Steven L. Frank

“A Good Grounds Game”

Philosophy

Spartan (spar/tn) adj.: a. Rigorously self-disciplined or self-restrained. b. Simple, frugal or austere. c. Courageous in the face of pain, danger or adversity.

Sustainability

Goal: To create and implement systems, which enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote long-term ecological health of the landscape.

History: •Silent Spring•Evolution

Culture:• Social, Political

Economics:• Spend/Save

Strategy

Focus

Structure

Manager

Gardening

Irrigation & Fountains TreesSite

Construction

Hard Surface

AdministrativeSupport

Athletic Grounds

NurseryNursery Golf Course Mechanics

Standards

GARDENING ZONE DATA

GENERAL SERVICE LEVELS

Elite Priority Routine Low

Frequency/Rate Frequency/Rate Frequency/Rate Frequency/Rate

Task: Turf Maintenance: Mowing 1-2 x per week 1+ x per week 1 x per week 1-2 x per year Fertilization 4-5# N per year 3-4# N per year 2-3# N per year 1-2# N per year Weed Control 1-2+ x per year 1-2 x per year Occasional Unscheduled Insect/Disease Control Immediate As determined Unscheduled N/A Aeration 1+ x per year 1 x per 2 years Occasional Unscheduled Topdressing 1 x per year 1 x per 2 years Occasional Unscheduled Seeding/Sodding Immediate As necessary Unscheduled Erosion control Other Repair Immediate As necessary Unscheduled Rarely

Inputs

• Supplies

• People

• Equipment

The Good

The Bad

Grubs!

Carelessness!

Salt Damage

“Cow Path”

The Ugly

“Issues”

Soil Properties Traffic Construction Compaction $$$$$$$$$$$$

Soil

“Consider what each soil will bear,

and what each refuses”

- Virgil

Snow Removal

Traffic

Construction

Compaction

Practices

OverseedingCompost

Seeda-vator

Compost Topdressing

Projects

Bermudagrass Establishment

“Fight for the only colors …”

Turn-key

Vendors

Seed Evaluation

.1950 x .85 = .1657500

.1470 x .90 = .1323000

.1450 x .90 = .1305000

.0985 x .85 = .0837250

.0982 x .85 = .0834700

.0975 x .85 = .0828750

.0968 x .90 = .0871200

.0490 x .85 = .0416500

.0485 x .85 = .0412250

TOTAL .8486150

Expect 85% germination

Stewardship

On the (Non) Cutting Edge

Steve FrankLandscape Services CoordinatorMSU Grounds Maintenance Dept.

The MSU Grounds Maintenance Department began a campaign to reducethe amount of grass mowing done on campus in 2002. Although originally intended as a way to reduce expenses, the expanded plan has resulted in other benefits. From a sustainability standpoint the taller grass providesmore wildlife habitat, requires minimal fertilizer and pesticide application,less fuel is used with a corresponding reduction in emissions …..

Frustration

Recognition

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO SALUTED

FOR GROUNDS MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

The Professional Grounds Management Society bestowed its highest honor, the Green Star Grand Award, on The University of Chicago for exceptional grounds maintenance.

The real “Monsters of the Midway”.

A New Day is Dawning