Modern Turf News

3 Things Everyone Should Know About Golf Grass

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

A primer on golf grasses

Golf grass is not the same throughout the course, and it isn't like the grass in your backyard. Here are 3 things everyone should know about golf grass:

• Fairways, Tees, Greens and Roughs are areas on the course requiring different interaction with the ball, so as a result they often require different grasses and maintenance.

• Golf grasses must be meticulously maintained to high standards or they will hinder the game being played on their surface.

• Experts spend years developing specialized strains of grass for the fairway, tees, greens, and roughs in different climates with different soils and rainfall.

Here at Modern Turf we know golf grass. In fact, we have former golf course superintendents on our team. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your course or just want your very own backyard putting green, we can help you understand the variables so you end up with the right grass for your game.

Contact a golf grass professional here: http://www.modernturf.com/contact-us

Grass Knowledge: The Best Options for Your Golf Putting Green

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Grass considerations for your home putting green

Installing a home putting green in your backyard is not such a far-fetched idea anymore. The key element to consider is the grass. Not every type of grass contributes positive results to your putting score. In fact, different types of grass cause different types of outcomes to the game of golf. That’s why the course superintendent is so fussy about what happens on the green.

The first lesson to keep in mind is that not every type of grass is good for putting. So what are some of the best grasses for a golf putting green? One of the most popular types of grass to use is Mini Verde Ultradwarf. Because different types of grass are used for putting greens at different courses, you should try to mimic the putting green at the course where you play most often.

Seasonal variations, weather, and climate also play a role in determining what kinds of grass will grow where you live. If you play on multiple courses, then consider multiple putting greens, especially if the putting greens at the clubs are not the same. Installing a putting green at home can dramatically improve your game.

If you'd like more information about what types of grasses work for home putting greens, please call us at 803-691-9890. We’re always happy to answer your questions.

Quick Lawn Recovery: The Basics of Spring Lawn Maintenance

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The simple way to lawn maintenance and recovery

Spring lawn maintenance doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. These simple steps will help your lawn recover from the winter's rigors and get you out on the grass to play and relax:

• Clean -- Rake your lawn lightly and look for problem areas that have developed over the winter. Are there high and low spots? Get out that shovel and even them out so they don't get scalped when you mow or collect water when it rains. How about compacted areas or thatch? Now is the time to stop the problem before it gets worse.

• Fertilize -- Spring is the time to give your grass a boost of nutrients for the first flush of growth in the season. You may also need to judiciously apply insecticides or herbicides as your situation warrants.

• Mow -- Taller grass is healthier, with a strong root structure and greater resistance to disease and pests. It may seem like cutting the grass shorter keeps you from mowing frequently, but the reality is that cutting no more than a third of the blade is best, with the added benefit of smaller clippings improving the soil when you allow them to stay on the lawn. A mulching mower really is an asset here.

Of course, the easiest way to do spring lawn maintenance is to call the Turf Care division at Modern Turf and let the experts do it. They have the experience and equipment to make your lawn perfect.

Contact us today to find out more for advice and everything you need for top-notch lawn maintenance.

Visit http://www.modernturf.com/contact-us

The 3 Best Reasons to Use MiniVerde on Your Putting Green

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

MiniVerde: tighter, faster, and more consistent putting surfaces

MiniVerde on your putting green means a tighter, faster and more consistent putting surface. Here's how these three reasons work for your game:

1. Tighter because the fine leaf blades, short internodes, and high shoot density create a plush, velvety surface that can be mowed at collar height.

2. Faster because that smooth, dense surface does not impede your ball, allowing a putt to do what you want it to do.

3. Consistent because MiniVerde is easy to manage, with deep roots and quick recovery. With proper maintenance, the density gives encroaching weeds little space to grow in, and MiniVerde has the highest salt tolerance of all the Ultradwarf Bermuda Grasses.

NTEP trials in the past few years have ranked MiniVerde #1 for putting greens. Take a look at this great option for your course and talk to our experts about the suitability of this choice for your specific need.

