Issuu

Fall 2025 • Vol. 14/No. 4

DON ’ T M I SS T H E

Pennsylvania Regional Turf Conferences PLU S,

Success of the USDA-Funded Resist Poa Project

Vol. 14 / No. 4 • Fall 2025 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 99 Boalsburg, PA 16827 Phone: 814-237-0767 info@paturf.org www.paturf.org PUBLISHER Leading Edge Communications 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615-790-3718 info@leadingedgecommunications.com President Pennsylvania Turfgrass Editor Tom Bettle Penn State 724-321-0321 trb19@psu.edu

Vice President Steve Craig Centre Hills Country Club 814-237-5414 Secretary / Treasurer Timothy Wilk Scotch Valley CC 814-931-5373 Past President Rick Catalogna Harrell’s 412-897-0480

DIRECTORS Pete Ramsey Range End Golf Club

Upcoming Events

Departments

10 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Conferences

5 Advertiser Index 6 President’s Update 6 Calendar of Events 8 Industry News 9 Penn State Turf Team

Cover Story 16 Success of the USDA-Funded Resist Poa Project

Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

Tanner Delvalle Fisher & Son Company John Chassard Lehigh Country Club Dan Douglas Reading Fightin Phils Matthew Wolf Penn State Mike DeLeonibus 3 Lakes Golf Course

Feature 20 Off-Season Planning Equals Growing Season Success

Thomas Goyne Pittsburgh Steelers

Chris Markel Grove City CC STAFF Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM

Kristen Althouse Director of Operations

Advertiser Index

Aer-Core, Inc.....................................13 www.aer-core.com

Covers That Make the Difference

BASF...................................................9 Burlingham Seeds...............................3 www.burlinghamseeds.com

MAST R BRANDE ING

Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc... 13 www.centralsodmd.com

Coombs Sod Farms..........................23 www.coombsfarms.com

Covermaster, Inc.................................5

From our supreme lightweight raincovers right to the classic vinyl ones, there are cover models and accessories to meet your specific needs.

www.covermaster.com

DryJect................................................7 East Coast Sod & Seed....................19 www.eastcoastsod.com

Ernst Conservation Seeds..................9 www.ernstseed.com

George E. Ley Co..............................23 www.gelcogolf.com

EVERGREEN™ turf covers outsmart mother nature. Exclusive color lace coatings provide proven results.

FOOTBALL FIELD COVERS are made of superior strength material, providing protection from rain or snow.

Greene County Fertilizer Co.............19 www.greenecountyfert.com

Lawn & Golf Supply...........Back Cover www.planetair.biz

Leading Edge Communications.......15 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc.......11 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Seedway............................................23 www.seedway.com

Shreiner Tree Care............................18

TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather. 100’ wide cover. 100 Westmore Dr., 11D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305

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Tel: +1-416-745-1811 • Fax: +1-416-742-6837 www.covermaster.com • info@covermaster.com

www.shreinertreecare.com

Smith Seed Services.........................18 www.smithseed.com

The Turf Zone....................................21 www.theturfzone.com

Trimax Mowing Systems...................11 www.trimaxmowers.com

Turf Science........... Inside Front Cover www.turfscience.net

The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) 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, Pennsylvania Turfgrass, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or PTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Copyright © 2025 by the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council. Pennsylvania Turfgrass is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to PTC members. Presorted standard postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Pennsylvania Turfgrass allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to the PTC. 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.

Fall 2025 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass

President’s Message

Win in the Off Season

Calendar of Events

January 29, 2026 Eastern Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference Shady Maple Conference Center

ust like athletes and the fields and courses they play on, we as turfgrass managers come to the end of our season needing rest, recovery and preparation for the next year. But the off season doesn’t mean growth stops. On the contrary, this is the time of year that makes the in-season wins possible. Rest and recovery are important elements of the off-season – taking a little time away can give you a fresh perspective on your work and new energy when you return. I encourage all of you to find time to rest, whether that means family time over the holidays, a long vacation or just time spent on hobbies. Don’t neglect the real need for a breather when work slows down! After the rest and recovery comes preparation. In this issue, you’ll find an article on off season planning that helps you strategize for some big wins in the coming year. Also in this issue, you’ll find information about our upcoming regional turfgrass conferences. Continuing education is not optional in our industry! Technology, products, regulations and research are constantly changing, and we must be proactive in staying informed. Learn more about our conferences at paturf.org and register today – it will be your first win in the off season!

