SUMMER ‘93 GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL An Official Publication of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Spills Bill When Lightning Strikes It’s a Sure Bet The World’s Top Courses Aren’t Cutting with a National Mower Because It’s Pretty! National 84" Triplexes are “reel” pros in the golf course maintenance field. They cut a lot more grass for a lot less money than most machines on the market. The phrases HIGH PRODUCTION, LOW MAINTENANCE, AND LOW ORIGINAL COST describe National 84" Triplexes to a “tee” and explain why they are dubbed the “reel” pros by the golf course industry. 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST TORONTO: (416)827-7830 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO BURLINGTON: (416) 637-5216 L7S1W6 FAX: (416)637-2009 Green is Beautiful An Official Publication of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association President’s Message My relatively short tenure as president of the FEATURES OGSA has been full of challenges both profes­ Posting Regulations............................ 4 sionally and personally. As president of the Update for 1993. OGSA, I greeted the turfgrass students from both the Turfgrass Shortcourse and the Turf Club "Spills Bill"....................................... 5 at the University of Guelph. It was quite refresh­ Implications for the Horticulture Industry. ing to meet with and discuss our profession with the future leaders of the turfgrass industry. In March, I met with the Fighting Disease.............................. 13 CGSA board members in Montreal to reinforce the relationship between the A conversation with Dr. Noel Jackson. two associations. The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association led by Research Reports.....................14 &15 president Mr. Mark Durresne, are embarking into the 90's with a great sense of determination and excitement. I have also had the opportunity to meet The Superintendents Wife............... 16 with the CPGA of Ontario, in Fort Erie, as an Honourary Director, to explore From the humorous side. the roles of the two associations as they relate to each other and to the golf industry. When Lightning Strikes................... 18 Golf Courses—Risky places to be The move to the GTI building in Guelph has been postponed until late during thunder & lightning storms. August or early September of this year. The reason for the holdup in moving results from delays in acquiring the proper leases from the government agencies. However, I am quite confident that once all the paper work is completed the GTI building will serve our association extremely well. Our current board has met several times this year to discuss many critical items DEPARTMENTS that will strengthen our association. Our associations' financial position President's Message........................... 3 remains quite strong and we are now in the position to make a significant donation to the building fund as outlined at the last annual meeting. The From The Editor..................................9 four associations that will occupy the GTI have all been approached to donate $25,000.00 to the building fund. This donation will allow the associ­ Bulletin Board..................................... 8 ations office to proudly display the dedication plaque by the OGSA. Gardener's Corner......................... 13 Many by-law changes and revisions are being proposed by the by-laws Product Update.............................. 10 committee for the memberships approval for this coming January. Most are relatively minor and relate to the terminology of the by-law. However, we Association News.......................... 11 are proposing that we reduce the required two directors from each region to only one, as the board feels that we should encourage qualified,individuals regardless of their residence. This modification will still insure that represen­ tation will come from all regions of Ontario. On a personal note, I have changed jobs once again. I am now at Club Summerlea in Montreal as of the end of March. Other than having to become bilingual, I am enjoying the challenge of this 36 hole complex. Wishing you all the best over the summer months. David W. Gourlay, B.Sc. President, OGSA Ministry of the Environment Posting Regulations Update for 1993 by John W. Gravett, Turfecs he Pesticides Act is the legislation or other barriers, rural parks, camp­ 4. For residential areas, the applicator T by which the transportation, stor­ age, display, sale, use and disposal of pesticides in Ontario is regulated. Reg­ ulation 751 under the Pesticides Act was grounds and cemeteries may pre­ notify through alternative methods (e.g. flyers, a sign at the gate, newsletters etc.). must post immediately before beginning to spray. 5. For both public and residential areas, the applicator must ensure amended in June, 1990 to require post- Areas exempted from pre-notification that the signs are removed not less ing/notification of pesticide use in Ontario include: roadsides, rights of way, MNR than three days and not more than on public land areas, and on residential tree nurseries and Crown land forestry ten days after spraying takes place. land areas where pesticides are applied by programs. licensed applicators. 6. On the posting sign, the word 2. The exemption from posting given For 1993, applicators should be aware “Warning” replaces the words to the Queen Elizabeth Way and all of major changes in the amendment “Keep Off”. 400 series highways is extended to which was gazetted on September 12, all limited access highways as 7. On the posting sign, the words 1992 and include the following: defined under the Public Trans­ “Date Posted” and “Date Sprayed” 1. The 24 hour pre-posting before portation and Highway Improve­ will appear on the front of the sign, application required for all public ment Act. and the word “Date” will be areas is amended to require pre­ removed from the back. 3. Subject to approval of the Director notification only for schoolyards and of the Pesticides Act, alternative 8. Signs that were legal for use in grounds surrounding other educa­ methods of notification may be used 1990, 1991 and 1992 may continue tional institutions, daycare facilities, for spray sites for the Gypsy Moth to be used until December 31, urban parks, urban golf courses with Control Program, and similar large- 1993. uncontrolled access and some scale projects, which can be multi-dwelling units. A rural golf grouped into a single extermination, course or one to which access is that can be considered a single controlled by