Turfgrass Management is the science and culture of fine grasses used on golf courses, athletic fields, parks, schools, commercial grounds, home lawns, and other areas requiring an attractive but functional ground cover.
The major at the University of Georgia incorporates basic and applied science principles through courses in soil hydrology and fertility, weed science, insect pest management, plant physiology and pathology, and labs with actual demonstration field plots. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally sound turf care strategies.
Increasing interest in outdoor recreation as well as aesthetically appealing landscaped areas has created a demand for professional turfgrass managers - the turfgrass industry in Georgia alone is estimated at more than $1 billlion. Other careers include chemical lawn care and sod production; lawn maintenance and landscape firms; turfgrass seed and equipment sales and service; and irrigation design and installation.