Green is Fall 2014 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Growing Pains: Common Mishandlings of Trees ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Value of Membership Ontario Golf Clubs Recover Industry Insights on Sustainability CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 Control like this has always been out of reach. Until now. Coming soon: The New A Model Mowers from John Deere. Now your presence can be felt on every part of your course. That's the control you get with the new A Model mowers from John Deere. Thanks to our TechControl display, no matter who is operating the mower, you can easily program these mowers to mow and turn at exact speeds, to transport at preset speeds, and to lock in fuel savings. You can also plug in service reminders and get diagnostic feedback quickly and accurately. And all of your operators can now mow in a more consistent fashion. The power to control your course is now in your hands. To find out more about our new A Models, contact your local John Deere Golf distributor today. Trusted by the best courses on Earth. JohnDeere.ca/Golf PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association hen we look back on most golf seasons they all tend to W blend together. Drought, early openings, heavy rains or higher than normal disease pressure, are just some of the Editor Justin Parsons factors we are used to dealing with. When we look back at 2014, justinparsons@engageagro.com it is my hope that it is highlighted by the extraordinary efforts made by superintendents in Ontario. The widespread damage Publisher & Advertising Manager was unprecedented and that could have been all that 2014 was Terry Davey remembered for. Superintendents took this opportunity to terry@blenheim.ca showcase the multitude of talents they possess to not only the Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 by Phil Scully members at their respective clubs, but to the entire industry. It is OGSA President my belief that the epic turf loss this spring has provided a stage Administration Manager on which we were able to elevate our position as the driving Diane Davey force behind golf in Ontario. diane@blenheim.ca As this year comes to an end, so too will my term as your president. I would be Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 remiss if I didn’t thank my fellow board members and Sally Ross for their support, from becoming a director, moving through the executive and taking on the role of Production & Design president. This exceptional group has always been there to step in and share the load Jeanette Thompson whenever necessary, which has been a huge contributing factor to my ability to serve, jeanettethompson@mac.com the association’s ongoing successes, growth and focus; that focus being always looking Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 forward to the future of our members and helping them be more successful and contribute to growing the game. Green is Beautiful is published four times Looking forward, I know that the association will continue to be outstanding a year (November / March / June / August) advocates for our profession, and its strength and reputation throughout the industry by Blenheim INK for: will continue to be a model for others to emulate. I encourage all members to register and enjoy our upcoming conference in Niagara Falls and I hope to see everyone there. In closing, I can’t begin to express what a privilege it has been to serve as president of the OGSA in 2014, our 90th year. To have my name mentioned along with the long list of distinguished past Ontario Golf Superintendents' presidents, many of whom I look up Association to and call friends, is truly an honour. Sally Ross, Executive Manager Thank you everyone, for all you do Guelph Turfgrass Institute and enjoy a much deserved off season 328 Victoria Road South with your family and friends and let’s Guelph, ON N1L0H2 hope for a friendly winter and a much Tel: 519-767-3341 gentler spring. ■ Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax:519-766-1704 Pandora Sphinx - Eumorpha pandoras moth. Email: manager@ogsa.ca Photo credit: Joe Adams, Flamborough Hills www.ogsa.ca Providing engineering solutions Published by Blenheim INK to Ontario’s Golf industry. Administration Office: Engineering Design & Consulting Services 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 Land Development & Approval Assistance Permit & Regulatory Agency Approval Assistance Production Office: Irrigation & Drinking Water Supply Strategies 1727 King Street East, Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Strategies Cambridge, ON N3H 3R6 GPS Surveying & Mapping Services Toll Free: 1-877-618-8696 Fax:519-340-0293 30 Centurian Dr. Suite 100 Markham, Ontario L3R 8B8 Phone 905 475 1900 Fax 905 475 8335 www.scsconsultinggroup.com www.blenheim.ca INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ALLIANCE AGRI-TURF www.allianceagri-turf.com 13 ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 21 AQUATROLS 18 www.aquatrols.com BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 22 www.braemarbuildings.com DCS AGRONOMIC SERVICES 25 DIRECT SOLUTIONS 12 www.aatdirectsolutions.com DOUGLAS WOOD LARGE TREE SERVICE 19 www.douglaswood.ca FAST FOREST 25 www.fastforest.ca GREEN HORIZONS GROUP OF FARMS 17 14 Feature: www.JustSodit.com Growing Pains: Common Mishandlings of Trees JOHN DEERE www.JohnDeere.com/Golf 2 MANA QUALI-PRO 27 In This Issue www.quali-pro.com/QPCanada/ MASTER'S TURF SUPPLY LTD. 21 9 The Value of Membership 17 Ontario Golf Clubs Recover www.mastersturfsupply.com ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 26 www.oscturf.com In Every Issue PLANT FOOD COMPANY 5 www.plantfoodco.com 3 President's Message 20 U of G Update P.D. SOLUTIONS 11 www.pdsolutions.ca 5 Editorial Message 21 On the Road Again SCS CONSULTING GROUP LTD. 3 6 What's New 22 Off the Fairway www.scsconsultinqqroup.com 10 Member Profile 24 Above the Hole TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 24,28 www.turfcare.ca Scott Heron, Golf Course and Property Manager, 25 Looking Back TURF PROFESSIONALS CHOICE 13 The Toronto Hunt www.tpcsand.com 26 Turf or Consequences 13 Golf Course Highlight UNITED AGRI PRODUCTS INC. 23 Bellmere Winds Golf www.uap.ca Course & Resort ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 19 www.zandersod.com GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL 2014 Green is EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Although every effort is made to check Beautiful Justin Parsons Christian Kuhn material for publication, the association is not Alan Dolick Reg Langen responsible for material published on behalf of Paul Grotier Cam Shaw its contributors. Cory Janzen Kevin Kobzan All rights are reserved by the publisher and ON THE COVER any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Oshawa Golf Although some trade names may be mentioned and Curling Club OGSA is committed to serving its members, in articles contained in this publication, no Photo courtesy: advancing their profession, and enriching endorsement is intended or implied by the Matt Booth the quality of golf and its environment. Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. EDITORIAL MESSAGE s this golf season draws to a close, The perception amongst the average player is, since the A it’s once again time to sit back and reflect on the year that was. I think it’s weather is not a stress factor, the golf course should be perfect all the time. Of course, we all know how unrealistic safe to say that the past six months have this is, especially on the heels of the devastating weather we been anything but ordinary. Although, experienced heading into the spring. the more I think about it, I’m not even The reality is, expectation levels in terms of turf quality sure we can accurately characterize on a daily basis, continue to rise. This is of course fuelled by what ordinary is these days. the unprecedented access to information that the average by Justin Parsons, First of all, the golf season doesn’t golfer now has. This can be a dangerous thing if you don’t Engage Agro Corp. formally end anymore. At least as far as have the background knowledge to process the information turf maintenance is concerned. Sure the and comprehend it within the framework of what is realistic golf course gets ‘winterized’ and daily maintenance stops, but and practical. the activity within the walls of the maintenance shop remains Hopefully, features like the one you will read in this issue steady. Between continuing education, long range planning by Robert Thompson help provide some context to the many and navigating through the beauracracy of the job, turf passionate golfers who would appreciate understanding the managers don’t experience the down time they once did. issues in more detail. The key is to make sure they have During the growing season, expectation levels form the opportunity to read these types of articles. The more another challenge that likely prevent most from settling in the word can be spread about the challenges faced when and enjoying the comforts that accompany the ordinary. maintaining turf at the highest level, the better off golf Take this summer for example. Although the weather course managers will be. we experienced in Ontario was relatively mild, this only Perhaps if players are more informed, they too will realize meant that the expectation levels increased all the more. that the ordinary days for a turf professional are long gone. ■ Dissolve Bicarbs & Revitalize Your Soil! Break through sealed Professional Products Distributed By: soil Attack LDS from the source I Improve microbial activity Increase water movement contact: Everett Nieuwkoop 519-668-4397 everett@mastersturfsupply.com Do you struggle with bicarbonate issues? Experience the beneficial performance of pHusion Manganese 7% & GT-SIX%Fe. Both of these products utilize Plant Food Company’s proprietary long-lasting acid formula, specifically www.plantfoodco.com crafted to breakthrough tough soils. Follow on twitter @PlantFoodCo WHAT'S NEW by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager the Golf Industry Show and GCSAA Education Conference in San Antonio, OGSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & Texas this coming February. Welcome MEMBERSHIP MEETING OGSA MEMBERSHIP DUES to Our New The OGSA Annual General Meeting Members can pay their 2014-2015 is scheduled for 7 a.m., on Friday, membership dues online. Invoices were Members January 30th, 2014 at the Scotiabank sent out via email in late September, Convention Centre in Room 201. with a due date of October 1st, 2014. If Annual reports will be provided to each you have not yet paid your membership Craig Acton........................ Class C delegate in their registration package dues, please do so as soon as possible St Andrew's East Golf Club and will not be read at the Annual to ensure no service interruption. We Meeting due to time constraints. Items thank you for your cooperation. Bradly Anderson............... Class A for discussion can be addressed at the Oak Gables Golf Club membership meeting. Documentation EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION Miles Curtis....................... Class C will be available on our website at FOR OGCM & TRADE SHOW Emerald Hills Golf Club www.ogsa.ca under Association Reports. Don’t forget to register for the A Membership Meeting will be held upcoming OGCM Conference Ben Daly............................. Class F for all OGSA members, including and Trade Show at the Scotiabank St. George's Golf & Country Club suppliers, to review the new format Convention Centre and Marriott David Gowdy..................... Class F for the conference in 2017. This is a Gateway, in Niagara Falls from significant meeting that we hope all Wednesday, January 28, 2015 to Cutten Fields participants can attend. It will take Friday, January 30, 2015. Remember Jonathan Jacques............. Class S place on Thursday, January 29th, at that to qualify for the OGSA member University of Guelph 10:30 a.m., immediately following the rate, you must have paid your 2014- last education session, and prior to 2015 membership fees. Please visit Peter Kemp........................ Class C the trade show opening. Both official www.ogsa.ca to view our conference Osprey Valley Golf Course meeting notices will be posted on our pages, and to register online. Tickets Duncan Mcllhone............. Class C website at www.ogsa.ca. to the opening night party at Planet Hollywood are limited, so please Grey Silo Golf Course GCSAA - BOARD OF register early to avoid disappointment. Zhe Ou................................ Class S DIRECTORS ELECTION Our registration is a two-step process. University of Guelph Secretary/Treasurer Mark Prieur Once you have registered online, you represented the OGSA at the GCSAA will receive an email with a link to a Paul Peterson.....................Class C Chapter Delegates session in Lawrence, brief form. You will need to click on the Legends on the Niagara Kansas in mid-October. If anyone emailed link and choose the events you Shane Tremblay................ Class F wishes to express their opinion or has are attending. This should take no more The Bridges at Tillsonburg any input regarding the candidates than a minute or two and it will enable that the OGSA will support in the us to give you all the event tickets you Matthew Wentzell........... Class C GCSAA election, they must notify the require. This step will complete your Magna Golf Club OGSA Board prior to December 31st, registration. We look forward to seeing 2014. The election will be held during everyone there! ■ Hugh Kirkpatrick The OGSA wishes to Memorial Tourney thank Bill Searle (left) from NGF Golf (Div. of Northgate Farms) who once again made a substantial nce again Bill Searle, NGF Golf (Div. of Northgate Farms), O hosted his bi-annual fundraiser at Otter Creek GC, in Otterville Ontario, to augment the OGSA’s Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary that contribution to support the Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary, presenting a cheque from his supports the education of OGSA assistant superintendent members. fundraising tournament to Many thanks to Bill and host Superintendent Randy Booker and all OGSA Director Tim Muys those who attended the event. ■ (Piper's Heath Golf Club). Tournament organizer, Greg Brown (Essex G&CC), right, presents the host plaques to David Kuypers, Superintendent, center, and Jamie Laird, Assistant Superintendentfrom Cutten Fields, left. OGSA group at the Assistants Tournament (l-r): Scott White, Director, Phil Scully, President, David Kuypers Host Superintendent and Robert Thompson, Golf Analyst at Global News and Sr. Writer at SCOREGolf Assistants Tournament he OGSA Assistants Tournament took which were put into a special draw. participants winning hundreds of dollars T place on Monday, September 22, 2014 at Cutten Fields in Guelph. Silver sponsors were AllTurf, Bayer, G.C. Duke Equipment, with Ontario in Cutten Fields pro shop gift certificates, gift cards for the Keg and the LCBO kindly Hosts David Kuypers, Superintendent, Seed Company and Nutrite sharing a donated by Vanden Bussche Irrigation. and Jamie Laird, Assistant Superintendent, sponsorship. Bluejays tickets from Master’s Turf Supply had the course in fine shape for the event The two longest drives, sponsored by and accommodation for two nights at the and attendees had a great time despite Syngenta, were won by Mike Giblin from Marriott Gateway in Niagara Falls, from strong winds and the distinct fall chill that Heron Point Golf Links and Jessie Nicholls the OGSA were also given out. was in the air. from Ladies Golf Club of Toronto. The All in all a great day for the assistants Winners of the tournament were closest to the pins, sponsored by Turf was had once again thanks, in part, to the the group of Derek Brooker and Jason Prophit, were won by Dan Sliasas from outstanding support from our associate D’Andrea from GC Duke Equipment St. Catharines Golf & Country Club members. Companies that donated to with John Adach and Andre Aymar from and Jasmine Steinke from Briars Golf the draws and prize table were, Engage Islington Golf Club. Club. The straightest drive competition, Agro, Enviro-Sol, G. C. Duke Equipment, Direct Solutions was once again the sponsored by Turf Care, was won by Cam Hutcheson Sand & Mixes, Lakeshore Sand Platinum Sponsor of the event and Shaw from Piper’s Heath Golf Club who Co., Master’s Turf Supply, Nutrite, Ontario their cash donation funded many of once again got to take home something Seed Company, Ontario Turf Equipment, the prizes on the prize table. They also red and shiny. and Plant Products. Thank you everyone supplied $500 worth of gift certificates Various draws were held with for your support. ■ Groups Play to Honour McClumpha Tradition n Monday, October 6, 2014 a handful reception in the clubhouse was held after O of groups gathered at St. Thomas the tournament where OGSA President Golf and Country Club to honour thePhil Scully thanked Superintendent spirit of the longstanding OGSA tradition, Wade Beaudoin and his crew. He noted the McClumpha tournament. Beaudoin’s persistent efforts in helping the The benefits of the maintenance teams OGSA secure the venue and his teams hard tree removal efforts over the last few work in preparing the golf course. Beaudoin years were on full display as the greens also said a few words as he thanked his crew looked and putted beautifully. Even a late and all those who participated. round downpour couldn’t dampen the All in all, it was a great day at a great golf St. Thomas Golf & Country Club spirits of this determined group. A small course. ■ Credit: Ryan Beauchamp 2015 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Scotiabank Convention Centre & Marriott Gateway Hotel NIAGARA FALLS, ON | JANUARY 28-30, 201 5 Education Sessions: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Thomas Nikolai, Ph. D. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015 Michigan State University Pat Jones > RE-ESTABLISHMENT TECHNIQUES AND RESEARCH Publisher/Editorial Director FOLLOWING THE POLAR VORTEX OF 2013/14 Golf Course Industry and Lawn & Landscape Magazine Adam Moeller Gazing into my crystal ball: Agronomist, USGA How our business is changing and > IRRIGATE FOR TURF HEALTH AND PLAYABILITY, NOT COLOUR what it means to you. > PUTTING GREEN ROOTZONE MANAGEMENT For three decades, Pat Jones has been known for his insights into Dr. Micah Woods, Ph. D. the golf and turf business, his tell-it-like-it-is approach and his Chief Scientist, Asian Turfgrass Center sometimes warped sense of humor. David Feherty of CBS Sports and Golf magazine once described him as "that odd bastard who > ESTIMATING TURFGRASS NUTRIENT USE keeps trying to fill my head with all sorts of turfy facts." > SOIL MOISTURE AND IRRIGATION: THREE KEY POINTS FOR SUMMER Mark Thompson President & Chief Engagement Officer, McKinley Solutions Opening Night Party: > ATTRACT, ENGAGE, RETAIN A GREAT TEAM Aaron Garner Band John Kaminski, Ph.D. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015 | 6:00-11:00 PM Associate Professor, Turfgrass Management/Director, Consummate live performer Aaron Garner Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program started his musical career 20 years ago »APPLICATION STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE DISEASE CONTROL and his travels have led him all over > COMMUNICATION IN THE 21 ST CENTURY Canada to perform with award-winning masters of their craft, blues legends, and Canadian rock music stars. EDUCATION SESSIONS SPONSORED BY SYNGENTA & NGF GOLF (A div of Northgate Farms) Early Bird Deadline Marriott Gateway Hotel November 30, 2014 Room rates $ 110 - $ 129 Wifi included www.ogsa.ca The Value of Membership by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager administering awards, compiling their own varying points of view and those applications and judging scholarships, of the members; they utilize the skills and ssociations talk a lot these days about running member events on a break knowledge of everyone sitting around the A delivering services to their members, even budget, preparing and reviewing both tangible and intangible, and how publications and communications, table. This has always been the approach they can communicate the intangibles to managing and updating our website, throughout the history of the OGSA, and their membership. They must consider maintaining membership information, even in the 91st year of operation, this how they can prove that paying dues and recording all financial transactions and continues to be our approach. It is time contributing and participating in the performing all required government tested and proven and it is just the right association is of value. reporting, and, of course, lots more. thing to do. Promotion and advancement of Board and meeting costs are kept to a We are aware that getting the the profession and advocating for the minimum due to prudent fiscal awareness. opportunity to network with your peers profession are two of the most important The volunteer time contributed to the is an important part of being a member things that the OGSA does regularly, but organization more than offsets the of the association, as well as acquiring the results are so hard to measure, and minimal spending. We are lucky to have so your required CEO’s to maintain your therefore difficult for our members to many dedicated volunteers. qualifications, but these opportunities are recognize. So, in the end, what does it all boil plentiful and can be gained elsewhere. We We do know a few things thanks to down to? are often told that we should be providing online tools like Twitter statistics and While we may not be able to measure these services at cost. We are informed Google Analytics. During the time period the results of activities related to advocacy that other organizations and suppliers can of the OGSA’s Twitter talk about winterkill, efforts such as sending representation to deliver education a lot cheaper, and we are Twitter followers increased by 20 per cent Queen’s Park, participating in the NAGA- asked why can’t the OGSA? and these followers were mostly the golfing Ontario, providing representation on the Well, of course, the OGSA could do the public and media. Website hits from first IPM Council, creating and maintaining same thing, but then what would happen time visitors accounted for 40 per cent of relationships with bureaucrats and to all the other things that the OGSA the total hits over a one month period. elected officials, we know that most of the does to promote the industry and the So what about the measurable legislation