Stress Time: Soil Test To Focus On The Weakest Link

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Jerad Minnick

Summer stress for natural grass surfaces is on. Its known as the “90 Days of Hell” in the transition zone and cool season climates. Some of our clients are reporting stress.. and social media abounds with stressed grass and stressed turfgrass managers.

Currently for clients that are seeing any kind of stress or lack of growth, we are sharing 1 simple message to our clients: Soil Test Immediately.

WHY?

Liebig’s Law Of The Minimum

“The availability of the most abundant nutrient in the soil is only as good as the availability of the least abundant nutrient in the soil.”

Soil testing is something that seems so simple and so trivial. Previously we have done it and/or recommended it 1-2 times per year, but with no plan on why or when. Then 1 day it registered with me completely when a turfgrass scientist and inventor made a very simple yet bold statement: “I can diagnose any plant growth or healthy problem from a soil test”.

My immediate reaction was to press him. “Wait. What? What about the tissue test? What about a pathogen test? What about…” NO, it can NOT be that simple!

But he can. And he does. A soil test can diagnose a wide range of things from something as simple as salt stress all the way to disease potential. A soil test is a true diagnosis tool.

HOW?

Liebig’s Law Of The Minimum

This “law” or “principle” of the minimum was formulated by Carl Sprengel, a German botanist, as early as 1828. It became more well know when German biochemist and professor Justus von Liebig publicized and studied it more widely starting around 1840. Liebig’s work became the foundation for laboratory oriented teaching as its known today and earned him consideration as the “Father of the fertilizer industry”. Simply put, Liebig’s Law of The Minimum summarizes that plant growth and health is not controlled by the total amount of nutrients available in the soil… But instead plant growth and health is control by the scarcest of the nutrients available in the soil. Liebig’s Law many times is summarized with the icon of a leaking bucket. The factor of which is the weakest or slowest on the bucket is where the bucket leaks. It is also described using a chain example- the weakest link in the chain is where the chain will break.

Using Liebig’s Law for turfgrass management… turfgrass growth isn’t driven by maintaining upper levels of nutrients, its driven by building a foundation of all nutrients. Grass plants are prone to disease when lacking in certain nutrients as much as having excess in other nutrients. With the stress period of summer arriving now, a soil test from March or isn’t telling us what we need to know NOW. Soil holding can change quickly, especially in times of frequent irrigation during drought (being experienced in part of the country right now) and in times of too much rainfall (also experienced by part of the country over the last 2 months). Thus planning forward, for this season and forever more, our simple yet important recommendation of getting a soil test in mid-June/ early July will be concrete to help preparation for stress and in diagnose turfgrass stress or lack of growth.

Seems so simple and outdated from 1828, but a basic principle such as Liebig’s Law will certainly stand the test of time!

Frequently we are asked which soil test we utilize, as many different companies work in the soil testing market. Some of these soil tests are better than others. Natural Grass Advisory Group™ utilizes the Ana-Lync SportsTurf™ Soil test from Harris Laboratories and Analysis International™. We use Ana-Lynch SportsTurf™ because NGAG and Growing Innovations™ helped develop this one of a kind, sports field specific turfgrass soil test in conjunction with Floratine Products Group. With Ana-Lync SportsTurf™, we are able to provide our clients technology and information specific to sports turf that we have been able to influence development of. We are able to use this test independently to create our prescriptions and advice. An example of Ana-Lync Sport™:

SAMPLE REPORT - SOCCER - 2013-05-01 (SportsTurf) (dragged)

Eight benefits of natural grass: From Lawn & Landscape Magazine

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Jerad Minnick

From Lawn & Landscape Magazine on April 8, 2016: Eight benefits of natural grass

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After celebrating Earth Day just a few days ago, we return to the subject of environmental protection and improvement by looking at the benefits of natural grass.

By: Jerad R Minnick

Turfgrass can be found on lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, parks, roadsides and many other natural and recreational areas. It accounts for over 50 million acres of maintained, irrigated natural grass in the U.S. alone. Ongoing research continues to uncover previously unidentified environmental, economic, health and safety benefits of natural turfgrass.

Below are eight benefits of natural grass:

1. Air quality
Turfgrass is a living organism. Each plant takes in carbon dioxide and converts it into simple sugars to use as food through the process of photosynthesis. As a byproduct of photosynthesis, oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
A turfgrass area measuring 2,500 square feet produces enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe. An average sized healthy lawn can capture as much as 300 pounds of carbon per year and a golf course fairway can capture 1,500 pounds per year. One soccer field can offset the carbon produced by a car driving 3,000 miles.

