an official publication of the colorado...

M A N A G E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

C O LO R A D O

SPORTS TURFSPORTS TURFSPORTS TURF

Feature Article...MANAGING SOIL TILTH FOR

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THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HALF-TIMEAN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE COLORADO SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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WINTER 2015

Are Your Bases Covered?Your Head Groundskeeper and crew need to negotiate rigorous – and often unpredictable – issues regarding the playing surface at your stadium.

That’s where the Sports Turf Managers Association comes in. STMA members are expertly equipped to deal with these issues and are up-to-date on all the latest information in the industry. Their expertise in resource utilization, operations management, and agronomics allow you to protect your players on the field and reduce your expenses while doing it.

Support your grounds crew’s STMA membership for access to the latest information, education, and industry developments. For over 30 years, STMA members have ensured their fields are among the safest, most playable and most beautiful around.

Are your bases covered? Is there an STMA member on your grounds crew?

To become a member, go online to www.stma.org or call 800-323-3875.

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WINTER 2015 • THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HALFTIME 1

PresidentDave RaduegColumbine Equestrian Center6900 S. Platte Canyon RoadLittleton, CO 80128Phone: 303-859-3245Email: [email protected]

Past PresidentDrew BarberTown of EriePO Box 750Erie, Co 80516Phone: 303-926-2890Email: [email protected]

Vice President Cody WithamDicks Sporting Goods Park6000 Victory WayCommerce City, CO 80022Phone: 720-363-9577Email: [email protected]

Commercial Officer Amy GraffGreenone Industries2667 Bitterroot PlaceHighlands Ranch, CO 80129Phone: 303-518-8999Email: [email protected]

Commercial Office ElectBen BoehmeGolf Enviro SystemsPO Box 49039Colorado Springs, CO 80949Phone: 419-773-9619Email: [email protected]

Executive DirectorDrew BarberTown Of EriePo Box 750Erie, Co 80516Phone: 303-926-2890E-Mail: [email protected]

DIRECTORS

Debra ErwinCity Of Rock Springs1301 Clubhouse DrRock Springs, Wy 82901Phone: 307-352-1411Fax: 307-352-1516Email: [email protected]

Ryan JensenCity and County of Broomfield3001 W. 124th AvenueBroomfield, CO 80020Phone: 303-464-5687Email: [email protected]

Sun RoessleinNorth Area Athletic Complex19500 W 64th PkwyGolden, CO 80403Phone: 303-215-3428Fax: 303-215-3429Email: [email protected]

Paul SelchertS. Suburban Parks & Rec5500 Boatworks DriveLittleton, Co 80126Phone: 303-795-9856Fax: 303-347-6963Email: [email protected]

Steve ShoultzDouglas County Parks and Trails9651 S. Quebec StreetLittleton, CO 80130Phone: 720-933-0452Email: [email protected]

CSTMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WINTER 2015

The Rocky Mountain Half-Time is published quarterly by the

Colorado Sports Turf Managers Association

www.CSTMA.org

191 University Blvd., #703Denver, CO 80206Fax: 720-536-8021

Editor - Cody WithamE-mail: [email protected] M A N A G E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

C O LO R A D O


President’s Message . . . . . . 2

CSTMA Photo Quiz . . . . . . . 3

Thank You Christi Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Managing Soil Tilth forIrrigation Efficiency . . . . . . 6

What is “Winter Kill?” . . . . 10

VOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Member ProfileJeff Mayberry . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Snow Removal . . . . . . . . . . 14

STMA EnvironmentalFacility CertificationProgram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Member ProfilePaul Anderson . . . . . . . . . . 22

CSTMA Awards Program . 23

The Social Media Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2 THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HALFTIME • WINTER 2015

President’s MessageDave Radueg, Columbine Equestrian CenterPresident CSTMA Chapter

A s the temperatures are falling, some of us are welcoming dormancy

and putting everything to bed while others are hanging on to every ray of sunshine and hoping that the next big snow doesn’t fall until after the cham-pionship game, tournament, or community event to be held on their fields.

In Colorado, turf managers always get asked the question “What do you do in the win-ter?” We all know that the work never ends, but those who ask this question often don’t re-alize the care that turf needs during dormancy or the larger scope of a turf manager’s du-ties that continue beyond the playing field. When I am asked this question, I often answer that we use the winter to make improvements so when the next growing season arrives we are more efficient, better prepared, and ready to handle anything that the new year may bring. In

order to stay at the top of your game, you need to take time during the off-season to get better and improve. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities that winter provides. Plan on attending events like STMA in San Diego and local events like the RMRTA Con-ference and Trade Show and the Pro Green Expo. They have a wide selection of industry experts and educational oppor-tunities. Go to these events with the agenda of improving your facility and getting questions answered about a specific proj-ect you are planning. Also, give yourself a “self review” to find any areas in your job where you would like to improve.

