green world AN INDUSTRYWIDE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW JERSEY TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Vol. 17 No. 3 Creating and Maintaining Turf for Croquet by Bruce Neary Croquet has an obscure origin. Its present form of play has existed for about one hundred years. Its antece­ dents extend back to Brittany and France in the 14th century when peas­ ants played a game called Paille Maille. Croquet was introduced into England from Ireland in 1852 or 1853. Once cro­ quet gained acceptance and permeat­ ed English society, it was only a matter of time until its introduction into the United States. In the early 1870’s, it was taken up by "high society" in the New York City area. Interestingly, lawn tennis and croquet were both intro­ duced into our country at the same time. Croquet enthusiasts far outnum­ bered tennis players from the 1870's through the 1890's. It was then a game Bruce Neary, Specialist in Agronomy & Horticulture, Wall, NJ 07719. Agrono­ my (Turfgrass) Cook-Rutgers Universi­ ty 1985 Masters of Science Horticul­ ture Texas A&M University. played on every estate and park. Pos­ sibly it was the first sport played on grass which is of primary interest to us as turfgrass managers. After a decline, interest in this game has increased steadily since the end of World War II. As Americans found more time to spend on leisure activities, cro­ quet gained in popularity. Croquet does not discriminate between social, eco­ nomic or cultural barriers. It is a game that can be played by both sexes with­ out a handicap and the entire family can participate. One of the problems for the nuclear family has been too few mutual activities. Outdoor recreation with cro­ quet can cope with some social prob­ lems as well as provide another use for the turf we grow. Croquet has become wisely accepted and will continue to in­ crease because of its unique nature as a sport and its limited outdoor size re­ quirements. The object of the game is to score —continued on page 4 Figure 1. Equipment and Players on a Croquet Court December 1987 Ways and Means of Constructing Sports Turf and Its Economic Implications by Dr. Henry W. Indyk Playing surfaces supporting sports and recreational activities may range from bare soil to concrete. Natural grass has been and will continue to be the best playing surface for a wide va­ riety of outdoor sports, recreation and playground activities. Its characteristic resiliency and cushion not only contrib­ ute to the enjoyment of a specific sport but also provide superior footing and reduce surface-related injuries in sports when compared to synthetic substitutes, however green and glossy they may be. The advantages of natu­ ral turf playing surfaces combined with aesthetic and important economic con­ siderations place natural turf establish­ ment and management in a high priority position for sports not only currently but also for the future. Failures in natural turf fields have been a major deterrent to their in­ creased popularity. In addition, such failures have motivated interest in syn­ thetic surfaces as a solution. However, a natural turf sports field characterized by an aesthetically pleasing surface supportive of intensive use under wet or dry conditions is a realistic objective which can be successfully and eco­ nomically achieved. It begins with proper construction. Proper construc­ tion should provide for full moisture control - when it rains, the field drains and when soil moisture becomes defi­ cient, the irrigation system responds. The estimated cost of the basics re­ quired in the proper construction of a natural turf sports field (football) is pre­ sented in Table 1 (see top of page 6). In contrast, the estimated cost of constructing a synthetic turf sports field can range from $500,000 to $1.5 million, with an average cost of $1.0 million, which does not provide for inter­ nal drainage in the field. —continued on page 6 OPINIONS AND COMMENTS Summer Patch Summer Patch, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe spp (formerly called Phi- very serious problem on greens and fairways throughout the Northeast. Magnaporthe typically attacks the roots and crowns of turf growing under environmental stress. Therefore, grass exposed to full sun, extended periods of drought, or excessive