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Editor’s Letter

Earning Your Stripes

What an exciting issue this is! I think of it as the Turf edition that honors the great American lawn and the Green Industry professionals who have transformed it into both an art and science.

One such person is Orlando Chávez, winner of Turf’s first ever lawn striping contest. As Operations Manager with Executive Property Maintenance in Plymouth, MI, Chávez has been maintaining the same large estate weekly for the past six years. When he switched up his mowing for more intricate designs last season, it caught lots of favorable attention —especially in Detroit’s Mexican community, who helped Chávez garner his Turf win with 532 votes. It was hardly undeserved. As an advocate and champion of the community, Chávez has “earned his stripes” in more ways than one and we are thrilled to put a spotlight on his hard work and achievements.

Other turf professionals earning their stripes are the crew at TruNorth Landscaping in Traverse City, MI. They won a Gold in Residential Lawn Care from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) for their transformation of a 44,500+ square foot lawn fronting Grand Traverse Bay. Read their methods for converting this yard from lackluster to lush.

Of course, with weather extremes more commonplace, we wondered about turf choices in the Transition Zone. Two turfgrass professors offer their perspective. There are also the new mowers that make it all happen as well as a look at the evolving role and new technologies offered by artificial grass.

While turfgrass is legitimately being rethought in some areas due to pollinator decline and water conservation mandates, verdant swathes of lush green will always have their place in the American landscape. They beckon us to picnic, catch lighting bugs, play a game of catch, or simply sit and stay awhile. This language will never be lost, even if it evolves over time.

cmenapace@groupc.com
Twitter: @TurfMagazine

Turf February 2024 Issue | Table of Contents

Click cover image to view digital issue.

FEATURES

TURF’S LAWN STRIPING CONTEST WINNER: ORLANDO CHÁVEZ! | Whether it’s plowing, mowing, or advocating for his community, Chávez earns his stripes every day. Here’s his story. Además, ¡en español!

TRANSFORMING TURF | TruNorth Landscape wins Gold for bringing back the green to this turfgrass.

THE TRANSITION ZONE | Hotter Summers, erratic rainfall, new grass varieties. Are turfgrass choices in the Transition Zone in transition?

GET EQUIPPED | NEW GAS & DIESEL MOWERS

NEW PLANTS & TRENDS FOR 2024 | Refresh customer landscapes with new plant varieties and most-wanted ideas.

PESTICIDES & POLLINATORS | The buzz on simple steps to mitigate impacts—backed by research.

THE EVOLUTION OF ARTIFICIAL TURF | Once a sacrilege in the Green Industry, is artificial turf earning its place?

GET EQUIPPED | PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES & FERTILIZERS

TURF DESIGN BUILD® MAGAZINE INSERT

THE YARDSTICK: NATE BAHLER | A hard-working high schooler wanting a job forges a successful career (and business) as co-founder and owner of Green Meadow Lawn Care.

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The nation’s premier event for landscape and horticulture students, the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, is set to take place from March 13-16, 2024, at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.

Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), this annual event brings together more than 600 students from approximately 50 colleges and universities, educators, and industry professionals for competitive events, educational workshops, and career-building opportunities.

The event is made possible through the support of sponsors like STIHL Inc., which has been the lead sponsor of the National Collegiate Landscape Competition for more than 20 years. “STIHL is proud to help empower the next generation of landscape professionals through our support,” said Roger Phelps, corporate communications manager for STIHL Inc. “Students here will be able to show their talent, learn of career opportunities, and forge relationships that will last long after the event ends.”

NCLC showcases the dedication and skill of students pursuing careers in landscape and horticulture professions. This competition bridges academia and the workforce, providing a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities and for industry professionals to identify and recruit top talent.

“We are thrilled to bring the National Collegiate Landscape Competition to Brigham Young University,” said Britt Wood, CEO of NALP. “This event not only celebrates the incredible talent of the next generation of landscape professionals but also fosters a collaborative and educational environment for students to learn from industry experts and connect with potential employers.”

This year’s host and longtime event partner, Brigham Young University, provides a picturesque backdrop for the competition, offering participants a unique setting to demonstrate their expertise in 30 real-world, competitive events like Exterior Landscape Design, Plant Identification, Robotics and Technology in Landscape Design and Maintenance, Irrigation Troubleshooting, and more.

The Career Fair is integral to the event, allowing students to explore career opportunities, internships, and networking prospects within the landscape industry. For more information about the event or to reserve a Career Fair booth, visit www.landscapecompetition.org.

The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is powered by STIHL, Inc. with significant support from NALP’s additional Elite Partners: Aspire, Caterpillar, and Stanley Black and Decker.

NCLC also receives support from (Gold Partner) John Deere; (Silver Partners) Davey, Gravely, Heartland, LandCare and Proven Winners; (Bronze Partners) Anchor, Bartlett, Belgard, Corona, Ewing, Hunter FX Luminaire, Husqvarna, Milwaukee Tool, Permaloc, Ruppert Landscape, SiteOne, Yellowstone Landscape; and (Supporting Partner) EMI.