When you attend these events with specifics in mind, you will have more direction as to which educational sessions will be most valuable and which trade show vendors can offer you the

most helpful information. Go beyond the typical meet and greet conversations with oth-er attendees and dive into the specific improvement areas that you have pinpointed so that you can get perspectives from your peers. It is easy to go through the motions of a conference and trade show, but if you make an effort you can make the most of these opportunities to improve.

CSTMA can also help with specific areas where you want to improve. Please go to our web-site to see the scholarship op-portunities that we have avail-able to help with continuing education. CSTMA is not just here for our annual events. We want to help everyone improve as much as possible, so please contact your CSTMA board of directors. If we don’t have the answers then we can help find a member who does.


Gary Russell Turf Seed Sales [email protected]

Bringing 38 years of sports turf management

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Don Hijar Owner

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If you would like to submit a photograph for the Photo Quiz please send it to CSTMA, 91 University Blvd. #703, Denver, CO 80206 • call 720-935-3840 or email [email protected].

If your photograph is selected, you will receive full credit. All photos submitted will become property of Colorado Sports Turf Managers Association.

CSTMA PHOTO QUIZCan you identify this sports turf problem?

Problem: Discolored grass

Turfgrass area: Driving Range

Location: White Mountain Golf Course, Rock Springs, Wyoming

Grass Variety: Blue/Rye Mix

SEE ANSWER ON PAGE 20.


After years of service to the Col-orado Sports Turf Managers Association, Christi Clay will

be stepping down as the Executive Director of our association. Since 2006 Christi has been an integral part to the growth and development of the Colorado Chapter. Her solid foun-dation of knowledge and experience has been a consistent force behind the efforts of our entire membership, and especially those of the past and cur-rent board members. The 2015 Board of Directors would like to thank Christi, and we wish her well. Please join us in doing the same.

“Someone who always greets you with a smile and tackles any job with that same smile and upbeat attitude. Someone that just ‘owns’ our meetings and events with setup and coordi-nation - and just makes it incredibly simple for the commercial members to participate. (And making it simple was a key factor in us upgrading our membership level). Just saying Thanks seems so little for someone who has done so much for all these years. So THANK YOU Christi from all of us at Newstripe and we wish you All The Best!” Ray Krebs - Newstripe

“I’d like to thank Christi for all of her hard work and dedication that has made CSTMA what it is today, she will be missed.”

Steve Shoultz – Douglas County Parks

“It’s been such a pleasure working with Christi for however many years she’s been the Executive director. She was always on top of every little detail in preparation for all meeting events. I remember emailing her a couple times late at night (10:00pm) with a question or comment, and was surprised to get a reply back within minutes – once was a Friday night! Christi was always positive and will-ing to do what it took to help make an event as productive as possible for us suppliers. The Colorado Sports Turf is lucky have her and she will be missed in this role.”

Dan Melchior – LL Johnson

“It was an absolute pleasure working with Christi through my two years on the board. She was very professional and helpful in educating me on what to expect and what the board will ex-pect from me. Thank you Christi for your years of service and becoming a lifelong friend.”

Deb Erwin – City of Rock Springs, WY

“I have nothing but praise and admi-ration for her. I cherish all the help and insight she was able to lend to the CSTMA. She took on a position of great responsibility and did it above reproach. For this, I want to thank her for all her years of service to the CSTMA, and for being a champion of the organization. Christi, you will be missed.”

Rob Walls – City of Westminster

“It has been a pleasure to work side-by-side with Christi during my first year on the board. She will be missed, but I know she will continue her sup-port as a member of CSTMA. Thank you Christi!”

Ben Boehme - Golf Enviro Systems, Inc.

“Christi’s dedication to the success and top notch functionality of CSTMA will be greatly missed. Say-ing thank you simply isn’t enough to someone who knew no limits when it came to making sure all matters of this association were handled.”

Amy Graff – GreenOne Industries

“Christi Clay has been a key player in the sustaining success of CSTMA. Her warm professionalism has been ap-

preciated. She is the type of individual that makes this industry great!”

James Graff - Graff ’s Turf

“I just wanted to say thank you for having a passion for this organization. As a Past President I know the hard work and dedication that you put forward often went unnoticed. I also want to thank you for being a leader among an ever changing Board and being the rock we all looked towards for guidance. Going forward I wish you all the best and hopefully your hard work and dedication will benefit you in your next adventure. Thank You!”

Chuck Klafka

“Christi’s dedication to CSTMA will be greatly missed. Her passion for the industry and the people she has worked with over her tenure on the Board has been invaluable to the organization. Thank you, Christi, for everything you have put in to CSTMA to make it successful.”