affecting our industry segment profession that are often unrecognized, programs and services that the OGSA comes out of Queen’s Park and we have to but directly affect every superintendent in delivers in any given year? More be there! Ontario, both member and non member? specifically, are you getting the best bang So we have to ask ourselves, “what would Who would pay the cost of providing those for your association buck? happen if we did not provide these services services? With the average cost of an OGSA and what would have happened in the past The bottom line is, every superintendent membership at $160 per person, per had we not provided these services?” in Ontario should be a member of the year, here are a few easy to measure This question is not just one for OGSA, and every golf club and owner deliverables: superintendents, but also for our associate should make sure of it. All superintendents 14 per cent of your membership dues go member companies who also reap the should have the opportunity to attend directly to turf research. benefits of the OGSA’s involvement in our conference and participate in their 7.5 per cent goes towards scholarships, these activities. Sometimes companies professional association because it helps not administrating them, just providing think that if their involvement in the fund the association (and all its many funds. association does not produce direct sales activities) and keeps dues payments for all Approximately 5-6 per cent pays for staff that contribute to their bottom line, at a modest level. It helps drive the industry time spent collecting from delinquent then they are not getting “value”. They and contributes to its success. accounts. question customer loyalty and the return The OGSA believes that every In almost every business, salaries are the on their membership investment, and yet superintendent should have the ability to biggest line item on the budget, but at the association activities over the past years earn a decent wage, one that can support OGSA, administering programs that bring have directly contributed to their ability to a family and a home, every superintendent additional revenue over and above your do business. should be recognized by both their membership dues, fund approximately We think the OGSA is delivering a employer as crucial to their business, 40-50 per cent of the salary overhead. great deal for your association dollar, and and by every golfer as a consummate Many of the member services we we pride ourselves on always being open professional, because that is what they are. provide do not generate any revenue to suggestions on how we can improve After all, that is a major part of our whatsoever and yet require administration upon our efforts for you. The board mandate and our mission. It always has by staff and the board; superintendent makes decisions in a democratic fashion been and it remains the primary focus recognition programs, preparing layout when it comes to new initiatives and new when our board directs the operations of and advertising in industry publications, methods, always taking into consideration the association. ■ MEMBER PROFILE Scott Heron Golf Course and Property Manager, The Toronto Hunt by Justin Parsons, Engage Agro during his tenure there wasn’t necessarily turf related. “I remember one spring catch­ ot too many OGSA members can ing a Coho salmon with a Koho hockey N say they have played a round of golf with Clint Eastwood and James Woods stick,” says Heron with a laugh. He would then move on to work for an­ and perhaps just as few can say they other well-known superintendent in Blake began their turf career at the age of two. McMaster at Brampton Golf and Country When you spend time with Scott Heron, Club in 1986. He spent most of his high Superintendent at the The Toronto Hunt, school summers and weekends at this club, you realize, there isn’t much about his and as he approached his postsecondary career that has been average. school years, he knew this was the profes­ Heron grew up in Brampton, where he sion he wanted to pursue. remembers being taken to Markland Wood Heron enrolled in the turf program Golf Club at a very young age. His father, at Seneca College in the fall of 1988 and Robert Heron, is certainly no stranger to when he wasn’t at school he worked at the Canadian superintendent fraternity, Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora. To make and he was managing the maintenance ends meet, he also had a part-time job as department of the Etobicoke golf club at a pizza delivery guy where he developed a the time. ploy to keep his appetite satisfied on the year there, but he must have been doing a cheap. “Before the end of my shift on week­ “That’s probably my earliest memory of good job because the assistant superinten­ ends I would make up a party-sized pizza being at a golf course,” says Heron. “The dent went to bat for him in the wage de­ and then I would come back to the store chef there would make me hamburgers for partment. He went above his Dad’s head to and say the customer refused it, so I got to breakfast because I didn’t like eggs at the the GM and managed to procure Heron a keep it and bring it home to eat for me and time.” The early days at Markland Wood raise to $2 an hour. “In relative terms, that my buddies.” must have been enjoyable because Heron was pretty much the biggest increase of my For his internship at Seneca College, would go on to work for his dad until he life,” Heron jokes. Heron decided to shake things up. His was ten years old. “I loved being outside Those years at Mississaugua were eerily dad’s former assistant, Ken Siems, landed and riding on the carts...the three-wheel similar to what Heron would experience a job as the superintendent at East Sus­ Cushman comes to mind.” later on in his career at The Toronto Hunt. sex National in Sussex, England and he In 1982, Heron would follow his dad “I remember there was devastation every was happy to bring Heron aboard. Oddly to Mississaugua Golf and Country Club spring at that club. There would be sticks enough, Heron would go from one Bob just down the road. He recalls making 50 and debris and silt all over the place when Cupp designed property to another, but cents an hour as a greenskeeper his first the river finally receded.” The mark he left IN THE HOT SEAT Q - Favourite Major? Q - Best Golf Experience? Q - Favorite meal? A - The Masters A - Coeur d'Alene in Idaho A - Pizza (hot peppers, green olives, peperoni and mushrooms) Q - Favourite piece of turf Q - Ultimate foursome? equipment? A - Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis, Q - What's on your ¡POD right now? A - Buffalo Blower Paula Creamer A - Don't own one, or a CD player for that matter Q - Favourite golf course? Q - Lowest round and where? A - A tie between Cypress Point and A - 78 at Bigwin Island Golf Club Q - If you weren't a Superintendent Barnbougie in Tasmania (Check (Played with and beat three what would you be? out: www.barnbougle.com.au billionaires that day!) A - A Rock Star the one in England was deemed the first By the spring of 1993, Heron had fin­ problems that weren’t problems at the old North American style course in the U.K ished his second turf degree and was look­ club.” By the spring of 1990, Heron was look­ ing for his first full-time golf course mainte­ Heron and his crew are now in the pro­ ing for a new challenge as he prepared to nance position. He decided to stay on the cess of undertaking major renovations at graduate from turf school. He heard that west coast and work for Dennis Pellrene at the club. They are building an entirely new Ken Wright was in the process of growing Capilano Golf and Country Club in West green site on the eighth hole, along with in two golf courses in Caledon so he de­ Vancouver. Heron ended up rooming with tee renovations on the ninth and a total up­ cided this would be a good place to further the Superintendent at Furry Creek Golf grade of the irrigation system. his experience. Course, Terry McNeilly, and it was during When this work is complete, there By the time most turf professionals are this time that the movie Happy Gilmore won’t be much that Heron hasn’t done in just learning to cut his 30 plus years greens, Heron had in the business. already spent near­ From grow-ins ly two decades on By the time most turf professionals are just learning to cut greens, to rebuilds, from golf course proper­ Heron had already spent nearly two decades on golf course properties Pebble Beach to ties with some of Bigwin Island, you the most notable with some of the most notable superintendents of the era. would be hard superintendents pressed to find a of the era. For this more diverse and reason, Heron felt like he was ready to was shot at the club. remarkable resume in our business. When tackle two of the biggest challenges of his It seems that excitement always follows you spend time with Heron, you realize all career, Penn State University and an intern­ Heron around, and after a couple of years, his experience has given him a very honest ship at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. it followed him back to Ontario where Her­ and refreshing perspective on our industry. Heron says the experience of working on landed his first assistant superintendent ‘You’re never going to please everyone, so at one of the most recognized golf courses job at Westmount Golf and Country Club you just have to do what’s best for the golf in the world was ‘awesome’. “I lived on 17- working for Hugh Kirkpatrick. Yet another course and just get it done.” I think it’s safe Mile Drive in the Equestrian Centre and I renowned superintendent and another to say, Heron has been getting it done for could ride my bike into work every day.” renowned golf club to add to the resume. quite some time now. ■ As luck would have it, he was there during Heron characterizes this experience as very 1992, one of the years the club hosted the “hands on”, which is likely why he felt he US Open. Heron must have left a good was ready to apply for his first superinten­ impression on the superintendent, Brad Hines, because he was given a fair bit of dent’s position in the Fall of 1998. The club was being designed by Doug ATTENTION! responsibility for an intern. Pebble Beach Carrick in the Lake of Bays area of Ontario is known for not having the best practice facilities, so it was up to Heron to stage a and they were looking for someone to see them through the consulting stage. The IPM Certified temporary solution. “I was in charge of first superintendent of Bigwin Island Golf Club was indeed Scott Heron. “When I first Agents turning the eight acre polo field into the driving range for the Pro’s for the week.” started going up there it was nothing but Heron was given a small crew and they be­ trees and rocks.” And now it is one of the gan to strip the 14th fairway at Spyglass Hill most recognized golf courses in Ontario. nearby and used that sod for the tee deck. Heron would spend more than a dozen Get your He also managed to leave his mark on years there as Superintendent and he says recertification credits the eighteenth hole, in a less temporary the biggest challenge was trying to build a way. They were having a hard time keep­ championship golf course on an island. Lo­ ON-LINE ing turf in one area up by the green due to gistically, this can be a nightmare because