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Where Quality Meets Testimonial.
A CHAMPION AMONG TURFGRASSES
CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
Christopher Webb,
Associate Director of Grounds:
“It will grow back and bounce back. It’s in places where we may have to replace our 419 because of traffic but we don’t have to replace our NorthBridge.”
Scan here:
To see more about NorthBridge
The Did you know?
VTC Environmental Institute has several great training/ education / networking opportunities this fall/winter season. Like many of you, this used to be our “slow’’ time! (Now days if you are good at what you do there is no such thing as slow time.)
That’s why it’s important to schedule ahead now and make plans to attend the annual Come to the Bay conference in Virginia Beach this January 28–30, 2025. Once again, we will be at the Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center. We are very fortunate to be able to use the facilities and resources and showcase the importance of the world class research and education they provide.
Reminder: there are still wonderful sponsorships available, don’t miss out , call today or go on-line to become a sponsor.
The theme this year is Partnerships. We are highlighting the many successful partners we have developed relationships with and the many new relationships we are building.
Previous, and current, sponsors include:
Agronomic Lawn Management
City of Virginia Beach
Elizabeth River Project
Lawns and Gardens Plus
McGill Environmental Systems
Sandy’s Plants, Inc.
TruGreen
Weed Man
VTC Environmental Institute
Wes Bray VTC President
These sponsors, our partners, bring their perspectives and knowledge to our event and help us with our continuing success. Together we elevate the importance of the industry and improve our professionalism.
Come to the Bay topics offered will benefit everyone in the industry. They include Pesticide training & re-certification (free to members, don’t delay, pay your dues today); two day Horticultural Short Course (which will feature hands-on demonstrations); soils and their importance to success; protecting our waters; partnering with environmental groups; what to do when you have too many native pollinator plants; how to develop partnerships that benefit all and much more.
This year our Service Project is being held two weeks prior (January 13) to Come to the Bay so that we can involve students in the Virginia Beach Career & Technical Center and Environmental Studies curriculums. Why two weeks earlier? Because of school testing schedules; exam schedules prevent students from participating during the conference. Their enthusiasm and interest are critical to the successful implementation of the projects.
I look forward to reconnecting and networking with other industry professionals at Come to the Bay. Don’t miss this great opportunity.
Finally, plan on attending the annual three- day Horticultural Short Course in Henrico from December 3-5 (TuesdyThursday) and take advantage of the On-line pesticide recertification classes that are free to members. Allow me to be blunt - pay your dues, attend our industry events, and check with your accountant or financial advisor and determine how generous a sponsor you can be.
We look forward to seeing you!
Wes Bray VTC President
And so it begins.
We
Tom
Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director
are making preparations for legislative battles in 2025 - last year’s General Assembly Session was anything but quiet for our industry. Bills affecting our industry include those allowing unpaid and unlicensed volunteers to apply herbicides in certain areas; allowing non-state entities to control pesticides; and restricting use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Legislation similar to last year’s ban on gas-powered equipment will likely reappear. Where does the industry stand on that very important issue? We are following the lead of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (N.A.L.P.) on the conversion to battery powered equipment. Many manufacturers have already stopped making gas-powered push mowers, leaf blowers, and such. If that trend continues, battery equipment will soon be the only available option. We have a problem—business owners repeatedly tell me the current generation of batterypowered leaf blowers is not up to the task of removing tons of wet Autumn leaves. Following N.A.L.P.’s lead, we seek to steer the transition as we continue to oppose legislation that mandates conversion ahead of technology.
Legislation seeking to transfer regulatory power away from Richmond to localities will likely reappear. Their presence has become an annual tradition. Why are we concerned who sets the rules? Look at states where cities and counties currently have that regulatory right. Inevitably, pesticides and fertilizers become controlled on a micro scale with different rules set in each locality, creating a patchwork of enforceable regulations across the state.
How do we fight for you, the green industry professional? We take the highly successful long-term approach of education and alliance building. Educating decision makers and influencers is a year-round endeavor that requires sacrifice. Our work is paying off! Frequently now, we are perceived as an industry dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment. That perception is totally opposite from where we were just a few short years ago.
Alliances with local and regional river-keepers and other environmental groups is one of our most satisfying and rewarding endeavors. After all, although we may differ on specifics, our end goals of protecting and preserving the environment are the same.
The work to protect your rights is challenging and never ending. We need your support! Please renew your membership (or join!) and donate to the VTC Environmental Institute. Much of our outreach to environmental groups and educating law makers and other decision makers is through the Environmental Institute. Your donations enabled us to contract with Beck Stanley to assist our legislative efforts – those efforts are already paying great dividends!