means of gates, fences extermination. "Proven Around the World Sold In Your Backyard" The Articulator No Scalping No Wind Rows No Missed Grass Rolls Over Contours Cuts From 1" to Over 4" Rotary Cut 10 Feet Wide Over... Mounds, Hills, or Valleys!... Almost Anything! LasTec Commercial Turf Equipment RR4, Sunderland, Ontario, L0C1H0 (705) 357 -1019 “Spills Bill” has serious implications for horticultural industry by Sarah Willis from Horticulture Review — September, 1992 iscussing insurance always brings clean up costs. called, however, they all have the same D to mind worst case scenarios, and discussing environmental disasters conjures up even more ugly pictures. the two together and they make a boiling In addition, government agencies don’t have to establish responsibility or negligence in order to press charges or Put fine company officers for clean up costs. advice for businesses, large of small. It is now the duty, by the statue, of the com­ pany directors and officers to be sure that their company has safe and effective haz­ cauldron of controversy. The provincial Immediately upon notification of this ardous materials handling practices. Dele­ government has stirred the pot with bill, the insurance industry in Ontario gating these matters down the corporate recent legislation designed to protect the labeled this law lopsided in favour of the ladder is unacceptable and directors must environment that could leave many busi­ government and refused to cover environ­ take an active involvement in a company nesses exposed. mental damage caused by inadvertent operations and be able to act promptly It is difficult at the best of times to spills. As a result, all liability policies now and take responsibility for their actions in keep abreast of all the possible recrimina­ have an “absolute pollution exclusion” the event of a spill. tions implicated when Queen’s Park intro­ clause and for a short time there was no duces or changes legislation. Occasionally coverage available for toxic spills. the Ministry of the Environment is now individuals, or corporations find them­ The liberal government countered by authorized to come in, clean up the selves committing offences that would insisting they wouldn’t change their new spill and charge the company responsi­ have gone unnoticed before the new leg­ bill which was rapidly becoming known as ble whatever they like for clean up. islation was introduced. the Spills Bill, and that the insurance Environmental issues have never been industry would have to pick up the slack A second consequence environmental more important to the public and politi­ and write new policies to cover pollution consultants warn of is that the liability of cians. In an effort to please their electors, spills. the directors is independent of the corpo­ governments in all provinces are amend­ ration, and as such they may be prosecut­ ing old environmental legislation and landscapers and nurserymen can also ed whether or not the company is introducing new, stricter bills. be financially crippled with fines and prosecuted. The efforts of these changes have clean up costs in the event of an David Harder, a partner with Hope made headlines in recent news. Owners accident. Harder Insurance Brokers in St. Catherines and directors of major corporations such has some sobering thoughts about this as Bata, Blackbird Holdings have been Responding to this demand, 25 insur­ new twist in environmental legislation. found personally responsible and liable for ance companies formed in 1985 to act as “It’s not simply the fines that your readers damage done to the environment by the a re-insurance pool and collectively should be leery of. It’s the face that if a toxic waste disposed of by their respec­ formed the Pollution Liability Association. pollution spill does occur within their tive companies. (P.L.A.). Today, whenever an insurance company, the Ministry of the Environment company underwrites a liability insurance is now authorized to come in, clean up changes to the Environmental Protec­ policy, they must apply for limited pollu­ the spill and charge the company respon­ tion Act have rendered the corporate tion liability coverage through the P.L.A.. sible for the damage whatever they like veil useless protection in The eye opening news is that it is not for clean up. There is absolutely no appeal environmental damage cases. just the large multi-national companies process, just a large bill to be paid. Their that can be seriously affected by the new message is “if you damage the environ­ In the past, if damage was caused to legislation, but homeowners, farmers, ment, you clean it up.” the environment by a corporation, large or landscapers and nurserymen can also be David is a broker in an area heavily small, the owner and/or board of directors financially crippled with fines and clean up populated with farms and nurseries and is were protected by their corporate entity. costs in the event of an accident. no stranger to pollution liability. He cites a Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment The amendments to the Spills Bill also number of cases in his area that at first for the former liberal government intro­ mean that a violator is guilty until proven seem quite inoffensive, but take on new duced changes to the Environmental Pro­ innocent under this new law. Pleading significance under the Spills Bill. tection Act (E.P.A.) proclaimed into force ignorance of day-to-day company opera­ As an example he mentions the land­ that rendered the corporate veil useless tions or waste handling policies is no scaper whose tractor tipped and spilled protection in environmental damage defense. diesel fuel on a homeowner’s lawn. The cases. The changes not only made the The introduction of the Spills Bill has MOE took charge of the clean up immedi­ officers of the offending company ulti­ brought out a new breed of consultant ately, they removed the soil, brought in mately responsible for corporate damage that is known as an environmental loss new soil, resodded and sent the landscap­ and personally liable and accountable for control expert. No matter what they are er a bill for between $10,000 to $1 1,000 Spills Bill” cont'd to cover their costs. formed Pollution Liability Association who are now ultimately, legally and financially Paying the enforced clean up bill is will provide a list of the underwriters who responsible. unappealing enough, but the fines that provide this specialized coverage. This legislative trend is by no means can be levied for damage to the earth are An initial inspection of the work place