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WINTER 2004 | VOL. 53

EXPO 2003EXPO 2003Thanks To Our Many Trade Show Exhibitors, Attendees &

Outstanding Education Programs, Expo 2003 Was Highly Successful!

LookInside For

Our Pictorial

Review!

LookInside For

Our Pictorial

Review!

President’s MessageBy Marie Pompei, NJTA President

As I begin my second term as NJTAPresident, I’d like to thank all thatparticipated in our Turf Expo in AtlanticCity in December. Our attendance was upconsiderably which is a real testament to thehigh quality education program that wasavailable and the dedication of ourmembership to New Jersey’s turfgrassindustry. The snowstorm the weekendbefore was perfectly timed for our benefitalso, thanks to “Mother Nature”! Ourconference attracted attendees from upand down the coast, Maine to Florida, and

as far west as California. The solid reputation of Rutgers TurfgrassResearch Program is growing and gaining much deserved respectacross the country.

NJTA would also like to acknowledge and thank TruGreen ChemLawnfor registering 53 employees at Expo who utilized our educationprogram as part of their ongoing technical training. Thanks also goto BASF for combining NJTA Expo and their company meetings.We plan to continue to offer our members an atmosphere foreducation, networking and business at Expo 2004, December 7-9, 2004.Contact Dr. Dick Caton, NJTA Executive Director at 856-853-5973 for moreinformation on combining Expo 2004 with your company meetings.

Have you purchased your brick yet for the Geiger Center’s new patio?Don’t miss the chance to memorialize your company, organization orself while supporting turfgrass research at Rutgers. The very attractiveand functional patio will be the site of many future turfgrass functions,field days and outdoor classroom activities. Be a part of Rutgersturfgrass history and fill out the “Buy A Brick” form included inthis issue of Clippings (see page 6).

Plans are underway for this spring’s annual Rutgers TurfgrassResearch GOlf Classic which is the main fundraising event of theNew Jersey Turfgrass Foundation. This year’s outing is planned forMonday, May 10 at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Cologne, NJ, justoutside of Atlantic City. Steve Chirip’s committee promises us a greatevent at our exciting new venue, which was the site for the 2003 USGAAmateur Public Links Tournament. Look for your invitation inthe mail and join us for a memorable day of golf. Can’t make it?Not a golfer? Sponsorship is another way of showing your supportof Rutger’s Turfgrass Program.

Wishing all of you a successful 2004, full of peace, good healthand prosperity.

Sincerely,Marie Pompei

Table of Contents

ClippingsPresident’s Message 2

NJ Turfgrass Expo Update 3

On The Horizon: Looking To 3Get Involved With The NJTA?

Evergreen Foundation Survey: 5Homeowners Don’t WantGovernment On Their Home Turf

Buy-A-Brick Application 6

A Tip Of The Hat 7To Brian Feldman

Dr. Bruce Clarke Receives 7Distinguished Service Award

Thoughts On Expo 2003 8

NJTA Patrons 10

Expo 2003 Pictorial Review 12

NJTA Salutes The 14Expo 2003 Exhibitors

Plant & Pest Advisory 22

Calendar of Events 23

Green WorldMowing Management 15As It Affects Turf Quality

Dealing With A Political 17Hot Issue – Pesticides!

2 Clippings | Winter 2004 www.njturfgrass.org

Marie PompeiNJTA President

Winter 2004 Vol. 52

CLIPPINGS/GREEN WORLD ispublished 4 times a year.

New Jersey Turfgrass AssociationPO Box 340Milltown NJ 08850-0340Phone: 732-821-7134, 856-853-5973Fax: 732-821-8157 www.njturfgrass.org

www.njturfgrass.org Clippings | Winter 2004 3

SFMANJ participation at Expo continues to grow.Here are some comments from their President.

NJ Turfgrass Expo UpdateBy Eleanora Murfitt-Hermann • Reprinted From Sports Field ManagersAssociation Update, January/February 2004, Vol. 4, No. 1

The athletic field education session was another greatsuccess this year. “Synthetic Surfaces for Athletic Fields”was the hot topic as Dr. Andrew McNitt, Penn StateUniversity; Fred Stengel, Bergen Catholic High School;Dr. Henry Indyk, TurfCon GSI Consultants; and GeorgeToma, NFL Field Consultant; filled the room with the prosand cons, humorous stories, innovative ideas and just thefacts. What did I learn? If I could afford it, one of myfields would by synthetic. In my opinion, with multi-use,

over-played fields, dual seasons and high expectations of the users, syntheticturf is the answer to playing all day, everyday.

At the full-day session we elected new Board Directors, gave a $1000 studentscholarship to Michael D’Ascanio, a Rutgers University Turfgrass student andlong time member of SFMANJ, and drew names for our Company Spotlightfor this issue. Alas, Wilfred MacDonald won the second year in a row. Theygraciously declined and we drew SFMANJ members attending the Expoathletic field Thursday session at 35+. Over 107 people overall filled the room.

The trade show was as always the highlight of my day. Besides receiving coolhandouts to bring back to the staff I found a plethora of information about thelatest products and equipment.

Thanks to everyone who stopped at the SFMANJ booth to say hi and renewtheir memberships. And most of all thank you all for supporting this chapterthroughout the last 4 years. With your help, we have been able to bring yougreat educational programming and information concerning your athleticfields. We’ve just begun! n

On The HorizonLooking To GetMore Involved

In NJTA?Chris Carson, Vice President

& Nominating CommitteeChairman, is accepting

nominations forNJTA Board Members

for positions that will openDecember 2004.

Interested candidatescan contact:

Chris @ 908-232-3621



A majority of American homeowners do not wantany additional government regulation of their yard-maintenance practices, according to a national surveysponsored by the Evergreen Foundation. But there ismuch work to be done in educating many consumersabout many aspects of our industry, including wateruse, fertilizer, equipment, and weed, disease and insectcontrol products.

Surveys were completed in early October by 61adult Americans who owned single-family homes,condominiums or town homes.

Those responding to the survey also ranked regulationof pesticides and fertilizers last among importantgovernment concerns including economic development,transportation, health care, human services, zoning andmaintaining public spaces.

“Although most homeowners (54%) don’t want moreregulation of their yard-care practices, we learned thatmany consumers don’t understand that our industryalready operates under a vast system of regulatoryoversight on a federal and state level,” said Den Gardner,executive director of the Evergreen Foundation. “Weneed to educate consumers that the protections alreadyoffered by our current system work well. Regulatingthe industry even further still is on the minds ofmany consumers.”

According to Dale Amstutz, president of the EvergreenFoundation board of directors, “Through education, wecan make consumers less vulnerable to messages frompeople who want to restrict or even ban parts of theGreen Industry.”

The survey was conducted by the Evergreen Foundationto help the group develop a national consumermarketing plan to promote the benefits of well-maintained lawns, landscapes and other green spaces,as well as promote those in the green industry whosupply products and services to consumers.

A national alliance, the Evergreen Foundation’s missionis to raise the awareness of the environmental, economicand lifestyle benefits of landscapes. It currently hasmore than 20 major end-user associations and suppliersas contributors.

Its purpose is to use the resources and influence of anational green industry alliance to create a nationalmarketing campaign to consumers throughout the U.S.The effort will promote healthy landscapes and greenspaces using public relations, public affairs, advertising

and other tactics to tell the positive story of theenvironmental, economic and lifestyle values ofwell-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses, trees, etc.

The EF will take a proactive approach in dealing with theever-alarming concerns regarding the future of the greenindustry related to the products and services used tocreate these well-maintained green spaces.

The EF believes a minimum of $1-2 million is needed inthe first year of the program to do the national marketingcampaign. A wide range of funding plans are indevelopment now to get contributions from end-usersand suppliers of products and services to the GreenIndustry and consumers. A timetable and plan hasbeen developed to carry through the next 12 months.