The Bobcat AE26 Walk Behind Aerator.

Bobcat Company has expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of rebranded forklifts; industrial air compressors; turf renovation equipment; and portable power products including air compressors, generators, and light towers.

Last year, Bobcat announced Doosan Industrial Vehicle, Doosan Portable Power, Doosan Industrial Air and RYAN turf renovation products would change to the Bobcat brand as part of the organization’s global brand strategy. All product lines have officially rebranded under Bobcat in North America with transitions on these product lines also happening globally in applicable markets.

The Bobcat DT20 Dethatcher & Overseeder.

“Through our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, we have significantly broadened our product portfolio to not only meet the needs of our loyal customers but also to inspire and empower new customers to conquer their toughest job site challenges,” said Scott Park, CEO and vice chairman of Doosan Bobcat Inc. “With an expanded range of solutions, we’re empowering even more customers to accomplish more.”

Customers can now purchase these Bobcat branded products, which includes:

The Bobcat SC24H sod cutter.

Forklifts: Internal combustion cushion and pneumatic tire forklifts, electric counterbalance forklifts, narrow aisle forklifts, pallet trucks/stacker forklifts and warehouse vehicles.
Industrial air: Industrial air compressors ranging from 30- to 200-hp, with both fixed and variable speed offerings.
Turf renovation equipment: Aerators, sod cutters, dethatchers, overseeders, and other specialty products that serve landscaping and grounds care professionals across a variety of industries including golf, sports turf, landscaping and rental.
Portable power: Air compressors ranging from 185 to 1600 CFM, mobile generators ranging from 25 to 570 kVA and light towers with runtime up to 105 hours.

Customers can search bobcat.com/dealer to find their local dealer offering these newly rebranded Bobcat products.

For more on Bobcat, see:

Bobcat Adds A New Zero-Turn Mower To The Lineup

Bobcat Donation Supports Engineering School

Bobcat & Its Employees Donate Over $175,000 In Fall Giving Campaign

Landscape Forms, a North American designer and manufacturer of high-design site furniture, structure, LED lighting, and accessories, earned 27 design awards and recognitions from industry organizations and publications in 2023.

Product design awards span honorable mentions in excellence, innovation, and outstanding sustainability efforts. The categories include the design of outdoor site furnishings, lighting, and adaptable structure. The three top performers were the Theory line of street and transit furnishings, Backdrop modular outdoor structure system, and Typology Collection of seating and lighting.

Theory

Landscape Forms’ Theory

Winner of multiple awards including a GOOD DESIGN® Award and Architectural Record‘s Product of the Year, Theory was a standout in urban and street furniture in 2023. Theory is a collection of transit site furnishings designed by Scott Klinker. It combines familiar streetscape elements with expressive pieces that offer the aesthetic appeal of modern art. It juxtaposes sculpture and functionality. Theory uses a non-prescriptive design to inspire playfulness and discovery.

Landscape Forms’ Backdrop

Backdrop

Backdrop is another product with recognitions that include two Gold Certifications in the Grands Prix Du Design and Architectural Products’ Product Innovation Award. It is an adaptable structure system of modular panels and accessories designed in collaboration with KEM STUDIO. Engineered for virtually endless layouts, functionality, and degree of enclosure, Backdrop is designed to activate underutilized areas with purpose.

Landscape Forms’ Typology

Typology

Winner of two Red Dot Awards and the 2023 SIT Furniture Design of the Year, the Typology Collection was another standout in 2023. Designed in collaboration with Designworks, a BMW group company, Typology is an innovative seating and lighting collection. It adds dynamic dimension to any site, enveloping the visitor in an immersive design experience. Systematic and adaptable, it lives comfortably in both new and existing architectural environments.

See the full list of all Landscape Forms’ awards received in 2023.

For a recent article from Turf Magazine spotlighting Landscape Forms’ Roundtable on Women in Landscape Design, click here.

Seed heads of northern sea oats, a grass native to central and eastern U.S. Photo: AdobeStock/Gerry

Earlier this month, the Department of the Interior announced it will provide nearly $18 million to ensure ready sources of native seeds and advance a new National Seed Strategy Keystone Initiative.

Native plant communities across the U.S. are being lost every day from habitat loss and other climate related impacts, such as longer wildfire seasons and other extreme weather events. As these plant populations are lost, so too are the ecosystem services they provide, increasing the risk of erosion, the establishment of non-native and invasive species, and additional ecological damage.

While private landowners and public land managers work together to restore landscapes following intense fires or other events causing significant damage, success depends on an adequate supply of locally adapted native seed. As the frequency and scale of restoration needs has increased, the supply of native seeds available for replanting has become strained. According to a recent study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “the insufficient supply of seeds from native plants is a major barrier to ecological restoration and other revegetation projects across the U.S.”

Collecting, producing, and procuring native seeds is critical for restoring native vegetation on public lands, and special facilities are required to store seeds and safeguard their genetic diversity. The funding and new Initiative will advance the Department’s  goals to invest in the infrastructure, tools, research and labor needed for a robust native seed supply chain.