unique to Ontario. There are now over even more daunting. The owner, not the by an engineer from the Insurers’ Adviso­ 200 provincial or federal statutes across company, is charged and violators can ry Organization (I.A.O.) is required before the country regulating the environment face fines with upper limits of $200,000 a pollution insurance quote can be issued. and imposing personal liability on direc­ to $ 1,000,000 for each day the unwanted The cost of this inspection is charged to tors of corporations. waste is uncontained in the environment. the insured whether or not they elect to Ignorance is no longer an acceptable Chemicals are a fundamental tool in take the pollution insurance. defence. Where the environment is the plant industry, and David Harder In an article entitled, “The Farmer and involved, it is your responsibility to know warns that “if you have a potential pollu­ Pollution: an issue of the 90s,” the authors what your risks are. tant in your care you are ultimately determined that most farmers don’t con­ responsible if a spill occurs, no matter sider themselves to be polluters. Not only how it happens.” As an example, he do they consider their handling and use of explains that if the building containing potential pollutants to be all in a day’s your chemical storage room burns down, work, but they haven’t had to face the by law the MOE will be called in by the criticism, prosecution and lawsuits that fire department to assess and clean up the industrial polluters have faced.” damage—and bill you later. At this point, it is hard to imagine that Even a commonplace object such as an the consequences of a small acciden­ above ground home heating oil tank has tal spill of diesel fuel at a nursery, or been the subject of controversy due to the an insecticide could result in the Spills Bill. A homeowner discovered that heavy, crippling fines and jail terms that his outdoor tank had seeped into the soil have plagued a few large corporations in around his house, collected in the tile recent history. But drain around the house and diverted into most loss control a nearby drainage ditch where it eventual­ consultants advise When Quality is Important... ly found its way into storm sewers and that all business the public water supply. The clean up owners dealing costs and fines for this case reached with hazardous $8,000. chemicals take cer­ Insurance broker David Harder recom­ tain steps to pro­ mends that in any situation where poten­ tect themselves. tially hazardous chemicals are involved, While a nursery­ the business owner should seriously con­ man might never sider adding a pollution insurance policy release toxic diox­ to their regular liability coverage. ins into the envi­ As an example, an average sized nurs­ ronment, there is ery that store and uses horticultural chem­ the disturbing pos­ icals would most likely be quoted on sibility that fertilizer $1,000,000 pollution liability coverage. runoff could conta­ David explains that this is limited pollu­ minate ground tion liability—companies are essentially water. Taking the buying the cost of unexpected clean up worst case scenario including: clean up costs, defense expens­ further, imagine Call us today for more information on es, property damage and bodily injury purchasing proper­ your pump station requirements claims. ty for expansion As mentioned earlier, pollution insur­ and discovering ance is not yet offered by all insurance contaminents in 54 Hernshaw Crescent companies. However, your insurance bro­ the soil. As the Toronto, Ontario M9C 3M4 ker will be able to contact the recently new owner, you Telephone: (416) 621-1414 Ontario Superint dent's Golf Association Spring Field Day hat started out as a very dismal Moore from Vigoro Inc. W and rainy day actually turned out to be fair golf weather with total of 89 people played golf. The Bannerman Trophy which repre­ sents the low Superintendent and Assis­ tant from overcast skies and cool temperatures. A the same club was presented to Dave Schmelefske and Kevin Broham Low gross Superintendent was Rhod from Merry-Hill Golf Club. Trainor from Hamilton Golf Club with a A very special thanks to Cutten Club score of 75. Low net went to Bruce Vollett Superintendent Richard Creed and his staff of Foxwood Golf Club. Low gross Assis­ for having the course in excellent shape tant was Kevin Broham of Merry-Hill Golf and to the Cutten Club for hosting this Club with a 79. Low net was taken by Paul years’ event, the hospitality was sec­ Evenden of Hamilton Golf Club. For the ond to none. Associate members Rob Davis from I would also like to thank all the suppli­ Repart was low gross winner with a score ers for their generous donations to the of 78 and Graydon Goff from R.M.C. prize table and to Hutcheson Sand Equipment won low net. For the ladies, Mixes for group pictures on the 10th tee. low gross was won by MaryBeth Kelly from Hutcheson Sand Mixes with a Tournament Director score of 103. Low net was taken by Daisy David Schmelefske PUMPING SYSTEMS The Ultimate in Golf Pumping station Manufacturing - Vertical turbine system The Pressure is on... - - Variable speed drive pumping system Underground centrifugal pumping package With over 150 Golf pumping stations - Custom built pumping unit in Canada, GPM is the leader in golf course irrigation pumping system. In Ontario contact TURFCARE Turf Care Products Ltd. 200 Pony Drive Newmarket, Ontario L3V 7B6 Tel: (416) 836-0988 Fax: (416) 836-0995 Bulletin Board From The Editor As we move into summer, the stress of bringing our golf courses How to get back to peak condition is behind us. Now we have time to reflect on how ahead of the game we will rid ourselves of those problem areas in fewer rounds: for next year. In today’s economy, it’s no secret that one of the best ways to stay profitable is by reducing costs. Jim Sara gives us some composting ideas Astute managers also realize they can often save and Gary Roos talks of lightning protection. money in the long run by paying a little more up front for top quality. That’s why so many of Canada’s top The last two topics, although relatively new, greenskeepers insist on Par Ex® will be discussed in greater detail in the future. The IBDU® controlled-release nitrogen in Par Ex We also have an article from a super wife. lasts longer than other sources of nitrogen, so you can keep turf in peak condition with fewer trips around In our first two issues I have been develop­ the course. And Par Ex delivers highly consistent nutrition without risk of periodic overfeeding that can ing an association page and we have been leach