Preliminary Findings of Evergreen Survey• Regarding property values and real estate:

• More than 90% agreed that having well-maintainedlawns improves property values;

• 74% agreed when buying a house, the lawns andlandscapes of neighbors are important; and;

• 73% said when buying a house, the lawn is animportant consideration.

• 86% said a nice lawn is a positive reflection of thehomeowner.

• More than half understood that well-maintained greenspaces prevent soil erosion and improve air quality.

• Nine of ten respondents said they care about theenvironment.

• 70% said spending money on landscaping is a smartinvestment.

• 69% answered affirmatively that, “It is important tome that my neighbors take care of their lawns.”

• When asked, “How important is it to you and yourfamily that the following green spaces are well-maintained?” homeowners prioritized: parks (93%),home landscape (90%), neighbors’ landscapes (79%),commercial buildings (69%), boulevards (67%), athleticfields (65%), and golf courses (48%).

• Given a list of issues to prioritize for local governments,regulation of pesticides and fertilizers ranked lastamong economic development, transportation,health care, human services, zoning and maintainingpublic spaces.

Evergreen Foundation Survey: HomeownersDon’t Want Government On Their Home TurfReprinted From The Florida Turf Digest, November/December 2003, Vol. 20 No.6

continued on page 7


A P P L I C A T I O N

• The Buy-A-Brick project is an opportunity for you to leave a lasting imprint of your support forthe Ralph Geiger Turfgrass Education Center by purchasing a paving brick engraved withyour name or the name of your club or organization. Your engraved brick(s) will be used topave the patio area outside the Geiger Building and support the construction.

• For a limited time, a personalized brick can be yours for the donation amount of $100 perbrick. Each brick may include a maximum of three lines of (13) characters (including spaces).To order your brick(s), complete the form below and mail it with your check (made payable to:“New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation”) to: NJTA, P.O. Box 340, Milltown, NJ 08850-0340

Center for Turfgrass Science

(Please print clearly)

Name _________________________________________

Affiliation______________________________________

Address_______________________________________

______________________________________________

City __________________________________________

State_________________ Zip _____________________

Business Phone ________________________________

Fax ___________________________________________

Total Amount Enclosed $100 (per brick) ____________

o My check is enclosed(payable to “New Jersey Turfgrass Foundation)

o I wish to be invoiced.

o I wish to pay by credit card.(Please contact the NJTA at 732-821-7134)

Each brick ordered may include a maximum of three(3) lines of engraving. Each line may include thirteen(13) characters (including spaces). Please completethe box below with exactly the lettering or messageyou desire on your brick(s). You may photocopy thisform to place additional brick orders. Thank you foryour support!

(Please print clearly)

Thank You! Your contribution is tax deductible.All proceeds benefit the Turfgrass Education Center.

Please mail “Buy-A-Brick” order formwith donation of $100 per brick to:

NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS ASSOCIATIONP.O. Box 340 • Milltown, NJ 08850-0340


Awards To Rutgers StaffJust Keep On Coming!

Dr. Bruce Clarke ReceivesDistinguished Service AwardBy Bruce Peeples, CGCS • Reprinted From The Greenerside,November/December 2003, Vol. 27, No. 6

When we speak of the threewords that make up this honor -Distinguished, Service and Award,the name Dr. Bruce Clarkeimmediately comes to mind.

Dr. Clarke received his Bachelor ofScience Degree from Cook Collegein Forest Management in 1977. HisPh.D. in Plant Pathology fromRutgers University was awarded in1982. He has been the Director ofthe Center for Turfgrass Science atCook College since 1993. Also,

Dr. Clarke is a professor within the two year turf program, graduateand undergraduate courses at Cook College. He is a researchscientist whose work with turfgrass diseases, in particular summerpatch and anthracnose, has helped golf courses and golf coursesuperintendents not only within the United States but throughoutthe world as well. Dr. Clarke is a NJ Turfgrass Association Hall ofFame award winner as well as a John Reid Lifetime Achievementaward winner of the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents.He has authored numerous articles in professional publications andpublished two highly acclaimed books on turfgrass pathology.He is a highly-sought after speaker for educational seminars andconferences throughout the industry. We are very fortunate to haveDr. Bruce Clarke so close to us here in New Jersey.

Serving on the Board of the GCSANJ has allowed many of us toget to know Dr. Clarke and we are better off for the experience.

Almost every month, Dr. Clarke takes two to three hours out of avery busy schedule and listens patiently to, at times, lengthydiscussions, without ever complaining. When called upon, he insistson doing what’s best for the GCSANJ, not what may be easiest forDr. Clarke. He is a tireless promoter, not of himself but for his many

students, for Rutgers University, and for golf course superintendentsin New Jersey. Dr. Clarke is a huge supporter of the turfgrass industryand a true friend to many of us. We are proud to present Dr. BruceClarke the 2003 GCSANJ Distinguished Service Award!

Bruce Peeples, CGCS, vice-president of the GCSANJ, presentedDr. Clarke his award at the Fall Seminar held at the Fiddlers ElbowCountry Club. n

• More than half of homeowners say that:• They love their yards and don’t want

any restrictions;• Using pesticides and fertilizers is smart

because they keep lawns healthy; and• Lawn-care products are generally safe.

• When given a list of lawn pests,homeowners by a wide margin expressedconcern about weeds (75%) with between20% and 32% of respondents concernedabout grubs, disease, ticks or moles.

• 43% agreed with the statement, “Lawn andlandscape care is a chore I wish I didn’thave to do.”

• Of the respondents, 27% have aprofessional lawn care service and26% have an in-ground watering system(predominantly in the Western US).

Gardner said to find out if homeowners areready to invest in their yards, respondentswere asked, “If you were given a $5,000 checkfor home improvement, how would you mostlikely spend it?”

“Just over half said they’d spend it on indoorremodeling, 28% said they’d upgrade theirhome’s exterior and only 12% said they’dupgrade their lawn and landscape. Thatone question shows we need to educateconsumers about the value of landscaping.”

The degree of error for the online survey isestimated at plus or minus 4%.

Editor’s Note: The survey was conducted byNFO Worldgroup, a global research firm knownfor its command of online surveys. n

Evergreen Foundation Survey - continued from page 5

A Tip OfThe Hat ToBrian Feldman!Brian Feldman, NJTA Board Member,and TruGreen & ChemLawn sponsored53 members of their organization toattend Expo 2003! n


Each year NJTA member Frank Koslowski gives acomprehensive review of his thoughts and evaluation of Expo.We thought you would enjoy reading the entire text....

Thoughts On Expo 2003“Happy New Year!” Are you ready for the Expo?...a week long parr-ty...?” NJTA Expo was the place to bein 2003, and I was there,...along with a large group ofwonderful people, turfgrass professionals, educators,tradesmen, etc., and it was just simply fantastic!!!

Every new year brings the winter seminars and trademeetings, and there’s the turf field days, and the golftournaments, they are all there, but nothing, and I meannothing, compares to the NJTA Expo week, which isthe “top shelf event” of the entire year, created andorchestrated to perfection by you and your wonderful,dedicated Expo staff! Thank you, thank you, thank youto all of you, a fine group of professional individualswho work so hard, endless hours all year to make theNJTA Expo a huge success.

When I received my registration packet back in October,right away I noticed some changes in the format, andwas quite excited about these changes! Dr. Indyk and JoeBianco always tell me that “change is good”, so I waslooking forward to seeing them unfold before me inperson. Expo Monday was pretty much the same, but onTuesday, you had four different sessions at 9 o’clockish,“Hazardous Tree ID, Golf Course Mechanics, USGAMeeting and Turfgrass Management! Wednesday’sschedule was pretty much the same, but on Thursday,there was no trade show scheduled for 8 to 1, butinstead, 10 to 12:30 P.M.. I liked that time slot instantly,and wonder how well that was received byother members?