Sun Rosesslein

Thank You Christi Clay


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When reading an article or attending a seminar re-lating to turfgrass irriga-

tion, you notice that they all seem to focus on these key factors:

• Smart controllers• Efficient sprinklers• Drip irrigation• Reclaimed water

It is no secret that landscape irriga-tion has become a target for those tasked with seeking a solution to ever worsening water supply issues in the U.S. After all, the purpose of irrigating non-food crops isn’t essential. It instead provides us with a higher quality of everyday life; the true definition of a first world problem. Irrigation manufacturers have responded worldwide by cre-ating and developing amazing water delivery methods and incorporating the latest in electronics technology to irrigation controllers. These ef-forts have ensured that the irrigation components themselves are work-ing to help minimize waste. But a problem still exists that tends to be overlooked more often than not.

Soils play the most important role in how a plant grows and develops. It is the media in which all nutrients and water are stored. The home of the roots; where macro and micro pores form seemingly infinite pathways to navigate in search of life sustaining elements. Symbiotic relationships flourish down here between micro-organisms and plants. At least, that’s what supposed to be happening.

So why then are irrigation manage-ment programs increasingly mov-ing higher on the priority list than those of soils? The answer is simple. Irrigation is blamed as the greatest

cause of waste because of its visibil-ity. Entities and owners are forced to show corrective action. Expen-sive water saving equipment makes the program look good. They have invested in products to maximize water conservation and are doing their part to minimize waste.

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

This isn’t a bad thing. Water de-mands are increasing, and that isn’t going to change. Conserving water is important and an investment in efficient irrigation products is a great starting point to reach this goal. However, there is more we can do to ensure that we are maxi-mizing these products to their full potential. Our ferocious appetite for lush landscapes and expansive sport field complexes hasn’t dimin-ished. A recent study by Dr. Cris-tina Milesi show that turfgrass has surpassed corn and soybeans as the single largest irrigated crop in the U.S. “Even conservatively,” Mile-si says, “I estimate there are three times more acres of lawns in the U.S. than irrigated corn.” And unlike agriculturally farmed food plots which are plowed and tilled each season, it may be decades before a field of turfgrass can be renovated and re-established. This fact alone should make the importance of establishing a solid soil management program a number one priority.

As a municipal irrigation manager I go through the daily struggle of try-ing to ensure that the grass is green while also being safe and stable enough for play and maintenance activities. The decisions I make while creating an irrigation schedule affect everyone, from mowing and

field prep crews, to the players and user groups. It is my goal to achieve all of this while also being conscious of conservation efforts. Not an easy job to begin with, but add to that the frustration of trying to distribute water evenly over poorly maintained soils and grey hair soon follows.

VARIATIONS IN SOIL TYPES

The problem is more evident on fields with native soils as they account for the majority of playing surfaces encountered. The ability of water to move freely through clay is already restricted by small pore space. Maintenance activities and daily usage limit this further by compacting small soil particles together. At this stage soils become so tightly bound they actually begin to repel water. Root depths decrease as sprinkler run times increase in an attempt to maintain soil moisture levels. Most of this extra water is lost to evaporation and run-off, but once a compacted soil becomes saturated the amount of time needed for it to dry greatly increases. This can lead to cancelled or delayed games and inhibit maintenance operations.

Sand based fields have better perco-lation rates and larger pore spaces provide better air exchange. Howev-er, a sandy soil is still susceptible to hydrophobic symptoms. This typ-ically stems from an abundance of thatch rather than from compaction. A perched water table can form upon a layer of matted organic mat-ter causing roots to grow on the sur-face rather than into the soil. Once formed, this thatch layer can be detrimental to a field as water and nutrients are prevented from pene-trating into the soil. Again, sprinkler

Managing Soil Tilth for Irrigation Efficiency

Mr. Caleb Davis, CLIA


run times are increased in a vain attempt to salvage the soil moisture content. Evaporation claims much of this water, and localized dry spots persist.

REMEDY THE PROBLEM

So what can be done to ensure both water and air reach the root zone and move freely in the soil? In the book Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management Professor Nick Chris-tian writes that “Core aerification is one of the most effective of the cultivation practices to reduce both thatch and compaction.” (193). It has many other benefits including increasing 02 availability and im-proving vertical H2O movement. This must be repeated several times throughout the growing season in order to be effective. A little extra ef-fort to drag in, mow or vacuum the cores prevents significant downtime for the field. Pull some soil samples; measure thatch layers and compac-tion density. See if the soil can bene-fit from the addition of organic mat-ter. When followed up in the spring by a top dressing application that


includes high quality organic com-post, microbial activity blossoms as soil temperatures rise. In a sandy soil, these friendly soil microbes eat away at thick thatch layers. And in clay soils, these same microbes help to bind together tiny soil particles forming larger pore spaces. Water percolation rates begin to increase and moisture and oxygen become more readily available.