Tom Bettle PTC President

February 12, 2026 Northeastern PA Turf Conference Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino

February 25, 2026 Western Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn & Landscape, and Sports Turf Conference Hollywood Casino at The Meadows

For details, see pages 10 – 14 then visit: www.paturf.org

Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

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Industry News

Dr. Mike is PRESIDENT of the

Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture

The

Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture (https://pspaonline. com) was formed in 1785, for the purpose of exploring and promoting best practices in agriculture. Those early members include Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other. Today, that mission continues to promote and also expand our knowledge of the many aspects of our diverse and economically important agriculture industry. Dr. Mike will serve as their 239th President during 2025 – 26. The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture conducts monthly meetings with various topics to encourage learning about current and new technology and how it impacts agriculture, our natural resources, and sustainability particularly within food production systems. Dr. Mike has field trips planned for visiting golf courses, sports fields, and sod farms to promote our turf industry. To support the next generation in agriculture, the Society also provides students with scholarships to support their educational goals and opportunities that lead to the pursuit of successful careers in agriculture and the food industry. Also, the Society’s archives are located in the University of Pennsylvania Library, and the historical and impactful information is available for research scholars and the general public. As American prepares to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are reminded that one of the founding members of the Society – Charles Thomson – served as Secretary of the Continental Congress and signed the first official copy of the Declaration on July 4, 1776. This year, the Society will be involved in America250 to help commemorate this important, historical event (https://america250.org/). Dr. Mike’s background in agriculture began as a young lad, by working on his father’s mushroom farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Today, we know him as a Professor of Plant and Soil Science at the Pennsylvania State University’s Berks Campus in Reading, Pennsylvania, but we can also call him “Mr. President”. •

Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

Penn State Turf Team

Tom Bettle Turf Research Center Manager 724-321-0321 • trbettle@psu.edu

Native Grass & Wildflower Seed

Monoj Chhertri Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-863-3606 • mkc6518@psu.edu

Michael A. Fidanza, Ph.D. Professor of Plant & Soil Science 610-396-6330 • maf100@psu.edu

David R. Huff, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Breeding and Genetics 814-863-9805 • drh15@psu.edu

Bradley Jakubowski Assistant Teaching Professor 814-865-7118 • brj8@psu.edu

John E. Kaminski, Ph.D.

800-873-3321 sales@ernstseed.com

Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-865-3007 • kaminski@psu.edu

Aramax

Timothy Lulis

™

Teaching and Research Assistant

Intrinsic Brand Fungicide ®

814-865-0697 • ttl101@psu.edu

Ben McGraw, Ph.D. Professor of Turfgrass Science 814-865-1138 • bam53@psu.edu

Dianne Petrunak Academic Adviser, Turfgrass Science and World Campus

F A I R W A Y

D I S E A S E

C O N T R O L

814-863-0139 • dmp6@psu.edu

Max Schlossberg, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Turfgrass Nutrition / Soil Fertility 814-863-1015 • mjs38@psu.edu

Chase Straw Professor of Turfgrass Soils 502-229-9838 • cms9424@psu.edu

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Upcoming Event

2026 Northeastern PA Turf Conference The 2026 Northeastern PA Turf Conference will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino Resort in Wilkes-Barre, PA. We are excited to host turfgrass professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas and provide educational seminars and networking opportunities with our generous exhibitors and sponsors.

