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Oversee ding must begin as much as 120 days before fertilization. This helps slow the growth continued from page 16 overseeding. of bermuda grass, meaning less compe- From the other standpoint, avoid An application of Kerb 50 WP tition for the germinating perennial overpreparation of the seedbed. (Pronamide) 45 to 60 days before over- ryegrass. In addition, if nitrogen fertil- Remember, you're not establishing a seeding will control annual bluegrass with- izer is applied too late in the season, the out damaging the perennial ryegrasses. permanent turf, only a temporary one. bermudagrass may be more susceptible If Kerb must be applied fewer than 45 Overpreparation can mean problems to winter injury. days before overseeding, charcoal should with spring transition to bermudagrass Have your soil tested one month when warm weather arrives. be used in conjunction with the appli- before oversee ding. Based upon test Abou t six weeks prior to the over- cation. Use two to four pounds char- results, apply phosphorus (P205) and seeding date, the field can be cored to pre- coal per 1,000 square feet. Kerb is labeled potassium (K20) a week or two before vent compaction of the soil.After the cores in all 50 states. have dried, drag with a chain-link fence Another herbicide option is Rubigan overseeding. Apply no additional fer- or do a light verticutting. This will pul- lAS (Fenarimol), with three applica- tilizer until after shoot emergence of verize the cores and in making a tions giving the best control of annual the ryegrass. This will be approximately good seedbed when overseeding time bluegrass. The last application ofRubigan two to three weeks after germination. arrives. Coring should be done several must be made two weeks before the The bare minimum preparation for weeks in advance of the oversee ding scheduled overseeding date. oversee ding should entail light verti- date "to allow coring holes to heal over, A third pre-emergent herbicide choice cutting and topdressing. The suggested is Bensulide (trade names of Betasan or preventing a speckled growth pattern of rate for topdressing is 0.25 to 0.50 cubic Pre-San). This herbicide must be applied winter grass," says McCarty. yards per 1,000 square feet before and 120 days before the anticipated over- David Kopec, a turf specialist at the after oversee ding. University of , Tucson, warns seeding date. The waiting period allows for good control of annual bluegrass Hatcher at Oklahoma University against heavy verticutting at suggests light verticutting prior to over- oversee ding. "If you verticut heavily germination without interfering with seeding. ''We actually do our oversee ding prior to oversee ding, the bermudagrass the germinating perennial ryegrass. in late September here at OU. We pre- will use its food supply to immediately Balan (Benefin) can be used in over- repair and regrow from the damage seeded perennial ryegrass for annual pare the seedbed by dethatching, just inflicted from verticutting," he says. bluegrass control with a 45-day scratching the surface of the soil." They ''The result is poor food storage for hard- waiting period necessary. Application dethatch in two different directions, ening off for the winter from the diver- rates vary for Balan and all other and perennial rye grass seed is then herbicides. Always read the label and get sion of late-season regrowth caused by applied with a centrifugal spreader. local recommendations from your chem- heavy verticutting. This means a less Immediately after seeding, drag the ical distributor or turf extension specialist. hardy and competitive bermudagrass field to ensure good soil-to-seed con- in the spring - a slow transition." Getting Prepared tact. A stiff-wire power sweeper works Annual Bluegrass About four weeks prior to over- well ifused in several different directions. seeding, completely stop all nitrogen Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a continued on page 22 common winter weed throughout the South. It has an unsightly bunch-type growth, pale-green color and a prolific seedhead. Because traditional herbi- cides can damage the germinating peren- Introducing ... the one sports turf mixture nial ryegrass, annual bluegrass control with your field in mind.

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~ Auburn University's crew at Jordan- Hare Stadium brushes perennial SEED ~IRESEARCH ryegrass seed into their Tifway OF OREGON, INC. bermudagrass. Photo courtesy: 1-800-253-5766 • 503-757-2663 *endophyted-enhanced Coleman Ward, Auburn University.

