Turf Tips

160 articles by this author

Turf Tips List

Winter likely to keep a frigid grip on Indiana into late March

Article from: Purdue Agriculture News (2/27/2014) WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Despite a couple of recent mild weather days that made us think spring could be near, the Indiana State Climate Office says winter isn’t going away anytime soon.While it isn’t abnormal in Indiana for snow and cold temperatures to linger into mid-March, current weather models…Read more about Winter likely to keep a frigid grip on Indiana into late March[Read More]

Purdue Turf Students Place 3rd at the Sports Turf Managers Association Annual Student Challenge

Two teams of Purdue students traveled to San Antonio, TX to participate in the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Annual Collegiate Challenge sponsored by Hunter Industries on 24 January, 2014. During the two-hour competition, teams were divided into students pursuing either a 4-year or 2-year degree. All competitors were required to properly identify turfgrasses, weeds,…Read more about Purdue Turf Students Place 3rd at the Sports Turf Managers Association Annual Student Challenge[Read More]

Status: The Office of Indiana State Chemist & Seed Commissioner

Following recent flooding in their office due to a water line break, “the Office of Indiana State Chemist & Seed Commissioner has restored operational status for most of its internal activities of licensing, registering, and responding to telephone calls. As of Tuesday, January 21, all staff reported to their regularly assigned duties. The laboratories continue…Read more about Status: The Office of Indiana State Chemist & Seed Commissioner[Read More]

Weather warms up at week’s end for the Indiana Green Expo (January 8-10, 2014)

January 8-10, 2014 Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN While the weather outside is frightful today (Monday, January 6 2014) and tomorrow (Tuesday, January 7 2014) it does look to improve considerably by week’s end with highs near 40 degrees for the Indiana Green Expo (January 8-10, 2014). Don’t miss out on Indiana’s largest turf and landscape…Read more about Weather warms up at week’s end for the Indiana Green Expo (January 8-10, 2014)[Read More]

2014 Turf Weed Control for Professionals, Now Available

The revised edition of Turfgrass Weed Control for Professionals is now available. The 96 page publication includes content on: Turfgrass Culture Weed Types Weed Life Cycles Developing a Weed Control Program Indicator Weeds Herbicide Information (use, nomenclature, classification, mode of action, movement, resistance, etc.) Control of Tough Weeds Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About…Read more about 2014 Turf Weed Control for Professionals, Now Available[Read More]

Indiana Green Expo 2014

January 8-10, 2014 Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN Education schedule, workshop descriptions, speaker highlights, exhibitors and trade show events found at www.indianagreenexpo.com or click here for IGE 2014 Brochure. Speakers We are excited to bring in a great group of speakers in the turf sessions this year. Highlighted speakers include: Eric Baumeister,…Read more about Indiana Green Expo 2014[Read More]

What To Do With All Those Falling Leaves?

It is that time of year when leaves are falling faster than you can rake them in many places. It is important to rake leaves when there are many leaves on the ground (so many that you can’t see the turf underneath) so that heavy layers of leaves will not shade out, smother, and kill…Read more about What To Do With All Those Falling Leaves?[Read More]

New Insecticide Labels to Increase Focus on Pollinator Protection

As part of an ongoing effort to raise consciousness about the potential threat to pollinators posed by neonicotinoid insecticides, the USEPA recently unveiled new pesticide labeling criteria.The new labels will contain a bee advisory box and icon with information on routes of exposure and spray drift precautions. http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/C186766DF22B37D485257BC8005B0E64 The recent announcement focuses on products…Read more about New Insecticide Labels to Increase Focus on Pollinator Protection[Read More]

Common Bermudagrass

Common Bermudagrass Biology: Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is the most commonly used turfgrass in the southern United States, but it is also a difficult-to-control weed in northern turf. Bermudagrass is a drought tolerant, warm-season, perennial grass species that tolerates low mowing and actively spreads vegetatively by both rhizomes and stolons…Read more about Common Bermudagrass[Read More]