salt damage from the ocean. Heron’s solu­ everything has to be brought over by boat. with tion was to build a pot bunker, something Agronomically speaking, growing in the he was very familiar with from his time greens on straight sand was no picnic ei­ P.D. Solutions! at Beacon Hall and the Devils Pulpit and ther. “In the end, it was worth it though be­ Paintbrush. Hines liked the idea and gave cause those greens are mint now and they Heron the task of constructing the trap. will be mint 20 years from now.” Not bad for an intern. After many years on the island, Heron Of course this is where Heron would go was ready for a new challenge. So in the Visit: on to play rounds with both Clint Eastwood spring of 2012 he landed the superinten­ and James Woods on separate occasions. dent’s job at The Toronto Hunt. He was www.pdsolutions.ca Heron says his good fortune is mostly due to eager to apply what he had learned over the fact that tee times are in high demand the years at a new golf club. “When you’re or call at Pebble Beach, so everyone, including ce­ lebrities, is subject to playing with strangers at a club for 13 years, you don’t realize how much you’ve learned, until you have 1-877-977-6774 if they do not have a foursome. a chance to go somewhere new and solve For information on our premium turf products contact your Direct Solutions representative or visit us online at www.aatdirectsolutions.com GOLF COURSE HIGHLIGHT Bellmere Winds Golf Course & Resort 1235 Villiers Line Keene, Ontario KOL 1G0 Tel: 705-295-3673 steve@greatblueresorts.com www.bellmerewinds.com Golf Course Superintendent: Steve Gruhl COURSE PROFILE A CLOSER LOOK About the Course What You Need to Know A championship 18 hole and 160 unit cottage resort course, Predominant Grass Type: designed to showcase stunning views of Rice Lake on every hole. Fairways and Tees: Dwarf bluegrass. Greens: L93 bentgrass. Predominant Soil Type: Sand and clay with some buried rock. Established: 2007 Type of Greens: USGA Original Architect: Jack Lally Course Length: 6,700 yards Type of Club: Resort Size of Property: 140 acres Number of Holes: 18 Size of Greens: 3.1 acres Number of Rounds Annually: 12,000 Size of Tees: 1.6 acres Practice Facility: Putting and chipping area Size of Fairways: 26 acres Biggest Maintenance Challenge An abundance of thatch accumulation as well as fairly hydrophobic soils have been a big challenge to manage. The 2013-14 winter also left many areas in need of much attention. See us for all our Fertility & Plant Protection needs Custom Blending I Stabilized Nitrogen I Golf & Landscape Products I SpeareSeed Dealers Compost Based Topdressing & Construction Mixes P.O. Box 370 Bolton, ON L7E 5T3 Telephone: 905-857-2000 Fax: 905-857-8215 USGA Spec. Sand & Mixes alisona@agri-turf.ca | 1-800-268-4425 WWW.TPCSAND.COM TPCSANDANDMIXES@ROGERS.COM 705.888.2689 www.allianceagri-turf.com Growing Pains: Common Mishandlings of Trees Story and photos by Oliver K. Reichl ultimately creating an unhealthy and even hazardous tree. The reductions in height gained by topping are typically lost within rees are an integral component of many golf courses. Their 5-7 years, and correcting that usually means re-topping or a lot of T benefits are numerous and include protection screening, wildlife habitat, wind and noise barriers, beauty and strategy to time on an arborist’s part judiciously pruning out lots of long thin stems. Basically, non-ethical arborists love topping, since it is both the landscape, as well as erosion control. Though the presence of paying work and virtually guarantees repeat business. Of course, particular trees can sometimes conflict with course infrastructure sometimes it’s the property owner who wants their tree pruned or the goals that have been set for turf establishment, the benefits that way, and that would be an example where the customer is of trees can outweigh the cons in some areas. not always right. A knowledgeable, professional arborist will know Fortunately I live in Southern Ontario where a multitude of the best pruning procedures that can achieve height reduction both coniferous and deciduous tree species grace the landscape. with less of a negative impact on the tree. Often, it’s an attempt But that happenstance brings its own tree-related frustrations at meeting height-reduction objectives while respecting a given because, as an urban forester and consulting arborist, I see specimen’s natural form and branching habit. mishandlings of trees every day. I would like to share some of the most relevant of these mishandlings with you, and hope that an Grade Changes awareness of these common misguided arboricultural practices We know surprisingly little about the root systems of trees. Roots will reduce the frequency of their occurrence. don’t usually get any attention until they’re interfering with a construction project, a drainage or septic system, an underground Topping garage, or a foundation wall. There are some things, mostly from Long recognized as a poor horticultural practice, trial and error, that we do know: topping still occurs with regularity. Topping ■ Each species and genus has its unique rooting a tree is radical height reduction, where all characteristics, with some being more fibrous than others. branches/limbs are cut as though they were ■ The tree tap root is largely a myth; some trees have one, fruit trees. The result is a tree with many most do not. unsightly and unhealthy stubs and a crown ■ Roots can’t function effectively without the symbiotic that is seriously out of proportion with its benefits of mycorrhizae. root system. In an effort to re-establish ■ The majority of a tree’s feeder roots are located within the some balance, the tree sends out many first 15 cm of soil. new shoots. These fast-growing shoots ■ A root system extends far beyond the outer limits of the are weak-wooded and, in time, become crown’s spread. more prone to breaking and crowding, ■ Roots like to grow horizontally and, to a lesser degree, down (not up). Topped trees, like these silver maples, pictured left, ■ Feeder roots are very sensitive to grade changes of even a are a recipe forfuture problems. few centimetres. 1) A relatively recent trend, “volcanoes” ofpiled soil or mulch may look neat and tidy, but are ultimately deleterious to the tree. 2) My confidence in the survivability of this Norway maple is low. It has lost almost 50% of its roots, and there is no arborist on site to prune the frayed ends of the remaining exposed roots. 3) Collision damage, likely from a lawn mower. People assume that trees, because they’re plants, like lots of older larger trees are just as susceptible to this type of wounding. soil. Trees planted too deep or too shallow are more prone to One of the best ways to prevent girdling and wounding by lawn developing health and stability issues later on. Adding soil to a care equipment is to maintain a layer of mulch around the base maturing root zone is akin to planting the tree too deep in the of the tree. Mulch, among other things, retards or prevents the first place. Water and air must now percolate that much further to growth of competing vegetation, so there’s simply nothing in that reach the roots and energy must now be expended to grow new area of the tree that requires mowing or snipping. feeder roots upward, contrary to their natural inclination. Soil piled around the main stem, burying the root collar, will absorb Introduced Species moisture like a sponge and that moisture will sit against the trunk Given the tenacity with which Agriculture Canada keeps us where it increases the risk of rot where the tree can least afford to from importing plant or animal material from abroad, it almost develop it. The moral of this story: don’t change the grade under seems strange that introduced species are so prevalent. Now it is a tree’s canopy because it will stress the tree or cause it to decline. true that gypsy moth, zebra mussels, lampreys, raccoon rabies, If you have a declining tree and the base does not show any root purple loosestrife, and the emerald ash borer are all non-native flare, chances are a grade change has taken place at some point in to this part of the world, but the same can be said for many of the not-too-distant past. the plant materials we deploy in our landscapes. With plants, however, the introductions are usually not accidental, and trees Planting Too Dense like Norway maple, Norway spruce, Austrian pine, Scots pine, We live in a culture where notions of instant gratification are and weeping willows have become common features in suburbia rampant. Who has time to wait for things to grow? We want our and elsewhere. There are numerous problems with non-native properties lush and green now! Landscaping companies and or “alien” species. Often they have no natural controls in terms nurseries are more than happy to oblige. After all, you’re paying of predators or pathogens and quickly overrun and devastate them typically hundreds of dollars per plant. To achieve that ecosystems. Introduced tree species are often under stress insta-lush look, lots of young shrubs and small trees are planted so from simply trying to exist in our harsh continental climate, close together that, within 3-5 years, half of them will need to be with its sweltering summers and bitterly cold winters. Like any removed because they are either physically crowding each other, organism under physiological strain, a stressed tree is less able or beginning to show signs of succumbing to their own version of to resist attacks by a host of vermin, including insects, fungi, Darwinism as they compete for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. bacteria, viruses, and parasitic plants, as well as environmental A good planting plan takes into account the growth habits and factors like drought, frost, radiant heat, nutrient deficiencies, eventual sizes of the plant materials desired. Planting young trees and pollution. They are more susceptible to infection, and too close to one another may give you instant lushness, but it their reduced vigour means recovery is slow or questionable. also guarantees that some of those trees will be either stunted, unbalanced in form, or even dead. Continued on page 16... Lawn Care Equipment Simply put, a tree’s bark is like a skin: it is an organic protective barrier that is a vital part of the living whole. Like skin, bark needs to breathe, it can “bleed”, it scars, and it heals. Also like skin, a wound that isn’t intrinsically life-threatening can still be an entry point for fungal, viral, insectine, or bacterial pathogens. And that is one of the two dangers posed by weed snippers and lawn mowers when they are used in such proximity to a tree that they scrape, tear, cut, or otherwise collide with the bark. The other danger, guaranteed to be fatal, is that repeated contact by lawn care equipment can sever or ruin the entire circumference of bark. The area immediately under the bark is crucial for a tree’s circulation and, like a tourniquet left on too long, a full ring of severed bark will essentially girdle the tree and effectively kill it. Accidents happen, but multiple instances can retard Plastic barriers at the bases of young trees are certainly helpful, but healing or, worse, girdle and kill the tree. Continued from page 15... 4 & 5) Ifyou ’re going to wrap something around a trunk or branch, its important not to forget about it. Collars must be removed with in 1-3 years. 