It’s Another Season, Another Opportunity
Wes Bray VTC President
time to put all the winter training and education to the test. Hopefully you were able to take advantage of the many opportunities the VTC and VTC-EI offered this winter.
From the annual Short Course in December to the Come to the Bay Conference in January and the Fredericksburg Road Show in February, the VTC was very busy with programs to benefit all segments of the industry.
Once again, the Come to the Bay Service Project was well received and appreciated. Momentum for these projects is building and thanks to volunteers and sponsors in Prince William County, we are working a new project this Spring.
The March two-day recertification webinar had over 1400 persons from several states attend. Many participants may not be VTC members. Because of the generous support of Landscape Supply they know about our organization now and may become members or contribute to future events. Don’t forget members can get recertification online for free.
There’s so much opportunity! Go to vaturf.org/events for more info on continuing opportunities.
Special thanks to all the Board members, Virginia Tech professors and students, Virginia Cooperative Agents, and invited speakers that worked so hard (many in their limited spare time) to ensure the success of every event.
Many thanks to the vendors and sponsors that make it all possible. The success of these events is a great example of how everyone working together betters our industry.
Was there something we missed or you wish we spent more effort on? Any afterthe-action comments or thoughts? Please let us know. Contact myself or any Board member to share your thoughts or volunteer to contribute by working on committee assignments. Your opinion matters.
People are seeing the value of the many services our industry provides (remember Covid? We were essential workers) and seek trained professionals to provide those services. Many of those people want you to be the expert. Our industry benefits when you take the time to participate and become the expert. Bonus for attending is the ability to network with industry leaders and experts — having someone knowledgeable to call on for guidance and advice is priceless.
Ready or not, the season of opportunity has begun and there will be a test. I’m sure you’ll be successful.
Wes Bray VTC President
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
UPCOMING EVENT
May 17, 2025 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Mid Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture Safety in Arboriculture Symposium
Hampton Roads AREC Includes BBQ lunch from Beach Bully!
$90 for MAC members For registration details, visit https://mac-isa.org
Index of Advertisers
Agronomic Lawn Management 21 www.FertilizerWithALM.com
BuySod / SodStarPro 7 www.sodstar.com
Carolina Green Corp. 17 www.cgcfields.com
Central Sod Farms of Maryland, Inc. 3 www.centralsodmd.com
Ernst Conservation Seeds ........................ 17 www.ernstseed.com
Revels Tractor Co. Inc. Inside Front Cover www.revelstractor.com
Greene County Fertilizer Co. 19 www.greenecountyfert.com
Home Field Fertilizer / Meadowspring Turf Farm 25 www.meadowspringturf.com
Leading Edge Communications 9 www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com
McGill Premium Compost 19 www.mcgillsoilbuilder.com
Phyllom BioProducts 23 www.phyllombioproducts.com
Progressive Turf Equipment Inc. 3 www.progressiveturfequip.com
Smith Seed Services ................................. 19 www.smithseed.com
Smith Turf & Irrigation Back Cover www.smithturf.com
The Turf Zone 14 , 15 www.theturfzone.com
The Turfgrass Group ................................... 5 www.theturfgrassgroup.com
“Can I apply weed and feed products with just a pesticide license?”
Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director
“Round-Up that I buy from a box store is the only pesticide I use, why do I need to be certified?”
“Why did the inspector disapprove of my using vinegar to control weeds?”
“I started mowing grass when I retired from the Navy and now I want to spray for weeds. I’ve been told I need something called 3B Certification. What is that?”
The questions continue – these are just a small sample of calls I’ve answered over the past months. From across the commonwealth, persons from businesses as small as one-man operations to multi-state corporations contact us with their pesticide and fertilizer questions. They are not seeking answers to agronomic needs but to help them comply with laws and regulations.
I am honored those professionals rely on the VTC for guidance. They trust us and that trust is one example of how we are fulfilling our mission of serving the green industry. That service is not limited to answering pesticide and fertilizer questions but includes reaching out to elected officials, especially persons in the General Assembly, and partnering with influential environmental groups who see the need to work with us.
It was not too many years ago when any meeting with a state senator or delegate began with the obligatory explanation of our industry, its scope, and dispelling commonly held fallacies. Many elected officials used to be 100% certain that at least 50% of all fertilizer applied by lawn care professionals ended up in the Chesapeake Bay. Now, we routinely hear praises about the values we espouse, and officials seek our help in protecting and preserving the environment. Not bad!
No one disputes the extensive influence of The Chesapeake Bay Foundation –their leaders are frequently quoted in newspapers; regulators heed their recommendations; and elected officials seek their advice. Our first meetings with that great foundation were precarious, largely because of misconceptions on both sides. More than once, I heard audible gasps by green industry professionals when one of their scientists was introduced as the next conference speaker. We now see the value of collaboration as we work together in a way that benefits both organizations and, most importantly, the environment.
