Main Content
Explore the essentials of turf management including prevention and control of pests, maintenance practices, turfgrass varieties, soil compaction, and more!
Course Status Notice – Not Scheduled
We do not have an offering of this course scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!
Jump to: Overview | Instructor | Reviews | CE Credits | Contact Us | Related Courses | Join Email List
Course Details
Course Name: Basics of Turfgrass Management
Course Code: AT0406CA26
Date of Most Recent Offering: December 19, 2025
Course Overview
This class is part of the Landscape Management Certificate Program and the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program.
This one-day program is packed with topics to help improve your turf. Dr. Jim Murphy (Director, Rutgers Turfgrass Research Center) and Brad Park (Department of Plant Biology and Pathology) tag team to provide practical applications of good turf science.
Be prepared to go outside and see demonstrations on the Rutgers Turf Farm!
Featured Topics
- Prevention and Control of Turf Pests
- Soil Compaction
- Testing and Tilling
- Choosing Turfgrass Varieties
- Adjusting the Amount of Water for Better Results
- And More!
Who Should Attend?
This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to learn more about turfgrass management for home lawns, parks, school grounds, and more. Past participants have included:
- Building and Grounds Maintenance Employees
- Department of Public Works Employees
- Environmental Commission Members
- Gardeners
- Greenskeepers
- Horticulture Technicians
- Landscape Business Owners
- Lawn Care Managers
- Park Maintenance Workers
- Sports Field Managers
Meet Your Instructors
Dr. James Murphy, Rutgers University
Dr. Murphy is the Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management at Rutgers University. He conducts extension and research programs related to identifying best management practices for turfgrasses grown in the metropolitan region around New Jersey. His work often focuses on developing a better understanding of turfgrass response to soil-related stresses. He is internationally recognized as an authority on best management practices that enhance the stress tolerance, persistence, and environmental benefits of cool-season turf.
Brad Park, Rutgers University
Brad Park is a Laboratory Researcher with the Rutgers Department of Plant Biology. Brad performs traffic stress research on cool-season turfgrass species commonly established for sports fields. He routinely visits athletic facilities in New Jersey to assist turf managers in solving problems associated with high traffic sports fields. He is also actively involved in research projects concerning low-input turfgrasses for public grounds, home lawns, and highway roadsides.
Student Reviews
“There was a variety of very useful knowledge given in the class, which included a turf farm walk outside comparing the different grass types.”
– Past Participant
“Very good introduction to types of turfgrass and opportunities and challenges with growing under different conditions.”
– Past Participant
“[I] Learned I may need to change the type of grass I am growing to one that would respond better to my conditions.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The most recent offering of Basics of Turfgrass Management was approved for the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 3 Management and 2 Technical (DLGS-RUCPE23-4)
NJ Certified Fertilizer Applicators: 2 ProFACT credits
NJ / CT Pesticide Applicators: 5 units in 10, 3B and 8C
DE, MA, MD, NY, and PA Pesticide Applicators: If you need pesticide credits in these states, you must register and notify Joe Canzano at least 45 days before the course start date. Call 848-932-7317 or send an email to joe.canzano@rutgers.edu.
Meals
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Pre-registration/Walk-Ins
Location Changes
Email Requirement
Cancellations and SubstitutionsAttention U.S. Veterans
This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Basics of Turfgrass Management, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