Because the VTC Environmental Institute is a 501c(3) corporation, your donations are tax deductible. Go to https://vaturf.org for more information.
Tom Tracy, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Virginia Turfgrass Council
Virginia Tech Turf Team
Shawn D. Askew, Ph.D.
Virginia Tech 435 Old Glade Road Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231-5807
askew@vt.edu
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
Legislative Update from Beck Stanley
VTC
Beck Stanley VTC Contract Lobbyist
staff are hard at work preparing for the upcoming short session (45 days) of the General Assembly. In the past few years, several legislative attempts have been made in Virginia which threaten the turfgrass industry. Specifically, individual product targeting, applicator safety, pollinator health, storage tank requirements, and application methods have been the subject of recurring legislation in Richmond. Thanks to the diligent work of the VTC and our partner organizations, we have been able to prevent these bills from becoming law. We have also been fortunate to update and enhance applicator certifications, and we commend VDACS for their hard work updating these important safety measures for our applicators.
However, the political climate in Richmond is ever-changing. Redistricting has resulted in more competitive maps for legislative races and unprecedented turnover in both chambers’ membership, leading to a more frequent exchange of power in the House and Senate; our one-term Governorship will change hands again next year; and regulatory agencies are seeing historic turnover in personnel. The uncertainty created by rapidly changing political dynamics should be front of mind for industry professionals and leaders, and it is certainly a priority for VTC.
VTC works closely with elected officials, regulators, partner organizations, and our members to ensure our industry is adequately represented in Richmond. Each year, we spend an entire day at the Capitol distributing small bags of grass seed to legislators and their staff, reminding them of the environmental benefits of turfgrass. This is made possible through the generosity of our members and is widely regarded among legislators as one of their favorite annual visits.
Also on the lobbying front, Beck Stanley has joined VTC as its contract lobbyist. Stanley managed political campaigns and spent four years with the Virginia Agribusiness Council, served as an elected official in his early twenties, and now operates Rural Results Public Affairs, where he advocates for agriculture and economic development clients. He can be reached via cell at 540-871-9001.
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
PUBLISHED BY
Leading Edge Communications, LLC
206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718
Fax: (615) 794-4524
info@leadingedgecommunications.com
VTC OFFICERS
President Wes Bray Lawns & Gardens Plus (757) 422-2117
Vice President
Harris Wheeler, CTP
Richmond Public Schools (retired) (804) 475-4561
Secretary / Treasurer
Ray Funkhouser
PBI Gordon (retired)
Past President
Phil Bailey, CGCS
Isle of Wight County Parks & Recreation (757) 572-1981
VTC DIRECTORS
Sam Burris
Jack Findling
Richard Linsday
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
Virginia Turfgrass Council – Environmental Institute is a 501(c)(3) Corporation focused on building a bridge between the Green Industry and Environmental groups.
With YOUR support, VTC-EI can continue in its work in service projects, legislative advocacy and building goodwill.
To learn more about VTC-EI and to get involved, please contact us at virginiaturf@gmail.com
Virginia Turfgrass Council’s
January 28, 29, 30*
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC (1444 Diamond Springs Rd, Va Beach, VA 23455)
* Service Project on Monday, January 13
SCHEDULE
LOCATION
SERVICE PROJECT (January 13):
Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center (3663 Marlin Bay Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 )
CONFERENCE (January 28, 29, 30):
Hampton Roads AREC (1444 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455)
SCHEDULE
SERVICE PROJECT (January 13):
CONTACT US
Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989
Virginia Beach, VA 23471 (757) 464–1004
http://vaturf.org (click on Bay Conf)
8:45 – 11:30 CBF’s Brock Environmental Center; Oyster Conference Room Program and Lunch (provided)
11:30 – 1:30 Service Projects at CBF’s Brock Environmental Center and Pleasure House Point
CONFERENCE
Tuesday, January 28: Partnerships for Success
8:00 – 3:30 Topics Include: Success and Difficulties
Partnering with Environmental Groups
Elizabeth River Project Partnerships
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Partnerships
Natives Gone Bad
Developing Partnerships with Underserved Communities
Lunch (on your own)
Dept. of Wildlife and Forestry: Partnering with Industry
Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative
Extension as Industry Partners
Old Dominion University:
Overview and Partnering with Industry
Wednesday, January 29
8:00 – 3:30 Coastal Short Course: Day One of Two
8:00 – 2:00 Pesticide Recertification Categories: 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8, 10, and 60 (some categories need to stay later)
Thursday, January 30
8:00 – 3:30 Coastal Short Course: Day Two of Two
9:30 – 12:00 Review Class for Registered Technician Pesticide License
1:00 – 3:30 Pesticide Exams
(must have approval letter from VDACS to take the test)
SPONSORSHIPS
This page is to sign up as a sponsor. Registration is available online at www.vaturf.org/come-to-the-bay
LOCATION
Mon (January 13)
Brock Environmental Center
Tue/Wed/Thur (January 28, 29, 30)
Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL
Combined Come to the Bay and Service Project Sponsorships
Presenter ($3,000)
Lunch ($700 Daily)
Coffee/Snacks ($400 Daily)
Friend of the Bay ($300)
Other: __________________
Service Project Sponsorships
American Beachgrass Plants ($500)
Student Supporter ($200)
Other: __________________
CONTACT US
Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471 (757) 464–1004
http://vaturf.org (click on Bay Conf)
Each year, generous individuals, organizations and environmental groups join with VTC through monetary, material, and manpower donations to complete our Service Project. This year, we welcome the Virginia Dare Soil and Water Conservation District to that lineup. At a recent Virginia Dare SWCD Board Meeting, directors approved spending up to $1,500.00 towards the project at Pleasure House Point. There is also potential for board members to volunteer their time to complete the project.