into ground water. able to report on many events and dates for This year, insist on Par Ex with IBDU. And get meetings but we would like to publish all of ahead of the game in fewer rounds. them. Please fax Cindi or myself your events and dates. The same applies with our industry page. Let us print about new products or sales For information: 1 800 268 2076 personnel changes. Distributed in Ontario by Turf-Care, Newmarket 1 416 836 0988 Doug Suter 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! Ontario Golf Superintendents Association part of the Scotts Proturf product line. height, the heads also have a steering fea­ Products With an analysis of 26-4-12, Super Turn Fertilizer provides 12 to 14 weeks, initial ture that allows them to turn with the unit, instead of sliding across the turf. For green-up with uniform growth and a cor­ more information contact: G.C. Duke rective level of available potash from Equipment Ltd., Burlington, Ont. SECO INC., Brampton, has been potassium sulfate. It is for use on fairway­ O granted exclusive distribution rights for Eastern Canada for Marker, “Slender Creeping Red Fes cue”. Marker combines the best qualities height grasses. For more information about Super Turf Fertilizer contact: The O.M.­ Scott Sons Co., 14111 Scottslawn Rd., Marysville, Ohio 43041. Industry News and of improved chewing fescue and creeping RANSOMES AMERICA CORP., intro­ red fescue. It produces turf that stands up to low mowing, drought, high tempera­ duces the Ransomes 300, a midweight fairway mower designed to provide the Announcements tures, and winter desiccation while main­ productivity and durability of heavyweight taining its’ deep, dark green colour. Mar­ mowers, as well as the maneuverability of ker withstands saline soil conditions and lightweight mowers. The Ransomes 300 adapts to both sun and shade areas. Certi­ features floating cutting heads with a vari­ Congratulations!! fied seed is now available through Oseco able weight transfer system that allows Seed Inc. in Brampton, Ont. the unit to follow ground contours. - Mr. Charles Terry is now at Castle- THE SCOTTS COMPANY, Marysville, “Bouncing” of the heads is virtually elimi­ more Golf Club. Ohio introduces Super Turn Fertilizer, nated. This provides uniformity of cutting - Mr. David W. Gourlay is now at Club Summerlea Inc., Quebec. - Mr. Greg Williams is now at King Val­ ley Golf Club. HUTCHESON SAND AND MIXES • We are proud to be supplying the Ontario and Quebec Golf Course Industry with: Non calcareous, low PH Hutcheson Silica: Topdressing Sand and Mixes Construction Sand and Mixes High Organic Humus and Sphagnum Peat Bunker Sands • Our products comply with Industry specifications and have been met with overwhelming approval by agronomists, architects and superintendents. TRY US! 8 West Street South, Box 910 Huntsville, Ontario POA 1KO Office 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 Watts: 1 -800-461 -5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 Ontario Golf Superintendents Association OGSA Board of Directors for 1993 President Treasurer Golf and Meetings David W. Gouriay — Club Summerlea John Taylor — Twenty Valley GC John Taylor — Twenty Valley GC P.O. Box 68, R.R.#1, Vineland, Ont. LOR 2C0 R.R.#1, Vineland, Ont. LOR 2C0 Dorion, Quebec (416) 562-4333 (416) 562-4333 J7V 5V8 Newsletter Editor Ken Nelson — Sutton Creek GC Vice-President Doug Suter — Credit Valley GC R.R.#2, Essex, Ont. N8M 2X3 Bruce Burger — Lakeview GC 2500 Old Carriage Rd., (519) 726-6900 1 190 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, Ont., L5E 2P4 Mississauga, Ont. L5C 1Y7 (416) 278-1971 (416) 275-1594 Ian Bowen — Oshawa GC Fax#: (416)615-3098 Fax#: (416) 275-6201 Box 36, Oshawa, Ont. L1H 7K8 (416) 725-9511 Past-President Newsletter Rhod Trainor — Hamilton CG Simon George — Oakville GC David Schemelefske — Marry Hill GC 232 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton, Ont. L9G 2N5 P.O. Box 129, Oakville, Ont. L6T 4S5 R.R.#1, Breslau, Ont. NOB 1M0 (416) 648-1441 (416)844-5796 (519) 648-2304 Fax#: (416) 648-4217 Fax #: (416) 845-0096 Membership Secretary Roster Editor Mark Schneider—Owen Sound G.C. Alex Labelle — Carlton CG Rick Serrao — Glendale GC P.O. Box 231, RR#2 P.O. Box 160, R.R.#3, Manotick, Ont. KOA 2N0 401 Mt. Albion Rd., Hamilton, Ont. L8K 5T4 West Shere Road (613) 692-4059 (416) 561-1216 Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 5P3 Fax #: (613) 692-2605 Fax#: (416) 561-5536 ister!! We encourage people to con­ course and new clubhouse. All pro­ Newsworthy Tidbits sider a CGSA membership in effort to ceeds will go toward the funding of achieve their goals. Submitted by turfgrass research in Ontario. To par­ Pelino (Paul) Scenna, Ont. Director of ticipate in the success of this year’s Dr. Clayton Switzer, Former Dean of the CGSA. event, players and sponsors can con­ O.A.C. at the University of Guelph tact Brenda or Donna in the OTRF The Ontario Turfgrass Research and the former Deputy Minister of office (416) 274-3109. Foundation is pleased to announce O.M.A.F. has accepted the appoint­ that its’ ment as the Chair of the Ontario Pes­ 14th ticide Advisory Committee. This is a Annual very influential group within the Min­ Fund istry of the Environment pertaining to Raising pesticide classification. It is our good Golf Tour­ fortune to have such a knowledge­ nament able and respected person in this will be position. Clay most recently has held on devoted, on a voluntary basis, his Monday, time to the OTRF/GTI Building August 9, Fundraising Committee. 1993 at Robert Ackerman, OGSA member the King and Superintendent at the Markland Valley Golf Wood Golf Club, recently addressed Club. Club the Weston chapter of the Kiwanis Corpora­ Club regarding golf course mainte­ tion of nance practises. He is to be com­ America mended for this kind of community and King involvement and it would benefit us Valley are Bayview Country Club Architect, Thomas McBroom Assoc. Ltd. all to take it upon ourselves to do looking something similar this year. This kind forward to of “grassroots” public relations work showcas­ SHAPING THE RENOVATION SCENE is inexpensive and effective. Well ing their done, Rob. critically The CGSA Annual Conference will acclaimed TURF DRAIN INC. GREEN SITE RECONSTRUCTION return to the 1st week of March, Doug Car- 1994 in Calgary, Alberta. Also, please rick/Curtis TURF remember that the Fall Field Day is Strange DRAIN RENOVATION DIVISION now the Fall Classic and for the 1st designed INC. time will be held in Ontario at Deer­ golf Guelph, Ontario (519) 763-3130 hurst Golf Club—Don’t forget to reg­ Twenty-Five Years Ago Today By Barry Endicott n 1968 Dave Gourlay was the president donald, won the trophy defeating Bob Hickman, chartered member of the OGSA I of the OGSA. Keith Nesbit, Gord Wit- teveen and Dave Moote were retiring directors and Bob Moote was the past president. Moote’s rink. President Gourlay reported on a possible Greens Chairman/Superin- tendent Day and a Pro/Superintendent Day. On July 9 at Richmond Hill Golf and recently passed away in London. The CGSA held their first Turf Research Foun­ dation meeting at the Skyline Hotel on March 19 in Toronto. Tom Johnston Tom Unsworth moved from Clear­ Country Club the first Greens Chairman replaced John Steel as President of the stream C C. in Oakville to St. Thomas Golf Superintendent Day was held. Tom Mas­ CGSA. Club and Bob Heron, assistant at the caro, president of West Point Products, Board of Trade Country Club was appoint­ was the guest speaker and George Darou ed Superintendent at Brampton G.C. Dave was the host. Baker moved to Glen Cedar G.C. and Don OGSA dues were $15.00 for superin­ Creed left London for Orchard Hills Golf tendents and $25.00 for associates. CGSA and Country Club in Michigan. Ian membership dues were $15.00 and Williamson moved to Castelgar Golf Club GCSAA dues were $50.00. Bill Forrester in B.C. was made an Honorary member of the On January 8th, there was a curling OGSA, after retiring from 20 years at meeting at Bayview Country Club with Ed Weston Golf Club. Robbie Robinson was Ortlieb as host. The rink skipped by Curly also presented with an Honorary mem­ Endicott and comprising of John bership on his retirement as Director of Stoughton, Carl Wagner and Bernie Mac­ the Greens Section of the RCGA. James INTRODUCING... ESID ELECTRICAL STORM IDENTIFICATION DEVICE NOW THERE IS AN ACCURATE WAY TO WARN GOLFERS AND SAVE VALUABLE EQUIPMENT FEATURES BENEFITS - Unparalleled Detection Efficiency - Unsurpassed ability to warn golfers in the event - NO False Alarms of electrical storms - Programmable Relays for Sirens, etc. - Unsurpassed ability to isolate electrical equipment - Solar Powered Sensor (eg. Irrigation Controllers, Pump Stations, etc.) - Battery Back-up Display/Controller Contact: TURF CARE 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario. L3Y 7B6 Tel: (416) 836-0988 Fax: (416) 836-0995 The Gardener's Corner’ were researched. A designer was hired, beds and planting the annuals. A manure Beauty at plans were drawn up and the first stage of the three year planting program com­ mulch is placed around the plants and then dug in, improving soil structure, the Toronto menced in 1986. The flower beds mimicked those of the nutrition and aeration. As the beds are prepared they are planted according to Golf Club classic english borders, a mixed garden of shrubs, perennials, and annuals, a perfect the plans. Concise plans are available for every flower bed. by Laura Fehr accompaniment to the style of the club­ Maintaining a garden in the summer house. The shrubs are generally back­ means; for the most part, looking after the ground plants and provide the permanent basics. The most important is watering. t is with relief and satisfaction that the structure or ‘bones’ of the garden, while There is an irrigation system throughout I month of May is over and June is upon us. Mid-April to mid-May is the busiest display has faded and the stage is now set framing the flowers in the foreground. The perennials are also permanent plants and time of the year for gardeners. The tulip contribute to the ever-changing view as they come and go. The annuals fill in the the beds at The Toronto Golf Club. This saves a lot of valuable time. If the flowers are growing well the weeds probably are too, especially at the beginning of the to plant the annuals and summer bulbs. In gaps and provide constant colour summer before the annuals have matured, the greenhouse at The Toronto Golf Club, throughout the summer season. weeding and cultivating are essential. To the plants have been carefully tended, The beds bordering the front entrance maintain the vigour of the plants, the preparing them for this moment. There contain primarily acidic loving plants such flowers must be deadheaded. This pre­ are approximately 6000 annuals, 100 as rhododendrons and azaleas. The peren­ vents them from going into seed and dahlias and 450 tuberous begonias nials borders on the west side have warm stimulates flowering. While you are busy grown. colours with many blues and pinks. The with the basics don’t forget the other jobs. The Toronto Golf Club was initiated in south beds are dominated by hot yellows, Shrubs should be pruned to remove dead 1876 and has been at its present location oranges, and some red accents. No eng­ flower heads. Support full perennials since 1913. Over the years the gardens lish garden is without it’s formal rose beds before they absolutely need it. Prune the have undergone many changes. The latest and The Toronto Golf Club has theirs. evergreens. one occurred in 1985 when the decision Besides the perimeter beds there are five It’s important to be observant. Notice was made to form a garden committee satellite beds and two large cutting gar­ any pests before they become real prob­ consisting of some club members. The dens. Flowers are cut for the clubhouse lems. Above all, enjoy the garden and the gardens, at that time, were at the mercy twice a week. beauty they have to offer. of some dismal landscape contractors. Dif­ The last week of May and the first two ferent gardens and landscape designers weeks of June are spent preparing the New England in 1974, has since top layer also helps. In addition, Fighting spread all across Canada and the United States. Take-all Patch espe­ these organic materials seem to have built in fungicidal properties. cially attacks bentgrass greens on -Other Patch diseases include Sum­ Disease sand greens of high pH. If such greens are topdressed with high pH mer Patch and Necrotic Ring Spot which occur on bluegrass and also sand and watered with high pH on Poa Annual. At one time ail by Gord Witteveen water, the chances that the turf on these diseases were collectively such greens will be attacked by known as “Fusarium Blight” not to Take-all Patch are substantially be confused with “Fusarium Patch” recently met with Dr. Noel Jackson, increased. which is a fall disease on damp, I who is the chief turfgrass pathologist at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Jackson is highly regarded for his practi­ cal approach to solving turf disease -Take-all Patch can be controlled by manipulating the pH in the top