Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONT. M9A 4X2 WINTER 88/89 TELEPHONE: (416) 233-8388 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1989 PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT NEIL ACTON CGCS GORDON NIMMO CGCS THOM CHARTERS Deer Creek Golf Club & Estates Sarnia Golf & Curling Club Weston Golf & Country Club 4121 Lawrence Ave. E., Ste. 207 500 Errol Rd. W. 50 St. Phillips Road Westhill, Ontario MIE 2S2 Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 Weston, Ontario M9P 2N6 Phone: Bus. (416) 284-3703 Phone: Bus. (519) 336-0667 Phone: Bus. (416)241-5551 Res. (416) 427-7424 Res. (519) 332-1521 Res. (416) 233-8388 DIRECTORS Editor Golf & Meetings Membership ROD TRAINOR CGCS MARK SCHNÉIDER ALEX LA BELLE St. Thomas Golf & C.C. Beach Grove Golf & C.C. Carlton Golf & Yacht Club P.O. Box 62 14134 Riverside Dr. E. P.O. Box 162, R.R. #3 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 St. Clair Beach,, Ont. N8N 1B6 Manotick, Ontario K0A 2N0 Phone: Bus. (519) 631-2447 Phone: Bus. (519) 979-8134 Phone: Bus. (613) 692-4054 Res. (519) 631-4798 Res. (519) 979-8134 Res. (613)826-3375 Entertainment & By-Laws Roster Public Relations & Communications BRUCE BURGER JOHN TAYLOR DAVE W. GOURLAY (Jr.) Galt Golf & Country Club Twenty Valley G.C. Beacon Hall Golf Club P.O. Box 534 107 Ontario St. R.R. #2 Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W St. Catharines, Ontario Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8 Phone: Bus. (519) 621-7020 Phone: Bus. (416) 562-4333 Phone: Bus. (416) 773-3841 (3843,3844) Res. (519) 621-1138 Res. (416) 682-3516 Res. (416) 852-9609 Treasurer Secretary & Symposium Chairman ED FARNSWORTH MARK HAGEN Deerhurst Inn Golf & C.C. West Haven Golf & C.C. R.R. #4 894 Notre Dame Dr. Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 London, Ontario L6J 3C4 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (519) 641-2519 Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (519) 451-0922 NEWSLETTER EDITOR ROD TRAINOR CGCS OFFICE SECRETARY COVER PHOTO CREDIT THE CUTTEN CLUB. GUELPH BY CAROL EDWARDS CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 From the Editor From the President Where did the "S" come from? The word “Green" I recently had the privilege of presenting a plaque which when used in that form("Greens") refers to a to Vince Piccolo for hosting the Ontario Amateur at broad section of the Golf Course Industry. the Brantford Golf and Country Club. Somewhere back in time the letter "S" became a I hadn't previously had an opportunity to talk with part of the word and now seems to be a permanent Vince on a personal level, and I found Vince to be fixture. We don't have Green Committees anymore both candid and refreshing. or Green Chairmen, but instead they are now known Vince has practiced his craft at Brantford for thirty- as Greens Chairmen and Greens Committees. two years, and I could sense his immense pride as he Should we change our titles to Superintendents? I gave me a tour of his course — a pride that I must for one have a traditional streak in me and now find mention was most deserving. myself correcting my members, Club officials and Vince has managed to maintain his course in im­ peers on the correct usage of the word. While I'm on peccable condition without the resources most of us the tradition kick, there are sand traps — or should take for granted. His short term plans call for intense they be "bunkers"? If anybody out there would like modernization and I certainly look forward to a re­ to add to this or would like to dispute it please write turn visit to Brantford. me and I'll be glad to print it. Vince is appreciated greatly at his club and the With summer half over we are way ahead of last Ontario Golf Superintendents Association is equally year. After a wet and warm June all traces of last proud to have such a professional member as Vince year's heat wave are practically gone. It has been a in our fold. great spring to grow grass. While many courses ex­ perienced good growth there were many whose Neil Acton winter damage was so severe that full recovery was not possible. Early spring was too cold for ice-dam­ aged greens to get new growth, and by the time the good weather arrived - so did the golfers. They usu­ ally don't mind temporary greens in April but by May things had better be ready to go. So the battle goes on. Proper drainage and elimination of "poa" seem to be the key. Where stands the battle with pesticide regulation? The Green Industry has presented their case and it is now in the hands of the government. One thing we do know for sure is that regulations will be much tougher. Tougher not only with pesticides but also in the whole work environment. "WHMIS" will make us be more careful in the way we select and train staff. Storage and disposal of all materials and sub­ stances in the shop is coming under the watchful eye of the government. The regulations are in place but as to when enforcement will take place nobody is sure — but it is coming and we must prepare now. Rod Trainor, CGCS WANTED: Annette Anderson Turf Extension Specialist PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED Plant Industry Branch ON THE COVER OF "GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL” Mail colour prints to Rod Trainor Ministry of Agriculture and Food C/0 St. Thomas Golf & C.C. Hort. Science Dept. University of Guelph P.O. Box 62 Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 THE ART OF HANDWATERING by Gary Sayre, CGCS Overlake Golf and Country Club, Washington "HANDWATERING?" Did someone say, "Handwatering"? In of our automatic irrigation systems don't give us proper coverage this day of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on one because of improper spacing, improper operating pressure, poor automatic irrigation system, some believe handwatering on the maintenance practices and poor or inadequate programming golf course is passé. Not quite yet. potential. As a result, we must do supplemental handwatering There are many reasons for modern-day handwatering. to compensate for the deficiencies in the automatic system. Perhaps the main one is to compensate for a poorly designed SOIL TEXTURE DIFFERENCES: automatic irrigation system. Other reasons include water conser­ Some of the putting surfaces on our golf courses have differ­ vation, soil textural differences, syringing to cool the grass plant, ent textured soils. As a result, we must irrigate for the putting sur­ and