AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Field Management Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
Community Turfgrass Management:
A LABOR OF LOVE PLUS, Carotenoid Inhibiting Herbicides Increasing in Use Despite Injury Concerns
1
The Right Grass for Your Home Turf! G OL F • AT HLET IC F I ELDS • LANDSCAPES • HOME L AWN
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While serving the entire Mid-South for the past 45 years, our goal continues to provide the highest quality, innovative turfgrass on the market today while providing the best customer service. PRESIDENT
Bobby W i ns t e a d 9 01-8 6 7-8 1 1 6
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W h it Davis 615 - 40 5 -3 70 5
Ch an c e Meredith 9 0 1- 43 0-56 20
West TN • Winstead Turf Farms, Inc. • 22860 Highway 196 • Arlington, TN 38002 • 901-867-8116 Middle / East TN • Winstead Turf Farms, Inc. • 296 Bill and John Ln. • Hurricane Mills, TN 37078 • 615-405-3705
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Phillip Carter | 901.412.3932 Memphis | Western TN Phillip.Carter@RegalChem.com
Ryan Swilling | 423.503.5542 Chattanooge | Knoxville | Middle TN Ryan.Swilling@RegalChem.com
Joe Galbreth | 931.412.8909 Nashville | Middle TN Joe.Galbreth@RegalChem.com
Brent Ward | 828.429.5109 Johnson City | Eastern TN Brent.Ward@RegalChem.com
Sam Womack | 404.374.1206 Nashville | North TN Sam.Womack@RegalChem.com
24 The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Field Management Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association
TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
U P C O M I N G E V E NT
8
60th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show
COV E R ST OR Y
24
32
Community Turfgrass Management: A Labor of Love
FEATURES
32
Carotenoid Inhibiting Herbicides Increasing in Use Despite Injury Concerns
36
Assessing application error on sports fields across varying levels of sprayer technology and operator experience
DE P A RT M E NT S From the TTA President................................. 6 Calendar of Events....................................... 11 News from UT............................................... 12 The Turfgrass Team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville............ 23 Index of Advertisers..................................... 31
Read the Digital Edition of Tennessee Turfgrass: THETURFZONE.COM
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
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FROM THE TTA PRESIDENT
Football is here!
The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Field Management Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 928-7001 info@ttaonline.org www.ttaonline.org
We
PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 info@leadingedgecommunications.com
The Board has been working on finalizing the speakers and education sessions. I believe this conference will be the best yet. I hope to see all of you in a few short months. Keep doing a fantastic job!
EDITOR Dr. James Brosnan
had an unusually mild August with temps dipping into the 50’s at night in middle TN. Hopefully, this provided a slight relief for you and your crew. Although we fought drought, the cool temps and a few timely rains were certainly welcome.
Ryan Storey TTA President
TTA OFFICERS President Ryan Storey Line to Line LLC Vice President Ryan Blair, CGCS Holston Hills Country Club Secretary / Treasurer Bart Cash Crossroads Sod Farm Past President Chris Sykes PGA Golf Club Executive Director Melissa Martin Tennessee Turfgrass Association TTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ! Get in touch today to learn about effective and unique advertising strategies that target turf industry professionals.
888-707-7141 or sales@leadingedgecommunications.com
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
Adam Adkins Jason Bradley Ben Dodd Dan Johnson Cal Hill Jeff Huber Bill Marbet Wells McClure Bob McLean William Newsom Kevin Noble Mark Stovall John Wagnon Jeff Wyatt TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Joe Hill Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan Dr. Wes Totten
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JED SPENCER jspencer@harrells.com (501) 743-0543
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UPCOMING EVENT
6 0 T H A N N U A L T TA CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW Embassy Suites | 1200 Conference Center Blvd | Murfreesboro, TN 37129
JANUARY 5 – 7, 2026
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
• Pesticide Session Registration – You must use this link to register: https://ttaonline.org/event-5855227 • Online Vendor Registration • Tradeshow Floorplan • Conference Schedule • Hotel Information: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ tnturfgrassassociationconference/ • Exhibit / Tradeshow / Sponsorship Information • Awards Luncheon
On December 1st all registration fees will increase. You are encouraged to register early. Full Conference Registration: $450 One Day Pass for Monday: $375 – This does not include the pesticide exam. You must use this link to register for the pesticide exam: https://ttaonline.org/event-5855227
The TTA has reserved a block of room at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro until December 1. After December 1, reservations will be subject to availability and regular rates. The TTA rate is $176. Please call (615) 890-4464 to make your room reservation and reference The Tennessee Turfgrass Association group code TTG. To book your reservation online, click here.
LOCATION The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. From I-24 East or West take exit 76 Medical Center Parkway. Head north on Medical Center Parkway, hotel is located on the right. It is located 29 miles (35 minutes) from the Nashville airport (BNA). You may reach the hotel by calling 615-890-4464.
PESTICIDE POINTS Applications for pesticide points will be submitted to Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Mississippi. GCSAA Continuing Education This program will be submitted for GCSAA continuing education.
CANCELLATION POLICY
One Day Pass for Tuesday: $375 One Day Pass Wednesday: $100 Since 1965, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has held strong to its core mission: To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research. We invite you to join us at this year’s conference and trade show at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro. This year’s conference features an excellent education program and an expanded tradeshow floor, plus our annual Stars of the Industry awards recognitions! This is a conference you will not want to miss!
All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing. They may be emailed to info@ttaonline.org. Full refunds will be made if written notice of cancellation is received on or before December 1, 2025. After December 1, 2025, and prior to December 13, 2025 one half of the per person fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after December 13, 2025. The association has to provide all food guarantees to the hotel on December 13 and is no longer able to lower those numbers. Substitutions are always welcome.
