May - June / 993 Volume 16 Number 3 Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey The greenersidE Agolf course is a place where people come to enjoy the distance you hear a panicky scream, “Help me, help, please help me.” You turn around to see an elderly gent lying on his back in the middle of the fairway with his son kneeling beside him. You arrive almost instantaneously, only to realize the man has had a heart attack and died on the spot. Suddenly you realize you don’t know CPR, and the only thing you can do to help is make a phone call. You don’t even know if you have any employees who know themselves, get a little exercise, and socialize with friends. Most don’t think of it as a place of potential danger. The superintendent can do much to enhance Help on the way the safety of those on the course, both employees and players. 80% of all heart attacks give the recipient an identifiable warning. Heavy sweating, chest pain or pressure, numbness or tingling in the left arm, jaw pain or a feeling of indigestion; any combination of these symptoms can spell heart attack. These symptoms alone do not mean a person is having a heart attack at that moment, just that one may be on the way, soon. Always alert the Emergency Medical Services nearest your course. Have their phone number available at several locations, and, if you have a mobile phone, keep this and other key numbers handy. In the event of an emergency, call the EMS; they are the patient’s best hope. You now have three to five minutes to make a difference between life and death. Encourage the person to sit down right where they are. Do not try to move them unless it is essential. Make the patient comfortable and give them oxygen if available. Loosen their collar and belt and encourage them to relax. Anything you can do to keep the patient calm will help. Finally, if the person loses consciousness or passes out, you should start CPR immediately. The victim has only 2-6 minutes once the heart stops beating to avoid a life threatening injury. You will make a difference if you start CPR right away. As part of your Spring safety training, get several employees certified in CPR. For a real life example, read of Jim Waniak’s experience at the B.L. England Rec Center in Beesley's Point, New Jersey. I ask you to envision this scenario. It is a hot summer afternoon, and you, being the Course Superintendent, are making the rounds. Suddenly in CPR, so all you can do is wait and feel helpless and, what’s worse, useless! It feels pretty bad. Trust me, it happened. The point here is, with an increased number of golfers in the country, you must also account for a rising number of golf course fatalities. Whether this be from (Please turn to page 4) In this issue Editorial President's Message GCSANJ NEWS GCSAA NEWS "Here's the rest of the story" Tri-State Turf Research Foundation update X-marks the spot Back Nine Lightning, the underrated killer 2 3 5 10 13 14 15 18 19 The greenerside GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of NJ, 66 Morris Ave., Suite 2A Springfield, NJ 07081 Ilona Gray, Editor Ken Krausz, Newsletter Business Staff Douglas Vogel, Edward Walsh, Shaun Barry, Paul Powondra Contributing Writers Please address inquiries to: The Greenerside, Editor, P.O. Box 3672, Wayne, NJ 07474-3672. For Ad Placement: Ilona Gray, (201) 595-7172 Art and Typography by Trend Multimedia (908) 787-0786 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 66 Morris Ave., Springfield, New Jersey 07081 Officers: Chris Carson, President Martin G. MantelI, CGCS, Vice President Paul Powondra, Secretary Glenn Miller, CGCS, Treasurer David Pease Past President Directors District 1 Ken Krausz, CGCS David Mayer District 2 Vincent Bracken Ron Mencl District 3 Fran Owsik Dennis Shea District 4 Wendell Beakley Pat Wall, CGCS Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives Steve Chirip Shaun Barry ©1993 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. C EDITORIAL A world without trees by Ilona Gray an you imagine a world without trees? If not a world, perhaps imagine a city. A big city—one of the world’s largest. Try shutting your eyes and picture a city with 20 to 25 percent of its land as wooded. The trees contribute a sense of beauty and enhance the physical environment. They stifle the noise from cars and trucks. They pump out fresh oxygen and soak up the carbon dioxide. Now, with your eyes still shut, picture the trees all but gone. Picture thousands of dead trees. Thousands of stumps. Acres and acres of soot covered stumps. Ragged people stealing the few remaining magnificent trees for fire wood or for barter. What would you pay for a live tree if it were one of the few left? How valuable is the last magnificent fir or beech? We do not have to face these questions because we have taken pretty good care of our environment. Sometimes we don’t fully appreciate the quality of environmental stewardship that we have in New Jersey and in the United States. In a recent “Wall Street Journal” front page story, the tragic situation of trees in Mexico City was described. This city was once well known for its arboreal splendor. Its trees have become the victims of some of the world’s worst air pollution, including 341 days per year when ozone levels exceed human health standards. A burgeoning population has further pressed against these resources. The wealthy are trying to buy living trees. Is the next step a tree museum? Here in New Jersey our trees are protected. Clean air laws, shade tree commissions, the availability of professional arborists, and a generally held belief that trees are important and must be maintained all work to keep our state in the shade. In a very urban state, golf courses can provide an excellent open area for trees to grow to their full genetic potential. This Spring, when you walk your course, look upwards to the trees as well as to the turf in making your inspections. Try to picture what your course would look like without them, and what this would mean to those who enjoy the game of golf. PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Your involvement with our goals Chris Carson President, CGSANJ Your Board has been discussing GCSANJ’s mission and goals and is in the process of developing a long range plan to help guide us forward in the upcoming years. Our basic mission centers on three areas: EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT and COOPERATION. To achieve