Turf Tips Archives
Timing of Preemergence Herbicides
If a preemergence herbicide is justified on a turf area, the timing of application is important. In theory, applying too early will expose the herbicide to soil microbes and processes in the soil that may break it down, allowing crabgrass to germinate during the latter part of the summer. Conversely, applying too late may miss […]
Thanks to Everyone who Attended Indiana Green Expo
On behalf of the Turf Program, Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF), Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA), and Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA), I’d like to thank everyone who helped with and/or attended the 2007 Indiana Green Expo on January 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This marks the first year where […]
There are still openings for the IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course
The IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course will be held in Willowbrook, IL, on Feb. 26-March 1. This is an outstanding course for new and experienced turf professionals. It’s designed for turf managers with some experience and an understanding of HOW we maintain turf, and meant to improve the understanding of WHY we do the maintenance practices […]
There are still openings for the IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course
The IN-IL Turfgrass Short Course will be held in Willowbrook, IL, on Feb. 26-March 1. This is an outstanding course for new and experienced turf professionals. It’s designed for turf managers with some experience and an understanding of HOW we maintain turf, and meant to improve the understanding of WHY we do the maintenance practices […]
Indiana Green Expo Next Week in Indianapolis
The Indiana Green Expo will be held Jan 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The green Expo is a joint conference sponsored by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association as well as the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association. An outstanding educational program is compliments a sold-out tradeshow. Over […]
How much perennial ryegrass Kentucky bluegrass in a mix?
Perennial ryegrass germinates quickly and provides quick cover and soil stabilization when used in a blend. However, too much perennial ryegrass leads to long-term problems from dollar spot, brown patch, red thread, and other diseases. Kentucky bluegrass has better disease, drought, and wear tolerance the perennial ryegrass, but is very slow to germinate. Hence bluegrass […]
Pesticide IQ: Every pesticide may have slightly different requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE)
As mentioned in last months Turf Tip, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist has increased inspections of IN lawn care companies and golf courses. During 2004 through 2006, 31 golf courses were either warned or fined for violations in pesticide use or handling. In 2006 alone, 22 lawn care companies were warned or fined. […]
Upcoming Education: Basic Training Turfgrass Management
This is a one-day workshop that’s perfect for new-comers to the industry as well as more experienced professionals who want a refresher course on turf management. This is a perfect training opportunity for you or your staff from lawn care operators, sports, golf course, or anywhere turf is managed professionally. Turfgrass growth, cultural practices, and […]
A Few Open Seats Still Available for Turf and Ornamental Seminar in Nov.
Mark your calendars for Nov 15-16 for MRTF’s Turf and Ornamental Seminar at the Daniel Center at Purdue. This course is an advanced for lawn care, golf course, sports turf, and sales staff. Enrollment is definitely limited to 70 attendees to optimize individual attention and allow plenty of time for questions and discussion. Special guests […]
Update on Office of State Chemist Enforcement on Golf Courses
Since a discharge of golf course insecticide into the White River in August of 2003, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist has increased inspections of IN golf courses. During 2004 through 2006, 31 golf courses were either warned or fined for violations in pesticide use or handling. Some courses had multiple violations and the […]
How Late is Too Late to Control Dandelions and Other Weeds?
With the incessant rain and high winds, most applications of broadleaf herbicides have been delayed. The good news is its not too late to apply. Nebraska research reported in 2002 showed 2,4-D and/or dicamba were far more effective in controlling dandelions and Canada thistle when applied 1 to 10 days after the first fall frost […]
Indiana Green Expo on January 10-12
The MRTF will be joining forces with the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association as well as the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association to present the Indiana Green Expo on Jan 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center. Joining forces tremendously expands the educational opportunities as well as the scope and size of the tradeshow. Over 80 […]
Summary of Nematode Survey on Indiana Greens: 2006
We are finishing up our nematode survey for 2006 and following is a summary of the results: • We processed a total of 163 samples from 26 golf courses across Indiana, Illinois, and northern Kentucky. • Ring nematodes were most common, found in 97% of the samples and 49% of the samples had counts higher […]
Considering seeded zoysia for fairways?
The development of seeded zoysia will enable many more southern Indiana golf courses to enjoy the benefits of zoysia at reduced establishment costs. Benefits of zoysia include great playability during all four seasons, good winter tolerance, and low fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide requirements. These qualities make zoysia easily the best grass for transition zone fairways. […]
Indiana Green Expo on January 10-12
The MRTF will be joining forces with the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association as well as the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association to present the Indiana Green Expo on Jan 10-12 at the Indiana Convention Center. Joining forces tremendously expands the educational opportunities as well as the scope and size of the tradeshow. Over 80 […]
Keep mowing and don’t set the mower down
Many people ask how long to continue mowing into the fall. The answer is to keep mowing as long as the grass continues to grow which is normally into late October or early November. Frequency of mowing can decrease but continue to mow into the fall. Also avoid the urge to set the mower down […]
Don’t Give Up Yet, November Fertilization is Critical
A November application of fertilizer is extremely important to keep your lawn healthy and looking good this fall and next year. Late fall N promotes good root development, enhances storage of energy reserves, and extends color retention this fall. Most of the benefits from late fall N will be seen next spring and summer with […]
How late can you seed?
We are out of the optimum window for seeding turfgrasses in Indiana. However, many are still hoping to seed. Following is a summary of our studies in the early 90’s on seeding at less than optimum times of the year. For optimum establishment, seeding should be done in late August or early September. Waiting […]
Little Time to Improve Athletic Turf This Year
Though weather this summer and fall wasn’t as bad as last year, we’ve still had our share of thin turf and fall events are taking their toll on the cool-season grasses. The perennial cause is the naturally shallow rooting of Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass at the same time that football and soccer seasons get […]
Keep Mowing to Mulch Those Tree Leaves!
The trees are dropping their leaves and it is important to prevent a heavy layer of leaves from building-up on your turf before winter. Heavy layers of tree leaves will shade the grass can smother and kill grass yet this fall. Plus tree leaf cover favors a damaging winter turf disease called snow mold. The […]