Because of this, Dr. Thomas Watschke of Penn State University states in “The Environmental Benefits of Turfgrass and Their Impact on the Greenhouse Effect” that “the strategic use of turfgrass is the most sensible and economically feasible approach to countering the greenhouse effect in urban areas.”

In addition to reducing carbon dioxide, turfgrass traps an estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released annually into the atmosphere.

2. Pollution filter
In 2013, an EPA Chesapeake Bay Program panel of experts concluded, based upon a review of extensive research, that a “dense vegetative cover of turfgrass” reduces pollution and runoff. More precisely, the average soccer field can absorb 50,000 gallons of water before runoff occurs. The fibrous root system stabilizes soil to reduce erosion and prevents the movement of sediment into creeks and rivers.

Additionally, studies have found the noise absorptive capacity of turfgrass is a significant part of how landscapes are effective in reducing noise pollution.

3. Stormwater management
Landscaped areas reduce pollutants from leaching through the soil into the water supply or from entering surface water runoff. Turfgrasses filter stormwater excess and reduce sediment and pollutants from entering water bodies. Turfgrass plants also redirect the flow of water, slowing it and allowing more water to be absorbed by the soil, which aids in preventing soil erosion and flooding.

Did you know a healthy, sodded lawn absorbs rainfall six times more effectively than a wheat field and four times better than a hay field?

4. Heat
Environmental heating is reduced by turfgrass. On a hot summer day, a well maintained turfgrass area will be at least 30 degrees cooler than asphalt and 14 degrees cooler than bare soil.

The overall environmental cooling effect of turfgrass can be understood by comparing it to air conditioning. The average home has an air conditioner with a three or four ton capacity. The California Energy Commission has found the cooling effect of an average size lawn is equal to about nine tons of air conditioning. A single high school baseball field provides up to 70 tons of air conditioning. This cooling effect is beneficial for athletes and for reducing electrical needs for buildings and homes.

5. Wellness and stress
Green spaces have been shown to improve wellness and reduce stress. There is growing evidence that horticulture and natural grass found on sports fields and lawns is important on a human level. Plants lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension related to stress, improve attention and reduce feelings of fear and anger or aggression.

In 2002, The University of California – Riverside conducted research to support that hospital stays are positively affected by turfgrass and green spaces. Patients in hospital rooms with a view of nature and lawns recover more quickly than similar patients in rooms with a view of building walls.

Similarly, people who live and work in an environment with a view of lawns and nature compared to an urban view, were found to recover from stress more quickly. Employees with a view of landscaped areas experience less job pressure, greater job satisfaction and fewer headaches than those who do not have a view or can only see manmade objects. Green spaces are also proven to increase work productivity.

Also related to wellness and stress, two surveys on Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder have shown that children active in green spaces, such as lawn areas, experience less severe symptoms. Another study published in “Environment and Behavior” indicated green spaces can enable children to think more clearly and cope more effectively with life’s stress.

6. Therapeutic
The care of turfgrass and plants can have a positive, therapeutic effect and is included in many rehabilitation programs. These programs have been successfully used to treat certain illnesses, aid in the recovery of disabled people and help the elderly stay mobile. Programs have even been successfully implemented in prison systems, allowing inmates to acquire new, marketable skills that they can use when they return to civilian life.

7. Community appeal
Turfgrass and green spaces increase community appeal and improve property values. SmartMoney magazine indicates that consumers value a landscaped home up to 11.3 percent higher than its base price. Additionally, it says one of the most cost effective ways to boost a home’s curb appeal is by attractively landscaping the yard. Well-manicured plots of land are one of the most important factors individuals and families consider when deciding where to live.

Green spaces create close-knit communities, which increases safety. Residents in landscaped areas tend to know their neighbors better, socialize more often and have stronger feelings of community when compared to residents living in more barren areas. Communities with trees and green spaces have lower crime, decreased police calls for domestic violence and decreased incidences of child abuse.

8. Recreation and sport
Turfgrass is used extensively for recreation and sport as well as providing places where adults, kids and pets can spend time outside the home. About 80 million people in the U.S. over the age of seven play sports on turfgrasses. The majority of professional athletes prefer to play on natural grass surfaces.

Providing places for recreation and encouraging activity is especially important with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting over one third of U.S. adults and 17 percent of American children and adolescents as obese. Recreational activities also provide children and adults leisure time in a positive and safe environment.