these missions, we have a number of committees headed by our hard working and talented Board members: Newsletter Meetings & Speakers Field Day Association Relations Invitational Membership Club Relations Golf Education Bylaws Finance Scholarship & Research Government Relations Public Relations Merchandise Public Golf Ken Krausz Wendell Beakley Pat Wall Dave Mayer Shaun Barry Ron Mencl Dave Pease Shaun Barry Vinnie Bracken Marty Mantell Glenn Miller Dennis Shea Paul Powondra Fran Owsik Dave Mayer Ken Krausz These chairmen are in the process of developing their committees, and they need your assistance. Participation in GCSANJ activities is very rewarding and fun . . . and you will find that the friendships that develop will last a life­ time. Call a committee head and volunteer your service, or call me right now at (908) 232-3621 ... I will make sure that your skills will be utilized and appreciated. Your Board has added a new mission this year: SER­ VICE. As you know by now, we will be incorporating a charity fund raiser into our annual championship on October 21 at Deal. The entire Board is involved in making this event the best it can be . . . and we need your help. It is our goal to raise at least $5,000 per year for charity, and this year’s charity selection is the wonderful PROJECT F.A.I.T.H. You will be hearing more about the terrific work being done by this group, which assists children with cancer, but the key now is to get organized. Many people are needed, and much work needs to be done, but I can tell you that in the seven years I have been involved with GCSANJ, never have I seen the Board so enthusiastic about a new venture. From this enthusiasm will come success, and we want you to be part of it. Call me and let’s discuss how and where you can help. I guarantee your participation will make you feel good. Calendar June 3, 1993 June 10, 1993 June 21, 1993 July 12, 1993 August Sept. 28, 1993 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day, Adelphia, NJ. Contact: Bruce Clarke, (908) 932-9400 Cornell Turfgrass Field Day, contact Angelica Hammer at (607) 255-1789. GCSANJ June Meeting, Panther Valley GC, hosted by Patrick Campbell. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100 GCSANJ July Meeting, Harkers Hollow GC, hosted by Donald Zeffer. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100 District Meetings (sites and dates TBA). Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100 GCSANJ Invitational, Green Brook GC, hosted by Joseph Kennedy. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100 Deal Golf & CC, hosted by Angelo Petraglia. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100 October 21, 1993 GCSANJ October Meeting, November 6, 1993 President’s Ball, The Barclay Hotel, hosted by Harry Harsin. For further information contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100 GCSANJ May Meeting site This is a scene of the 11th hole at Rock Spring Club, where Wayne Remo is superintendent. It is a dog leg left with a 377 yardage. Help on the way (Continued from page 1) heart attack, lightning strike, or struck by a ball doesn’t matter. The fact is, these lives can be saved if a properly trained person arrives on the scene soon enough. Many factors must be included in this medical equation, but all add up to one solution, education! After this mid-summer fiasco at our course, I suggested to our Board of Directors that we try annually to train all golf course employees in CPR and First Aid; they agreed. A simple call to our local hospital made it possible for all 25 employees to learn both, free of charge and on site. Now rangers, pro shoppers and grounds employees know what to do when an emergency occurs. But this is not where it ends. This education must be integrated into a response sequence in order to have success. Our plan goes as follows. The employee closest to the emergency goes to the victim, determines the situation and proceeds with CPR if necessary. A good first aid kit, including oxygen and a blanket, are rushed to the scene by a second employee, while a third calls 911 with all the proper info. After the call, the third employee rushes to the scene to divert play away from the emergency. We do not need any golf fanatic hitting into this situation. Now, after all this, the final cost is equal to the price of a couple of sets of walkie talkies. A small cost to consider because you probably need them anyway. Now, envision this scenario. It is March, and you are checking the course when once again you hear that awful screech, “Help!” You immediately arrive to the same lifeless golfer, but this time you can do something. You immediately start CPR and fifteen minutes later, the ambulance squad takes away a living, breathing golfer, who will someday hole out the chip shot he so ably hit prior to his trauma. Now that feels good! Trust me, it happened! All because there was “Help on the Way.” • Golf Courses • Estates • Athletic Fields • Commercial • Floating Aerators • Custom Built Pumping Systems AQUA-FLO, INC. 320 Basin Road • Hammonton, NJ 08037 (609) 561-1777 1-800-524-0895 (outside NJ) 4155A Westfax Drive • Chantilly, VA 22021 (703) 968-7081 GCSANJ NEWS A Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, featuring the ninth green with a breathtaking view of one of many ponds and surrounding mountains of Panther Valley’s scenic adventure in New Jersey. Panther Valley promises a most challenging golfing experience in a magnificent rural setting for the GCSANJ June 21, 1993, meeting. MOVING ON UP! A “Greenerside” welcome and congratulations to the new members of the GCSANJ and to those members whose status has changed in the past several months. The list appearing on the next page is current through March 1993. We hope to see the new members at the upcoming tourna­ ments and monthly meetings. On Course Professional Turf Fertilizers Developed to meet the highest standards in turfgrass management • Corporate Parks • Cemeteries • Golf Courses • Athletic Fields • Commercial Turf West Coast Affiliate SEED RESEARCH OF OREGON, INC. P.O. BOX 373 DAYTON, NJ 08810 800-522-4769 Committed to providing reliable, dependable service and the best in quality lawn and garden products. For more information call Twin Light at 800-522-4769 and ask for Gerald Fountain (former Superintendent at Trenton Country Club) GCSANJ News New Members David S. Dougan Philip Eberle John Green Roger D. Fox Rich Leyh Frank E. Salvador Rolf