This certificate provides a practical foundation in turfgrass management for individuals working in lawns, sports fields, golf courses, sod production, landscape turf, and related turf industry settings. Developed in partnership with the LSU AgCenter, this program introduces key concepts and blends research-backed principles with real-world applications, making it highly relevant for today's workforce needs.
Participants will build a baseline understanding of turfgrass identification, warm- and cool-season grass management, soil fertility, equipment calibration, turf establishment, and integrated pest management. Throughout the program, technical concepts are presented at an applied level, with examples connected to common turf settings and day-to-day management decisions. The program demonstrates a common foundation of knowledge across turf industry roles.
Key Skills Gained:
- Turfgrass species selection and site evaluation
- Mowing, irrigation, and fertility management
- Soil health and nutrient management
- Weed, insect, and disease identification and control
- Landscape installation and maintenance best practices
- Equipment maintenance and operational efficiency
Target Audience:
Landscape professionals and groundskeepers, Athletic field and turf managers, Golf course maintenance staff, Individuals seeking entry into turfgrass or landscape careers, Parks and recreation employees, Professionals in related fields (horticulture, facility management, etc.)
Certificate Skill Profile:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify common turfgrass species and select appropriate types based on site conditions, climate, and intended use
- Interpret soil test results and develop turfgrass fertility plans using industry-standard recommendations and environmental best practices.
- Perform accurate calculations for fertilizer and pesticide applications and calibrate turfgrass equipment to ensure safe and effective product delivery.
- Develop turfgrass establishment plans using appropriate planting methods and site preparation techniques for various turfgrass systems.
- Diagnose turfgrass pests including weeds, diseases, and insects, and apply integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored to specific turf environments.
Instructor Overview
Eric DeBoer is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management and State Turfgrass Extension Specialist with the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, where his work focused on developing applied solutions to turfgrass sustainability issues. His current program continues that focus, emphasizing practical, science-based approaches to issues like turf establishment, fertility, irrigation, weed management, and overall best management practices warm-season turfgrass systems.
Average Program Duration
This certificate program consists of 1 course designed to take approximately 20 hours to finish, and you have 2 months to complete the certificate.
What You Will Earn
After successfully completing all courses in the certificate program, you will be able to download an official LSU certificate. We recommend you print out this certificate and showcase it with pride!
Completers will also receive a digital badge that showcases your new skill set and provides employers with a reliable way to assess your capabilities. These badges serve as a visual representation of your accomplishments and can be shared on social media, personal websites, or professional networking sites. For more information on digital badges, visit the LSU Digital Badge page.
How To Pay for Your Certificate
Explore multiple options to fund your educational journey.
- Through your employer: Many employers offer reimbursement or dedicated budgets for professional development programs. Please check with your human resources department or supervisor to determine your eligibility.
- Continuing Education loan: Certain certificate programs are eligible for continuing education loans through various banking institutions.
- Pay your own way: LSU accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
Visit the payment options page to learn more.
English Proficiency Requirements
Information on English Proficiency Requirements are located here.