Virginia Turfgrass Journal - November / December 2021

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council

Mid-Season SPORTS FIELD CHECK-UP

November/December 2021

PLUS,

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M-A-T-E February 1 – 3, 2022

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Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | November/December 2021

10 14 20 DEPARTMENTS 6 President’s Message

10 Upcoming Event Come to the Bay

from Mike Skelton

8 Director’s Corner from Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

14 Upcoming Event Mid-Atlantic Turfgrass Expo (M-A-T-E)

8 Virginia Tech Turf Team

20 Cover Story

9 Index of Advertisers

Mid-Season Sports Field Check-Up

19 Turfgrass Calendar 27 News from VTC

Find this issue, Podcasts, Events and More: THETURFZONE.COM 4 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

THE GRADES ARE IN and the Head of the Class is:

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) 2013 – 2017 National Bermudagrass Test Final Report NTEP No. 18 – 14

NTEP TRIALS FINAL REPORT CARD VARIETY

FINAL GPA

FINAL GRADE

TifTuf

93%

A

Iron Cutter

80%

B

Tahoma 31

73%

C

“Based on NTEP’s latest test cycle 2013-2017 for all Bermudagrass comparative testing at 20 locations over the 5 year trial period. (Page 201, Append ix Table)”

www.THETURFGRASSGROUP.com

President’s Message

RECONNECT AND RECHARGE

Virginia Turfgrass Journal is the official publication of The Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 Office: (757) 464-1004 Fax: (757) 282-2693 vaturf@verizon.net

Michael Skelton VTC President

The

year is winding down and the holidays are coming soon. It means we can all start planning our winter projects. Also don’t forget what is also coming soon: the VTC MATE conference Tuesday – Thursday February 1–3 at the Virginia Crossings just north of Richmond.

We are lucky enough to have as our Keynote Speaker Brad Jakubowski from Pennsylvania State University. He will speak on “Putting Weather in your Toolbox” and “Getting the Most Out of Your Granular Fertilizer.” I have had the honor of hearing him speak on these topics and both were used in my operational planning as a Park Superintendent.

This is the tip of the iceberg as to the education opportunities this year.

There is something I look forward to every year and that is the WS Connelly and Sons Innovative Research Contest. This is where we hear from the future leaders and their research for the betterment of our industry. Take time to attend and support these students as they are our future colleagues.

I feel it is important that you insure you attend day two because as we all are very aware, additional regulations affecting the turf industry are on the rise. This year we have a whole day dedicated to key legislative issues that could affect your daily operations. We have speakers who will address the regulations at both the national and state level and how they could change the way you do your day-to-day operations.

Day Three is dedicated to Pesticide and Fertilizer Certification and Recertification. This is a great opportunity to get you and your team ready for the next turf season.

After a very busy summer and fall, it’s time to reconnect with your families. For my family Thanksgiving is our favorite. I like it because it has the five F’s: Family, Friends, Fun, Food and Football. It does not get any better than that. Have a wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to seeing everyone in February.

Mike Skelton VTC President

PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com VTC OFFICERS President Michael Skelton (540) 718-4133 Vice President Phil Bailey, CGCS Isle of Wight County Parks & Recreation (757) 572-1981 Secretary / Treasurer Jimmy Viars, CGM Gloucester County Public Schools (804) 815-2779 Past President Scott Woodward Woodward Turf Farms (540) 727-0020 VTC DIRECTORS Wes Bray Sam Burris Ray Funkhouser Tony Montgomery Bruce Sheppard T.J. Skirsky Craig Zeigler ­ VTC ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mike Goatley, Ph.D. (Chair) Shawn Askew, Ph.D. Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdiva, Ph.D. Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. David McCall Ph.D. Dan Sandor, Ph.D. Cynthia Smith, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Tom Tracy, Ph.D. (757) 464-1004 VIRGINIA TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Brandyn Baty (757) 585-3058

6 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

Virginia Tech Turf Team

Director’s Corner

WORKING TOGETHER

Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-5807 askew@vt.edu

FOR THE

GREATER GOOD

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

Impossible! They will never work with us.

You can’t trust them! We will always be enemies.

T

hose words echoed in my mind as I sat at a meeting of Virginia beekeepers, government regulators, and various industry representatives, including yours truly. Naysayers were wrong. Beekeepers in the room accepted industry’s role in protecting pollinators.

They also expressed interest in collaborating with us on issues that arise. That partnership will be extremely valuable when, as predicted, well-meaning members of the General Assembly introduce anti-industry legislation falsely believed to protect pollinators.