Highlights: Celebration Technical Management School

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Jerad Minnick

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Solutions and possibilities. These were the theme for the first ever Celebration Bermudagrass Technical Management School last week. Celebration Management School took place in 3 locations in Florida and featured extensive information exchange and idea generation. The Management School was based around the expanded possibilities of Celebration bermudagrass and how the unique varieties helps meet the demand for high traffic natural grass fields. The school curriculum focused in on specific protocols and approaches for maintaining Celebration under high traffic and limited rest time. It was a privileged for me to join Mr. John Chapman as one of the teachers for the school!

Each day’s venue provided a unique perspective. Each has a unique venue for an athletic field school and a different perspective on high traffic Celebration bermudagrass. The South Florida event was held at the Spanish River Library in Boca Raton, followed with a tour of de Hoernie Soccer Complex in Boca. The west Florida event was held at the Sarasota Polo Club in Sarasota, FL. And the central Florida event was held in the City of Orlando City Council Chambers with a tour of the high traffic public park/ open space at the Dr. Phillips Performance Arts Center. Soccer, polo, and public space for all activities. The high traffic, challenging demands that we all were able to observe Celebration sustaining growth and recovery under were all very unique.

Some of the initial highlights from the school included:

Encouragement to think outside the box and try new things, with Celebration maintenance and with natural grass field maintenance overall
Introduction to multiple examples of Celebration bermudagrass performing as the strong, durable, reduced input grass that meets the demand even under high traffic
Exploration of why and how Celebration bermudagrass has set itself as the standard bermudagrass to meet the demand of high traffic fields in the South

Advancing into the technical information of the Celebration Management School, John Chapman and myself (along with unprecedented group participation) explored:

The simplicity and importance of mowing 2+ times per week at 1” or below to promote density, increase durability, reduce thatch accumulation potential, and provide natural weed control
A wide range of aeration techniques for meeting the demand for high use and promote Celebration’s ability to root up to 5’ in 1 year. Video examples supported the explanation of each aeration type to create a demonstration environment for participants.
How surface aeration and de-compaction aeration are 2 very different types of aeration. Real world data was supplied to illustrate how GMax reduction and infiltration rate increase differs with each.
Multiple cultivation tools to reduce/ remove thatch accumulation and promotion of lateral growth to increase density and durability. The tools range from simply brushing with a tow behind brush or brushes on the front of reels or decks to verticutting and even Universe® Fraze Mowing.
The importance of planning and combining aeration and cultivation practices to ensure maximum benefit with each and every practice that takes place.
Understanding that June, July, and August are the prime time to encourage and establish bermudagrass strength and root depth to support against high use all year round.
Soil testing results and why having data for plant available nutrients is as important as overall nutrient content in the soil.
Fertilizer technologies and techniques to promote consistent, healthy, strong Celebration growth nearly all year round.
Reinforcement of why durable, strong Celebration growth requires a maximum of 3-5 lbs N/ year and how most of that N should come from a slow release source of N
Potassium’s importance, leading to the need to keep yearly N:K ratios and 1:1 or 1:1+
Foliar feeding and how during periods of stress, especially fall, winter and spring, foliar feeding will act as a medical IV to support for Celebration growth and recovery.
How humic acid supports soil health and the battle against soil compaction from high use

Celebration Management School students shared many examples of success with each topic. The interaction between participants and we as teachers was nearly the best I have ever experienced. Because of that, multiple points were created and raised:

Approaches for using growth regulators to 1) increase density and durability along with 2) decreasing mowing.
Using a moisture meter to track soil moisture to better manage irrigation and to track to what depth proper soil moisture is being reached during different times of the year. That moisture meter can also be used to create a standard for field closure protocols for rain.
Celebration has a strong ability to sustain growth in a wide range of soil pH conditions
Flushing during times of drought in Florida is vital to wash down salt and/or bi-carbonate build ups that come from poor quality irrigation water in the state.

The end section of Celebration Management School shared ideas and featured dialogue between students in reference to Celebration’s ability to sustain winter growth and recovery:

Celebration is a “shade tolerant” bermudagrass. Shade tolerance indicates Celebration micromole requirement for light is lower than most all other bermudagrass. Thus winter’s short day length (example, Dec. 21 is the shortest day of the year) and low sun angle (sun is low on the horizon) do not cause Celebration to go dormant like other bermudagrass varieties
Because Celebration can survive low light conditions, tools like dye and paint can be utilized to absorb heat and promote growth
Grow tarps/ blankets, used regularly on fields in the central and northern part of the USA but not in Florida, can be excellent tools to generate heat and regeneration for Celebration during cooler winter months.
Results were share and examined from a University of Florida trial on the impact of a range of colors of topdressing sands to promote heat and growth. Those results are dramatic, and the trial is ongoing. The information is very valuable for supporting winter growth.
Re-visit to points made previously on foliar feeding in the winter to support Celebration plant systems.
Also re-visiting fertilizer technology and explanations of organic fertilizer/ mineral fertilizer blends work well in the winter to encourage soil microbes and generate heat
Overseeding: To overseed with ryegrass or not overseed with rye grass. Celebration’s aggressive nature allows it to transition back to 100% bermuda faster and with less inputs.
Celebration’s winter tolerance allows can allow for reduced overseeding rates

