January / February 2024
A Publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
Are Mulching Mowers Necessarily Better? Plus, 4 Ways to Grow Social Media
NORTH CAROLINA | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | VIRGINIA Office 704.393.8873 www.turf-care.com www.smithturf.com
Table of Contents
FE ATUR E AR TICLE S
8
Member Spotlight:
22 I Am CALS: 14 C O V ER S T O RY A re Mulching Mowers Necessarily Better?
January / February 2024
Mike Hrivnak
Danny Losito
26 NCSU Launches
Economic Impact Study for the Green Industry
28 4 Ways to Grow Social Media
MOR E FE ATUR E S From the President Index of Advertisers TCNC Deluxe Members NC State Turf Team News from TCNC NCCTP Program
6 9 10 10 11 32
The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina (TCNC) 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, North Carolina Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or TCNC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2024 by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. North Carolina Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of TCNC. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: North Carolina Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to TCNC. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, 615.790.3718, Fax 615.794.4524.
FIND THIS ISSUE, PODCASTS, EVENTS AND MORE: THETURFZONE.COM
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January / February 2024
From the President North Carolina Turfgrass is the official publication of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina P.O. Box 641 Wake Forest, NC 27588 984.301.5460 www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
MAKING AN IMPACT IN 2024
Marcy Cottle info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org 984.301.5460 Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.790.3718 Fax 615.794.4524 info@leadingedgecommunications.com
TCNC OFFICERS PRESIDENT
Dear Members, I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than with a monumental collaborative effort with North Carolina State University. The North Carolina General Assembly has earmarked $344,000 in non-recurring funds for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NCSU to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study of the green industry in our great state. The decision to allocate funding for this important research was included in the Budget Conference Report and is the result of advocacy efforts by the North Carolina Green Industry Council (NCGIC). The NCGIC is composed of six organizations, including TCNC, that are committed to protecting, promoting, and progressing the advocacy efforts. A portion of your dues pays for a shared services, such as legislative advocacy, which aided in making this study possible. This is one of the many benefits to being a TCNC member! This is the first of such study in nearly two decades and is a significant milestone for our industry. It aims to shed light on the industry's role in enhancing, beautifying, and protecting human environments while also generating jobs and driving economic growth throughout the state. You play an important role in the economic impact study. You’ll be invited to complete a survey that will serve as an integral part of the research. This will be coming mid-January, so please log into your account at https://turfgrasscouncilnc.org and confirm your membership and email is current. My Best,
Kevin Herrmann TCNC President K.Herrmann@fairwaygreen.com
Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC
VICE PRESIDENT Wilson Sutton Emerald Golf Club New Bern, NC
PAST PRESIDENT Gene Queen Nature's Select Winston-Salem, NC
TREASURER Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC
DIRECTORS Brian Beane Southern Turf Winston-Salem, NC Greg Harris Leap Frog Land Care, Inc. Cary, NC Shaun Kerr Gates Four Golf and Country Club Fayetteville, NC
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Years ago, LSU decided to move to Celebration® Bermudagrass across its sports facilities. Over the years, the athletic grounds staff has installed Celebration on the soccer, softball, baseball, practice fields and the crown jewel, football’s Tiger Stadium. Across the maintenance spectrum for Celebration, the LSU grounds staff have been innovators. They continue to produce a championship product year in and year out.
“For us at LSU, all the athletic fields that we compete on are all Celebration. So the (football) stadium, softball, soccer, our practice facilities, Alex Box, our baseball stadium, they’re all Celebration as well. Celebration for us just works and it’s a good fit.” – Trevor Austin – LSU Sports Turf Manager
More Info At: SodSolutionsPro.com/LSU
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON
Mike Hrivnak
Meet Mike! Mike is the Agronomic Director at Canopy Lawn Care, which serves the Triangle and Charlotte areas. He has been in operations overseeing their Agronomic Programs for six years.
Fast Facts with Mike What services do you offer? We offer Scientific Lawn Care Treatments coupled with broadcast enhancements to improve soil health. We also specialize in topdressing warm and cool season turfgrasses, as well as aeration and seeding.
What is one thing you wish people knew about our industry? We’re more than technicians and landscapers pushing a spreader or pulling a hose. We’re trained professionals that have a passion for this industry!
What is something you’ve seen change in our industry over the years? The improved materials that we can blend into a fertilizer bag or jug to feed plants is pretty awesome. I've been in the industry for a while and have enjoyed seeing some of the out-of-the-box thinking from the fine turf managers migrate into the LCO world as well.
What is one challenge you face in your business? Explaining how we're different from our competitors. We focus on soil health and concentrate on feeding and building soil fauna to make their turfgrass system much healthier. This can take time, depending on the state of the system, and some homeowners struggle with this.
What helps you overcome this challenge? Continuing education for our customers and our industry as a whole. We have much better plant food sources available to feed the turfgrass that allow us to do more with less!
What is one fun fact about you? I love Lego’s. I can’t let go of this part of my childhood!
Why do you choose to be a TCNC member? Being a part of a professional organization is so valuable. Not only for the friendships, but also for the sharing of ideas. I love gathering with the members of TCNC to geek out over turfgrass. Their advocating for our industry in our state and their connection to the NC State Turfgrass Program is awesome as well!