Strobel F. Gary Stover, Jr. Robert Mlynarski Michael H. Cook, Jr. Scott A. Stetser Raymond A. Fischer David J. Wallace Rock Gerardiello John Betts Gary LeBlanc Samuel Johnson Laura Irving B B-l B-l B-l B-l B-l B-l B-l B-l C C C C C C C C C For every bag of 18-3-18 you buy, we'll donate 50 ₵ to research on groundwater quality. We can t afford to make compromises on the quality of our groundwater. That s why we re donating 50 ₵ on every bag of Country Club 18-3-18 to the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund, for research on groundwater quality. Of course, there are other reasons to buy 18-3-18. Including its balanced, one-to- one nitrogen/potassium ratio. And homogeneous granules for even nutrient distribution. For more information contact: LEBANON TURF PRODUCTS Lebanon, PA Dayton, NJ (800) 233-0628 (201)329-4011 Robert Curry Richard Brandel Thomas C. Wojcik Member Changes Kerry Boyer Donald Cromer Jim Cross Matt Dobbie William Engler Chris Holenstein Mark Johnson Richard Lane James Mikkelsen Michael Mongon Jack Montecalvo Dennis Parker Stephen Roberts Peter Evans Jared Smith Justin Stewart Mike Susshine Gregg Swidersky George Thompson Melvin Waldron James Waniak Alan Holland Joseph Blockson Frank Habeck Douglass Larson C C D B to B-l B to A B to A B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B to A C to L B-l to B B-l to A D to B-l B1 to A B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B-l to B B to A D to A A to L A to L B-l to B NEW ADDITIONS Durbin Loreno, superintendent at Flanders Valley Golf Course, and his wife, Kimberly, announced the birth of their daughter, Victoria Elaine, on March 25. Sam Juliano and his wife, P.J., gave birth to their second child, Nicholas Joseph, on Valentine’s Day. He joins his brother, Samuel Anthony, who was also born on Valentine’s Day in 1991. Sam is the superintendent at Knickerbocker C.C. On the 24th of March, Cindy and David Oatis became parents of a son, Zachary David Oatis. David Oatis is the director of USGA’s Northeastern Region Green Section. A few days earlier, Meghan Lee Zickafoose entered the world on March 22, 1993. The proud parents are Bruce Zickafoose, superintendent at Cranbury Golf Club, and his wife, Debra. GCSANJ NEWS SPRAY TECHNICIANS COURSE WELL ATTENDED by Ken Krausz, CGCS On March 18, Manasquan River Golf Course was host to a one-day seminar, “Technical Training for Your Spray Technician.” This was an informative course concerning spraying of the golf course. In a study done by the University of Nebraska, research­ ers visited 53 golf courses in Nebraska. They found that only one in six were accurately applying pesticides. Accu­ racy was determined to be within 5% of intended amount (though this number may be conservative because possible mixing errors were excluded). The point was driven home about calibration and the frequency that the sprayer is re-calibrated. The more you calibrate the better your chances for accurate applications. Since attending this seminar I have asked local superin­ Frank A. Macchione Construction Inc. • Specializing in Cart Paths • Waterfall Ponds • Rock Gardens • Water Aerator • Landscape Designing • Tee Building 168 Midwood Road Paramus, N.J. 07652 652-0694 tendents how often they calibrate their equipment and found their answers encouraging. With the price of chemicals and labor and the regulations concerning proper application of chemicals, it is very important that we calibrate as often as possible, every time the sprayer goes out if possible. There were also major discussions about nozzle sizing and the application of the proper amount of water. Banner is applied with 2-5 gallons of water per 1,000 sq. ft. and proxol is applied with 5-10 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. How many of us use the same nozzles for these two applica­ tions? There were many other points covered, and I felt it was one of the better seminars that I have attended as it pro­ vided everyone with a lot of practical information. Thanks to Alan Hayes, technical training manager for GCSAA, and to Glenn Miller for hosting this event. Glenn has a nice large and clean shop, one he should be proud of, but please, Glenn, next time you have a seminar that has outside work involved, let’s try and make it a day where the temperature gets to at least 30 degrees! USGA REGIONAL SEMINAR A BIG HIT by Ken Krausz, CGCS Anyone who did not make the USGA Regional Seminar last month missed a good one. You were plowing snow all weekend after the “Storm of the Century,” and you were trying to catch up on your sleep, good excuse. The effects of the storm kept some of you away. The roads were covered with ice, and it took 3 hours for a one hour trip; you could have gone to sleep behind the wheel and wakened 30 minutes later to move your car another 50 feet. All kidding aside, the fact that we were in the middle of winter did not lessen the impact of the subject of the sun and its effects of prolonged exposure. I was so impressed with this presentation I decided I am going to buy #30 sun screen by the gallon and apply it to all exposed areas of skin. Everyone in the golf industry would be smart to learn more about the signs of skin cancer. It is not the harmless disease that you often hear about; besides being uncomfort­ able and unsightly, it is sometimes deadly (more often than you would think). You would be wise to ask your doctor to examine you for signs of skin cancer and ask for a bro­ chure describing ways of self examination because if it is GCSANJ NEWS caught early, it is easily treated. INSURANCE LIABILITIES by Vincent Bracken On March 25, 28 individuals came to Fairmount Country Club to try to get a better understanding of insur­ ance liabilities. The speakers we had that day were excellent in their presentations. They were John Dana from FAI, Walid Sidani from Crum & Forster, and Walt Koenig, also from Crum & Forster. It is important for us as superintendents to document everything that happens in and around our golf course. If an accident does occur on our golf course, we need to fill out an accident report, find out what happened, keep the informa- There was a presentation describing the new USGA greens mix recommendations. The USGA created standards for the testing labs because there were discrepancies be­ tween the results from different labs. Dr. Norm Hummel headed this research with the help of many professionals in all aspects of this industry. Contact the USGA for a copy of the new greens mix recommendations, and you can also ask them if the lab you are using conforms to the new standard testing procedures. There was also a talk about the speed of play, and it has pretty much been determined that slow play can only be regulated at the local level. Many thanks to the USGA for a most informative seminar. FEATURES... Wide 100" Mowing Width. Progressive,Selective, All-Wheel Drive. Independent Full-Floating Pivoting Reels. Easily Adjustable Height of Cut. Choice of Onan 24 hp Gas or Kubota 22 hp Diesel Powered Engine. BUNTON 5-GANG FAIRWAY MOWER Golf Course Construction & Renovation P.O. Box 400 • Clarksburg, NJ 08510 • 908-928-0600 Available in New Jersey through Fertl-Soil Turf Supply, Inc. Double Eagle EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. 