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Overseeding continued from page 21 Post-Seeding Care In addition to fungicide sprays, fungicide-treated seed is The field may require three or four light irrigations per day a popular buy these days. Don Blasingame, a turf consultant until all seeds have germinated, since fall tends to be dry in in Starkville, MS, says, "Any overseeding program should include the South. Once you have a good stand, irrigation should be a fungicide seed treatment for protection from Pythium, reduced. However, keep a check on the soil moisture. Each new which can produce seed and seedling rot. Strict, early disease plant should tiller in about two weeks. Until that time, there management can make the difference in health and profitability is very little room for deficiency in moisture. of a turf stand." Glen Karaffa, product manager for Gustafson Apply a fungicide about seven days after seedling germi- adds, "The differences seen between untreated and treated nation to avoid Pythium contamination. "Conditions are seed have been dramatic on side-by-side fields." right for Pythium whenever there are extended periods with Experts often advocate watering athletic fields in the day temperatures about 75 degrees and night temperatures morning instead of evening to reduce turf moisture during the about 70 degrees," says Rich Hanrahan, senior technological night. Good surface and subsurface drainage also play a development manager for the Chipco'>' Specialty Products Group key role. Avoid the common pitfall of overfertilizing because at Rhone-Poulenc Ag. Co. of Research Triangle Park, NC. high rates of nitrogen cause lush, succulent growth that is very "Because Pythium disease organisms can survive in thatch susceptible to Pythium. for extended periods before emergence, effective fungicide treat- Time for Bermuda ments provide the surest protection against outbreaks of Just as in the fall, good cultural practices make for a the disease," he says. smooth transition in the spring, according to Dr. Coleman Ward, Aliette® (Rhone-Poulenc), Banol® (AgrEvo USA Co.) extension turf specialist at Auburn University, Auburn, AL. and Subdue® (Ciba Turf and Ornamental) are the Light verticutting when daytime temperatures reach 85 three systemic fungicides currently available for Pythium degrees will disrupt the crowns of the cool-season grass, control. Systemic fungicides do not require the frequent allowing the bermudagrass to grow through. Heavy verticutting, reapplication associated with traditional contact fungicides. however, can sever developing bermudagrass stolons. As with all fungicides, alternating products can help avoid With higher air and soil temperatures in the late spring, disease resistance. cool season grasses will respond vigorously to light periodic applications of ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate. The nitrate encourages the perennial ryegrass to grow very TURF SPECIALISTS CORP. rapidly and "burn out." 444 St. James Street P.O. Box 357 Next, drop the mowing height but mow more frequently. Holbrook, New York 11 741 Reducing mowing height and applying water-soluble nitro- (516) 981-1118 gen places a great deal of stress on the ryegrass. Mowing more frequently prevents the ryegrass from putting out new leaf Jerome W. Hutchinson, growth, which depletes food reserves. Board Certified Agronomist by ARCPACS Reduction of irrigation will also place stress on the ryegrass. Integrated Pest Management Consultant Be careful with this technique, however. Because the under- B.S. in Agricultural Science 1961 lying bermudagrass has been getting moisture all winter long Michigan State University from the irrigation of the perennial ryegrass, it is not as drought- Authorized - Certified - National - U.s.A. hardy as non-overseeded bermudagrass. Cambridge' Installer -- Another technique to speed the transition in favor of "Guaranteed Drainage" bermudagrass is chemical control. Dr. Ward says, "At Auburn we also use Kerb herbicide, applied 20 to 25 days before we want the ryegrass out. The application rate can range from CAMBRIDGE one to three pounds active ingredient per acre. Bermudagrass wong. har,,"-ating l1If growing in wucturctlargt fllO sidt moons wi1tl autOlTlaliUfIy inIIuenc

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CHAPTER NEWS

Colorado Chapter: The Colorado Also in the planning stages is the Southern California is the host Chapter Chapter of the STMA had a great turnout October 19 business meeting and golftour- for the National Sports Turf Managers for the June 29 Seminar/Workshop at nament. Site, times and other details will Association Conference which will take Coors Field in Denver. Over 150 people be announced shortly. Please RSVP your place January 24-28, 1996. This will be attended, coming from allover Colorado plans to attend to the 24-Hour CCSTMA a super event with educational sessions, Hotline/F AX: (303) 438-9645. and from Nevada, Wyoming, Nebraska, great tours and a top notch trade show. For more information on the and even Dallas, Texas. Special thanks Anyone interested in lending a SeminarlW orkshop, the Colorado Chapter to Mark Razum and the hand prior to or during the conference or other upcoming activities, contact Ross for all their help and hospitality. is invited to contact Chapter Coordinator The CCSTMA is planning a Kurcab, Denver Broncos, at (303) 649-9000. Steve Guise at phone/fax: (714) Seminar/W orkshop on August 24 at the Southern California Chapter: The 578-0215. Pleasantview Sports Complex in Boulder. Southern California Chapter's September For information on the Southern Make plans now to tour the facility and 24 meeting at Dodger Stadium will include California Chapter and upcoming act- nine sand-based fields of this new, state- a tailgate lunch and group attendance ivities, contact Chris Bunnell at (619) of-the-art soccer complex. Morning edu- at the game between the Dodgers and the 432-2421. cational sessions will be followed by an Padres. The Southern California Chapter Midwest Chapter: For information afternoon of on-field demonstrations. also is making plans for an October on the Midwest Chapter or upcoming More details on this event will be field day. Details on both events will be events call The Chapter Hotline (708) announced soon. announced soon. 439-4727. Accurate Top Dressing With Wet Material. Amazingl Turfco's patented belt uniformly and accurately spreads top dressing with all levels of moisture content. You can top dress with wet or dry material, from a light mist to a heavy application with the same Turfco spreader. Its 6 ground driven wheels give you a lower PSI than walking top dressers. They also eliminate hydraulics so you never have to worry about oil leaks on your greens. With just one operator, you can load the 22.5 cubic hopper and top dress 18 greens in only 3 to 4 hours. Amazing top dressers since 1961. 1bp dress 18 greens in less than 4 hoUTS. To demo our newest model call 612-785-1000.