The discussion about deciding to overseeding or not to overseed was excellent. Ultimately, a Sports Turf Manager must balance what is best for the grass with what is best for the playability of the field. The majority of the group decided (with encouragement from the teachers) that playability and safety come #1, ahead of our desires to do what is best for the grass. With Celebration, overseeding is possible because it transitions quickly and aggressively.

In closing the Celebration Technical Management School, participants were challenged with case studies for Celebration natural grass fields. Two scenarios of specific situations, time, and traffic demand were supplied. Participants split into groups where they worked to create their own management suggestions in reference to 1) mowing 2) cultivation 3) plant feeding and 4) additional comments for overall maintenance to meet the challenge. The case studies allowed participants to interact much like they do with them maintenance supervisors and staff each day while at the same to provided us as teachers with an assessment tool to ensure the participants would be able to utilize information ASAP in their own maintenance plan.

THANK YOU to all participants that joined us for Celebration Technical Management School. Ultimately, we hope each participant was able to take a a minimum of 1 actionable idea back with them to utilize immediately with their maintenance routine. THANK YOU for your positive attitudes and open minds. The possibilities for Celebration are amazing, no doubt you will continue to see amazing results and be able to build on those through this growing season!

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Share With Us. Natural Grass IS the Answer!

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

NBC News ran a story last Wednesday evening and Thursday morning that exposed fears on artificial turf to the general public. Here is the original story: NBC Investigation

NBC News Artificial Turf Investigation w/ Gorgeous Grass Field at U of Portland's In The Background

NBC News Artificial Turf Investigation w/ Gorgeous Grass Field at U of Portland In Background

With this story and many of the follow up stories, the call is for better research on rubber crumb and organic infills for artificial turf fields.

But instead of waiting for more research for artificial, instead we can all lead the call for better quality NATURAL GRASS fields!!

Artificial turf came into being because of a problem: Grass fields weren’t being maintained or were not taking the heavy use. The general public now thinks that is just always the case: Grass fields just can’t take it heavy play or can’t be used in the rain.

Well now we know that is just not true!! This is the era of better maintenance tools and techniques. Innovation and creativity is expanding. YES, NATURAL GRASS FIELDS CAN TAKE MORE USE!! Always!!

This weekend Turf Republic published a piece by Growing Green Grass founder Jerad Minnick wrote with that theme: A recommitment to natural grass can meet the field needs! Grass IS The Answer! (Also find it below)

Growing Green Grass encourages YOU to take this opportunity to help re-establish positive public thinking towards natural grass fields. Right now around you there are parents, coaches, administrators and lawmakers talking about the concerns of artificial with no idea that natural grass IS the answer. Can you help let those people know the possibilities of grass?

How you ask? Just simply share the positive possibilities of natural grass with people not in the turfgrass/ sports field industry! NATURAL GRASS FIELDS CAN TAKE MORE!

Some things to consider to get the word out to people:

– Share the NBC news story on your social media platforms and through email w/ neighbors, family, friends, school board members and AD’s. These people are not in the turfgrass industry and do not get regular information like you. However, we recommend not to give commentary. Just share the story. Remember that there are people suffering. And there are good people on the other side of this that sell, distribute and market artificial. Additionally, many of your are currently maintaining some artificial turf. Let NBC tell the story, not you.

– Follow up the story from NBC to all of the same people and share the POSITIVE MESSAGE about the possibilities of grass!!! NATURAL GRASS CAN TAKE MORE!

– In your sharing, pass your personal passion and support for the possibilities of grass!! Your passion makes it real for others. They can connect with you and will appreciate your unique skills and experience as part of the natural grass industry.

So SPREAD THE WORD! Remember… STAY POSITIVE

Always feel free to use anything coming from Growing Green Grass (www.growinggreengrass.net) to support your passion. Employ the hashtag #GrassCanTakeMore via social media. TPI and the Lawn Institute have excellent resources on the good of grass as well Lawn Institute Website

THANK YOU for using this opportunity to share the possibilities of grass and shape the bright future of the natural grass sports field industry.

And THANK YOU for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

The Team at Growing Green Grass

Grass IS the Answer!

by Jerad Minnick • 3 days ago
A commitment to the existing grass fields around us can meet the immediate needs for safe, quality playing fields.