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January / February 2024
Index of Advertisers Amick’s Superstore..................................... 19 www.amickssuperstore.com Buy Sod, Inc................................................ 20 www.buysod.com Divots, Inc..................................................... 9 www.divotssand.com DMG Turf, Inc............................................. 23 www.dmgturf.com Eastern Turf Equipment Co...................Inside Front Cover www.etenc.net Freylit USA.............................................. 5, 15 freylitusa.com
Southern Specialty Equipment, Inc.
New, Used & Refurbished
Green Resource.......................................... 36 www.green-resource.com
• Ease of Operation
Greene County Fertilizer Co...................... 13 www.greenecountyfert.com
• Single Axle
Kesmac........................................................ 29 www.brouwerkesmac.com
• Low Operating
Solid & Dependable Rotary Finishing Mowers
Over 50 Years of Harvesting Innovation
Email: jim@ssequip.net
Website: ssequip.net
Costs Truck Use
Office: 877-366-5399
Mobile: 352-284-8029
Mid-Atlantic STIHL...................................... 17 www.stihldealers.com Morgan Sand Company.............................. 13 www.morgansandco.com Progressive Turf Equipment Inc................. 24 www.progressiveturfequip.com Quality Turf, Inc............................................ 9 www.qualityturfnc.com Smith Turf & Irrigation.................................. 3 www.smithturf.com Sod Solutions................................................ 7 www.sodsolutions.com Southern Agricultural Insecticides, Inc....... 27 www.southernag.com Southern Seeds, Inc.................................... 12 www.southernseedsinc.com
DIGIT AL MARK ET PLACE Scan the QR Code to learn more about this company
Southern Specialty Equipment..................... 9 www.ssequip.net Super-Sod.................................................... 35 www.supersod.com The Turf Zone....................................... 18, 31 www.theturfzone.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc................................. 9 www.turfmountain.com Vandemark Farms....................................... 25 www.vandemarkfarms.com
Ron Hall, Sr Cell – 919-775-8634 Ron Hall, Jr Cell - 919-775-9732 sales@divotssand.com www.DivotsSand.com
A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f No rth C aro l i n a 9
TCNC Deluxe Members
NC State Turf Team
Companies wishing to support TCNC with multiple members can join as Deluxe Members. Deluxe Memberships can be purchased in one of three tiers: 1–5 employees; 6–10 employees; or 11+ employees.
CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES
If you'd like to learn more about the Deluxe Membership, please contact the TCNC office at 984.301.5460 or info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org.
Thank You to Our DELUXE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS Barefoot Lawn Care & Landscaping Services
NaturaLawn of America (Raleigh)
Canopy Lawn Care
Nature's Select
Carol Woods Retirement Community
Sod Solutions
Carolina Green Corp
Southern Seeds, Inc. The Sunrock Group
Duplin Sod
Tillery Country Club
Edison Landscaping Edison Landscaping Fairway Green Fairway Green of Charlotte Fayetteville Tech
Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor 919.515.2647 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu Emily Erickson Crop Science Lecturer 919.513.2034 emily_erickson@ncsu.edu Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Professor & University Faculty Scholar 919.280.3443 susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu
Town of Cary Public Works Town of Garner Wake Forest University Weed Man Emerald Green
Dr. Rob Richardson Associate Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu Dr. Wei Shi Professor 919.513.4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu Dr. Fred Yelverton Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate 919.515.7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu
Lee Butler NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab 919.513.3878 ebutler@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Leader 919.515.8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu
Dr. James Kerns Professor and Extension Specialist 919.513.4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu
The Biltmore Company Triangle Chemical Company
Gates Four Golf & Country Club
Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.
JRM Inc.
Green Resource
Keith Hills Country Club
McConnell Golf
Leapfrog Landcare
Southern Garden
Morehead City
UNC - CH
2022 – 23 Renewal as of 12/31/2023 Don't see your company's name?
HORTICULTURE SCIENCE
Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, Southern IPM Center & Associate Professor 919.513.8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu
www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/people/
Renew today at www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org
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Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu
Southern Ag
City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation
Eastern Turf Maintenance
Matt Martin Extension Associate 910.409.5899 matthew_martin@ncsu.edu
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January / February 2024
News from TCNC
TCNC Members Weigh In
At
the December TCNC Meet-Up, we asked members what one thing they wished people knew about the turfgrass industry. Every answer is spot on! We’d love for you to join the conversation, so be sure to join us at our next meet-up. Follow us on Facebook (Turfgrass Council of North Carolina – TCNC) for details as they become available. “The economic impact of turfgrass in our state.” – Shaun Kerr of Gates Four Golf & Country Club
“We help clean the air with turf.” – Kevin Herrmann of Fairway Green / ETM
“It is a science / art.” – Hunter King of SunRock
“We are more than just landscapers or technicians. The industry is cutting edge and pushing the envelope. We’re wanting to do right by the environment and grow healthy and amazing turfgrass.” – Mike Hrivnak of Canopy Lawn Care
“The ways in which it helps make life better for all citizens.” – Charles Tomlinson - Retired NCDOT
“If you are willing to learn, grow and develop, you can earn a great living that can compete with any professional degree.”
Our
organization is thriving with some of the brightest minds in the turfgrass industry. We are often blown away by the makeovers, creative hacks, team stories, and so much more that we hear from TCNC members. It would be selfish to keep these inspiring moments to ourselves, so we are introducing a new feature for the North Carolina Turfgrass Magazine: Showin’ Your Grass! Each edition, which is distributed bi-monthly, will feature a member submitted photo.