Attendee Registration PTC members qualify for reduced registration prices. All paid registrations include breakfast and lunch on the Trade Show Floor. Member Early Registration: $90 Early registration for PTC members only. Early registration ends Jan. 13. Non-Member Early Registration: $150 Early registration ends Jan. 13. Member Regular Registration: $110 Registration for PTC members only. Online registration closes Feb. 6. Onsite registration will still be available. Non-Member Regular Registration: $170 Online registration closes Feb. 6. Onsite registration will still be available.

Conference Location Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino 1280 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Hotel Information Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino 1280 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

Pennsylvania pesticide credits have been approved and can be found in the conference brochure. Education points have been approved for GCSAA. To report CEUs as a CSFM through SFMA, access the reporting form here: https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/ CEU-Form_CSFM-1-1.pdf

Trade Show The trade show will take place Thursday, February 12 from 7:30-8:30 am, 9:30-10 am, and 12-1 pm.

Exhibitors and Sponsors We invite all suppliers to attend, exhibit and sponsor at the conference! To view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit, visit: https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/2026 NE Exhibitor Kit Final no reg.pdf The Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit includes detailed information about what you receive as an Exhibitor and Sponsor. Sponsorships: Please view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit for details about our sponsorship levels. Sponsorships are not included with the Trade Show table top display. Companies can sponsor without being involved with the Trade Show. A conference registration is not included if only the sponsorship package is selected. • Gold Level: $1000 • Silver Level: $750 • Bronze Level: $550

Rate: $119 / night plus taxes and fees Discounted rate ends Jan. 30, 2026. To reserve a room, visit: https://book.passkey.com/go/TUR0226

Questions?

Conference Education

Please contact PTC at info@paturf.org with any questions.

We have an exciting line-up of speakers and educational sessions. To view the the conference brochure, visit:

Visit paturf.org and click on “events” for more information, including a conference brochure with a list of speakers and topics!

https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/2026 NE Brochure Final w pest credits.pdf

10 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

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Quality built in North America and supported by a world-wide Dealer network. Fall 2025 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 11

2026 Eastern PA Golf, Lawn & Landscape, and Sports Turf Conference The 2026 Eastern Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference is taking place Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Shady Maple Conference Center in East Earl, PA. We are excited to host turfgrass professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas to provide educational seminars and networking opportunities with our generous exhibitors and sponsors.

Attendee Registration PTC members qualify for reduced registration prices. All paid registrations include breakfast on the Trade Show Floor and lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Member Early Registration: $90 Early registration for PTC members only. Early registration ends Dec. 31.

Pesticide credits are approved for Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Pesticide credits are pending for Virginia. Education points have been approved for GCSAA. To report CEUs as a CSFM through SFMA, access the reporting form here: https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/ CEU-Form_CSFM-1-1.pdf

Non-Member Early Registration: $150 Early registration ends Dec. 31.

Trade Show

Member Regular Registration: $110

The Trade Show will take place from 7 – 8:30 am and 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Registration for PTC members only. Online registration closes Jan. 23. Onsite registration will still be available.

Exhibitors and Sponsors

Non-Member Regular Registration: $170

We invite all suppliers to attend, exhibit and sponsor at the conference!

Online registration closes Jan 23. Onsite registration will still be available.

To view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit, visit:

Conference Location

https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/East Exhibitor Kit final 2026.pdf

Shady Maple Conference Center 129 Toddy Dr East Earl, PA 17519

The Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit includes detailed information about what you receive as an exhibitor and sponsor.

Hotel Information Hampton Inn & Suites, Ephrata-Mountain Springs 380 East Main St Ephrata, PA 17522 Room Rate: $136 Room block cut-off date: Jan. 15, 2026 For reservations, call 717-733-0661 and ask for the PA Turfgrass Council Group Rate.