handwatering makes possible consistent quality putting sur­ face as a whole unit. The results vary with dry aprons, wet ap­ faces under certain conditions, such as severe elevation changes. rons and even localized dry spots on both greens and aprons. There are many more. The soils have different permeability rates, which affect our wat­ Handwatering is still the best way to place a specific quantity ering schedules. We must compensate, therefore, by handwater­ of water on a specific area of turf. All it takes is a discerning eye, ing the areas that do not receive enough water. Some of our a soil probe, a hose, nozzle, valve key, and, of course, a source soils take water so slowly we must water them until runoff oc­ of water. It would be interesting to know how many of the curs, then come back and water them again 30 to 60 minutes 12,000 golf courses in the United States handwater at least some later. putting surfaces during a growing season. It would also be in­ WATER CONSERVATION: teresting to know the principal reason for handwatering. During the summer of 1987, many Seattle golf courses were Each of the four golf courses where I have worked handwa- required to cut back automatic irrigation because of a severe tered putting greens and occasionally tees and fairways. The water shortage. This ocurs more frequently today, and we must membership at Overlake G & CC appreciates optimum turf con­ have alternative watering techniques that will apply water in the ditions. As a result, we put in approximately 300 man-hours each exact amounts we need at the proper places. Many Seattle golf summer handwatering putting greens and tees. It's an important courses found out in 1987 that handwatering is the best alterna­ part of our program. tive. Some of the reasons for handwatering deserve closer scrutiny. TO COOL GRASS PLANTS THAT ARE UNDER STRESS: Many times during the summer, temperatures, hourse of in­ POOR SPRINKLER COVERAGE: tense sunlight, and wind combine to dry out turf to the point Some of us have irrigation systems that are not quite what we that it literally wilts. Some courses have added irrigation that will would like. We must compensate so that we do not end up with cool the air automatically in the vicinity of the greens. The idea muddy spots or areas that are so dry turf loss is possible. Some is to lower the temperature around the leaf surfaces by fogging the air and allowing the grass plant to continue a balanced transpiration rate. Those of us who cannot do this automatically must have experienced personnel who can spot these condi­ tions and act quickly. Remember, we are only cooling off the leaf tissue, not wetting the soil. Technically, this is called syringing. TO KEEP CONSISTENT PUTTING GREENS: This is one very important reason for handwatering. I say this • We are proud to be supplying because it embodies all the reasons already discussed. As one who provides a service to people who want to enjoy the game the Ontario Golf Course of golf, I feel one of my most important goals is to provide the Industry with: best putting greens I possibly can. This includes a number of cul­ tural practices, one of which is irrigation. It is of the utmost im­ Non calcareous, low PH portance that we make every effort to provide putting surfaces Hutcheson Silica: that are smooth, true, of consistent speed, and that will hold a properly struck golf shot. Even the best-designed irrigation sys­ Topdressing Sand and Mixes tem will not produce a green with uniform moisture content Construction Sand and Mixes throughout. They usually provide too much water to the middle High Organic Humus Peat of each green. Furthermore, many greens have high areas and Bunker Sands low areas which result in localized dry spots and wet spots. Another problem encountered is hydrophobic areas on greens. • Our products comply with Industry specifications and have been met with overwhelming CANADIAN approval by biologists, architects and superintendents. IRRIGATION TRY US! CONSULTANTS 8 West Street South, Box 937 Huntsville, Ontario POA 1KO JACK AUSTIN Office: 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 R.R.1, Gormley Ontario LOH 1 GO Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax: (416) 841-7867 There is no escaping these without good management, which Our Stimpmeter putting speeds range from 7 1/2 to 8 feet in includes proper handwatering and some type of spiking or aer­ winter and 8 1/2 to 9 feet in the spring, summer and fall. ation. If you want consistent, playable greens, you must consider Is there a right way and a wrong way to handwater? There handwatering as part of your routine putting green mainte­ certainly is. Handwatering the wrong way can do as much dam­ nance. Try it and I think you'll agree, it's an art worth perfecting. age to the playing surface as no watering at all. A workman is We apply most of our fertilizer at 1/8 to 1/4 pound of potassium asked to go out and handwater new seed or certain dry areas on and nitrogen per 1,000 square feet evey other week in a spray greens. All he takes with him is a one-inch hose, a quick coupler, solution. We verticut greens very lightly with groomers twice and his thumb. The hose is hooked up. The water gushes under each week. We mow greens every day at 5/32 of an inch during high pressure, and his thumb soon grows tired or cold in trying the growing season. to break up the flow. He does not apply the water in a shower­ ing manner, but instead directs the high-pressure flow right into the turf, as if to force its penetration. The turf soon looks bedrag­ gled and not unlike a gully-washer has passed by. Too much of this and erosion begins to set in and the playing surface is NEW MEMBERS ruined. Every morning I take a walk on the course while my crew is doing the greens mowing and bunker raking. While I am walk­ Jay Kulak, Port Colborne CC Class B ing, I look at every green and tee, and take soil probe samples to Peter S. Dickey, Glenway Estates GC Class B test the soil moisture level. I also observe the surface for leaf color and hardness of the surface. I watch the mowers and their effect Robert MacGrandles, Ridge Pine Park Class B on the surface, and I also ask the person setting cups what the soil moisture level seems to be like to him. This first trip around Jack Austin, Canadian Irrigation Consultants Class E the course helps me see areas that could become a problem if the weather conditions are just right. Throughout the day, I monitor the wind, speed, and