CHIPS %puns ^Ö CO ^ OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 TURFGRASS VOL 9, NO. 7 January/February 2004 ASSOCIATION Tips for those ‘Native’ Areas: Orange Blooming Echinacea Researchers in Chicago have developed an Orange flowering Black- Eyed Susan. Chicagoland Grows, Inc. (a research division of the Chicago Botanical Gardens) will January S.N.O.W. Meeting introduce the ‘Orange Meadowbright’ variety in The Third Annual S.N.O.W. Meeting was another cold day at Elk Mountain Spring ‘04. The plant is at Ski Resort. However, attendance was once again solid with over 20 skiers home in formal borders as taking part. The mountain was in excellent shape with many groomed and well as naturalistic ungroomed trails to challenge every level of skier. Beginners as well as ex­ meadows and prarie perts (Steve Chirip?) had a great time. As the "Base Commander" at least I gardens. It performs best in stayed warm! full sun and well drained Many of the skiers made frequent stops at the halfway house because of soils and grows 24 to 36 the cold. Blackberry brandy w ill always warm you up, as John Vojick w ill tell inches high with a 24 inch you. The kids seemed to tough out the temperatures much better than the spread. It has great drought adults. Nothing beats a day off from school. The catered lunch was excel­ and cold resistance. For lent as usual, with hot entrees like baked chicken, ziti with meatballs, and more info check out: scalloped potatoes to warm you up. The after meeting - meeting was held www. chicagolandgrows. at Chet's Place. This is a well known, hard to find apre ski hideout. Children org. of all ages enjoyed the games, food, and ambiance. The Superintendents Need Other Weather meeting was again fortunate not to have any bad accidents or injuries. Just the run of the mill face plants that all skiers enjoy. Chris Collins of Dry-Jet came into the halfway house a couple times with snow smashed into his hair. I'm sure many others had their falls, but nobody was bragging. John Hollick of Indian Hills C.C. was skiing with the professional ski instructors seminar going on at Elk, but managed to stop by to say hello. The S.N.O.W. meeting was another success in large part because of our sponsors. So a spe- (Continued on page 4) >ocô^ President’s Message....... Officers & Directors 2004 Well, I've been moved Into a new position on this page. I don’t know if I would call it a promotion or not. All I know is that I have a larger spot to fill with those inspiring words that many of you probably PRESIDENT hang on your refrigerators. I promise to not let this message reduce to Eric Reed, Valley C.C. a monthly rant. I am not here to challenge you and your manhood to 570-788-4277 be a better member of this association. Our association is in the midst Barley5@aol.com of change. We are all facing greater expectations and demands in VICE PRESIDENT our jobs and also in our personal lives. We must continually re-prioritize Jason Barndt our time and our commitments. Your Board of Directors has recognized this and has made a conscientious effort to make the TREASURER Pocono Turfgrass Association an attractive and worthwhile John Downer, Elkview C.C. membership for you to be part of. Every effort has been made to 570-840-0078 make education a part of your experience. We are striving to operate sdowner@metlife.com this association in an economically efficient manner, thus carrying the SECRETARY savings on to you. In addition, we are trying to make the meetings Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. 570-868-8113 enjoyable for all who attend. The rest is up to you. If the PTGA can djschell@epix.net improve your performance at your own course through its networking capabilities, or its opportunity to observe other golf courses, or if you DIRECTORS find redeeming value in getting away for a day, then we w ill all have a purpose to continue forward with this association. Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 I would like to take the opportunity to thank outgoing president Ron Garrison for offering his services to get our association back on track Andrew Jubinski, Jr., Glenmaura National G.C. 570-457-8733 during the past year. There is a large amount of responsibility that goes into serving this association, and most of it is often overlooked by Jeff Koch, Wyoming Valley C.C. the casual observer. Ron has been our president three times now, and 570-823-0740 has offered a commitment to the rest of us that no one can rival. Richard Sweeney, CGCS, Glen Oak C.C. 570-586-5791 r.j.sweeney@att.net Eric Reed CHIPS & PUHS STAFF EDITOR Charles Koennecker Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky From the Editor’s Editorial Committee Jim