For the record, I personally like two hour sessions over21⁄2 hrs, except for the General Session, so I thoughtThursday’s 8 to 10 A.M. Lawn & Landscape and Golf &Fine Turf was a good idea! However, after the GrandReception and the Lobby Bar,...9 to 11 sounds a lot betterthan 8 to 10!! And if the afternoon session is 1 to 3instead of 12:30 to 2:30 that would be alright too. I likeThursday still being a complete “educational day”,instead of a “let’s pack up and get ready to leave, Expo’sover”day. To me, Thursday late afternoon and night is atime to “savor the flavor” of the Expo week. However,you and your Expo staff and other people associatedwith Expo week and it’s preparation probably cannotwait to get out of there and go home! You guys must bephysically and mentally exhausted after all that timeconsuming work effort involved to pull off such a greatevent, which you always seem to do!

I also like the new “Show Program” opening sideways orup & down, however you want to call it. It seemed largerthis way, easier to read and advertise special events.When I saw George Toma’s and Mike Veeck’s pictures onpage 4, and a new band “Lavender on page 6 for theGrand Reception, I said to myself, “Dick Caton has doneit again, just when you think you cannot improve theExpo and more than the great event it already is, - hegoes out and improves it some more!!” And knowingDr. Caton, I should not be surprised. I am so happy thatGail and I personally know Dr. Richard G. Caton as aclose friend and dedicated turfgrass professional! I haverun out of the amount of pluses++, to put next to your“A” for these Expo conventions!!!

As I said earlier, Expo ‘03 was “the place to be”, and I“be there”! Super great! Tuesday’s first sessions was“Turfgrass Management, Dr. Murphy, Dr. Kopenhoferand Dr. Hart. What a way to start an Expo session withthese three big guys! It’s like having three clean-upbatters all coming to the plate and hitting at the sametime!!! And in the Tiara Ballroom, not “A” or “B”, but thewhole room!! Which was very good, because it drew ahuge group of attendees!

Dr. James Murphy had a very good hand-out, the kindyou could take home, along with a fine slide presentationof the equipment used in turf renovation. Dr. Kopenhoferfollowed with his great slide selection which alwaysmakes his presentation so easy to follow, especiallyindicating that most insecticides are very effective as longas the “timing is right.” Good talk! And Dr. Steve Hartended the session with his presentation on weeds. Dr.Hart also had very good slides and he delivers his topicvery thoroughly and professionally, he really knows hisstuff!! These three educators formed a great start to theExpo week, “A+, A+, A+ for each one of them!

One little “extra” note , I don’t see those little Expoevaluation cards being handed out anymore. That’sgood! They seemed bothersome, not only in filling themout, which really wasn’t a good evaluation in partbecause of their size and content, but also painstakingprocess of handing them out and then re-collecting themafter the session was over. Personally, I don’t think theywere ever a really true grading evaluation tool.

Like I said earlier, “change is good”, so instead ofattending the “Core Essentials” session, I really don’tneed the credits, I just strolled around the registration

floor for awhile on the second floor of the Taj Mahal, andthen had a great lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe!

After lunch, I attended the session “Trees and Shrubs”.Jerry Schoonmaker had lots, and I mean lots ofgreat slides on shrubs and their pests,”most plantssurvive because it’s their natural habitat, it’s been therefor years!”

Jerry was followed by Pat Cullina, “Avoid Pests throughSelection”. He had some good slides, but was a wee bittoo technical, made the presentation somewhat slow,kind of hard to follow, he even ended ten minutes earlierthan scheduled.

After the trade show Grand Opening, free snacks andbeverages, it was time to call it a day. And before youknow it, here we are Wednesday, at the General Session,Ballroom C. Another “extra” note: the “Early BirdSession” should end at 8:30, that would give everyone awhole thirty minutes to clear out, get organized andre-group to come back. There is always a lot of talking,gatherings, noise, commotion in slide projector set-ups,all that makes the 9 A.M. start of the General Session sodifficult to get underway. Also this is always a bigsession, 21⁄2 hours and attended by a lot of people, sochairs are somewhat of a luxury. I know there are someempty seats down in front, but it always ends up with alot of people standing in the back, or sitting down alongthe sides of the partitioning wall. Maybe we need to havemore chairs on hand.?

Keynote speaker, Mike Veeck was fantastic! Hismessage, “trying things is essential in any business..”is so true! ...and his talk certainly illustrated that. Someof his experiences were so amusing, and at the same timeindicative of his main theme, “trying things!”

Brad Park followed with Sports Turf,...gravel mixes, sandmixes, percentages, etc.

Steve Hart and Bill Meyer added a little more to theHerbicide Development and Breeding for DiseaseResistance & short talks...

Jim Baird followed with “Statistics,” was a bit like mathclass, but interesting, because of things like “70% chanceof rain, but somewhere, 30% chance of no rain”, sowhere the hell is it going to rain? He said there are“lies, damn lies, & then statistics...

12 to 4 P.M. brought the trade show again, meetingswith friends and exhibitors, and lunch. The trade showseemed more “open”this year, roomier, easy to walk andnavigate through. It still is a great way to spend theallotted time between meetings in such a friendly,professional atmosphere!

Thoughts On Expo 2003 - continued from page 8


continued on page 10

Wednesday afternoon’s 4-6 Lawn & Landscape was nexton my Expo schedule. The location: the Emerald Room!Since becoming a member of NJTA in 1987, I haveattended twelve straight Expos at the Taj Mahal, andhave never been to the Emerald Room!!! I didn’t evenknow where it was!! While leaving the conventionregistration floor, I always walked past those “Emerald &Topaz” signs, but I never ventured through those doors!This was my first time ever! And not to be too negative,bit too crowded, chairs too close, like sardines in a can,ceiling kind of low, lights very close, if you sat underone, you would actually start to sweat!! Is there adimmer for these lights? Some people actuallychanged seats, because they chose not to sit underthe “hot-spot” light!

First up was Pat Cullina, “Native Trees & Shrubs”.This time, Pat’s presentation was much better thanTuesday’s. Good slides, interesting amount of differentslides showing plant selection for our areas here inNew Jersey.

Dr. David Drake followed with “Geese Control”.This was another very interesting talk about the Canadageese, the problems they cause, and their control...good talk.

Joe Heckman followed with “Soil Test Analysis”, again,another good presentation on soils, and what is theiroptimum levels, and how that level changes overtime. And some recommendations need to be judgedindividually to see what is really needed on a specificturf site – good, good presentation.


Last up was Rich Buckley, “What is IPM?”. SometimesRich is entertaining and humorous when he is out of hiselement, plant disease, and discussing something closelyrelated in to his field. He spices up his talk with somenovel injections, which makes his presentations verygood! Good talk, Rich.”

After the Lawn & Landscape Session it was back up tothe room, suit & tie, and let’s get ready for the GrandReception! This event is what we have waited for allyear! The pressure is off, the atmosphere is relaxed...NJTA members, families, friends... it doesn’t get anybetter than this!!!

A new band, “Lavender” graced the stage! And Ithought they were great!!! No one band member stole thespotlight, each one sang different songs, different stylesand tastes, songs we know and can sing and swing to.I hope the other members enjoyed their selection ofsongs and their performance as much as I did! Bringthem back for next year!!