285 Dayton Jamesburg Road Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • (908) 329-9292 Marty Futyma (908) 322-6132 NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Milorganite 4%lron METRO MILORGANITE 365 Adams St. Bedford Hills. NY 10507 GCSANJ NEWS ing the event and keep everything on file in order to protect the golf club from future claims. A good idea is to form a safety committee. The func­ tion of the safety committee is to create and maintain employees active and positive interest in safety. This goal can be accomplished by providing open, two-way commu­ nication between management and employees. Ideally, the safety committee should provide an open forum where personnel can take part in accidents, causes and means of prevention. By discussing accident causes and possible solutions, the committee can effectively use a broad spectrum of expertise, which will help resolve deficiencies in a most practical, cost efficient manner. Another benefit of an open forum approach is genera­ tion of a positive attitude by getting personnel at all levels involved in the decision making process. An effective safety committee can promote positive attitudes. This will result in reduced injuries and accidents and, in turn, higher produc­ tion and lower costs. Another topic for discussion was hazard communication and employee right-to-know laws. The guidelines are as follows: Employer Obligations 1. 2. Establish and implement a written program Identification through inventory analysis Employee training Update inventory and employee training 3. Employees’ accessibility to program elements List of chemicals MSDS Text of OSHA standard (Please turn to page 17) Tee & Green & In Between Whether your challenge is a dead­ line, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. We understand the variety of problems you face because we have spent a great deal of time listening to golf course superintendents. As a result, Tee & Green Sod offers the most complete product line available to the golf course industry— even a four-foot wide washed roll! Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bentgrass •Bluegrass •Washed sod • Bluegrass-Ryegrass •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) • PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 GCSAA NEWS GCSAA ... ANOTHER VIEW by Steve Cadenelli Let me first say that I sincerely appreciate the kind words of Steve Malikowski and Ed Walsh regarding my involvement with GCSAA. Thank you. I must, however, differ significantly with both Steve and Ed, as well as Chris Carson, in their assessments as to what really occurred at this year’s Conference & Show, tournament, and, obviously, annual meeting. These differ­ ences are not personal and are made with all due respect to their opinions. I must also admit to a certain degree of confusion in my own mind as to the actions of members and delegates. During my years on the Board, including up to this very moment, I have been congratulated for whatever part I have played in the success of the association and our profession these past seven years. I have heard how members are proud to be golf course superintendents, proud to be members of a national association that is in the forefront of the golf community and aggressive in promoting the role of the golf course superintendent. I have been complimented on my ability to represent fellow professionals and thanked for being willing to do so. Most importantly, I have been told over and over how the profession and association have benefited from ten years of progressive, farsighted leader­ ship on the part of both the Board and staff. However, and most disconcerting, is the fact that when it came to crucial issues affecting the future status and direction of our profession, these same people listened to and believed innuendo, half-truths, lies, fabrication, and total double talk rather than giving any credence to those who had worked so diligently on their behalf and who had been successful in doing so. Why? The fact of the matter is that the goings on prior to and during the annual meeting were not about issues, nor were they about the merit of proposed bylaws or proposed programs! The goings on were all about power and control of an association—nothing more, nothing less! I do not doubt that many delegates were concerned with the issues. However, the big boys, the movers and shakers, the large chapters and chapter conglomerates simply were not about to give up control to individual members. These big players will talk about apathy, argue that the average member is ill-informed or just doesn’t care. I don’t believe it and never will. Many delegates believe they know better, and the ability to control votes is power. Power can be evil, and it can corrupt. The proposed bylaws were about opening up an association. They were about encouraging all members to decide about their future. They were about expanding the horizon of not only superintendents, but all those who affect their lives. They were about allowing a national organization to truly become national and not forced to play second fiddle behind greater loyalties to chapters, universities, regional associations or competing firms! The profession of golf course management, and, certainly, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, will never truly reach its potential impact within the golf community until individual members develop a loyalty to their national association. This will not and Top Dressing Sterilized 1-800-899-SOIL (7645) FAX (301) 335-0164 Our top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories. EXCLUSIVE! All materials are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Computerized blending of soil mixtures for a superior growing medium. Green and tee construction materials and mixes conforming to specifications are available. Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your speci­ fications are available. GCSAA NEWS replaced by individual voting. The rejection of these bylaws proposals and the defeat of Charlie Passios and Joe Hahn is no greater testimony to this tenet. What occurred at this most recently passed conference and annual meeting is both tragic and disgrace­ ful. Regardless of what is being said by current officers and directors of GCSAA, the Board of Directors voted unani­ mously over a period of 12-18 months in favor of all bylaws proposals. No single member of the 1992 Board voted against or disagreed with proposals to not support them. Yet the current president, vice president, secretary treasurer, and one director totally misrepresented their actions to the delegates and were rewarded by election. Yet Passios and Hahn, who were honest, who stated their convictions and who conveyed the yearlong plus stand of the Board, were defeated. Delegates rewarded lack of integrity, dishonesty, and double talk. Is this any basis for a strong association? Again, those Board members who switched—who went against fellow Board members—did so not only because of a complete lack of courage and conviction, but because of a delegate system that threatens, that seeks power and control, that simply encourages a weak national association. The future of our national association and, I fear, our profession is not a positive one unless individual members take control of their association and demand strong leader­ ship that understands the current world of golf. Individual members must realize that they are professionals in a competitive business environment. They must realize that they are businessmen/women and not technicians. They must demand a strong national association with a strong staff to represent their best interests. They absolutely must elect individuals who are big thinkers, who have a vision, JOSEPH M. MERCABANTE, Inc. PAVING, EXCAVATING Millburn, NJ 201-467-8622 and who are idea persons. Leadership that involves itself with day to day operations, interference in management decisions, interacting with middle level and support staff will surely lead to numerous problems and an association much more similar to times long past rather than in the success oriented period, which has recently ended. Rutgers Turf Field Day The date for this year’s Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field has been set for June 3,1993, at Adelphia, New Jersey. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., “rain or shine,” Guided tours will commence at 9:00 a.m. Recertification credits will be awarded at the conclusion of the program, so mark your calendars now for this worth­ while event. For further information, contact Dr. Bruce Clarke at (908) 932-9400. STEVEN WILLAND HAS IT! How can you acquire the speed of wings with your golf course maintenance. What's the answer? The 6150 Wing Rotary by Cushman®. • Speed of a 51 hp Kubota diesel engine • Energy absorbing wing deck arms • Cross flow parallel four wheel drive width • Compact 61 "transport •117" width of cut •6.75 acres per hour capacity @ 5 mph Ransomes America Corporation • DRAINAGE SYSTEMS • TEE BUILDING • GRADING P.0. Box 9, Rt. 206, Augusta, NJ 07822 Call: 201-579-5656 • Fax: 201-579-5637 STORR TRACTOR CO. 1385 Lakeland Ave. Bohemia, L.I., N.Y. 11716 516-589-5222 3191 U.S. Highway 22 Somerville, N. J. 08876 201-722-9830 ’’Here’s the rest of the story” World renowned radio journalist and author Paul Harvey reported on a Wilmington, North Carolina, confer­ ence he had attended on the previous day. The transcript from Mr. Harvey’s radio segment of March 25 appears below: “Paul Harvey reporting: “Golfers of many or most of the magnificent golf courses are missing something important this spring—bird song. Greenskeepers have denied that their pesticides are killing their birds, but they can’t deny it anymore. A conference yesterday in Wilmington, North Carolina, heard recom­ mendations on how to make golf courses more environmen­ tally friendly. Pesticides on golf courses are polluting coastal fishing waters in some places. More than fifty different chemicals are used on golf courses to kill insects and weeds and rodents, and regulation of the use of those chemicals is almost nonexistent. The USGA is presently completing its own three-year study, but the bottom line seems to be that some course designers and some who maintain them will not behave unless there are new laws to require it. ” The reaction from the golf course community has been strong. Locally, Gary E. Nokes, superintendent at Bey Lea Municipal Golf Course, took the time to write on this for “The Greenerside.” Allen James, executive director of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), wrote a polite but informative rebuttal to Mr. Harvey. RISE is a national association of manufacturers and others associated with products used on golf courses and other urban situa­ tions. The fact of the matter is a speaker at the conference made statements that had no scientific backing and were repeated and amplified by Mr. Harvey. The RISE letter discussed the joint projects with the New York Audubon Society, the extensive testing and regulation of golf course pesticides and the fact that there are no studies, which show that golf courses are polluting the coastal fishing waters. If, after reading Gary Nokes article, you wish to write to Mr. Harvey, his address is as follows: Mr. Paul Harvey, 360 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601. named Paul Harvey. For years I have admired this man and anxiously await the daily syndicated broadcast of his “News and Comment.” Mr. Harvey is a very wise and intelligent man, and has an interesting, conservative viewpoint. As he began talking about a golf course, my ears perked up even more. Evidently there were some birds killed on a golf course, according to Mr. Harvey, from the misuse of pesticides. He went on to inform the United States that golf courses often use more than 50 different pesticides. He made a comment that the golf course industry (targeting both architects and greenskeepers) was hardly regulated concern­ ing pesticide use, and that the only way to eliminate this pesticide problem