Fortunately, reasonableness and sanity prevailed over the naysayers. Over the past ten months we developed very positive and fruitful relationships with powerful environmental groups. Together we are accomplishing great things and representing our industry in a positive light. Remember, these environmental groups have contacts and friends at every level of government. Politicians and regulators from city halls across the state to the halls of the General Assembly listen to them.

Working together for the greater good is always good. Fortunately, we have found beekeepers, environmental groups, and others willing to put aside name calling, divisiveness, and segmentation. We are moving forward together. The industry benefits!

Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director

Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) 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, Virginia Turfgrass Journal, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or VTC members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this bimonthly publication. Copyright © 2021 by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Virginia Turfgrass Journal is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of VTC. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to VTC, P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Virginia Turfgrass Journal allows reprinting of material published here. Permission requests should be directed to VTC. 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 37064-3394, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the first of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1 for the September issue.)

8 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

Alejandro Del Pozo-Valdiva, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3900 adelpozo@vt.edu Jeffrey F. Derr, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research Station 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-363-3912 jderr@vt.edu Mike Goatley Jr., Ph.D. Virginia Tech 420 Smyth Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-2951 goatley@vt.edu David McCall, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9598 dsmccall@vt.edu Dan Sandor, Ph.D. Virginia Tech 170 Drillfield Dr. 411 Price Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-9775 dsandor@vt.edu WITH SUPPORT FROM: Thomas P. Kuhar, Ph.D. Virginia Tech Dept. of Entomology 216 Price Hall 170 Drillfield Drive Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-6129 tkuhar@vt.edu

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Agronomic Lawn Management................ 17 www.FertilizerWithALM.com

Beam Clay....................................................6 www.BEAMCLAY.com

Buy Sod, Inc.............................................. 23 www.buysod.com

Carolina Green Corp............................... 26

4 SEASON

www.cgcfields.com

Civitas / Holly Frontier................................7 www.civitasturf.com/default.asp

VERSATILITY

Collins Wharf Sod Farm..............................9 www.collinswharfsod.com

East Coast Sod & Seed............................. 26 www.eastcoastsod.com

Greene County Fertilizer Co...................... Inside Front Cover www.greenecountyfert.com

Landmark Turf & Native Seed.................. 11 landmarkturfandnativeseed.com

Leading Edge Communications................ 21

Call to schedule a free demo!

Luck Ecosystems........................................ 19

540.375.2841 tce-va.com

www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com www.luckecosystems.com

McGill Premium Compost............................9

405 W 4th St. Salem, VA 24153

www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com

Mid-Atlantic STIHL.......................................3 www.stihldealers.com

Progressive Turf Equipment Inc................. 17 www.progressiveturfequip.com

Rock Haven Turf Specialties..................... 15 www.Facebook.com/RockHavenTurf

Smith Turf & Irrigation................. Back Cover www.smithturf.com

COLLINS WHARF SOD 410-334-6676

CWSOD.COM

Sod Solutions............................................ 13 www.sodsolutions.com

The Cutting Edge of VA...............................9 www.tce-va.com

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

Tall Fescue, HGT Kentucky Bluegrass, Innovation Zoysia, Iron Cutter Bermuda, Bentgrass, Specialty Grows

VA Turf Equipment, LLC............................. 24 www.vaturfequipment.com

Weed Man................................................ 26 www.weedmanfranchise.com

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

615-790-3718 888-707-7141 ( TOLL FREE ) sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

McGill SportsTurf Premium Compost improves turf aesthetics by adding beneficial microbes to soils, improving nutrient uptake, and increasing porosity in heavy clay soils while improving water capacity in light sandy soils.

Create a healthier soil environment and safer playing surface by applying ¼” to ½” of STA Certified McGill Premium Compost.

Proudly serving the Carolinas and Virginia since ‘91!

For more information go to www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com or call 919-362-1161 634 Christian Chapel Church Rd. • New Hill, NC 27562.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 9

UPCOMING EVENT INDUSTRY SUCCESS IN VIRGINIA’S CUL-DE-SAC at

COME TO THE BAY Presented by Agronomic Landscape Management, Lawns and Gardens Plus, TruGreen and the VTC Environmental Institute

F E B R U A R Y 1 4 – 16, 2022 • O C E A N F R O N T S H E R A T O N • V I R G I N I A B E A C H For details, visit: vaturf.org/come-to-the-bay/ MONDAY, February 14

TUESDAY, February 15

The Service Project is expanding in three areas: PARTNERS, ACTIVITIES, and NUMBER OF PLANTS.