The equipment needed to im-plement a cultivation program is typically already in place. It becomes a matter of making it a priority and allocating staff hours appropriately. Make sure equipment is put away ready for the next use to limit down

time. Results from a properly man-aged cultivation program are almost immediate. Keep solid documenta-tion of annual results for compari-son. Our organization has seen great success from increased frequency of core aerification and a significant decrease of fungal outbreaks and disease.

In heavily thatched stands of turf-grass, the addition of a surfactant application in the spring may be necessary to help break surface tension. This is also true for fields irrigated with reclaimed water. Excess amounts of sodium cause water to bind to broken down soil particles, but wetting agents can aid in breaking this hydrogen bond making water more readily available to plants.

SCHEDULE IRRIGATION EFFECTIVELY

Selecting an appropriate irrigation schedule is crucial to avoid com-pounding the issue. Many fields see maintenance, play and practice throughout most of the day, so mak-ing sure to maximize the off hours is important. Start with an every other day program. This provides shorter

overall run times that satisfy a small water window and finish well before scheduled activities begin. Chanc-es are the soils were compacted to begin with, so shallow roots may already exist. Watering everyday actually promotes shallow roots and disease, so stay away from this type of schedule. Calculate run times based on pre-cipitation rates and utilize historic ET values for your region. Peak season water requirements can be as high as 1.75” per week, so create a program based on these parameters. Depending on the type of controller utilized, seasonal adjustments can

be performed manually or automat-ically. Incorporate multiple cycle/soak periods to avoid runoff. After adjusting the irrigation program-ming, monitor conditions daily for a few weeks. Get out of the truck and physically walk the surface. Fine tune the program as needed until the irrigation system begins working for you.

AND THEN SOME

Stay consistent with your efforts and never allow excuses to get in the way. Remember, the goal is to improve soil porosity and allow the field to breathe. Eventually roots will respond and begin to grow deeper into the soil. Over time, decrease the irrigation schedule frequency to ev-ery third day. A little hard work up front will pay dividends for you in the future. Not to mention, George Toma would be proud of you.

By pushing yourself to achieve re-sults, maximum water conservation can be attained while simultaneous-ly improving the look and playabili-ty of the field. It’s a win-win for both turfgrass and irrigation managers.

FROM THE CSTMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS


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We hear the term often, but what does it really mean, especially in the

Rocky Mountain west? The immedi-ate assumption is grass dying from cold temperatures, but that is rarely the case, even in our high mountain zones. Maybe when we get a severe early cold snap, before the plant hardens off sufficiently, or maybe af-ter a late winter warm spell followed by frigid temperatures. In my opin-ion, what generally stresses and kills most of winter-lost grass in Colo-rado is desiccation. Grass drying out. But there can be other issues and causes involved with grass loss over the winter that impacts some management decisions.

What we call “Winter Kill” is a generalized term usually describing one or more of four causes to grass death during the winter months: Desiccation (drying out), ice dam-age, direct cold temperature injury and crown hydration damage.

Don’t get the idea that snow-cover is bad for turfgrass. Quite the con-trary, it will help prevent drying out or desiccation. It will also moderate temperature extremes and help the plant enter winter dormancy. Out in the drier west, we call it slow-release water. It keeps the dry winter winds off the turf. A winter-dormant grass loves snow cover, to an extent, but long periods of snow cover can create the ideal conditions for snow molds. And it’s when the prolonged snow cover begins to ‘glaciate’ and turn to ice that we get concerned, as this layer seals off the turf from gas-

eous exchange which can be lethal to the plant.

There are many variables in ice-damaged turf and crown hy-dration damage. Crown hydration damage can happen after warm winter weather is followed by a cold snap. The warm weather may cause the plant crown to get more hydrat-ed. Then the cold temperatures can form ice on the inside or outside of the crown, or both. This can rupture and kill the critical crown of the plant, causing death or injury. The best defense against ice damage is good surface drainage and grading. Once the soil freezes, there is little to no internal drainage (infiltration and percolation). And this is why ice damage can be most severe in low-lying or poorly drained areas of turfgrass.

Ultimately, each field manager needs a strategy to account for their own situation in terms of climate, budget and field quality expecta-tions. If you use non-permeable covers, make sure to tuck the edges well to prevent water sneaking under the cover. You will also need to vent the grass under the field periodically by blowing air under the cover to prevent a deadly lack of oxygen, or anoxia for the turf. Perennial ryegrass and annual blue-grass are especially susceptible.

