Tennessee Turfgrass - October / November 2016

October/November 2016

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Tennessee’s Sod Industry: an Economic Report

New UTIA Center Provides

Diagnostic Weed Tests 51st Annual TTA Conference and Tradeshow, January 9–11, 2017

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS

20

October/november 2016

FEATURED ARTICLES

12 20 28 30

Upcoming Event — 51st Annual TTA Conference and Tradeshow, January 9–11, 2017 Cover Story — Tennessee’s Sod Industry: An Economic Report Turf Basics — New UTIA Center Provides Diagnostic Weed Tests Applied Research — Impact of Fraze Mowing on Spring Dead Spot Severity and Recovery

28

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Theo Lankford

6

From the TVSTMA President, Thomas Trotter

8

From the ETGCSA President, Jeff Rumph, CGCS 10 TTA Membership Application

32

Industry News

34

University of Tennessee Turf Team

36

Calendar of Events

38

Index of Advertisers

38

30

From the TT A President

Theo Lankford The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Make Plans to

Now Attend!

The

leaves are changing colors, and the temperatures are getting cooler (kind of). That means only one thing — it’s time to start thinking about and planning to attend the Conference and Tradeshow at the Embassy Suites and Conference Center in Murfreesboro, coming up January 9-11. If you missed the last one, I promise that you don’t want to miss this one. The speaker and schedules are set; see pages 12–18 for all the details. This is a great opportunity to see some old faces and get to know some new ones, too. There is something great for everyone. Kippy Brown will be our keynote speaker this year and is sure to not disappoint. A native of Tennessee,

i The m

Kippy is a former football quarterback at Memphis State University and former University of Tennessee interim head coach who most recently served as the wide receivers coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

By the time you read this, our new Executive Director search will have likely been narrowed from a pool of 26 to 3 or less. The search committee has put in several long hours researching and discussing resumes. The mass majority of candidates are making for some long discussions and even harder decisions.

I hope to see you in January. Doers DO!

Theo Lankford

2016–2017 TTA President

e Te nn essee Turf gr as s A s s o c i a ssion of th tion

To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research.

6

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 465-6339 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Theo Lankford Kormac, LLC (615) 519-2701 Vice President Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. (731) 642-3092 Secretary/Treasurer Doug Ward Belle Meade C.C. (615) 292-6752 Past President Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Executive Director Shelia Finney Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 465-6339 TTA 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ryan Blair, CGCS Kurt Dryden Doug Estes Cal Hill Joe Hill Timothy Long Mickey Lovett Bill Marbet Mitch Parker Richard Pavlasek, CGCS Jason Sanderson Chris Sykes TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph, CGCS Dr. Tom Samples Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten

From the TVSTM A President

Thomas Trotter

Register Now for

the TTA Conference!

I

hope this letter finds everyone in good shape following one heck of a summer! Now that it’s finally starting to cool down a bit, everyone gets to take a little breather and start planning for next year.

With that being said, it’s never too early to start thinking about conference attendance. I’ve always found that I come out of a conference or educational session refreshed and motivated. There is no better event in the area than the annual TTA Conference and Tradeshow, scheduled this year for January 9–11. Just like last year, we will be back at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. As usual, there are plenty of great speakers and educational opportunities.

One new addition that I’m looking forward to is the workshop sessions, which will feature topics such as electrical troubleshooting, irrigation and mower setup procedures. There will be another great tradeshow beginning at noon and running until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, which will have a free lunch available to all.

I look forward to seeing everyone there. Don’t wait — go ahead, and register now!

Thomas Trotter

2016 TVSTMA President

8

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

From the ETGCSA President

Jeff Rumph, CGCS

After a

HOT

Summer,

Some Relief and a New Change of Pace

W

ell, it seems that I always start out these letters talking about the weather. But it’s no wonder.

Turf managers’ lives revolve around the weather. And it’s the one thing that we have no control over. By the time this article gets published, the summer of 2016 will be deep in the rear view mirror, but the weather is still is worth mentioning, at least to help vent my spleen.

At my course in east Tennessee, we started out with excessive rainfall and high temperatures (6" of rain and 12 days above 90 degrees in June). That was followed by less rain but more heat in July (2.4" of rain and 23 days above 90°F). August had even less rain and a continuation of the heat (0.85" of rain and 23 days above 90°F).

This included a stretch of 29 straight days above 90°F between July and August. This was not a good thing for bentgrass greens.

10

September was still hot and very dry.

We actually had 2.4" of rain at the course that month, but 1.4" of that was in a onehour deluge that washed out the bunkers, and all the water ran off. Eleven days above 90°F for September made a total of 69 days above 90°F for the year.

At several points along the way, Guy Hudson (from Oak Ridge Country Club) would text me to ask what number I was up to. He knew I was keeping track. I have records going back to 1993 (yes, I am that old), and this year’s is the highest number of above 90°F days in one summer during that 23-year span, surpassing what I thought was the hottest summer ever (2010, which had 65 days above 90°F).

I spoke to my friend Dan Stump at Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis, and he confirmed that it was the hottest summer he had ever faced.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

But you know, even with all of this extreme weather, I have not heard any horror stories of massive turf loss on bentgrass greens. On the contrary, everyone that I’ve spoken to recently talked about how quickly his or her greens recovered following aeration. That is amazing. The tools and knowledge that we have available to us these days allow turf managers to get grass through the stressful times, with remarkable recovery once moderate conditions return.

It is now October 18, and we’ve had only 0.2" of rain for the month. The West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, where we pull water for irrigation, is the lowest that I have seen in my 30 years here at the Gatlinburg Golf Course. The bermudagrass roughs are going dormant where the sprinklers do not reach. Even some of my irrigated areas have a tinge of dormancy

to them, and we have not had a day below 42°F. The bermudagrass is smart. It recognizes extremely dry weather, and it is doing what it can to switch to survival mode. It’ll be back next spring.