And as always, the Grand Reception always has greatfood and drink, lots and lots of food and desserts... to diefor... a good time for everyone. What a great time thisevent provides for all the NJTA members. The GrandReception gives you the opportunity to kick back andrelax, eat, drink, and mingle (which I do) with everyonepresent. Some people come in, have something to eat,and then leave, so be it. It is their choice. However, tostay, and take in this event is so fantastic, with it’s

warmth and friendship of the NJTA “family”, it’s just toogood to pass up!

The two and a half hours go by so quickly, that I can seewhy this party “travels” to the Lobby Bar. And with thenew band this year, it was really, really nice – no loudmusic, but gentle, soft songs that most of us can relate to(not to mention your great song performance Dr. Catonand also that fellow who sang the “Christmas Song”.)

Good stuff!! Like I said earlier, golf tournaments andfield days are cool, but the Grand Reception is the“top-shelf” event of the year! It just doesn’t get any betterthan this... unless you’ve already got something else upunder your sleeve Dr. Caton for next year's Expo?!?I know your mind doesn’t rest, when it comes to the NJTAExpo! You get an “A+” too for the Grand Reception!

Thursday always comes quickly for the Lawn &Landscape sessions. At the Grand Reception I toldDr. Indyk that I would meet him for breakfast at theBombay Cafe. My first session was at eight, and hisSports Field Managers session was at eight-thirty.However, neither one of us made it to breakfast together!Happens to the best of us! But even though we didn’t gettogether, I did talk to Dr. Indyk and Ms. Murfitt at theGrand Reception and others in Sports Turf Managing,and agreed that “change is good”... thus later onThursday, I attended the Sports Field Managers Sessionrather than the General Turf Session, that I had planned!

But before that, was the 8-10 Lawn & Landscape Session.Dr. Steve Hart started it with the “10 Most DifficultWeeds”, and if you gave Steeve a two-hour period, hewould have no problem filling that time frame! He isso professional! But he did finish 10 minutes over hisallotted time, 8:40.

Next, was “Specialty Products for Turf” presented byDave Wasnicky of Lesco. He had some good slidesconcerning safety issues, and a good talk.

He was followed by Jerry Schoonmaker of Lawn Doctor,“Are you your shrubs biggest problem?” He had somevery good slides showing different problems withshrubs, too much mulch, girdling roots, mechanicaldamage, salt damage, overall, a very good presentation.

Last up was Rick Buckley, “Top 5 Insect Problems”.Another “extra” note: I have said this before, if you passout the pesticide credit forms during the last speaker,everyone takes a break from the talk and starts filling outthe forms, fumbling through their wallets, so they can getout quickly when the session is over. But to be honest,I really don’t know of a better way to distribute thesecredit forms??? Before, after, during... Rich gave a goodtalk on insect problems, saying sometimes grub damagewas not as severe as the animals attracted to the grubs(skunks, crows) and the damage they do to the turf.


NJTA Patrons...Clippings / Green World continues our “PatronListing”. Please consider including your name,company or golf club name to what we hopewill be an extensive list of supporters so that thisperiodical can continue to grow!

RATES: $50.00 per year – 4 issues

• John Barlok – Finch Services, Inc.• Shaun Barry – Bayer ES• Fred Blaicher – Finch Services, Inc.• Bryan Bolehala – Cleary Chemical• Steve Chirip – Grass Roots, Inc.• Dr. Henry Indyk –

Turfcon Professional Turfgrass Consultant• Ken Kubik – Grass Roots, Inc.• Leon’s Sod Farms• The Scotts Company• Barbara Vydro – Bloomfield Cemetery Co. n


After this session, it was one more last“hurrah” for the Expo Trade Show,10-12:30, some coffee and danish, theshow’s almost over. I wonder how thistime frame was liked by other membersand the exhibitors?!

Then, thanks to “change is good”, I wentto the Sports Field Managers Session.George Toma started it with Super Bowlpreparations, great talk. It is amazingwhat goes into a Super Bowl behindthe scenes, turf-care, half-time show,pre-game show... great talk George.

Next was Dr. Andrew McNitt on “TopDressing”, again a very interesting talkabout soil mixes, Penn State footballfields, and top dressing high school fields.

Kevin Meredith followed with “Meetingthe Challenges of SFM”. Great talk onchallenges, internal and external. I likewhere he said he is “intimate with hisfields”... that’s good... it applies to usLCO’s. We shouldn’t just “mow & run”,but treat each parcel of turf like it’s ourown. To meet the challenge he said “read,read, read professional magazines andattend seminars. It is all up to us... anothergood talk.

And then, that’s it, Dr. Caton, session’sover, Expo’s over... see you next year. Andthen, a few hours later, I walk past theConvention Registration on the secondfloor, and it is all closed up naturally. Butonly 48 hours ago, it was bustling withenthusiasm, friendship, warmth, such agood feeling, and now it is all gone, so sad,so year-ending.

But what a great Expo it was! A pluses,pluses, pluses!!! And all the credit isyours, Doc Caton and your Expo staff.Without all your efforts, this event couldnot happen. The Taj Mahal Casino-Resortprovides the building and rooms, but you,Dr. Caton, and you Expo staff “create” theNJTA Expo to be the “Main Event of theYear!” Thank you so much for a greateducational, inspiring and fantastic week!NJTA Expo was “the place to be in 2003”,but with great confidence, I can say“New Jersey Turf Expo... let’s do it oncemore in 2004!”

Yours truly,Frank Koslowski,Member since 1987 n


Sports Field ManagersAssociation of New Jersey’sAnnual Spring Field DayWHERE: Drum Point Sports Complex, Brick NJWHEN: April 20, 8 am - 3 pm COST: Members $35, Non-Members $45

Box lunch included • Door prizes • No vendor booths

For more information or a registration formcall 908-730-7770 or email us at [email protected]

“When It’s Built It’s Too Late.” This day promises more than education.Come see a beautiful newly built 60-acre facility in different phases ofconstruction. This is a wonderful park with the same constructionproblems we face everyday. Learn from Ken Mathis, Parks Director, howto avoid some of these problems, learn how to build a successful facility.You have the opportunity to see the final changes needed beforeopening day. The facility includes 4 softball, 12 soccer and 2 footballfields including the beginnings of a skateboard park and bike trail.We will show you how the maintenance building was constructed, howKen worked with the engineer to get what he wanted. While you arethere check out the pesticide storage area.

See how to install an internal soil drainage system to combat drainageproblems on athletic fields, in between the tour stops at each field to seehow the irrigation system and well works while learning to solve dailyproblems (Every field is irrigated).

We will explain some construction problems and how to develop aplaying surface with the existing turf; each field is in a different stage ofdevelopment. Find out how Ken amended his soil and see the differencebetween the fields and common areas. Check out the weeds; learn howto distinguish one from the other and out how to get rid of them. Stopby the skinned infields, see the problems and learn how to correct them.We will show you how to analyze the mix and compare it to the ASTMstandards as we whip the field into playable quality. Stick aroundafterwards for door prizes and questions. n

Congratulations Bob Dickison!NJTA is proud of Bob “Red” Dickison, whois a past president of NJTA, a distinguishedmember of the Board of Directors andExpo General Chair.

Bob was the recipient of the inaugural 2003Rutgers Professional Golf Turf ManagementSchool’s Award for Professional Excellence.

Bob has been the Golf Course Superintendentat Upper Montclair Country Club for 34 yearsduring which time he prepared the golf coursefor many professional golf tournaments.

Congratulations Bob! n

NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS& LANDSCAPE EXPO

NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS& LANDSCAPE EXPOTrump Taj Mahal Casino•Resort, Atlantic City NJ

...the place to be in 2003...the place to be in 2003

NJTA President Marie Pompeipresents the Environmental Stewarship Award to (left to right):Mickey Stachowski, Pete Haran and Glenn Miller for theiroutstanding work representing the Alliance for Water Conservationduring the critical drought of 2002.