irrigation is most susceptible. Although the pres­ ence of green grass within circular to ir­ regular dead areas (3" to 24” in diame­ ter) is quite characteristic of summer patch, this symptom often does not de­ velop until the later stages of infection. Although control information on this disease is very "sketchy” at this time, the following are suggested as guide­ lines where problems are identified or anticipated: (1) avoid severe stress on the turf, (2) water carefully to avoid both excessive wetness and drought stress, and (3) as part of your fungicide program in early June, drench Banner, Bayleton, Chipco 26109, Rubigan or Tersan 1991 in a sufficient quantity of water to carry the fungicide into the —continued on next column 1987 OFFICERS OF THE N.J.T.A. Jack Poksay, President William Waddington, V President Ralph Engel, Secretary Carol Wolcott, Exec. Secretary Joseph Dodgson, Treasurer Joe DeSantis, Past President Henry Indyk, Expo Chairman EXECUTIVE BOARD Samuel Leon Richard Hurley Joseph W. Manning, Jr. Robert Dobson Robert Dickison David Pease Ed Milewski Green World is published three times a year by the New Jersey Turfgrass Asso­ ciation, P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. Consulting editors: Ralph En­ gel and Rich White; production editor and layout artist: David Crismond. Sustaining Members of NJTA A & A Lawn Sprinklers A-L Service A. Lombardi Landscaping Aabar Inc. Alpine Country Club Aqua-Flo Aquarius Irrigation Supply Aquashade, Inc. Arthur's Landscape & Irrigation Co. Associate Marketing, Inc. Atlantic Distributors Barefoot Grass Lawn Service Barnes Landscape Basking Ridge Golf Course, Inc. Bellusci Landscaping Brickman Industries, Inc. Brouwer Turf Equipment Bruedan Corp. Bunton Turf Products, Inc. Coastline Equipment Co. Coger Farms & Garden Ctr. D & J Landscaping DeLalio Sod Farms, Inc. Double Eagle Equipment Co. Dow Chemical USA DuBrows's Nurseries Elite Land Care Evergreen Lawn Sprinklers Fairway Golf Car, Inc. Farmstead Golf & CC Fertl-Soil Turf Supply, Inc. Fiddler's Elbow CC Florence Landscaping SVC., Inc. Forest Hill Field Club Forsgate Country Club Fredette Landscaping Garfield Williamson, Proform Turf Prodcuts Division Glen Summit Nurseries, Inc. Grass Roots Green Grass Landscape Svc., Inc The Green Machine Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc. Homestead Landscaping Homestead Lawn Sprinkler Co., Inc. Hopewell Valley Golf Club Horizon Estates International Seeds Irrigation Unlimited Inc. Jade Run Turf & Sod Farm Jep Sales, Inc. Jesco, Inc. Jimni Krickett, Inc. Keystone Lawn Spray, Inc. L.J. Macrancy & Sons Lawn Doctor / Matawan root zone. Research currently under­ way at Rutgers (and supported by the GSCANJ) should shed some additional light on this destructive disease and may provide detailed cultural and chemical control recommendations for ♦ BBC the future. Lawn Doctor Mountainside/Cranford Lawn Spray Company Lebanon Chemical Co. Lee Rain, Inc. Leon's Sod Farm Leonard Reinhardt, Inc. Lesco, Inc. Lofts Seed, Inc. MacAndrews & Forbes Co. Metro Milorganite, Inc. Middletown Sprinkler Co. Monsanto Agricultural Products Co. Montco / Surfside Morris Co. Park Commission N. Fredrick Landscaping National Lawn Services, of C.H. Haines & Son, Inc. Newton Country Club Nor-Am Chemical Co. Ocean City, NJ Paige Electric Corp. Panther Valley G & CC Partac Peat Corp. Pfeiffers' Pfarms Equip. Co. Pine Island Turf Nurseries, Inc. Plant Food Chemical Co., Inc. Pocono Turf Supply QQ’s “The Trailer Place” Radley Country Club Rain Bird Sales Rapp Sod Farm Reed’s Sod Farm Reid Sod Farm Rich Green Lawns Rick's Cycle Center Rockland Chemical Co. Rosedale & Rosehill Cemetery Royal Lawns of Monmouth O. M. Scott & Sons Sacco's Landscaping Sands Country Club Scian's Landscaping Seacoast Labs Sequoia Lawn Care Storr Tractor Co. Superior Chemical Product Surf Landscaping Sweeney's Seed Company Sweetin’s Landscaping, Inc. Toms River Lawn & Sprinkler Inc. Trenton Country Club Tuckahoe Turf Farms Turf Grass Sod Farms, Inc. Turf Seed, Inc. Upper Montclair Country Club U.S. Golf Association Vaughan Seed Co. W. A. Cleary Corporation Washington Twp. Parks & Rec. West Side Gardens Wildwood Golf & CC Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Wilpat Turf Sprinklers, Inc. Woodbridge Center Woodruff/Lerco Lawns of