What are Possible “Showin’ Your Grass” Submissions? •B efore and After / Makeover photos •T eam or individual photo from a special project •L andscape photo •S pecial event photo •E mployee spotlight featuring their great work
What Makes a Good Photo? •H igh resolution (most smart phones take high-quality photos) • No blurriness • Good lighting •A void using photos with people who have not given permission to use
– Greg Harris of Leapfrog Landcare
“The difference a good topsoil can make in growing turf.” – Jay Blanchfield of SunRock
“A grass lawn produces oxygen at a far greater rate than trees. One acre of trees with full canopy produces enough oxygen for between 8 – 18 people while one acre of grass produces enough for 70 people.” – Jonathan Richardson of Green Resource
Please send 1 – 3 photos and some background information regarding your photo(s) to info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org and we'll make sure you're in the next edition of "Showin' Your Grass"!
All my best,
Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP Turfgrass Council of NC
A Pu b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f No rth C aro l i n a 11
News from TCNC | continued
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK Check out our new website for a chance to win a prize!
Who
doesn’t love a makeover? While lawn and turf makeovers are most appreciated with this crowd, this virtual revamp could win you a free individual membership for a year. The TCNC website has a whole new look. It is clean and green! Most importantly, it is easier than ever to navigate and find the information you need.
How to be Entered to Win To be entered to win a chance at a free individual TCNC membership for one year, please do the following by March 15, 2024. Winners will be announced by March 22, 2024. 1. Be sure your contact information (name, address, phone number, mobile number, and email address) is up to date. Once you log in, go to your account and click Edit Profile or go to: turfgrasscouncilnc.org/ membership-account/ your-profile 2. Add your Business Category (same webpage!) by using the down arrow to see all available categories. 3. Like us on Facebook if you have not already (simply search Turfgrass Council of North Carolina in Facebook). Head over to turfgrasscouncilnc.org to check it out for yourself. Explore the improved features and let us know what you think!
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January / February 2024
Welcome New Members Melinda Knuth, Ph.D. North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC Beatrice Coats Coats Lawn Service Clayton, NC Alex Von Hoene Specialty Turf Solutions Matt Cooper Carol Woods Retirement Community Chapel Hill, NC
High performance liquid fertilizers, soil amendments, and every control product you need is right here under one roof.
Bryan Starnes Bryan’s Lawn Maintenance and Landscape, Inc. Irmo, SC
GROW YOUR BUSINESS. WE’LL GROW YOUR TURF.
Healthy turf starts with Greene County Fert.
Learn more: GreeneCountyFert.com
MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT
.
Calendar of Events
JA NU A R Y 22 – 25, 2024
Growth Happens Here.
continued | Green Light on Sod
SFMA Conference & Exhibition Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida
JA NU A RY 29 – FEBRU A RY 1, 2024 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show Phoenix, Arizona
A Pu b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f No rth C aro l i n a 13
Cover Story
Are Mulching Mowers Necessarily Better? By Grady L. Miller and Raymond K. McCauley
Introduction Recycling lawn clippings promotes the retention of plant nutrients on site and may enhance turfgrass quality. It seems reasonable to assume that smaller turfgrass clippings will filter down through the turfgrass canopy to the soil surface and enhance the onset of decomposition and provide an environmental benefit. From a consumer’s perspective, fewer clippings visible on the turfgrass surface can result in a more uniform, attractive turfgrass canopy. It is this point that is often used as a selling point for using a specific mower or a method of mowing. But there has been no scientific study to show if one mowing method results in a higher quality turfgrass or not. Rotary lawn mowers have decks that house one to three horizontal rotating cutting blades. The decks of these mowers are designed to lift, cut, and discharge leaf tissue through side or rear orifices. Many mowers offer a mulching option which closes discharge orifices resulting in completely enclosed decks. For some mowers, decks are mulching-specific. In principle, mulching-specific decks cut clippings multiple times before discharging the ‘mulched’ debris beneath the unit into the turfgrass canopy. This suggests mulching units should produce more visually appealing turfgrass stands as a result of fewer clippings on the turf surface immediately following mowing. Some of our previous work that evaluated cut quality of different mowers on multiple coolseason grass species and various mowing modes (mulching, side discharge, and bagging) resulted in inconsistent post-mowing turfgrass quality between various mower setups (Miller et al., 2016). Specifically, it was found that mulching units deposited excessive clippings on the turf surface and decreased turfgrass quality compared to side discharge units. However, this study did not compare clipping sizes from side discharge and mulching mowers but just assessed biomass on the surface. The objective of the study presented in this article was to evaluate the effectiveness of mulching mower operation to reduce clipping particle size compared to traditional side discharge mower operation.
Mowing Units
Controlled mower testing.
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To accomplish this objective, a field study at the Lake Wheeler Turfgrass Research Laboratory in Raleigh, N.C. was conducted to assess the influence of mower setup on post-mowing clipping size. Each mowing unit was used on actively growing El Toro zoysiagrass maintained at 2.5 inches and tall fescue maintained at 3.5 inches. Turf species were chosen due to their popularity among North Carolina homeowners.