Visit: http://www.modernturf.com/contact-us

Put Your Bentgrass Out of Its Misery! 3 Reasons to Replace Your Putting Green Grass with No-Till Ultradwarf

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:21:00 GMT

Put Your Bentgrass Out of its Misery! No-Till Ultradwarf Revolution

The key consideration with putting green grass is putting quality. Major golf courses around the world are ripping out their Bentgrass putting greens and replacing them with Ultradwarf putting grass greens.

Why? Simple: a superior putting environment. Why the change? The new varieties of Ultradwarf have finally received enough work experience for Superintendents to understand how they grow and how to keep them in prime shape.

Ultradwarf putting green grass is easier to maintain during the winter months. During the offseason there is no reason that golfers cannot improve their putting game. Here are a few benefits of Ultradwarf:

• Reduction or elimination of transition periods
• Improved putting quality
• Ease of maintenance
• Holds up well to wear and play

Reduction of transition periods occurs because of the winter maintenance of Ultradwarf grass. There is no longer a need to wait for the effects of overseeding to take place. The green is ready sooner. The extended growing season allows the green to be playable longer, which leads to improved putting quality. Remember, Ultradwarf varieties require less maintenance than Bentgrass. And the longer growing season allows the green to be played longer, even during the winter months. The benefit is more play with less exposed areas of soil.

If you would like information about the Ultradwarf putting green grass that we carry or why these might benefit your putting green, please contact us. Our quality professionals are always available to help answer your questions.

Visit link: www.modernturf.com/contact-us

The 5 Laws for Lawncare

Thu, 30 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Here are five lawn care tips to help you have a healthier lawn.

1. Mow high, often and with sharp blades.
It may seem like a time saver to mow your lawn short, but mowing to short can damage the grass as well as make it easier for the weeds to take root. Keep the lawn healthy by mowing slightly taller than normal. A good rule of thumb for mowing is to only mow the top one-third of the grass, so set the mower as high as it will go, which is typically 3 inches. Sharpen the mower blades on a regular basis to prevent ragged edges and a brown lawn.

2. Thin spots need reseeding.
Reseeding the thin spots in your lawn will help keep it lush and healthy. The best time to reseed cool season grasses is in the fall and warm season grasses should be planted in the late spring. When planting seed in thin areas, it is best to avoid applying a pre-emergent herbicide while planting seeds as this could prevent growth of the new grass seedlings.

3. Choose the correct herbicide.
If simply pulling weeds is not enough to keep weeds at bay or if it isn’t your favorite lawncare task, a herbicide can help eliminate weeds, but it is important to choose the correct herbicide for your needs. A post-emergent herbicide is used after weeds are visible. It is often used to control broadleaf weeds such as dandelions and chickweed. A pre-emergent herbicide is used to prevent the seeds of weeds from germination. A pre-emergent herbicide is typically applied once each year.

4. Fertilize your lawn.
One of the most important nutrients you can feed your lawn is nitrogen, so fertilize with a product that provide fast and slow releasing of the fertilizer, this will feed the lawn quickly as well as provide a gradual release of the nutrients. Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to fertilizer, too much nitrogen can burn the lawn.

5. Avoid nighttime watering.
It is best to water your lawn during the early morning so the sun can help dry the grass throughout the day. If you water at nighttime it can leave to much moisture in the blades, which can cause diseases. When watering, focus on water the ground, not just the grass. The water needs to soak the ground in order to penetrate down enough to provide continuous moisture.

For more tips, and everything you need to grow the best-looking lawn in your neighborhood, call the pros at Modern Turf: (803) 691-9890

Landscape Like the Pros: 4 Benefits of Buying Grass from Sod Farms

Mon, 27 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Whether you are patching your current yard or thinking about getting a whole new yard, you may want to consider buying grass from one of the region’s sod farms.

Getting your yard to look like the pros did it can be costly and my take up a lot of your time if you do attempt to do it yourself, which is why buying grass from sod farms is an especially attractive option.

Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons as to why you would want to purchase sod from sod farms instead of buying do-it-yourself grass seed.

Convenience. There is an ease that comes with purchasing sod from sod farms. You don’t have to go and purchase all of the items that you will need to grow a nice looking, weed free yard from seed. All you need to do is choose what type of sod is best for your area and yard with the help of knowledgeable associates.

No weeds. All of the grass that is grown on sod farms is free of weeds. This means that you will not need any weed killer and your yard will look great from the start. You’ll use fewer chemicals and your yard will indeed be “green”.

Use of your yard sooner. With grass seed, your yard will take quite a while before you can enjoy it. With sod, just give it a week or two and you will be able to play yard games and enjoy the great beauty of your vibrant green, weed free yard.

Lower water bill. This may sound funny in the beginning, but starting a yard from grass seed takes a LOT of water. More water, higher water bills. With sod, the roots have already formed and they require less water. Water is still necessary, just not as much.

At Modern Turf, we pride ourselves in the quality of sod that we grow. If you have any questions, contact us here.

Home Lawns: How-Tos for First-Time Homeowners

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Creating and maintaining beautiful home lawns is not as difficult as it might seem.

When it comes to creating a beautiful home lawn, you want only the best, especially if you are a first time home owner. You want a yard that makes a statement. One that is bright, elegant, and well maintained.

But how do you do that, you ask?

Simply follow a few simple steps to help your home lawn look its best. Start with a few suggestions on how to rid your lawn of the pesky weeds that think they own the place.

1. Squash the weeds before they start. You do this by treating the broad leafed weeds that like to spread much the same way wildfires do. Once they get going, it is hard to stop them. So, kill the ones already growing with weed killer early in the morning, preferably when the ground is still dewy. The moisture on the leaves will help the granular killer stick to the leaves, where it can actually do its job.

2. Prevent more weeds from growing. You can do this by using various herbicides meant to prevent weeds from popping up. The weed prevention products also help keep crab grass from spoiling your lawn. Remember to apply the weed prevention product to your lawn as early in the season as possible. The reason you want to do this is that it is only a preventative method and is not effective against weeds that have already happily taken up residence within your lawn.

If you have questions regarding sod, contact a turf professional. Modern Turf is here to answer your inquiries.

How to Improve Your Putting Without Living at the Country Club

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Install a putting green in your own home to improve your golf swing. No, really, you can do it!

Have you been dreaming about improving your putting without feeling like you live at the country club? Well, there is an easy solution to that.

You can actually build a putting green right in your very own backyard. All it takes is a little bit of patience, the right tools, and some expert advice. The process is relatively easy and even cost effective.

Simply take these things into account and you too can be planning and then installing your own practice green:

What needs improving? By understanding which put you need to practice the most, you can better design your own green to allow you to practice this particular putt as needed. Customize your putting green to provide as much or as little practice for specific swings as needed.

Consider location. Although you want to design a green that will provide you with the practice you need most, you also want to also take into account the other landscaping in the area. For instance, areas that are low lying might be prone to flooding and you obviously would rather have your putting green in an area with ample drainage.

What kind of turf do you want to have installed? You can choose from various synthetic turfs or use sod to create your home putting green. You want to choose the type of turf that can meet your practice needs.

Modern Turf can easily and expertly assist you with choosing the best grass for your green, especially since their team is composed of former golf professionals. In fact, we can help you take all of these points into consideration as you plan.

Click to get a quote on your very own home putting green.

Fore! Four Golf Grass Gaffes Your Golf Course Superintendent Wishes You'd Never Do Again

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Never again send the course superintendent home with a headache because of what you did to his golf grass!

There are some superior golf grass courses in our area of the country. Many are plush, green and perfectly manicured. These are courses that groundskeepers take obvious pride in. Green fees allow you access to play on these emerald links, but there are mistakes players make that make a golf course superintendent cringe.