I would be remiss if I didn’t report on ETGCSA activities. We had our 26th Annual Scholarship and Research Tournament at Blackthorn Golf Club in Jonesborough on October 10. We had a beautiful day and 80 players, and Russell Lutz had the golf course in perfect condition. It was a pleasure. Ed Snow of Oak Ridge Country Club was the winner of the yearly Superintendents golf trophy, with Chris Crapo winning the Affiliate division, again.

Speaking of which, and on a personal note, I will be in the affiliate division next year. I’m sure that most of you know by now that I will be retiring from the Gatlinburg Golf Course at the end of 2016 and will be pursuing a second career. I wouldn’t leave the turf industry, though. It has the greatest people that I know working in it. Ladd’s has graciously agreed to hire this old, washed-up superintendent to be their Territory Manager in East Tennessee, starting in January 2017.

This will be my last president’s letter for the magazine, as I will no longer qualify to be an officer of ETGCSA. I am looking forward to continuing to work in and serve this industry, though, just from a different side. I have been very fortunate to work for the City of Gatlinburg for 30 years. They have taken very good care of my family and me. And I am even more fortunate to be going to work for such a high-quality company such as Ladd’s, where I am looking forward to working with great people and serving the great people in this industry. I look forward to see you at The TTA Conference and Show in January and on into 2017. Good luck!

Jeff Rumph, CGCS 2016 ETGCSA President

51st Annual

C o n f e r e n c e & Tr a d e s h o w January 9–11, 2017

tel o H s e it u S y ss Emba Murfreesboro, TN

Don’t miss our keynote speaker on Tuesday, January 10 — former UT football coach and retired professional football coach Kippy Brown!

12

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Monday, January 9

Tuesday, January 10

0.60 GCSAA Continuing Education Credits available for attendance at all Monday sessions.

0.30 GCSAA Continuing Education Credits available for attendance at all Tuesday sessions.

Pesticide points available for TN, KY, AL, MS, GA, SC, VA.

Pesticide points available for TN, KY, AL, MS, GA, SC, VA.

Professional Development

Concurrent Morning Classes — Golf Track

TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 1 pt. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance.

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Turfheads and Twitter: the #Good, the #Bad and the #Awesome Mr. Pat Jones, GCI Magazine Mr. Matthew Wharton, CGCS, Carolina G.C.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Managing Millennials: Getting Past the Earbuds Mr. John Montouri, Journal Media Group

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

UT Student Internship Feature Mr. Phil Bagsby, University of Tennessee Mr. Ryan Hammitt, University of Tennessee

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — LUNCH (on your own)

Turfgrass Science

TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 3 pts. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance.

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Quantifying the Impact of the USGA Green Section: A Pilot Study of Tennessee Golf Courses Dr. Andrew Tiger, Union University

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Fundamentals of Meteorology and Weather App Overview for Turf Managers Mr. Brad Jakubowski, Doane College

2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Mower Configurations to Optimize Putting Green Performance Dr. John Sorochan, The University of Tennessee

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

#WeedWatch — What to Watch for in Weeds This Year Dr. Jim Brosnan, The University of Tennessee

3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“Take a Step Back and Think” Dr. Brandon Horvath, The University of Tennessee

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TGCSA and TVSTMA Annual Meetings

TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 3 pts. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance.

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

2016 Year-in-Review Mr. Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

How to Manage Change Before It Manages You Mr. Pat Finlen, CGCS, The Olympic Club

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“Dear Architect…”

Mr. Jeff Brauer, GolfScapes

Concurrent Morning Classes — sports turf track TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 2 pts. in C3, C10 and C12 for full attendance.

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Severe Weather and Lightning: What You Don’t Know Might Shock You Mr. Brad Jakubowski, Doane College

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Management of Bermudagrass Fields During Cool, Wet Weather Dr. Grady Miller, NC State University

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mixes, Zoysia and Nitrogen: New Ideas for Keeping It Green in the Transition Zone Dr. Gregg Munshaw, University of Kentucky

Concurrent Morning Classes — workshop 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Electrical Troubleshooting 101 Mr. Brian Burns, Keeling Company

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cutting-Edge Mower Setup Mr. Will Watson, Alotian Club

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

13

Tuesday, January 10 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TRADESHOW WITH LUNCH Please support our vendors!

The TTA Social on the tradeshow floor will begin at 5 p.m.

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Cocktail Function

Wednesday, January 11 0.30 GCSAA Continuing Education Credits available for attendance at all Wednesday sessions.

Pesticide points available for TN, KY, AL, MS, GA, SC, VA.

Breakout Session — golf Turf 8:30 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

TTA Annual Business Meeting with Keynote Speaker,

Fifty Shades of Green Moderator: Mr. Jason Sanderson, Cherokee Country Club Panelists: Mr. Kris Drake, Wind River G.C. Mr. Brad Erickson, Brentwood C.C. Dr. Grady Miller, NC State University Mr. Jim Thomas, CGCS, TPC Southwind

Kippy Brown

10:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

A native of Sweetwater, Tennessee, Kippy Brown is a former football player and coach who retired last year after serving four years as the wide receivers coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

Brown was a starter at Memphis State University at quarterback, and he graduated from MSU in 1977 with a degree in communications.

Coach Brown began his coaching career at his alma mater as running back coach for a year and then as wide receivers coach until 1980. From 1983–1989, he coached wide receivers at the University of Tennessee, where he coached four first-round picks during his tenure. His second stint at UT was in 1993– 1994, when he served as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach. He most recently coached at UT in 2009–2010, when he served as interim head coach, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator.