half inch of the soil. Appy Ammonium Sulphate to temporarily lower the shady greens and tees. -There is proven direct proportional relationships between stressed out grass and the incidence of fungus problems. Following are some of Dr. pH in the top portion of the soil disease. The more traffic, the more Jackson’s comments: profile. Adding Milorganite or Sus- stress. The more stress, the more - Take-all Patch, first discovered in tane at regular intervals to build up fungus disease. the organic matter content of the OTRF Report by Thom Charters he Ontario Turf­ While the OTRF has had the dual that Dr. Mark Sears will be doing some OT T grass Research Foundation is pleased to announce the new G.M. Frost responsibilities these past few years of raising funds for both research and the new building, we will soon be able to that concentrate on research funding exclu­ further work on European Chafer control if the insects are present and he can secure the application equipment that he wants to experiment with. I am also Research and Information sively. The building is coming in on bud­ pleased to announce that Dr. Jack Centre at the Guelph get at 1.4 million dollars and we have less Eggens, who is doing a super job as GTI Turfgrass Institute will be than $ 150,000 to raise to meet this oblig­ Director during Chris Hall’s sabatical, officially opened on ation. If you have not yet contributed to and Ken Carey have received funding August 26, 1993 in con­ the building fund, or would like to ‘top from the rejuvenated CTRF junction with the up’ your donation in time for the official to establish blended GTI/OTRF Field Day. opening, please contact the OTRF office plots of creeping Some GTI personnel and at (416) 274-3109 or Clay Switzer at bentgrass for long Pam Charbonneau, our (519) 767-5058. By doing so immedi­ term analysis. Turfgrass Extension Spe­ ately, we will be able to insure that you To insure that cialist, have been in the are appropriately recognized on the this and R building for some time and final arrangements for the other tenants are being finalized at the time of writing. For your information, the OGSA, beautiful Donor Wall in the lobby of the new building. While this is all very exciting, so too is the research that we are funding. Dr. Tom Hsiang is completing his three year study on Necrotic Ring Spot and Sum­ other important work is done in the future, please be cer­ tain that you the OTRF, the Sports Turf mer Patch diseases, Dr. Greg Boland and/or your club Association and the Pro­ and T. Zhou are looking at biological are members of F fessional Lawn Care Association of Ontario are all taking an office in the new building. dollarspot control, Dr. Gerry Stephenson and Pam Charbonneau are researching pesticide persistence in composted grass clippings and there is a possibility the OTRF. The SMITH CO Tournament Roller The Soft touch roller for smoother, truer greens. At Bannerman we have been selling and servicieng self-powered, riding spray systems for over 30 years ...and we stand behind what we say and what we sell. Ask us about the SMITHCO Spray Star 1600 41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 5A3 Tel (416) 247-7875 Fax (416) 247-6540 Canadian Golfers will Benefit from Turfgrass Research by Teri Yamada AKVILLE, ONT.—While the Cana­ The University of Manitoba team of Drs. Canadian Golf Superin­ O dian Turfgrass Research Founda­ tion can’t do anything about your S.R. Smith, Perry Miller and Doug Cattani will be assessing the effect of golf green golf swing, it is taking steps to help cutting courses improve their conditions while golf heights on resistance to annual bluegrass. This study may reveal “how low tendents’ Association and six regional turfgrass associations. Earlier this year, the RCGA donated F R T C reducing the water and chemical require­ is too low.” $75,000 to the Found­ ments of turfgrass. A four-man research team from the ation. The foundation announced today that University of Guelph will be performing a four Canadian universities will receive a long-term study to determine whether total of $67,500 to fund research projects the combination of different strains of aimed at helping courses grow better bentgrass will withstand stress bet­ grass. ter and therefore require less water “Golf courses have received negative, on chemical treatments. This pro­ and unjustified, publicity about their effect ject will be co-ordinated by Dr. on the environment,” said Foundation Ken Carey. spokesman Teri Yamada of the Royal Cana­ Laval University in Montreal dian Golf Association. “The entire golf will be tackling the perennial industry continues to be environmentally Canadian problem of winter conscious and will benefit from research damage on golf courses. Drs. initiatives such as these.” Yves Desjardins, Pierre-Andre Dr. Brian Holl of the University of British Dube and Guy Allard will be test­ Columbia will be studying the effects of ing a number of different winter cultural practices and products on the root protective covers under controlled systems of turf used on golf green and conditions to determine their effec­ sports fields. The goal is to be able to pre­ tiveness. dict root-based problems sooner and The Canadian Turfgrass Research adjust conditions to avoid the need for Foundation is a coalition of the Royal chemical treatments. Canadian Golf Association, the Wife The Superintendent's anonymous olf Season. Those dreaded words. know how to do the job better than they during golf season as it is at other times of G Let me tell you what golf season means to me. When your children say “When’s Dad going to be home?” you say “Maybe next Tuesday”, when do. They deal with these people without losing their tempers (until later). Superin­ tendents must be public relations expert, and accountants, teachers, salesman and the year. The superintendent’s wife finds herself wanting to let the air out of the tires of the car that belongs to the Green Chairman at the golf club and she also your husband walks around with a perpet­ labourers. They must be computer finds herself wanting to slap anyone who ual scowl on his face and you ask what’s experts, ditch diggers, supervisors and says the golf course is not in wonderful wrong and he roars “nothing!”, when you trainers. They must know a pesticide from condition. The superintendent’s wife forget what colour hair he has, when you a fungicide from a herbicide and answer knows how hard he works (even if she wake up one morning and for some rea­ all the questions flung at them from a hys­ does complain about it), she knows how son he is still