George Toma, NFL Super BowlField Preparation Consultant

with representatives of Pennington Seedwho sponsored his visit to Expo.

Jim Snow (left) ofthe United StatesGolf Associationaccepts the NewJersey Turfgrass

Association’s Hallof Fame Award

from NJTAVice PresidentChris Carson.

The Golf Course SuperintendentsAssociation of New Jersey provided a welcomed “oasis”for members with tired feet to relax and chat with fellow members.

Keynote Speaker Mike Veeckgave a truly enjoyable and inspiring speech.

George Toma, NFL Super BowlField Preparation Consultant, addressesthe crowd at the General Session.

NJTA Board memberPedro Perdomo (left) sampling theexcellent food served at the Grand Reception.

Chris Zelley (left)presents theRecognition Award toJ. Casey Parker ofLacey Twp. for themunicipality’scommitment toprovide safe athleticfields for all activities.

Some of the folks atthe Grand Reception enjoying the

fine dance music of the band, “Lavender.”

NJTA Salutes The Expo 2003 Exhibitors!They Have Earned Our Support & Loyalty!

Alert To Expo Exhibitors!In response to concerns about the time of Expo 2004, the

Expo Committee has been able to move the show dates back a week.Please take note of the new dates!

Expo 2004 H December 7, 8 & 9, 2004


A T SalesAer-Core, Inc.Alliance For

Environmental ConcernsAmazoy FarmsThe AndersonsAquatrolsAtlantic Irrigation

SpecialistsBarton SupplyBASFBayer, ESBio-Plex Green

Ridge OrganicBobcat of North JerseyC&S Turf Care EquipmentCarroll EngineeringCentral IrrigationCherry Valley Tractor SalesClassic Golf/George LeyCleary ChemicalConrad Fafard, Inc.Cutlip Golf DesignCypress Turf FarmsD.A.F. ServicesDeer Stopper

Goose StopperJohn Deere LandscapesJohn Deere EquipmentDitch Witch of MidatlanticDivot CommunicationsDixie ChopperDow AgrosciencesDryjet /Advanced

Agro Tech

Earthworks - MAEarthworks Natural

Organic - PAEast Coast Seed & SodEgypt FarmsEastern Organic ResourcesFarm-Rite, Inc.Fertl-SoilField TurfFinch Services /

E.T. EquipmentFisher & SonGolf Course

SuperintendentsAssociation of NJ

Golf Cars, Inc.Golf Cart ServicesGrassRootsGrigg BrothersHARCOHelena ChemicalHustler EquipmentHydroseeding ProIrrigation Association

of New JerseyIVI GolfJade Run Sod & SeedJersey Turf, Inc.JPL Capital, LLCKirby AgriKoonz Sprinkler SupplyK-Rain ManufacturingLandtek GroupLawn & Golf SupplyLebanon Turf Products

Lee Rain, Inc.LESCOLido-Chem, Inc.Lofts / Pennington SeedMacDonald & SonMaser ConsultingMeadowland Ford /

Sterling Truck SalesMiddleton & CompanyMoyer & SonNational Fence SystemsNational SeedNJ Department

of AgricultureNJ Golf Course Mechanics

AssociationNJ Landscape

Contractors AssociationNJ School Buildings &

Grounds AssociationNortheast Golf Co.Northern NurseriesNovazymes BiologicalsOcean County

Utilities AuthorityPrima Green SupremePlant Food CompanyPlantStar / CarbtrolPrecision Work, Inc.Princeton HydroPumpkin Hollow FarmsR. F. MorseRBA GroupReal Green SystemsReed & Perrine

Rodio Tractor Sales

Roots, Inc.

Rutgers AlumniAssociation

Rutgers ContinuingEducation

Rutgers CooperativeExtension

Salsco, Inc.

George Schofield

Seeton TurfWarehouse, LLC

Shearon Golf

Simplot Partners

SJAP - Natural Link

South JerseyElectric Vehicles

Sports Field ManagersAssociation of NJ

Sprinturf

Standard Golf

Storr Tractor

Syngenta

Terre Company

Tru-Turf Equipment

Tuckerton Turf Farms, Inc.

United HorticulturalProducts

US Silica

Venture Vehicles /Turf Products Corp.

Wildred MacDonald

Wolbert & Master

ä Mowing Management AsIt Affects Turf Quality

ä Dealing With A PoliticalHot Issue – Pesticides!

applied turfgrass research, from Rutgers the State University, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association

There are four basic cultural keys to maintaining ahealthy vigorous turf for use as a sports playing surface.These include the (i) use of adapted turfgrass species, (ii)maintenance of soil quality (health), (iii) practice ofsound mowing principles, and (iv) proper use ofirrigation. Other supplementary practices may beuseful in sports turf management; however, neglector mismanagement in the any of the four basic keysabove will make it difficult to produce a quality playingsurface. This article describes important principles ofmowing turfgrass.

Mowing HeightThe lowest mowing height possible for a turf is afunction of a number of factors including the turfgrassspecies and variety, mowing frequency, environmentalconditions, and available management resources. Tallfescue is a species with good tolerance to heat, droughtand some pests. Tall is best mowed at height of 2 inchesor more. At lower heights, tall fescue will thin out overtime and become infested with weeds. Perennial ryegrassis an excellent species for overseeding and has good toexcellent wear tolerance. Perennial ryegrass can bemowed as low as 1⁄2 inch; however, it will require regularirrigation and pesticides with mowing at heights lessthan 2 inches. Kentucky bluegrass has excellent divotstrength and recuperative capacity. Certain varieties cantolerate mowing as low as 1⁄2 inch. As with perennialryegrass, lower mowing requires greater managementinputs to maintain turf. Management intensity ofKentucky bluegrass is highly dependent on the variety.

The budget and labor constraints of many school andmunicipal operations will typically not allow mowinglower than 2 to 21⁄2 inches for a majority of fields. In somecases specialized mowing, for a limited time, is possiblefor high priority playing fields. Increasing mowingfrequency will often improve turf and playing qualitywithout lower mowing height.

Mowing at the low end of species tolerance range willstimulate shoot growth, increase tillering/shoot density,and encourage a finer leaf texture. These desirable effectsare useful for better playing conditions. Unfortunately,some detrimental effects can be produced at low mowingheights including increased leaf succulence, reducedcarbohydrate (food) reserves, and decreased root, stolon,and rhizome growth.

Mowing Frequency

Mowing frequency is determined by the 1/3rd rule,which refers to the concept that no more than 1/3rd ofthe height of the turf canopy is cut in a single mowing.For example, a turf mowed at 2 inches should be nomore than 3 inches high when it is mowed (1 inch is cutoff the 3 inch high turf, 1/3rd).

Lower mowing requires greater mowing frequencybecause shoot growth is stimulated as the height islowered. Thus, more frequent mowing is needed to keepup with the greater growth and avoid scalping of theturf. Some examples of minimum mowing frequenciesinclude mowing three times per at a 11⁄2 inch or less, twotimes per week at 2 inches, and once a week at 3 inches.

Spring will soon arrive and mowing will begin.Dr. Murphy offers important and timely tips for developing your mowing strategies.

Mowing Management As It Affects Turf QualityBy Dr. James A. Murphy, Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management,

Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station,Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520


www.njturfgrass.org Green World | Winter 2004 15

16 Green World | Winter 2004 www.njturfgrass.org

Infrequent mowing at low heights resultsin scalping and long-term decline ofturf quality.

Increasing mowing frequency withoutlowering the mowing height is oneimmediate adjustment in a mowingprogram that can quickly improve turfand playing quality. Mowing more oftenthan the minimum required (less than1/3rd) has the advantage that is lessstressful to the turf compared to loweringthe mowing height to achieve betterquality. More frequent mowing results inless leaf tissue being removed in a singlemowing and allows the turf to betteradapt to the height of cut compared to aless frequent mowing program.