Here are four:

1. Driving a cart off of the path. This is especially heinous when the turf is soft after some heavy rains. Ditches and tire marks are aesthetically unappealing and can make play difficult for other players.
2. Not replacing divots. Replacing a divot drastically reduces the amount of time that the turf is repaired. Take the few extra seconds to retrieve and replace any divot damage you cause to the golf grass. Your golf course superintendent will appreciate it.
3. Leaving ball marks on the green. Imagine what most greens would look like if players didn’t repair ball marks on the green? This is particularly a problem in damp conditions. Promotional ball marker repair tools can be found almost anywhere. Carry one and please use it.
4. Golfers who drag their spiked golf shoes on greens. Every golfer who plays a round of golf ends up at the same place…at the hole on the green. Perhaps unintentionally, some golfers fail to pick up their feet when gliding across the smooth surface. You can imagine the damage done when metal spikes are involved. Walk carefully on these greens.

Remembering these 4 (fore!) things can keep your favorite course looking, and playing at its best.

If you know a golf course superintendent who could use a free consultation on the golf grass at his course, send him our way here.

Get Lush! Lawncare Ideas That Really Work

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to lawn care, be your neighborhood's trend setting superstar by using these ideas in your front or back yard.

As part of your lawn care plan for the year, you may want to lay turf on your lawn or sow seeds. If so, you should do so at the beginning of the spring season. It’s the perfect time, because we’re not as likely to experience frost then, the soil is easier to work with, and you will be more successful at laying down turf than you would be at any other time of the year. Since soil is warmer in the early spring, now is the ideal time to sow seeds. We also usually get enough rain this time of year to ensure the seeds are able to grow.

Another great idea for taking care of your yard is to get rid of the dead grass on your lawn. This will make it more visually appealing and healthier as well. Make sure you use either a mechanical scarifier or a spring-tined rake.

Lawn care during the summer months should involve fertilizing your grass only if your local weather forecast calls for a significant amount of rain or you’re prepared to water your yard sufficiently. If you are experiencing a drought, or getting rain but not enough rain, consider using kelp tonics to feed your grass, because regular fertilizer will kill your grass if the weather does not cooperate.

Following these tips will help you to have a beautiful looking lawn to come home to every night. You will be proud of your lawn, and your neighbors will wonder how you did it.

If you need assistance in choosing new grass for your lawn, or have lawn care questions for the pros, contact us here.

What the PGA Links Can Teach Us about Sod Grass

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Nothing beats the beauty of lush, green sod grass on the links, or at home.

When you’re looking for sod grass for golf courses, sports fields, homes, or a business lawn Modern Turf can help you find the best product for your needs. The ideal is grass that will be easy to maintain and hold up well during the warmer season.

We cultivate and recommend Mini Verde Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass, praised as a top quality grass according to National Turfgrass Evaluation Program. This superior grass is used often on golf courses, putting tees, and surrounds because…

• It is tolerant to shade, disease, and salt air.
• It spreads quickly when planted forming a dense grass.
• It stands up under mowing and the color stays dark green.
• It does well in mild climates even in winter.
• It roots deeply establishing itself quickly.
• It stays green in the cool temperatures of winter.

This type of grass is replacing bent grass on many courses and other locations. Many public and private golf courses have tried this grass and switched. It wears better so the golf course looks good to golfers and others at the country club. This sod grass performs well in the summer with heat and the humidity and does not dry out and become brown.

Modern Turf has installed Miniverde Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass in golf courses in six states. It works without needing tilling making it a popular choice with customers.

Contact Modern Turf to learn more about this sod grass or others for your lawn.Call (803) 691-9890

How to Get Field Turf Even Your Roughest Players Can't Destroy

Mon, 06 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Durable sport field turf without turning to rubber

If you're trying to figure how to get field turf that your roughest players can't destroy, there are a few options but only one good choice. On the one hand, fending off a player meets turf disaster on your field could involve considering the use of an artificial field. While it will withstand hour after hour of steel cleats churning through, it isn't turf.