home and you leap out of terical public who are sure that the above tired he is and she knows when to leave bed screeching “What are you doing mean the end of the world. They must him alone and when to remind him it is here?” know how to drive, dismantle and put her birthday. The superintendent’s wife This is a very difficult time of year for together machinery with names like: knows that on the one Saturday during the men and women who are golf course Cushman/Smithco sprayer with hose reel the season her superintendent decides to superintendents. This is the time of year and hydro pump, Meter-Matic Topdresser sleep in, that she will threaten with death when you hear the question, “What does and KTM Brouwer 5-gang, 8 blade fairway anyone who awakens him. I’m not saying he do in the winter?” a thousand times unit with 4 wheel Kubota hydro-static that the superintendent’s wife is different and you find yourself wishing for winter drive.? from other wives, only that during the so that the purple circles under his eyes The superintendent’s wife on the other months of May, June, July, August and will go away and he will stop working hand is the person who holds all this September she becomes temporarily twelve hours a day, six days a week (he together. We are the people who remind insane at the thought of anyone second works a half day on Sunday). When I the golf course superintendent to come guessing, criticizing or censuring her decided to spend my life with a golf home. There are times during the summer superintendent. course superintendent I thought, easy— when for a whole week 1 think the only Hey! I’ve got the answer to the ques­ you grow the grass and then you cut it. thing I say to my superintendent, “Have tion of all questions! The next time some­ Hah. Golf course superintendents are a you eaten?” During the golf season the one asks you what your superintendent different breed, they are a little bit like superintendent’s wife, who probably has does during the winter, you can say...“He goalies in the NHL, you find yourself her own career to look after, suddenly makes up for golf season.” describing them as “normal”—for a golf finds herself with twice as much to do to course superintendent. Superintendents keep the household running smoothly. For deal with many people every day who some reason, this fact is not as annoying REPART MANUFACTURING LTD. 1110 WELWYN DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5J 3J3 DISTRIBUTORS FOR: LEBANON FERTILIZERS 18-4-10 CC 18-0-18 CC 8-4-24 CC SPYKER FERTILIZER SPREADERS • F.A.G. BEARINGS - BEARINGS • CHICAGO RAWHIDE - SEALS RED-MAX TRIMMERS • TORO EQUIPMENT PARTS • TORO IRRIGATION PARTS Manufacturers of: • BENCHES AND WOODEN GARBAGE RECEPTACLES • REPLACEMENT SEATS • WHIELE ROLLERS AND CAST MARKERS • BRASS TURF VALVES, KEYS AND NOZZLES • SOLID TYNES • ALUMINUM IRRIGATION DISKS CALL: ROB DAVIS, SALES MANAGER OFFICE: (416) 823-2900 FAX: (416) 278-5384 Composting - Seeking Solutions by Jim Sara ike most of you reading this article, I compost. from an organic disposal stand point and L love my work. Although there is a fondness for the game, nurtured through many days on the golf course with my Dad, the real joy in this job At Trafalgar, we are fortunate to have a solution “growing” on our doorstep. Though in its’ infancy stages, there is a compost farm 2 kilometres from the club as a source of fertilizer and garden and land supplement. Most importantly the compost will be managed by people dedicated solely to this purpose. comes from being part of the land and of owned by Jim Scott and managed by Much has been done; research to pro­ all things that grow on, with and in it. Compost Management of Elora. duce suitable mixes, the cost/benefit Being allowed to share in this growth is The compost farm has the ability to analysis of this procedure, testing under a an honour that I take very seriously. handle large volumes of organic matter variety of uses and educational pro­ Golf courses must change. In the past from many sources, including golf cours­ grammes. There are many projects under­ we have all been guilty of pushing our turf es, and compost them efficiently and safe­ way and they deserve support. At Trafal­ beyond healthy limits and pushing our­ ly. The result is large volumes of rich gar we are incorporating farm compost selves at the same time, for the sake of material that in time and with well direct­ into our gardens and our topdressing pro­ the game. It is time to think of producing ed research could be incorporated into gram for tees. Our main worry is a higher healthy turf in ways that are safe for all our topdressing and construction pro­ than desired silt content so we have not those who live here. grammes. It is possible that in the future used it on greens nor have we been able Composting has been a honoured this will reduce the need for pesticides to produce a suitable mix. practice for along time. I have wanted to and chemical fertilizers. Much stronger In time al! these things will happen and incorporate this practise into my land and healthier plants will result from the for all of us who love the land and our stewardship for some time but I found use of compost. I can see a day when work, the efforts will be well worth it. that I did not have the time, the expertise communities will have a centralized com­ or an area suitable to properly manage the post farm to handle all their needs, both MORE GOLF COURSES ARE CHOOSING HUNTER More golf courses are choosing Hunter sprinklers, valves and controllers for reliable performance and advanced technology. Hunter is known as the innovator in low-pressure, low-precipitation irrigation, an approach that conserves water and energy, and often saves money Directing the Hunter system is a revolutionary new controller, the ETC. It calculates and schedules the precise daily water needs of up to 24 stations, based on evapotranspiration rates. Hunter has an irrigation product for every golf course need. Authorized Hunter Golf Distributor Aquamaster Irrigation Products Ltd. 1 Guardsman Road Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L2 (416) 881-4794 ■ (800) 268-6826 Fax:(416)881-7922 Hunter The Irrigation Innovators 1940 Diamond St. □ San Marcos, CA 92069 □ 619 / 744-5240 □ FAX: 619 / 744-7461 When Lightning Strikes! prepared by: Gary Roos — Turf Care Products Canada Limited—Irrigation Division olf courses are well known as very the leader carries just 1,000 amps of elec­ ty). The sensor and display/controller are G risky places to be during thunder and lightning storms. A review of any warning material published