MacLaren Eric Reed Preparing for the 2004 Golf Season has brought about some changes Rich Sweeney to the Pocono Turfgrass Association. I was pleased to be appointed the new editor for the newsletter. I w ill work hard to bring you timely information in addition to quality content. Together with the help of Matt Brown, John Vojick, and the Board, we plan on producing a first class publication. Please note, we cannot do this without your help. We PTGA Office appreciate any suggestions/article ideas to help improve your RR 1, Box 219 newsletter. Our contact information is in the directory. We are in the Harding, PA 19643 Phone/Fax: (570) 388-2167 process of streamlining and improving the processes in which the newsletter is produced. How do you feel we can improve? Let us know before it is too late! As an anonymous philosopher once said, 'Plan now and succeed, plan later and fa il.' Let's not wait. Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the I author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the Charlie Koen position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line. "DON’T BE SURPRISED" Make time to inspect your turf even during cold weather By Keith Happ, Senior Agronomist Plunging temperatures have driven home the fact that it is WINTER. Rapid temperature swings are common, and this can result in turf damage, particularly if susceptible areas are dominated by Poa annua. Mild temperatures, accompanied by excessive precipitation and a rapid temperature drop equate to a high potential for direct low temperature turf damage. Crown hydration damage occurs when the active growing point of the plant ruptures during periods of low temperature ex­ tremes. This is more likely to occur when soils are at or above saturation. Proactive measures should be enacted to minimize potential problems and to prepare for the spring. 1. Scout the golf course, particularly areas exhibiting poor surface drainage. 2. Don't panic and overreact. Assess the situation and develop a game plan that will not promote worse problems later in the season. 3. Remove excess moisture when possible. Use roller base squeegees to remove standing water. 4. If snow is present and freeze - thaw cycles are occurring, ensure that the surface drainage patterns are free of obstruction. 5. If ice has formed, it is possible to encourage ice melt. Research from Penn State indicates that black topdressing sand (Early Green) can be applied to melt the ice cover and encourage quicker spring green-up without risking damage. A significant amount of research has been conducted on winter damage problems. For additional information don’t hesi­ tate to call our offices. Additionally, planning for the upcoming season should include proper documentation of all resources used to maintain healthy turf. Water use remains a hot topic. In Pennsylvania, for example, Act 220 requires individuals and operations that withdraw more than 10,000 gallons per day (averaged over any 30 day period) from their own source to register their water use with the PA Department of Environmental Protection. The information gained will help update the state water use plan. Check with your state's DEP and comply with requests to document resource usage. Be a leader and participate. As always, if the Mid-Atlantic Region agronomists can be of any assistance, contact Stan Zontek (szontek@usga.org) or Darin Bevard (dbevard@usga.org) at (610)696-4747 or Keith Happ (khapp@usga.org) at (412)341-5922. Editor's Note: This article was printed May 03 and has been shortenedl but could help you plan for this year. A B itte r En d to a B itte r W in te r by Jim Skorulski, USGAGreen Section A For golf course superintendents, many are now faced with bringing their greens-and in some cases even tees and portions of fairways-back from a condition most shudder to even think about: WINTER KILL. There are so many variables to winter freeze injury that it didn't seem to matter whether superintendents covered greens, re­ moved ice and snow cover, or simply let nature take its course. In each scenario, there are cases of winter dam­ age. The only thing you can be relatively sure of is that when there are severely fluctuating winter temperatures, turf is highly susceptible to damage, with annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and perennial ryegrass in shady or poorly drained areas most at risk. To help all those battling winter kill this year, here's a quick review on the common causes of w inter damage and some practical turf management tips to undo the damage done. What Went Wrong? Assessing damaged greens to determine the cause of injury is difficult at best: though we do know there are three basic forms of freeze injury. They