RE G I S T R A T I O N Registration available online by clicking the links. Everyone is encouraged to register early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates.
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MORE INFORM ATION For more information, call The Association office at 615-928-7001, email info@ttaonline.org.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
W W W . T H E T U R F G R A S S G R O U P. C O M
60TH ANNUAL TTA CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW | JANUARY 5 – 7, 2026
INDUSTR Y P AR T N E R S THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
SILVER PARTNERS
BRONZE PARTNERS
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
MORE EVENTS OCTOBER 27, 2025 8:0 0 AM
MTGCSA Scholarship & Research Golf Tournament Indian Hills Country Club
NOVEMBER 10, 2025 10 :00 AM ( EST)
35th Annual East Tennessee Scholarship & Research Golf Tournament The Links at Kahite
NOVEMBER 12, 2025 9:0 0 AM
TNGCSA Chapter Middle Tennessee November Meeting Clarksville Country Club
NOVEMBER 21, 2025 11 :45 A M
TNGCSA Chapter Memphis Area Annual Skeet Shoot & Shrimp Boil Bubba’s Farm The Tennessee Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright © 2025 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.
TTA • TVSFMA • TGCSA
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NEWS FROM UT
2025 CERTIFIED COMMUNITY AND SPORTS TURF MANAGER (CCSTM) PROGRAM PUBLIC TURF. PROFESSIONAL CARE.
Fridays | Oct. 3 – Nov. 14, 2025 12–2 PM CT / 1–3 PM ET Live via Zoom
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
NEWS FROM UT
ABOUT THE PROGRAM Turfgrass is where communities come to play, gather, reflect, and grow. Across Tennessee, these greenspaces connect people through movement, memory, and meaning. The Certified Community & Sports Turf Manager (CCSTM) program is a new training and certification series developed by UT Extension for those who care for public and recreational turfgrass across the state. From school grounds and sports fields to parks and cemeteries, these spaces play a vital role in community life. CCSTM is designed for professionals managing turf in high-visibility, community-facing spaces, often with limited resources. This 7-week live, online course offers practical, science-based training to help improve field quality, safety, and resource efficiency in real-world settings.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR? This program is ideal for professionals seeking formal certification and practical, resume-building recognition for their work managing turf in public, recreational and community settings, including: • Parks and recreation departments: Staff maintaining athletic fields, openspaces, and municipal landscapes • Schools: Grounds crews, maintenance staff, and coaches managing athleticfields • Cemeteries and memorial parks: Staff responsible for safe, well-maintained,and respectful green spaces • Community sports complexes and leagues: Individuals maintaining local-usefields for youth and adult recreational sports • Smaller public golf courses: Particularly those with limited staff and multi-useresponsibilitiesProfessional
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
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NEWS FROM UT
PROGRAM FORMAT W H E N? Fridays | Oct. 3 – Nov. 14, 2025 12–2 PM CT / 1–3 PM ET Live via Zoom
Recordings will be available for review, but real-time attendance is required for certification and pesticide points. Attendance will be verified each week. Facilities are encouraged to host on-site group viewings for their teams, provided individual attendance is tracked. Some UT Extension offices may also offer group viewing opportunities — details to be announced.
WO RK BO O K In addition to weekly webinars, all participants will receive a printed workbook with guided weekly activities to complete outside of the live sessions. These exercises are designed to help participants apply course content directly to their site— individually or with their crews—and work toward building a meaningful, facility-specific turf management plan. Completion of the workbook is optional, but encouraged to get the most benefit from the course.
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
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2. Where is it used? • High demand athletic fields: football, soccer, baseball, softball, and rugby. • High traffic areas: Horsetracks, goalmouths, and tournament crosswalks.
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NEWS FROM UT
WEEKLY TOPICS WE E K 1 (OCT. 3 ) O R I E N TAT I O N & S IT E ASS E SM E NT Kick off the CCSTM program by exploring what to expect, how to use the workbook, and how to connect with your local Extension support network. Begin documenting your facility layout, identifying turf areas, and collecting key site information like budgets, labor resources, and soil/water samples. W E E K 2 (OC T. 10 ) T U R FGRASS SE L E C T ION, S O U RC I N G & E STA BL IS H M E NT Learn how to match the right turf to your site based on use, climate, and available resources. Explore seeding, sodding, renovation, and overseeding strategies, and get familiar with reliable tools and suppliers to make informed decisions. W E E K 3 (OC T. 17 ) WAT E R MA NAGE M E NT & I R R I G AT ION E S SE NT IA L S Understand the role of water in sustainable turf management. Learn how to conduct a basic irrigation audit, evaluate irrigation water quality, address drainage issues, and explore tools like soil moisture sensors. Develop a simple water budget and irrigation schedule tailored to your site’s needs. W E E K 4 (OC T. 2 4 ) C U LT I VAT I O N & S OIL MA NAGE M E NT Get to know your soil — the foundation of every turf system. Learn how to interpret soil test results and use them to guide fertilization, pH correction, and nutrient balancing. Explore practices that improve soil health over time, including cultivation methods like aerification and topdressing, and strategies for managing compaction in high-traffic areas.