This note just arrived. The student who wrote it is enrolled in Virginia Tech’s School of Landscape Architecture. Last year, students from Virginia Beach City Public Schools students participated in our Service Project at the Virginia Aquarium. At least one of those students is now at Virginia Tech and two weeks ago that student asked the VTC-EI for some pollinator seed packets to distribute at an event in Blacksburg. (Thank you TruGreen for funding those seeds!). We sent her seeds and also several copies of the Journal that summarized the Service Project.
2024 Landscape / Lawn Short Course
DECEMBER 3 – 5 (Tuesday – Thursday)
Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Road, Henrico VA 23228
SIGN-UP FORM
The cost: $330 for members of the VTC $360 for non-members of the VTC Join the VTC for $85 (membership good thru December 31, 2025)
VTC Member Rate
VTC Non-Member Rate
VTC Membership
You may also register and pay online at https://vaturf.org
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, December 3
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Landscape Business Realities Turfgrass Basics Lunch Soil Basics Building a Healthy Soil
Wednesday, December 4
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Botany for Plant Health Plant Function Basis of Landscape Success Planting Trees for Long Term Success Lunch Native Shrubs in the Landscape.
Thursday, December 5
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM Weeds in the Landscape and Lawn Insects in the Landscape and Lawn Lunch Transition Zone Challenges/Opportunities
VIRGINIA TURFGRASS COUNCIL
P.O. Box 5989 • Virginia Beach, VA 23471
Phone: (757)464-1004 • FAX: (757)282-2693
Email: virginiaturf@gmail.com
Fall is the Season for Cool Season Lawn Recovery
By Michael Goatley, Ph.D. Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist, Virginia Tech
There are lots of cool-season lawns (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass either as single species or mixtures) that look like this following the roller coaster of summer weather patterns that featured record heat and drought, followed by moisture from tropical storms, and then a return to more heat and drought. This is the perfect scenario for cool-season lawn struggles in the transition zone. The damage from extremes in heat and moisture are then often exacerbated by disease and insect pressures that are more likely to attack the stressed turfgrass. Now is the time to plan and implement your lawn recovery strategy.
continued on page 20
Here are the principles of some basic recovery strategies, followed by links to extension publications with more details
1) Consider WHY the turf failed? There is no doubt that our weather/climate for the summer is almost always the primary reason for our struggles in the mid-Atlantic transition zone. Extremes in heat and drought are naturally going to wreak havoc on a cool-season turfgrass that prefers moist weather and temperatures in the 70s/50s range. But are there other variables in play on your site such as shade, aspect, traffic, compaction etc.
continued on page 22
2) Don’t forget the importance of the physical and chemical characteristics of your soil. If you have not conducted a soil test within the past three years, there is no money better spent than that used for a soil test (you can utilize your local extension office or a private lab to help you conduct and interpret a soil test).
3) Was this year a “one off” in the troubles of the cool-season lawn, or is this now becoming a pattern in that every year seems to be posing a challenge in maintaining healthy turf at your site? One thing about extreme damage is that this situation affords you the reason to introduce new genetics into the lawn (use the Recommended Virginia Turfgrass Variety list that you can find on the Virginia Cooperative Extension website for the latest varieties to choose). Given the inherent challenges of growing grass in a climate where NO grass is guaranteed success, don’t equate the new genetics with guaranteed success, but do take the opportunity to plant the best materials available based on replicated field trials.
continued on page 24
4) Is a warm-season grass a better choice for your situation? Maybe, maybe not. Warm-season grasses often have challenges with environmental extremes from the opposite end of the temperature spectrum (i.e. winter cold), but in the warmest areas of Virginia, a warm-season grass (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass or St. Augustinegrass) might be a better choice for your lawn. While it is not advisable to seed, sprig, or plug these creeping grasses in the fall season, sod installations of either warm-season or cool-season grasses is pretty much possible year-round in most areas of Virginia if the soil has been prepared properly to promote establishment.