temperatures. I have been at Overlake Golf and Country Club long enough now to recognize where the hot spots usually occur, and we tend to concentrate our observation on these areas. Each day we usually handwater greens twice and tees once. We must be flexible and do whatever we feel we need to as often as necessary. I train anywhere from four to six people on my crew on how to handwater so they do it in the most efficient and effective manner possible. We use 100 feet of one-inch hose and a cool­ ing or shower-type nozzle for the majority of our handwatering. At least one person goes out on each nine around 10:00 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. They go in reverse order and occasion­ ally skip around until they have done all of the greens and tees. Occasionally, we will treat dry spots with wetting agents to aid water penetration. We will spike the areas with 1/4-inch aerifier tines to help the water penetrate and keep our greens as uniformly consistent as possible. The most advanced self-propelled When we handwater, we are careful not to apply so much spray system available... water it lies on the green for longer than one minute. It just so And now you can get the same precision, happens that the time of day we must be out handwatering safety and economy with a new 35 h.p. coincides with the time of day our golf course tends to be the busiest, and we do not want to interfere with play any more vehicle, 300 gal.tank and fully loaded than necessary. floatation of only 12 p.s.i. I have been trying for years to find ideas that can make hand­ watering necessary only on rare occasions. I have not made much progress so far. Some of the ideas we tried have been suc­ cessful in cutting down labor, but they don't allow us to elimi­ nate handwatering totally. Most golfers at private clubs want tournament putting conditions, and they do not want to con­ tend with golf course workers when they are on the course. Does this situation sound familiar? We do not exactly have that happening at Overlake, but we seem to be pleasing the golfers, and here's how we do it. We have a state-of-the-art automatic irrigation system that was designed by an excellent engineer. We try to schedule it in a manner that will furnish optimum irrigation at least for the lower and more level areas on the course. We apply liquid wetting agents through the irrigation system about once every two to three weeks. We aerify greens twice Gordon Bannerman Limited each year, except the dry, hard or too wet areas which get spiked 41 Kelfield Street, two or three times more. Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 We topdress our greens with good-quality 30/50 sand eight to Telephone 416-247-7875 10 times a year during the growing season. And, of course, we handwater our greens as needed to keep them healthy and, foremost of all, playable. Irrigation: Ottawa Valley News Rules & Regulations by Alex LaBelle Ice for 90 days. Record low temperatures in January. Lowest snow accumulation to date. Deepest frost penetration (4 feet) in The following is a summary of a talk given by Richard Vickers of forty years. April received only 3/10 of an inch of rainfall at an av­ the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) at the Ontario Horticul­ erage of 2/10 of an inch per day. One week of searing tempera­ ture Crops Conference, February 14. In his presentation, Mr. Vic­ tures and high winds for the third week of May with red leaf kers primarily dealt with the taking of water under "The Permit to spot and dead grass everywhere. Take Water Program (MOE)" and the construction of dams, di­ And here we are today. What are we doing here? The obvious versions, and ponds regulated by the Lakes and Rivers Improve­ answers are: ment Act (Ministry of Natural Resources - MNR). 1) Getting caught up with an explosion in growth of estab­ Legislating the regulation of water takings (designated as Sec­ lished grasses; tion 20 of the Ontario Water Resources Act (RSO, 1980), ensures 2) aerifiying, verticutting and overseeding until dark; that everyone gets a fair share of water. By regulating withdraw­ 3) sodding those large areas that refuse to recover; als and settling interference complaints, the program not only 4) watering renovated areas like there's no tomorrow; guarantees water for all who require it but helps to protect the 5) fungicide stem to stem; natural functions of the stream. 6) all of the above. In most cases (there are few exceptions) when taking more Time is distorted. We have members out there (greens chair­ than 50,000 litres (approximately 10,000 Imperial gallons) of men among them) that don't realize that we are officially six water per day from ANY ground or surface source of water sup­ weeks into the season but agronomically it's only the 21st of ply or combination thereof, a “Permit to Take Water" is required. May. Give us a chance, guys! The poa hasn't even overwhelmed Mr. Vickers defined the "taking of water" as the pumping or us yet. The only thing on schedule are the blasted weeds. drawing of water from a well, lake, stream, or other surface I had a conversation with a member (amateur) the other day. water body, or as the storage of water into a pond by means of "That's knotweed," I said to him. "It is so a weed," he retorted. works such as dams, diversion channels, gravity intakes, etc. with As with most items of golf business, I had to spell it out for him. the main intent to take water for specific consumptive or non­ No, you can't resod a tee and play on it a week later. Yes, when consumptive uses. you overseed an entire green it has to stay temporary for at least a week — men's league be damned. No, it will not be the same speed as the others for quite some time — Just hope it comes up Water to be taken for the purpose of irrigation of nursery stock green. (as well as any crop grown for sale) exceeding 50,000 litres per This is a scenario being played out across the valley. Other day requires a permit. than that, I guess things are fairly staid. Besides requiring the MOE permit, the construction of dams, ponds, diversions, and channelizations that are on or connected to a watercourse, you will need a Ministry of Natural Resources approval. Dug-out ponds and other offstream works are nor­ mally exempt. By-pass ponds, located adjacent to a watercourse and connected by channels or culverts, and on-stream ponds, lo­ OMAF TURF cated directly on a watercourse, require MNR approval. While a dug-out