January / February 2024
Cover Story | continued
Clipping Size Analysis
Three commercially available mowers were chosen for all testing to range all market designations from small homeowner to large commercial mower units: Recycler Lawn Mower with a 22 inch cut diameter (Small), Commercial Walk-Behind Mower with a 36 inch cut diameter (Medium), and a Zero-turn Commercial Riding Mower with a 52 inch cut diameter (Large) (Table 1). Mowers were pretested to align their effective cutting heights within each turfgrass, and each mower was operated at three miles per hour during testing.
A computer particle analyzer was used to quantify clipping particle length and area. Previous research found the particle analyzer to be >97% accurate in both particle counts and dimensional measurements. The target number of clippings for analysis was at least 30,000 particle counts. In this study, turfgrass clipping counts for each plot averaged 44,180 for all the samples analyzed—56,814 for zoysiagrass clipping particles, and 31,546 for tall fescue particles. In addition to counting the clipping particles, the average particle length and specific projected area of clipped turfgrass particles were determined for each sample. The specific projected area of clipped turfgrass particles measures the average size of the clippings regardless of their shape.
Table 1. Mower engine horsepower, engine speed, blade configuration, and measured bench mowing heights for all mower treatments on zoysiagrass and tall fescue. Mower
Horsepower
Engine speed
Blade configuration‡
Treatment Effects on Clipping Length and Specific Projected Area
RPM† Small
3.7
2900 ± 100
1 (22)
Medium
15.0
3600 ± 100
2 (18)
Large
25.0
3800 ± 50
3 (18)
Each of the three test factors—mower size, mowing mode, and turfgrass species—influenced clipping length. Interestingly, clipping length was influenced by mower and mode of mowing but not their interaction. In other words, the smaller, medium, and large mowers responded the same relative to the mode of mowing. The specific projected area of clippings was less influenced by treatments compared to clipping length. While both mower and grass species influenced clipping specific projected area, the mode of mowing was not a significant factor, nor was there a mower x grass interaction. The location of collected clippings in relation to the mower deck was not originally considered to be important, but an evaluation of whether clippings were collected at the edge of the deck or underneath the deck indicated a large influence on both clipping length and area.
†RPM= revolutions per minute ‡Blade configuration= number of blades (blade length in inches).
Turf Clipping Collection Post-mowing clipping size was measured for each mower at sidedischarge and mulching modes. Prior to mowing test plots, two one-square-foot areas were pre-marked within each plot. Premarked areas were allowed to dry, mowed, and then vacuumed to remove debris. For the mulching mode, tissue was collected within the mower deck path and on the edge of the mower deck. For the side discharge mode, samples were collected within the mower deck path and within the side discharge area of clipping dispersion. Fresh-cut clippings were immediately placed in sealed plastic bags, preserved on ice, and transported to a lab where they were analyzed within three hours of collection.
Measured Post-Mowing Clipping Length The premise behind a mulching mower is that clippings stay under the deck longer so that the spinning blades can make multiple contacts with the plant tissue, further reducing the tissue particle length/size. This was not the case with tall fescue post-mowing clipping length. Tall fescue clipping length was 20% longer when mulched compared to side discharge (Table 2). No differences in clipping sizes were noted for zoysiagrass clippings when comparing mowing modes.
Table 2. Average length of collected turfgrass leaf tissue (in) as a function of grass, mowing mode, and mower. Values represent a mean of six samples (three replications from two collection points). Tall fescue
Zoysiagrass
Mower mulch
side discharge
mulch
side discharge
Small
0.366 a
0.319 a
0.216 a
0.228 a
Medium
0.240 b
0.181 b
0.169 b
0.185 b
Large
0.224 b
0.193 b
0.204 a
0.196 b
Mean
0.278 A
0.232 B
0.196 A
0.202 A
Means with the same lowercase letter within the column or uppercase letter in a row (same grass) are not significantly different (P=0.05) according to Fisher’s protected least significant difference test.
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January / February 2024
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Cover Story | continued
Collecting clippings for size evaluation.
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January / February 2024
Using the small mower on tall fescue resulted in longer clippings compared to the medium and large mowers regardless of mode. The medium mower reduced zoysiagrass tissue length compared to both the small and large mowers in mulching mode but similarly to the large mower in side-discharge mode. The slower blade speed of the low-power, small mower is most likely the reason it did not reduce clipping length as effectively as the larger mowers. Furthermore, the dense zoysiagrass canopy may have moderated the effect of mower performance. The sample collection location in relation to the mower deck further illustrates the importance of deck design in regards to clipping size. Tall fescue clippings collected at the deck edge were nearly 85% longer following mulching. This suggests clippings from the deck edge were not coming in contact with the mower blades at the frequency of clippings collected from underneath the deck. Longer clippings deposited along the deck’s edge can result in a clumping appearance across the turfgrass surface, reducing surface uniformity of the mown turfgrass. Zoysiagrass showed minimal differences in clipping length for the two collection points.
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Cover Story | continued
Specific Projected Area of Clippings Post-mowing turfgrass tissue length is important for turfgrass aesthetics since tissue of greater length may be more likely to remain on the surface and reduce turfgrass quality. However, the specific projected area of the tissue likely influences the rate of decomposition more than tissue length. The specific projected area decreased with increasing mower size for side discharge (Table 3). This is likely the result of increased mower blade speed. The specific projected area decreased from 19 to 32% as mower sized increased. There was a trend in decreasing specific projected area in the mulch mode for tall fescue similar to those measured in tall fescue side discharge. There was no change in specific projected area for zoysiagrass clippings due to mower size operating in the mulching mode.