would be to impose much tighter regula­ tions and penalties. I became outraged upon listening to such nonsense and such foolish accusations. I would like to show Mr. Harvey, first hand, the 800 to 1,000 geese that reside at Bey Lea all fall, winter and early spring, not to mention the number of various species of ducks, song birds, deer, rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, fox, fish, etc. To the best of my knowledge we have never lost one animal due to an improper pesticide application in the twenty-one years I have been associated with this golf course. As an environmentally conscious golf course superinten­ dent, I felt hurt and betrayed when I heard this report from an individual I have admired even as a child. I immediately notified Chris Carson and Kirk Kahler of the GCSAA to make them aware of the detrimental impact this could have on our profession. I felt as though Mr. Harvey should be educated to the important role our golf courses play, not only to the golfing public, but to the wildlife that abound on our beautiful facilities. He should also see our professional attitudes concerning the maintenance of our precious eco­ systems. This event even further substantiates the “fish­ bowl” theory that we operate under on a daily basis. RES. 201-992-2335 BUS. 201-227-7183 BETRAYED BY AN OLD FRIEND by Gary E. Nokes It was Thursday, March 25 at twelve noon, when I took time out of a hectic spring schedule to sit down for a few minutes, eat a sandwich, and listen to a man on the radio GOLF COURSE & LANDSCAPE MATERIALS DECORATIVE STONE • WHITE SAND • TOPSOIL Humus-Tee & Green mix • Bark Mulch Earthlife Established 1953 460 HORSENECK RD. FAIRFIELD. NJ 07004 The Tri-State Turf Research Foundation update Most of you are aware of the very positive accomplishments made by Dr. Bruce Clark, Rutgers University, with his Patch Disease by Ed Walsh, CGCS research. The majority of superintendents in our area have utilized his recommendations to control these devastating diseases. I hope most are also aware that the funding for this research came from the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation Grant. I hope you all know that the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation is you. You support it by asking your clubs to contribute $150. You support it by your membership in the GCSANJ which contributes $2,500. You support it by letting us know what problems you are experiencing, and, if those problems are widespread, you can bet the members of the foundation committee will give them serious consid­ eration for future grants just as we did with Patch Disease. We are presently funding a research project headed by Dr. Michael Villani, Cornell University. Dr. Villani is looking a nematodes that attack grubs. Ciba-Geigy has experienced good results with this same idea through their product Exhibit, which controls Cut and Sod Web Worm. These biological control products represent the future of our profession and, more importantly, the future of our environ­ ment. I am certain that the Foundation will always be receptive to supporting research that takes an environmental initiative. You will be receiving your yearly support request in the near future. You will also receive a report on Dr. Villani’s research. Please look that report over and call me if any questions arise. I would also suggest you make copies of the report available to your committees and membership so they can see the direction their contribution is taking. I can’t think of anyone who would not want to support the safer, healthier environment that exists with great golf conditions. GREEN T LIQUID FERTILIZER For golf course greens, tees and other fine turf areas. • Clear liquid-100% water soluble • Quick green up • Compatible with pesticides • Does not leach or evaporate • Maintains rich green color • Low burn potential • Organic Nitrogen • Controlled release ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE The Grass is always Greener on the GREEN-T side! PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Manufacturers of Fluid Fertilizers Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 • 609-448-0935 800-562-1291 • FAX 609-443-8038 MOVING LARGE LOADS? STEVEN WILLAND HAS IT! The Turf-Truckster® can do it. Cushman ® Professional Turf Equipment Many features include: • 3 Engine choices • Heavy-duty carbon steel channel frame • Standard hydraulics with auxiliary outlets • Ground speed governor • Increased capacity higher torque differential • Two-speed axle • Larger hydraulic brakes • 2,500 lb capacity • By Ransomes America Corporation P.O. Box 9, Rt. 206, Augusta, NJ 07822 Call: 201-579-5656 • Fax: 201-579-5637 X marks the spot by Ed Walsh, CGCS You know, when you get to middle age some real obvious signs start to show up. One of these is that the years that consume middle age change. You folks in this group know just what I am talking about, don’t you? Remember when you were 25, and you thought middle age went from 35 to 50? Now that I am 47, all of a sudden middle age goes from 45 to 60, and I’ll bet anything that as I get closer to 60 the number will rise again. I honestly can’t wait until I am 65, because then middle age will probably end around my 70th birthday. Another thing that really gets me down is the guys that I know are older than me, but for some strange reason now either look the same age, or worse, younger. I am certain that Pete Pedrazzi is in the mid 50 range. I am pretty sure because we used to room together at the GCSAA conventions a few years back, and I can remember him having his 50th birthday during one of those years. I always thought Pete took real good care of himself and was in pretty good shape for his age. Well, over the past few years, I started to realize that he still looks good, and that I must have passed him at some point because he’s in a lot better shape than me. Matter of fact, most people would think we are the same age. Now that can seem like a compliment to him, but if we look the same now, what’s going to happen to me in the next five years? Could be an awful thought. SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY OF THE GARDEN STATE KEN KUBIK (201) 361-5943 Another guy that I think looks young for his age is Ray Hanson. Now only folks who were around here 20 years ago will remember Ray, but I know most who see him at the conventions will probably agree. Ray lives and works in Del Ray, Florida, and the