Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Turfgrass
The green industry is a $9 billion industry and employs 26,000 in Kentucky with turfgrass and landscape businesses contributing to the local economy of both urban and rural communities across the state. In 2022, the Pulaski County Horticulture Agent joined two other agents and UK’s new Turf Extension Associate to form the University of Kentucky State Turf Team. This team provides turf programming and organizes and executes the Kentucky Turf and Landscape Short Course.The team me
Author: Kenneth Clayton
Bermudagrass as a weed is widespread in Kentucky. The warmth of our summers and recent mild winters has allowed this weed to continue to spread and persist across the state. While turf type varieties of bermudagrass are used, especially on athletic fields and golf courses, the common bermudagrass remains a difficult to control weed in many lawn and landscape situations. Since the beginning of my work with UK I have received numerous questions from stakeholders and county agents about the best wa
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment and the Kentucky Horticulture Council co-hosted the annual Turf & Landscape Management Short Course on February 20-22, 2024. This event continued a 40+ year tradition and provided valuable programming to more than 520 green industry professionals in Kentucky. Thirty-five topical sessions were offered across three educational tracks with 27 different speakers. One highly anticipated outcome of the meet
Author: Jason Vaughn
New Commercial ApplicatorsA valid commercial pesticide applicator license demonstrates to the state that the holder has the knowledge to handle and apply pesticides accurately and responsibly. To attain a license, applicants must pass a rigorous exam. With an influx of new employees in the green industry, in particular, lawn and landscape services and golf courses, businesses are struggling to get employees who are certified to handle and apply pesticides. The challenge for emp