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Call 1(800) 817-1889 use Fast Fax #1100895 and/or Circle 110 on Postage Free Card August 1995 23 Thatch Control

Verticutting the field keeps thatch in Dragging the field with wire mesh or chain-link check during transitions from rye to fence helps dig up any remaining thatch prior bermuda and back to rye. to overseeding. Photos courtesy: Chris Bunnell. The Key to Turf Management By Barbara Augsdorfer "Last year after the Super Bowl, as soon lems on turf. If a turf manager is fortu- as the game was over, we were - nate enough to have a say in the design hatch provides cushioning for ning sod cutters and removing sprinkler of the field, he can solve many prob- football and soccer players and heads. We did a total replacement job - lems before they begin. T children at play, and a healthy liner, irrigation pipes, everything. It Chad Casella is the head grounds- layer ofthatch is the mother's milk ofbaby was a six-month job that had to be com- keeper for the Piedmont Phillies, the turf. However, if left unchecked, thatch pleted in six weeks - in time for Opening single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia can be as much a curse as a blessing: Ask Day for the baseball season." Phillies, in Kannapolis, NC. The team any baseball outfielder who has had a ball moved from Spartanburg, SC, last year, "snake" away from him. Thatch may Listen to the and Casella made the move as well. be a sure thing, but unlike death and Communication is an important aspect "We have a new field that was con- taxes, thatch can be controlled. of thatch management. "One of the key structed in late 1994 and finished early "Youcan't worry about creating thatch. things is communication between the this year," Casella says. 'The sod was laid When you get it, you get rid of it," says coaches and the people taking care ofthe 18 days before Opening Day." Alan Sigwardt, head groundskeeper for field," says Scott Cisson, landscape During the field's construction, Casella Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, FL. architect for Arizona State University in specified a sand base. "We've received as Because the stadium is a multiuse facil- Tempe. ''We handle things according to much as three inches of rain in an hour," ity, Sigwardt has to balance his turf-care preferences of the coaches," he states. he says. 'The fielddrained in 30 minutes." program to meet the needs of both the Cisson explains that the late Jim The Tifway II hybrid bermuda is baseball Marlins and the football Brock, who coached the ASU Sun Devils mowed at 3/4 to 5/8 of an inch and Dolphins. "The Marlins were on a two- baseball team to several College World fertilized every seven to ten days. During week road trip [right after the All-Star Series titles, was instrumental in the turf road trips longer than four days, Casella, break] in July, so we core-aerified and process. "He liked to use a blend of along with one full-time assistant, runs topdressed the field with sand," he manure and sand for topdressing, so a slicer to improve drainage. Topdressing explains. 'That will be the last time I thin we would adjust our schedule around is done onceeach spring, summer and fall it out for this year." . what he wanted," Cisson explains. ''We to keep thatch in check during the Sigwardt manages the stadium com- would work with each ofthe coaches, and season. He verticuts the field in the fall plex with a staff offive.They verticut once if the coach did not have a preference, we after the season. a year during the summer and over- would do whatever was applicable in a Turf managers must perform magic seed the 419 bermuda with perennial particular situation." to get green grass when everyone's lawn ryegrass. The baseball fields at ASU can be is yellow . ''We verticut during the tran- When the Dolphins start pre-season used well into winter, which can make sition time in June and July to take camp, Sigwardt must adjust his thatch for a tight 90-day turnaround to get the out rye, then again in September before management strategies accordingly. field ready for spring. Other fields are we overseed the bermuda with rye," ''Webring the turfheight up from 3/4 inch maintained on an as-needed basis. says Sam Clay, head groundskeeper for to one inch for NFL, and let the thatch the Tulsa (OK) Drillers, the -A get a little thicker," he explains. "It's The Weather Factor affiliate of the . ''We have so tropical here that the bermuda For many turf managers, thatch man- bermuda 419 in the summer and over- doesn't go completely dormant, and the agement varies each year depending seed with perennial rye. We have rye in divots created by football players don't on weather conditions. Every turf man- April, bermuda in summer and rye again heal well." ager knows that rain coupled with in fall," he explains. "That way we have By the end of the football season the drainage problems or too much rain for color in April and May." The bermuda is turfhas taken a real beating. ''We resod the drainage system to handle in too short usually cut at 5/8 of an inch but raised every January," Sigwardt continues. a time period can cause major prob- to one inch when the rye is down. 24 sportsTURF FOR PRODUCT INFO FAXED TO YOU NOW! DIAL: 1(800) 817·1889