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TURF REPUBLIC: http://www.turfrepublic.com/2014/10/11/grass-answer/

The unknowns of synthetic turf safety have burst into the limelight this week. The call is for additional research on synthetic turf rubber crumb infills or a change to organic infills for new fields being installed.

But instead of waiting years for research, the answer already exists! A commitment to the existing grass fields around us can meet the immediate needs for safe, quality playing fields. Here is how that can work:

Less Cost:
With an existing field, as little as 1/10th of the amount of money needed for 1- synthetic field is needed to improve and maintain that grass field over 10 years. In a world of tight budgets, spending to improve and maintain 10 existing grass fields correctly instead of building 1 synthetic will make a significant difference.

Additionally, to build and maintain a quality grass field that is rainout proof, 1/3 to 1/2 of the monetary investment of a synthetic field is required over 10 years. See more basic expense figures here: Grass v synthetic, The numbers

Playability:
Natural grass fields can be built and maintained to meet playability needs based on level, demand, and budget. Grass can be maintained to fit the level of surface that is needed. Slow, fast, soft, firm, wet, dry. All factors can be controlled.

On maintained grass the ball always “rolls”, allowing players to predict ball movement. Skin burns and abrasions aren’t common with grass. That fact allows players to attack aggressively and naturally without fear of injury. And that same grass surface has a temperature below the outdoor temperature, naturally cooling the area for players. See more thoughts on playability: Artificial turf makes no sense for soccer

Environmental/ Health impact:
Natural grass is just that… natural. The environmental benefits of grass are many. And all-natural, natural grass that needs no EPA approved pesticides is near because of improved grass genetics, evolving maintenance practices, and new technology for pest control.

More positives from natural grass are:
– Filters pollutants from storm water as it soaks back into the soil
– Reduces noise pollution by up to 40%
– Cools the ambient air temperature
– Produces oxygen (1 field/ yr produces enough to supply up to 128 people)
– Reduces CO2 (1 field/ yr removes the equivalent emitted by a car driving 6,000 miles)
With acres of park and stadium fields around the world, the good of grass has a huge positive impact on players and society. See more details: Healthy lawn, healthy environment

Innovation for durability and player safety:
The tools used for grass fields improve daily. Creative thinking and technology offer a wide range of innovation for grass fields.

Grass breeding and genetics: Grasses, both warm & cool season, are now available that grow twice as fast and are double as durability as standard, accepted grasses.

Technology for plant feeding and health: Environmentally friendly fertilizers have been developed for healthy grass growth. These products are created in cooperation with government regulations to protect the environment. The friendly fertilizers help produce thick, strong grass that the EPA has endorsed as important for ground-water filtration.

Development of safety and durability tools: A wide range of safety and durability tools are available to be used on grass fields. Systems to absorb energy and reduce surface hardness and injury potential are available. Products that provide surface stability to eliminate slipping and divoting have been developed. No longer is it just grass and dirt. Innovation is advancing possibilities of grass fields.

Human Element:
Natural grass is economical, player friendly, good for the environment, and continues to improve with innovation. But ultimately the biggest advantage grass fields have is the human care they receive from dedicated turfgrass managers. Existing turfgrass managers, provided with a few tools, can produce a low-cost, environmentally friendly field. In an age of needed job creation, committing money to maintain grass fields instead of building synthetic will create numerous new environmentally friendly jobs in the sports & park industry.

There is an immediate need for safe, quality playing fields. The fields needed ALREADY EXIST! But “if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always gotten”. It’s no longer acceptable to spend little to no money to maintain an existing grass field but then turn to a million dollar synthetic field. Yes, a simple commitment to improvement and maintenance of natural grass fields can provide the answer!

Empiezo hoy!: #GFFF Grass Field Foto Friday

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

La popularida de “Hashtag Holiday” por los medios socials sigue creciendo. ¿Has participado en alguno de estos?

#MM: Motivational Monday (Lunes Motivacional)

#TT: Tip Tuesday (Martes Propina)

#WW: Wednesday Wisdom (Miércoles Sabiduría)

#TBT: Throw Back Thursday (Recordar Jueves)

#FF: Follow Friday (Siga Viernes)

Hashtags son un gran instrumento para llevar la emoción y la conciencia de muchas cosas diferentes. Entonces ¿Por qué no usamos el Hashtag para compartir el fantástico trabajo que usted y otros gerentes de céspedes de deportivo hace cada día en los campos de césped natural de todo el mundo?