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
WEEK 5 (OC T. 31) WEED S, PESTS & INTEGR ATED M A NAGEM ENT Learn how to identify and manage common weeds, insects, and turf diseases using an integrated approach. Explore cultural, chemical, and mechanical control strategies, with an emphasis on safety, timing, and real-world decisionmaking. Understand how site conditions and maintenance practices influence pest pressure over time. WEEK 6 (NOV. 7) S EAS ONA L PLA NNING & EQUIPM ENT C A R E Walk through the turf management calendar year and learn how to prepare for seasonal transitions, with special emphasis on spring and fall. Explore how timing impacts mowing, fertility, overseeding, and pest control decisions. Review key equipment maintenance practices that keep tools running safely and efficiently all year long. WEEK 7 (NOV. 14) FIELD S A FETY, LA B OR PLA NNI N G & PUB LIC ENGAGEM ENT Learn how to evaluate and improve field safety using checklists, surface testing tools, and simple inspection routines. Discuss strategies for managing labor and resources across a growing season. Explore how to communicate effectively with coaches, administrators, and the public to set expectations and build support. Wrap up by connecting with a growing network of turf professionals you can rely on long after the course ends.
NASHVILLE 615-912-2129
KNOXVILLE 865-381-5248
BENTON MANCHESTER
423-597-6125
931-616-0154
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NEWS FROM UT
PRICING Registration and Pricing Registration opens July 2025. • $250 per facility • Includes access to all 7 live sessions and one participant • (Includes one surface testing kit per facility) • $95 for each additional participant • From the same facility or organization • UT Extension personnel and TDA representatives: Free registration available
WHAT’S INCLUDED • 7 live, interactive online sessions • A printed CCSTM workbook • Access to planning tools and templates • A surface testing kit (one per registered facility), which includes a soil probe, sampling bags, and basic tools for field diagnostics Guided activities to support development of a site-specific turf management plan Eligibility for a digital certificate and pesticide recertification points (pending approval) To receive certification and TDA points, each participant must be individually registered and attend all sessions in real time. Recordings will be available for review, but not as a substitute for live participation.
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
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Call Today! Tennessee Turf Services Mitch Alexander 615-973-2034 tnturfservices@gmail.com
NEWS FROM UT
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION C E RT IF ICAT ION A ND C O N T I NUING E D UC AT ION
R EGISTR ATION & C ONTAC T INFOR MATI O N
Participants who complete the full CCSTM program will receivea Certificate of Completion from UT Extension, recognizing theircommitment to professional growth and site-based planning.To be eligible for certification:Each participant must be individually registeredReal-time attendance is required for all seven sessionsCompletion of workbook activities is encouraged to maximizevalue and applicability
Register online at: tiny.utk.edu/CCSTMProgramRegistration QUESTIONS ? C ONTAC T: Dr. Becky Grubbs Bowling Assistant Professor & Turfgrass ExtensionSpecialist rgrubbs5@utk.edu You may also reach out to your local county Extension agent for additionalinformation or support.
P E ST ICID E R E C E RTIF ICAT ION P OINT S Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) recertificationpoints will be applied for. Participants will be notified of the finalapproved point totals prior to the start of the course.
A Merger that has Turf at Heart Aquatrols® and the turf division of Precision Laboratories™, two of the leading brands in turf management, have merged to form The Aquatrols Company. This merger brings together the most comprehensive portfolio of soil surfactant and adjuvant products in the industry. Chris Vincent
Learn more at AquatrolsCompany.com
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
Southeast Territory Manager cvincent@aquatrols.com (919) 901-7348
THE TURFGRASS TEAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE José Javier Vargas Almodóvar Research Associate II Turf & Ornamental Weed Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-7379 jvargas@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @UTweedwhisperer
Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Professor, The University of Tennessee Director – UT Weed Diagnostics Center 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 EJ Chapman Drive. Knoxville, TN 37996 Office: (865) 974-8603 tnturfgrassweeds.org weeddiagnostics.org mobileweedmanual.com @ UTturfweeds
Midhula Gireesh, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology The University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive Nashville, TN 37211 mgireesh@utk.edu (615) 835-4571
Becky Bowling, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist The University of Tennessee 112 Plant Biotechnology Bldg. 2505 E.J. Chapman Dr. Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 974-2595 Rgrubbs5@utk.edu @TNTurfWoman
John Stier, Ph.D. Associate Dean The University of Tennessee 2621 Morgan Circle 126 Morgan Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7493 jstier1@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ Drjohnstier
Greg Breeden Extension Specialist, The University of Tennessee 2431 Center Drive 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7208 gbreeden@utk.edu tnturfgrassweeds.org @gbreeden1
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. Associate Director, Center for Athletic Field Safety Turfgrass Management & Physiology (865) 974-6730 kdickso1@utk.edu @ DicksonTurf
Brandon Horvath, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 252 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. 2431 Joe Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ UTturfpath
John Sorochan, Ph.D. Professor, Turfgrass Science The University of Tennessee 2431 Joe Johnson Drive 363 Ellington Plant Sci. Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-4561 (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu turf.utk.edu @ sorochan
Nar B. Ranabhat, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology University of Tennessee UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN, 37211 (615) 835-4572 nranabhat@utk.edu @UTplantPathoDoc
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23
COVER STORY
C O M MU NITY T U RFG RA S S M A NA G E ME N T
Dr. Dan Hollandsworth enjoys a match-up on the football field he manages.