MODERATOR: Guy Mussey, Virginia Cooperative Extension INDUSTRY SUCCESS IN VIRGINIA’S CUL-DE-SAC

PARTNERS: We are working with the City of Virginia Beach, Tidewater Community College, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and others.

ACTIVITIES: After the planting, attendees will travel to the Brock Center for lunch and for presentations (by students).

PLANTS: We provided and planted 6,000 plants last year.

This year we are doing 15,000!

DATE: Monday, February 14 (yes, this is Valentine’s Day – we will be finished by early afternoon) SITE: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Lesner Bridge (Shore Drive in Virginia Beach)

8:00 AM

Welcome (David Trimmer, City of Virginia Beach) and VTC-EI (Wes Bray, Lawns and Gardens Plus, Ray Funkhouser, PBI Gordon, Retired)

8:30 AM

Recognizing the Good Insects (Alejandro Del Pozo, Virginia Tech)

9:00 AM

State of the Chesapeake Bay (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

9:30 AM

Trees and Water: The Use of Shrubs and Trees for Riparian Purposes. Keep Waterways Free of Run Off (Joel Koci, VCE)

10:15 AM

BREAK

10:30 AM

The Elizabeth River, Its Importance to Virginia, Its Current Status, and Industry Partnerships (Barbara Gavin, Elizabeth River Project)

SCHEDULE:

8:30 AM

Gather at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Program (Moderator – Wes Bray) Mayor Dyer, Michael Moore, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

8:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Plant 11:00 AM

We Are in This Together (Tom Tracy, VTC)

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Lunch and Program at the Brock Environmental Center

11:15 AM

Ticks (Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University)

End

12:00 PM

LUNCH

1:00 PM

CONTINUED

10 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

Vitality® HD Sports 2.0™

No compromising.

No substitutes.

800-268-0180 | turfandnativeseed.com Distributed by Landscape Supply | 800-876-2151

TUESDAY, February 15 |

CONTINUED

2:15 PM

BREAK

1:00 PM

Riparian buffer maintenance needs and business Opportunities for the turfgrass and landscape industries (Sherren Hughes, CBLP and Wetlands Watch)

2:30 PM

Professional & Personal Branding for the Industry (Julie Holt, Leading Edge Communications)

1:30 PM

Identify Snakes You Encounter in Eastern VA (Meredith King, Virginia Aquarium)

3:15 PM

Legislative Issues (Tom Tracy, VTC)

3:45 PM

SOCIAL

WEDNESDAY, February 16 |

WEDNESDAY IS FREE FOR VTC MEMBERS: TWO OPTIONS

OPTION ONE

OPTION TWO

PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)*

INDUSTRY SUCCESS IN VIRGINIA’S CUL-DE-SAC MODERATOR: Wes Bray, Lawns and Gardens Plus

ALEJANDRO DEL POZO Virginia Tech Protecting Pollinators

JEFF DERR Virginia Tech Aquatic Weeds

JEFF DERR Virginia Tech Weed Control

FRANK WALKER Master Beekeeper Honeybees

MIKE GOATLEY Virginia Tech Turfgrass Pests

BARBARA GAVIN Elizabeth River Project Pesticides out of Water

* SOME CATEGORIES STAY LONGER

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

CORE TRAINING TESTING

(Local VCE Agents) VDACS

(Rodney Knight) FERTILIZER RECERTIFICATION (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) KAREN CARTER, VCE – Retired FERTILIZER CERTIFICATION (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

8:00 AM

Welcome

8:05 AM

The VTC Environmental Institute: A Game Changer (Wes Bray, Lawns and Gardens Plus, Ray Funkhouser, PBI Gordon, Retired)

8:15 AM

We Are in This Together (Tom Tracy, VTC)

8:30 AM

National Issues that Affect Us All (Frank Wong, Bayer)

9:15 AM

Good Housekeeping (Tara Copeland, City of Virginia Beach)

9:45 AM

Stormwater Systems (Tara Copeland, City of Virginia Beach)

10:15 AM

BREAK

10:30 AM

Special Needs – Grass Selection / Fertilizers / Mowing (Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech)

11:15 AM

Elizabeth River Project: Its History, Accomplishments, and Future (Joe Rieger, Elizabeth River Project)

11:45 AM

Incorporating Wetlands into Your BMP Systems (Shereen Hughes, CBLP and Wetlands Watch)

12:15 PM

LUNCH

1:15 PM

Turfgrass Diseases in the Cul-de-Sac (David McCall, Virginia Tech)

2:00 PM

Fertilizing Non-Turfgrass Areas (Laurie Fox, Virginia Tech)

2:30 PM

Turfgrass and Water (Adam Nichols, Virginia Tech)

3:15 PM

Are You a Beekeeper?