Tifway 419 and common bermuda the season, then make recommenda- schools, including playgrounds and are used on the field for the Greenville tions to the coaching staff or adjust- sports fields," Bunnell explains. "This Braves, in Greenville, SC, the double-A ments to our schedule. Once that 1/2 inch means everything from recess to youth affiliate of the . Field of thatch is gone, we resod the fields." soccer and adult baseball leagues. We are Superintendent Matt Taylor has to Genito did some research before sell- more concerned with safety than per- topdress his field every month because ing his aggressive turf-management formance - for example, ball roll. If his field sits on a clay base. "We aerify program to the people who make the bud- we can keep bare spots from appearing, every month and topdress with a mix get decisions. His research of facilities we're happy." of 80-percent sand and 20-percent peat," throughout California revealed some Bunnell and his staff service 19 sites he explains. "We mow every day and interesting facts. For example, the Rose totaling 120 acres of turf. "It's like a pick up the clippings and keep the thatch Bowl in Pasadena and Stanford Stadium small golf course with 19 holes," he at 1/4 to 112-inch thick. "During in Palo Alto are "restricted-use" facilities. says. His staff of 12 uses aeration to the spring we have to slice to get the The Rose Bowl hosts 50 events and control thatch. Overseeding with peren- bermuda to rise." Stanford Stadium hosts 25 events each nial rye and some slit-seeding is also Aggressive Maintenance year. "These facilities have tremendous done. A potential liability headache is "We have a full-blown turf-manage- thatch-management programs," he avoided by not applying chemicals to ment program here," says Sal Genito, a reveals. On the other end of the spectrum, the turf on school days. landscape architect and the manager facilities such as Anaheim Stadium and Thatch management is clearly one of of grounds for California State University, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum the most important aspects of a turf Fresno. The turf is Santa Ana hybrid host more than 100 events each year. Both manager's job. Sports turf managers facilities have to be resodded each year. bermuda. Practice fields are topdressed must walk a fine line among safety, "I just wanted to highlight the fact that in May, and the main baseball field is top- performance and aesthetics. Successful you can't arbitrarily use a field and dressed in June with 25 tons of sand. Also thatch-management can playa key role in June, the football practice fields are expect it to hold up," he says. in maintaining field safety, performance dethatched and aerated. Bulldog Stadium For Chris Bunnell, grounds supervi- and appearance. Proper thatch man- is dethatched and aerated in July. sor with the Escondido Union School agement also aids in disease control Overseeding begins in late August or early District in Escondido, CA, and presi- and in maintaining the overall health September with Medalist 10. dent of the Southern California STMA, ''We have a standard," Genito explains. appearance and performance, while of the turfgrass. Solid thatch-control "We want to maintain at least 1/2 inch important, are second and third behind techniques are a key component of an of thatch. We monitor that throughout safety. "I have middle and elementary overall turf-management program.

WORKING TO IMPROVE YOUR PLA Y ••• Stabilizer is a patented, non-toxic premium organic soil additive for atl infield dirt surfaces. It is simply a soil glue that binds your soil mix to produce a firm consistent playing surface. Stabilizer's compatibil- This free guide to the selection and use of turfgrass is a handy ity with water atlows you to achieve and maintain "Damp Soil Consistency," tbe ultimate goal for an reference for anyone involved in sports turf. infield mix. The final results are a safe, reliable The booklet addresses every area of infield tbat is easily maintained in any kind of weatber. sports turf ... from the fine, dense turf 11 THE PROfESSIONAL'S required for precision sports like tennis and croquet to the tough turf 51UII:··::, N55 needed for rugged sports like football or TurfGridsR racetracks. FOR SPORTS TURF "Tough Stuff for Sports Turf' The TurfGrid system is patented, simple, logical Geographically arranged, it suggests and long overdue. It combines specially designed the appropriate turfgrass species, synthetic fibers into the natural grass field and in- where to use them and even proposes creases the shear strength of the playing surface by proper cutting heights and seeding 100%. This means sure footing and safety with less rates. A separate section covers divots and injuries ... just wbat good teams expect Southern Winter Overseeding. And from their playing surface. this new guide is yours for the asking. For more information contact Lofts Seed Inc. ·STABILIZER, INC. Dept. ST95 4832 E. Indian School Rd.• Phoenix, AZ 85018 347 Elizabeth Ave. (602) 952-8009 • 1-800·336·2468 Somerset, NJ 08873 FAX (602) 852·0718 (800) 526-3890 ext. 250