on hazards of lightning usually mentions golf tricity, the return stroke packs a wallop of 20,000 amps. From leader to final stroke takes less than a second. On average, the there are three separate discharges within interconnected by a non-metallic, fibre­ optic data communication link. Back-up power supplies for both sensor and dis- play/controller provide uninterruptable courses as a place to definitely avoid. this time, but as many as 26 have been power. The sensor periodically performs Until recently, the only methods available recorded—which is why lightning appears routine shelf-checks to insure credibility. to predict lightning warnings would range to flicker. Integrated relay contacts allow the poten­ from human observation, listening to Within the lightning channel, air is tial to warn and also to isolate and protect weather reports and/or the monitoring of heated to 30,000 Degrees Celsius causing lightning-sensitive equipment 24 hours a a multi-station lightning location network. thunder. Since sound and light travel at day. No other device combines all these different speeds, you can use the amount benefits in a single package. The dis- Lightning—What makes it of time between the flash and the boom play/controller displays flash messages happen? to calculate roughly how far away the from the sensor and indicates the number The process is thought to be kicked off storm is. of cloud-to-ground flashes which occur by the interaction of ice and rain inside a The results and damage of lightning within each of three ranges: 0-5 miles cloud, resulting in ionizing—the separa­ have been witnessed by everyone in the (overhead), 5-10 (near) and 10-25 miles tion of positively and negatively charged industry. Public awareness of the dangers (distant). For additional warning informa­ particles. We tend to get lightning storms of lightning hit home during the unfortu­ tion, the display/controller will indicate on hot, muggy days because the tower­ nate incident which marred two of the last cloud discharges within approximately 10 ing, dense clouds that form in this weath­ year’s major golf tournaments. Since the miles. ESID’s ability to detect and identify er create the ideal conditions for this 18th century scientists such as Benjamin these nearby cloud discharges can help separation. Franklin have been studying lightning. provide advance warning of developing Ionization sets the scene for both Through their study we have gained thunderstorms as well as their departure. cloud-to-cloud lightning (which never knowledge that has helped us develop Traditionally, protection against light­ reaches the ground), and the less-com­ lightning identification systems. ning strikes has been implemented mon cloud-to-cloud lightning—the kind LLP (Lightning Location and Protection through the use of lightning rods on club- that does the damage. In cloud-ground Inc.) has been recognized as the world houses/shops/shelters, lightning, the bulk of the positive charges leader in the location and detection of along with grounding grids are at the top of the cloud, the negative lightning for over 15 years providing on newer irrigation sys- centre and at the bottom. As the negative products to government scientific tems. New technology charges build up at the bottom of the agencies, defense contractors and like the ESID system will cloud, they repel negative charges at the major utility companies. The Irriga­ allow earth’s surface, (in electricity opposites tion Division of The Toro Company you, the attract). has joined with LLP to promote their user, When the difference between the neg­ new system call ESID (Electrical Storm the atives in the cloud and positives on the Identification Device). ESID is a comfort ground builds to the point where it over­ rugged, omnidirectional, short range of an early comes the air’s ability to insulate between thunderstorm detector. It was devel­ warning to them, the fireworks begin. An arc of oped to provide reliable and affordable gain shelter charged negative particles, called a information within a 25 mile radius. ESID’s before the “stepped leader”, reaches out from the unique, patented ability to detect only lightning cloud. “Basically, the leader is a feeler, try­ lightning, both cloud-to-cloud and cloud- strikes. ing many paths to make a connection to-ground, enables you to make reliable with the positive charge on the ground” decisions concerning your course’s coop­ explains Bill Chisholm, an Ontario Hydro eration. This thunderstorm sensor has engineer and physicist who is involved designed features that eliminate false with lightning research. Finally, a branch alarms, nuisance alarms and failures to of the leader comes close enough, and a alarm. positive charge leaps up from the ground ESID is comprised of a self powered to cloud—what we actually see as light­ sensor (for ground or roof mounting) and ning, this is the real powerhouse. While a display/controller (for use inside a facili­ Daconil 2787. Your best approach to turfgrass diseases. The cornerstone of your disease control program. Because only Daconil 2787 gives you consis­ tent, first-rate protection against 6 major diseases Daconil 2787® fungicide is the premier broad­ on over 90 grasses. Plus ornamentals and conifers. spectrum, contact turf-care product with good reason. It gives superintendents superior control Daconil 2787 Flowable fungicide. The corner­ of their most troublesome diseases. Especially stone of a solid disease control program. And dollar spot, brown patch and leaf spot. your best approach to a more playable course. Daconil 2787 gives you your money’s ISK-BIOTECH worth on tees and greens, as well as fairways. ISK Biotech Limited And there’s never been a documented case of Suite 102 disease resistance to Daconil 2787, either. 931 Commissioners Rd. E. That’s why it should be part of your disease London, Ontario N5Z 3H9 resistance management program. 800-668-0956 Always follow label directions carefully The best approach is to make Daconil 2787 when using turf chemicals. Flowable the cornerstone of your program. ©Daconil 2787 is the registered trademark of ISK Biotech Corporation. AG-A893CAN Workman™ 3000 -The Work Vehicle Choice With More Utility. Versatile Capacity Capable of doing more work of all kinds and in many combinations. No Caribbean cruise, no free aerifier tines, just quality products at competitive prices. TURF CARE 200 PONY DR. NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 • PHONE(416) 836-0988 • FAX (416) 836-6442 *Call today for a free demonstration and ask about our low monthly lease payments.