(Frank Walker, Master Beekeeper)

4:00 PM

END

KAREN CARTER, VCE – Retired

OCEANFRONT SHERATON Virginia Beach

REGISTRATION ONLINE AT

VATURF.ORG/EVENTS 12 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

Upcoming Event

FEBRUARY 1 – 3, 2022 VIRGINIA CROSSINGS (just north of Richmond) • 1000 Virginia Center Parkway • Glen Allen 23059 FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT https://vaturf.org/annual-conference/

SCHEDULE NEW – Day Two is “Legislative Day” and focuses on Industry Regulatory Issues

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 EXTENSIVE VENDOR TIME THROUGHOUT THE DAY • WS Connelly and Sons Innovative Research Contest • VTC Annual Business Meeting • Keynote: Brad Jakubowski, Pennsylvania State University (“Putting Weather in Your Tool Box. A Great Investment!” and “Getting the Most Out of Your Granular Fertilizers”) • Updates from Virginia Tech (Shawn Askew, Alejandro Del Pozo, Jeff Derr, David McCall) Wednesday, February 2, 2022 LEGISLATIVE DAY

• S od Growers Track (Open to All Conference Attendees)

Keynote Speaker: Volatility, Costs, and Availability of Grass Seed Explained

Fallow Opportunity: Cover Cropping Systems on a Sod Farm

Dead Heading: Maximizing Trucking Operations During a Trucking Crisis

The Art of the Deal: Brokering Sod to Increase Turnover and Efficiencies

Q&A with VT Turf Team (Shawn Askew, David McCall, Mike Goatley, Jeffrey Derr)

4:00 VSG Annual Meeting Old and New Business, Elections of Directors

• Regulatory Challenges to Our Industry A Look at National Issues and the Experiences of Other States (Bob Mann, NALP)

(Visits to General Assembly will begin around 9AM, but COVID restrictions may be in place that will not allow those visits to happen)

• EPA Regulatory Update (Cameron Douglass, Office of Pest Mgt Policy) • H-2B Status – (Karla Segundo, NALP)

• VDACS’ New Online Pesticide System (Liza Fleeson Trossbach, VDACS) • Virginia’s General Assembly Update (Virginia Agribusiness Council) • New Rules for Certified Fertilizer Applicators (Larry Nichols, VDACS) • Developing Partnerships in a Challenging Regulatory Climate (Lindsay Thompson, 24d.org ) • Partnering With Environmental Groups: Lessons from the Field (Cindy Smith)

14 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

Thursday, February 3, 2022: PESTICIDE AND FERTILIZER CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION DAY

540.537.3824 www.Facebook.com/ RockHavenTurfSpecialties AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR SPORTS FIELD NEEDS

INFIELD LASER GRADING

TOP DRESSING SERVICES, ATHLETIC FIELDS, GREENS, and FAIRWAYS

PRESCRIBED FERTILIZATION SERVICES

INFIELD RENOVATION

GREENS AERATION, SOLID and HOLLOW TINE

CUSTOM PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS

VERTICUTTING / DETHATCHING with CLEANUP

AERATION, ATHLETIC FIELDS / FAIRWAYS, SOLID and HOLLOW TINE

CONTRACT BERMUDA SPRIGGING

Upcoming Event continued

SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS YOUR SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT ARE PARAMOUNT TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS EVENT! To show our appreciation, we have created various tiers of support to provide maximum exposure and exceptional benefits.

This is an amazing opportunity to reach out to your customers, spotlight your services and products, and to help M-A-T-E serve the industry.

The earlier you sign up, the earlier we can start promoting your business — on the conference website, correspondence, e-mail blasts, and other great locations.