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Turf of the Month

The Eugene Emeralds baseball field utilizes rough bluegrass in a mixture with other grasses. Photo courtesy: International Seeds, Inc. Griffin, head groundskeeper for the Eugene Emeralds Rough Bluegrass team in Eugene, OR, has accepted the challenge of managing rough bluegrass By Mike Augsdorfer is intolerant of drought or moisture as part of his sports turf, rather than and Craig Edminster stress and will enter temporary summer trying to take it out as a weed. "There are stress-induced dormancy or simply die. steps you can take to control it, but it's ot long ago most experts in too costly and time-consuming to do," he Limited Use the field of turf management had notes. While his fertilization and irrigation Npretty much dismissed rough Professional-level sports turf man- programs limit the appearance of rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis) as a useless agers have used Poa trivialis as part of bluegrass on the infield, the grass is grass. Some turf managers even con- an oversee ding mixture on a limited prominent in the outfield. "It's pretty sidered it to be a weed, like its distant basis. Ed Mangan, who oversees hardy, and it definitely will spread," relative, annual bluegrass (Poa annua). groundskeeping operations for the says Griffin. "We play soccer on the Recently, however, turf managers Atlanta Braves at Atlanta-Fulton County field in the winter, and the Poa will have shown a renewed interest in rough Stadium, used rough bluegrass as part cover up bare spots in the outfield." bluegrass. of his overseeding mix in 1991 but was Although many of the characteristics Rough bluegrass is a paler shade of disappointed with the results. "It didn't of rough bluegrass may seem like green than Kentucky bluegrass. Though really handle the baseball traffic," he disadvantages, they can actually be rarely used as a mono culture , rough explains. ''It will work for shady areas but assets. Poa trivialis offers a number of bluegrass can be mixed with other does not stand up to heavy traffic." significant advantages to the sports species, such as perennial ryegrass, for Mangan currently uses perennial rye for turf manager. use in coolclimates. Rough bluegrass dis- overseeding and does not anticipate Transition: When used for over- plays excellent cold and shade toler- using Poa trivialis in the future. seeding, rough bluegrass is considered ance, but it is not used as frequently as Chip Toma, who oversees turf- an "easy transition" species. It can be Kentucky bluegrass because rough blue- maintenance operations for both eliminated rapidly with fertility/water grass is not as wear resistant as Kentucky Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead management, cultural practices or natu- blue. However, rough bluegrass grows Stadium in Kansas City and also serves rally by summer and warm-season very well on moist, poorly drained soil. as a consultant to the National Football induced stress. Poa trivialis has quietly taken over a League for the Super Bowl fields, admits Reduced seeding cost: Seed counts portion of the market in regions where that rough bluegrass has very limited in Poa trivialis are in the neighborhood winter overseeding is a yearly occur- applications in terms of professional- of 1.9 to 2.2 million seeds per pound, rence. It is no longer merely a specialized level sports fields. "If we're at a Super making for very cost-effective seeding species for use on moist, shady lawns. If Bowl we may have a little bit, but not rates. Whether used exclusively or in a seed production came closer to matching much," he relates. polyspecies mixture, rough bluegrass demand, rough bluegrass would seri- Trevor Vance, who works with Toma can save an estimated minimum of 20 ously challenge the improved perennial at Kauffman Stadium, uses Poa trivialis percent on seed cost. ryegrasses as the grass of choice for in some of the turf islands around the Low soil temperature tolerance: winter overseeding. perimeter of the stadium but not on the Rough bluegrass is capable of germi- Rough bluegrass is a sod-forming field itself. "It's a tough grass, but it's got nating in soil temperatures from 40 to perennial adapted to cool, wet, shady such an off color that we simply don't use 50 degrees F. This quality is particularly areas. It has a moderately fine texture it on the field," he explains. valuable when continual "sweetening" of and a root system that is quite extensive Although he does not use Poa trivialis overseeded areas is practiced in the 11mtshallow in depth. Rough bluegrass as part of his overseeding mixture, Neil winter months. 26 sports TURF FOR PRODUCT INFO FAXED TO YOU NOW! DIAL: 1(800) 817-1889