are: 1. Low Temperature Kill, which occurs when plants are exposed to extremely cold temperatures that freeze-and ultimately kill-cells near the base of the grass plant. This type of injury is most common during frigid winters with no snow. 2. Crown Hydration, which is thought to occur when plants that are hydrated become rapidly exposed to very cold temperatures. If this happens in the leaf tissue, the plant w ill grow out of it and recover. If it happens in the crown or growing point of the plant, the grass plant dies. 3. Anoxia or suffocation, which is generally caused by a prolonged and impermeable layer of ice directly over (Continued on page 5) (Continued from page 1) cial “Thank You” goes out to them: DryJect LLC, Finch Services, Inc., Grass Roots, Inc., and Philadel phia Turf. Also, a “Thank You” to the social commit­ tee members tor their efforts, John Downer, Superin­ tendent of Elkview C.C., John Vojick, Andre and Son, and Darrin Larkin, Superintendent of Panorama G.C. The biggest thanks goes to all the PTGA members who came, whether alone or with the whole family. This is an excellent meeting to get to know your peers in a relaxed, non-golf oriented setting. Hope to see more of you next year! Danin Larkin CLOSEST TO THE PIN WINNER - AMANDA DOWNER A Special Thanks to the guy who started it a ll...... (ATNO TIME DURING THIS CONTEST WERE ANY PARTICIPANTS INJURED! ) John Downer .f y . Irrigation epÔL ists é Çolf Course Irrig a tion Renovation Grass Roots. Inc. 4 grass roots Mount Freedom, NJ 07970 P.Ü. Box 336 Irrigation A d d itio n s 1248 Sussex Turnpike c/o Mt. Ridge Business Park I .... T 11r*F P~, i r n n p I 4"!,sy n g en ta .co m PLUS BUNKER SANDS, CONSTRUCTION, CART PATH, T he B est D ivot R epair M ixes Available! PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION T e r r a F k n u r AND DIVOT REPAIR MIXES KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, N.|. 078 *8 Drainage Systems TYPAR® & TerraBond TURF BLANKETS & CEOTEXTILES 800 247-2326 - 908-637-4191/FAX 908-637-8421 AND MANY MORE GOLF SPECIALTY PRODUCTS (Continued from page 3) the turf. The plants, though dormant, are still carrying on the functions M a rc S h o tzb e rg e r T e rrito ry M a n a g e r necessary to keep themselves alive-just at a greatly reduced rate. The Stull E q u ip m en t C o m p a n y foul odor that is sometimes present under an ice layer is an indication of P ro fes sio n al Turf P ro d u cts an anaerobic condition and the potential for problems. Note, however, 201 Windsor Road Pottstown, PA 19464 that impermeable ice covers often take the blame for winter kill, but it's 610/495-7441 not that easy. In most instances, the turf damage is probably a result of 800/724-1024 (ext. 153) Fax: 610/495-7510 one of the forms of freeze injury. Mobile: 215/880-1716 The decision to remove ice has typically been based on the number www.stullequip.com mshotzberger @stullequip.com of days of ice cover. Poa annua, for instance, has been known to survive 40 to 60 days under ice, and bentgrass up to 100. But researchers are Office & Flome Phone Top Dressing finding that other factors come into play, such as the organic matter White Flaven 570-443-9596 Bunker Sand content of the soils, the depth of frost, and the type of ice present. Fax 570-443-9590 Infield Mix Second-Guessing Game Freeze injury is directly related to weather events and, as we've seen this Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc. winter, can vary in effect from golf course to golf course, influenced by White Haven, PA 18661-9674 such things as course elevation, surface drainage, soil type, growing en­ vironments, and grass species. Even subtle variations in a course's micro­ Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner climates, light intensity, or green orientation can influence turfgrass sur­ Soil Mixes Professional Engineer vival. Because of this, some superintendents have second-guessed their management practices. Two of the most frequently asked questions re­ garding winter turf management are: "Would green covers have prevented the damage?" The answer is no. AER-CORE, Inc. Permeable covers alone, in most cases, w ill not offer adequate insu­ lation to buffer against severe temp, fluctuations or prevent the hy­ CONTRACT SERVICES USING: dration that leads to freeze injury. "Should we have cleared the snow and ice off the greens more fre­ • Southern Green Soil Reliever • TORO Fairway Aerator quently?" Removing snow and ice sheets is a more complex-and • BLEC Ground Prep & Seeding risky-issue, since the success of this operation often depends on the • Dakota Topdresser weather conditions that immediately follow the removal work. Gen­ • Drill & Fill by ¡dines Mfg. erally, snow is a valuable insulating material that w ill protect the turf from damaging temperatures and can absorb light rains. EQUIPMENT SALES FEATURING Undoing the Damage Done • Soil Relieverby Southern Green Discovering you're going into the season with significant winter damage • BLEC Blecavator, Groundbreaker is far from a pleasant experience. The best you can do is focus your • Greensgroomer Brush energies and resources on the recovery effort. Some thoughts: • Dakota Topdressers • SISIS 1. Think positive. Treat the situation as an opportunity to showcase your • Galaxy Tires operation and management expertise. 