6) A typical tree coffin and the typical result. 7) This tree will continue to grow into the fence and will become difficult and dangerous to remove. Like your typical lawn, which is predominantly composed of a specialist who knows the proper and best way of doing things alien bluegrasses, non-native trees are simply more labour-intensive within their area of expertise. The only caveat about that statement and costly to maintain, and their survivability is always suspect. is that, unlike with mechanics, doctors and vets, the arboriculture This is not to say that our own Carolinian and boreal species are profession is not regulated, meaning pretty much anyone can call immune to infections and attacks, but they are generally more themselves an arborist. For property owners concerned about the resistant and able to cope. For these reasons, when I am asked for proper care of their trees and who choose to engage the services advice on what species to plant, the first rule is always to invest in of a tree care company, its another situation of “buyer beware”, but native species propagated from locally-sourced seed or cuttings. at least they’ve taken the first positive step and decided to leave the Your property may not look as exotic, but you will have made a surgery to the surgeons. choice that is simply cheaper and more ecologically friendly. You will have reduced the chance of having to pay for costly future life Tree Coffins support services like pesticide and fertilizer applications, let alone Tree coffins are a familiar sight at a familiar site: the mall parking the cost of prognosis, or removing and replacing the tree when all lot. But you’ll also find them on sidewalks and public parks. On a the technology at our disposal still can’t keep it alive. golf course, your parking lot or clubhouse vicinity may have some of these sorts of plantings. The “tree coffin” refers to those little Tying / Girdling concrete islands or stone planters where balled-and-burlapped While the method differs somewhat from lawn care equipment maples, lindens, oaks, and honey-locusts are planted. This type of damage, the girdling aspect is basically the same. Anything tied planting is not the most practical because the compacted nutrient­ around a branch or the trunk will girdle and kill all parts beyond poor construction fill that often comprises the growth medium the point of contact if that wrap is left on too long. When is too in these settings makes it difficult for the tree to thrive, as does long? When you can see bark starting to bulge around either end the lack of water and radiant heat that reflects from the adjacent of that contact point. The most common culprits of this sort of pavement. There is money wasted on planting a tree in a coffin thing include: and on having to remove the tree later when it dies, not to mention ■ Collars (attached by wiring to T-bars or stakes) put on a newly- that the patiently cultivated tree itself may have had a long life had planted tree to help stabilize it, but not removed within 2-3 it been planted in a less-hostile growing environment. years. ■ Unprofessional cabling jobs, where static cable or chain is Fences wrapped around a stem rather than attached to an eye-bolt. This one is pretty straightforward. Simply put, trees and fences ■ Forgotten recreational equipment, like tire swings, hammocks, don’t mix. The tree will grow into the fence because it doesn’t and boats. know any better, and it will become both difficult and dangerous ■ Dog chains, clothes lines, floodlight wires. to remove. Ultimately, both the tree and fence will be ruined. So don’t plant trees near fences, and don’t plant fences near trees. Do-it-yourself Pruning Check your fence lines annually and snip out wild-sown saplings I get called upon frequently to investigate a tree health concern as soon as possible. at a customer’s property, only to conclude that the likely cause of Keeping trees healthy is often simply a matter of common sense. the problem is a poor cultural practice initiated by the owner or Don’t worsen existing stresses, and try not to create new ones. the owner’s gardener or landscape contractor. The most common Minimize or eliminate injurious activities. Care for them as you of these is making improper pruning cuts where, rather than a would care for a beloved pet and, like a well-treated dog or cat, clean cut at the branch bark ridge, there is a stub of some length they will reward you with many years of faithful longevity. sticking out of the side of the tree. Sure the offending branch has Oliver K. Reichl is a consulting arborist and forest ecologist. been removed, but stubs do not heal effectively, and thus become He has a degree in Environmental Studies, as well as diplomas an attractive entry point for rot, insects, or disease. It follows that a in forestry, parks, and arboriculture. He lives in the Thousands proper pruning cut can also be that entry point, but the situation Islands area of eastern Ontario. isn’t nearly as serious because the bark will re-seal that wound as quickly as possible. Pruning is essentially a form of surgery, not that Oliver K. Reichl is a consulting arborist andforest ecologist. He has a different from operating on a pet, person, or car: if you don’t really degree in Environmental Studies, as well as diplomas in forestry, parks, know what you’re doing, you will likely do more harm than good. and arboriculture. He lives in the Thousands Islands area of Eastern Like the doctor, veterinarian, and mechanic, a trained arborist is Ontario. Ontario Golf Clubs Recover by Robert Thompson while a nearby club didn’t have any problems. At its worst, some of the country’s most venerable clubs like eith Bartlett thought there was a day in the future that St. George’s or Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, K he’d have to deal with the problems plaguing his course’s greens. He just didn’t know how quickly that day would come. Ontario, or London Hunt and Country Club, which hosted this year’s CP Women’s Open, lost a majority of their putting Bartlett, Superintendent at St. George’s Golf and Country surfaces. Club in Toronto, recognized his club’s problem in the late winter. Core samples of grass from the club’s greens didn’t Continued on page 18... come to life when grown indoors, and there was a decidedly nasty odor from the grass. It turns out a combination of factors - a lengthy and unseasonably long cold snap, ice and other circumstances - put undue pressure on the short grass that serves as a putting service for thousands of golfers each year. That grass was dead, leading Bartlett and other superintendents from across Ontario to seek out a way to deal with one of the biggest catastrophes to hit golf clubs in the province in decades. “It was a real mess,” says Bartlett, sitting in a golf cart near the clubhouse at St. George’s in Toronto’s west end. “But it helped us move forward with something I’m not sure we’d ever have gotten done otherwise.” In the case of St. George’s, the prestigious private club elected to make a bold move, rebuilding all 18 holes on its Stanley Thompson-designed course. But it was only one of numerous clubs in Ontario that faced tough decisions as courses came out of the cold to find their Poa annua greens - annual bluegrass FRESH SOD in colloquial terms - dead and brown. Usually there’s some READY WHEN YOU ARE winterkill, but no one in the industry recalls such a widespread issue in the last 50 years. The problem captured attention from across Ontario’s media, with print and television broadcasters putting the spotlight on 12 VARIETIES MATCHED TO courses with dead grass. The cold didn’t discriminate based on a course’s rating or the fees it charged players. If a course had JUST CALL THOUSANDS OF SPECIALTY Poa annua greens - common at most older facilities - it faced www.JustSodIt.com APPLICATIONS. some degree of damage from the winter, often with swaths of dead grass. Newer facilities typically have more resilient bentgrass greens, a more modern grass that isn’t nearly as GREENHORIZONS SOD FARMS HAMILTON: (905) 389-1315 CAMBRIDGE: (519) 653-7494 easily damaged by ice and cold and is more environmentally sustainable, which explains why in some areas of the province one course would have extensively damaged putting surfaces, Continued from page 17... Owen Russell, Superintendent at Markland Wood, a private positive for the club,” he says. club in Toronto, was one of the first to recognize his club’s However, dead grass on golf greens wasn’t limited to private issue. clubs. Ontario’s nasty winter wasn’t discerning when it came “The toughest thing was to admit they were dead,” he says. to killing Poa. Public golf courses from Mississauga’s famed ‘You sort of had to come clean, recognize the situation and Lakeview Golf Club to Victoria Park East in Guelph had similar move ahead with a plan.” issues without the ability to prop up their finances with annual In his situation, 14 of 19 greens (the club has an extra hole) dues from members. were damaged beyond repair. With the Toronto Star Amateur David DeCorso’s course, Victoria Park East in Guelph, opened on the schedule, the club had to with three complete temporary react quickly. He was able to find putting surfaces and nine greens bentgrass sod that was left over with significant issues. Due to a "The toughest thing was to admit they were from another golf course project colder than usual spring, it took and put it down on his greens dead. You sort of had to come clean, recognize until July for the greens to start to on April 25. Unlike some other return, though DeCorso says they the situation and move ahead with a plan." clubs, Markland Wood had the never fully recovered. And the proper soil to support bentgrass. - Owen Russell, Superintendent, Markland Woods lackluster conditions meant the Other clubs weren’t as lucky and club couldn’t charge golfers full had to spend millions stripping fare for much of the year, hitting the soil from their greens and entirely rebuilding them. the club’s bottom line as well. The new greens grew in rapidly and club members were “A lot of golfers didn’t start playing until June anyway because anxious to get out and play. But Russell held them off until the spring was lousy,” DeCorso says. “And when the greens did he knew the greens could withstand traffic. He opened them come back they were fine, but the worst spots are weak and on June 6. The club used the change to bentgrass to sell new there are certainly some concerns going into the spring.” memberships based on the fact it shouldn’t lose playing days to That’s Rhod Trainor’s concern as well. The longtime dead grass in the future, Russell says. Superintendent at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, Trainor’s “We turned what could have been a real mess into a club didn’t open any of its greens until July. Greens • The #1 surfactant worldwide for highly managed turf areas • Produces drier, firmer putting surfaces • Strengthens plant's natural ability to withstand stress and disease pressure Coursewide Confidence Fairways • The perfect water management solution for fairways and other large turf areas • Enhances penetration and distribution of water and nutrients • Reduces water use on cool-season grasses by 25% or more www.aquatrols.com Hamilton, which has 27 holes covered with Poa, remained shut until July as Trainor attempted to bring the greens back Winter to life through a process of aerating and slit-seeding with bentgrass. Wellness Trainor wasn’t alone. Most Ontario superintendents turned to overseeding with bentgrass to repair the damaged greens. The Douglas Wood bentgrass rapidly filled in the dead areas, but didn’t do well in Large Tree Service areas where sunlight and airflow is limited by trees. That means can beautify and most Ontario superintendents are promoting a plan ofjudicious protect your course tree removal, something that’s been very misunderstood despite an educational push by many clubs and the United States Golf with the help Association, one of the sport’s governing bodies. of Paul Hanousek, Trainor, who plans to remove hundreds of trees around the Certified Arborist club’s greens to create a better growing environment, says it is something he should have done years ago. “I’m part of the problem because I didn’t tackle the issue a long time ago,” he says. Though he recognizes tree removal is a sore spot for many people, Trainor says trees have a place on courses - it is just www.douglaswood.ca away from areas where they shade greens. Trainor says golfers who, at one time, couldn’t understand Paul Hanousek, Certified Arborist Members of CGSA, OGSA, ISA and OCAA why greens wouldn’t grow under the canopy of trees, now have a much better sense of the issues facing courses. 