Reel mowers: Scythe or scissors? July 2012 An equipment manager explores the mechanics of reel mowers in this lighthearted look at blades, angles, friction and the age-old question: Does the machine operate more like a scythe or a pair of scissors?
Productive performance reviews for golf course employees March 2012 A poorly executed employee review can have zero or even a negative impact on a staff member’s performance. Try these tips to conduct reviews that improve and retain your workforce.
Wildfires and golf courses: What superintendents should know October 2011 Weather conditions, vegetation, geography and several other factors influence how prone a course is to wildfire. Learn the basics and hear from supers who’ve been faced with flames.
Fire yourself! Tips for reinvigorating your golf course operation July 2011 Take this drastic (theoretical!) step to polish your processes and remake your management swing. A longtime superintendent shares advice for breaking out of familiar routines, motivating staff and more.
Vole control on the golf course January 2011 A wildlife management specialist lays out methods for outsmarting these covert critters and offsetting their damage to turf.
Renovation risk: In-house or contractor? August 2010 An in-house renovation can make you the hero or the fall guy. Golf course superintendents and builders weigh in.
Winter turf damage and turf covers: A guide March 2010 Is it crown hydration or anoxia? Would a permeable or impermeable cover be best? Match injury to defense and get more know-how on seeing turf through winter.
Winter turf damage: The green in the bubble September 2009 A grounds crew got creative to revive a winter-decimated green in just days. Here’s how they devised the structure that produced the remarkable results.
13 tips for better putting green collars June 2009 Collars tend to take a beating for the sake of putting surface playability. A turf consultant offers recommendations for curbing collar decline and improving appearance.
This or that? Turfgrass aerification decisions May 2009 Deep vs. shallow tines? A preventive vs. curative approach? A turfgrass consultant advises on which choices are wisest when it comes to countering soil compaction.
Maintaining golf course naturalized areas May 2009 Don’t confuse going natural with letting nature take over. Here’s how to choose plants for naturalized areas, schedule maintenance and properly employ herbicides.
Strengthen your workforce through mentoring August 2007 Hang on to the hard-won knowledge of veteran employees while invigorating your next generation of staff — that’s the magic of mentoring.
10 things I wish they’d taught me in turf school February 2007 Classroom education can only take a turf manager so far. A longtime superintendent shares the informal, real-world lessons that have helped him achieve sustained success.
Tips for better golf course staff training December 1997 The training period lays the groundwork for how an employee performs and views their job. Try these strategies to instill attention to detail and inspire buy-in among greenhorn crew members.
Mulch fall leaves into turfgrass August 1997 A solution to leaf disposal troubles lies right underfoot. Hear from superintendents and researchers on the benefits and how-to of mulching leaves into turf.
Soil microorganisms: A turf manager’s guide November 1996 Your soil is teeming with trillions of organisms essential to plant health. Get to know this subterranean cast, how the various microbes keep grass green and growing, and how you can support them.
Fast grass: Techniques to accelerate turf establishment July 1996 An agronomist outlines five common strategies for quick turf establishment, explores their pros and cons compared with conventional grassing, and shares tips for implementing each.
Subsurface insect pests: A turf manager’s guide December 1995 Insects that inhabit soil tend to be more difficult to detect and control. A better understanding of their biology and behavior can help improve management.
Managing wear stress on turfgrass September 1995 Traffic on golf turf is inevitable, but superintendents aren’t powerless to curb its effects. Learn about the factors that predispose turf to physical injury and management practices that can minimize wear stress.
Should I use this product on my turf? October 1993 Ask these eight questions when evaluating a soil amendment or other turf product to help you make sound, fact-guided agronomic decisions.