University of Massachusetts Turfgrass

05/18/2026

"Just as I thought! This acervuli proves my suspicion of an anthracnose outbreak on your putting greens "

Need help diagnosing plant diseases? Check out our plant diagnostics lab to help identify plant pathogens and other problems you may be experiencing.

**Diagnostic technicians may be older than seen here.**

https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/services/plant-diagnostics-laboratory

05/12/2026

It's finals week!

It's been a fun, rigorous semester for students who are eager to graduate or move on to their summer internships.

While it was a "normal" Massachusetts winter with cold and snow, students did finally get outside to do some irrigation auditing work and electrical troubleshooting in instructor James Poro's class. A few trips to the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center were also a nice break from the classroom walls!

05/06/2026

Dr. Evan Mascitti was on hand at the 'Cooler Communities Fair' at Sunderland Elementary recently to help promote STEM fields to K-6 kids!
He brought along some Kentucky bluegrass sod and showed students how to plant tall fescue in their very own pots to take home! Hopefully, we have some future turf managers eager to get their hands dirty!

05/02/2026

Don't know Jason Lanier? He knows your lawn!

Check out this clip from Channel 5 Boston where Jason has some good recommendations for a healthy, sustainable lawn! Go UMass!

UMass Amherst turf specialist Jason Lanier says a healthier lawn starts with simple spring basics: sharp mower blades, taller grass, deep watering, and the right timing for seeding and fertilizer. LINK IN COMMENTS⬇️

05/01/2026

A nod to sod!

Savage Farm, right here in our own backyard, gave some of our turf students an in-depth tour and discussion of what it takes to grow high-quality sod! What a great opportunity to see the inner workings of such a unique industry and job!

04/28/2026

Give us your best names!

Our autonomous mowers at the research facility (now properly trained and freshly painted) need something we call them. Give us your best ideas for names to vote on!

04/17/2026

Major thanks to alums Ryan Bjorn and Chris Hurley, who took time away from World Cup preparations to meet with UMass Turf Club students and instructors at Gillette Stadium today!

04/15/2026

Another season and another huge THANK YOU to Greg Maak and Chris Francis of Turf Products!!

Greg delivered a new boom sprayer to the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center for use this season. The support of industry, alum, and colleagues across the turf industry like TPC and Toro help keep important research happening at UMass. Thanks for the support!

04/07/2026

In light of last year's incident, where one of our autonomous mowers ran over the boss's iced coffee, our "autonomous staff" at the turf research center are getting a more thorough training session this season! 🤣

03/20/2026

AI, please replace this 11-blade reel with a 14-blade reel........

Some things AI just can't do, like replace the joy (and frustrations) that come with all we put into turf management. 😀

02/05/2026

Congrats to our turf students placing 6th in the Collegiate Turf Bowl!!

Great work, guys, and special thanks to Marvin Seaman for all the hard work he put into helping them prepare!

Now, good luck getting that massive check on the plane 😄