sun and warmth have done him well. Ray is the type who enjoys himself. He has a boat and really loves to fish. Ray has even been know to have an occasional beer. He’s got to be five to eight years older than me but, like Pete, looks no worse than my age. I can’t tell you how much this is really starting to get me down. It’s bothering me so much that I have to do something real quick. I know, I’ll go to lunch with Jack Martin and Billy Koonz. They always make me feel better about myself. Especially if I pick up the check. Golf Construction Inc. Turn-Key Golf Course Construction 908-469-7782 TEE AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE . RETAINING WALLS IRRIGATION . PONDS OTTERBINE INSTALLATION MEMBER OF NJ TURF GRASS ASSOC. & GCSANJ Yours in turf by Douglas A. Vogel As the eighteen inches of snow slowly disappeared, the first signs of Spring started to emerge. The small yellow crocus, the tips of the daffodil bulbs, the swelling of the dogwood buds, and the twelve inches of water covering the low end of the course. This is an annual tradition at Packanack. The low end consists of seven out of the nine holes. The two holes on the dry side get a lot of our attention in the Spring and always show it in the weeks to come. The seven wet ones are tended to by boat as the raised greens seldom go under. Like sunken treasure on the ocean floor, the fusarium gleams in the sun as you row over it to reach each green to cut, roll and broadcast fungicide. With the water rising, we had no choice but to go ahead with the first inter-club tournament of the year. Our mem­ ber geese played host to John O’Keefe’s from Preakness Hills Country Club. With the newly expanded ponds, they seemed to have a great time. Unfortunately for John, none inquired about membership at our club. A second sign of Spring was the exiting of the Army Corps of Engineers. The two drilling rigs got off the course just a few days before the flood. Their two week job lasted two months this Winter as they drilled core samples for the proposed Passaic River Basin Flood Tunnel. They left behind The Johnny Cash song, "Five Feet High and Rising", kept running through my mind as / looked out over my goif course, and / thought to myself, Spring has finally arrived. some plywood which is now floating in all directions and also a transmis­ sion fluid slick floating on #7 fairway. They said they would be off the course by Spring and they were. The Johnny Cash song, “Five Feet High and Rising,” kept running through my mind as I looked out over my golf course, and I thought to myself, Spring has finally arrived. The calendar tells me it has. Mother Nature has shown me it has, and the arrival of the wise guy golfer who, oblivious to the circumstances, asked, “How does it look for Saturday?” SAVE TIME • WATER • MONEY Get your course on AXIS the Amercian made porous ceramic. Incorporate AXIS into the root zone Aerify or Rototill Since 1923 Geo. Schofield Co., Inc. P.O. BOX 110, BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08805 • White Trap Sand • Top Dressing Sand • Construction Mixes • Drainage Gravels • Suprgro Topsoil • Landscape Products • Compost • Cart Path Materials • Bagged Lime & Gypsum Products • Increase the gas exchange in the soil • Resist compaction • Increase water holding • Increase percolation AGRO-TECH 2000, Inc. OVER 60 YEARS OF QUALITY SERVICE (908) 356-0858 Exclusive distributor of Break-Thru a non ionic wetting agent Agroroots/Marine-Gro organic biostimulants AXIS a diatomaceous earth soil amendment 908/922-4743 215/598-3132 Whose future is it? Whose career is it? by Jim Gilligan, CGCSThis essay is written both as a prologue and an epilogue to a talk I will present at our May meeting. It is a prologue for me to arrange my thoughts for the meeting night. It is an epilogue for you to read when the words are finished. My primary purpose in presenting these thoughts is to trigger you into taking an inventory of your career. Or choose to use your experience and create a different career. Secondly, we need to take a look at where we fit in the hierarchy of golf course management. And, thirdly, to solidify our position in order to be successful professionally and to be a strong partner for others in the golf course management partnership. Taking an inventory of a career simply involves listing a resume of our working positions, detailing our education and selecting our accomplishments. Could you have chosen a better place to work? Did you actually seek out a job at a golf course of your choice or accept the first one that opened up? Was the superintendent progressive? Did you inquire about the superintendent from current and past employees? Was the golf course using current techniques; was there new equipment when you made one of your visits? Did the maintenance facility meet your expectations? Did you sense that employee safety was a priority? These are only a few of the questions we need to be asking when we review our position. When reading some of these questions, can we improve ourselves without making a job change? Our last thought about changing jobs, make it for yourself, avoid letting someone else make that decision for you. I did a little research into one of the most important GCSANJ publications: the Membership Directory. In comparing the 1989 Directory with the 1992 Directory, there was a 34% turnover in positions among the A and B mem­ bers. Included in that statistic were about 15% of those members who were no longer superintendents. Scientifically it doesn’t compare with the Gallup Poll, but it is an indica­ tion that none of us can feel totally secure. A second thought that has always intrigued me, “Are golf course superintendents losing their authority to make the decisions that affect the quality of golf course condition­ ing?” Is our managerial position being replaced with a stewardship position? If there are forces changing our position, we need to strengthen our responsibility. We become certified. We learn and employ proven managerial techniques. We communicate effectively. We participate in our progress. Even though we may sense a loss of authority, we may have to accept the changing role of superintendents and the increased involvement of upper management in the decisions that affect our responsibility. We can develop a strong partnership within the golf structure by taking the lead in developing strategies, planning objectives and setting goals for the golf