2013 Imprelis Update: Tree Maintenance, Replacement, and Disposal

This article provides a 2013 update of this issue and what we hope will be the last and final update on Imprelis. This update addresses some of the frequently asked questions about Imprelis® in 2013. 2013 Imprelis® Update: Tree Maintenance, Replacement, and Disposal (PDF) (08/13) For a complete review of the facts and a more…Read more about 2013 Imprelis Update: Tree Maintenance, Replacement, and Disposal[Read More]

Goosegrass

Goosegrass Biology: Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is an late-germinating summer annual grass that is often found in compacted areas or areas disturbed in the summer. These areas include compacted areas next to sidewalks or cart paths, golf course tees, and areas were soil is disturbed during the summer. Germination typically starts…Read more about Goosegrass[Read More]

2013 Turf and Landscape Field Day a Success

On Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 the Purdue Turf Program and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation hosted the Turf and Landscape Field Day. The Turf and Landscape Field Day is Indiana’s largest green industry field day. It was a much cooler day than last year and we were thankful that the rain stayed away and the…Read more about 2013 Turf and Landscape Field Day a Success[Read More]

Fountain Grass

Fountain Grass Biology: Fountain grass ((Pennisetum spp.) is an ornamental grass common to the landscapes of homes, commercial sites, and golf courses. However, following years of planting in these landscapes, we now realize that this species produces many viable seeds that drop onto the adjacent turf and then become tough-to-control perennial grassy weeds….Read more about Fountain Grass[Read More]

2013 Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Project

WHAT: An Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Project designed to collect and dispose of suspended, canceled, banned, unusable, opened, unopened or just unwanted pesticides (weed killers, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, etc.) is being sponsored by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This disposal service is free of charge up to 250 pounds per participant….Read more about 2013 Indiana Pesticide Clean Sweep Project[Read More]

Seed corn beetle being reported by superintendents

In addition to earthworms, there are several insects that can create small mounds of soil above the surface of turfgrass. Occasionally, the mounds can become a nuisance, especially on closely mowed greens where they are more noticeable and may interfere with play. The photos below depict one such insect, the seed corn beetle, and the…Read more about Seed corn beetle being reported by superintendents[Read More]

Yellow Nutsedge: Two New Publications on Controlling this Troublesome Weed

Yellow nutsedge is a troublesome, difficult-to-control turf weed. Understanding this plant’s biology makes it easier to know how to best control it. Two new Purdue publications help answer questions on the best way to control this weed. Yellow Nutsedge Control (AY-19-W) | PDF (for homeowners) Sedge Control for Turf Professionals (AY-338-W) | PDF (turf professionals)…Read more about Yellow Nutsedge: Two New Publications on Controlling this Troublesome Weed[Read More]

Perennial ryegrass seedheads: Now and Later

Perennial ryegrass seedheads are in full production now. These seedheads are tough to cut so make sure to keep your mower blades sharp. Now is a good time to sharpen your mower blades if you haven’t yet this year. Close-up of a perennial ryegrass seedhead. Perennial ryegrass seedhead in a lawn. Perennial ryegrass seedheads don’t…Read more about Perennial ryegrass seedheads: Now and Later[Read More]

Rounds 4 Research auction is open through June 16!

Bid now for get great deals on great golf! Click here to see what’s available. Click Indiana on the left side of the screen to see rounds up for auction now. Whether you choose to bid on courses that have challenged the greatest players in golf or whether you just want a great…Read more about Rounds 4 Research auction is open through June 16![Read More]

Wild Violets

Wild Violet Biology: Collectively, turf managers refer to the Midwest species common blue violet (Viola sororia), wooly blue violet (Viola papilionacea), and confederate violet (Viola sororia f. priceana) all as wild violet. Additionally, yellow violet (Viola pubescens) is also found in Indiana. Wild violets are a persistent, perennial, and difficult-to-control broadleaf plant….Read more about Wild Violets[Read More]

Caterpillar Update

Although they are fairly easy to control, caterpillars like cutworms and armyworms can have a way of “sneaking” up on turf managers. For golf course superintendents, we’ve reached that point in the spring when black cutworms may be large enough to cause visible damage (»300 Degree Days). Unless you have a preventive program in place,…Read more about Caterpillar Update[Read More]