So. Jersey World Class Lawns OPINIONS AND COMMENTS The Travails with Chlordane Chlordane found a number of crop uses at the time it was introduced to turf over forty years ago. It was a most commonly used insecticide for Japa­ nese beetle grub and several other in­ sects of turf for a number of years. One of its strong points for this use was its long residual. I was involved with nu­ merous test applications of this chemi­ cal as a herbicide on crabgrass and goosegrass. Shortly thereafter, it was sold by several turf product companies for preemergence crabgrass and goosegrass control. New Jersey never recommended chlordane for preemerge turf weed con­ trol for several reasons. One was the fact that new and more desirable prod­ ucts were coming into the market. Chlordane has been the major chemi­ cal for termite control in wooden struc­ tures. In the past few months, EPA de­ creed no more production of chlordane and Velsicol Chemical agreed to ac­ cept this decision after years of ex­ pensive defense of their producing this product. Of course, with all of New Jersey’s construction, other termite in­ secticides are expected to find consid­ erable use as substitutes such as Dursban, Torpedo, Dragnet, and Pry- fore. How do these sound for safety? Treatments of this type are expected to cost more per treatment than chlor­ dane and offer shorter periods of con­ trol. It has been implied that EPA might permit sale of chlordane again if new procedures prevent residues of the chemical inside homes. Possibly EPA can tell the termites to go outside when they wish to eat chlordane. ♦ REE Consider the advantages of Rebel sod TURF TYPE TALL FESCUE Trap banks and edges, green and tee banks and areas along cart paths need special attention. Or even those traffic areas around the club and halfway houses. Consider Rebel sod: • Holds up better than Kentucky bluegrass • Requires less irrigation compared to Kentucky bluegrass • Requires less fertilizer than Kentucky bluegrass • Heat tolerant • Excellent dark green color • Greater disease resistance than most other turfgrasses In tough areas or wherever you want good-looking turf and less maintenance. Use Rebel sod. Lofts Seed Inc. World’s largest marketer of turfgrass seed Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (201) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890 LOFTS Available through: S. Novasack Bros. Turf Farm South Seaville, NJ (609) 263-2400 Tuckahoe Turf Farms Tuckahoe, NJ (609) 628-2415 Bohm’s Sod Farm Woodbine, NJ (609) 861-2785 The Importance of Lime in the Turf Program Soil acidity is expressed in terms of the pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. If your soil is a 7, this is the normal range. Below 7 the soil is acid and above 7 it is alkaline. When turfgrass plants are growing in a soil with a low pH range, there is a de­ creased availability of many of the ma­ jor essential elements. For example, with a soil pH of 6 1/2 to 7, you have 100% fertilizer efficiency. As the pH drops down to 5 1/2, nitrogen efficien­ cy is at 77%, phosphorous is at 48%, and potash is at 77%. This example clearly shows that you may not be get­ ting total efficiency from your fertiliz­ ers. Thatch buildup has also been related to an acid pH. This occurs because micro-organisms that contribute to thatch decomposition are inhibited at a low pH. Soil structure is improved by liming lawns. In an acid soil, silt and clay par­ ticles exist separately so that the par­ ticles slide around and fit together in a compact form. Soil compaction is the by-product, resulting in reduced air and water percolation. When soils are near a pH of 7, these same particles combine to form granules which permit more air and water to enter soil. In summation, why is ’’LIMING..." a basic of community lawn care? • it increases the availability of nutri­ ents. • it reduces the toxicity of certain ele­ ments. • it reduces thatch build up. • it counteracts the acidity produced from fertilizers. • it improves soil structure, with less compaction. ♦ Anonymous Diminishing Aquifer The high plains acquifer of North America has decreased 166 million acre feet and ground water use start­ ed in the late 1800's, but the aquifer still contains 3 1/4 billion acre feet of drainable water. Editor's Question: What is the re­ charge rate if use