1.800.353.3019 “I think the education of members, by people like the T. 519.856.2771 • F. 519.856.1447 [United States Golf Association] has really broadened,” he says. P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON “And I think people have seen the success courses have had Canada NOB 2K0 following tree removal.” Bartlett’s overhaul took 58 days. In that time the club rebuilt and seeded all of the new greens. He credits the club’s support Callus for the project to the educational tours he did of the course about our starting in 2013. During those tours he tried to explain to Turf Services members the struggles the grass had because of the trees, and the need to move forward with bentgrass. He also articulated Delivering the fact that bentgrass needed a sandy, well-drained base, which meant the greens would have to be completely rebuilt. superior sod and “The success of the project was based on the fact I’d been educating the members for some time,” he says. quality service For those who see the overhaul as an unnecessary extravagance, Bartlett says there are huge environmental and financial benefits to using the new grass. Bentgrass takes less • No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass water - a key issue facing all clubs - is more disease resistant • Premium Bentgrass and requires less fertilizer and pesticides than Poa, he adds. • Extreme Fescue “Even our operating budget will come down slightly,” he says. • Custom grown sod available “And the experience will be better for every member.” What about the naysayers who claim Poa will soon take • Large or small rolls over the club’s new greens? Bartlett scoffs, saying the club has • Healthier, greener sod created an appropriate growing environment for bentgrass to flourish. “I’ll be long gone and retired before anyone has to deal with this again,” Bartlett, 48, says. “We’ve set the club up to be more sustainable. I think in time almost every club will follow.” A bestselling author of five books, and golf columnist for Global News and Global Golf Post, Robert Thompson has chased a little white ball all over the world. He was commissioned to write this Phone:877-727-2100 feature for the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association. For www.zandersod.com more information contact Phil Scully, President of the OGSA, at 17525 Jane St., RR #1 | Kettleby, Ontario | L7B0J6 pscully@granitegolfclub.ca. U of G UPDATE Industry Insights on Sustainability ustainability of the game of golf is a complex subject and the game was a topic of discussion. One topic that was brought up S most important aspect of sustainability is creating a good repeatedly and had varying viewpoints was the status of the game golfing experience with fewer inputs of pesticides, fertilizers and and the number of rounds played. It brought into question what water. Sustainability has many definitions, but one definition is the goals of the industry are and what group should be stationed that we need to act in such a way that it would not prevent future with setting the goals and trying to achieve those goals as an generations from deciding to act similarly. This definition is loaded industry. The independent operator and standalone club was with many consequences and that is why challenged as a model that can produce sometimes it is easiest to focus on the three an integrated plan with measurable goals pillars of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. Often it is necessary Panelists surrounding the growth for the industry adding to the economic and social to refer to these aspects when discussing sustainability of the industry. ASHLEY CHINNER, VP sustainability. When we speak about the One thing that the golf industry can Signature Insurance sustainability of a business, the two most improve on is how it and golf courses immediate items that come to mind are ROB ROXBOROUGH, COO serve the urban landscape to make our are economic and social sustainability and Hamilton Golf and Country Club cities more sustainable. Golf courses add these tend to be the focus of discussion. to the robustness of the urban ecosystem GREG SEEMAN, General Manager/ Environmental sustainability is harder to by providing areas of diversity. They act as Managing Partner, Wooden Sticks Golf Club measure and often the consequences of a place for outlets during floods and help our actions are not immediate. Therefore, JASON HONEYBALL, Environmental with storm water management. Often they acting in an environmentally sustainable Manager, Osierbrook Golf Club take waste products from food production way is more difficult. and use them as fertilizers. It was also BRENT MILLER, Executive Director, discussed how a properly designed golf Recently a panel forum was hosted in conjunction with the Golf Industry EXPO Golf Operations & Member Services course can provide a number of services to and the PGA of Ontario. The day featured GLENN PHILIPS, Regional Director of the urban community, even going as far as discussion on the sustainability of the golf Hospitality, The Country Club helping to act as a final filter for our waste industry by a panel consisting of myself water treatment plants. This helps with the and many other members of the industry ED KILROY, Member The Summit, energy costs of treatment and protects our including professionals, club managers, Past President IBM Canada surface water from pollution. Golf courses superintendents, educators and golfers. BRYAN VINE, The Growth Coach not only need to get better at adding to The day consisted of lively discussion the sustainability of our cities, but they also and varying opinions and much of it NIGEL HOLLIDGE, Managing Director need to get better at accomplishing this focused on the limitations on growing the Taboo Muskoka Resort, Golf & Spa without putting added strain on taxpayers. game of golf. In addition, lively discussion NADINE LAMARCHE, Durham College Sustainability is a complex issue facing was had regarding the standards of the our society today and while we tend to look golf course and the cost of maintenance ERIC LYONS, University of Guelph at most businesses with respect to economic of those standards. While the focus was on and social sustainability, the environmental operational costs of maintenance and the sustainability of golf courses is also very need to better communicate why maintenance budgets are what important. It is also imperative that we realize that urban green they are, long-term environmental costs were acknowledged. The spaces such as golf courses provide environmental services to our issue with discussing environmental sustainability is that until a cities in a very cost effective manner. Golf has a public perception financial cost is associated with an action, either through a fine problem when it comes to how they fit into our urban ecosystems or increased regulation, it is difficult to quantify the need for and it will take a joint effort of the entire industry to overcome environmental sustainability. Often environmental sustainability the negative perception of golf. The golf course superintendent is only viewed as how it can save the operation money, through is in a unique situation. With their knowledge of golf course fewer inputs. One of the interesting subjects discussed was how maintenance, as well as their agronomic and environmental environmental sustainability can mitigate risks and therefore knowledge, they can help overcome this challenge to the insurance costs. In addition, it was noted that the golf industry is sustainability of golf. ■ missing a market by not directing products at the customer who is environmentally aware and would choose a more sustainable option. Another interesting point that was made was while the Eric M. Lyons Ph.D., industry needs more entry level facilities to grow the game, the Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, cost of land and servicing the debt for the land acquisition makes University of Guelph this very difficult near urban centers. Guelph, Ontario Many programs that grow the game of golf were discussed. In elyons@uoguelph.ca addition, the desire to make the game more family friendly as well as more friendly to recent immigrants and people new to the ON THE ROAD AGAIN Lessons Learned n important yet sometimes overlooked aspect of professional Learn from yesterday, A development is taking the time to reflect on and learn from past experiences. Unfortunately, the speed at which we live our live for today, lives nowadays can make this a challenging endeavor. Nonetheless, hope for tomorrow I believe it to be a worthwhile exercise to perform. What is the point of moving forward if we don’t take the time to digest what one has ~ Albert Einstein experienced and hopefully learned from? As I now self-reflect four years into my role as a sales representative, I want to share some of the lessons I have learned, either through personal experience superintendent, I can understand the frustration regarding the or from you, the superintendent, the assistant superintendent or current lack of available superintendent jobs for aspiring assistants. industry colleague: However, looking at it from a different perspective, if you are an assistant superintendent at a progressive club, are fairly well It's All About the Greens compensated and given opportunities to learn, maybe there is no I realize that this may seem like a statement from “Captain reason to be in a rush to take the next step. Obvious”, but on more than one occasion I have had clients admit that trying to save the club money when it comes to maintaining Learn What's Important to Your Manager their greens was a mistake. I realize these are tougher economic A client recently shared his past struggles with a previous owner times, but cost savings are more easily achieved on tees, fairways who was giving him a hard time at work. It took a couple years of and roughs. It’s not