Fresh Cut Grass

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Penn State’s Dr. John Kaminski about annual bluegrass. Dr. John Kaminski is Professor and Associate Head, Department of Plant Science and the Director, Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program.

They discuss both suppression and control methods for this major turfgrass weed. Chemical and cultural practices are examined on how they can influence annual bluegrass populations. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are also considered, along with strategies to prevent seedhead formation. 

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Dr. John Kaminski, Professor, Penn State University


Lead photo: Tanner Delvalle, Penn State Extension

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Turf Manager James Snell.  James is the turf manager for possibly the busiest turf area in the country! James cares for turf on the National Mall in Washington DC. The National Mall is the area between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. We discuss fertility, mowing, cultural practices, and much more for a very well-used turf area. 

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
James Snell, Turf Manager, National Mall & Memorial Parks
William Phillips III, Private Contractor

Lead photo: Jeff Fowler

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with legendary Golf Course Superintendent Matt Shaffer, Brand Ambassador for Anuvia, and John Fowler, VP of Sales for Anuvia. Matt talks about relieving compaction in nontraditional ways on a golf course. These principles can be used on all types of turf and can improve soil health anywhere. Discussion centers around soil conditions, watering and reducing pesticide use. Matt shares stories about prepping for a US Open and the challenges faced. 

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Matt Shaffer, Brand Ambassador for Anuvia
John Fowler, VP of Sales, Anuvia 
 
Lead photo: Tanner Delvalle, Penn State

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk about the lessons that they learned this year. Topics include seed supply, fertilization, aeration, and armyworm prevention. They also discuss new equipment on the market that can make your job easier. And finally, they both uncover what their personal secret society would be!   

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
 

Photo credit: Tanner Delvalle, Penn State

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Nick McKenna, Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) President, about the upcoming STMA conference and managing athletic fields at Texas A&M. The meeting will be held in Savanna, GA, from January 17-21, 2022. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and connect with old friends! This educational conference is second to none, and the network of professionals attending is staggering. Nick also talks about managing bermudagrass fields in Texas.

Sports Turf Managers Association website

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Nick McKenna, CSFM, Texas A&M 

Lead photo: Sports Turf Managers Association

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Chris Ball, the volunteer grounds crew coordinator from the Little League Softball World Series. Jeff discusses the Little League Baseball World Series. The two compare notes about the 2021 experience with limited fans in the middle of a pandemic. They talk about what they learned and what will change moving toward 2022 when the tournament expands to more teams, more games, and some extra days on the schedule. They discuss working with incredible volunteers and put out the call for more volunteers for the 2022 series!  

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Chris Ball, Ewing Irrigation

Lead photo:  Jeff Fowler

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Drew Miller and Sam Ruwe about the Brentsville High School turfgrass instructional program.  This high school training program prepares students to be job-ready when they leave the classroom. Drew has over 200 youth enrolled in his class taking classroom learning and applying it to the real world. Drew has done a remarkable job of preparing these kids to hit the job market ready to work!  Drew and his students also host the popular Tiger Turfgrass Podcast.  

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Drew Miller, Brentsville High School Instructor
Sam Ruwe, Student in Drew’s program.  

Lead photo:  Drew Miller, Brentsville HS, VA

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Patrick Coakley. Patrick was a long-time sports turf manager in minor league baseball and is now a Business Development Specialist for DuraEdge. They talk about what it takes to make a quality infield mix. Patrick uses his more than 20 years of experience to talk about the challenges of managing high-quality infields.  

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Patrick Coakley. Business Development Specialist, DuraEdge

Lead photo:  Jeffrey T. Fowler, Penn State 

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Judy Houck, Director of Parks and Recreation in Spring Township, PA. Judy discusses the public works department and field maintenance. Grow blankets and topdressing are discussed as well.

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Judy Houck, Director of Parks & Recreation in Spring Township, Berks County

Photo credit: Parks & Recreation, Berks County, PA 
"Antietam Creek at the Seidel Road Trailhead"

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.

In this episode, Tanner and Jeff talk with Ross Kurcab, longtime head groundskeeper for the Denver Broncos. Ross talks about his years in Denver and his consulting work. Ross was the first STMA member to pass the Certified Sports Field Managers exam. Ross also performs field testing with Dr. Andrew McNitt on NFL fields around the country.

Jeff Fowler, Penn State Extension (host) 
Tanner DelValle, Penn State Extension (host) 
Ross Kurcab, (guest) Owner, Championship Fields 

You can find information on turf issues in the Turfgrass and Lawn Care section of the Penn State Extension website.