A LABOR OF LOVE By Julie Holt, Managing Editor, Leading Edge Communications
W
hen you enter the office of Dr. Dan Hollandsworth, Assistant Principal at Heritage Middle School, you’ll find the trappings of most public school administrators – leadership books, disciplinary forms, a student Chromebook awaiting repair, stacks of stuffed-full file folders, holding many years’ worth of planning and management for a school with over 800 adolescents. What you’d find here that is uncommon in many such offices is a five-gallon bucket of field paint. In the 2023–2024 school year, Hollandsworth took on the daunting task of improving and maintaining the school’s football and practice fields. Sports field management is not included in school admin coursework, training, or job descriptions, but this assistant principal, like many coaches, parents and teachers, has stepped up to the plate to fill a need for both his students and the community. Despite having no prior experience in turfgrass management, Hollandsworth knew he had to make an effort to improve his school’s sports fields for two reasons. One factor was finances. “We had a company come out and they were doing weed mitigation, and it didn’t work,” Hollandsworth says. “We paid a significant amount of money and we still had hemlock, clover, crabgrass, dallisgrass, we had everything. That’s too much money, and we don’t have the budget to waste.” But finances were secondary to Hollandsworth. What really ignited his drive to take on this project was his students. “Our coach told us that kids at other schools were making fun of our kids because our facilities looked so bad. And I was like, ‘not on my watch’. This is something that I can do, that I can learn.”
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
Volunteer sports field managers give their own free time – Hollandsworth’s Sunday afternoons are often spent on the field.
Temporary storage for turf maintenance equipment. Later this fall, an aluminum storage building will be installed. Hollandsworth has worked tirelessly with HMS Principal Dr. Finch and the HMS PTO to find donors and funding for this project.
HMS Hornets take on the Page Middle Patriots
HMS Volunteer Sports Field Management at a Glance F I E L D S MA N AGED Baseball (shared with local rec organization) Football/Soccer field
Office: 205-333-1776 www.surlineturf.com • email: surline1@gmail.com
SPECIALIZING IN: Athletic Field Construction and Renovation Golf Course Construction and Renovation Laser Grading • Super Topdressing No-Till Planting • Sodding • Sprigging On-Site Custom Built Turf Covers Fertilizer • Seed • Turf Colorant Sod Staples • Bunker Nails • Bunker Liners
Practice field (previously an elementary PE rec area, just added in the 25 – 26 school year) E Q U I P ME NT Toro 2600D Fairway mower Cub Cadet Tank LZ60 ZTR Bunton walk behind for mowing the cross-country course Toro Workman 3200 (brought from home) Agrifab spreader (from Amazon) 30-gallon Northern Tool Sprayer (from a pallet sale). Bluebird tow behind aerator (refurbished by Hollandsworth) NewStripe line painting machine (very old, found on Facebook Marketplace)
Sod • Sprigs • Sand • Mixes
Classen overseeder for verticutting (Home Depot’s used tool sale)
Infield Mix • Infield Conditioners
C U L T U R A L P R A CTICES
Warning Track Stone • Mound Clay
Pest management – as needed for anthills or animals digging in the field, Bifen XL Mowing – During the heat of the summer, 3/4” about every other day. Sometimes every three days, but at that point its getting really thick.
BLEND
Aeration – about once every 1 – 2 months. Verticutting – approximately 2 – 3 times per year, but we only got the machine this year so I’m still figuring out what is best. Irrigation – Minimal this summer due to plenty of rain. Currently watering every other day. “Because the field needs to be topdressed more, it isn’t absorbing water like I want it to. I’ve had to resort to more frequent watering to make sure that I don’t dry out at the bottom of the roots.”
COVER STORY A Little Goes a Long Way Located 30 miles south of Nashville in Thompson’s Station, HMS is part of Williamson County Schools. Williamson County is a suburb of Nashville where there is an expectation that school sports facilities will be up-to-date and well maintained, despite minimal budgetary assistance from the school system. Additional funding may come in from PTO support or fundraising by individual sports teams, but even those funds are limited and must be used judiciously. Coaches and PTO boards who allot those funds have many competing interests as financial support is needed for a variety of academic, facility and extracurricular items. This challenge is not unique to HMS or Williamson County Schools, it is the norm for many school sports fields, and it is often the unlikely candidates who fill the role of part-time turfgrass manager. Those volunteers also must make a little bit of funding go a long way. The county provides a budget that is meant to cover mowing and chemicals, but at HMS, that full budget is typically needed for chemicals alone. To accommodate this need, Hollandsworth does the mowing and chemical application himself, along with equipment repair. When it comes to the manhours required to maintain a sports field, Hollandsworth is mostly a one-man show. After a full day of administrative duties, most days you’ll find him mowing, sweeping, repairing irrigation or painting lines for the night’s matchup. “The time spent on the job has been a third mowing and applying
chemicals, a third dealing with the irrigation system, and a third dealing with the mechanics,” he says. But Hollandsworth has a unique perspective on this time invested. “It’s my little Zen Garden. In my ‘real job’ as an AP, we have hard talks every day. It’s not fun dealing with discipline. It’s not fun dealing with some of the challenges that we deal with. The grass, that I can have control over. At the end of the day, what I did is good and nobody can argue with me about it. I know it’s good, I know it’s safer, I know it’s pretty. You can look at it and see the difference. So a lot of what we do helping kids, that won’t be realized for five, 10, 15 years. I’m all about a long outlook, but it’s nice to see something green and nice that produces immediately.”
Starting from Scratch “Any equipment we had was in some form of disrepair,” Hollandsworth says of the beginning days of his work on the fields. “I spent a lot of time on mowers. I’ve done a lot of work with hydraulics, I refurbished our aerator. Our irrigation system, that is just constant repair.” Hollandsworth says that there was no irrigation map or plan on file, so all of the repairs or additions to the system have been like a treasure hunt. After many repairs and exploration, he says he has an additional task -- he wants to make this easier for whoever comes after him. “I want to create a map of everything that I have dug and where it goes. So, when leave here at some point, somebody else can pick it up and go.” It is that attitude that illustrates Hollandsworth’s commitment to creating something that students, coaches, parents and the entire community can be proud of.