Here are some Virginia Cooperative Extension publications to review that provide much greater detail in the steps of planning your fall lawn management programs:
Cool Season Lawn Renovation, https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/ pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/SPES/ SPES-353/SPES-353.html
2024-25 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations, https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/ pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/SPES/ spes-617/spes-617.html
Soil Sampling for the Home Gardener, https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ 452/452-129/452-129.html
Fall Lawn Care, https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/ 430/430-520/430-520.html
Lawn Fertilization in Virginia, https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ content/pubs_ext_vt_edu/en/ 430/430-011/430-011.html
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Burlingham Seeds 19 www.burlinghamseeds.com
BuySod / SodStarPro 31 www.sodstar.com
Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc. 3 www.centralsodmd.com
East Coast Sod & Seed 22 www.eastcoastsod.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 25 www.greenecountyfert.com
Harrell’s LLC 29 www.harrells.com
Kesmac 21 www.brouwerkesmac.com
Landmark Turf & Native Seed 27 www.landmarkturfandnativeseed.com
McGill Premium Compost 25 www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com
Mid-Atlantic STIHL 17 www.stihldealers.com
Pratum Co-Op 7 www.pratumcoop.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. 24 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Smith Seed Services 25 www.smithseed.com
Smith Turf & Irrigation Back Cover www.smithturf.com
Sod Solutions 5 www.SodSolutionsPro.com
The Turfgrass Group Inside Front Cover www.theturfgrassgroup.com
The Turf Zone 23 www.theturfzone.com
Weed Man 3 www.weedmanfranchise.com
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 © 2024 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.)
The SOIL HEALTH VIRGINIA Greetings COALITION
Virginia Soil Health Coalition is a broad network working to advance knowledge, outreach, and implementation of soil health in the Commonwealth. The network currently consists of 40 partner organizations and is guided by a Steering Committee of state leaders. We are excited to add the Virginia Turfgrass Council as one of our newest partner organizations and we look forward to meeting you in person at upcoming VTC events.
The Coalition has a successful history of working with the agricultural community on implementing practices that help to improve soil health. However, we understand that the soil does not stop at the end of the crop row and that all lands are a piece of the soil health story. With well over one million acres of turfgrass stretching across urban, suburban and rural Virginia, the management of the soil is of critical importance. The Virginia Turfgrass Council and Virginia Soil Health Coalition share common goals and interests like providing education and supporting practices that help improve environmental, economic, and social outcomes.
Soil is much more than the dirt under our feet. Soil is a critical, finite resource that stores carbon and water, provides habitat for billions of organisms, and is the foundation of food production.
Soil is a living system with biological, chemical, and physical properties. Some properties are inherent to the soil type and how the soil was formed but all the properties can be affected by management or neglect.
But what is soil health really about and how can you help build healthier soils? Whether you are managing turfgrass, cropland, or a garden, it all starts with the four principles of soil health:
1. KEEP SOIL COVERED
It’s the first step in protecting it from erosion, but also buffers oil temperature, slows rainfall runoff and aids rainfall infiltration.
2. MINIMIZE SOIL DISTURBANCE
Both physical and chemical. This proactive measure can heal and protect properties of the soil and ultimately enhance the biological component.
3. MAXIMIZE LIVING ROOTS
Doing this longer throughout the year fuels biological activity, aids nutrient cycling, and contributes to improved soil structure.
4. ENERGIZE WITH DIVERSITY
Use different species when possible. A diverse lawn is less susceptible to pests and disease which means you can reduce the need for pesticides and fungicides.
We understand that context is a huge piece of managing for soil health and everyone has their own goals to consider. Soil health is a journey and supporting these principles as much as possible within your own context will improve the health of the soil. It is critical that we all work together to properly care for the soil for the resilience of our landscapes and communities today and tomorrow.
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TifTuf Earns Smart Approved WaterMark in U.S.
When it comes to turfgrass, TifTuf Bermudagrass is the first and only cultivar to pass the rigorous standards and receive the Smart Approved WaterMark designation. New to the U.S., the Smart Approved WaterMark has provided a trusted system of identifying water conservation products in Australia for 20 years.