Presenting Sponsor (2 Available): $3,000

Display Table in a Premium Location

Special Recognition in the Conference Program

Year Round Recognition on the Conference Web Site

Company Logo and Link on E-Mail Blasts

Company Logo on All Conference Correspondence

Special Recognition at Conference

Six Gratis Registrations

Giving the Welcome at the Start of Each Day Lunch Sponsor (3 Available): $2,000 Display Table

Year Round Recognition on the Conference Web Site

Company Name and Link on E-Mail Blasts

Company Name on All Conference Correspondence

Special Recognition at Conference

Two Gratis Registrations Social Sponsor (4 Available): $1,000 Display Table

Year Round Recognition on the Conference Web Site

Company Name and Link on E-Mail Blasts

Company Name on All Conference Correspondence Two Gratis Registrations

Special Recognition at Social Day Sponsor (5 Available): $1,000 Display Table

Two Gratis Registrations Year Round Recognition on the Conference Web Site

Company Name and Link on E-Mail Blasts

Company Name on All Conference Correspondence

Special Recognition at Conference Coffee/Soda/Snack: $800 One Gratis Registration

Year Round Recognition on the Conference Web Site

Company Name and Link on E-Mail Blasts

Company Name on All Conference Correspondence

Special Recognition at Conference Including Signage at Break Area Friend of the Industry: $500 One Gratis Registration

Year Round Recognition on the Conference Web Site

Company Name and Link on E-Mail Blasts

Company Name on All Conference Correspondence

Special Recognition at Conference

FEBRUARY 1 – 3, 2022 VIRGINIA CROSSINGS HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 1000 Virginia Center Pkwy Glen Allen, 23059 Availability of Display Tables is limited due to space restrictions.

M-A-T-E • P.O. Box 5989, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 • Phone: (757) 464-1004 • Fax: (757) 282-2693 • virginiaturf@gmail.com 16 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

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18 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

Turfgrass Calendar

MARK YOUR CALENDAR &

SAVE THESE DATES! FEBRUARY 1 – 3, 2022

MID ATLANTIC TURF EXPO GLEN ALLEN

More than quality products, it’s partnership.

From purchase through performance

FEBRUARY 2, 2022

LEGISLATIVE DAY GLEN ALLEN

Rootzone, Topdressing & Specialty Sand

FEBRUARY 14 – 16, 2022

COME TO THE BAY

Ball Field Mix & Warning Track Media

VIRGINIA BEACH

JANUARY 17 – 20, 2022

STMA CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW SAVANNAH, GA WWW.STMA.ORG

FEBRUARY 9 – 10, 2022

GCSAA CONFERENCE

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SAN DIEGO, CA WWW.GCSAA.ORG Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 19

Cover Story

MIDSEASON SPORTS FIELD CHECKUP

By Tom Serensits, Manager – Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface Research Andy McNitt, Ph.D., Professor of Soil Science / Turfgrass at Penn State University

FIG. 1. Worn Turf due to Excessive Traffic

T

he heart of the fall sports season is now upon us. Although the stresses of summer heat have passed, the rigors of games and practices are not only hard on players and coaches, but the playing field too (Fig 1).

A few simple tips can help minimize the effects of field wear and tear whether you are managing natural or synthetic turf – or both.

SEED EARLY AND OFTEN

The importance of overseeding heavily-used fields and heavilyused areas within a field cannot be emphasized enough. Seeding is one of the most important in-season maintenance practices on heavily-used fields (Fig. 2).

You should not wait until the turf begins to thin. Seeding highuse areas before significant turf loss creates a “temporary seed bank” in the soil, which is ready to spring into action as the existing turf stand thins.

In almost all cases, perennial ryegrass provides the most in-season seeding success. Compared to other options such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, perennial ryegrass offers several advantages.

FIG. 2. Seeding High School Field

20 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

FIG. 3. Plots at Penn State demonstration Effect of Varying Rates of Early Season Ryegrass Overseeding after equal amounts of simulated traffic applied over a season.

Perennial Ryegrass Overseed Rate: 5lbs / 1000 ft 2

Perennial Ryegrass Overseed Rate: 15lbs / 1000 ft 2

Cover Story continued

First is speed. Perennial ryegrass germinates in five to seven days and grows quickly after germinating. Germination and maturation time for both Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue is much slower. Plus, perennial ryegrass will establish under slightly cooler temperatures compared to bluegrass or tall fescue.

Second, perennial ryegrass is less expensive (even though seed costs are up this year). You often will see blends of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, but for the best bang for your buck, stick with 100% perennial ryegrass. You don’t have time for Kentucky bluegrass to get established and it’s not very traffic tolerant when it’s young and immature. Plus it’s expensive in comparison to ryegrass. Previous research at Penn State shows that ryegrass is more traffic tolerant than tall fescue until both have been established for 14 weeks. That’s three and half months. You don’t have that kind of time, stick with ryegrass.

As for selecting the cultivar of perennial ryegrass to use, visit www.ntep.org and select the latest perennial ryegrass test date.