An HMS home field to be proud of
TTA • TVSFMA • TGCSA
27
COVER STORY Hollandsworth gives a tremendous amount of credit to the turf industry professionals who have stepped up to give advice. Brent Needham of Dickens Turf, who has a son on the HMS football team, has offered help in the weed ID and control department. Hollandsworth says, “I’ll send Brent a picture and ask, ‘what in the world is this weed and how do I kill it?’ He’s instantly got an answer, and he’ll have the chemical in stock for me the next day.” Needham has been impressed with the careful allotment of resources and how far Hollandsworth can make his budget go. “I don’t know how he does it with the limited funds he receives, but I hope he gets a lot of credit for the work he’s done for that school.”
Dr. Hollandsworth has spent an abundance of his personal time improving our field, and Soccer and Football coaches around the county have stated their amazement at not only the appearance but the quality of playing surface for both sports. We are blessed to have an incredible admin who puts in so much time for our student athletes. HMS Football Coach, Billy Umstetter
Likewise, Hollandsworth has found an advisor in longtime TTA member Bill Blackburn of Smith Turf and Irrigation. Blackburn offers insight on a range of issues including equipment repair, weeds and even the school’s frequent visits from neighborhood skunks and armadillos. Blackburn has also been impressed with Hollandsworth’s dedication to his students, school and community. “I believe Dan could fix just about anything. He is extremely intelligent, has lots of common sense and cares enough to do it right. He is a real asset to the community,” Blackburn says.
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While having turfgrass professionals offering advice is a tremendous benefit, Hollandsworth also relies on his previous mechanical knowledge and, “YouTube. Just a ton of YouTube.”
An Opportunity for Professional Sports Field Managers While professional sports field managers may have more education, tools and monetary resources at their disposal, stories like this can provide great context and inspiration for the professional SFM community. Every town has a story just like this one, but not every school has an assistant principal, coach or parent that is as willing and able to do the work. Most public schools are never going to have funds to have these fields professionally managed, but that doesn’t mean there’s no place for industry professionals to contribute to this cause. Even when your work day is hectic, taking 15 minutes to share a little bit of advice or knowledge can make a major difference for an untrained volunteer who is learning and working in their free time. The trickle-down effect in your community can have a tremendous impact. Young athletes will be playing on better, safer fields. Coaches will have more confidence in their facilities, and parents and community members will be proud to use and share these spaces. Professional SFMs have a ready path to not only demonstrate the benefits of well-managed natural grass sports fields, but also the professionalism and value of turfgrass managers. Find these community fields and their volunteer managers. Offer advice, mentor, volunteer. Connect them with resources like local extension, training and certification. Healthy turfgrass benefits coaches, athletes, the community and the environment, but the tools and resources aren’t always accessible to everyone. Turfgrass professionals are well-known for being generous in helping each other, and community turfgrass managers should be no exception.
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COVER STORY
Q & A with HMS Baseball Coach Jacob Coners The HMS baseball field is managed by the head baseball coach, Jacob Coners, with support from Hollandsworth. While this field has a different set of challenges, these volunteers have stepped up to raise funds, spearhead an infield renovation, and do ongoing field maintenance.
Before and after infield grass and irrigation installation.
What year did you begin coaching at HMS?
How was the renovation funded?
I began coaching baseball at HMS as an assistant in the spring of 2021. Became head coach the spring of 2024.
We asked members of the team for donations, those team members asked family/friends and members of the community. We also had the financial support of both our school PTO and local corporate sponsors. South Williamson Athletics Baseball (the rec league that shares the fields) contributed as well.
Did you have any turfgrass / sports field management experience or knowledge prior to this field project? As a teenager, I prepped fields for our local little league growing up. When I started playing college baseball, we helped prep our college field for our home games. I’ve gotten more experience over the years. It is a rewarding experience taking care of ball fields. What were the challenges with the existing baseball field? We had and still have significant grading issues. The field is conically graded (the ground beneath the pitcher’s mound is the highest point, which is why the pitcher’s mound looks tiny) and drains towards the dugouts. It leads to bad erosion; it was especially bad when the field was an all dirt infield. It has improved since we’ve installed the TifTuf.
How do you handle the exceptionally high use of the field between rec and HMS practices and games? It is tough, SWA still practices and plays games on Field 5 that require the use of 60 ft. bases. That obviously is tough on the infield grass, particularly in the areas where the bases are. Pitchers in those games and practices, pitch from 46 ft away and that area would be torn up as well, we decided to install a pitcher’s lane between the home plate circle and the pitcher’s mound as the grass had a hard time growing there. Do you have any further field improvements you’d like to make in the future?
What was the timeline for renovation? Fall 2021 – Began planning for fundraising Fall of 2022 – Installed TifTuf Bermudagrass and irrigation to the infield Summer of 2024 – Graded about 48 tons of sand over the Bermuda infield to smooth out imperfections, which also slightly improved drainage.
At some point, I’d like to adjust the grading over time to allow for the pitcher’s mound to look like a regulation sized mound. Because the field slopes down from the mound towards home plate, the mound is set at 10 inches above home plate, but it looks only 5–6 inches tall. What are your goals for this field?
What professional help did you receive? Sod Source installed the Bermuda and the Irrigation. Williamson County Parks and Rec turf specialist Connor Schutzman provided guidance.
30
My goal is to have a field that Heritage can be proud of. Over time, we’ve seen significant improvements and that is something to be proud of. We hope to continue to improve the field over time.