One thing that everyone does agree on is that establishing good surface and internal drainage is critical in combating winter ice damage on turfgrass. The damage typically

happens in the later winter when freeze-thaw cycles puddle water around the crown of the plant while the soil may still be frozen, at least partially. So good surface drainage helps here. Generally, 40 days of continuous ice cover is going to be-gin to get bad. If it goes anaerobic, smelling of rotten gas, you know it’s in trouble. The ice damage to the plant crowns generally occurs in the latter parts of winter when the grass may begin slow spring growth and the freeze thaw cycles happen more frequently.

One idea in managing winter kill is monitoring your turf, taking a few plugs out with some soil as condi-tions warrant all winter long. Bring them inside under a warm light or sunny window, see what grows out and evaluate the recuperative ability of the field at any stage of the winter.

In Colorado, desiccation can be minimized by winter irrigation on the turfgrass when possible. It doesn’t take a lot, but if you can get out with some irrigation during the inevitable warm/dry spells when the ground thaws, do it. In certain cas-es, it may even be worth firing up irrigation systems and immediately blowing them back out after you are done in severely dry winters, real-izing this may not be practical in some situations. Freeze breaks are generally less expensive than large areas of turf lost on your field.

We often winterize irrigation sys-tems too early, out of convenience,

What is “Winter Kill?” Ross Kurcab, CSFM


or one early frost. Then a late fall warm/dry spell hits and we are already in trouble. A good defense is to go into your winter with adequate soil moisture to start. Irrigate deeply before winterizing the irrigation system.

Winter kill and winter stresses can creep up on sports field managers when their guard is down during the winter months — when we may not regularly inspect our turf. Some years, it is not an issue. We get a good even distribution of natural precipitation. Some years, it can be brutal. It’s important to remember that your turf is not in suspended animation all winter, it has just slowed down quite a bit. So your turfgrass inspections do not need to be daily in the winter, but they do need to be a regular part of your winter.

Photos courtesy Ross Kurcab.

Don’t forget to vote for 2016 CSTMA Board of Director candidates starting November 16th- November 25th from the “Member Section” of the CSTMA.org website. You will receive an instructional email in the next week with a walk-thru of the login and voting process.

OTE


JeffMayberry

OwnerJMI Turf LLC

Where are you from and how did you end up where you are today?I’m a 3rd generation native of Colorado, I grew up in unincorpo-rated Adams County. My mother’s families were veggie farmers and father’s families were dairy ranch-ers. Working the farms and learn-ing to run a tractor from the age of 12, was something I enjoyed and was fortunate to use these skills in my business. I have been in the turf industry since 1979, partners with my father Ray as a sod distrib-utor and installation crew until he passed in 1987 and I’m still in the turf industry today.

What attracted you to the Sports Turf Profession?A friend in the industry referred us to Mile High Stadium; Steve Wight-man hired us in 1987 to help install the sod from the Baseball config-

uration to all turf for football. He hired is back in 1988 and I start-ed JMI Turf that same season. In 1990 Tom Lujan hired us full time to help the City of Denver for it’s renovations of Mile High Stadium until 1999. I was hooked.

What types of fields to you care for?For 27 years I was on the construc-tion side of the turf industry, sod and installation as a subcontractor, small contractor for turf renovation on athletic field and golf courses. For the last 8 years I have been a manufacturer’s rep and dealer for turf care equipment and products.

What do you enjoy the most about the Sports Turf Industry?To be a part of the process of building a field, to the growing in of the turf, and to see your finished product being used for kids from

little league sports all the way to professional athletes. The feeling is incredible However; THE BEST THING ABOUT THE TURF INDUSTRY IS THE PEOPLE!!.

What do you enjoy the least about the Sports Turf Industry?Being a sod guy, natural turf guy, I’m not the biggest fan of the syn-thetic turf

What is something you’ve learned working in Sports Turf that you would like to share with others? Working together makes the job easier. There are a lot of very smart people in this industry don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask a colleague for help or advice, my experience in the turf industry is that people don’t mind helping…never stop learning!

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Snow can often be an issue on fields that are used late into the playing season. Early season

snow storms are also a consider-ation in northern climates. As a sports turf manager, it is your job to ensure the field is clear of snow and ready for play. When planning snow removal, consider the following variables: • How much snow is predicted? • How much snow has accumulat-

ed? • What type of snow is it - wet and

heavy or light and powdery? • How soon does the turfgrass sur-

face need to be used? • What does the client want? • What do field users need? • What are space limitations of the

field area – are there open areas to push the snow or is it a small, confined area that the snow must be removed from the site?

• What time of year is it – is the ground frozen to support snow removal equipment?

• Will daytime high temperatures allow for any melting?

