His Grass Is Always Greener

Green flag or red flag?

Meet Richard Bussert, Columbia's Landscaping and Grounds Manager, who makes that decision every day in his responsibility as guardian of the lawns-the photogenic (not to mention cinematic) pride of Columbia University. Although to students, he is the mysterious entity behind the accessibility of the South Field lawns, in the world of turf grass, he is king: half-scientist, half-artist.

With a degree in "turf grass management" from Penn State University under his belt, Bussert is thoroughly versed in the intricate subjects of plant identification, plant pathology, ornamental horticulture, soils and nutrition, and irrigation and drainage.

Bussert joined the staff of Columbia Facilities last January, after six years at Skidmore College and nearly 20 years in the golf industry prior to that. Arriving just in time for the record-breaking blizzard, Bussert wryly noted that "one of the attractions in moving to New York City was the milder winters compared to those upstate." Still, he said, the turf blankets, which cover the lawns from the late fall to early spring to act as a greenhouse, held up.

So how is the green flag or red flag decision made? Bussert assures that there is indeed a method to the madness. Before coming in to work every day, he checks on the condition of the South Field grass, factoring in some things that a student may not notice.

"I look at irrigation: I can tell usually by the color of the grass, or if, when someone steps on it, it doesn't come back to life...we also look for signs of insect activity, diseases," Bussert said, concluding, "we try to do as much visual observation as we can."

Bussert also checks the forecast for rain and takes the date of the last rainfall into consideration before he decides whether to send up the red flag or the green one. Lawn access also alternates to allow the other to recover.

Like a protective parent, Bussert describes one of his biggest challenges: the effect that a large tent with a floor covering can have. Sighing tolerantly, he remarks, "After 48 hours, it can really create havoc." After tented events, lawns are closed for seven days to allow for the grass to recover. In addition, the South Field is closed from July to August to return the Lower Campus to "pristine condition" before the start of school.

Speaking in a scholarly tone, Bussert added that lawns are also environmentally friendly, removing pollutants from the air, cooling the air around it, and absorbing sound and carbon dioxide.

"I'm pleased to be responsible for such a historic and visible outdoor space," he said.

And does a contract Columbia made with the Ghostbusters film company really stipulate, as a popular rumor claims, that the royalties from the film must go toward resodding the South Field? "I'm not aware of that one," Bussert said, chuckling.