were discontin­ ued? Creating and Maintaining Turf for Croquet —-continued from page 1 more points than your opponent, by hit­ ting two balls through a course of 6 or 9 wickets twice and, finally, against a fin­ ishing peg. Play is made by hitting a ball with a mallet. Each ball must run in the proper direction and the proper se­ quence of wickets. Each wicket, when passed in the proper order is worth one point, as is the center peg. My first exposure to croquet was in the summer of 1978 as a part-time em­ ployee at the Green Gables Croquet Club in Spring Lake, New Jersey. As a member of the U.S. Croquet Associa­ tion, Green Gables consists of both lo­ cal and out-of-state members. Each week we worked diligently on the turf and surrounding floral display beds to prepare for weekend tournament play. At Green Gables there are two courts or malls. After playing the first mall, the game is completed on the second. The use of two malls versus one is an im­ portant consideration for the turf man­ ager and players. The amount of play influences the wear and management of the turfgrass. If heavy play is ex­ pected, the use of two malls is advisa­ ble. This approach has another attrac­ tive aspect. The turf manager can renovate one mall without interrupting play with the availability of the second mall. The use of only one mall does not allow as much flexibility for both turf manager and players. Space is needed for play along with economic considera­ tions for deciding the number of malls. Wilfred Mac Donald, Inc. 340 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07014 201-471-0244 •Jacobsen Olathe •National -Gravely •Giant Vac •Broyhill •Cushman •Howard • Smithco • FMC •Terra-Care When considering the construction of a croquet mall, it is important to know that it is not unlike establishing a put­ ting green. A location in full sun is ad­ vised from both the standpoint of the turfgrass plant and the players partici­ pating. There are fewer cultural prob­ lems when growing turf in full sun and players consider it a recreational plus. The site should also receive proper air circulation to reduce the incidence of disease since turfgrass quality is highly visible and important to players and spectators alike. Drainage is important in ensuring the maximum potential performance of the turfgrass and it reduces the delay after a heavy rain or irrigation. As a horticul­ turist, I prefer to measure water move­ ment through the soil profile before es­ tablishing any plant community. A soil percolation test on the native soil will help determine if drainage is adequate and whether changes are needed to give adequate water movement. Rebuilding the entire soil profile or providing soil amendments with some leveling depends on many factors. Considerations include natural drain­ age, amount of use, client's need, and budget allocations. To ensure the best possible environment, the following soil profile is recommended. A drain tile system should be laid two feet below the surface. Surround the tile by coarse gravel with a finer aggre­ gate above. A ten-inch depth of aggre­ gate stone is needed. Some type of mesh screen should be laid over the aggregate to prevent soil from moving into the aggregate and later clogging the drain. A covering of screened top­ soil of twelve inches or more should be placed over the mesh screen. Size of the court can vary due to the availa­ bility of space, but 50’ x 40' is generally con­ sidered the minimum size for croquet. There are two forms of play, the standard 6-wicket or a 9-wicket layout. Most players in the United States use the 9-wicket layout with separate pegs for starting and finishing. All the wickets are laid out in a double dia­ mond formation. The official 9-wicket format measures 50' in width and 100' in length. Figure 2. Expanse of Fine Turf on Green Gables Croquet Court Equally important as drainage is grad­ ing of the surface. It must be as level and firm as possible. The use of lasers capitalizes on the latest technology and is advised when establishing the fi­ nal grade. At Green Gables 'Penncross' creep­ ing bentgrass was used for turf cover. With the improve­ ments and estab­ lishment of the turf- type ryegrasses and Kentucky blue- grasses, these Creating and Maintaining Turf for Croquet —continued from page 4 might offer