Presentando #GFFF Grass Field Foto Friday. Durante todo el mes de Septiembre, utilice el hasta #GFFF: Grass Field Foto Friday y compartir sus fotos mas favoritos de campos de céspedes naturales. Publicar fotos que muestran el arte y la maestría de su trabajo…haciendo campos de céspedes natural fantástico! Campos de juego, campos de entrenamiento, campos en su propio césped…mostrar su trabajo! Comparte en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram y cualquier otro medio social que podría utilizar. Compartir y estar orgulloso de su trabajo y reforzar la profesionalidad de ti mismo y de los gerentes de céspedes deportes de todo el mundo!

Juntos podemos construir un día internacional promoviendo la participación de todo el mundo!

¿Por qué ahora? Los meses de agosto y septiembre es el tiempo ideal para campos de césped natural de todo el mundo. Con el comienzo del futbol americano y futbol, la Liga Mayor y Menor de beisbol en la recta final, y futbol en America y J-League con pocos meses que queda, estamos en un punto que muchos deportes están en temporada. Utilice esa ventaja para mostrar su gran trabajo y crear conciencia de las posibilidades de los campos de céspedes naturales producidas por ti y todos los Gerentes de Céspedes Deportes.

#GFFF Grass Field Foto Friday – Empiezo hoy!

THANKS John Torres, Head Grounds Manager of PPL Park in Philadelphia, for the transcription and involvement! Follow John’s magical work at @jjtorres9 on twitter!

Key #2: Traffic Management; Three Keys of High Traffic Grass Fields

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

Traffic Management

Of the “3 Keys to High Traffic Field Maintenance”, Traffic Management should be considered just as important as the first key: Aggressive Cultivation. (Key 1: Aggressive Cultivation). Creative traffic management alone can give a high traffic field with limited maintenance a chance for survival.

With its importance, traffic management could be considered the most challenging key. Why? Because traffic management involves communication and cooperation from 2 sides: Field managers and field users. However, the communication and cooperation can curb field deterioration more than aggressive cultivation or nutrient management. Managing traffic effectively will allow all fields to meet the needs of the users and require less repair work.

Traffic management includes two parts:

Moving around practice/ training work into low traffic competition areas
Re-sizing and shifting competition fields to adjust traffic patterns

Moving around practice/ training work into low traffic competition areas

A full size competition field has areas that get little use during the competition. For example, the corners of a soccer field or the end zones on an American football field. Likewise, it is not often that the full is used in full for practice. With that in mind, a few thoughts:

Always have 4 goals on a soccer field w/ small sided fields painted if needed
- Having 4 goals on a soccer field eliminates the need for the competition goal spots to be used. Having additional boxes/ fields painted helps that even more
- When the field is not being used for competition, goals should never be in competition place. Avoid the temptation!
- Avoid installation/ use of permanent goals. New style portable goals look identical to permanent goals. If permanent goals are desired, install extra sleeves or have portable set for different positions.
Similar for other sports, provide alternate direction markings
- Football lines going across a field for practice
  - Additional goal posts on sides of fields possible
- Lacrosse crease areas on sides or diagonal in corners
  - Multiple lacrosse goals on each field to support movement

Ultimately extra lines on a field for practice/ training would be best avoided. But in the age of multiple sport synthetic fields, a wide array of colors and lines is already accepted. On grass, lighter paint application and timing for paint application for lines to fade or be mowed provides assistance.

Different fields are different colors

Re-sizing and Shifting Competition Fields

Re-sizing and shifting field layouts moves high traffic areas and provides the embattled turfgrass in those areas a chance to recover. Soccer and lacrosse fields have the most flexibility for re-sizing and shifting because the rules call for minimums and maximums on the competition dimensions.

Start with shifting the center of the field.
- Core of soccer and lacrosse is played up and down the center of the field
- High traffic areas such as goalmouths, referee lines, and bench areas get moved with the move of the field center.
Rotate sides of bench areas
- Teams for all sports warm up directly in front of their bench
- 1 day of 7 soccer matches, a minimum of 126 players stretch and kick to get loose in front of the bench
- Rotating the benches in conjunction with shifting the field allows the field to experience optimum recovery while still in play

American football fields are much narrower than soccer or lacrosse fields, so they too can be shifted
- Especially true for practice fields where goal posts are not required
  - Even a slight shift moves the heavy traffic area

Soccer field shifted over

Lacrosse field shift over

The foundation of traffic management is communication and cooperation. Field managers and users should be in constant contact to ensure there are no surprises from other side. Both sides should strive to be respectful and understanding of the needs of the other.