Brown’s first NFL coaching position was with the New York Jets as running backs coach from 1990-92. He has also coached for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans and Detroit Lions.

Bunker Renovation Roundtable Moderator: Chris Sykes Panelists: Mr. Joe Kennedy, CGCS, Vanderbilt Legends Club Mr. Andrew McClintock, Tennessee National G.C. Mr. Will Misenhimer, The Honors Course

Breakout Session — Sports Turf

TN Pesticide Certification Credits — 3 pts. in C3, C10 and C12 for attendance.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Sustainable Nutrient Management for Sports Turf Dr. Dan Strunk, The University of Tennessee

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Strategies for Improving Athletic Field Performance and Safety Mr. Kyley Dickson, The University of Tennessee

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Walking the Line: Sustainable Turf Management at the University of Memphis Mr. T.J. Brewer, CSFM, The University of Memphis

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Turf and Tourism at the City of Pigeon Forge Mr. Thomas Garner, City of Pigeon Forge

12:00 p.m.

CONFERENCE ADJOURNS Please have a safe trip home.

14

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

51st Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference and Tradeshow

Member Registration Form

Please complete, sign and return this form with your payment.

Mail to the TTA office at 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069, or scan and email to Shelia Finney at smfinney319@gmail.com.

Please list the first and last names of the persons attending the 2017 Conference & Trade Show. Attach separate list if needed.

Please list all information as you would like it to appear in the 2017 TTA Directory.

1)____________________________________

Name:____________________________________________________

2)____________________________________

Company Name:____________________________________________

3)____________________________________

Address:_ _________________________________________________

4)____________________________________

City/State/Zip:______________________________________________ Telephone:_________________________________________________

5)____________________________________

Fax:______________________________________________________

6)____________________________________

Email:____________________________________________________

7)____________________________________

Twitter Handle:_____________________________________________

Primary Function Turf Manager Golf Course Parks & Recreation Sports Field Hotel/Resort

Commercial Hospital/Health Care School/University Cemetery Sod Producer Other____________

Vendor

ommercial C Lawn Care Retail Center Landscaping

Irrigation Contractor DOT Other_____________

Equipment Dealer Distributor Manufacturer Other_____________

Registration Options 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Total

Primary Member Registration.............$185.00 Price includes 2017 membership dues.

Associate Member Registration...........$125.00 Registrants from the same facility are eligible for Associate Membership if the facility has two primary members.

Student Member Registration................$60.00 One-Day Pass (Limit 1).........................$80.00 One-Day Student Pass (Limit 1)............$10.00 First-Time Attendee One-Day Pass........FREE Endowment Fund Contribution Research Scholarship Extension

Grand Total TTA Office Use Only: 16

Date ________________

Check No. ________________

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Cash ________________

51st Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference and Tradeshow

Exhibitor Service Order Form

Opening and Closing

Insurance and Fire Protection

The tradeshow officially opens at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017, and will close at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017.

The Tennessee Turfgrass Association will exercise all reasonable care for the protection of exhibitor’s material and displays. An official of the trade show committee will be on duty in the exhibit area during set-up and breakdown periods. The exhibit area will be secured during non-exhibit hours.

Exhibit Set-up and Breakdown General booth set-up will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017. All exhibits must break down from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.

Liability

Booths There will be eighty (80) 10' x 8' booths available. Each will be piped and draped. Each will have a 6' skirted table, 2 chairs, waste-basket and one I.D. sign.

Contract for Space The application for space and the formal notice of assignment constitutes a contract for the right to use the space so allotted.

In the event of fire, strikes, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the contract will not be binding. The Tennessee Turfgrass Association reserves the right to cancel any contract with any exhibitor any time prior to or during the conference.

Use of Space

Churchill Boardroom Wynthrope Boardroom

All demonstrations, interviews, distributions of advertising material or other activities must be confined to the limits of the exhibit booths. No exhibitor shall assign, sublet or share the whole or part of the space allotted without the knowledge and approval of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

Mirabella A Mirabella B Mirabella C Mirabella D

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

The exhibitor agrees to make no claim against the Tennessee Turfgrass Association nor its members or employees for loss, theft, damage or destruction of goods, nor any injury to himself/ herself, or employees prior, during or subsequent to the period covered by the exhibit contract, nor for any damage whatsoever, including the damage to his business by reason of failure to provide space for the exhibit, nor for failure to hold the Conference as scheduled. The exhibitor, upon signing the contract for exhibit space, expressly releases the foregoing named conference and individuals from any and all claims for such loss, damage or injury.

Cancellation In the event an exhibitor must cancel, and cannot exhibit, the following will apply.

A. If the reserved booth or island can be contracted, a 100% refund will be granted.

B. If the reserved booth or island can not be contracted, a 50% refund will be granted.

Cambridge A

Cambridge Broadlands Broadlands B A B

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

Please indicate preferences on Exhibit Space contract

68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

76 77 78 79 80

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

17

51st Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference and Tradeshow

Contract for Exhibit Space

Booths

Size

Unit Price

Booths (Max. limit of 4)

80 Sq. Ft.

$600

Additional Membership to TTA: 1 included with 10' x 8' booth rental.

$50

Quantity

Total

Grand Total

Please make checks payable to: Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069

First Choice

Second Choice

Third Choice

Booth Preference All reservations are made on a first-paid, first-reserved basis only. Please note the cancellation policy as outlined on page 9 under “Exhibitor Rules & Regulations.” If electricity is required, please contact TTA at (615) 533-3925 for the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro form and further information.