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program consists of turfgrass cultivar evaluations conducted at universities throughout the United States.

When looking at the perennial ryegrass data for several of the NTEP test sites closest to your location, don’t get hung up selecting the cultivar at the top of the list. Pick the cheapest cultivar in the top two-thirds of the list. Quality is important, but so is quantity, and if you can pick a good cultivar that is inexpensive, you can buy more seed. Also, the textbook suggestion of always mixing a minimum of three cultivars can be ignored in the case of highly trafficked turf.

First, the breeders tell us that there is already significant genetic variation within perennial ryegrass cultivars. Secondly, you are growing this grass almost like an annual. It gets worn out and replaced via additional seeding often. So the mantra is: cheap price for adequate quality and most importantly volume, volume, volume. Shoot for a minimum of 30 lbs per 1000 square feet per year.

FIG. 4. Damage due to divots as opposed to abrasion

Perennial Ryegrass Overseed Rate: 25lbs / 1000 ft 2

22 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

That seems like a lot, but we believe it should be set as your minimum for highly trafficked locations. Lower trafficked areas likely require much less (Fig 3.).

Timing — Dr. Dave Minner and Dr. Andrew Hoiberg (2013), authored several foundational research publications on this topic. Their conclusions were that seeding early in the season was more beneficial than seeding later.

Upon reflection, this makes sense.

Seed spread in mid-November doesn’t help the surface much during our fall season. Maybe it’s around to help next spring, but it’s not helping your field right now because it’s still in the bag.

We’ve discussed this with Minner et al. over some adult beverages on more than one occasion. The one thing their research didn’t account for was divots. If a divot is removed, chances are the seed in that spot is also displaced (Fig. 4.).

We came to a bit of a compromise.

Let’s consider the 30 pounds that the researchers found provided the highest return on investment (more seed continued to yield a better surface). The bulk of that seed (20 pounds) should be applied to the typical high wear areas at the beginning of the fall season. In Pennsylvania that would be sometime between the third week in August and Labor Day. Now with the remaining 10 pounds, apply about two pounds per 1000 square feet after each varsity football game. That will allow the JV or JH football team to cleat it in. Again, more seed is better and it’s not too late to seed right now.

Focus on the high wear areas – soccer and lacrosse goal mouths, between the hashes on a football field, etc. Low use areas may not require any seeding so spread your seed where it is needed most.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY WITH Neil Jones, Territory Manager – Virginia & Eastern NC njones@buysod.com • 910-975-0002

FERTILIZING

For heavily-used fields, a target amount of nitrogen over the course of the growing season is 3–5 pounds per 1000 square feet. Fertilization will help your field grow out of damage and recover along with providing nutrients to newly germinating plants.

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 23

Cover Story continued

The best bang for your buck comes from quick release forms of nitrogen such as urea. There are many fertilizers on the market, but fertilizer research trials continue to show that urea often

outperforms other much more expensive formulations.

Its not too late to fertilize now but the window is closing. Fast release formulations are suggested this late in the

season with a maximum application rate of one pound nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

MOWING

Of course with fertilization comes the need to mow. Due to limited resources, one of the most common mistakes that people make is not mowing often enough. During the times that grass is actively growing, mowing once per week simply doesn’t cut it.

In most cases, a high-profile football field should be mowed at least twice per week. Believe it or not, this will help the grass resist damage due to wear. Frequent mowing promotes a healthy, dense playing surface, and it avoids post-mowing clumps from being left behind.

Clumping can be reduced by mowing when the grass is dry. Mowing when the grass is dry also results in a healthier turf plant that is better able to withstand the wear and tear of football.

SYNTHETIC TURF

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR EQUIPMENT READY FOR SPRING! Call Larry at (804) 313-7772 Email: larry@vaturfequipment.com

16566 Tidewater Trail Tappahannock, VA 22560

SWAM Micro & Small Business Certified

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24 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org

While synthetic turf typically does not wear out in a single season or recover like natural turf, proper management practices are still required to maximize safety and playability.

The infill component of a synthetic turf field helps keep fibers upright, allows for cleat penetration and provides a cushioning effect. Over time, infill levels often drop as small amounts of infill are constantly leaving the field in athletes’ shoes, clothing, equipment bags and from other maintenance activities.

Excessively low infill levels can result in accelerated fiber degradation (from both field use and UV light), fiber layover and increased surface hardness.