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
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FEATURE
Carotenoid Inhibiting Herbicides Increasing in Use DESPITE INJURY CONCERNS By Scott McElroy, Professor, Auburn University Gracie Cotter, Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University Debra Smitherman, Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University
C
arotenoid-inhibiting herbicides are valuable in turfgrass management. There are two carotenoid inhibitors available – Tenacity (mesotrione) and Pylex (topramezone). Tenacity has both pre and postemergence control of crabgrasses and some broadleaf weeds. When used in multiple application strategies they can control goosegrass and Poa annua as well. Pylex has become well known for control of goosegrass and also has activity on crabgrasses and miscellaneous broadleaf weeds. On the face of it, these two herbicides seem ideal for use in turfgrass management; however, as anyone who has used them knows, it can be challenging to balance out the injury and the desired level of control. Both herbicides can cause injury to some, if not all, desirable turfgrasses they are labeled on. The injury presents as an intense white color, or as it is commonly called, “bleaching”. Even though tolerant turfgrasses may present with white or bleached symptoms, these symptoms can quickly abate, and turfgrass can actually be more intensely green post-recovery.
Figure 1. Smooth crabgrass control with Pylex and Drive 28 days after treatment. 20 May 2025 – 7 DAT
Non-Treated
Pylex 0.5 fl oz/a plus Drive XLR8 64 fl oz/a 10 June 2025 – 28 DAT
Non-Treated
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Pylex 0.5 fl oz/a plus Drive XLR8 64 fl oz/a
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
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FEATURE I (McElroy) began working on mesotrione for turfgrass uses in 2004 when I started as an assistant professor and extension specialist at the University of Tennessee. Jay McCurdy came on as a graduate student soon thereafter and worked on mesotrione use as well. Our research identified safety on cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, heat-tolerant bluegrasses, fine fescue, and centipedegrass. Mesotrione could even be used on seeded establishment of these grasses. Other warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass were more problematic. Mesotrione would not kill these desirable turfgrasses, but the bleaching was largely deemed unacceptable, limiting its broader use. And in case you did not know, mesotrione will control creeping bentgrass. Topramezone testing began in the mid-2010s with similar trial work being conducted to determine turfgrass tolerance and weeds controlled. Early on, researchers could not decide how topramezone should be used. Pylex at higher rates (> 1.5 fl oz/a) combined with Turflon Ester (triclopyr) could control bermudagrass. At lower rates (< 0.5 fl oz/a) it could control goosegrass in bermudagrass. Such utility has its pros and cons. It is definitely a pro that a herbicide can be used for multiple things, but slight miscalculations in the rate might cause problems. My lab has continued research on Pylex use in summer 2025. Pylex plus Drive has controlled smooth crabgrass to a near-perfect level; however, injury was “unacceptable” approximately 7 to 14 days after treatment (Figure 1). See the final comment below on what is “unacceptable.” Pylex alone also controlled goosegrass nearly 100% when applied to 3-4 tiller goosegrass. Injury at this location was more intense, which we attribute to dry conditions, that can cause increased bleaching. Bermudagrass recovered completely by 17 days at both locations.
Strategic Use is the Key Regardless of these problems, interest in the topramezone-based product Pylex has increased, especially for goosegrass control. Pylex is highly active on goosegrass with control achieved at rates of 0.25 to 0.5 fl oz/a. Creeping bentgrass seems generally more tolerant than bermudagrass but that has not stopped use on bermudagrass. Regardless of the bleaching injury with Tenacity and Pylex, the use of these herbicides is likely going to have to increase. There is simply too much herbicide resistance developing to not use these herbicides. However, I don’t want to lose this technology like we have lost other herbicide technologies. We must use these judiciously. First, tank-mix if possible. For goosegrass control in bermudagrass mixtures of Revolver, Celsius, or other herbicides with goosegrass activity may be an option. These herbicides are showing some safening effect as well, but safening can mean antagonism on weeds so follow up applications can be beneficial. Second, make sure you are using a preemergence herbicide to reduce the number of treated plants. Anderson’s goosgrass/crabgrass, other herbicides with oxadiazon, the granular flumioxazin Stayguard, standard pre herbicides like Barricade, Dimension, and Pendulum applied with Tower or Pennant Magnum are all options depending on the turfgrass scenario. Follow up with a carotenoid inhibitors or other postemergence herbicides to control any escapes. Finally, we use the word “unacceptable” when it comes to injury. These herbicides are going to cause a bleaching-type effect to some desirable turfgrasses. However, we deem these as acceptable or unacceptable based on what we like or don’t like to see. Tolerant turfgrasses do recover, so to them the injury is acceptable; they simply are white, which some people do not like.
Figure 2. Goosegrass control with Pylex as observed 35 days after treatment. Near 100% bleaching symptoms occurred on the bermudagrass 5 to 15 days after treatment but complete recovery occurred at 17 days after treatment. 2025 – 35 DAT
Non-Treated
34
Pylex 0.5 fl oz/a
This article was originally published in Alabama Turf Times, Fall 2025 and is reprinted with permission.
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FEATURE
Assessing Application Error on Sports Fields Across Varying Levels of Sprayer Technology and Operator Experience By Weston Floyd, CSFM, Megan Muesse, Hailey Tucker, Opeyemi Alabi, Jacob Winger, and Chase Straw, Ph.D. Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
The
demand for precise input application and operational efficiency in turfgrass has driven the development of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-equipped sprayers, which offer several advantages over conventional systems. Features like individual nozzle control and automated operation within preset boundaries reduce the need for manual boom control, while enhancements such as sub-centimeter precision correction and autosteer further minimize human error. Despite these benefits, GNSS sprayers have seen limited adoption in the broader turfgrass industry, with increased interest primarily in the golf course sector. Early adopters report benefits such as reduced treated area, shorter application times, less reliance on operator expertise, and improved accuracy. However, testimonials remain scarce in sports field management, where skepticism about the technology’s value persists. As the sports field industry increasingly embraces sustainable practices and faces rising labor costs, the demand for technological solutions is expected to grow. Overcoming hesitancy toward new technologies will require extensive demonstrations to promote adoption. Currently, there is limited unbiased data on the benefits of GNSS-equipped sprayers for sports field managers. This research aims to fill that gap by quantifying application errors on sports fields using different sprayer technologies and operator experience levels. The hypothesis is that as technology advances, discrepancies in misses, overlaps, and overspray will decrease, reducing the total sprayed area and minimizing differences between experienced and inexperienced operators.