Conference Education We have an exciting line-up of speakers and educational sessions. Pennsylvania pesticide credits have been approved and can be found in the conference brochure: https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/East 2026 Brochure Final w pest credits.pdf

12 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

Sponsorships: Please view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit for details about our sponsorship levels. Sponsorships are not included with the Trade Show table top display. Companies can sponsor without being involved with the Trade Show. A conference registration is not included if only the sponsorship package is selected. • Gold Level: $1000 • Silver Level: $750 • Bronze Level: $550

Questions? Please contact PTC at info@paturf.org with any questions. Visit paturf.org and click on “events” for more information, including a conference brochure with a list of speakers and topics!

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Fall 2025 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 13

2026 Western PA Golf, Lawn & Landscape, and Sports Turf Conference Join us for the 2026 Western Pennsylvania Golf, Lawn, Landscape and Sports Turf Conference! The Conference is taking place Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, PA. We are excited to host turfgrass professionals from across the state of Pennsylvania and surrounding areas to provide educational seminars and networking opportunities with our generous exhibitors and sponsors.

Attendee Registration PTC members qualify for reduced registration prices. All paid registrations include breakfast and lunch. Member Early Registration: $90 Early registration for PTC members only. Early registration ends Jan. 27. Non-Member Early Registration: $150 Early registration ends Jan. 27. Member Regular Registration: $110 Registration for PTC members only. Online registration closes Feb. 20. Onsite registration will still be available. Non-Member Regular Registration: $170

Pesticide credits have been approved for Ohio and are pending for West Virginia. Education points have been approved for GCSAA. To report CEUs as a CSFM through SFMA, access the reporting form here: https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/ CEU-Form_CSFM-1-1.pdf

Trade Show The Trade Show takes place Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 7:30 – 8:30 am and 11:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Exhibitors and Sponsors

Online registration closes Feb. 20. Onsite registration will still be available.

We invite all suppliers to attend, exhibit and sponsor at the conference!

Conference Location

To view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit, visit:

Hollywood Casino at The Meadows 210 Racetrack Rd Washington, PA 15301

https://paturf.org/resources/Documents/2026 West Exhibitor Kit Final no reg.pdf

Hotel Information The PTC has reserved a room block at: Hyatt Place Pittsburgh South Meadows Racetrack & Casino 212 Racetrack Rd Washington, PA 15301 Room Rate: $102 Room block cut-off date: Feb. 11, 2026 For reservations, call 1-888-257-9658 and ask for the PA Turfgrass Council Group Block Rate. To book online visit https://paturf.org/West-Conference and use the hotel registration link on that page.

14 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

The Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit includes detailed information about what you receive as an exhibitor and sponsor. Sponsorships: Please view the Exhibitor/Sponsor Kit for details about our sponsorship levels. Sponsorships are not included with the Trade Show table top display. Companies can sponsor without being involved with the Trade Show. A conference registration is not included if only the sponsorship package is selected. • Gold Level: $1000 • Silver Level: $750 • Bronze Level: $550

Don’ t Miss Out ! PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

PENNSYLVANIA TURFGRASS

Pennsylvania Turfgrass will help you deliver your message directly to your customers and prospects. The magazine is a key benefit of membership in the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council – providing valuable research, education, and industry information to each member. Readers can also access the Digital Edition through The Turf Zone website. Archived issues will ensure that your advertising will continue to be seen indefinitely, for long-ranging impact. PTC Members Include:

Golf Course Superintendents

Landscape Contractors

Commercial Grounds Managers

Sod Producers

Lawn Care Operators

Parks & Recreation Supervisors

Sports Turf Professionals

Equipment Suppliers

888-707-7141 or sales@leadingedgecommunications.com

Cover Story

Success of the USDA-Funded Resist Poa Project 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

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.

16 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

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.

Fall 2025 • Pennsylvania Turfgrass 17

Cover Story • continued

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.

Mike Kachurak

ISA Certified Arborist PD-2739A

334 South Henderson Road King of Prussia, PA 19406

Office 610.265.6004 Cell 570.262.3612 mikek@shreinertreecare.com www.shreinertreecare.com

BLEND

Scientific Output The project generated over 20 peerreviewed 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. 18 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

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. •

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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.