Routine monitoring of infill levels is an integral part of managing a synthetic turf field. In fact, NFL field managers are required to measure infill depth before every game.

You can find out the target infill depth range from your turf manufacturer. If the infill level drops below that limit, additional infill should be added. That means you should have extra infill on site – crumb rubber in most cases.

Cover Story continued

Infill depth can be measured using devices specifically designed for measuring infill depth or a less expensive fire-proofing depth gauge (Fig. 5). These can be found from multiple vendors with a simple internet search and typically cost less than $20. Pay particular attention to heavy-use areas such as goal mouths if the field is shared by lacrosse and/or soccer teams.

Infill depth should be measured on a routine (monthly) basis to ensure infill levels have not fallen below your turf manufacturer’s specified infill depth range. Infill depth should be measured across the entire field (at least 20 locations), with the majority of testing taking place at locations of heavy use.

If infill is needed in these or other small areas, a few buckets of crumb rubber likely can do the job. Spread a thin layer of rubber onto the area, brush it into the fibers with a broom and repeat until the infill level is within the acceptable range (Fig. 6 & 7).

For bigger areas, larger pieces of equipment, such as a topdresser, can be used to spread crumb rubber across the field (Fig. 8).

No matter the size of the area, it is important to use the same size and type of rubber originally installed by the turf manufacturer.

Infill depth is highly correlated to surface hardness. In most cases, if infill depth is maintained at the manufacturer-specified depth, surface hardness levels will be within industry standards.

Along with managing infill depth, grooming helps keep turf fibers upright and infill evenly distributed across the field. Grooming refers to both brushing and the loosening of infill granules.

Brushing the field with equipment specifically designed for synthetic turf should be done every three to four weeks during the season. The brush should be set to “tickle” the surface and not so that the entire weight of the unit is on the turf. The brush can be set to a slightly deeper depth when leveling infill on uneven areas (Fig 9).

Aerating also helps loosen infill. Grooming units consisting of vertical star-shaped, non-powered “slicers” that roll through the turf and infill should generally be used no more than two or three times per year.

It is important that you check with your field manufacturer for grooming information that is specific to your field.

FIELD INSPECTION

Routine field inspections are another way to ensure you are providing the safest possible conditions for field users. Documenting field conditions is not only a proactive approach to field safety, it also provides a record should you be asked to provide field information or justification for new equipment, supplies, and additional labor.

FIG. 5. Insulation Depth Gauge works well to measure infill depth.

FIG. 6. Distributing Small amounts of Infill

FIG. 7. Working Infill into Surface

FIG. 8. Preparing to Topdress Additional Infill into High School Field

FIG. 9. Grooming Synthetic Turf Field

Journal of the Virginia Turfgrass Council | 25

Cover Story continued

Regardless of field type, items such as padding on vertical surfaces close to the field, anchoring of goal posts and goals, and drains should be inspected and conditions documented.

A field inspection checklist is a great way to be sure to not overlook any elements of your field inspection. It also provides a record that the field was inspected should an injury occur and the safety of the field be questioned. You can make your own checklist or use one that has already been created. The Sports Turf Managers Association has created a thorough field checklist (Fig. 10) that is available on their website – www.stma.org.

For synthetic turf fields, inspections should include items such as infill depth, degree of paint build-up, seam and inlay inspection, fiber condition, and field hardness. Natural turf field inspection items typically include amount of turf cover, amount of weeds present, surface evenness, and field hardness.

REFERENCE Hoiberg, A. H., and D. D. Minner. 2013. Seedbanking potential of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in athletic fields. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 12:p. 641-648.

Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist

www.stma.org

Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist Prior to practice or a game, assess the following field characteristics and make the necessary corrections to the statements marked, ‘No/Needs Attention’ before allowing players on the field. If your field is experiencing major problems, including excessive wear, drainage issues, design flaws, etc., contact the STMA at ph.

800-323-3875, or STMAinfo@STMA.org for a referral to a local STMA chapter volunteer in your area for advice.

FIG. 10. Football Field Safety Checklist Available from STMA.org.

Playing Surface – All Types

Playing Surface – Natural Grass

Yes

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments

Maintenance equipment, such as rakes, hoes, etc.have been removed from the field.

Litter and unsafe debris have been removed from the field and player/ spectator areas.

Irrigation heads are installed as per manufacturer’s recommendations with no protrusions on the playing surface.

If there is an automatic system, the runtimes for the stations should be scheduled as per game times

The field was constructed according to recommended industry specifications.

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments

There is at least 75 percent coverage of turfgrass on the field.