Study design, equipment, and application process Figure 1. The experienced operator making an application using the GNSS sprayer at Veterans Park
Figure 2. An inexperienced operator making an application using the GNSS sprayer at Southwood Park
Research was conducted from winter 2022 to summer 2023 in College Station, TX, at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex and Southwood Athletic Park. Identical studies were performed on softball/baseball and soccer fields at both locations. Using a crossover design, six treatments—manual, GNSS, and GNSS + autosteer sprayer technologies, each operated by both experienced and inexperienced operators—were applied to three fields of each type at both locations. Each field received all six treatments to evaluate technology performance across operator skill levels. At Veterans Park, a Toro Workman 200 Spray System (18 ft. boom) with Ninja GPS Spray Control, a Smart7 GNSS receiver, and Polaris autosteer was used (Figure 1). At Southwood Park, a John Deere ProGator with an Above Par Tech sprayer (20 ft. boom), a GPS 7500 GNSS receiver, and SteadySteer autosteer was employed (Figure 2). Both sprayers featured correctional services, individual nozzle control, automatic rate control, on-screen guidance, and adjustable spray parameters.
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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025
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FEATURE One experienced operator with nearly 20 years of sports field spraying experience, including three years with GNSS and autosteer, was assigned to each location. Four inexperienced college students, new to both spraying and the technology, were assigned to specific locations and field types, ensuring their inexperience remained consistent. Each student received a 30-minute training session on sprayer controls before their first application. Field boundaries were georeferenced once using the sprayers’ GNSS receivers to establish consistent target areas for all fields, aiding in GNSS and GNSS + autosteer treatments. The average target areas were 74,899 ft² for Veterans Park’s softball fields and 37,631 ft² for Southwood Park’s baseball fields, with soccer fields averaging 88,244 ft² and 33,644 ft² at Veterans and Southwood, respectively. Water was used for treatments at 65 gallons per acre, and designated level areas were marked for filling and draining the sprayers. Sprayers were filled to 150 gallons for Veterans Park and 80 gallons for Southwood, based on field size. At Veterans Park, the dual-nozzle sprayer used FastCap 422FC11004 and 422FC11006 nozzles, while Southwood Park used a single-nozzle sprayer with COMBO-JET SR110-08 nozzles. The accuracy of the water volume in the tank was confirmed
by measuring in five-gallon increments and validating the flow meters against the computer outputs before the initial treatments. Treatment applications occurred from December 2022 to May 2023 at Veterans Park and from June to July 2023 at Southwood Park, depending on field availability and weather. To prevent tire tracks from being used as a guide, sufficient time was allowed between applications for the tracks to disappear. Sprayers operated at 2.5 mph, controlled by a speed regulator. For manual treatments, monitors were covered, and foam markers guided operators, who manually controlled the booms. GNSS treatments used foam markers and on-screen maps, while GNSS + autosteer treatments added autosteer. Both GNSS treatments featured individual nozzle control, with a 100% overlap setting. After each treatment, remaining water was drained via valve and hand pump. Spray data were stored in the sprayers’ computers and later exported for analysis.
Data processing and analysis The study measured target area misses, overlaps, and overspray. Data downloaded from the sprayer computers included field
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boundaries, sprayer paths, and coverage. The percentage of target area missed and overlapped was calculated by comparing the spray coverage to the field boundaries, excluding non-target areas. Missed areas were identified where no spray was applied and overlaps where sections were sprayed more than once. These percentages were then calculated as a proportion of the total target area. Overspray was calculated by subtracting the amount of water left in the tank after spraying from the initial volume. The percentage of overspray was determined by dividing the actual volume applied by the intended volume for the target area, then multiplying by 100. Any values over 100% indicated overspray. The percent total volume saved between treatments was determined by subtracting the lower percentage from the higher one, dividing the absolute value of this difference by the higher percentage, and then multiplying by 100 to convert it into a percentage. For example, if treatment A used 105% of the intended volume (i.e., 5% overspray) and treatment B used 110% of the intended volume (i.e., 10% overspray), then the total volume savings by using treatment A is 4.6%, calculated as ((|105-110|)/110)*100 = 4.6%. Only the 422FC11004 nozzles were used at Veterans Park in manual mode because individual nozzle control could not be turned off when dual nozzles were active, resulting in a lower spray volume since the sprayer isn’t designed for single-nozzle operation. Therefore, the percent target area overspray was analyzed separately by location, as the manual total volume applied data from Veterans Park was unreliable. However, this issue did not affect the percent of the target area missed and overlapped, as spatial spray data were recorded for all treatments.
Misses, overlaps, and overspray on softball / baseball fields The results for percent target area missed were similar across locations,
Figure 3. Maps of target area overlapped on softball fields at Veterans Park across manual, GNSS, and GNSS + autosteer sprayer technologies (rows) and operator experience (columns).