equally suitable playing surfaces with somewhat higher mow­ ing. As is done with putting greens, bent- grass malls should be mowed each day during the growing season at a height of 1/4”. From the standpoint of the most optimum playing surface, there is no advantage to closer mowing heights. Most well water in New Jersey is of good quality. Before construction be­ gins, however, test the water for solu­ ble salts and other toxic compounds. Naturally, the amount of irrigation de­ pends on soil water holding capacity, water percolation rate, and the fre­ quency of rainfall. At Green Gables, malls are built on native sandy loam soil and require frequent irrigation. The turf manager must be aware how quick­ ly water moves through the soil profile and also develop watering practices that do not interrupt play. Fertilizer should be applied in spring WE CAN HELP YOU GROW better quality turf Jonathan Green stocks more bluegrass, fine textured rye­ grass and turf-type tall fescue varieties than any other seed house in the mid- atlantic and eastern states. Jonathan Green stocks an entire range of insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and specialty turf products for professional lawn services, golf courses, municipalities, sod growers, hydro-seeders and all landscape contractors.Jonathan Green provides you with product information, custom turf care programs and prompt knowledgeable attention to your particu- lar turf problems... large or small. FOR THE FASTEST SERVICE IN THE EAST Jonathan Green CALL FARMINGDALE, NEW JERSEY 07727 IN NEW JERSEY 201-938-7007 1-800-526-2303 OUT OF STATE and fall with very little summer applica­ tion. An exception to this may be the need to add color for an upcoming ma­ jor tournament. In this case, apply 1/2 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft in the sum­ mer several weeks prior to play. Occa­ sional use of fertilizers with micronutri­ ents may be more suitable in this particular case. Most of the fertiliza­ tion at Green Gables occurred in the fall in order to "load" the turfgrass plant. During the late summer and au­ tumn seasons, 4-5 lbs of N/1000 sq ft was applied in 3-4 applications. Soil tests and tissue analysis are tools that are widely talked about but not used nearly enough. Conduct these tests throughout the growing season, partic­ ularly in early spring, to help develop a fertilization program. Pests at Green Gables were like those seen on any intensively main­ tained fine turf of the region. "Broad spectrum" fungicides should be ap­ plied on a preventative basis. Alter­ nate types of these chemicals are helpful. Control insects with insecti­ cides along with appropriate manage­ ment practices. The malls should be observed on a daily basis, as is need­ ed for other herbaceous material, for insects and diseases that may devel­ op during different seasons. Along with frequent observations, records should be kept which will be a guide on pests that are a problem from year to year. Forecasting for pests, making observations, keeping records, and communicating with other Turf manag­ ers and Extension personnel are all tools to help decide if sprays are need­ ed and environmentally correct. Although the malls at Green Gables did not receive excessive traffic, culti­ vation has been a method of incorpo­ rating the newest seed varieties, re­ ducing thatch and encouraging new growth. Core aeration with the removal of cores, followed by topdressing and seeding was done in late August. The combination of cultivation and top­ dressing was an important factor in re­ newing and rejuvenating the turf. The soil mixture used for topdressing was of a texture and composition compara­ ble with that of the underlying sandy soil. The sport of croquet has become more popular since I was first exposed to it ten years ago. As it continues to grow in popularity, it will become an op- FERTILIZERS COMBINATIONS OF NITROFORM I.B.D.U. S.C.U. And And WITH INSECTICIDES PRE-EMERGENCE CRABGRASS KILLERS HERBICIDES GRANULAR LIQUID SELECTIVE AND TOTAL R O C K L A N D FUNGICIDES GRANULAR FLOWABLE WETTABLE POWDERS INSECTICIDES GRANULAR LIQUID WETTABLE POWDERS DOES IT ALL Ask your supplier or write: ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. ® Passaic Ave., West Caldwell, N.J. tion of employment for many young people