There are no bare spots with a hard soil surface exposed.

Playing Surface – Synthetic Turf

Goals and Goal Post

Yes

No/Needs Attn

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o o

o o

Comments

There are no worn areas on the synthetic material.

There are no rips or tears on the synthetic material.

Seams are secure.

The synthetic material is not buckling or bulging.

Synthetic fibers are standing upright.

Comments:

There is adequate infill material that is evenly spread.

There are no holes or mounds made by moles, gophers, or other animals.

There are no ruts or trenches caused by equipment use or field wear.

There has been communication between the maintenance staff and coach/ facility user.

No/Needs Attn

o

o

Concrete for goal posts is below the surface.

o

o

Goals posts are adequately padded.

There are not sharp edges, protrusions or fractures on the goal.

Goals are anchored securely.

All bolts, screws, and connections for the goal are intact and securely tightened.

The footwear that is being worn by players is acceptable.

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments:

(If your field does not have bleachers/facility, skip this section)

Yes

Fences are securely set in the ground.

Fence posts are outside of the playing area.

There are no concrete footings exposed above ground.

Fencing is securely attached to its posts.

There are no large gaps in the fencing or between the ground and the fence.

Top and bottom tension wires are in place to secure the fence.

The wire ends of the fence are not exposed at the top or corners.

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

If multi-use field, lines are distinguishable between sports.

o

o

o

o

Lines are correctly marked per the appropriate governing body.

o o

Comments:

Field Markings Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments:

Lines are bright.

There is a minimum of 25 ft. around the field for players to run safely out-of-bounds.

There is a minimum of 50 ft. between fields (if multi-field complex).

All catch basins are adequately covered.

The transition area to the track is easily identifiable and level.

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

There are no damaged areas that protrude, are sharp or loose.

Out-of-Bounds/Transition Areas

Turfgrass is uniform in color, height and density.

There are no weeds with thorns, bristles or burrs.

Bleachers/Facility

(If your field does not have fencing, skip this section)

Yes

Water is readily available for washing away undesirable fluids.

Soil is well drained with no standing water.

Turfgrass has strong root system, limiting “blow-outs.”

Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist Fencing

Goal posts are straight and securely anchored.

Comments:

2

Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org

The plank or railing end caps are securely in place.

There are no splinters or worn areas (wooden bleachers).

There are no hazardous protrusions or sharp edges.

The supply and location of waste cans is adequate.

There is appropriate signage notifying players and spectators of rules, appropriate behavior and deficient conditions.

There are public telephones or a staffed office for emergency situations.

Areas under repair are identified and posted appropriately.

(If your field does not have lighting, skip this section)

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

Comments:

1

Guard rails are securely in place.

Lighting

Lighting has been installed/inspected by a trained engineer or technician.

All lights are working.

General

The light’s beam adequately and uniformly covers the field.

The lighting foot candles meet industry recommended specifications.

Yes

No/Needs Attn

o

o

Comments:.

Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org

Nuts and bolts are tight and in sufficient number.

There is a flag or other signaling system to alert players to leave the field if inclement weather or other danger is imminent.

3

Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org

D I G I TA L

M A R K E T P L AC E Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.

For franchise information go to www.weedmanfranchise.com or call (888) 321-9333

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Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707

www.cgcfields.com

Our New Environmental Institute is Working for You! Connecting with environmental groups

Dialoguing with politicians

Spreading the news about our great industry

Pollinator Protection Program

Protecting Sensitive Oceanfront Areas

Protecting The James River

In 2022, we will distribute another 25,000 pollinator-friendly wildflower seed packets – that’s a total of 10 million wildflower seeds that could create half a million square feet of new food and foraging space

In 2022, we are partnering with the City of Virginia Beach to plant 15,000 beach grass plants on critical beach areas. The City wants us to make this an annual event!

We are working with Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, the James River Association and others to keep sediment out of the James River.

AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!

P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 (757) 464-1004 virginiaturf@gmail.com virginiaturf.org

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Combined 200+ Years Experience

STI and Toro are two of the oldest and most respected names in landscape maintenance equipment. Together we represent over 200 years of combined experience* and our mutual goals remain the same: deliver world-class products and provide exceptional service with an absolute commitment to our customers success. *included with every purchase @smithturf #Reelmaster #Greensmaster #Workman #ToroLynx #ToroInfinity

NORTH CAROLINA | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | VIRGINIA | BERMUDA Office 704.393.8873 Orders 800.932.8676 www.smithturf.com