommended application information set forth on the product label involves multiple factors, one of which is directly related to the persistence of the herbicide.

Different chemistries have variable persistence related to the chemical makeup of the product and it is important to consider that environmental conditions also play a significant role in the degradation process of the herbicides. Herbicide persistence declines rapidly as temperature and soil moisture increase and these two factors were constant in 2018.

As a result, even though preemergent herbicides were properly applied, many locations suffered from herbicide breakthrough much sooner than in a typical year as a result of extreme environmental conditions that favored weed encroachment over herbicide persistence. (Photo 1)

What can I do now that weeds are readily apparent in my turf?

Crabgrass, goosegrass and foxtail plant growth will slow down as cooler weather prevails in the coming weeks before going dormant after the first frost. Post emergent herbicide control of these weeds at this time would be ineffective and not cost effective. The most important practice at this time is to encourage the improvement of turfgrass density, primarily through proper nitrogen fertilization

Photo 2: Tall Fescue Turf Mowed at 1 inch – Heavy Annual Grass Encroachment

Photo 3: Tall Fescue Turf Mowed at 4 inches – Minimal Annual Grass Encroachment Table 1: Annual Grass Preemergent Herbicides Commonly Used in Maryland on Cool Season Turfgrass Species. Suggested Rates for Single and Split Applications (6–8 weeks apart).

benefin benefin + trifluralin bensulide

Single Application Rate Lb. ai. /acre 1.5 – 3.0 1.5 – 3.0 7.5 – 12.5

dithiopyr

0.5

oxadiazon pendimethalin

2.0 – 4.0 1.5 – 3.0

prodiamine

0.75 – 1.5

Chemical Name

Maximum Split Application Rate Lb. ai. /acre 1.5 + 1.5 1.5 + 1.5 — 0.25 + 0.25 up to 0.50 + 0.50 — 1.5 + 1.5 0.38 + 0.38 up to 0.75 +0.75

Fall 2018

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Cover Story • continued

Table 2: Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization Rate on Annual Grass Encroachment into Tall Fescue Turf in Maryland Nitrogen Rate Lbs. N/1000 ft2 Annually 0 1 (source sulfur coated urea) 2 (source sulfur coated urea) 3 (source sulfur coated urea)

Crabgrass & Foxtail Encroachment % plot area covered (average of 3 years data) 59 29 16 6

Table 3: Effect of Mowing Height on Annual Grass Encroachment into Tall Fescue Turf in Maryland.

Mowing Height 1 inch 2 inch 3 inch 4 inch

Crabgrass & Foxtail Encroachment % plot area covered (average of 4 years data) 87 63 19 4

(see University of Maryland Turfgrass Technical Update TT-115 “Fertilizer Recommendations for Commercially Maintained Lawns and Turfgrass in Maryland” for current recommendations). In some cases, overseeding existing turfgrass with recommended cultivars will also improve turfgrass density and aid in preventing annual grass encroachment in the future (see University of Maryland Turfgrass Technical Update TT-77 “Recommended Turfgrass Cultivars for Certified Sod Production & Seed Mixtures in Maryland” for current recommendations).

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What about 2019?

18

MTC Turf News

The unusual weather conditions that were conducive to both annual weedy grass growth and faster than typical preemergent herbicide breakdown will hopefully not be repeated in 2019. Changes in current preemergent herbicide programs should generally not be needed as long as current recommendations for these products are followed. However, the performance of some products may be enhanced by split applications six to eight weeks apart versus a single application in late March through mid-April (Table 1).

While the listed rates for these products are generally recommended, labels for each product should be carefully read. In particular, rates may need to be adjusted for specific cool season turfgrass species based on tolerance to the herbicide. In addition, plans for any future overseeding operations need to be carefully considered based on the residual activity for each product.

As previously noted, the most important factor in minimizing the encroachment of crabgrass, goosegrass and/or foxtail into existing turfgrass is maintaining a dense turfgrass stand. Maximum density can be achieved by using recommended turfgrass cultivars, maintaining soil pH in the range of 6.0-6.5, implementing a sound nitrogen fertility program (Table 2) and employing a mowing height of 3.0 to 4.0 inches for tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue turf (Table 3). •

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