"A Good Grounds Game"; a general overview of Landscape Services operations at Michigan State University and The University of Chicago.

1. “A Good Grounds Game”
Steven L. Frank

2. 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.

3. Sustainability
History:
•Silent Spring
•Evolution
Culture:
• Social, Political
Economics:
• Spend/Save
Goal: To create and implement systems, which enhance
the aesthetic appeal and promote long-term ecological
health of the landscape.

4. Strategy

5. Focus

6. Structure
Manager
Gardening
Irrigation &
Fountains Site Trees
Construction
Hard
Surface
Administrative
Support
Athletic
Grounds
NNuurrsseerryy Golf Course Mechanics

8. 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

9. Inputs
• Supplies
• People
• Equipment

10. The Good

12. The Bad
Grubs!
Carelessness!
Salt Damage
“Cow Path”

14. The Ugly

15. “Issues”
 Soil Properties
 Traffic
 Construction
 Compaction
 $$$$$$$$$$$$

16. Soil
“Consider what each soil will bear,
and what each refuses”
- Virgil

18. Snow Removal

19. Traffic

20. Construction

21. Compaction

22. Practices
Seeda-vator
Compost Overseeding
Compost
Topdressing

24. Projects
Bermudagrass Establishment
“Fight for the only colors …”

25. Turn-key

26. Vendors

27. 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

28. Stewardship
On the (Non) Cutting Edge
Steve Frank
Landscape Services Coordinator
MSU Grounds Maintenance Dept.
The MSU Grounds Maintenance Department began a campaign to reduce
the 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 provides
more wildlife habitat, requires minimal fertilizer and pesticide application,
less fuel is used with a corresponding reduction in emissions …..

29. Frustration

31. Recognition

32. 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.

34. The real “Monsters of the Midway”.

35. A New Day is Dawning