Competitiveness with annual blue- used as a noncompetitive, reduced main- two inches generally result in reduced grass: Winter overseeding with Poa tenance, easy-transition winter ground turf quality. trioialis can effectivelyreduce annual blue- cover for soil stabilization in warm cli- Phenoxy-based turf chemicals can grass contamination by effectively com- mates like Southern California. Seeding be used to control broadleaf weeds inPoa peting for soil nutrients and sunlight. rates of as little as 80-120 pounds per acre trivialis with excellent results. While Similar growth habits, tolerance to low are recommended. rough bluegrass is reportedly vulner- mowing and preference for cool, wet Poa trivialis requires an extensive able to a variety of turfgrass diseases soils make for excellent natural management program. Supplemental including leaf spot, brown patch, stripe competition of the two species. As a irrigation is needed for dense and aggres- smut, Microdochium patch and Typhula result of this competition, populations of sive tillering. Extended periods of mois- blight, it has not been used extensively annual bluegrass may decline significantly ture stress will result in an unattractive enough to determine its true susceptibility over time. purplish-brown leaf discoloration and Avoidance of iron chlorosis: Under ultimately complete senescence or death. to disease. alkaline soil conditions (higher than Its roots respond favorably to light, Perhaps the most valuable asset ofPoa 7.5 pH), Poa trivialis appears to have a frequent irrigations. trioialis is how competitive it is with annu- tolerance to low available iron levels The most desirable fertilization al bluegrass in heavily contaminated and will not exhibit yellowing or chloro- program for Poa trivialis involves split- and compacted soils. If uniform turf sis unless the pH is extremely high. ting applications of a balanced fertil- color is not a major concern but choking Nitrogen use: Rough bluegrass izer in moderate amounts with N-P-K out potential Poa annua infestations appears to be an excellent user of soil ratios of 5-2-1. Applications should be is, rough bluegrass may be the perfect nitrogen when the soil is very wet and made at establishment and during active choice for overseeding. With all this cool. Under these deni trified soil fall, winter and early spring growth. plus its easy transition capabilities conditions Poa trivialis continues to Heavily shaded areas must be man- when overseeding, rough bluegrass will exhibit its inherent light green to green aged with greater nitrogen levels and undoubtedly gain in popularity as greater turf color. higher mowing heights. supplies of seed become available. Rough bluegrass is recommended for Rough bluegrass prefers mowing permanent turf areas in moderate or heights in the range of 1/2 to two Craig Edminster is the director of intense shade as well as for winter over- inches; however, it can be mowed lower research at International Seeds, Inc., seed blends and mixtures. It can also be if necessary. Mowing heights ofmore than in Halsey, OR.