2. Keep the lines of communication open throughout the recovery THIRTEEN YEARS IN THE process. Formulate a realistic recovery plan. AERIFICATION BUSINESS 3. Remain optimistic with the recovery dates, but don't make overly optimistic promises that you know you can't keep. • PROVEN TRACK RECORD (Continued on page 7) • COMPETITIVE PRICES • THOROUGHLY TRAINED OPERATORS Premium sod for golf courses S e ed , Fertilizer & Soil Erosion Control M aterial for For Service or Demo Please Call: Golf, Athletic, Landscape, Construction and M aintenance 610 327-3390 - Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. 1011 Church Road DENNIS L. WAGNER Dennis DeSanctis, Sr. Oreland, PA 19705 Territory Sales Representative Seed way 980 Loucks Mill Rd. Tel 215-886-6011 York.PA 17402 HOME: Fax 215-886-1203 York Ph: (800) 836-3720 Phone: (610) 921-8779 Pager 800-983-3430 York Fax: (717) 848-2261 Fax: (610) 921-8779 Emmaus Ph: (800) 225-4131 email: greenthum2@aol.com VERTI-DRAIN & 5 7 0 6 0 2 -3 0 5 4 ■ ■ ■ ■ •:■ o. T u t / Sates & ConsuCtatwn ROTADAIRON 8 0 0 -5 5 4 -4 8 6 3 DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 3 fish er son f ANDRE 8c SON. INC. com pany, me. • TURF KING PRODUCTS & E & M G olf S upply Co. CONTRACTED SERUICES A DIVISION GF H.V. INC. S u p e rio r P ro d u c ts for th e 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA 1 8 6 4 0 T u rf an d H o rtic u ltu ra l P ro fessio n al JOHN VOJICK SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION M ark R eed (610) 282-2381 fa x (610) 282-2392 VOICE/FAX 1.888.887.3770 EXTN 671 CELLULAR 1.607.768.0575 2 MILL STREET 237 H ast K i n g St. M a lv e r n P A 19355 RESIDENCE, VOICE/FAX 570.222.TURF MONTROSE, PA 18801 STEPHEN MICHAEL PH. 1-800-262-2127 FAX (610) 644-7791 www.ttshoramlson.com JO H N M. B ODOCK KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. TORO. Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. S pecialists In Eq u ipm en t A nd S upplies For Maintena nce Of T urf L_____ :_______________________ J P H O N E : (610 ) 9 3 3 5 8 0 1 TURF EQUIPMENT (800 ) 3 6 2 - 5 6 5 0 6 4 7 N U T T RD. P.O . B O X 4 4 7 F A X : (610 ) 9 3 3 - 8 8 9 0 P H O E N IX V IL L E , P a 1 9 4 6 0 MATT BROWN MOBILE: 484-357-6312 IRRIGATION Bayer CropScience GEORGE SKAWSKI MOBILE: 610-554-9366 John W. Wiblishauser Field Sales Representative EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com Bayer CropScience 318 E. Glenside Avenue Glendside, PA 19038 ■ ¡¡■ B i Phone: 215 887-8936 Voicemail: 888 242-4200 x3225 ■ erintendent Fax: 215 887-0971 john.wiblishauser@bayercropscience.com No one knows irrigation like Koonz Natural Organic Products 800 772-8486 - Joel Simmons 39 Waverly Avenue, P.O. Box 55 Springfield, NJ 07081 P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 800-732-TURF A a /a îH H / a o . GREEN-RELEAF* • Layout and Design • Typesetting • Mac/IBM desktop publishing It’s every player’s responsibility... interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching • Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.O. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 • Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message fro m your g o lf course superintendent a n d G CSAA Penn State Announcement Walter M. Petrilak Dear Alum: (following is an excerpt from Walter's obituary) I hope this email finds you well. It continues to be Walter M. Petrilak passed away Sunday, February snowy and cold here in Happy Valley, but spring 1, 2004 at the Mercy Hospital in Scranton. He was break isn 't far away! eight days short of celebrating his 87th birthday on We have had a lot of request for 2-yr program appli­ February 9. W alter left as he lived— peacefully and cations in the beginning of January, so we have ex­ surrounded by his family. His passing culminated a tended the application deadline to March 1, 2004. If battle with chronic respiratory disease. His widow is you know of someone who is considering applying for Corine Gardner Petrilak. They would be married 62 the 2-yr Golf Turf Management program, or if you years this coming July. He was a graduate of