Home | Philosophy | Course Pictures | Specialties and Experience

Thoughts on Going Green

Being environmentally conscious is becoming a priority in the world we live in. This especially holds true for the turfgrass industry.

• Use of Organic Based Fertilizers
• Conscious Selection of Herbicides & Fungicides
• Increased Equipment Efficiency
• Better Water Management Practices

Technology is at the forefront of making the turf industry greener. Through science and information-sharing among superintendents we are finding safer and more economical means to accomplish a task.

A simple conversation with retired superintendents is a good reminder of the strides made over the last twenty years when it comes to fungicides and insecticides. They came into the business using products based with DDT, lead, and mercury. In contrast, my current program consists of products like molasses, seaweed, and ground fish to help keep the turf healthy and looking great. In fact, some products I currently use are even allowed to be sprayed near or directly onto bodies of water.

Going Green in My Turfgrass Management Practices

Currently, most of my fertilizer is a recycled chicken by-product refined by Perdue Agricycle, LLC. and distributed by Davisson Golf, Inc. Innovative thinking turned this waste product into a recycled material that can meet turfgrass and agricultural industries needs. By using organic fertilizers I'm essentially putting organic matter back into the soil profile. This also keeps the microbial population thriving under the daily stresses present on the course.

I am also a major advocate of turfgrass cultural practices to help reduce my use of chemicals, fertilizer, labor, etc.

Such practices include:

• Bi-Weekly Spiking of Greens
• Verticutting (removing thatch or dead plant material) Three Times a Year
• Light and Frequent Topdressing to Reduce Thatch Buildup

Saving Water

When it comes to irrigation systems, I am lucky to have wireless ability spanning all 36 golf holes and the ability to change the watering time of each individual head. This allows me to give the turf what it needs without wasting water. I also have hose hookups (snap couplers) on each tee, green, and fairway. My conservative approach to water use allows me to keep my courses green while only using half of my legally allotted rate per day (even in the heat of summer!)

When 'Going Green' Means Leaving the Grass Alone

I have also created many environmental (no mow) areas with fine fescues, Scottish Links Mix, or have let the native grasses and plants take over. This allows for many benefits:

1. Labor savings
2. A more aesthetically pleasing appearance
3. Natural wildlife habitat
4. Buffer zones to slow down erosion and or pesticide/ fertilizer runoff.