Knowing the answers to these ques-tions can help put a plan in place to prevent field damage and ensure snow removal is an efficient process. The following provides recommen-dations for effective snow removal from natural grass and synthetic surfaces to keep fields safe and ready for play.

Natural Turfgrass Fields Time of year and temperatures have a significant effect on the turfgrass plants and soil environment. In the fall, the ground may not yet be frozen solid. Removing snow accu-

mulations from unfrozen ground can cause substantial damage to an athletic field. If the turfgrass plants have had the opportunity to harden off, soils have frozen, and tempera-tures have gradually dropped, there is less chance for field damage from snow removal.

If a field is not being used through-out the winter months, a dense blanket of snow is the ideal scenar-io to ensure turfgrass survival by protecting the crowns from frigid temperatures. If the area is not af-fected by ice, allow nature to take its course with respect to snow cover. To assist with snow melt, clearing a path or channel along the perimeter of the field allows water from melt-ing snow to flow off of the surface. If fields have been under snow cover for an extended period, once snow melts, turfgrass managers may notice snow mold development. Depending on field history and if the field must be in game-ready

condition in early spring, turfgrass areas will benefit from fungicide applications prior to snow events. In conditions favorable for snow mold development, unprotected turf can suffer from severe damage com-pared to turf protected with effec-tive fungicides. Consult your local extension office or area sports turf consultants regarding fungicides suitable for your location and this disease.

The turfgrass area may face signifi-cant problems if the turfgrass plants are sealed beneath a layer of ice. Snow cover over ice-affected turf-grass can increase the potential for ice suffocation. Anaerobic condi-tions can develop and the lack of oxygen can kill turf. More extensive damage is likely if ice impacts the surface before turfgrass plants have had a chance to harden, the ground has not frozen, and the temperature plummets. The following strategies are effective when dealing with ice

Snow Removal Prepared by STMA

Photo courtesy of Brad Fresenburg, Ph.D.


on fields: • Remove snow from fields that

have six or more weeks of unin-terrupted ice cover. Snow can be removed from the surface using a shovel or a snow blower. Make sure the setting on the snow blow-er is high enough that it does not scrape the turfgrass surface.

• Apply a darkening agent to the surface to assist with ice melt and help vent the area of anaerobic gas accumulations. Darkening agents can include colored sand, com-post, humates, or dark-colored organic fertilizer products, such as Milorganite. Black turf paint or green turf dyes can also be used to melt snow and ice. Inert products are the most desirable. Avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers that are high in nitrogen and/or phos-phorus as they can impair water quality.

• Break up the ice using the shallow setting on an aerifier or by driving a tractor or mower over the sur-face. Remove the ice using hand shovels or allow it to melt.

If the field is being used for athletic events, snow clearing operations should begin immediately so the field is safe and ready for play. The following methods can be imple-mented to efficiently remove snow accumulations: • If possible, tarp the field when

snow is forecasted. Snow remov-al will be easier with a tarp and there is reduced chance of turf-grass plant damage from clearing operations.

• Remove snow early in the morn-ing or on cloudy days when the snow is cold and firm. Snow will be lighter and can be blown away more easily. Mechanical injury is also less likely to occur to the field and turfgrass plants.

• If dealing with dry snow, blowers

attached to a tractor or work vehi-cle can be used to blow off lower accumulations. This should not cause any damage to the turfgrass plants.

• When heavy accumulations are predicted, try not to allow more than 2-4 inches to accumulate on the surface at a time. If possible, remove snow throughout the storm. Begin clearing operations as soon as there is an inch of ac-cumulation and continue removal throughout the storm.

• Snow can be mechanically re-moved using walk behind snow blowers or a plow with a piece of PVC pipe fitted over the blade. Do not mechanically remove snow down to grass level. Allow ¼-1/2 inch of snow to remain on the surface. The last ¼-1/2 inch protects against damage to the turfgrass surface and/or tarp. The remaining layer can be melted by the sun, removed using hand shovels, or melted with a darken-ing agent.

• When removing accumulations over 1 foot, use tractor mounted removal methods such as a plow, front-end loader, or snow blow-er. Remove down to about 10-12

inches. Remove the remaining 10-12 inches of snow using walk be-hind snow blowers or a plow. Set the snow blower or plow so ¼-1/2 inch of snow remains on the surface. Hand shovels, darkening agents, or the sun can remove the remaining ¼-1/2 inch layer.

• In small, confined areas, the snow may need to be loaded in a truck and hauled away. Otherwise, the snow can be piled outside of the sidelines.