Scott have that “special" someone on your staff that can High School. cut the Penn State mustard, please let them know Walter was one of 14 siblings born in Greenfield that the application deadline for the incoming class Township where he was a lifelong resident. His par­ fo r the fall of 2004 has been extended. This applica­ ents were the late Michael and Irene Rusiniak Petri­ tion deadline w ill probably be permanently moved to lak. His brother Andy and wife Peg own and operate March 1. Skyline Golf Course which was designed and con­ If you need an application or any other information, structed in 1960 by Walter and Andy. Wally and you can check out: http://www.agronomy.psu.edu/ Corine retired from Skyline in 1987 and were thereaf­ Academic/TurfgrassT.html or contact Heather Treaster ter associated with Sleepy Hollow Golf Course which at 814.863.0129 or hgw 1@psu.edu. is owned by their son Michael and Wife, Mary. Wally I wish you continued successes in 2004! was also instrumental in the design and construction Best Regards, George of Sleepy Hollow. Anyone who knows local golf is likely to be fam iliar with Wally. George W. Hamilton, Jr. Ph.D. Prior to building Skyline Golf Course, Wally was Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science involved in dairy farming. He was a Greenfield Town­ Center for Turfgrass Science ship tax collector and auditor, a member of the Po- Penn State University cono Turfgrass Association in which he held the of­ 116 Agricultural Sciences and Industry Building fices of vice-president, secretary and treasurer and University Park, PA 16802 he had a successful local baseball career that led 814.865.3007 phone; 814.865.3006 fax him to opportunities within the minor leagues. His ghamilton@psu.eduweb-turf.cas.psu.edu enjoyment in life came from sharing in the passions and interests of his family. He took great pride in their accomplishments in business, academics, local (Continued from page 5) stock car racing, music and sports. There are few 4. Fight hard for temporary greens, where damage is who will not miss Wally. extensive. This is one of the most important steps Memorial Contributions can be made to the fol­ you can take in ensuring the success of your re­ lowing: Greenfield Township Historical Society, 423 covery program. Hickory Ridge Road, Greenfield Township, PA 18407 5. Begin cultivation and seeding efforts as soon as the soils permit. Be sure, also, to equip mowers Luck of the Draw with smooth rollers. 6. Consider re-sodding, if your damage is extensive. Hopefully, your golf course was one of the lucky The sod w ill provide a bentgrass turf that will be ones this year. Yes, there are things that can be done less susceptible to winter injury in the future. to prepare the turf for the winter season and reduce 7. Maintain conservative management practices. Be the chances for winter freeze injury. I strongly sure to remain tame not only during the initial re­ recommend addressing any obvious shade or surface covery, but also through midsummer or until the drainage problems that may have led to damage this seedling plants have had an opportunity to ma­ winter. But the fact remains that little can be done to ture. prevent winter freeze injury when weather conditions 8. Expect the turf damage and related recovery ef­ are right for its occurrence. Sometimes it's just better forts to wear down staff, physically and mentally. to be lucky than good. P*$e 9 POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO REMINDER!! TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Notices for the 2004 Dues have been mailed out. CONDOLENCES Deadline for payment is April 1,2004. Any changes you have made in the past year (job change, ad­ We would like to express our deepest sympathy to dress, classification, etc.) please let Melinda know Andrew Jubinski and his family on the loss of his mother, when you send in your dues payment. If your dues Dawn Jubinski, on Saturday, December 20, 2003. Our are not paid on time, you will not have your name in prayers are with you and your family. the Member Directory! Thank You We would also like to express our sympathy to Corine Gardner Petrilak on the death of her husband Walter Andy Jubinski would like to thank everyone who Petrilak. For more information on Walter, please turn to sent cards, flowers or contributions to his mother’s me­ page 7. morial fund. It was greatly appreciated. Also, Clara Gardner, W alter Petrilak’s sister-in-law would like to thank the PTGA for the “generous dona­ tion in Walter Petrilak’s memory. It will help us reach our goal of a museum building.” POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R R . 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.