Specializing in Bentgrass Sod for Greens, Tees & Fairways. Fine and Tall Fescue

Grubbs, B., McCurdy, J., & Bagavathiannan, M. (2019). Poa annua: A plan of action. Golf Course Management Magazine.

Regular and Shortcut Bluegrass

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), 31103121.

Cell: 609-760-4099 | Office: 856-769-9555 KDriscoll@EastCoastSod.com

Kevin Driscoll

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. USDANIFA Annual Reports.

This article was originally published in Alabama Turf Times, Summer 2025 and is reprinted with permission. 19

Feature

Off-Season Planning Equals Growing Season Success

The

winter months are often viewed as downtime in the turfgrass industry—a pause between demanding growing seasons. Yet, for forward-thinking turf professionals, this quieter period presents an opportunity to set the stage for success in the year ahead. With fields dormant and turf maintenance demands reduced, winter is the ideal season to plan capital improvements, maintain equipment, address labor needs, and invest in personal and professional growth.

Strategic Planning and Goal Setting Winter is the perfect time to take a strategic look at your operation. Without the daily pressures of mowing, irrigating, and fertilizing, you can focus on evaluating your past season and setting goals for the coming year. Reviewing turf performance data—such as soil tests, disease occurrences, and irrigation efficiency—provides a foundation for improved agronomic strategies. Budget development should also take priority. This includes planning capital improvement projects, reinvesting in new equipment, forecasting material costs, and reviewing vendor contracts. By completing these administrative tasks now, operations enter spring with a proactive plan rather than relying solely on reactive solutions.

Off-Season Turfgrass Tasks Although turfgrass growth slows significantly in winter, several vital agronomic tasks can still be accomplished. Deep-tine aeration helps relieve compaction before freezing sets in, promoting root health and improving water infiltration in the spring. Winter is also the time to remove debris and leaves that can smother turf or trap moisture, fostering mold and disease. If irrigation is part of your facility’s infrastructure, ensure the system is properly winterized to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs later.

20 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

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Feature • continued

Sports turf managers should pay close attention to field coverage and frost conditions. Avoiding traffic on frosted turf prevents blade rupture and long-term damage that manifests during spring green-up. This season also offers opportunities to assess drainage issues and plan topdressing or leveling work before the busy season begins.

Individual growth should extend beyond technical knowledge. Reflecting on work-life balance, leadership skills, and communication can elevate overall effectiveness. Mentorship within the organization—pairing seasoned technicians with newer employees—fosters both retention and the transfer of institutional knowledge.

Equipment Maintenance and Readiness

Leveraging Technology and Innovation

Keeping turf equipment in peak condition during the dormant months is essential to maintain growing season efficiency. Winter is the ideal window to perform comprehensive maintenance routines, ensuring that machinery is ready for immediate use come spring. Begin with a deep cleaning—removing grass build-up, dirt, and dust from mowers, aerators, and spreaders. Follow this with essential mechanical checks: drain old fuel, replace oil and filters, sharpen blades, and inspect belts and bearings for wear.

Another productive off-season focus is integrating technology into turf management practices. Digital scheduling platforms, moisture sensors, and data analytics tools have become essential for efficient operations. Winter provides the breathing room to test new systems, upgrade software, or train staff on these innovations. Facilities implementing precision turf management often find reduced material waste, improved consistency, and measurable economic benefits when spring arrives.

Technicians should also verify that safety features, such as brake systems and protective guards, are functioning. Preventive maintenance during the off-season not only extends equipment lifespan but also reduces in-season downtime, which translates directly to higher productivity and cost savings.

Furthermore, planning sustainability initiatives during winter, such as reducing chemical inputs or improving water management, aligns operational goals with environmental responsibility—a growing expectation among clients and communities.

Addressing Staffing Needs

Preparing for Contingencies and Market Changes

Winter is also prime time to examine staffing operations. While fewer crew members may be needed in the off-season, maintaining engagement and continuity among core employees builds loyalty and retention. HR planning should include recruiting strategies to fill gaps identified in the previous season, particularly for part-time or seasonal crew members.