Implications of Mower Setup In summary, the two measurements of clipping size—length and area, were evaluated for three mowers of varying size using mulching and side discharge modes on two turfgrass species. The test hypothesis was that mulching would reduce clipping size. The results indicated that mulching did not decrease clipping size, and in one instance resulted in longer clippings. The turfgrass species and mower size had a greater impact on clipping length and specific projected area than mode of mowing. Our results, combined with previous data which indicated mulching mowers resulted in greater clipping deposits on the surface, suggest that a mower used in a mulching mode of operation may leave longer clippings on the turfgrass surface that could reduce decomposition rates and visual turfgrass quality. This does not mean that using a mower in the mulching configuration is bad, since the clipping are staying on the site. But in our experience, the distribution of clippings over a larger area from side discharge provided a higher-quality appearance of the turfgrass.
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January / February 2024
Table 3. Specific projected area (in2) of total turfgrass leaf tissue pieces collected as a function of grass, mowing mode, and mower. Values represent a mean of six samples (three replications from two collection points). Tall fescue
Zoysiagrass
Mower mulch
side discharge
mulch
side discharge
Small
0.0015 a
0.0017 a
0.0011 a
0.0011 a
Medium
0.0013 ab
0.0012 b
0.0009 a
0.0009 b
Large
0.0009 b
0.0009 c
0.0009 a
0.0007 c
Mean
0.0013 A
0.0013 A
0.0010 A
0.0009 A
Means with the same lowercase letter within the column or uppercase letter in a row (same grass) are not significantly different (P=0.05) according to Fisher’s protected least significant difference test.
Reference Miller. G.L., D. Pinnix, and G. Grabow. 2016. Evaluation cut quality testing methods for consumer lawn tractors. ASA, CSSA, and SSA International Annual Meetings. Phoenix, AZ. P 99947. This research article is intended for educational purposes. Further comprehensive information can be accessed in our original publication in Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management (https://doi.org/10.2134/ cftm2019.06.0050).
Clippings collected from five locations prior to analysis.
A Pu b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f No rth C aro l i n a 21
FE A T U R E
I Am CALS
Danny Losito From the Super Bowl to Beyoncé concerts, CALS alum Danny Losito has built an impressive resume. And now he’s got one of the rarest jobs in the country: one of only 30 director-level turfgrass managers for the NFL. By Chelsea Kellner, NCSU Photos by Keeshan Ganatra Below: Danny Losito, a 2014 CALS graduate, maintains fields for two teams: the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC professional men’s soccer.
The
most challenging day of Danny Losito’s career was an all-nighter. Charlotte’s pro soccer team had eked out a 1-0 win against New York—on the same field where the Carolina Panthers would play their 2022 home opener against the Cleveland Browns the next day. Within 12 hours, all 77,625 square feet of field had to be scrubbed of soccer stripes, manicured, safety-checked and repainted to NFL standards. It was Losito’s first game in charge of the 18-member crew, after a promotion to director of sports fields and grounds for the Panthers and Charlotte FC. He knew the field conversion would take his team all night. And then it started raining. “Adrenaline was high,” Losito recalls. “We didn’t have time to stop.” He told his crew to switch to waterresistant paint, grabbed an aerosol can and walked out into the rain to pitch in. Nights like that happen more than once a season, and there’s always pressure. Only 30 people in America have NFL stadium jobs like Danny’s—and he’s one of the youngest. “That’s a lot of stress, but also a lot of reward,” he says. Losito’s experience already encompasses two Super Bowls—and he started building that resume at North Carolina State University in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Every day since I graduated,” Losito says, “I use something I learned while I was at CALS.”
Turfgrass Top 30
Losito and his crew convert Bank of America Stadium from a Carolina Panthers game to a Charlotte FC match.
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In high school, Losito considered becoming an art teacher. He loved painting and hated staying still. While attending community college to figure out his next move, he learned about the groundskeeping industry from a friend who worked for the Durham Bulls while enrolled in CALS’ turfgrass science program. Losito realized he’d found his calling. “You’re nurturing something living—billions of little plants that respond differently every day,” Losito says. “The finished product can be as simple as painting a straight line down the field then looking back and seeing that it’s perfect, but it’s really satisfying.” Applying to CALS’ top-ranked program was a nobrainer. During his time in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, mentors like Distinguished Professor Grady Miller, Professor Emeritus Art Bruneau and 2002 alum Jimmy Simpson gave Losito life-changing guidance: Pursue skills, not money. Avoid lateral career moves. Be geographically flexible. For inspiration, he looked to John Turnour, a 2001 turfgrass alum who nabbed a head groundskeeper job with the Nationals by age 30. “That instantly became my new goal: become the next Turnour.”
January / February 2024
Feature | continued
Super-Bowl Bound After graduation, Losito zigzagged across the country, tending Bermuda grass for the San Diego Padres for a season, then serving as assistant groundskeeper for the Reno Aces baseball club’s Kentucky bluegrass for a year. Next, South Carolina and his first management role: head groundskeeper for Columbia’s minor league baseball team. By the time he hopped back to California for two years at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Losito was primed to join the expert 35-member Super Bowl grounds crew in both 2020 and 2022. The electrifying hustle of prepping a stadium in two weeks for football’s most important game provided “one of the biggest rushes” of Losito’s life. He worked alongside “The Sodfather” himself, 94-year-old George Toma, who’s tended turf for every Super Bowl since 1967. “George always says our jobs are about ‘and then some’,” Losito recalls. “As in, do your job and then some. Always do a little bit extra.”