With that, the days of field managers dictating to coaches how the field gets used are gone. The “stay off the grass” mentality creates negativity and resentment while promoting an environment of disrespect. In that environment neither the field nor the team wins. Field managers that are flexible to support and cooperate with user’s needs while communicating in a positive manner create education and empowerment. Coach’s equally should reciprocate and respect the work of the field manager. When the cooperation and communication is mutual, everyone wins with traffic management. Especially the field!

The success of “managing traffic” will be evident in increased quality of a high traffic field. With the extra work that goes into the cooperation and communication and field movement, sod work and field closures for repairs will be reduced and/or eliminated. And as your own traffic management process evolves, the condition of high traffic fields will continue to improve as you discover new ideas and try different approaches that fit your specific situation.

#GFFF: Grass Field Foto Friday

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

The popularity of hashtag holidays on social meeting continues to grow. Have you ever participated in any of these?
#MM: Motivational Monday
#TT: Tip Tuesday
#WW: Wednesday wisdom
#TBT: Throw back Thursday
#FF: Follow Friday

Hashtags are a great tool to bring excitement and awareness to so many different things. Then how about a hashtag to share the fantastic work that you and other Sports Turf Managers do each and every day on natural grass fields around the world?

Introducing #GFFF: #Grass Field Foto Friday. Starting with Friday tomorrow (today already on the other side of the world) through the month of September, use the hashtag #GFFF: Grass Field Foto Friday, and share your favorite grass field pictures. Post “fotos” that showcase the art and mastery of your work… making natural grass fields fantastic! Game fields, practice fields, fields even in your back yard… show off your work!! Share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other social media platform you might use. Share and be proud of your hard work and reinforce the professionalism of yourself and Sports Turf Managers around the world!

The final Friday of September, September 26th, can be the climax of #GFFF as “International Grass Field Foto Friday”. Through the next 4 Fridays, together we can build up to that international day with promoting participation around the globe!!

Why now? Late August & early September is the prime time for natural grass fields around the world. With the start of American football and proper football (soccer) around the rest of the world, Major League and Minor League baseball in the home stretch, and American and J-League soccer with a few months left… we are at a point that many outdoor sports are in season. Use that advantage to showcase your great work and build awareness for the possibilities of natural grass fields produced by you and all Sports Turf Managers!!

#GFFF: Grass Field Foto Friday. Join in tomorrow!!

#ThinkDifferent. Grass Fields CAN Take More!

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

Growing Green Grass is dedicated to the possibilities of natural grass fields. Grass fields CAN take more use! The foundation for these possibilities of positive thinking. Positive thinking encourages creativity and fuels the mind to Think Different about what is possible….

As children, we are encouraged to set goals for our lives and to “dream big”. Walt Disney fills our lives with positive influence and encouraging quotes….

“If you can dream it, you can do it”

“All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”

And the ultimate… “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible”

Impossible. As children, we are taught that nothing is impossible. Then as we grew into teens, somewhere that spirit was lost. The push of encouragement and confidence was replaced with “life lessons” and a “dose of reality”. We can’t be little kid dreamers forever right? And reality says so many things really are impossible.

Have you ever asked yourself when that change in life happened? Who is it that got to decide what IS and is NOT possible?

Why? How?

Christopher Columbus didn’t get the impossible memo. Nether did Alexander Graham Bell. Or NASA. Or Steve Jobs. Impossible only fueled their work!

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself the same question about natural grass fields? Why was it decide that it is impossible for natural grass fields to take high traffic? Why are there limits on the use natural grass fields can take? Where in time was it decide for us what IS and is NOT possible.

WHY? HOW?

In the childhood of grass field maintenance, the fore fathers of grass field management weren’t putting limits on how much a grass field could take. They simply were trying to create a safe smooth surface for the players. No large equipment. No advanced technology in fertilizer and plant genetics. No professional organizations to support them. Now, the industry is greatly advanced in professionalism and technology. It really is amazing!

Stop and ask yourself… why is it IMPOSSIBLE for natural grass fields to meet the demands of high use? What if instead of focusing on WHY its impossible for grass fields to take high traffic, you asked HOW can grass fields take high traffic? Shed the boundaries created by someone else. Use technologies and your own creativity to use and evolve new maintenance methods to meet the demands. Can you bring back that positive thinking Disney spirit of “If you can dream it, you can do it“? Can you THINK DIFFERENT!?

YES YOU CAN! Exciting isn’t it!?!?

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison before becoming President of South Africa in 1994. Mr. Mandela certainly knew that word IMPOSSIBLE. Yet one of his famous quotes is “It always seems impossible until its done”. Wow! SO TRUE! Our phones are computers in our pocket and men have walked on the moon. Creating natural grass fields that can take high traffic IS achievable. Grass fields CAN TAKE MORE!