Please print or type the following: Name:________________________________________________ Member Name:_ _______________________________________

(Person responsible for the booth) (To be included in Directory) Signature:_ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Firm:______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(As your ID sign should read) Mailing Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________________ State:_ ________ Zip:____________________________________ Telephone:_____________________________________________ Fax:_ ________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ** Additional names for badges: _____________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (** If more space is needed, please attach a complete list.) ** Additional Memberships: ___________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (** If more space is needed, please attach a complete list.)

Brief description of the products/services you sell or provide: _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Cover STory

An Economic Report

Tennessee’s Sod Industry:

By Burton C. English, Jamey Menard, Kim Jensen, Jim Brosnan and Chris Boyer

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series reporting from the publication, Tennessee’s Turfgrass Industry: Economic Contributions, Problematic Issues and Perceptions of Future Growth, published in June 2015.

T

urfgrass requires human action.

These actions result in expenditures by turfgrass producers, manufacturing and services, and users for goods and services, land, labor, capital equipment and other materials — expenditures that enhance the local economy and the local tax base.

One measure to comprehend the growth of the turfgrass industry over the past few decades is to analyze sodharvested data provided by the USDA’s Census of Agriculture. Focusing on acres of sod harvested from 1978 through 2012, harvested acres increased from 191 to 10,021 acres in Tennessee (see Figure 1). The growth in sod-harvested 20

acres averaged 98.6% per year for Tennessee during this timeframe.

Figure 2 shows the number of sod farms for Tennessee in 2007 and 2012.

In 2007, there were a total of 52 sod producers in the state, and 41 were reported in 2012. In 2007, the top counties for number of sod producers were Hardin, Davidson, Fayette, Gibson, Lincoln, Robertson and Shelby. In 2012, this same cluster of counties had the largest number of sod producers, with the exception of Davidson and Gibson and with the addition of Haywood. Tennessee sod harvested acres for 2007 and 2012 totaled 11,329 and 10,021 acres, respectively.

A total of 19 sod producers responded

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

to our survey, which was conducted from September 15, 2014, to January 31, 2015.

General results from the survey For the 19 sod producers that responded to our survey, the average acres of land owned and rented for sod production were 407.8 (N=19) and 231.1 (N=9) acres, respectively. The average length of time producers were in the sod production business was 18.6 years (N=19).

For those producers responding in acres (N=14), an average of 170.0 acres of sod was harvested; for those responding in square yards (N=5), the

United States 450,000

12,000

409,440 386,504

400,000 350,000

321,309

309,085

300,000 250,000

218,161 184,070

200,000

0

Figure

1

1982

6,533

6,000 3,304

2,000

100,000 1987

1992

1997

2002

2007

2012

10,021

8,419

8,000

4,000

150,000 119,419 124,588 1978

11,329

10,000

Acres

Acres

Tennessee

191

544

814

1978

1982

1987

1992

1997

2002

2007

2012

Growth of Sod Harvested Acres for the United States and Tennessee, 1978-2012.

Source: USDA/NASS, Census of Agriculture, 2012

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

21

Cover STory

Figure

2

Table

1

Number of Sod Farms in Tennessee, 2007 and 2012.

Average Percentage of Tennessee Sod Producers’ Sales to Turfgrass Users, 2013 (N=19).

Turfgrass User

Percentage

Table

3

Average Sod Producers’ Expenditures, 2013.

Average Expense

Non-Irrigation Sod Equipment Expenses

Landscape Service Providers

36.1

Maintenance/repair of structures housing turfgrass/sod equipment (N=9)

$14,444

Single Family Homes

24.7

New/used turfgrass/sod equipment purchases (N=9)

$23,968

Turfgrass/sod equipment leases/rentals (N=8)

Commercial Businesses

14.3

Other

10.7

Golf Courses

3.4

Apartments/Condominiums

3.2

Sod hauling truck purchases (N=8)

2.8

Sod hauling truck maintenance (N=8)

Non-Profit or Government Institutions

Turfgrass/sod equipment maintenance/repair (N=9)

$26,705

Turfgrass/sod equipment supplies (blades, trim lines, etc.) (N=9)

$19,522

Fuel for turfgrass/sod machinery operations (N=9)

$32,833

Irrigation water (N=9)

$2,778

Irrigation repairs (N=9)

$4,911

Irrigation maintenance (N=8)

$4,113

2

Sod Type

Square Yards

Percentage

1,896,549

62.5

Hybrid Bermudagrass (N=9)

804,582

26.5

Bermudagrass (N=9)

158,941

5.2

All other overhead expenditures (N=6)

Zoysaigrass (japonica type) (N=10)

140,490

4.6

Sod Establishment & Maintenance Expenses

Tall Fescue (N=9)

$8,125 $17,102

Sod Irrigation Expenses

Type and Average Quantity of Sod Grown and Sold by Producers in Tennessee, 2013.

Table

$1,875

Utility & Other Expenses Water/sewer (does not include irrigation) (N=8)

$1,266

Electricity (N=9)

$9,046

Natural gas (N=8)

$475

Insurance (N=9)

$31,478

Training (N=8)

$813 $6,033

Plant materials purchased for sod, seed, sprigs, plugs, etc. (N=9)

Other (Bluegrass) (N=1)

22,985

0.8

Zoysaigrass (matrella type) (N=7)

10,714

0.4

Other plant materials purchased (i.e., ornamental/landscape plants) (N=8)

$0

Chemicals (i.e., herbicide, fungicide, etc.) (N=9)

$28,961

Fertilizers (N=9)

$48,299

Soil, soil conditioners & mulch (i.e., lime, compost, etc.) (N=8) Total 3,034,531

100.0

All other sod expenses (except wages) (N=6).

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

$8,250 $79,561

Total

22

$19,556

$390,114

average was 412,524.8 (85.2 acres). An average of 43.3 acres of new sod was established by producers (N=17), and 20.7% of sod sales were installed by their farm operation (N=19).