The Next Turnour In August 2020, Losito earned a position as field supervisor for the Panthers. Colossal changes rocked his first year: synthetic turf, more concerts and Charlotte’s new major league soccer team now sharing the stadium.
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January / February 2024
Opposite Page: As director of sports fields and grounds, Losito’s responsibilities include preparing for special events as well as maintaining practice and playing fields. This Page: Losito positions a stencil in preparation for painting.
Zen and the Art of NFL Field Maintenance
Losito’s diversified career paid off. Field renovations? He’d been through that with the Padres and Rams. Beyoncé needs the field transformed into a dance floor? He could call on turnover experts in multiple states, as well as experienced overnight conversion professionals, many of them NC State alumni. After less than three years, in June 2023, Losito finally reached his goal: the director’s position at age 32.
NFL fields are awash in paint. End zones require a crew, but smaller midfield logos only need one careful painter. When there’s time, Losito pops in ear buds, grabs some paint and exercises his art skills. Creating the huge Panthers head roaring at the 50-yard line provides rare workday peace. “Managing grass well is a science, but making the field is an art,” he says. “A sports field just gives you a different kind of canvas.” Sometimes, he relaxes by watching sports. His favorite escape? Hockey. “It’s got nothing to do with grass,” he says, “and sometimes, that’s nice.”
A Pu b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f No rth C aro l i n a 25
FEATURE
NCSU Launches Economic Impact Study for the Green Industry
T
here is a buzz of excitement in our industry as we step into the new year. The North Carolina General Assembly has earmarked $344,000 in nonrecurring funds for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University (NCSU) to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study of the green industry within the state. This significant investment marks the first such study in nearly two decades and signifies a significant milestone for the industry. The decision to allocate funding for this important research was included in the Budget Conference Report and is the result of advocacy efforts by the North Carolina Green Industry Council.
What is an Economic Impact Study (EIS)? An economic impact study is a method of evaluating the impacts of a project or program on the economy. This study aims to shed light on the green industry's role in enhancing, beautifying, and protecting human environments while also generating jobs and driving economic growth throughout the state. This research initiative will explore the statewide, regional, and county-level contributions of the green industry to North Carolina's economy. This holistic approach will encompass various facets of the green industry, including: • Botanic gardens and arboretums • Christmas tree production • Composting and compost-use • Golf courses and country clubs • Horticulture input and equipment suppliers • Irrigation systems • Landscaping and landscape design services • Nursery, green house and tree production • Nursery, greenhouse, florists, garden center, and farm supply retailers • Parks and airports • Pine needle production • Turfgrass production • Urban forestry
Why conduct an Economic Impact Study? It creates an awareness and interest in the green industry, as well as identifying the industry as a player in local and state economy. Furthermore, it helps provide positive relationships, including legislative and media relations. Contributions to local and state government’s tax revenues produced by this impact have the potential to improve infrastructure, fund programs, and otherwise raise residents’ standard of living.
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How Will It Benefit the Green Industry? The study aims to shed light on the industry's role in enhancing, beautifying, and protecting human environments while also generating jobs and driving economic growth throughout the state. It is expected that the findings will provide valuable insights into the industry's significance and serve as a catalyst for further development. It determines where resources go and don’t go. Policymakers use Economic Impact Study (EIS) data to allocate their time and resources. An EIS can help make the case and garner support for the green industry community.
Who is Leading the Study? Renowned NCSU economists Melinda Knuth Ph.D. and Daniel Tregeagle Ph.D., will lead the study. “Serving the green industry through the role in generating this impact assessment is a core pillar of our positions here at North Carolina State University. We are honored and privileged to be part of this important contribution to North Carolina's green industry,” Dr. Melinda Knuth, Assistant Professor of Horticultural Science and Director of Cognitive Behavioral Lab, shared with TCNC. Their expertise in economic analysis and their commitment to advancing North Carolina's green industry will result in a report that will help to grow the state’s green industry economy. CALS will collaborate closely with the North Carolina Green Industry Council and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to ensure the study's comprehensiveness and accuracy. The results of this pivotal study are anticipated to be presented to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources by January 15, 2025. “It will be exciting to see how the industry has grown since 2005 when the last economic impact assessment was done. It's also exciting to see what areas are new or emerging for the NC industry,” states Dr. Daniel Treageagle, Assistant Professor of Agriculture & Resource Economics.
How You Can Contribute to the Study We invite you to contribute to the economic impact study by participating in their survey. Being a part of this important research will provide critical insight that will help us understand and promote the immense potential and value of the green industry. Your insights will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and developments. To participate, please log into turfgrasscouncilnc.org and confirm your email address. We will be sending links to the survey in February 2024. You can also keep an eye out for a link in our February newsletter. “Turfgrass is an integral part of the horticulture industry. In fact, turfgrass is the single most common plant grown around the United States, even above corn! Understanding turfgrass' contribution to the overall economic scope and breadth to the industry would be not only helpful for the turfgrass sector, but validate the need and desire for turfgrass products,” explains Dr. Knuth. As we step into the new year, this comprehensive report aims to shed light on the immense contribution of the green industry to our economy. We hope that you will join us in these efforts by completing the survey.