What’s next? We are initiating a Friend of the Industry award, designed to be given to a member of the General Assembly who has consistently shown support for the green industry. Look for that award to debut at the Stafford County Service Project in April!
Remember, we exist to serve you. Please let us know how we can improve.
Tom Tracy, Ph.D. VTC Executive Director
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
Highlights from
TO THE BAY
Jason Heizer of Bartlett Tree Experts demonstrates proper pruning
Laurie Yates of Virginia Beach City Public Schools discusses education opportunities
Harris Wheeler, VTC Vice President, discusses reaching underserved communities
Phil Bailey, VTC Past President, welcomes the group to Come to the Bay
The Hampton Roads AREC, in partnership with the Virginia Turfgrass Council, proudly hosted Come to the Bay recently, bringing together industry experts, researchers, and professionals to explore the latest in turf management. Attendees participated in discussions on best practices, emerging research, sustainability efforts, and innovative solutions for maintaining healthy, high-quality turf. The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals dedicated to advancing the industry. A huge thank you to all who joined us and contributed to the success of this engaging and informative event!
Group Shot of persons seeking pesticide recertification
Phoebe Murrrill of the Elizabeth River Project presents opportunities for the green industry
Jeff Derr HR-AREC Director made the event possible!
Katie Grigsby of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation introduces a new endeavor
Highlights from COME TO THE BAY
A few of the folks planting American Beachgrass at Pleasure House Point
Virginia Beach City Public School students at the Service Project
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
linkedin.com/company/theturfzone
x.com/theturfzone
FEBRUARY SEED DISTRIBUTION
at the Virginia General Assembly
“We are so glad to see you all again!” was commonly heard in the halls of Virginia’s General Assembly Building. From elected officials to clerical staff, smiles appeared when they saw our wagons full of three-pound bags of fescue seed. They knew a greener future awaited them! Kurt Fellenstein of Trinity Turf donated every one of those 350 bags of goodwill. Diligent and purposeful work, such as distributing seeds and Service Projects, have cultivated a very positive view of our industry among decision makers across the state. Make plans to join us at next year’s seed distribution.
Our destination: the General Assembly Building
Speaking with Senator French while we were still in the “basement”
Phil Bailey (Past President), Wes Bray (President), Harris Wheeler (Vice President), and Beck Stanley (legislative advisor)
Part of the group!
Recent Event
THE 2025 ROAD SHOW WAS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS !
120 persons learned the latest research from Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland; vendors had a chance to interact with attendees during dedicated breaks and lunch; and, as an added bonus, the Fredericksburg Nationals played a ball game for us to enjoy during lunch!
We plan to repeat, and expand upon, the Road Show in 2026. Keep watching for details. It will likely once again be held at the end of February at the Fredericksburg Nationals Facility.
THANK YOU TO OUR VENDORS
• Advanced Turf Solutions
• BASF
• Corteva
• Davisson Turf
• VTC Environmental Institute
• Finch Turf
• Harrells
• Helena
• Luck EcoSystem
• Neudorff Organics
• Newsom Seed/Site One
• PBI Gordon
• Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Watertronics
Success of the Recent Pesticide Recertification Webinar
Therecent pesticide recertification webinar, sponsored by the Virginia Turfgrass Council, Virginia Tech Turfgrass, and the W.S. Connelly family of companies, was a resounding success. With over 1,200 participants tuning in to earn their credits, the event featured insightful presentations from PhD and masters candidate students representing Virginia Tech, Rutgers University, and Clemson University. Attendees praised the quality of the content and the expertise of the speakers, making this one of the most well-received webinars to date.
A highlight of the event was the $2,500 in scholarships available to presenters, with winners determined by a panel of industry judges as well as votes from licensed attendees. Three presenters received the Judges’ Choice Award, while another three earned the People’s Choice Award. However, in a remarkable show of support for the next generation of turfgrass and pesticide professionals, each presenter walked away with some level of scholarship funding.
This event is proudly sponsored by W.S. Connelly in honor of and tribute to the late Willard Stiff Connelly (W.S.), founder of W.S. Connelly. His legacy continues to inspire and support the industry through education and professional development opportunities.
The overwhelming positive feedback from participants underscores the importance of continued education and industry collaboration. This webinar not only provided valuable recertification credits but also served as a platform to recognize and reward emerging talent in the field. We look forward to future events that continue to elevate industry knowledge and professional development.