Sod producers were asked about their total revenues. For those responding (N=18), approximately 28% indicated $2 to $4.9 million; 22% indicated $500 to $999 thousand; 22% indicated less than $250 thousand; 17% indicated $250 to $499 thousand; and 11% indicated $1 to $1.9 million. An average of 75% of total revenues was from sod sales (N=19).

Sod producers were asked what percent of their sod sales were to various turfgrass users (Table 1). The majority of their sod sales went to landscapeservice providers at 36%, followed by single-family homes (25%), commercial businesses (14%), other (11%), golf courses (3%), apartments and condominiums (3%) and non-profit or government institutions (3%). For the category “Other,” wholesale to other farms, cemeteries and sports fields were listed.

Approximately 66% of the sod sold was at wholesale (N=13).

Approximately 56% of the sod producers indicated an increase in sod sales over the past three years, which averaged a 17% increase (N=10). For sod producers indicating a decrease in sod sales (28%) (N=5), the average decrease was 26%. Only three sod producers (17%) indicated no change in sold sales for this timeframe.

Tall fescue, hybrid bermudagrass and bermudagrass were the predominant sod types grown (Table 2). These three turf grasses comprised 94% of the sod produced. Approximately 72% of the sod produced was irrigated (N=13).

Sod’s economic contributions From the survey results, sod producers’ average turf/sod expenditures for 2013 totaled $390,114 (Table 3). The largest average expenditure categories were for all other sod expenses (except wages), fertilizers, fuel for turfgrass/sod machinery operations, insurance and chemicals (i.e., herbicides, fungicides, etc.) (highlighted in gray). The lowest were for TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

23

Cover STory Table

4

Estimated Economic Contributions for Sod Producers in Tennessee, 2013.

Economic Indicators

Direct

Indirect

Induced

Total

Results from Non-Labor Expenditures Total Industrial Outputa

$12,099,040

$3,174,775

$5,721,806

$20,995,621

Total Value Addedb

$7,973,594

$1,709,320

$3,481,071

$13,163,986

Labor Incomec

$6,180,461

$999,501

$1,841,601

$9,021,562

219.7

21.3

43.5

284.5

Employmentd State/Local Taxese

$1,189,806

Wages and Salaries Total Industrial Outputa

$0

$0

$7,219,260

$7,219,260

Total Value Addedb

$9,046,814

$0

$4,391,896

$13,438,170

Labor Incomec

$9,046,814

$0

$2,323,761

$11,370,575

405.9

0.0

54.9

460.8

Employmentd State/Local Taxese

$397,409

Total Total Industrial Outputa

$12,099,040

$3,174,775

$12,941,066

$28,214,881

Total Value Addedb

$17,020,408

$1,709,320

$7,872,967

$26,602,695

Labor Incomec

$15,227,275

$999,501

$4,165,362

$20,392,137

625.6

21.3

98.4

745.3

Employmentd State/Local Taxese

$1,587,215

a Annual dollar value of goods and services that an industry produces; a measure of economic activity. b Estimated employee compensation, proprietary income, other property type income (payments from interest, rents, royalties, dividends and profits), and tax on production/imports. cConsists of employee compensation and proprietary income. d Estimated number of total wage and salary employees (both full- and part-time), as well as self-employed. e Consists of sales taxes, property taxes, motor vehicle licenses taxes, severance taxes, and other taxes.

24

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

turfgrass/sod equipment leases/rentals, water/sewer (does not include irrigation), training, natural gas and other plant materials purchased (highlighted in gray).

According to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture (2012), there were 41 sod-producing farms in Tennessee.

This value was used to estimate the direct economic contribution of sod producers’ expenditures to the state, which totaled close to $16.0 million (2013$). Using the local purchase percentage (LPP) option in IMPLAN, $3.8 million was not purchased within the state. Therefore, the direct impact was estimated at $12.1 million (Table 4).

This expenditure level was responsible for 219 direct jobs. The average number of full- and part-time employees indicated by sod producers were 7.1 (N=9) and 2.8 (N=9), respectively. The average annual payroll for full-time employees was $153,987 ($21,688/ worker) (N=9), and $66,667 ($23,810/ worker) (N=6) for those employees working part-time. Direct employee wages for the 41 sod producers in the state totaled $9.0 million (($153,987 x 41) + ($66,667 x 41)). This expenditure level was responsible for 405 direct jobs ((7.1 x 41) + (2.8 x 41)).

Combining non-labor expenditures and wages and salaries, the direct economic contributions of sod producers was $12.1 million, which was responsible for 625 direct jobs. The direct value added contribution was $17.0 million.

The direct labor income earned was $15.2 million. The indirect contribution on the output of all the local supplies for sod producers was $3.1 million. The induced output contribution (the contribution of the wages being spent by workers producing the direct and indirect effect, plus wages and salaries of sod producers’ employees) was $12.9 million.

The estimated total economic contribution was $28.2 million. Total employment contribution was 745 jobs. For value added and labor income, the total estimated contributions were $26.6 million and $20.3 million, respectively. Total sod producers’ turfgrass expenditures generated $1.5 million in state and local taxes.

Cover STory Table

5

Importance of Problematic Issues That Sod Producers Face, 2013.