“Nature has spent thousands of years designing plants that fit in place, so we can’t do better than to use that instruction – native seed – in our restoration efforts,” said Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “Native seeds stand a better chance of long-term success.”

The National Seed Strategy Keystone Initiative builds on the past 25 years of native seed collection, research and development, including a recent partnership among the BLM, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to coordinate on Seeds of Success collections. This is the next step in building a restoration economy in rural communities across the U.S., while safeguarding biological diversity.

“A reliable, abundant and diverse supply of native seeds is foundational to ensuring that the ecosystems we all cherish can thrive for current and future generations,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.

For articles on similar topics, see:

Creating Resilient Landscapes

The Landscape As Ecosystem

Seven Tough Trees For Urban Areas & Climate Challenges In 2023

Are You Planting Invasives? Here’s Some Alternatives

Sod Solutions has announced the hiring of Sam Greenwood to pursue Sod Sales and Development actively. With 40+ years of experience in the turf industry, Greenwood brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise into his new position.

“I look forward to furthering Sod Solutions reach in the sod industry through expanding the sports venues that our grasses are in and strengthening our relationships within the industry. I am excited to be on the Sod Solutions team. I have worked alongside the company since it was started and have always been impressed with how they do business,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood’s career spans from 1983-2010. As a Sports Turf Manager at Quality Turf, he was responsible for major installations, including Raymond James Stadium. He also worked as National Production Manager for Golf and Sports Turf at Bethel Farms from 2010 to 2023. At Bethel Farms, he played a pivotal role in expanding bermudagrasses and growing the sales division significantly.

Greenwood has a profound understanding of the turfgrass industry. He also has an extensive network ranging from golf courses to sports fields and public municipalities. Greenwood is an asset to the Sod Solutions team. His involvement in projects like the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Daytona 500 showcase his handling of high-profile turfgrass needs.

“We are excited to welcome Sam Greenwood to Sod Solutions. His remarkable experience and deep industry relationships are vital to our commitment to delivering top-quality turf solutions to our clients,” said Sod Solutions Chief Operating Officer Christian Broucqsault. “Sam’s expertise will be instrumental in advancing our product lines and reinforcing our market presence.”

Greenwood’s role at Sod Solutions will involve leveraging his experience to enhance product development, client relations, and strategic growth initiatives.

For a recent Turf Magazine article entitled, “Successful Sod Installation” by Valerie Smith, content strategist at Sod Solutions, click here.

Takeuchi-US has named Jeffrey Jacobsmeyer as its new Central Midwest regional business manager. Jacobsmeyer’s duties will include dealer development and recruitment, inventory control, forecasting, promotions, sales planning and goal setting in the Central Midwest region. His region encompasses Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

Jeff Jacobsmeyer

“Jeff’s career experience and industry knowledge make him a perfect fit for our regional business manager role at Takeuchi,” said Shay Klusmeyer, Takeuchi-US division sales manager for the Central and Western U.S. “From working as a product specialist to becoming a business development manager and even running his own contracting business, Jeff’s background makes him a great asset for Takeuchi in the Central Midwest Region. We’re very pleased to have him on our team.”

Based in the Hawk Point, Missouri-area, northeast of St. Louis, Jacobsmeyer served as a global product manager, sales manager, and marketing manager within the compact equipment industry over a span of 12 years before joining Takeuchi. Prior to launching his corporate career, Jacobsmeyer owned and operated his own grading company, giving him unique insight into the needs of equipment owners and operators.

“I’m fortunate to have experience in multiple dealership roles, as an end user customer and as a corporate representative for three global brands,” Jacobsmeyer said. “I’m excited to put my experience in product marketing, business management, sales and product support to work on behalf of an outstanding company like Takeuchi.”

For more Turf Magazine coverage of Takeuchi-US, click here.

Central Turf & Irrigation Supply Inc., a North American customer-focused wholesale distributor of green industry and landscape supplies, has announced the appointment of its Turf Category-Chemical Director, Austin Marsteller. He has taken on the new executive leadership position of Turf Category Business Director as of January 1, 2024.

With employee growth and development as a core company value, internal promotions are an integral part of Central’s focus and commitment to its team members. As of a result of Austin’s efforts and clear vision for the turf category, along with his degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University and an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport, Marsteller continues to be a tremendous asset to Central’s rapidly growing turf division. Before joining Central Turf & Irrigation Supply his career was heavily focused in turf and ornamental on the manufacturer side. Furthermore, Marsteller’s innovative emphasis on customer satisfaction from a key account management and sales standpoint, make him uniquely qualified for this role.

“We couldn’t be more excited as Austin Marsteller expands his role, and the role of the turf category, here at Central. We are always looking to innovate and improve so that we can meet and exceed the needs of our customers and employees,” said Anthony Luciano, VP of Sales & Marketing for Central Turf & Irrigation Supply. “I am confident with this new position that Austin will continue to be focused on the future growth of the category. Ensuring that both our internal sales teams, and our customers, have the expertise needed to continue growing in their markets.”

For more recent Green Industry personnel news from Turf Magazine, click here.