Today, turfgrass production in Florida is estimated to represent $100 million or more in annual sales (17), with annual production of about 1 billion square feet. It is an industry that provides employment to thousands of persons and contributes to the Florida environment, by providing safe, sanitary, outdoor play areas for children and grownups, by providing a cover for conserving the soil, filtering pollutants, moderating temperatures, and serving as a palette for other landscape designs.

Florida turfgrass production is an exciting experience that has occurred almost without written recognition. We have been fortunate to have been able to share with the experiences of a few of the industry leaders. Some, such as Jim Ousley and Jimmy Blackledge, have passed away; others, such as Ralph Hammer, Arthur Wolf, and Roy Bair, have sold their farms and retired, while still others, such as Walt Pursley, are still active and as enthusiastic as ever. They are, of course, but a few a many men and women who contributed to a discovery of the method of production and marketing of certain vegetatively propagated grasses, and the control of water and pests in the unique soils and climate of the Florida peninsula.

The authors express their sincere thanks and admiration to turfgrass leaders who have contributed information, including Dr. Roy Bair, Mr. Ed Davis, Mr. Ralph Hammer, Mr. Elmer Kirkland, and Mr. Arthur Wolf.