With most artificial fields today made from recycled tire, the rubber and plastic nature of the turf will be apparent. Not to mention, your players are going to get lots of small bits of tire on their hands and face while chasing the game ball, which gets old after a while.

Alternatively, a natural turf field can be had with quality, strong field grass produced by Modern Turf. Designed to take a beating but keep growing under the strongest sport demands, Modern Turf’s field turf varieties provide the best of both worlds.

Sport teams can still enjoy their game on natural grass, which does feel fundamentally different, and your field won't turn into a mud pit when the game is over. Further, good turf for sports needs to hold up as the seasons change. Fields that tend to soak up water like a sponge in the winter also tend to dry out quickly and become hardpan in the summer. A good sports field turf will maintain a consistency throughout the seasons, warm and cold, as long as the turf is maintained with the right watering system and schedule.

If you’re looking for durable, real sports field turf, contact the experts at Modern Turf for a free consultation specific to your facility.

Lawn Service: How to Replace Your Grass and Never Touch a Tiller

Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Here’s one project you should leave to a professional lawn service.

Improving your yard is quite a bit of work and can be expensive, but when you use a professional lawn service, you can have a great looking lawn without even breaking a sweat. Replacing your grass may be the best option if you've inherited a lawn that went neglected for years, or if yours fell victim to a fungus or other blight last year.

While you might consider doing a lawn makeover on your own, trusting a professional lawn service to handle the project gives you two major benefits:

1. A lawn service won’t set you up to fail. They will help you by planting the proper grass for your area. You may think big box stores will only sell grass that will thrive in your area, but you need to realize they sell what is shipped to them. By trusting a professional and local lawn service, you end up getting a variety of grass meant for your area.
2. You will end up saving money by hiring a professional lawn service. You may not have thought about this before, but by hiring a service to replace your grass, you will get the lawn you’re hoping for at a fraction of the cost you’d incur by doing it yourself. Once you take into account the value of your own time, the likelihood you will need to make multiple trips to the store for forgotten equipment and supplies, and the fact that if you’ve never undertaken a project like this, you may make costly errors, hiring a service is the far more economical choice.

Getting the best looking lawn in the neighborhood is easier than you think. However, you need to make sure if you’re planning on replacing your grass that you make a wise choice in the lawn service you hire, and especially make sure you choose the right variety of grass for your location.

For advice on the best grass for your yard, call Modern Turf at (803) 691-9890.

How to Protect Your Landscaping Client's Turf Lawn From Fungus

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

A turf lawn is one of the best ways to start any yard strong and healthy - but it still needs protection.

You want to provide your landscaping clients with the strongest turf lawn possible. Fungus and lawn disease can quickly take over and destroy the most beautiful lawns. Turf made up of only one type of grass is more susceptible to damage. Fungus destroys turf by invading blades of grass and feeding off the needed nutrients.

Multi-benefit products
Look for fungus control products that work to both cure and prevent numerous types of disease. A true control treatment will work on Brown Patch, Red Thread, Rust, Dollar Spot and more.

Application of fungus control
Products that protect against lawn disease are applied in granular or liquid form. One-step options provide nutrients as well as protection against fungus. Look for products that offer continual protection for one month or longer for the best results. Spray applications can also be used to protect flowers and shrubs for total care. Granule use should be avoided around ornamentals.

When to apply
Always use a treatment at the first sign of disease. If lawns show no signs of problems, the first application can be performed according to your area conditions. Applications for general protection are normally done monthly. For controlling and treating diseased areas, applications may be required every two weeks.

No matter what product you choose for a turf lawn, follow the label directions carefully. Applying the right amount of liquid or granules will provide the best results. Bermudagrass decline and Summer Patch tend to require heavier application. Our experts can help you identify and treat any lawn fungus problems.

Are you a landscaper serving clients in the Columbia, SC area? Click to get a quote on everything you need to provide your clients with the finest turf lawn available. http://www.modernturf.com/get-quote.html