Spring Mowing StrategiesAs spring temperatures and moistureconditions become more favorable forgrowth winter dormancy begins to breakin turf and green-up develops as newshoots emerge. Rapid shoot growth andminimal environmental stresses at thistime of year can lull turf managers into asecure mind-set that problems will beminimal. It is critical at this time to useproper mowing frequency and cuttingheights along with very modest tominimal nitrogen fertilization tomaintain good root growth.

Peak shoot growth will occur attemperatures of 60 to 75ºF during thespring. Furthermore, roots are extendingdeeper into the profile during spring.Carbohydrates are depleted rapidlyduring peak growth, thus timely mowingis critical to avoid removing no more than1/3 of the leaf tissue, which further strainthe carbohydrate supply of the turfgrassplants. Excessive defoliation (scalping)will cause of cessation of root growth andpossibly dieback. Additionally, recoveryfrom scalping will be much slower than amanager might expect due to the lowcarbohydrate supply. Turf with low vigorand density in the spring will allowweeds such as crabgrass and goosegrassto invade.

An unfortunate scenario in the springinvolves wet (rainy) weather thatinterrupts the mowing schedule. Shootgrowth becomes excessive and it isdifficult to maintain the turf at the desired

Mowing Managements As It Affects Turf Quality - continued from page 15

height. It is best to return to original mowing height over a series ofmowings, decreasing the cutting height with each successive mowing.For example, if conditions result in a 5 inch turf height and the desiredmowing height is 2 inches, the next mowing should be at 3.5 inchesfollowed by a mowing at 2.5 inches and finally mowing at the desired2 inches. If feasible, it is also helpful to increase the mowing frequencyduring the time that the turf height is being reduced.

Summer Mowing StrategiesMowing frequency can often decrease during the slower shoot growthperiod of summer caused by high temperature and drought stresses.For example, if mowing twice a week is needed in spring, it may befeasible to reduce mowing to once every 7 to 10 days. It is alsoimportant to stop mowing when the turf is wilting (severe drought).Mowing traffic over wilted turf will severely damage plant tissues andshould be avoided.

Fields under an intensive low mowing program will require a morefrequent supply of water either through rainfall or irrigation. Lowermowing develops a shallower root system, which limits the supply ofwater from the soil.

Increasing the mowing height on out-of-play fields during summer willimprove tolerance to heat and drought stress. It is important, however,for a turf manager to anticipate how much time will be required toreturn to the desired lower height. Depending on the change in height,it is likely to require weeks for the turf to readjust to lower mowingheight. Lowering the mowing height too quickly will reduce the vigorand density of the turf, and ultimately, the durability and playabilitywill be compromised.

Late Summer & Early Autumn Mowing StrategiesLate summer and early autumn is a good time to lower mowingheights. Although shoot growth is more vigorous during this period,it is not as aggressive as spring and therefore the mowing frequencywill not be as high. Mowing can be performed rather infrequently asautumn progresses without detriment to the turf. Environmentalstresses are typically lower at this spring, which improves vigor ofthe turf at lower mowing heights.

The increase in shoot density caused by lower mowing is enhanced inautumn because the turfgrass plants are also tillering more aggressivelyin response to the shorter daylengths of autumn. This increase in turfdensity with lower mowing will be enhanced when combined will alate season nitrogen fertilization program.

Base Mowing on Quality Demands and ResourcesIntensive mowing management is expensive and, therefore, the facilitymust have budget and labor to be properly implemented. The mowingprogram should be based on an understanding of the playing qualityexpectations as well as available resources. Mowing heights for sportsthat involve the roll of a ball (i.e., soccer, baseball, softball, field hockey)should be between 1⁄2 to 21⁄2 inches. Sports that have a greater demandfor stability and footing (i.e., football and lacrosse) are best mowed atheights between 11⁄2 and 3 inches. Mowing heights at the higher end ofthese ranges is strongly suggested when operational resources andmanpower are limited. n

Environmental activists are often highly focused, highly visibleand highly vocal. Hanging their cause on emotional issues like“for the good of motherhood” helps blind the news media,hence the general public and politicians to questioning the lackof scientific facts (education). However, as TPI Member SteveGriffen demonstrates in this article, it’s never too late to un-door at least reduce the damage, if everyone works together.

As an agricultural producer and member of the greenindustry in New York state, our company and industryface many regulatory challenges every year. Some arerelated to increased development pressure (i.e, privateproperty rights, land planning/zoning issues, acceptedagricultural practices, etc.). Others are budgetary,designed to increase revenues to balance inflated budgets(i.e. tax increases and increased fees). Finally, some arethrust upon us by special interest groups who believetheir cause is so righteous that they will use any meansnecessary to obtain their ultimate goal. This article dealswith the last threat.

In our state, there are many “environmental” advocacygroups whose ultimate goal is to eliminate the use ofpesticides. They are very vocal, very well funded, veryorganized and have gained much influence in the politicalprocess. Many of these activists are well-intentioned peoplewho are convinced their involvement will lead to a betterworld for their children and future generations. As you cansee, we are up against a formidable force.

As business owners and agricultural producers ourthought process is distinctly different than the averageenvironmentalist. To generalize, they use emotion andtend to over simplify the solution to environmentalproblems. On the other hand, we tend to focus onscientific facts, economic impacts and how new rulescould impact the environment, both now and in thefuture. We have a much better understanding of thebenefits of the proper use of technology, such as pesticides,and how they impact crop quality and yields. We also havesound understanding of the dangers of pesticide exposure,and the importance of proper protective equipment,sprayer calibration and maintenance, and application.

Although industry and environmentalists have verydivergent views about pesticides, we do have commongoals. I think it is safe to say that most turf producersand green industry professionals want their productsand services to have a positive impact on this planetaesthetically, functionally and environmentally, andwe also want to leave this world a better place for our

children and future generations. Now here’s the hardpart: How do we deal with such politically hot issueswhere public perception is so slanted against chemicalpesticides? Let me give you the story of one pesticideissued here in New York state and hopefully you willlearn as much as I did from our successes and failures.

48 Hour Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law1987 – A law passed and regulations were writtenrequiring commercial pesticide applicators to havesigned contracts with every customer and to post signsever 12 ft. around the perimeter of a treated area48 hours prior to each application. The 40 pages ofproposed regulations instigated a legal battle betweenthe NYS Department of Environmental Conservationand the applicator industry. The law applied only tocommercial applicators on non-agricultural facilities.

The green industry reacted by forming the New YorkState Pesticide Coalition (NYSPC), a group comprised ofthe New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA), LongIsland Arboricultural Association, NYS Arborists, NYSGreen Council, NYS Lawncare Association, NYSNursery/Landscape Association, NYS ProfessionalApplicators Coalition and the Professional LawncareAssociation of America. The newly formed NYSPCagreed on a unified plan of action that included:

1) Discussions with the NYS Department ofEnvironmental Conservation (DEC) about properinterpretation of regulations with hopes of helpingapplicators effectively deal with running theirbusinesses under the new regulations.

2) Hiring an environmental lawyer and, after muchdiscussion and deliberation, entering into a lawsuitagainst the DEC. This action solidified the coalitionand required a serious financial commitment by allmembers. The basis for the suit was the fact that DECdid not follow the state’s environmental QualityReview Act by not filing an Environmental ImpactStatement. NYSPC believed that prior notificationwould make the practice of Integrated PestManagement (IPM) almost impossible and thereforecause applicators to revert to blanket applicationprograms and increased pesticide usage.