FEATURE RESOURCES
FROM THE
TheVirginia Soil Health Coalition strengthens and supports a broad, collaborative network that improves and expands soil health across the state. Whether cropland, grazing land, turfgrass, or a backyard gardensoil health is important for all landscapes. We are excited for our growing partnership with the Virginia Turfgrass Council and Environmental Institute. A healthy soil ecosystem and thriving turfgrass exist in a symbiotic relationship, where the soil provides essential nutrients and support, while the turfgrass contributes organic matter and stabilizes the soil.
Interested in learning more about soil health and how you can incorporate best management practices into your work? The Coalition has a variety of educational resources from podcasts to videos to publications.
Visit our resources page at www.virginiasoilhealth.org/resources to peruse more.
Resource Categories Include
Books & Publications
Soil is the foundation of all terrestrial ecosystems. By reading about soil health, you gain a deeper appreciation for its vital role in supporting plant growth, water filtration, and biodiversity. We recommend several books and publications that look at soil health from a variety of perspectives.
Podcasts
Many of our podcasts feature leading researchers, farmers, and scientists who provide a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives. We even produce our own podcast, “4 The Soil: A Conversation” that comes out every two weeks.
Technical Assistance
Not sure where to start on your soil health journey? This list of technical assistance resources can help you customize soil health solutions and assess specific situations, considering factors like soil type, evaluating specific practices, and soil testing.
Websites
Find links to other organizations engaged in soil health research and outreach.
Videos and Movies
Videos can effectively demonstrate soil health principles and make it easier to understand and visualize these practices. Many of these resources showcase real-world examples of people successfully implementing soil health practices, providing inspiration and practical guidance.
Urban Soil Assistance
Building soil health is critical for our urban and suburban landscapes. Learn more about connections, cost-share programs, and other resources that offer a range of valuable benefits for urban residents and environments. Healthy urban soils can absorb and filter rainwater, reducing runoff, mitigate flooding, improve air quality, and contribute to the creation of more green spaces making for stronger and more resilient communities.
There currently is a gap on our resources page and we need your help to fill it! We would love to add soil health information that is specific to turfgrass management. If you have any resources to share with us please send them to the Virginia Soil Health Coalition Director, Mary Sketch Bryant at msketch2@vt.edu.
Dear VTC Members:
The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will be expanding the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine (2 VAC 5-315) in late May 2025. The counties of Chesterfield, Lee, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince George, and Surry and the independent cities of Colonial Heights, Danville, Hopewell, and Petersburg will be added to the regulated areas under the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine.
Survey data gathered by VDACS indicates that imported fire ant populations increased and have become established, despite mound treatments by VDACS staff and its contractor. The inclusion of the listed counties will be necessary to prevent the artificial spread of this insect pest. VDACS is providing industry and impacted stakeholders advanced notice of the expansion so the nursery industry and other impacted stakeholders can prepare for the regulation of regulated articles, which will require inspection, certification and treatments to meet the requirements of the state and federal imported fire ant quarantines. VDACS will provide another notification at the time the quarantine is expanded, at which time VDACS will request that the USDA also expand the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine to include these localities.
Regulated articles which are prohibited from movement outside of the quarantine include:
• Any life stage of imported fire ant,
• Soil, except soil shipped in original containers after commercial preparation,
• Plants with roots with soil attached and rhizomes with soil attached,
• Grass sod,
• Used soil-moving equipment unless free of all non-compacted soil,
• Used farm equipment, unless free of all non-compacted soil,
• Hay and straw stored in direct contact with the ground,
• Honey bee hives stored in direct contact with the ground, and
• Logs and pulpwood with soil attached.
Additional information on the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine can be found at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-fire-ant-suppressioneand-eradication.shtml
Information on the federal imported fire ant quarantine can be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/ifa
To begin the process to establish a compliance agreement with VDACS to facilitate the movement of regulated articles, please contact complianceagreements@vdacs.virginia.gov
Please reference the provided map identifying the localities that will be included in the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine in late May 2025.
Please contact me at (804) 786-5525 or David.Gianino@vdacs.virginia.gov if there is any other information that you require.
Sincerely,
David Gianino Program Manager Office of Plant Industry Services
EXPANSION of IFA QUARANTINE for 2025
OPIS recommends expanding the IFA Quarantine to the following:
• Chesterfield County
• Danville (IC)
• Lee County
• Nottoway County
• Petersburg (IC)
• Pittsylvania County
• Prince George County
• Surry County
• Colonial Heights (IC)
• Hopewell (IC)
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 © 2025 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.)
TMANAGEMENT
TURFGRASS PLANNING MANAGERS FOR TIME
ime management is a crucial skill for turfgrass managers, who often juggle multiple responsibilities throughout the day. From maintaining healthy playing surfaces and overseeing irrigation systems to managing staff and interacting with clients or superiors, the demands can quickly become overwhelming. Effective time management not only ensures tasks are completed efficiently but also helps prevent burnout and allows for a healthy balance between work and personal life.
