Get to know KYSFMA Member- Sean Gross A&A Lawn & Landscape
How did you get into field maintenance?
I’ve been in the green industry for 13 years now. I started out as a lawncare technician in 2013, fertilization, weed control, and then specialized in tree and shrub care for a few years. That gave me a strong foundation in turf health, soil science, pest management, and equipment operation. A couple years ago, an opportunity came up to shift into a supervisor role and I jumped at it.
What’s a typical day out here look like for you?
It varies by season and schedule, but a typical day starts early-around 6 or 7am-with a walk-around inspection of trucks and equipment. Making sure all technicians have everything they need to be successful as well as safe.
What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
I love seeing the transformation - taking a beat-up lawn and completely changing the look of it. There’s real satisfaction in the before-and-after, especially when you get feedback from customers whose lawns you have transformed. Plus, the problem-solving aspect: figuring out how to fix compaction, disease pressure, or drainage issues keeps it interesting.
What’s the toughest part about keeping this field in good shape?
Weather is the biggest challenge-especially heavy rain or drought swings here in Kentucky. You can have a perfect plan, but a surprise strom can flood low spots or compact everything, and you have to react fast.
How do you decide what needs to get done on a busy day?
Prioritize safety and importance first - High priority customers and and customers with issues in their lawns are cancels waiting to happen.
What kind of equipment do you use the most?
Specialized spray pumps for fertilization and weed control.
Ever had any funny or unexpected things happen while working on the field?
I have given myself a couple of concussions running into tree branches and have had the occasional dog chase after me here and there. Which is always fun.
How do you handle the field after bad weather?
Assess damage ASAP-walk the lawn for standing water, ruts, etc. If the lawn is oversaturated we must wait until it dries out before treating.
What’s something most people don’t realize goes into keeping a field looking good?
How much goes into the invisible stuff: soil testing and nutrient balancing year round, proper mowing heights and frequencies to promote density, irrigation scheduling down to the minute, and integrated pest management to catch issues early. People see the green stripes and think it’s just mowing and painting, but it’s months of prep, soil amendments, and recovery work behind the scenes.
Which tasks take the longest or require the most patience?
Aeration and topdressing-dragging it out, spreading evenly, then brushing it in takes time and precision. Also waiting for seed to germinate and establish during recovery periods; you can’t just rush nature. Disease or pest treatments often need follow-ups and monitoring over weeks.
How do you work around team practices or games?
Everything we do is based on weather and fertilizing and applying weed control in a timely manner. Education to the customer is important in this regard.
Is there anything you wish people understood better about field maintenance?
That it’s not “just cutting grass” - it’s agronomy, engineering (drainage), safety, science, and logistics all in one. A good field prevents injuries and improves play, but it takes consistent care, budget, and respect from everyone using it. Small things like proper warm-up routines or reporting problems help a ton.
What’s your favorite season for field work? Least favorite?
Favorite is spring-everything’s greening up, growth is strong, and you see the results of winter prep pay off. Least favorite is probably late summer into early fall with heat stress, drought, and heavy game schedules piling on when the turf is already worn.
If you could upgrade anything about the field or equipment, what would it be?
A top-tier irrigation system with better zoning and moisture sensors for precise watering- would save time and help during dry spells.