January / February 2024
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F EA T U R E
4 Ways to Grow Your Social Media in 2024
M
arketing is an imperative part of any business. Print ads and flyers to referral programs and social media – they all play an important role in growing and maintaining a thriving business. Social media, however, stands alone in a special category of digital marketing. It goes beyond informing potential customers of your services. Social media provides a way to regularly showcase your work, share positive reviews, and allows others to easily recommend your business through a simple tag or mention. In other words, it both attracts and retains customers (and even potential employees!). Perhaps you are new to social media marketing or it hasn’t served you well in the past. Social media is like dating. You have to put in the work, show up in a desired way, and don’t make it all about you. Follow these tips for success in 2024.
1. Pick Your Platform & Stick to It
You don’t have to be on every platform. In fact, it may do you a disservice if you spread yourself too thin. It is best to pick one platform and stick with it until it is successful, then you can consider adding a second platform. Which platform should you choose? Take these two factors into consideration:
1. Who is your audience?
Facebook or YouTube may be your best platform for homeowners that are 25 years or older. Instagram tends to be slightly younger with the top demographic being 18–24 years old. The TikTok demographic is even younger at 15–19 years old.
2. What is your skillset and comfort zone?
If educating your clients and being in front of the camera feels natural to you, then YouTube may be your best platform. If you enjoy taking stunning photos and simple videos, consider Facebook or Instagram. Facebook is great for local businesses for many reasons. Local groups can easily tag your business when someone asks for recommendations. You can support other local businesses by engaging (Liking, Sharing and Commenting) on their posts in hopes they will do the same. If you go this direction, lean into square or horizontal video or multi-image post types. Multiimage posts are wonderful for before and after jobs.
2. Be Consistent Posting too much or too little can greatly impact the success of your page. Post too much and it can turn off your audience. Also, if your posts aren’t garnering a lot of Likes/Reactions, Shares or Comments for a long period of time, the algorithm will devalue your page, which causes less people to see your posts in their timelines. Post too little and you’ll also be devalued by the algorithm for having an inactive page. Remember, it is like dating and no one likes to be bombarded or ghosted.
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January / February 2024
Feature | continued
Aim to post once a week with your top content. Maybe you took five photos and one video the week prior. Look at them with fresh eyes and decide which piece of content has the highest quality and best highlights your work. Avoid checkmark posting, which is publishing any photo or video you took to simply check the task off your list. Each post should be the best representation of your business. What about hashtags? Hashtags can help you reach more people, however, hashtag effectiveness varies by platform. Due to privacy settings, hashtags on Facebook are not very useful. Although, three to five hashtags on Instagram or YouTube can be very helpful in expanding your reach. Consider using a mix of branded hashtags (#yourbusinessname), local tags (#townname) and industry keywords (#lawncare).
3. Stop the Scroll Your biggest hurdle on social media, aside from the stingy algorithms, is the speed with which people scroll through posts. According to Statistica, the average person scrolls through nearly 11 inches every five seconds on social media! Reduce those thumbs whizzing past your post by doing the following: Use high-quality photos and videos with a fresh perspective. There are numerous YouTube tutorials on how to take better social media photos and videos that are worth a watch. Draw people in with captivating and easy-to-read captions. People are drawn to tips and hacks, unique viewpoints, and personal stories. Aim to keep your captions one to three sentences long. Here are some examples to tweak and borrow: • It’s crabgrass season! Try this one trick to avoid a season of weed pulling. (tip with aspirational photo) • Senior couple finds newfound joy at home after this yard makeover. (storytelling with before and after photos) • We helped these homeowners grow and maintain grass in their mixed sun yard. (unique viewpoint with a video explaining creative problem solving)
4. Engage & Reward Followers Remember our dating analogy? No one likes when you talk about yourself nonstop. This is one of the most common errors people make on social business pages. Avoid talking about your services and work 100% of the time. Instead, make sure you are publishing engagement posts at least 40% of the time that encourages comments and shares. Here are some examples: • Spring will be here before we know it. What spring flower do you love seeing pop up in your yard? • We want to know – what type of grass do you have in your yard? • When it comes to lawn care, what do you struggle with the most? • It is mushroom season and dog owners need to be aware of these common poisonous varieties. Please share to help protect our pets!
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Another way you can engage with your audience is through surprise offers and giveaways. Reward users with a giveaway (eg, free hedge clipping) or discount in exchange for something easy. Try one of these ideas: • Tell us one thing you love about your yard, and we may surprise one random comment with a special offer. You must live in (insert service area). • Comment with a photo of your family enjoying your yard and some lucky commenter may get a special surprise from us! You must live in (insert service area). • Our last engagement tip: Reply to direct messages, answer questions about services, and thank people for a positive comment. If someone takes the time to message or comment, you are expected to acknowledge with a Like or reply. No one likes being ignored! Social media may not be at the top of your priority list, but utilize the above tips to garner more leads, nurture relationships and showcase your work. Just an hour a week can create the consistency you need to be successful on social media.
We want to see your efforts! Be sure to use #TCNC in your posts or tag our Facebook or Instagram.