• If ice is present on the turfgrass surface, it can be broken up using the shallow setting on an aerifier or by driving a tractor or mower over the surface. Snow Removal 3 Your Resource for Safer Fields

• Apply a darkening agent to the surface to assist with snow or ice melt. Darkening agents can include colored sand, compost, humates, or dark-colored organic fertilizer products, such as Milor-ganite. Black turf paint or green turf dyes can also be used to melt snow and ice. Inert products are the most desirable. Avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers that are high in nitrogen and/or phos-phorus as they can impair water quality.

Photo courtesy of Brad Fresenburg, Ph.D.


• To prevent melted snow from refreezing, use rollers and squee-gees to eliminate puddles on the surface.

Synthetic Turf Fields

Be sure to check with the synthetic turf manufacturer before plowing snow from the field. Plowing can wear fibers on the surface and may void the warranty of the field. If snow is in the forecast, tarp the field if possible. Snow removal will be easier with a tarp and there is less chance of damage to the synthetic surface.

Snow can be removed from a syn-thetic field as soon as it starts to fall. Try not to allow more than 2-4 inch-es to accumulate on the field. When high accumulations are predicted, remove snow throughout the storm as soon as there is an inch of accu-mulation. Methods for snow remov-al include the following: • If dealing with dry snow, blowers

attached to a tractor or work vehi-cle can be used to blow off lower accumulations.

• If dealing with wet snow, plows attached to work vehicles can be used to remove snow. Do not use a metal tipped plow. Instead, use a plow with a rubber tip, or fit PVC pipe over the plow blade edge.

• When removing accumulations over 1 foot, use tractor mounted removal methods such as a plow, front-end loader, or snow blow-er. Remove down to about 10-12 inches. Remove the remaining 10-12 inches of snow using walk behind snow blowers or a plow. Set the snow blower or plow so ¼-1/2 inch of snow remains on the surface. The goal is to leave ¼-1/2 inch of snow on the sur-face. Do not scrape the surface clean, especially if the field is not

tarped. Scraping the surface clean may result in removal of crumb rubber and fraying of the synthet-ic turf fibers.

• By leaving ¼-1/2 inch of snow on the surface, managers do not need to be concerned with plowing against the seams. To further pre-vent damaging the seams, never plow at more than 10 mph and take your time so the plow does not bounce.

• The last ¼-½ inch of snow can be removed using black crumb rub-ber or the sun. Ice melt and deicer have been used in the past to melt snow, however, ice melt can cause skin irritation to athletes and deicer can turn into a sticky substance when it mixes with the turf. Therefore, use of ice melt and deicer should be avoided. Black crumb rubber is the preferred method because it is safe for athletes and reincorporates into the synthetic system. Allowing the field to sit in the sun for 20- 30 minutes after clearing operations can also melt the last of the snow. Running a field groomer over the last bit of snow can assist in dissolving it.

• Ice presents an issue for synthetic fields because water can freeze both in and on the field. When melting snow, there is always the possibility it may refreeze as ice. Driving a tractor or mower over the surface may be effective at breaking the ice up. The sun and black crumb rubber can be uti-lized to melt the ice and try to dry the field out. If time and money allow, a tarp can be used to cover the field and heaters can be used to blow hot air under the tarps and dry the field out. This meth-od was utilized at University of Minnesota. Four heaters supply-ing 2 million BTUs each heated the fields beneath tarps. The

heaters melted the ice and dried the remaining snow to leave the field softer and more playable. The heated tarps also kept additional snow from accumulating prior to game time.

Time and labor may provide an ob-stacle for many turf managers when it comes to snow removal. Enlisting volunteers to help remove the snow may be an option. For example, athletic teams may be willing to help remove snow. In 2010, the Maryland Baseball Team helped remove 4 feet of snow from Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium and Shipley Field so they could continue practices outdoors. Another option may be to outsource snow removal operations. There are many commercial companies that can be used to remove snow.

Be Prepared

As a sports turf manager it is im-portant to always be prepared. Have a snow removal plan in place before bad weather hits. Pay attention to weather forecasts and prepare your crew and your field for snow events. Having a plan in place will help you maintain professionalism and communicate needs and expecta-tions to users, coaches, media, and the public.

References: Contributions by STMA Information Outreach Committee Photos provided by Brad Fresenburg, Ph.D. David Minner, Ph.D. – Let it Snow – SportsTurf February 2011 Steve LeGros – Snow Removal from Synthetic In-filled Systems - http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/research/snow-removal

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ANSWER TO CSTMA PHOTO QUIZ - PAGE 3

Maintained at 2.5” and mowed twice a week, the growth rate on this driving range was becoming too rapid for proper maintenance. Therefore, it was treated with a growth regulator as a means to slow the growth and reduce mowing frequency. The product used was eight years old and it is assumed that the age of the product is the cause of the damaged turf. Shortly after the damage was noticeable, it was aerated and has slowing begun to recover in the past two months. Photo submitted by Deb Erwin

If you have any interesting photos and would like to submit them for the next newsletter, please contact us at [email protected].