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7flJo,@ M(fJ],[ffJ,!B3@lJo,~[ffJ,&1 »:§0 J1))@(fJ],a §aM~'[jf]TJ[J[J, ~[ffJ, ({;J7F(fJ],[ffJ,~a@ IF(fJ],aa~5J N([] G.e. Trivett Head groundskeeper G.C.Trivett By Bob Tracinski only cool-season grasses will survive. takes the same care with pre-game Thoughwinter doesbring somesnowand preparations of the skinned areas as ucked in the foothills ofthe Blue a fewsub-zerodays,winter temperatures any minor league team would. Ridge Mountains of western average about 50 degrees, generally T North Carolina is M.S. Deal allowing year-round field use. nity came up with the $43,000needed in Stadium, the pride of the small town of Trivett strives to do the best job pos- just two months. The new lighting Granite Falls. The stadium was built in sible. He is constantly learning, improv- system was installed in 1983." the early 1940s,and the originalfieldcon- ing his skills,and lookingfora better way Learning From Others sisted of two to three feet of native soil, to do things. He readily admits that, In 1986Trivett attended a seminar on mostly hard-packed clay, over a pile of even when calling on all available old granite rock. Initially, the stadium, athletic-field management given by Dr. resources, trial and error are a big part Ed Kajihiro. He immediately joined the field and school building formed the of this process. "Frequently, my best STMA and began reading all he could high school campus. In 1977, a new teacher has been my ownbad experience regarding sports turf management. He high school was built, and the facility from trying something the first time," attended as many field-maintenance became a middle school. he relates. seminars as his time and budget would G.C. Trivett joined the Granite Falls His interest in field conditions devel- Middle School staff that year, fresh oped from his desire for safe playing allow. "I was especially motivated by from earning his degree in Health and surfaces that allow all players to make FloydPerry's seminar at Baseball Cityin Physical Education at Appalachian State the most of their potential. At first, he Orlando, FL, in 1991," says Trivett. University, as a physical education initiated small changes. The mowing "Seeing the facility,the qualityofthe fields, teacher, head football coachand athletic moved from a Bushhog to a flail mower and how much money went into the director. Groundskeeping was not part to a rotary mower, and field conditions equipmentand budgetwas likea challenge ofhis job or high on his list ofpriorities. improved. for me. I wanted to do it right and knew The school's custodial staff mowed the In 1983, an inspection team for the with the big spirit ofour little community bermudagrass field with a Bushhog. schooldistrict condemnedthe polesofthe we'd find a way to accomplish it." The field was superior to the other old lighting system and decided that a Also in 1991,Trivett became a mem- school-relatedfieldsin the area. "Although middle school didn't really need a light- ber ofthe Professional Grounds Manage- we had a skinned infield and no formal ed field. "Those were fighting words," ment Society (PGMS) and has since field maintenance program, the field Trivett notes. "A few individuals got become the national organization's 43rd hosted the 1982 state baseball champi- the ball rolling, and it spread through- certified grounds manager. "Going onship," Trivett recalls. out the town.Througha concentratedbut through the program and achieving the The fieldis used for baseball practices highly informal process of donations certification was well worth the effort," and games, softball practices and games, and fundraising activities, the commu- Trivett says.Trivett also is a certifiedpes- soccer practices and games, football practices and games, physical educa- tion classes and community sports pro- grams. The school's baseball season begins February 15 and, with Legion games, the high school's tournament and the playoffs, could continue into mid-August,wrapping up just in time for footballpractice to begin. In addition, the field has hosted a state baseball cham- pionship, two state American Legion championships, two Region 10National Junior College championships, numer- ous DivisionI collegebaseball games and several high school tournaments. Most of the football field lies within the baseball outfield area. The sideline of Granite Falls lies just within the the football field almost touches the grass at second base, and the skinned transition zone;30 miles to the northwest basepath between second and third bases lies just within the football field. 28 sports TURF FOR PRODUCT INFO FAXED TO YOU NOW! DIAL: 1(800) 817·1889 ticide applicator and a member ofthe NC an assortment of other tasks as neces- the time," he says. Now, nine years Turfgrass Council and the Southern sary. Trivett says, ''Baker is dedicated to later, he has almost made the transition Turfgrass Association. Recently he has this fieldand doingthings right. His assis- backto 100percent bermudagrass. "Ihad spoken at several seminars, helping tance has allowedus to moveup onemore to do it gradually, with maintenance others find a way to improve their fields. notch in our maintenance program." practices that favored the bermuda- InFebruary 1994,FloydPerry held a sem- Trivett is the first to note that the road grass,becausethe fescuetookholdsowell, inar at M.S. Deal Field. to success has not been trouble-free. wiping it out at once would have dev- Trivett says, "I came into this know- For example, in the fall of 1986he over- astated the field." ing nothingabout fieldcare but foundthat seededthe Tifway419bermudagrassfield Trivett spurred the purchase of an all the resources are there just waiting automatic irrigation system using Toro to be tapped. The key is going after that with a cool-seasongrass for added color information- reading the magazinesand and cushioning. Unfortunately, he used 670 heads that was both workable and association publications, going to the K-31fescue. "I didn't know any better at continued on page 30 seminars, and not being shy about ask- r------_ ing questions and seeking advice, in person and by phone. Then, after gath- ering the information, you need to work through it and put it to use in a formthat fits your needs." As Trivett learned the principlesofaer- ation, fertilization and pest control, those maintenance practices became an integral part ofhis fieldmaintenance pro- gram. An initial soil test revealed little organic matter and several deficiencies. Composted sawdust was added as an organic source. Each year's fertiliza- tion program was adapted to specific needs. P and K ratios and organic con- tent are now regularly in the accep- table range. Equipment on a Budget Equipment was a high priority, but Trivett recalls that the budget was pretty slim.''Webegan to acquirethe nec- essary equipment, such as aerators, Introducing the new sprayers and mowers, through the process of creative begging," he admits. thinner, sleeker Verti-Drain" "It wasn't quite that bad, but we did call golfcourses,schools,collegesand any- The new model 205.150 trimmed down one else who could help with equipment version is a beauty to behold. At only 60 inche to set up a borrowing or short-term working width it easily fits through gates, over rental situation." Trivett looks for equipment that bridges and in all sorts of tight areas, including doesn'tstress his budget yet can meet spe- your budget. Built with the same integrity cificneeds, improve field conditions and you've come to expect from Verti-Drain. All increase efficiency. "We put out the this and it still goes 16 inches deep, proving word that we were looking for used once and for all that beauty is thin-deep. equipment that couldbe refurbished," he explains. "We purchased our triplex reel mower from a local golf course. It's now 23 years old. Ijust made a 14-hour 120 Model- round trip to pick up a used bunker 10 inche deep rake. 1took it in for repairs, replaced the sand rake with an infield drag, and it works great. We also entered a joint- purchase, split-use arrangement with VERTI·DRAI two other schools on some new equip- Vern-Seed Overseeder Works like a pitchfork, only better. ment, including our sprayer with a o 20-foot-boom." Emrex, Inc., Box 1349, King ton, PA 18704 (717) 288-9360 Trivett's assistant Bronce Baker han- dles the lion's share of the mowing and