NYSTA also communicated with New York Farm Bureau(NYFB) and knew their lobbyists were monitoring thesituation. Environmental groups frequently divide and

This is a very critical issue and we must all be vigilant and politically proactive orwe shall be confronted with regulatory standards that could threaten our livelihoods!

Dealing With A Political Hot Issue – Pesticides!By Steve Griffin, NYSTA Board Member; President, Saratoga Sod Farm • Reprinted from TurfNews - January/February 2004




conquer. In other words, they get a law on the books targeting oneindustry group, then expand the legislation to include other users.

At this point, the law did not impact turfgrass sod producers directly.The New York Statement Department of Agriculture defines agriculturalactivities, and turfgrass sod production comes under the agriculturaldefinition. This is extremely important in New York because agriculturalbusinesses receive special benefits (agricultural districts law, property taxrelief, sales tax relief, agricultural employer status and wage laws, DOTregistrations, etc.), as well as protection under the Right to Farm Law fromnuisance suits related to common agricultural practices (i.e., manurespreading, early-late day equipment operation). Also, as an agriculturalproducer in New York, you would rather work with the Department ofAgriculture and Markets because their mission is to keep agriculturevital and growing. Other state agencies are generally more concernedwith enforcement.

1989 – DEC conceded on the “Approximate Date” for application andallowed customers to waive the right to have specific dates delineated.This was a huge break for applicators, enabling them to be more flexiblewith application dates.

1989 – NYS Supreme Court declared the notification regulations null andvoid. DEC appealed the decision.

1990 – NYS Supreme Court Appellate Division reaffirmed the Court’searlier decision. This decision was a major victory for NYSPC. However,the biggest factor in the lawsuit was DEC’s failure to meet a regulationpromulgation extension deadline by one day. The victory did not repealthe law itself. The law was still in effect, but the 40 pages of onerousregulations were null and void.

19991 – The New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) joined theNYS Council of Agricultural Organizations (CAO), which consists ofapproximately 25 agricultural organizations throughout New York statethat are involved in production, marketing and processing of agriculturalproducts. The CAO develops an annual policy book based on unanimousmember approval. NYSTA believes that building coalitions is of theutmost importance and the CAO helps NYSTA align with groups thathave the same objectives.

1992 – NYSTA discovered some downstate Assemblymen were interestedin pesticide notification issues. NYSTA contacted other associations andwrote letters to legislators. NYSTA communicated this concern to otherNYSPC organizations.

1997 – Assembly bill A6459-C passed the Assembly, requiring notificationto all adjacent property owners 48 hours prior to all pesticide applications.This bill version included all pesticide applicators – lawn care, golfcourses, cemeteries, farmers and homeowners. Senate bill S3889-B wasintroduced as a companion to the Assembly bill, with some differences.NYSTA and Farm Bureau worked with the Senate Majority Leader toprevent the bill from making the legislative session agenda.

The impact of this Assembly bill on turfgrass sod growers would havebeen extensive. In my particular case, I have five separate farms thatcompromise my sod acreage. I would have 52 different neighbors tosupply with written notice 48 hours prior to any application (if I wereapplying to every farm). If the weather conditions were inappropriate,I would have to re-notify each of these neighbors of another date at least48 hours ahead.

Political Hot Issue - Pesticides! - continued from page 17

We use IPM on our farm and spray onlywhen certain thresholds are met for insectand disease problems. These onerousregulations would force us to change ourmanagement strategy from scouting andtimely applications to a more preventativeapproach. In addition, it alarms ourneighbors and puts us on the defensive.We do our best to communicate with ourneighbors. They understand that we aretrained, certified applicators. They knowwe practice IPM and use chemicals onlywhen absolutely necessary in targetedlocutions. Non-target application (drift) isalready illegal.

1998 – Although the Senate bill did notpass in the previous session, prior notifi-cation legislation was again introduced.

NYSTA members showed grassrootssupport by communicating withlegislators and helping to secure funds.NYSPC’s attorney sent a letter toAssemblyman DiPaoli opposing theAssembly legislation. The letteremphasized the fact that any concernabout neighbors coming onto treatedproper was already covered byEnvironmental Conservation Law Article33, Title 10, which requires sign postingfor commercial lawn applications to warnpersons coming onto treated propertyfrom adjoining properties. The coalitionalso urged that a pesticide registry beenacted in lieu of the required off-premisesnotification put forth in the Assembly bill.No notification law was enacted. Onceagain, the bill did not reach the floorfor a vote.

1999 – Senate bill S.2543-C passed theSenate after receiving a Message ofNecessity from the Governor. The billrequired 48-hour notice to neighborsof a property that is to be sprayed withpesticides when the pesticide is appliedto vegetation under five ft. tall and within15 ft. of the property line. The Assemblypassed bill A.1461 that contained muchbroader language and was supported bythe environmental community.

The passage of this Assembly bill wasviewed as a crisis and it brought NYSPCback together. The group developed anaction plan that included increased


communication with legislators, and continued support of thealternative pesticide registry instead of passage of a companionnotification bill. The mere cost of complying with the proposed lawcould cause the cost of lawn care to become unaffordable. Fines of$5,000 for first violations and $10,000 for subsequent offenses were alsoincluded in the legislation. Members were also urged to attend NYSTA’sannual conference in November to increase awareness and understandingof these issues, and to become more effective, active participants in thepublic arena.

2000 – NYSTA Board of Directors prioritized legislative issues bydeciding that a special event was needed. As a result, NYSTA held itsfirst annual Turfgrass Advocacy Day in February at the State Capital inAlbany. The purpose of this event was to review issues and advocacystrategies that promote the interests of the turfgrass industry an meetdirectly with legislators to voice concerns. The four points emphasizedto legislators by stakeholders during this event were:

1) Notification for commercial lawn applicators is already regulatedunder Environmental Law Article 33, Title 10, which requires signposting to notify persons coming onto properties from off-premiseslocations.



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2) Certified commercial applicators and registeredbusinesses are already prohibited from contaminatingabutting property pursuant to 6 NYCRR Sections329.2 (a) and 325.1 (1).

3) This notification bill would adversely impact IPMtechniques and will force applicators to go back tooutdated covered spray techniques, treating theentire property to avoid having to re-notifyneighbors if further spot treatments are necessary.

4) Pre-notification is costly to the business performingthe work as well as to the customer. The increasedcost will increase the probability that homeownerswill do the work themselves, or have it done byothers who are uncertified/unregistered, thusincreasing the risk of misapplication and overapplication due to lack of training.

During Advocacy Day and in subsequent meetings,NYSTA expresses its concerns to the Senate MajorityLeader’s staff. The Senate Majority Leader is very pro-business and has enacted much legislation favorableto agriculture. However, 2000 was an election year andthe downstate senator who sponsored the bill trulybelieved he needed the legislation signed into law inorder to get re-elected. The majority leader needed thisparticular senator’s support to remain in power asmajority leader. Both NYSTA and NYFB continued tolobby, trying to get concessions/exemptions and continuedto push the voluntary pesticide registry as an alternative.

The Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law (Bill S8223,Chapter 285 of the laws of 2000) was signed into law byGovernor Patiaki on August 21, 2000. The law amendedTitle 10 of Article 33 of the Environmental ConservationLaw (adopted by Chapter 559 of the Laws of 1987)relating to the commercial and residential lawnapplication of pesticides.

While the enactment of this law was a disappointment,we did have some victories. Agriculture, cemeteries andgolf courses were exempted. The law was adopted as acounty opt-in, meaning county governments had toadopt the law individually in order for it to take effect.As of now, only six of 62 counties throughout New Yorkstate have adopted the law. Unfortunately, politicsprevailed in this instance. It was a lesson that perceptionis often more important than reality or scientific facts.