Percent Responding As:

Meana

Not a Problem

Somewhat of a Problem

Moderate Problem

Serious Problem

Collections for Services

1.89

33.33

44.44

22.22

0.00

Cost of Fuel, Fertilizer, & Pesticides

2.78

0.00

44.44

33.33

22.22

Freight Costs & Trucking

2.67

0.00

44.44

44.44

11.11

Cost of Labor

2.00

11.11

77.78

11.11

0.00

Quality of Labor

2.11

33.33

22.22

44.44

0.00

Availability of Labor

2.44

0.00

55.56

44.44

0.00

Training Labor

1.56

55.56

33.33

11.11

0.00

Price of Sod

2.89

0.00

44.44

22.22

33.33

Available Turfgrass

2.56

11.11

33.33

44.44

11.11

Available Land to Expand Operation

2.11

55.56

0.00

22.22

22.22

Poor Soil

1.33

66.67

33.88

0.00

0.00

Intense Competition

2.33

0.00

77.78

11.11

11.11

Weed Control

2.00

22.22

55.56

22.22

0.00

Insect/Pest Control

1.56

44.44

55.56

0.00

0.00

Grubs

1.56

44.44

55.56

0.00

0.00

Diseases

1.78

44.44

33.33

22.22

0.00

Nematodes

1.22

77.78

22.22

0.00

0.00

Wear & Compaction

1.78

33.33

55.56

11.11

0.00

Wildlife Control

1.33

77.78

11.11

11.11

0.00

Finding Market Outlets

1.78

33.33

55.56

11.11

0.00

Staying Abreast of New Technologies/Varieties

1.67

44.44

44.44

11.11

0.00

Govt. Regulation

2.44

11.11

55.56

11.11

22.22

Chemical Complexities to Treat Pests, Weeds, etc.

1.78

44.44

33.33

22.22

0.00

Obtaining Capital

1.22

77.78

22.22

0.00

0.00

Water Availability/ Quality

1.22

77.78

22.22

0.00

0.00

Other (N=2)

2.50

50.00

0.00

0.00

50.00

Issues

*N=9 unless indicated otherwise a A rating of 1 was assigned for an issue that was a problem to 4 for a serious problem.

26

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Anticipated growth and future concerns In the second section of our survey, participants’ growth plans, perceived turfgrass problems and future turfgrass concerns are presented. Over 70% of sod producers expect growth in sales at an average change of 28% across the next five years, and 30% expect no change.

This results in an overall 19% growth in sod sales across the next five years, or about 4% growth in sales per year.

The importance of various problematic issues that sod producers face based on a mean rating were the price of sod (2.89); cost of fuel, fertilizer and pesticides (2.78); freight costs and trucking (2.67); and available turfgrass (2.56) (highlighted in gray in Table 5). For the “Other” category, the reason given was for workers’ compensation insurance.

Sod producers were also asked to rate their agreement with a series of statements. Based on the mean ratings, sod producers agreed most strongly that the species/varieties of sod that require fewer pesticide and fertilizer inputs are needed (3.56) and that they plan to expand the number of acres of established sod on their farm (3.56). This was followed by their sod business struggling to find ways to grow when the economy is negatively affected (3.50) and their plans to change the way they grow sod in the future (3.44). Sod producers agreed least that the cost of growing sod will force them to leave the business (2.22) and water restrictions will be critical to their operation in the future (2.89).

Seventy percent of sod producers anticipate an increase in sod sales in the next five years (N=10). The average increase was 28%. Thirty percent of the producers indicated no change. For a ten-year time horizon, 80% of the sod producers indicated an increase in sod sales, with 20% indicating no change (N=10). The average increase in sod sales for the ten-year time horizon was 74%. Sod production is expected to increase for 90% of the sod producers, with 10% indicating no change (N=10). The average amount of increase indicated was 115.0 acres. T

tur f basics

New UTIA Center Provides

Diagnostic Weed Variety of Services Available for Professional and Consumer Clientele

W

hat do golf course superintendents, sports turf managers and lawn care managers have in common? For one, they all share a strong dislike of weeds. No matter what segment of the turfgrass industry you work in, nothing can ruin your day like a weed. Worse yet, no matter how you try to control the pesky green invader, it often just keeps coming back for more.

Fortunately, there is help available to help you get things under control.

The University of Tennessee Weed Diagnostic Center (UTWDC) is here to help identify weeds and screen them

28

for herbicide resistance. This initiative, supported by UT AgResearch and UT Extension, provides end-users with diagnostic tests tailored to weeds in a variety of settings.

“Our aim is to provide a broad spectrum of services to both professional and consumer clientele,” says Dr. Jim Brosnan, Associate Professor of Turfgrass Weed Science at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. “Our tests are tailored to weeds of turf, as well as ornamentals, urban landscapes and crop-production systems.”

Brosnan heads up UTWDC and sees it

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

as a valuable service not only in Tennessee but across the United States as well.

He says that it’s important to have weeds tested to help keep them under control and then use the diagnostic results to implement optimal management strategies.

“All UTWDC test results are complemented with research-based control recommendations to promote proper weed management in the field,” said Brosnan. “We’ll also complement the ongoing disease and plant diagnostic efforts at UTIA’s Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville.”

Employing both whole-plant and mo-

Tests

By Doug Edlund, Assistant Director, UTIA Marketing and Communications, The University of Tennessee

lecular methods, specialists at UTWDC provide a wide range of diagnostic services, from basic weed identification to herbicide resistance tests using DNA screening. “We’re looking to provide an all-inclusive service for our clients that’s cost-effective and helps them conserve financial and technological resources,” said Brosnan.

More information about UTWDC, including services and pricing can be found online at www.weeddiagnostics. org. You can also follow the center on Twitter (@WeedDiagnostics) and Instagram (@weeddiagnostics). T TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

29

applied rese arch

Impact of

Fraze Mowing

on Spring Dead Spot Severity and Recovery

By Cam Shelton, Graduate Research Assistant; Jordan Boothe, Graduate Research Assistant; and David McCall, Ph.D., Research Associate, Virginia Tech

H

ybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is one of the most desirable turfgrass species for sports fields and golf course playing surfaces in general because of its aggressive growth habits, traffic tolerance, uniformity and color. Spring dead spot (SDS), caused by the fungal pathogens Ophiosphaerella korrae and O. herpotrica, is the most destructive disease of bermudagrass in our area and one of the biggest limiting factors to the success of hybrid bermudagrasses as playing surfaces.