Terms to Know Algorithm: a set of signals and data that makes decisions about what posts people want to see Platform: social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok Hashtag: a keyword or phrase following # that curates pieces of content to a specific topic Content: any post (photo, video or text only) on social media Tag / Mention: @ followed by an account name connects users directly to a person or business social media page
Photo and Video Tips • Keep the light source behind you so it shines on the subject. • Have a focal point. • Take photos from several different angles. • Check your background to ensure nothing inappropriate or unsightly distracts from your focal point. • Use the right format for each platform. Square or vertical is usually a safe bet. • Clean your camera lens.
January / February 2024
2023
7,178 Visits on The Turf Zone website in 2023 !
4 Million Social Media Impressions in 2023 !
13.29k
Page visits on The Turf Zone website in 2023 !
105
14
State coverage east of the Mississippi !
Podcasts produced in 2023 featuring timely topics for those on the go!
41
Digital and print state turf magazines published in 2023!
1 3 6 ,1 5 9 Digital Publication Impressions in 2023 !
23,307 Total Digital Publication Reads
NCCTP Program
Fast Facts about the NCCTP Enrollment Requirements:
Become a NC Certified Turfgrass Professional!
The
North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.
Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management. The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers. Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional. • Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials. • Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals. • Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP logo.
We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University. This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam. This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.
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old a current TCNC membership. If not currently a H member, go to www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application. Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry. Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form. Submit: • A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license •A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online). • NCCTP Program Application: $150 • Self-Study Materials: $50 • Exam Fee: $50
Curriculum and Exam: Curriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass Characteristics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics. Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam. Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation. Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location. Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed. Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.
Maintenance Requirements: Maintain a current TCNC membership as a means of demonstrating ongoing support for the industry. Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities. Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th. Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License. Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics. The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission. For additional information, contact TCNC at 984.301.5460.
January / February 2024
NCCTP Certification Program
ENROLLMENT APPLICATION Name___________________________________________________________________
Phone_____________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________
State____________
Zip_____________________________________
E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TCNC Membership #*____________________________________________________
Pesticide Applicator License #_______________________________
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS Please read the items below and check each one that is true for you.
MEMBERSHIP: I am now, or I am applying here to be, a member in good standing of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina. PESTICIDE LICENSE: I hold a current North Carolina Pesticide Ground Applicator License with subclass L, turf, and ornamental (or equivalent from another state). EXPERIENCE: I have completed a minimum of one full year of turfgrass industry professional work experience. EXAM: Upon acceptance into the program, I plan to complete my study and take the required exam within six months. DUTY: I have initialed the following page of this application to show that I strongly support and willingly subscribe to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics, and I pledge to uphold the credibility and integrity of the program. CONTINUING EDUCATION: I agree to successfully complete additional future curriculum materials or sections that may be required as a result of new technology or regulation. Company________________________________________________________________
Title______________________________________________________
Supervisor_______________________________________________________________
Supervisor’s Phone_________________________________________
Supervisor’s E-Mail___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company’s Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________________________
State____________
Zip_____________________________________
Work Experience_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Describe your turfgrass industry professional work experience; one full year is required to apply.
NCCTP Application Fee: $150, Study Materials: $50, Exam Fee: $50, TCNC Dues (call for amount, based on date) TOTAL $____________________
Check Number__________________ (payable to TCNC) Credit Card:
AMEX
Visa
MC
Discover
Billing Zip Code____________________
Credit Card #____________________________________________________________
Exp. Date______________________
Sec Code____________
Name on Card___________________________________________________________
Signature______________________________________________
By signing this application, I verify that all the information is true and correct, I acknowledge and assume full responsibility for the charges on this application, and I agree to honor and abide by the terms of this non-refundable payment.
Signature__________________________________________________________________________________
Date____________________________________
A Pu b l i c a t i o n o f t h e T u r f g r a s s C o u n c i l o f No rth C aro l i n a 33
NCCTP Program | continued
CERTIFIED TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL
CODE OF ETHICS Please read and initial each section below that you support and commit to uphold.
DUTY TO THE PUBLIC Conduct service first and foremost with regards to the safety, health, and welfare of the general public. Provide service, recommendations, and information based upon honest experience, and scientifically accurate and factual knowledge.
I AGREE
DUTY TO THE ENVIRONMENT Operate in such a manner to protect and preserve our environment. Use and monitor all equipment, products, and materials in a manner consistent with the label and safe for the environment.
I AGREE
DUTY TO THE LAWS OF OUR LAND Abide by all laws and regulations affecting the turf industry and support the enforcement of these laws.
I AGREE
DUTY TO OUR FELLOW PROFESSIONALS Refrain from the use of false, misleading, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices. Practice and insist upon sound business management practices. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct to reflect credit and add stature to the turf industry. Recognize the importance of strong relationships within the industry. Abstain from untruthful debasement, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another turfgrass professional.
I AGREE
DUTY TO THE ASSOCIATION Participate in association activities and events to help further the profession. Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my association, industry, or profession.
I AGREE
By signing this Code of Ethics, I agree to follow the duties and intentions outlined above, and I commit to supporting and upholding these ethics with consistency and integrity.
Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature__________________________________________________________________________________
Date____________________________________
Please Return Entire NCCTP Application To TCNC Via: email: info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org or mail: TCNC PO Box 641 Wake Forest, NC 27588
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January / February 2024
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