and will need our industry’s at­ tention and awareness. BIBLIOGRAPHY Charlton, James Croquet: The Com­ plete Guide to History, Strategy, Rules and Records. Scribner’s Publ., Inc. 1977. Parkmaster The Professional for large areas. The Toro Parkmaster mows swaths from 30 inches to 18 1/2 feet wide -up to 80 acres a day With a 7 or 9 unit hydraulically-controlled frame, it has a compact pattern of gangs for easy mowing, easy transporting .The Parkmaster is the mowing tractor built to take Spartan gangs Comes with powerful gas or diesel engine with cab and roll over protection system (ROPS) optional Storr Tractor Co 3191 US Highway 22 Somerville, NJ 08876 201/722-9830 TORO The professionals that keep you cutting Ways and Means of Constructing Sports Turf and Its Economic Implications —continued from page 1 Table 1. Estimated Construction Costs — Natural Turf Sports Field* Phase Excavate & replace -12" soil Rough grading Drainage system Sideline drainage Automatic irrigation Final grading Sodding Cost Range $67,000-81,000 $ 8,000-12,000 $30,000-38,000 $10,000-25,000 $24,000-32,000 $ 3,000- 5,000 $25,000-30,000 country club greenskeeper Lebanon Pro Professional Turf Products Total Estimated Cost *exclusive of architect and engineering costs. $167,000-223,000 Added to the actual construction costs is the cost of servicing the bond or debt which is usually incurred. Com­ parative costs on an assumed 20-year loan are presented in Table 2. Table 2. Construction Cost Based on 20-Year Loan at 12% Interest Interest Total Ave. Annual Principle $ 250,000 $ 315,000 $ 585,000 $ 28,250 $1,000,000 $1,260,000 $2,260,000 $113,000 Deterioration of the sports turf sur­ face as a result of use and/or natural causes is another realistic compara­ tive cost factor to consider. Accord­ ingly, an annual depreciation cost based upon the life expectancy of the surface is compared in Table 3. Table 3. Annual Depreciation Costs* Surface Natural Turf Synthetic Turf 10-Year Life Expectancy $ 25,000 $100,000 20-Year Life Expectancy $25,000 $50,000 *Based on the assumption that the natural turf field will be completely replaced each year with new sod. Realistically, usually only 1/4 to 1/3 of the field may require replacement. Figures in Table 3 below do not take into account any increased replace­ ment costs in future years. A very interesting and significant as­ pect of these comparative costs is the 4x differential in construction costs and payment of the debt which usually is incurred. It would be possible to build and annually completely strip and resod four "first rate" natural turf sports fields for the price of a single synthetic field based on the assump­ tion that the life span of a synthetic field is 20 years. Realistically, a 20- year life space for a synthetic field would be the exception rather than commonplace. Replacement cost, ex­ pressed as a realistic annual depreci­ ation cost will be as high or possibly higher than the initial construction cost. Considering these differential costs, together with the potential for increased injuries on synthetic turf and the associated insurance and liti­ gation costs, the case for natural turf sports fields is very strong. Lebanon TOTAL TURF CARE P. O. Box 189, Dayton. NJ 08810 P. O. Box 180, Lebanon. PA 17042 A division of Lebanon Chemical Corporation A Respite for 2,4-D EPA proceedings against 2,4-D have been suspended. How long will it take this powerful organization to find anoth­ er excuse to spend taxpayers money in a renewal of the attack on this chemical which has such fine qualities of safety, effectiveness and cost efficiency? Yes! This chemical has served turf- grass and crop production well for 40 years. A worthy alternative may come; but it is a very "tough" order to fill. ♦ REE BEAM CLAY THE PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE . . . SINCE 1922 BEAM CLAY IS THE RED BASEBALL MIX USED BY THE U.S.A. AND CANADA. PROFESSIONAL TEAMS ACROSS SPECIAL MIXES FOR PITCHER'S MOUNDS, HOMEPLATE AREAS & WARNING TRACKS. BOTH AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS 201-637-4191 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK GREAT MEADOWS, N.J. 07838 PARTAC GOLF COURSE TOP-DRESSING AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED CONTROL THATCH, PROMOTE HEALTHY TURF & SMOOTH PLAYING SURFACES