As the name implies, symptoms of SDS first appear in the spring, when bermudagrass resumes growth from its normal winter dormancy. As the turf breaks dormancy and begins to turn green, circular patches or rings of turf appear to remain dormant and eventually collapse to the ground and die. The disease is usually most severe after the turf is three to five years old as fungal populations and thatch accumulation increases. The pathogen survives in the thatch and infects the plants in the late summer and fall. Hybrid bermudagrasses that tend to produce excessive thatch are more prone to the disease.

A unique characteristic of SDS is that the pathogens do not kill bermudagrass directly. These fungi attack the roots, rhizomes and stolons of bermudagrass in the fall and winter and increase the bermudagrass’ susceptibility to cold and freezing injury. Fall fungicide applications, properly timed cultural practices and cold-tolerant bermudagrass varieties form an integrated approach to managing the disease.

30

Cultural practices are a vital part of an integrated pest management program.

Cultural practices include but are not limited to proper mowing and watering practices, core aeration, sand topdressing and vertical mowing. Most of these practices are designed to manage thatch in the profile. The inherent problem with these practices is the disruption to the playing surface, and a common result is an insufficient thatch-management program that never really keeps up with the excessive thatch produced by hybrid bermudagrasses and other varieties. A new technique being employed is a process known as “fraze mowing” or “fraise mowing.”

Fraze mowing and the equipment used to fraze mow was developed by Ko Rodenburg of the Netherlands for the renovation of cool-season turfgrass fields. Rodenburg developed a rotary tiller-type machine (KoRo) that takes off the top layer of the turf, leaving just the roots, rhizomes and some crowns, depending on the height of cut. The debris, which can be utilized as compost or sprigs in bermudagrass applications, then comes out on a conveyer belt located on the side of the machine.

Fraze mowing helps promote new growth and also eliminate thatch and organic buildup on the surface. It also helps decrease weed seed and some cases of black layer. This process is very aggressive (not applicable in all situations), and it takes some time to recover. The noted benefits of thatch removal after fraze mowing led to the question amongst turf researchers: Can fraze mowing reduce SDS incidence

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

and/or severity and aid in the recovery in hybrid bermudagrass?

Our research A split-plot research trial was designed to compare SDS occurrence, severity and recovery in hybrid bermudagrass plots under different fraze mowing depths and nitrogen sources. The trial was established on a ‘Patriot’ hybrid bermudagrass soccer field at the Striker Park, West Creek Complex in Richmond, VA. Fraze mowing occurred on May 29, 2015, and again on June 24, 2016, using a KoRo Imants Field Top Maker (Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom). Frazemow treatments consisted of 0, 4 and 8 mm depths. Plots received weekly applications of 0.5 pounds of nitrogen for six weeks following fraze mowing, in the form of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) or urea (46-0-0).

The plots were rated weekly for bermudagrass recovery, SDS recovery and overall turf quality. Spring dead spot severity, incidence and percent disease were rated in June 2016 after overseeded ryegrass was transitioned. Plots are receiving weekly fertility again in 2016 following the June 24 fraze mow, and they are being rated for recovery. Disease ratings will be collected in late spring of 2017.

Our results to date After one season, fraze mowing at a depth of 8 mm reduced the incidence (number of SDS patches), severity of patch destruction and overall diseased area compared to the non-fraze-mowed control, when both were fertilized with

Photo 1. Fraze mowing is an aggressive cultural and renovation practice. Full recovery usually takes six to eight weeks, but surfaces may be playable in as little as two weeks.

urea. Fraze mowing at a depth of 4 mm compared favorably with both the 0 mm and 8 mm depths.

Turf-quality reflectance mapping in 2016 showed that split-plots treated with ammonium sulfate were inadvertently impacted by irrigation non-uniformity and were removed from our analysis. Plots treated with urea had higher overall quality than those treated with ammonium sulfate, but this is attributed to the non-uniform irrigation instead of nitrogen source.

Plots recovered from fraze mowing in 2015 within four weeks and had higher overall density and quality than non-frazemowed bermudagrass by six weeks after mowing. Recovery was faster at the 4 mm depth than 8 mm, but the more aggressive depth had a greater impact on SDS the following spring.

Although more research is needed to validate these results, our data suggest that fraze mowing at a depth of 8 mm can reduce SDS severity and incidenceimpacted ‘Patriot’ bermudagrass playing surfaces. Data collection will continue throughout 2016 and in spring 2017. T

Photo 2. Reduction of spring dead spot occurrence and severity was statistically significant between the 8 mm and 0 mm fraze-mow depths.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

31

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSN. ———— MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ———— Membership applications can be submitted at any time during the year.

For more information, please contact the TTA Office at (615) 465-6339 or fax your application form to (615) 790-8600.

Please print or type the following information as you would like it to appear in the annual directory.

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Additional individuals from same facility requesting membership: Name______________________________________________

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Membership Categories:

Regular Membership.......................................................................................................................................

$50.00

Student Membership.......................................................................................................................................

$10.00

Retired Membership........................................................................................................................................

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Payable Dues:

# of Regular Memberships ........................................................................................................... ______ x $50.00 = $_ _____________

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$ _ _____________

Please make check payable to: Tennessee Turfgrass Association Please send check and completed form to:

Tennessee Turfgrass Association • 400 Franklin Road • Franklin, TN 37069 32

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

industry news

Buy Sod, Inc., Acquires Thomas Bros. Grass in Nashville

B

uy Sod, Inc., announces the acquisition of Thomas Bros.