The Smart Approved WaterMark is described as an “independent assessment certification process providing assurance for consumers, businesses and the water industry that the branded, certified products and services are water efficient, sustainable and fit for purpose.” Recognized for their effective promotion of water conservation products and programs since 2004, this distinction was recently expanded beyond Australia thanks to The Water Conservancy and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
The Water Conservancy has been the key advisory hub for the adoption of improved water stewardship products in Australia. Likewise, the Alliance for Water Efficiency is dedicated to water conservation efforts across North America. Many of the products licensed in Australia have parent companies in the U.S., so this expansion is a great fit.
TifTuf has been posted on the Smart Approved WaterMark product website for years. It is described as “incredibly drought tolerant and water efficient, proven by extensive independent turf trials. TifTuf is a grass that has been bred to stand up to drought conditions and save you water.” In fact, TifTuf Bermudagrass drought resistance and increased water efficiencies makes it genetically superior to other bermudagrass cultivars. This University of Georgia bred turfgrass has over 25 years of research data, backing up its conservation qualities and 38% reduction of water use compared to the most commonly used bermudagrass.
The U.S. has the EPA WaterSense program to evaluate select water efficiency products, but it does not evaluate or promote drought tolerant plant materials. By having the Smart Approved WaterMark initiative, consumers and local leaders can choose water conservation efforts in North America that further encourage increased efficiencies.
In addition, because TifTuf is a proven drought tolerant turfgrass, it is referenced as such in the Water-Wise Landscape Guide for the Georgia Piedmont for reduced water use in landscape planning. Promoted by the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District and the University of Georgia Extension Service, this document educates consumers on water conservation when planning a landscape project, further cementing the importance of U.S. designation.
The Smart Approved WaterMark is a respected label that helps consumers choose water efficiency. Work by a seven-member Technical Expert Panel is utilized to evaluate applications from product manufacturers and service providers. The panel meets three times a year to independently assess those wanting to receive accreditation. There are currently 87 approved certifications across various categories, including turfgrass, irrigation, garden, pool and spa, car washing, plumbing, greywater, and bathrooms.
TifTuf turfgrass and 36 other outdoor water use efficiency tools and technologies, such as sprinkler systems, irrigation controllers, timers and more have earned the label. Product manufacturers that have received the Smart Approved WaterMark endorsement are allowed to use the logo and are recognized on the website.
Saving water is good stewardship. Product advancement helped lead the way, but improved plant breeding by the University of Georgia, and perhaps others, is the new horizon. TifTuf is pleased to have this Smart Approved WaterMark as a validator of water efficiency and delivering on data driven conservation innovation.
The complete list of approved products in this program is available at www.smartwatermark.org
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Working Slower
By Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM
There are times when managers have no choice but to jump into the field and lend a helping hand to meet some pressing obligations. And while most managers bring a big boost of productivity in these times, I no longer personally contribute that way. My goal, when I have to perform a critical task outside my role, is to work slower, and it’s a strategy that more managers might want to copy.
The key reason why I work slower is because if I’m performing duties outside of my role it means something has gone wrong. Either we don’t have the manpower available (because we made them feel undervalued and quit) or the manpower available isn’t competent enough to perform the task (because we haven’t trained them well enough). Either way, the problem lies with us as managers.
So, I leverage the opportunity to be hands-on not to perform work as quickly as possible because I can, but rather to work slow and remedy those two workforce problems. I enter “training mode” where workers are protected from all the time pressure of
the job, and we slowly demonstrate every step of every process. Work is frequently paused to explain the reasoning that tasks occur, and work is done in specific ways. And, when something is completed, we often undo the work so it can be redone without my involvement while I supervise and provide feedback.
The other benefit of slowing work down is that there is plenty of time to express appreciation for everything that employees are doing well. That may be as simple as being open and receptive to instructions or exercising care in delivering quality work. Whatever behavior is occurring that I would like to see replicated I affirm, compliment, and reinforce.
Working slowly is like saving money. In the moment, it requires discipline and doesn’t deliver immediate gratification. Something must be sacrificed in the short-term, but there are real benefits in the long-term. When I work slower, it’s usually only once or twice with an employee on any given task because they become empowered to run the show on their own after that point. It’s like earning compound interest.
The solution to not having enough time and people to complete all of the obligations is to slow down, not speed up. Taking this counterintuitive approach to dedicating resources and effort to training, especially when it feels like we can’t, is the way to empower organizations to break the vicious cycle of always playing catch up.
Neal Glatt is the Managing Partner of GrowTheBench, an online training platform for the green industry. Connect with Neal at www.NealGlatt.com