pond is independent from a watercourse and is, there­ fore, exempt from MNR, permit from MOE may still be required HOT LINE to irrigate from a dug-out pond. (519) 767-1211 If you are planning to expand your irrigation system this year, check your plan with MNR and MOE to ensure that you are not responsible for any watercourse interference before they come The OMAF Turf Hot Line began April 7, 1989. It is a 3-minute and check up on you! recorded message on turf management that will be available to From OMAF Nursery and Landscape Notes, March 1989 the turf industry through the 1989 season. The objective of the Turf Hot Line is to provide timely informa­ tion on turf problems that have been occurring as well as what problems we may expect to develop in the next week or two and appropriate turf management tips that apply. Hot Line messages will be updated on a weekly basis. Calls can be made any time after 10:00 a.m. each Friday, April to September to receive information on topics such as insects, dis­ RAE MURRAY & PETER BUCKLEY eases, weeds, cultural practices and important upcoming events. TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Editor's Note: The OMAF Turf Hot Line is an information service CHIPMAN and therefore needs information. If you know of anything that A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. TELEPHONE 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1-800-263-2136 has happened in your area with regards to a specific problem STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) then place a call to Annette Anderson so that information can be L8G 3Z1 1-800-263-8353 included on the Hot Line. ...serious about beautiful turf? put the Brouwer anti-thatch team to work. Verti-Cut For fast, economical, vertical mowing, the Brouwer Verti-CutTM- is the ideal machine. A regular use program enables you to control the level of troublesome thatch. It allows valuable chemicals, fertilizers and also water to penetrate to the roots. Other important benefits are improved aeration, better results when overseeding and reduced surface compaction. • Low 35 h.p. tractor requirement • 138 in. cutting width • Easy blade depth adjustment • Variable blade spacing • Economical to buy and operate Brouwer-Vac. T M Largest capacity vacuum unit of its type, for fast, economical work cleaning up thatch from verti- cutting on sod farms, golf courses, parks and recreation areas. A huge pick-up head and powerful suction fan make easy work of trash and litter at airports, parking lots, racetracks and hard surface areas. The optional hose extension allows easy clean-up around trees, fences, culverts and ditches. Up to 10 ft. wide suction path Huge 335 cu. ft. capacity Hydraulic unload conveyor P.T.O. drive 35-45 h.p. tractor Finger-tip hydraulic controls For more information about this and other fine turf care equipment, phone your Brouwer dealer ... TODAY BROUWER TURF EQUIPMENT LIMITED An Outboard Marine Corporation Company 7320 Haggerty Rd./Canton, Ml. 48187 Telephone (313) 459-3700 Woodbine Avenue/Keswick, Ontario, Canada L4P 3E9 Telex 065-24161 Telephone: (416) 476-4311 SHEMIN IRRIGATION With a complete inventory of irrigation supplies at wholesale prices. GREENHOUSE HARDLINES LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES NURSERY STOCK Countless varieties at Fertilizers, Chemicals, Ba The most complete Foliage Pianti In wide Carts and a complete Decorative Stones and selection of potted and range of material size range of professional Gravel Pressure Treated container grown nursery Flowering and Foliage Landscape Tools TimberS, Mulches (bagged material Including Broad hanging baskets. Annuals and bulk). Peat Moss and leaves and Conifers , and Hoovering Seasonal Vinyl Edging Ornamental Tree. Shack Pianti. Trees flowering Shrubs Perennials and Ground Cover (416)875-4545 R.R. #4, Milton (Toronto) (416) 858-2299 Ontario L9T 2X8 1-800-263-4111 (Fifth Line South of Steeles) PEOPLE + TRAINING = SUCCESSFUL TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT by Larry Cummer ministered by Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Before you read this article, consider the following prepared to make an assessment to determine your train­ questions: ing needs, assist in the development and approval of 1. Am I interested in maintaining and improving the turf­ training plans; and provide evaluation and follow-up con­ grass conditions at my facility? sulting to ensure the training programs have met the needs of the employee and the employer. 2. Is turfgrass management continuing education rele­ Ontario Skills — to encourage workplace training On­ vant to myself or my employees? tario Skills covers a portion of the direct cost of training. You, as an employer, also make an investment; however, 3. Am I interested in utilizing Provincial incentive fund­ companies with up to 200 employees could receive up to ing to attain these goals? 80% of the instructional costs. Companies with more than 200 employees could receive up to 60% of training costs. If you answered YES to any of the above, then read on! A funding application must be accompanied by a training CASE IN POINT: — in 1988 three employees at the plan. Weston Golf and Country club wanted to attend the 20th The consulting service is free to companies with under Annual Turf Manager's Course offered at the University of 50 employees. A nominal fee of $250 is charged to com­ Guelph. Meanwhile, an Ontario Skills Development Office panies with more than 50 employees who whish to have training consultant, the golf course manager (superinten­ the consultant conduct a needs analysis or develop a dent), the course management and said employees de­ training plan. Should you wish to develop and plan your veloped a training plan which was approved. In February own training then the consultant can simply validate your 1989 the employees attended the course and all were suc­ course of action and forward this to the Ontario Skills of­ cessful graduates with partial funding received shortly fice for funding. thereafter. An interesting feature of this incentive program is that The concern for a growing shortage of sufficiently skil­ the employer chooses the trainer! This not only allows led labour in our Province has led to the Ministry of Skills easier acces to training courses already in existence such Development and the Community Colleges forming a as the Turfgrass Course previously mentioned but also partnership and a strategy — The