entirely fair that a superintendent’s worth is evaluating his operation, but he discovered what was important to usually judged solely on an area of their golf course that comprises his owner and from that point on, his job got a lot easier and his less than 10% of all maintained turf. It’s an unfortunate reality, but owner stopped micromanaging. Something as easy as hiring older sometimes it’s just wiser to spend the money. and more mature staff over young, inexperienced staff is all it took. The faster we can all discover what makes those who we report to happy, the easier our jobs get. Don't Doubt Yourself Not too long ago, I asked a superintendent at a grow-in golf course, about the key lessons he had learned, growing in the Learn to Manage Change From a universal perspective, change is the only constant. It is course. His answer was simple, yet to me, profound, “don’t doubt manifesting everyday whether we like it or not, and change is most yourself.” I’m sure we all have moments when doubt creeps into certainly abound in our industry. Change can be difficult, or in our minds, as it did for me when I took a job in sales over four years some cases, it can be welcome. The key is to embrace it and use it to ago. It’s important to realize that your ability is what has carried you your advantage. Whether in the workplace or in some other aspect thus far in your career and if you need help or have a question, do of your life, change can lead to new, unforeseen opportunities. ■ not perceive reaching out to others as a sign of weakness, but as a sign of strength. Paul Grotier It's All About Perspective Direct Solutions - A Division of AAT It can be so easy to always approach situations or react to Phone: (416) 508-6115 situations in the same manner. Try to take a step back from time to Email: pgrotier@agriumat.com time and get a different perspective on things and don’t be afraid to get a colleagues perspective as it might help uncover a different www.turfpro.ca point of view. As an example, and speaking as a previous assistant www.mastersturfsupply.com Corrie Almack P.Ag. P.O.Box 629 Office: 519-510-TURF (8873) Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 80 William St. W. Fax:519-510-8875 Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 Harriston, ON, NOG 1Z0 Email: mastersturf@wightman.ca LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca OFF THE FAIRWAY Every End Brings a New Beginning his time of year always brings an old adage noticed overgrown and out of control perennials in T to mind, “an end is just a new beginning”. In the world of horticulture, these words are very your beds. Some perennials develop what I call the ‘halo’ effect when they reach a certain age. Examples true. When fall comes it gives us an opportunity of plants that develop this are some Shasta daisy to re-evaluate everything we have done over the species, yarrow and some bee balm species. The halo previous six months. This is the time of year effect is when the center of the plant stops producing when we celebrate our successes and lick our growth at ground level. The plants themselves are for wounds caused by failures. the most part healthy, but this is a sign that they need As I prepare to pull annuals, cut down to be split, lifted and replanted. The fall is a great time perennials and prepare the beds to go into to perform this practice and when doing so take the winter, my mind is already on next season. I look opportunity to amend the soil with compost when at what was a great success and why? What wasn’t replanting. Ornamental grasses develop this over and why? Membership feedback is analyzed time as well. With Karl Foerster in particular, when it with greater depth at this time of year. Were the gets old the center dies back and the entire plant itself comments about the property generally good, stops performing well and becomes sparse. Splitting, great, amazing or bad? Also, were there specific lifting, dividing and replanting helps remove dead comments made about specific areas? What I just Geraniums can be stored indoors material and helps rejuvenate the root system of the mentioned should be the first steps taken when overwinter and they will go into plant and forces new root growth. prioritizing your new beginning for next season. a semi-dormant state. Perennials and shrubs are dying back and looking The fall is a great time to do some of the drab in the later portion of fall so fertilizing may be the projects you ran out of time for in the spring. Depending on last thing on your mind. What you don’t see is what’s happening in your zone and how quickly winter comes for your area, early fall the soil. Perennials and shrubs are putting their energy into root is always better to allow newly transplanted plant material time development as they prepare for winter dormancy. Fertilizing with to establish root growth. Throughout the season you would have high phosphorous and little to no nitrogen in October will give your noticed underperforming perennials and grasses or you may have plant material a solid, deeper root mass to help survive the stresses Braemar Building Systems CUSTOM DESIGN QUALITY BUILDINGS COMPETITIVE PRICES • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • New Buildings • Wood & Steel Structures For your FREE ESTIMATES call us at 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com of winter and give them a boost in the spring for that new beginning. Tender bulbs such as Dahlia’s, Canna lily, and Tuberous begonia all need to be prepared for winter storage at the end of the season. These species can handle a pretty hard frost. The vegetative growth may get destroyed by frost, but the bulbs themselves below ground can tolerate it. Leaving them in too late may put them at risk of freezing, which can cause the bulbs or tubers to split. When storing bulbs, be sure to discard any that may be damaged from garden removal or any that are rotted. Storing damaged or rotted bulbs may cause the spread of rot to others while in storage. Clean the bulbs by washing all excess soil off. Be sure to handle the bulbs with care during this process to avoid breaking the skin. 9 ways to Healthy Turf Once washed, place them somewhere indoors to allow them to dry. Store in cardboard boxes with the bulbs covered in a DRY soilless mix. Any moisture inside the boxes during winter storage respond® 3 grows your turf health will cause rotting or will promote vegetative growth. Be sure to store in a cool, dry place for the winter. Tender bulbs multiply from the roots up pretty rapidly, which make them a great choice for the gardener Increased depth of water penetration: on a budget. Extra bulbs can be traded for other plant material 1 Increases rooting depth with local garden centers or any other garden enthusiast or local horticulture society or group. 2 Aids survival in drought conditions Tulip bulbs are planted in the fall and can be pretty exciting as there are some amazing cultivars ranging in colour, height and 3 Favours deeper rooting grasses flowering times that make the design process very interesting. With flowering in the early spring, a solid tulip display is a great way to Water soaks in more evenly: begin a new season. Another task at the end of the growing season that leads to a new 4 Avoids puddling beginning is the collection of seeds from your favourite annuals 5 Helps with drainage and perennials. Similar to storing bulbs, you want to dry the seeds and any inert material that comes along with them and store them in a location where they remain dry. More even water distribution/retention: I learned a few years ago that geraniums can be stored indoors 6 Better use of water may reduce the need overwinter and they will go into a semi-dormant state. Remove geraniums in the fall before the risk of frost damage. Pull the plants for irrigation and shake all of the soil from the roots, then find a cool dry place 7 Improved turf colour and hang them upside down. Eventually the leaves will go brown and the plants will look like they are dead. Mist the roots with water Reduction in the symptoms of localized dry spot: occasionally by use of a spray bottle. If possible, store them where they can get some form of light, whether its natural or artificial, it 8 More even playing surface doesn’t have to be direct or a lot. Eventually you’ll notice a little bit of new growth starting to form. When spring comes, replant 9 Healthier turf in a pot, give them as much light and proper growing conditions as possible. If you have the capacity, start taking cuttings and Grow your turf health propagate your own plants from your overwintered geraniums. This can be quite cost effective and rewarding on a personal level. from the roots up with Every end is just a new beginning. A saying I hold close to heart. As winter approaches and my work physically with the gardens comes to an end, I look forward to a new beginning of professional development and education by attending courses and seminars hosted by Landscape Ontario. This is something I recommend to all who work in the horticulture, landscape design and property management industry. ■ Chris Cumming CLP, Horticulturist Ontario & Maritimes: 1-800-265-5444 Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club West: 1-800-561-5444 Port Carling, Ontario BC: 1-604-534-8815 Email: chriscumming@live.ca Quebec: 1-800-361-9369 www.uap.ca Tel: 705-765-3165 Always read and follow label directions. Cell: 705-644-3994 Respond 3 is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. ABOVE THE HOLE That Coveted Sanity y week to week schedule these days doesn’t offer a whole lot with your classmates are all easy ways to let your brain relax for a M of free time. As I was driving back to Guelph from Muskoka short while. The issue I’ve always had is convincing myself that I late this evening, I couldn’t help but think about all I had onhave time for these things, but the fact is that it’s starting to catch my plate heading into the upcoming weeks. We all know what up with me now, and every so often it would be nice to kick back. time of year it is on our golf courses and the real work has just With events such as the OGSA Conference and Trade Show in begun. I know I’m no special case here, but it has become a bit Niagara Falls and the GCSAA Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, overwhelming when all of these midterms and assignments are I’m hoping that I can slow things down maybe just a little bit and piling up and I have filled up the empty space on my plate with enjoy getting out of the area for a while to meet some future working back home on weekends. It’s easy to have these things pile colleagues in a familiar setting. Everyone has their own way of up over a short period of time and unfortunately our personal lives relaxing, and I believe this is just perfect for me. If anyone else in end up suffering because of them. Taking some time to yourself is the Guelph area shares my opinion, don’t forget to check out our critical if you want to maintain your sanity during the more hectic first year diploma students annual turf symposium later this fall at times in life and there are many ways to ensure this happens. Cutten Fields. For those who are already well rooted in the industry, this can Contributing to Green is Beautiful over the past year has been a sometimes be quite difficult. We don’t often