Dynamic speaker and writer Harvey Mackay gives us the perfect closing story in this posting on impossible

“A college student arrived a few minutes late for his final exam in mathematics. The room was quiet, with everyone working hard, and the professor silently handed him the test. It consisted of five math problems on the first page and two on the second. The student sat down and began to work. He solved the first five problems in half the time, but the two on the second page were tougher. Everyone else finished the exam and left, so the student was alone by the end of the time period. He finished the final problem at the last second.

The next day he got a phone call in his dorm room from the professor. “I don’t believe it! You solved the final two problems?”

“Uh, yeah,” the student said. “What’s the big deal?”

“Those were brain teasers,” the prof explained. “I announced before the exam that they wouldn’t count toward your final grade, but you missed that because you were late. But hardly anyone solves those problems in so short a time! You must be a genius!””

The student was able to answer them simply because he had not be told they were impossible. He himself decided what is or is not impossible.

“Genius” is sometimes just not realizing that something is impossible.

Are you ready to be a GENIUS of natural grass fields? Walt Disney was right… it is “FUN to do the impossible”

THINK DIFFERENT. GRASS FIELDS CAN TAKE MORE!

Welcome Back to the Possibilities of Natural Grass!

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

Late summer greetings to you! Welcome back to Growing Green Grass. We have organized our thoughts and are prepared for an exciting future of sharing the possibilities of natural grass fields.

Those possibilities expand every single day. Grass fields really can TAKE MORE!

To achieve the possibilities for grass fields, outside the box thinking is required. Acceptance of new things is essential. And pressing on through the fear of change is paramount. Because….

“If You Always Do What You Have Always Done, You Will Always Get What You Always Got”

Thankfully the excitement of the possibilities overcomes the challenge of change. There are examples around the world of how grass fields CAN TAKE MORE! Progressive technology, innovative maintenance practices, and growing professionalism and creativity from Grass Field Managers are opening these new possibilities.

Growing Green Grass is back and dedicated to bringing you those technologies, practices, and fostering professionalism and creativity. We look forward to sharing and encourage your interaction! Because think about this…

Right now, you might have a question that you are seeking the answer too. A colleague reading this could have the answer to that very question. Great! But more so… a colleague also might have an answer to a question that you have not yet even thought to ask!!!

Share. Communicate. Engage. Encourage. Through this collection of thoughts, through Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Even texting pictures to colleagues of successes and challenges . Innovation and improvement are improved with collaborative thinking.

Welcome back. The future for natural grass fields is BRIGHT! The natural grass revolution is STRONG! Grass fields CAN take more!

#grasscantakemore #thinkdifferent

Response to Notre Dame Decision to Install Artificial Turf

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Jerad Minnick

The headline on ESPN.com today reads: “Notre Dam Stadium to Feature Artificial Turf” .

We at Growing Green Grass respect Notre Dame’s decision to do as they please, but the reason for the change must be challenged.

Graduation in May is being blamed for a poor field in the fall. A field damaged by graduation May can be re-sodded or even re-seeded and be in perfect condition within weeks. Notre Dame being unable to achieve perfect condition is not the grass field’s fault. It is a simple management issue. Improved management approaches arise daily. Technology is surging in the natural grass industry: stability/ reinforcement, improved genetics, lights to grow grass in total darkness and cold, etc, etc. Any of these tools could have served as tools to help the field management staff as cheaper alternatives to artificial turf.

Again… it is Notre Dame’s decision to do as they please with their field. But blaming graduation in May for a poor quality field in the fall is just an excuse.

This response comes from Growing Green Grass because that excuse is damaging to the every grass field in the world. That excuse makes it seem that no grass field can survive extra use. The excuse makes managing grass fields at the grass roots level seem impossible! How can soccer clubs, little leagues, parks and recreation, etc with small budgets even have a good grass field when Notre Dame can not.

The fact is that grass fields around the world sustain 10x the use and wear that Notre Dame Stadium sustains in 1 year. And hard working sports field managers produce high quality grass, even in the north, with that use and wear. This story from the Las Vegas Review Journal highlights the success of one of those hard working Sports Field Managers. Kudos to Kevin Moses for his hard work!!! (and thank you to Darian Daily for sharing the link on Facebook as well!)

We wish Notre Dame all the best in their endeavors. But again, it’s not the existing grass field’s fault that you want to make a change to artificial.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10772179/notre-dame-stadium-install-artificial-turf-prior-2014-season

Growing Green Grass #GrassCanTakeMore®

Innovative Discussions and Solutions For Managing High-Use Natural Grass

Category Archives: Professionalism