Ontario Training provides incentive for highly skilled and tenured individu­ Strategy. Essentially, Ontario companies (in our case the als in the Turfgrass Industry to prepare and offer seminars Turfgrass Industry), should be analyzing and planning in "specific" areas. Those interested in attending those training of employees, regularly, to maintain a skilled seminars would apply for their personal reimbursements workforce that is current and competitive. The Ontario through the funding mechanism. What a wonderful Skills Development Office, with satellites at your local motivator for the sharing of skills, knowledge and experi­ Community Colleges, is mandated to assist you in plan­ ence. ning effective employee training solutions. Two of the varied services offered are as follows: Interested? For further information contact your local Training Consultant Services — there are 52 O S D O Ontario Skills Development Office for pamphlets. The locations across Ontario staffed with consultants and ad­ TRAINING HOTLINE number is 1-800-387-5656. WHAT ABOUT ROUNDUP? First Of All, It Looks Like Hell . . . A Memo from Paul Voykin to his Green Chairman at Briarwood Country Club near Chicago. Submitted by Gord Witteveen. Finished mowing around all trees with "weed eaters" famous bluffs to control vegetation and guess what and rotaries. Our method is to wait until the grass around happened? The plant foliage and the entire root sys­ the tees gets real tall, then we knock it down by mowing tem of the vegetation was killed off and the bluff it right down to the bottom. This sudden shock from, say, eroded and covered part of a green and one whole 2 feet down to less than an inch or so knocks the plant's tee. (East side of #2 rough where we did experiments growth balance out of kilter for a long time. It never comes about six years ago had cracks so bad that we had to back quite as dense or tall as before, enabling a golfer reseed under the trees.) who happens to get under a tree an easy swing through the sparse grass. We do this type of maintenance about (D) Insects like ants sometimes become a nuisance in the three times a year. Oh, there are retardants which can be cracks and bare dirt. used. We tried them a few years ago and gave them up. No time was saved, and the retardants only diminished (E) Any contact by the chemical with any green surface the perennials. They did absolutely nothing to annual of a tree, such as young green trees, shrubs, and root weeds or grasses. That's the way it works. Bruce Williams level suckers of crab apple trees will suffer severe in­ of Bob-O-Link Country Club tried it for five years and fi­ jury or evan fatality because the chemical Roundup nally quit using them two years ago for the same reasons is translocated through the vascular system of the that I mentioned. plant. Now, what about Roundup, a severe chemical that kills (F) Any malfunction by the equipment, i.e. dripping tanks all types of vegetation? and hoses, worn-out gaskets, misapplication, etc., will kill everything. Worst of all, if a golf cart or mower (A) First, it looks like hell, with dead brown rings 18" to drives under a sprayed tree even two or three days 24" or more around each tree. Some who have tried after and it is wet from dew or drizzle, it will kill where it had to spray a white ring around every tree after­ the tires touch the grass. wards because the members wanted a lift. Wow - a thousand trees with white circles. (The Midwest golf­ (G) And finally, many of our trees in spring have beautiful ers are particular.) rings of flowers around them, such as "Spring Beau­ ties", the State flower, Violets, and even Trillium (B) After the grass around the tree is killed, there is pro­ (some species are on the restricted list). Once we fuse invasion of dandelions and thistle because there kill them, these lovely natural plants will never come is no more grass to hold them back. back again. Only unsightly weeds will prevail. (C) The ground around the trees, due to lack of any vege­ So you can see why I don't care for the Roundup tation, begins to crack and many times roots of fast­ method, which is sometimes used by superintendents, growing trees become exposed. A few years ago especially in the Bermuda grass states. In this area, the Shoreacres Country Club sprayed Roundup on its superintendents and golfers are more particular. — RIDING GREENSMOWER — TRAIL GANGS YOUR TURF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT — 5 GANG FAIRWAY ALTERNATIVE — PARTS AND MOWER ACCESSORIES west: 56 McCulloch ave. EAST: 1160 TAPSCOTT RD., REXDALE, ONT. SCARBOROUGH, ONT. M9W 4M6 M1X1E9 416-249-7325 416-293-9000 WHAT DOES A GOLF PRO KNOW ABOUT TURFGRASS? An excerpt from an article in "Golf Course Management" titled "How to Work With Your Superintendent" by David Gould "Through the years," comments War­ "How about the assistant golf profes­ ren Chancellor, head pro at Oak Hills sional," Sweda asks, "who takes three C.C. in San Antonio, "some golf profes­ members to a course down the road, sionals have come across as self-styled noticed that they've aerified a fairway experts on agronomy. After you've with a smaller set of tines than we spent all that time on golf courses, you aerified with last week, and says to the get to know what they should look like members: 'See, they know the correct and what they should play like," he way to aerify, they don't make such big states. "Pick up a little technical knowl­ holes and pull up big plugs of dirt, like edge on top of that, and now you're Bent for dangerous." our guy does.' "This assistant doesn't know the first thing about aerification, but he can set In the opinion of Jim Hippely, greens each other chief at Salem (Ohio) G.C, "The pros understand turfgrass better than ever, back a lot of cooperative efforts with one irrational comment." It is now pol­ icy at Beechmont C.C. that all new as­ because they have some training in it." Emerald Hippely says he and head pro Jerry sistants spend one week working on Szwedko "find it easy to work together. the greens crew in the spring of their The membership doesn't pit us against first season on the job, to give them a feel for the challenges faced by the Creeping Bentgrass each other." On matters such as when superintendent. the golf cars go out and when the Now you have a real choice course closes, Hippely's word is final. Weston C.C.'s Morosco feels golf in top quality creeping bent­ The pro and the greens chairman don't staffers must