have very long golfing great experience. Thanks again to the entire staff at the OGSA for seasons, but the truth is that our working season can be very long giving me this opportunity. I’ll see everyone in Niagara Falls! ■ and taxing on us. I think for those of us in Canada, learning to love winter is crucial since this is the only time we really get any Chris Copeman, 2nd Assistant significant time off. It’s easy enough to flee to the warm confines of the equator, which always sits well with most of us, but finding a way Superintendent, ADTM Student at UofG to make the most of the little time we have off during those cold Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario winters will certainly aid in winding down after that long season. Email: c.copeman1@gmail.com For university students such as myself, the options are endless. www.deerhurstresort.com Sports, turf club, and even simply getting out for some beverages The most advanced, most durable and most flexible irrigation products. Built for today’s golf courses. The right choice. Turf Care Products Canada 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B6 • PH: 905-836-0988 • FAX: 905-836-6442 LONDON Ph: 519-668-7664 • Fax:519-668-3722 EDWARDS Ph: 613-821-1880 • Fax:613-821-2919 TURFCARE www.turfcare.ca Helping your business grow. LOOKING BACK Twenty Years Ago Today he 1994 board of directors of the OGSA were Bruce Burger Legross and Rob Davis won the CAN-AM Challenge Cup. T (president), Lakeview GC, John Taylor (vice president), Twenty Valley G&CC, David Gourlay (past president), The Spring Field Day was held at the Cutten Club on May 30th hosted by Richard Creed. Thom Charters and Bruce Burger Summerlea G&CC, Simon George (secretary), Oakville GC, were tied for low gross with a 73 and John Taylor was low Alex La Belle (treasurer), Merry-Hill GC, Doug Suter (editor), net. Pam Charbonneau gave a tour of the Guelph Turfgrass Credit Valley G&CC, Rick Serrao, Glendale G&CC, Ken Institute facilities. Nelson, Sutton Creek GC, Ian Bowen, Oshawa G&CC, Paul Dodson, Aurora Highlands GC, Jerry Richard, Craigowan The Superintendent Pro Tournament was held at Victoria G&CC and Mark Schneider, Owen Sound G&CC. Park GC on Sept 6th hosted by David Decorso. The Scotch Ball format was used with the winning team of Jim Burlington ON THE MOVE: Alex La Belle moved from the Carleton G&YC and Jonathan Gee from Bay of Quinte G&CC taking first place to Merry-Hill GC near Kitchener. Warren Vout left Cedar Brae and the team of Dan Lavis and John Davis from Ingersoll GC G&CC and went to Brampton GC where Blake McMaster had taking second place. All proceeds were donated to the Canadian become general manager after years of being the superintendent. Diabetics Society, in memory of Bill Bowen. Steve Hallard took over at Cedar Brae G&CC. Ken Graham The annual President/Greens Chairman/Superintendent Day was the new superintendent at Huntington G&CC and Alex was held at the Brantford G&CC hosted by Rick Piccolo. The McLeod went from Hockley Valley Resort to Spring Lakes GC. winners were from Park Country Club of Buffalo, Scot Dodson, Jim Molenhuis left Lionhead G&CC to work at the new Club the team from London Highlands, Graham Shouldice, were Link course, The Lake Joseph Club. Jimmy Sera left Trafalgar second and and the third team winners were from Markland G&CC and took on the same position at Carlisle G&CC. Wood GC, Rob Ackerman. Dave Schmelefske left Merry-Hill GC and joined Ontario Seed The OTRF Golf Tournament was held at Cherry Downs G&CC, Company and Everett Nieuwkoop joined McCracken Golf hosted by David Cherry. There were 82 golfers who participated Supplies. Turf Care Products announced Rob Davis and Butch with Ernie Hauser winning low gross with a 69 and John Cherry Middleton as new sales representatives. Yamaha announced coming in second with a 71. Thom Charters was low net with a the appointment of Ontario Turf Equipment Company as a 69 and Bob Heron second low net with a 71. Andrew Keffer and distributer of Yamaha golf carts. Doug Cherry were the best ball team winners. Dr. Jack Eggens retired from the University of Guelph and Sam IN MEMORY: Bill Bowen, Superintendent at Dalewood GC, DiPinto retired from Beverley G&CC. passed away at the age of 61. ■ EVENTS: Charles Terry, Castlemore G&CC, received his GCSAA Certification and Paul Dermott, Oakdale G&CC, announced his intention of running as a director in the Barry Endicott upcoming elections of the GCSAA. Retired Golf Course Superintendent Brampton, Ontario TOURNAMENTS: The OGSA Annual Border Cities Golf Day Tel: 905-846-1440 was held in April at Pointe West GC hosted by Lamont Anderson. Email: barry. endicott@gmail.com The Canadian team of David Schmelefske, Kelly Barnett, Dan David C Smith, p.Ag., c.g.c.s. 550 Musquash Road LARGE TREE SALES AND RELOCATION Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P1R2 Phil Dickie-ISA Certified Arborist ON-0309A pdickie@fastforest.ca Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com P: (519)748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Non-golf Revenue by Doug Breen, Superintendent GolfNorth Properties ’ve been trying to find new revenue streams for the golf course, I and it occurred to me the other day, that there are long periods of time where there’s really nothing going on in the maintenance shop. This is particularly true in the winter, evenings, and overnight. Generally, the Turf Department is seen as a place where money is only spent, so I’ve been working on some ideas to turn it into an income centre. It’s what industry experts call non-golf revenue. My first thought was to put the equipment outside under tarps all winter, turn off the heat, flood the shop floor, and have my own privately run hockey rink. With the increasing popularity of ball hockey, we could likely turn the arena into a year ‘round with potpourri and needle point. That and you’re afraid to touch enterprise. Admittedly, the mowing equipment would depreciate anything. And the stranger bathroom sharing. Actually, he hated at a shocking rate, due to it being outside twelve months of the everything about it, but how much more fun would it be to sleep year, but think of the revenue! We build wedding sites that get in the shop, where there’s not a stitch of needlepoint or a scented used a lot less often than that hockey rink would. candle to be found? You could drift off to sleep to the sound of And speaking of weddings, why not use the shop for a unique raccoons fighting on the tin roof, or field mice gnawing through wedding/reception venue? Sure, the smell of diesel fuel and a plastic seed bag - only to be gently awakened from a fitful rest hydraulic fluid is offensive to some - perhaps even a fire hazard by the soft refrain of a half dozen mower engines starting up, and - but what groom wouldn’t want to celebrate his nuptials in the the smooth aroma of exhaust. Breakfast might be a little sparse, midst of tools, mowers, pesticides and grinders? I’m willing to but there’s a microwave on the counter, and some hot pockets in accept that some brides will be less than thrilled with the idea; the fridge. and that the grass juices and year-old grease could potentially do It’s very trendy to make restaurants and night spots look like a number on a wedding dress - but as long as we weren’t grinding industrial buildings. We could eliminate several steps, and the reels during the actual ceremony, I think it’s saleable. Everybody expense of hiring an interior decorator, by using our actual wants to get married on a golf course, but how many can say that industrial building as a bar/restaurant. There’s a place in Florida, they got married on the part of the golf course that really matters? where they spent a lot of money to make the restaurant patrons At this point, no one. feel like they’re in the maintenance shop from Caddyshack. My brother and his wife, were recently telling me about their With no expense at all, we could make patrons feel like they’re experience at a bed and breakfast. Let me begin by saying that in an actual maintenance shop - because they will be. Imagine a I will never understand the attraction of going to a stranger’s romantic dinner with a sprinkling of grinding dust. house, sharing a bathroom with them and/or other guests, and But my favorite idea is, The Superintendent Fantasy Camp. How paying them cash to have uncomfortable conversations with you - many times has someone said to you, that working on a golf course, but I’m told that they’re very popular with a large portion of the is their dream job? Well, for a couple grand a week, we could give population, and by that I mean women. According to my brother, them the chance to live out their fantasy, by having an authentic the worst part of the B&B experience, is that everything is covered golf course labourer experience. Just like those baseball fantasy camps, except that they’d be doing actual labour, as opposed to playing baseball. I actually think that this is the best idea I’ve ever had. If I could get a “camper” to pay Premium Products $2000 per week, then I could use that money to pay four people slightly more for all Your Turf Needs than minimum wage to work with him. He’d be living the dream, and so would I. The opportunities are endless. We PO. Box 7, Waterloo, ON N2J3Z6 have an asset at our disposal, and we simply need to find a way to generate Tel: 519-886-0557 revenue with it. And whether that’s golf Fax: 519-886-0605 cart racing, greens mower demolition 1-800-465-5849 derby, market gardening, or raising pigeons, I’m open to anything that helps www.oscturf.com the bottom line. ■ The Gift of CHOICE Give back to your turf. Protect your turf from a full range of insect and disease pests by choosing the right product and the best supplier for your needs. The Quali-Pro® portfolio of proven actives provides the protection you need and choice you want. Keep your turf looking its best with Quali-Pro products. Support choice: ask for Quali-Pro products by name. GROWTH SPRAY PATTERN FUNGICIDE INSECTICIDE REGULATOR INDICATOR Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as A unique Rovral® Green GT Banner Maxx® Merit® 0.5G Merit® 75 WSP Primo Maxx® pigment spray pattern indicator Don Surgeoner, Canadian Quali-Pro Manager (519) 535-2409 • dsurgeoner@manainc.com • Quali-Pro.ca ™ Know the Sign, Foursome and T-NEX are trademarks and ® Quali-Pro is a registered trademark of Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc. , ® Merit and Rovral are registered trademarks of Bayer. ® Banner Maxx and Primo Maxx are registered trademarks of Syngenta Group Company. 287-1.06.14 / MEET THE NEW LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION. The new Toro® Reelmaster® 3550-D floats effortlessly over contours in fairways and green surrounds. With a productive 208 cm (82 inch) cutting width, turf-friendly tires, the superior traction of a Series/Parallel 3-wheel drive system, and a weight of less than 900 kg (2,000 pounds),* the Reelmaster 3550-D is engineered to make a big impression...without leaving one. See it for yourself by calling your Turf Care Sales Representative to arrange a viewing or visit our website at www.turfcare.ca *Gross vehicle weight for standard configuration, including five 46 cm (18 inch) cutting units, with no optional accessories. TURFCARE Helping your business grow. ©2013 The Toro Company. All rights reserved.