STMA Environmental Facility Certification Program

The Environmental Facility Certification program was designed to promote environmental stewardship and awareness for STMA members by documenting the impacts of their management practices on the environment. The program has four components:

1. Self Assessment tool - Gathers information on 10 different Best Practice areas. These areas include storm water management, fertilization, pesticide/integrated pest management, recycling, composting, mowing, energy conservation, shop buildings and storage areas, irrigation, and educational outreach.

2. Attesting - One very important component of this certification process is to have another person validate your responses by doing a walk-through of your facility with you. STMA will provide the attester form and instructions.

3. Certification - For a facility to achieve certification, it must achieve a score of “complying”; the Environmental Committee is still working on determining what that “score” is. Once achieved, the facility will be certified for a certain number of years, and certification stays with the facility even if the sports field manager changes.

4. Renewal Process -- STMA Environmental Committee is still formulating this process.

STMA is piloting this program on a broad scale this year. If you are interested in participating in the pilot, please contact Kim Heck, [email protected]. The information submitted by pilot testers will be considered an official application for environmental certifica-tion. If your facility qualifies by meeting the yet-to-be-determined percent of Complying and the attesting component noted above, environmental certification will be awarded from your pilot process when this program is officially rolled out in 2016.


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Where are you from and how did you end up where you are today?My wife and I are from Ft. Collins but moved to WI 32 years ago. About 22 years ago I started my career in the turf industry after starting a small landscape mainte-nance company, then moved into wholesale sales.

What attracted you to the Sports Turf Profession?My daughter’s high school need-ed a face lift and I offered to help. That was 17 years ago.

What types of fields to you care for?I would like to consider myself more of a consultant with sod and seed to sell. When I am on-site

I look at the whole picture and offer help to support and develop healthy fields. I believe in being involved in the complete process and being a part of the team. Safe and healthy fields, parks and ac-cess to all turf.

What do you enjoy the most about the Sports Turf Industry?I enjoy the people. You get to learn as well as teach. Seeing visions come true through team-work.

What do you enjoy the least about the Sports Turf Industry?There isn’t much I don’t like about our industry. I guess it’s the lack of money available to keep the fields safe and playable. We build playing surfaces for the growing

population and interests but have a lack of funds for keeping them up to original standards.

What is something you’ve learned working in Sports Turf that you would like to share with others? There are a couple of things and I’m sure they sound cliché. Grow-ing turf and keeping it safe and playable is a journey, not a quick fix. The second is, there are no silly questions. That’s how we all learn.

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CSTMA Awards ProgramsThank you for the submissions that have been received for Rocky

Mountain Sports Turf Manager of the Year and Rocky Moun-tain Sports Field of the Year. It shows the level of professional-

ism of the members of this organization, simply amazing.

The Board of Director’s Awards Committee is currently reviewing the submission packets for both awards and

will be contacting nominees in the next several weeks concerning the results.

Thank you for your effort, your dedication to providing safe and aesthetic sports surfaces, and

your commitment to this organization.


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We want to provide more avenues for our members to

stay connected. CSTMA members can use social media for networking, sharing experiences with our peers and opening discussions about sports turf management. Please join us in our goal to keep all of our members as connected and informed as possible.

Like us on Facebook! Go to www.facebook.com/CSTMA and “like” our page to begin seeing our posts on your Facebook newsfeed. We will be posting information about upcoming events as well as photos from each event held. Feel free to post your own photos of your fields or your ongoing projects. We would love to see what you’re working on!

Follow us on Twitter @CSTMA_turf. On Twitter we can connect with turf industry professionals locally, nationally and internationally! Follow us to see our tweets on your timeline. We will tweet information about upcoming events, photos and re-tweets of turf related topics.

Join our LinkedIn discussion group “Colorado Sports Turf managers Association”. LinkedIn provides a great discussion forum to help you get information from other turf managers.

Members of our social media groups will be entered to win prizes at our CSTMA events!

The Social Media Connection

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Are Your Bases Covered?Your Head Groundskeeper and crew need to negotiate rigorous – and often unpredictable – issues regarding the playing surface at your stadium.

That’s where the Sports Turf Managers Association comes in. STMA members are expertly equipped to deal with these issues and are up-to-date on all the latest information in the industry. Their expertise in resource utilization, operations management, and agronomics allow you to protect your players on the field and reduce your expenses while doing it.

Support your grounds crew’s STMA membership for access to the latest information, education, and industry developments. For over 30 years, STMA members have ensured their fields are among the safest, most playable and most beautiful around.

Are your bases covered? Is there an STMA member on your grounds crew?

To become a member, go online to www.stma.org or call 800-323-3875.

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