first learn never to blame grasses — Penncross or question it. If it were any other way, the golf course for their own poor play. Emerald. And many of the there would be a problem. "I've always felt that was tasteless, world’s leading golf course superintendents are choos­ anyway," he states. "On top of that, it's At Mt. Hawley C.C., Peoria, III, new ing Emerald. yet another way to create bad feelings superintendent Bill Gauwitz and head with the people wo maintain the Why not? Emerald has every­ pro Tim Lonergan have weekly meet­ course." thing it takes. And sometimes ings to coordinate the golf schedule a little more. Great germina­ and the maintenance schedule. Chancellor and his superintendent, tion. Great vigour. Great col­ "Tim is the kind of pro," says Gauwitz Neil Thraikill, start the year off on the our. Great texture. Some say "who encourages maintenance efforts, right foot by riding the Oak Hills course it takes less brushing and even when they might conflict with ac­ and planning the mowing patterns verticutting, more uniform, tive playing periods. If I say I'm thinking they'll use that year. holds its colour better, stands of aerifying a fairway, but it could wait, "Between us, Neil and I know how up to traffic. he tells me 'Do it right away!' " to balance maintenance needs against playability values and come up with a This year give Emerald a great product," says Chancellor. "As the Speaking for the record but asking chance. We’d like to hear season progresses, we can both watch that his name not be used, one PGA pro what you say. the mower lines to see that the con­ said there were still some superinten­ Just call Jack Cosburn, Bill dents whose motto is "It's-my-way-or- tours we want are compromised as little Carnochan, Harry Shapko or in-the-highway." as possible. Paul Johnson to arrange for "For example, I may suggest we your Emerald trial. "I've been told by superintendents: scallop a fairway line out toward a tree 'We're doing it this way because that's to bring the tree more into play," he our program, and I would explain why notes. "Then I'll need him to say, 'We that is but you're not smart enough to really shouldn't do that. At fairway understand the explanation.' " height, this grass is in danger of thin­ But the door can swing the other ning out, because that tree blocks all its way, too. afternoon sun.' " PO Box 219, Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Telephone 416-846-5080 DEW IS NOT DEW - PART I by Tom Mascaro that has an abundant supply of ready made food. Exudated liquid is a perfect food for any fungal spores. These simple, The beautiful crystal-clear droplets that you see on a basic experiments demonstrate how exudate and turfgrass turfgrass leaf in the early morning is not Dew. They are drop­ management practices have a profound effect upon the lets of exuded liquid being pumped out of the grass plant. health and growth of the turf. Exudate is pumped out of the grass blades through its When we take a glass of exudate and pour it on one spot hydathodes. The hydathodes are located along the edges of we find that we can burn the turf. Great care must be exer­ the leaves. cised in the selection of fertilizer, especially its nitrogen con­ Exudate is easy to see with the aid of a simple magnifying tent, and its rate of availability. Nitrogen that is quickly avail­ glass. You will see the precise location of each exudated able will move into the plant cells and can be found in the deoplet along the edges of both sides of the leaf, and a large exudate. This is the reason that quickly available nitrogen fer­ droplet at the tip of the leaf if it has been cut off. This liquid tilizers must be applied with care. As we know, when it is is crystal clear. It looks like a fine piece of jewelry. applied it must be quickly watered in or it will burn the grass Each droplet hides potency in its beauty. This liquid is not leaves and stems. When a lot of nitrogen is contained in the harmless water of condensation that we call dew. Dew is plant cells, it will move through the leaves and out of the moisture from the air that condenses on a cold surface. Dew plant as exudate. This falls on the lower leaves and stems, and exudate are completely different in composition. Dew is causing the same kind of chemical burn. water of condensation and exudate is plant sap which is A slow release nitrogen fertilizer, either organic or inor­ pumped out of the plant through the hydathodes. Dew can ganic, releases slowly and the exudate will have only small sometimes be found as a whiteish coating on the leaf sur­ amounts of this nutrient at any one time. The danger of face. Exudate is found primarily along the edges of the leaf. chemical burn at the time of application and in the exudate Dew is inert, because it is pure water of condensation. is greatly diminished. Exudate, on the other hand, contains all of the elements that Now, lets look at thatch and the experiments that Dr. are present in the plant sap, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, Randy McCoy made. We must assume that the thatch, act­ potash, calcium, magnesium and trace elements. With these ing like a sponge, soaked up the high nitrogen exudates. salts, we can also find sugars, such as glutamine. Minimal surface watering allowed the salt concentration to DEW IS NOT DEW. When the grass is covered with mil­ build up to a point where the thatch literally changed into a lions of droplets in the early morning hours, what we have potentially dangerous material. A torrential rain storm and been calling "dew" is actually exudated liquid. high temperatures could release enough salts to cause a se­ The presence of salts in the elements contained in the vere chemical burn. Another assumption would be that dis­ plant sap can be demonstrated in a number of ways. With a ease fungi would immediately begin to flourish in dying and clean glass or paper cup you can scoop up the exudate and dead grasses and therefore should be considered the secon­ pour it into a clean container. A sponge will also do. dary cause of the grass' demise. Obviously we need a great The concentration of solids contained in the exudate will deal of research in this area of turfgrass culture. depend upon the fertility of the soil and how much is avail­ able to the plant. What about Dr. Endo's research, where he demonstrated Pour some exudate into a clean petri dish or saucer. Allow that fungal spores that germinated in water grew very the water to