The Importance of Time Management in Turfgrass Management
Turfgrass managers, whether they oversee golf courses, sports fields, or landscapes, must be able to make quick decisions while managing a variety of tasks. These responsibilities may include:
1. Field and Lawn Maintenance: Mowing, fertilizing, pest control, and irrigation systems all need to be carefully monitored and maintained.
2. Staff Management: Supervising employees, scheduling shifts, and ensuring they have the right resources to complete tasks.
3. Client and Stakeholder Communication: Turfgrass managers often need to maintain communication with clients, vendors, or management about performance, issues, or upcoming events.
4. Environmental Considerations: Turfgrass managers must stay informed about the latest trends and regulations regarding sustainable practices, pest management, and water conservation.
Given the wide range of tasks, balancing these responsibilities without sacrificing the quality of work requires intentional planning and preparation.
Strategies for Effective Time Management
Here are some proven strategies that turfgrass managers can use to better manage their time and workload:
1. Prioritize Tasks
One of the first steps in effective time management is learning to prioritize tasks. The Eisenhower Matrix is a great tool for this. It categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:
• Urgent and important: Tasks that must be done immediately, such as handling irrigation system breakdowns or pest outbreaks.
• Important but not urgent: Tasks like preventive maintenance, staff training, or planning for seasonal changes.
• Urgent but not important: Tasks that can be delegated, such as responding to non-critical emails or phone calls.
• Not urgent and not important: Tasks that can be eliminated or postponed, such as routine administrative work that doesn’t require immediate attention.
By prioritizing tasks, turfgrass managers can ensure they focus on what’s most essential, delegating or postponing tasks that can wait.
2. Create a Daily Schedule
A structured schedule is an essential tool for managing time. Turfgrass managers may allocate specific time blocks for different tasks throughout the day. This can include dedicated periods for checking irrigation systems, overseeing team operations, handling administrative work, and taking breaks. By adhering to a schedule, it becomes easier to maintain control over the day’s events and prevent procrastination.
Tools such as planners, apps (e.g., Google Calendar, Trello), or task management software can help keep everything organized. It’s important to allow some flexibility in the schedule for unexpected issues like weather changes, equipment malfunctions, or urgent tasks.
3. Delegate Effectively
Delegation is vital in any management role, especially in turfgrass management, where tasks require a variety of specialized skills. Delegating tasks effectively not only ensures that jobs are completed on time but also empowers team members. For instance, staff could be assigned specific areas of turf maintenance, such as irrigation checks or pest management. By distributing work in this way, turfgrass managers can focus on the larger picture and avoid getting bogged down by minor tasks.
4. Avoid Multitasking
While multitasking may seem like a way to get more done, research shows it can lead to mistakes and inefficiency. Turfgrass managers should focus on one task at a time, completing it to the best of their ability before moving on to the next. This focus increases productivity and helps reduce errors, especially when dealing with technical issues like irrigation malfunctions or pesticide applications.
5. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
Setting both short- and long-term goals helps turfgrass managers stay on track and gives them a sense of accomplishment. These goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable within a given time frame. For example, a short-term goal might be to complete weekly turf inspections, while a long-term goal could be achieving a specific standard of field quality by the end of the season.
It’s also important to set realistic expectations. Turfgrass management involves variables such as weather conditions and unforeseen maintenance needs, so managers should allow room for flexibility in their goals.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
Turfgrass management can be demanding, particularly during peak seasons, when the workdays can extend into evenings or weekends. This makes it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. However, it’s essential for turfgrass managers to take steps to avoid burnout and keep their personal lives intact.
1. Set Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is crucial. For example, establishing set working hours and limiting work to those hours can help create a better work-life balance. Turfgrass managers should also communicate these boundaries to staff and supervisors to prevent work from spilling over into personal time.
2. Schedule Breaks and Downtime
Regular breaks throughout the day can improve productivity and reduce stress. Turfgrass managers should take time to rest, even during the busiest days. A 10-minute break can clear the mind and allow for better decision-making. Similarly, scheduling personal downtime—whether it’s spending time with family, exercising, or pursuing hobbies—helps recharge energy levels.
3. Leverage Technology to Streamline Tasks
Using technology to streamline routine tasks, such as monitoring irrigation systems remotely or automating equipment maintenance schedules, can free up valuable time. This automation allows turfgrass managers to focus on high-priority tasks while keeping a healthy balance between work and personal commitments.
Conclusion
Time management is a fundamental skill for turfgrass managers. By using strategies such as prioritizing tasks, delegating effectively, and setting clear goals, managers can increase their productivity and ensure quality turf management. At the same time, balancing work with personal life is essential for long-term success. Turfgrass managers who actively manage their time will not only thrive in their professional roles but also maintain their well-being outside of work.