As economic conditions fluctuate, proactive managers use winter to anticipate market shifts. Reviewing supplier relationships, material sourcing, and pricing structures can mitigate supply chain disruptions common during peak season. Winter is also an ideal time to assess risk management practices, update insurance coverage, and develop contingency plans for weather extremes or pest outbreaks.

Some turf businesses use incentive programs to retain staff through winter, offering bonuses for referrals or encouraging temporary shifts into indoor maintenance tasks. Strategic partnerships with adjacent businesses—such as construction or snow management companies—can also help keep workers employed year-round while ensuring availability for spring projects. Additionally, reviewing workplace policies, updating safety manuals, and refining onboarding processes ensures teams hit the ground running when the growing season resumes.

Forward-focused organizations also examine emerging labor trends. Many employers are adopting skill-based pay structures and clear advancement pathways to attract and retain quality employees in a tightening labor market. Implementing such strategies during winter—before hiring ramps up—can streamline recruitment and foster a stronger company culture.

Personal and Professional Development Beyond field and equipment management, winter offers a unique opportunity for personal goal setting and professional renewal. Turf professionals can use this period to attend industry conferences, renew certifications, or participate in turfgrass education programs. Winter workshops hosted by universities and professional organizations often focus on emerging topics such as soil microbiome management, environmental sustainability, and advanced irrigation technology.

22 Pennsylvania Turfgrass • Fall 2025

Synchronizing Plans Across Departments A holistic approach ensures winter goals connect across departments. Operations, staffing, and financial teams should coordinate priorities, aligning turf management objectives with broader business plans. For example, HR training can coincide with planned equipment updates, integrating safety demonstrations with maintenance workshops. Similarly, budgeting discussions should involve both agronomic and administrative stakeholders to create a unified vision for the next season.

Embracing the Winter Advantage Ultimately, the success of next year’s turfgrass season often begins in the quiet of winter. By combining thoughtful preparation, detailed equipment maintenance, workforce development, and personal goal setting, turfgrass professionals can transform the off-season into one of the most productive periods of the year. While the fields may lie dormant, the best operations never truly stand still—they use winter’s pause to think strategically, sharpen their tools, invest in their people, and set a clear course for sustained growth and performance. In the turfgrass industry, excellence is rarely accidental. It is cultivated season after season through discipline, foresight, and planning—and winter is when much of that unseen work happens. Those who take advantage of this time position themselves not only for greener fields but for the kind of professional and organizational maturity that keeps their operations thriving year after year. • This article was written with input from Perplexity AI (query date 10/2025). The following sources were referenced. 1. https://th.simplot.com/resources/programs-andarticles/Winter-Management-to-Prevent-Winterkill 2. http://www.stma.org/sites/stma/files/STMA_ Bulletins/Winter_Cool_Maint_Calendar_Final.pdf 3. https://www.vanguardpower.com/na/en_us/ why-vanguard/industry-news/browse/maintenancetips-for-commercial-turf-equipment.html 4. https://turfmagazine.com/find-retain-seasonalhelp-best-workers 5. https://www.turfandrec.com/effective-strategieslandscapers-adopt-in-hiring-retention/ 6. https://turfpal.com/blog/kickstart-the-yearessential-winter-turf-management-practices/ 7. https://turfmagazine.com/keywords/hr-hiring 8. https://aquaritinturf.com/optimizing-staffing-in-anera-of-golf-course-shortages/ 9. https://extension.msstate.edu/blogs/extension-forreal-life/winter-lawn-guide 10. https://themotzgroup.com/sport_blog/what-offseason-turf-field-maintenance-is-needed/ 11. https://turfmanagersllc.com/blog/preparing-yourlawn-for-winter-expert-tips-from-turf-managers/ 12. https://www.turfcaresupply.com/winter-advisoryunderstanding-turf-grass-winterkill

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