Grass located in Nashville, TN. Charles Harris, president of Buy Sod, Inc., stated, “Nashville is a growing market with good long-term population growth and a healthy housing market. We are also excited to bring our specialty products to the golf and athletic market. Our purchase of Thomas Bros. fits right into our strategy of expanding to growing markets where we think our quality and high-service model can bring value to customers. We are excited about the opportunity to build on the success of Thomas Bros. Grass in Nashville.”

Thomas Bros. Grass started in the Nashville market in 1986 and most recently returned in 2011. The transaction was scheduled to close by October 1, 2016.

According to Ryan Thomas, “Thomas Bros. Grass has always strived to attain superior-quality product and customer service. Buy Sod is a like-minded company that strives for the same excellence in the sod industry. We know that Buy Sod will provide the Nashville market with top-quality product and service.”

About Buy Sod, Inc. Founded in 2002, the company now operates 10 sod farms spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee. The company focuses on producing next-generation turfgrasses for the retail, landscape, golf and athletic segments. Each of Buy Sod’s branded, high-performance varieties have been thoroughly tested in research trials, with proven performance that delivers dependable results. All of the company’s cultivars are grown under rigorous certification protocols.

Buy Sod grows and sells the following turfgrasses: TifTuf, TifGrand, TifSport, Celebration, Discovery, Tifway and T10 bermudagrasses; Zeon, Empire, El Toro and Meyer zoysiagrasses; TifBlair centipedegrass; Raleigh St. Augustinegrass; SeaStar paspalum; Tournament bluegrass; fescue/bluegrass mixes; and creeping bentgrass and Champion Dwarf bermudagrass for putting greens. T 34

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

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LEading EdgE CommuniCations 206 Bridge Street Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: 615.790.3718

The Turfgrass T eam at the University of Tennessee Scott Boyle Communications Coordinator The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-6730 sboyle1@utk.edu

Frank Hale, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 fahale@utk.edu

Tom Samples, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Extension The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-2595 tsamples@utk.edu

Greg Breeden Extension Specialist The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu

Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu

John Sorochan, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu

Johnny Parham Research Technician The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7324 jparham2@utk.edu

John Stier, Ph.D., M.S. Assistant Dean The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu

James Brosnan, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg.

Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-8603 jbrosnan@utk.edu

36

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Adam Thoms Senior Research Leader The University of Tennessee 605 Airways Blvd.

Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 425-4705 Wes Totten, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turf and Landscape Management The University of Tennessee at Martin 256 Brehm Hall Martin, TN 38238 (731) 881-7936 wtotten@utm.edu Alan Windham, Ph.D. Professor, Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211-5201 (615) 832-6802 awindham@utk.edu T

Digital Marketplace Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

37

Calend ar of Events January 24–27, 2017 January 9–11, 2017

51th Annual TTA Conference & Tradeshow Embassy Suites Hotel Murfreesboro, TN

January 16–20

Green & Growin’ Show (NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel

and Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC

STMA Conference and Exhibition Orlando, FL

February 4–9, 2017

Golf Industry Show Orange Co. Convention Ctr. Orlando, FL

July 19–22

TPI Summer Program (In conjunction with the 2017 International Turfgrass Research Conference) The Heldrich New Brunswick, NJ

February 20–23

TPI International Education Conference & Field Day (Turfgrass Producers Intl.)

Saddlebrook Resort Tampa, Florida

Index o f Advertisers Brouwer Kesmac..................................................... 9 www.kesmac.com

Lebanon Turf........................................... Back Cover www.lebturf.com

Smith Seed Services............................................. 37 www.smithseed.com

Buy Sod................................................................. 19 www.buysod.com

McCurdy Sod Farms.............................................. 37 www.mccurdysodfarms.com

Smith Turf & Irrigation............................................ 7 www.smitturf.com

BWI Companies.................................................... 15 www.bwicompanies.com

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc.......................................... 23, 37 www.midtennturf.com

Southeast Turf Maintenance................................ 29 southeastturf.com

Carolina Green Corp.............................................. 37 www.cgcfields.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL, Inc................ Inside Back Cover www.stihldealers.com

Southern Athletic Fields....................................... 37 www.safdirt.com

Champion Turf Farms............................................ 36 www.championturffarms.com

Modern Turf, Inc................................................... 11 www.modernturf.com

Southern State Turf.............................................. 37 www.ssturf.net

Coosa Valley Turf Farms....................................... 37 coosavalleyturffarms.com

Pure Green Sports Turf......................................... 34 www.puregreenllc.com

Sur-Line Turf, Inc..................................................... 8 www.surlineturf.com

Covermaster, Inc................................................... 15 www.covermaster.com

RD Murphy, LLC.................................................... 29 www.rdmurphy.com

The Turfgrass Group......................................... 5, 27 www.theturfgrassgroup.com

Greenville Turf & Tractor, Inc............................... 25 www.greenvilleturf.com

Regal Chemical..................................................... 33 www.regalchem.com

Harrell’s LLC............................................................ 3 www.harrells.com

Sigma Organics, Inc.............................................. 36 www.sigmaturf.com

Leading Edge Communications............................. 35 www.leadingedgecommunications.com

SiteOne Landscape Supply................................... 29 www.siteone.com

Tri-Turf Sod Farms................................................ 37 www.triturfsod.com Turf Mountain Sod................................................ 34 www.turfmountain.com Turfgrass of Tennessee........................................ 11 Winstead Turf Farms...................Inside Front Cover www.winsteadturffarms.com

The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 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, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2016 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly.

Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. 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, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

38

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS october/november 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com