EXPERIENCED OPERATOR
Target Overlap
INEXPERIENCED OPERATOR
Veterans Park
Manual
GNSS
GNSS + Autosteer
so data were combined for treatments and locations. Inexperienced operators using manual sprayers had the highest percentage of missed areas (3.7%), while experienced operators showed no major differences across sprayer technologies. There was also no difference in missed areas between GNSS and GNSS + autosteer, regardless of operator experience. Southwood Park had more missed areas (2.4%) compared to Veterans Park (1.4%).
For percent target area overlapped, results differed by location, so data are presented separately for each. At Veterans Park, the manual sprayer used by inexperienced operators caused the highest overlap (8.3%). In other cases, both experienced and inexperienced operators performed similarly across sprayer technologies. As technology advanced, overlap decreased, with GNSS + autosteer reducing overlap to less than 2% (Figure 3).
TTA • TVSFMA • TGCSA
39
FEATURE At Veterans Park, overspray was similar between operators within each technology level, but advanced technology reduced overspray. GNSS + autosteer led
to 2.1% overspray compared to 6.3% with GNSS, saving 4% of the total water volume. For inexperienced operators, autosteer reduced overspray by 3.3%.
Figure 4. Maps of target area overlapped on soccer fields at Southwood Park across manual, GNSS, and GNSS + autosteer sprayer technologies (rows) and operator experience (columns).
At Southwood Park, there were no significant differences in overspray between operators within each technology level, but experienced operators generally had higher overspray. While there wasn’t a clear advantage between manual and GNSS or GNSS and GNSS + autosteer, switching from manual to GNSS + autosteer significantly reduced overspray. For experienced operators, overspray dropped from 11.5% with manual to 6.5%, and for inexperienced operators, it dropped from 9.7% to 5.7%, resulting in a 3.7% reduction in total water used.
Misses, overlaps, and overspray on soccer fields EXPERIENCED OPERA TOR
INEXPERIENCED OPERATOR
Southwood Park
Target Overlap
The results for percent target area missed on soccer fields were consistent across locations, so data were combined for treatment analysis. The manual inexperienced operator had the highest percentage of missed target area (2.8%), which was higher than all other treatments. There were no differences in missed areas among experienced operators across any level of sprayer technology. Additionally, there was no difference in missed areas between GNSS and GNSS + autosteer, regardless of operator experience.
Manual
GNSS
GNSS + Autosteer
40
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2025 Email TTA at: info@ttaonline.org
Similarly, the results for percent target area overlapped were consistent across locations, so data were pooled for analysis. The manual inexperienced operator had the highest overlap (6.4%), significantly more than the manual experienced operator (4.3%). The manual experienced operator’s overlap was similar to that of the GNSS inexperienced operator (3.6%), and both operator types showed similar results within the GNSS and GNSS + autosteer technologies. Overlap decreased as sprayer technology advanced, with both operator types achieving less than 1% overlap using GNSS + autosteer (Figure 4). The results for percent target area oversprayed differed slightly between locations, so data are presented separately. At Veterans Park, operator experience did not affect overspray with the GNSS sprayer, with both experienced and inexperienced operators having similar overspray rates (6.2% and 6.5%, respectively).
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FEATURE However, the addition of autosteer reduced overspray to 2.3% for experienced operators and 3.8% for inexperienced operators, resulting in total water savings of 3.7% and 2.5%, respectively. At Southwood Park, overspray results were similar between operators within each sprayer technology level, though the inexperienced operator consistently had slightly higher overspray. For experienced operators, overspray decreased from 11.1% with manual to 8.3% with GNSS, but there was no further reduction with GNSS + autosteer (6.2%). For inexperienced operators, overspray dropped from 12.1% with manual to 10.2% with GNSS and further to 7.0% with GNSS + autosteer. Overall, both operator types saw a reduction in overspray as sprayer technology advanced. Moving from manual to GNSS technology reduced overspray by 2.8% for experienced operators and 1.9% for inexperienced operators. Upgrading from GNSS to GNSS + autosteer reduced overspray by 2.1% for experienced operators and 3.2% for inexperienced operators. Switching from manual to GNSS + autosteer technology resulted in total water savings of 4.4% for experienced operators and 4.6% for inexperienced operators.
Recommendation for sports field managers Inexperienced operators using manual spray mode had the highest rates of misses and overlaps, except for overlaps on Southwood
Park’s baseball fields. GNSS and autosteer technologies significantly reduced these errors across all locations and field types (Figure 5). Standard deviations of misses and overlaps decreased with advanced technologies, especially when comparing inexperienced manual mode to GNSS + autosteer, indicating more consistent applications. Additionally, advanced technology reduced overspray and the total volume applied. Investing in GNSSequipped sprayers with autosteer minimizes reliance on experienced operators, reduces errors, and enhances consistency. This study used factory settings, so further improvements might be possible by adjusting overlap parameters
Acknowledgements The authors wish to extend their gratitude to the Texas Turfgrass, Research, Education, and Extension Endowment for providing funding for this study. They also want to express their thanks to GLK Turf Solutions and Traqnology for providing the Above Par Tech sprayer and real-time kinematic correction service, respectively, for use in the study. Additionally, appreciation goes to Stephan Richardson, the Parks Operations Manager of the City of College Station, Curtis Richmond, the Southwood Park Supervisor, Keith Fails, the Veterans Park Supervisor, and Ken Rost and Cam Schafer from Frost, Inc. for their support of this project.
Figure 5. An inexperienced applicator making a pass using manual mode (left) and GNSS + autosteer (right) on soccer fields at Veterans Park.
MANUAL
42
GNSS + AUTOSTEER
This article was originally published in Pennsylvania Turfgrass, Summer 2025 and is reprinted with permission.
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• Fescue Blend • HGT Bluegrass • RTF
SOD VARIETIES • Tifway 419 • Latitude 36 • NorthBridge Bermuda
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