This time-line and description of events surrounding thepassage of 48 Hour Pesticide Neighbor Notification Lawhere in New York is an illustration of what can happen.After reading this article, hopefully you will take aminute to reflect on what is happening around you andtake the initiative to become informed and involved inyour industry and in the political arena.

While politics may be foreign to you, it is going tobecome increasingly important to keep abreast of whatyour legislators are doing, before it is too late. The sooneryou become involved at any level, the better.


What Worked, What Didn’tI think it is important, however, to note what we didwrong and what we did right in our fight. The biggestthing we did wrong, in my opinion, was that we didn’treact soon enough and were not pro-active early on.In retrospect, we should have gone to the down stateassemblymen with the voluntary pesticide registryin 1993. This may have created a much less harmfuloutcome for the industry.

The best thing we did was to form coalitions with otherindustry groups that were working towards the samegoal. NYFB in our state is way ahead of the curvecompared to green industry associations. They havehad full-time lobbyists for at least 30 years and themembership is very active in policy execution. My fatheris a past president of NYFB, and my wife and I wereco-chairs of the state Young Farmer and RancherCommitted, so I was very eager to strengthen thecoalition between NYSTA and NYFB.

There is definitely strength in numbers and in the gameof politics, numbers definitely talk, both in terms ofpeople (constituents) and dollars. We also worked tolobby from the ground up, seeking a grassroots, member-supported effort, which is very effective. As a result ofthat effort, NYSTA’s annual Turfgrass Advocacy Day wasborn. This annual lobby day, in its 5th year, has grown innumbers and legislative recognition each year and hasproven to be a very effective tool in our efforts tocontinue to be pro-active and involved. The otherpositive action was the fact we provided an alternative to

the proposed legislation we were trying to defeat, insteadof just voicing opposition with no viable option.

As a result of this experience, some additional positiveshave emerged. The New York Alliance for EnvironmentalConcerns (NYAFEC) evolved from the former PesticideCoalition. Their goal is to unite the individual efforts ofvarious New York-based green industry organizations tobetter coordinate activities and education lawmakers,policy makers, and the public. In October of 2002,NYAFEC hired Chris Revere, a professional lobbyist, toorganize the group’s legislative and regulatory issuesand to stay pro-active and promote industry positions.The member organizations believe this was a positivemove, especially in light of the fact in 2002, New Yorklawmakers looked at over 80 pesticide related piecesof legislation.

Also, the New York State Turfgrass Industry Survey is inthe pipeline, with results expected sometime in late 2004.This survey is the result of years of combined effortsbetween NYSTA, the New York State Department andAgriculture and Markets and the National AgriculturalStatistics Service to compile statistical information on thedepth and breadth of the turfgrass industry throughoutNew York state. We believe the survey results willprovide strong numbers and industry facts that willgive vital support to our lobbying efforts in Albany.

TPI is laying some good groundwork by working onbest management practices for turfgrass sod growers.We know that as stewards of the land we are the originalenvironmentalists. We just need to let people know all ofthe good things we do as farmers and conservationists.



Green IndustryGuide To Opt-InThe following suggested steps wereexcerpted from a NYSTA communicationdeveloped to help green industryparticipants take advantage of the “Opt-In”condition to thwart implementation ofthe “48-Hour Notification Bill” in theirrespective counties – these could alsoserve as guidelines to prevent such a billbefore it becomes law in other areas.

1) Identify County (or appropriate)Representatives

2) Inform your customers about impendinglaw and how it can impact them, theenvironment and business.

a. Survey your customers if they wantthe law (NYSTA members’ surveysresulted in overwhelmingly against theimpending law) – such surveys

presented to appropriate legislatorscan have significant impact, especiallywhen an alternative is offered.

b. Contact the news media (column inlocal paper, radio or TV gardeningtalk show, letter to the editor) withinformation why the law will not workand why science-based alternative will.

c. Spread the word about the law’spotential impact on apartmentmanagers, exterminators, yourvendors, arborists, landscapers, etc.

3) Consider hiring a public relations firm –compare the cost of a good PR firm withincreased cost (or loss) of business.

4) Gather facts about pesticides fromyour county health department andstate department of environmentalconservation similar agency.

a. Be prepared to demonstrate there areonly a small number of individualsconcerned.

b. Gather information about the industryadvancements in technology andeducation (safety) of workers and thegeneral public.

c. Describe how compliance to such alaw would inhibit further training foremployees – and how companieswould have to spend more onregulation compliance thanon education.

5. Contact county (or appropriate)representatives, but first develop a listof key points to be made professionallyand courteously by: phone, letter(develop samples for use on companyletterheads), in person. Ideally, visit yourrepresentatives with several individualsfrom all parts of the industry to presentyour case. n


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Phone ( ...........) ..............................................................

Fax # ( ...........) ..............................................................(For Fax Subscriptions Only)

E-Mail Address ...............................................................(For E-Mail Subscriptions)

¹ Credit Card Payment:

Credit Card #..................................................................

Type of Card: m MasterCard m VISA

Name On Card:..............................................................

Exp. Date................. Signature.......................................

Î Checks Payable To:Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Mail Payment To:Rutgers Snyder Research & Extension FarmPlant & Pest Advisory140 Locust Grove RoadPittstown, NJ 08867

For Office Use

Calendar of Events 2004COOK COLLEGE /RUTGERS UNIVERSITYContact: 732-932-9711New Brunswick, NJ

March 9 The Importance of UnderstandingAthletic Field Soil

March 16 The Importance of UnderstandingAthletic Field Turfgrass

March 19 Applied Innovative Techniques InPruning Ornamental Trees & Shrubs

March 23 Understanding Athletic FieldConstruction Procedures

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOWMarch 7 - 14 Pennsylvania Convention Center

12 & Arch StreetsPhiladelphia, PA

SPRINGFEST FLOWER& GARDEN SHOW

March 12 - 16 Sussex County Fairgrounds, NJ

NEW YORK STATE TURF &LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATIONContact: 914-993-9455

April 16 Hands-On TrainingNorth White Plains, NJ

COMMITTEE FOR THEADVANCEMENT OFARBORICULTUREContact: John Perry, 732-833-0500

May 3 - 14 Arboriculture I –Basic Tree Climbing CourseJackson, NJ

RUTGERS TURFGRASS RESEARCHGOLF CLASSIC Contact: Dick Caton, 856-853-5973

May 10 Blue Heron Pines Golf ClubCologne, NJ

TURFGRASS PRODUCERSINTERNATIONALContact: 800-405-8873

July 27 - 30 TPI Summer Convention & Field DaysHarrisburg/Hershey, PA

NJ SHADE TREE FOUNDATION Contact: Bill Porter, 732-246-3120

October 29 - 31 79th Annual MeetingCherry Hill, NJ

GOLF COURSESUPERINTENDENTSASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY Contact: 1-866-GCSANJ1

November 3 - 5 First Annual Three Day Seminar &Team Golf ChampionshipCrystal Springs Golf ResortSussex County; Hamburg, New Jersey


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Board of DirectorsMarie Pompei, PresidentChris Carson, Vice President,

Expo Education ChairmanBarbara Vydro, TreasurerMichael Oleykowski, SecretarySteve P. Chirip, Immediate Past PresidentRobert A. Dickison, Expo General ChairmanJohn Buechner, DirectorDiane Leon, DirectorBrian Feldman, DirectorWilliam F. Koonz, Jr., DirectorLouis S. Makrancy, DirectorHoward Perdun, DirectorPedro Perdomo, DirectorThom Ritchie, DirectorChris Zelley, DirectorDr. Bruce Clarke, AdvisorDr. James Murphy, AdvisorDr. Richard Caton, Executive DirectorBea Devine, Executive Secretary

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