Circle 115 on Postage Free Card August 1995 29 FOR PRODUCT INFO FAXED TO YOU NOW! DIAL: 1(800) 817-1889 a

Trivett using a double pass on the entire field and adding a second continued from page 29 double pass in high-use areas. The cores are dragged back in for topdressing. Additional topdressing material, including affordable. Funds for the project were raised by selling adver- calcined clay, sand and a more porous soil are incorporated tising space on the eight-foot block outfield wall. Trivett takes when time and funds allow it. a little time at the start of each season to drop in on past adver- "We've reached a fairly decent percolation rate through this tisers and sell the space for another year. The 35 to 40 ads cur- program," says Trivett. "Generally we can take a two-inch rain rently bring in $150 each. Trivett and a group of volunteers did and still play within two hours, but when this heavy soil becomes the installation. While a few areas needed a second try with saturated, water infiltration is very slow. We've used 21 a little more glue on the joints, the end result was great. bags of calcined clay during this spring's rains, but we Most of Trivett's efforts have met with success. In 1990, the haven't missed a game." skinned infield was sodded with Tifway 419 bermudagrass. Annual soil tests form the basis for the fertilization pro- Again Trivett used a volunteer crew with no previous gram. Trivett applies a 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of750 experience, this time with no glitches. Laying sod green pounds per acre in the early spring. Monthly application of side up is a lot easier than installing irrigation pipe and 34-0-0 begins in June. Overseeding with the PhD blend of peren- sprinkler heads. Next came the warning-track installation. Trivett used a nial ryegrasses takes place in October, timed to coincide two-to-three inch layer oflocal gray granite rock dust on top with optimum weather conditions. of an area that he had treated with glyphosate to remove Using a reel mower at alternating right angles creates a vegetation. The track is 15 feet wide in the outfield and ten checkerboard pattern, and during the football season, mow- feet wide along the sidelines. It also happens to be exactly a ing direction is alternated every five yards to create a light- quarter-mile around, making it great for physical education dark striping. The field is kept at a 3/4-inch height, with the classes, track and recreation for local exercise fans. outfield cut at least three times a week and the infield daily - twice on game days. Maintenance Practices Trivett changed the management program slightly to With 350 students on some part of the field nearly every accommodate this season's extremely wet weather. ''We sure school day and all the after-school and community activities, didn't run the irrigation system in June," he notes. "We had the field has little, if any, downtime. Trivett has developed to use the rotary mower at one point to cut the grass short enough an aggressive maintenance program to keep the field in top for the reel mower to handle. We then began mowing the out- shape. He core aerates once a month from May to September, field every day and the infield twice a day just to keep up." Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices dictate pest control. Trivett says, "So far, we've only had to contend with grubs once or twice. We've had a few problems with clover and chickweed, and are using a three-way formula to control Deep Drill Aeration them. We've had to treat for crabgrass occasionally. We use a handheld tank sprayer filled with glyphosate to spot treat any weeds that crop up in the warning track." Trivett takes the same care with pre-game preparations of the skinned areas as any minor league team. ''We nail drag two or three times a year," he notes. "I use the mat drag before each game, then again after the infield practices when I reset the bases." Trivett also mat drags once more and changes the bases again after the fifth inning. "Our greatest wear comes during girl's softball in the fall," he says. ''The bases ~~st be moved in to attain the regulation size. Second base ISill the grass, and the grassed sections by first and third base get heavy wear. These areas generally need resodding at least once during and after the season."

U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,938 Excessive wear is avoided by rotating practice sessions and FILL AERATOR HOLES COMPLETELY, drills for various sports along with PE class workouts. mE FIRST TIME ~ootball drill sites are moved each day. Soccer goals are • 0-8 inches de p using 24 Carbide Tip Bits SImulated with strategically-placed cones to avoid wear - paced 7.5 centers. within the actual goal mouth. • 1inch Drill Size. Trivett has enough space in the baseball outfield to turn • 2500 to 3000 q. ft. hour. t~e. f?otball-soccer field at an angle to the baseball field, • Hopper will hold total of 1.87 sq. yd. p r fill. limiting wear on the infield. The football sideline closest to • Medium - Dry Sand - I olite - Prame - Axis, etc. th~ stands almost touches the grass at second base and the Floyd McKay Aerofier Co. skinned basepath between second and third bases lies just with- P.O. Box 191 • Dunn, NC 28335 in the football field. The grassed baseball outfield then (910) 892-7806 • (910) 892-4443 fax becomes the rest of the football-soccer field. ~e pile of granite rock below the field creates a unique field maintenance situation for Trivett. "We granite when we continued on page 33

30 Circle 116 on Postage Free Card