evaporate. You may have to fill the dish a slowly, while spores that germinated in droplets of exudate number of times, each time allowing the water to evaporate. grew very rapidly. This research certainly demonstrated When all of the water is gone, crystals of the salt present in many things. Especially important to the golf course superin­ the exudate will form, and can be observed closely with a tendent, it demonstrated why early morning syringing is im­ low power magnifying glass. portant, because it dilutes the accumulated exudate by Try pouring a small amount of exudate in the palm of your washing it off of the leaves and back into the soil. hand and allow it to dry. Feel how sticky it is. We look at Dr. Mike Brotton's research and his graphic il­ Surprisingly, very little research has been done on the sub­ lustrations of how fungal spores germinate slowly in water, ject of exudate liquids. Dr. Randy McCoy, while at Oklahoma while spores germinated in water with sugar added grew State University, wrote his thesis on how an extract from more rapidly. When he added glutamine to a solution, thatch could kill seedlings. spores germinated quickly and the mycellium from these He gathered clean thatch from a well fertilized green and spores grew many times faster. He found that glutamine is placed it in a clean glass container. He then filled the con­ one of the ingredients in exudated liquid. tainer with hot water. After allowing this to steep for a while, he poured off the water, which resembled a strong tea. (continued) Using this extract from thatch, he found that he could kill any plant seedlings by simply watering them with it. Other experiments have shown that you can kill not only seedlings, but any young plant. This extract will also burn leaves and stems of mature plants as well. Pour some pure exudate in a petri dish or small, clean saucer. In order to gather pure, uncontaminated exudate, use a glass tube or clean soda straw. Touch the end of the tube to the exudated droplet and it will be drawn into the tube by capillary action. After gathering a number of droplets Douglas Wood Large Tree Soles Ltd. in this manner, blow the liquid into your clean container. "We Buy, Sell, & Transplant Large Trees" Cover the container and store in a warm place. Observe the (519) 853-2035 fungi that germinate and grow in the pure exudate. Since PAUL HANOUSEK 1-800-265-6681 fungi have no chlorophyl, they can only grow in a medium (continued from p. 11) when the grass was dry and then wash it in. He always felt the pH in the thatch layer was important in relation to dis­ The presence of glutamine is known to every golfer, be­ ease incidence. He also believed in frequent light topdres­ cause his hands get sticky when the so called "Dew” is on sing to control thatch and disease. Years later, Dr. Ralph the turf. The presence of glutamine also accounts for the fact Engle's research at Rutgers, New Jersey, revealed that there that clippings accumulate on the mowers. Syringing the turf was a correlation between pH and each disease organism when exudate is present in the early morning will quickly that affects turfgrasses. Here, again, we see the need for wash this material back into the soil. Clean water dries more basic research to explore the pH of thatch and exudate. rapidly than exudate, therefore less clippings adhere to the We need research to update the research of Dr. J. K. Wil­ mowers. It is interesting to note that over forty years ago, Dr. son, Cornell University, New York, that he performed in 1923. Fred Grau, after making a survey of member clubs, found Dr. Wilson was walking across campus early one morning that greenkeepers (as they were called then) that practiced and noticed that there was more "Dew" on some areas of early morning watering had far less disease than those that the lawns than others. He suspected that it was due to soil didn't. Today we know that it was not the time of watering, moisture. However, when he analyzed the moisture content but that the washing off of the exudate minimized the inci­ of the soils, he found, surprisingly, it was the same in the dence of diseases. Golf course superintendents have always "light dew areas" and the "heavy areas”. been a very important part of turfgrass research. In practicing These results piqued his curiosity, so he decided to inves­ their science and art, they found many ways to combat tigate. His research disclosed that the droplets he found on problems that seemed to have no answers. the grass blades were not "dew” at all. It was liquid pumped To mention a few, Carl Bretzlaf, Golf Course Superinten­ out of the leaves. dent of Meridian Hills, Indianapolis, and past president of This liquid, first found and reported in Egypt in 1893, was GCSAA many years ago, had a reputation of having little or referred to as guttated water. Guttated water and exudated no disease problems on his golf greens. His secret was that water are one and the same, and can be found reported he had a home made rig that consisted of two iron wheels either way in the literature. and five layers of burlap bags that was pushed over the Dr. Wilson also made another interesting discovery. He greens — to dry them off! O.J. Noer, agronomist for the city found that all grasses do not exudate at the same rate. He of Milwaukee, always preached that "mold never grows on classified each of the turfgrasses in the following order: the dry bread" and on that basis Carl dried his greens. His men Bentgrasses, Bermudagrasses, and Poa Annua were prolific would then syringe the grass with water and then mow. pumpers of exudated fluid. The Bluegrasses were medium What he was doing was physically removing the exudate, pumpers (except Poa annua). We can also include St. Augus- washing what remained on the grass back into the soil and tinegrasses as medium pumpers. The Fescuegrasses, then mowing. Zoysiagrasses and the ryegrasses were the low pumpers. At Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, superinten­ We have all seen these differences in the amount of exu­ dent Joseph Valentine, in addition to syringing the greens, date, when we look at an area of mixed grasses in the early would, during periods of stress, apply a little hydrated lime morning. Can we not draw the conclusion from Dr. Wilson's ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . BUILDING SYSTEMS LTD. RURAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a FREE ESTIMATE . . . (416) 772-3551 (416) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! work that there must be a correlation between grass species, exudate and diseases on turfgrass areas? More exudate means more problems. It is obvious that more diseases occur on Bentgrasses, Bermudagrasses and Poa annua. The Blueg­ rasses, excluding Poa annua, have less diseases than the foregoing species. Zoysiagrasses, Fescuegrasses and Ryeg­ rasses have little or no problems with disease. After sixty-five years, it seems that we have a great deal of research to catch up on. Golf course superintendents cannot do this research alone. When we lose grass for some unknown reason, we need to find the answers. When 18 greens are lost overnight, we need to take a hard look at our management practices and an even harder look at research. We need research that gives us answers to problems and not just cures. Read Part II of "DEW IS NOT DEW" in the Fall Issue of Green is Beautiful. TIME OF DAY TO WATER From the standpoint of the turf, the best time to water is early A golfer wins or loses, in the morning. Often at this time, the grass is already wet with by his play on the greens. dew and guttated water forced from within the leaves during the night. Since guttated liquid contains nutrients that can prom­ A golf course wins or loses, ote fungus diseases, it's good practice to wash this from the foliage. Also, early in the morning, the humidity is relatively high by the quality of its greens. and this reduces loss of irrigation water by evaporation. Should there be less wind at this time of day, this becomes an added ad­ vantage in cutting back on loss of evaporation. With exclusive Nutrite During periods of mid-morning to late afternoon, tempera­ Greens Fertilizers... tures are likely to be higher and air movement more pro­ nounced, both of which increase loss of water by evaporation. A golfer may lose his game, but your course will still win. Greenskote Micro-Prills 251 Exeter Road Unit D London, Ontario with Sulfurkote™ Slow Release N6L 1A4 Nitrogen, and Sulphur Coated Potash (519) 652-5154 Nutri-G Mini-Prills Slow Release Nitrogen from Sulfurkote'™ and IBDU, WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR Organic Base plus All Micro-nutrients IRRIGATION NEEDS Vitorganic® 10-2-0 • Suppliers of pipe, fittings and sprinklers high organic content • installation and upgrading of your total irrigation system Count on Nutrite for • Prefabricated pump stations by unequaled products, commercial Pump service inc. and total support. CALL THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE Call one of these 1-800-265-9786 Nutrite Service Numbers, today Québec: 1-514-462-2555 Ontario: 1-519-669-5401 Maritimes: 1-416-609-4759 YESTERYEARS An excerpt from an old Golf Course Equipment Catalogue of "Edward Tippet" submitted by: Lamont Anderson, Pointe West Golf and Country Estates, Windsor. RAIN for the Asking! HARDIE ALL-PURPOSE SPRAYER DROUGHT HAS NO TERRORS FOR USERS OF THE SKINNER SYSTEM FOR FOR GOLF TEES GARDEN LAWN FRUIT OVERHEAD AND AND VEGETABLES CONCEALED SPRINKLERS No matter what your watering problem, there is SKINNER SYSTEM Equipment to take care of it. They give your lawns, plants, flowers, nurture in the way nature intended . . breaking each tiny drop of water up into a fine mist-like spray that seeps to the roots. PLANS DRAWN - TELL US YOUR PROBLEMS—OUR EXPERIENCE IS AT YOUR SERVICE - ESTIMATES SUBMITTED Be sure and see our demonstration at RICE LEWIS EXHIBIT. GOLF LIMITED HARDIE MANUFACTURING CO. - Sold in Toronto by - PETROLIA, ONT. 44 Colborne Street - - TORONTO, Ontario RICE LEWIS AND SON LIMITED, 21 Victoria Street The carpenter was helping me restore an old farmhouse and finished up a rough first day on CONTINUING the job. A flat lost tire lost an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup re­ fused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony si­ lence. On arriving, he invited me to meet his family. As we walked toward his home, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. EDUCATION Then, opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles, he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a happy kiss. After our visit he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I saw him do earlier. "Oh, that's my 'Trouble Tree'. I know I can't As a GCSAA member you’re in a growth industry if ever there was one And to keep on top of it, we offer dozens of seminars throughout the help having troubles on the Job, but one thing's year on a wide variety of subjects: the latest for sure — troubles don't belong in the house in scientific methods from university researchers to the latest in employee with my wife and children. So I just hang 'em on motivation from professional management the tree every night when I come home; then in consultants. Take advantage of the the morning, I pick them up. Funny thing is, GCSAA seminars. Because once you take on when I come out in the morning to pick them the responsibility of keeping golf green, you WE KEEP GOLF GREEN. can never stop learning. 913-841-2240 up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before." For years, the Greensmaster® 3000 has been delivering a precise, uniform height of cut for superb appearance and playing characteristics. Now you can get that same quality of cut in a Diesel Model, the Greensmaster® 3000-D. A Tradition of Service Excellence Whatever your needs in professional turf equipment, contact your FULL SERVICE TORO DISTRIBUTOR. Highly trained, professional people provide you with uncompromising technical and service support as well as stock a complete inventory of replacement parts. A strong warranty program along with people who still care, completes a program aimed at total customer satisfaction in support of you and your business. Call your Full Service Toro Distributor today! TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 • TELEPHONE: (416) 475-0988 • FAX: (416) 475-0788 UPCOMING EVENTS AUGUST 14, 1989 OTRF Fundraising Golf Tournament and Barbecue Woodbridge, Ontario AUGUST 24, 1989 GTI/OTRF Research Field Day Cambridge Research Station, Cambridge, Ontario SEPTEMBER 5, 1989 Pro/Superintendent Golf Tournament St. Thomas Golf & Country Club OCTOBER 24, 1989 GCSAA Seminar, Basic Turfgrass and Physiology, James Beard. Toronto, Ontario NOVEMBER 7 & 8, 1989 GTI 2nd Annual Education Symposium Guelph, Ontario DECEMBER 10 - 13, 1989 Canadian Turfgrass Conference Metro Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association