course and not sitting back to wait for unwork­ able solutions. I’ve offered some thoughts for your consideration. I’m convinced we must take an increased role in our professional development by initiating programs and not waiting for programs to be dictated to us. At the May meeting you may not hear all the words written here, but as Robert Trent Jones, Sr. said about Augusta National, “This course has always been a work in progress.” GCSANJ NEWS (Continued from page 9) Compliance Summary 1. Review standards and laws applicable to your work­ place 2. Compile chemical inventory list 3. Hazard determination (e.g., flammable, corrosive) 4. Obtain or develop MSDS (existing and new) 5. Insure that containers are properly labeled 6. Prepare written Haz Com Program 7. Develop procedures for employee training 8. Develop procedures for informing others (e.g., subcon­ tractors) 9. Keep training records 10. Employee training acknowledgment 11. Keep current on Haz Com regulations NOTE: Labels must be in English and applicable to lan­ guage of employees. There is a tremendous amount of information that we must understand in order to comply with the guidelines set by the state and federal authorities. If you do not understand the guidelines set forth or need more information, contact your insurance agent, and he will assist you. PS. Also a special thank you to Dr. Hooghem from Monsanto for his presentation on the “Public Misperception of Chemicals. ” Back Nine LYME DISEASE LAWSUIT Four railroad workers won a $565,000 lawsuit against the Long Island Railroad in compensation for contracting Lyme Disease while working in underbrush around the signals near the tracks. Their lawyer successfully argued that the railroad should have done more to control the growth of the brush which likely harbored the deer tick. NATIONAL ARBOR DAY BILL INTRODUCED New Jersey Congressman, Herbert Klein of the 8th Congressional District has introduced a bill to make the last Friday in April, National Arbor Day. He is seeking the support of members of the House of Representatives to co­ sponsor this bill. Harry Banker, Sr., past president of the New Jersey International Society of Arboriculture and president of the Committee for National Arbor Day, has long championed this cause. With a little help from inter­ ested GCSANJ members, this could be the year. If you’re interested, contact Harry at P.O. Box 333, West Orange, NJ 07052 or urge your congressman to support this bill. US EPA HOTLINE CUT BACK The EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has announced that its toll free hotline (800-858-7378), National Pesticides Telecommunications Network (NPTN), for pesticide poisoning incidents and information has reduced its hours. It is now available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. It was previously a seven day a week, 24 hour line. RUTGERS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE ’'INSECT-DISEASE-WEED NEWSLETTER" The newsletter has been canceled after two years of paid subscription service. For those wishing to receive information normally contained in this newsletter, contact the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin Board Service at (201) 579-0985. SAND DECLARED A HUMAN CARCINOGEN—IN CALIFORNIA Sandbox sand in California now bears this warning: “may contain ... crystalline silica ... known to the State of California to cause cancer.” Crystalline silica is a probable carcinogen, but is believed by most experts to be only a real threat to miners, sand blasters and those who are inhaling the crystals. For those of us who work with soil (which contains silica) or walk the beaches or get caught in a sand trap on a golf course, the threat is remote. Silica makes up one quarter of the earth’s surface, and if it’s really a threat, there is likely no way to avoid it. If the sandbox sand is labeled, will the sand in the bunkers be posted in California? I’ve got worms, and you could get them too! Worms! Big red ones. The kind that love to eat up yard and kitchen waste and turn it into soil. Yes, I’ve got worms, and I’d be happy to share their benefits with you. What a line! What a hook! Bruce Van Duyne, Passaic County Organics Manage­ ment Specialist, has started a county-wide special demon­ stration project to determine just how much food can be consumed each week by red worms used in food scrap composting bins. The worms convert vegetable and fruit scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds and alike into top quality, high organic soil. If you’d like to learn more about the power of the compost pile, contact Bruce at (201) 305- 5738. Lightning, the underrated killer by Robert Lindmeier Reproduced in part with permission of the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association, “The Grass Roots” Vol. XX No. 5, 1992. Mr. Lindmeier is the Chief Meteorolo­ gist for WKOW-TV in Wisconsin. As an avid golfer and meteorologist, I am especially aware that golf courses and lightning can be a deadly combination. How dangerous is light­ ning? Lightning kills and injures more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods or hurricanes. Although no exact figures on lightning fatalities are available—there is no central agency to which lightning accidents must be reported—it is thought to average be­ tween 150 to 300 annually. However, most people usually don’t realize the magnitude of lightning deaths because they usually don’t attract nationwide attention as do the more spectacular hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Golf courses provide one of the more dangerous settings for lightning deaths and injuries. It is esti­ mated approximately twenty percent of all outdoor recreationists killed by lightning are golfers. Why are golf courses so danger­ ous? Golf courses are generally open areas away from buildings with lone trees scattered about the area. The lightning stroke generally wants to take the shortest distance from the cloud to the ground, so objects extending up from the earth’s surface are going to be attracted by lightning discharge, such as lone trees, people sitting on golf carts, or a golfer at the top of his backswing with a three iron in hand! The largest single category of lightning deaths is composed of people who seek refuge under a tree during thunderstorms, and perhaps a third of these are golfers. However, it should be noted that about two-thirds of people involved in lightning accidents subsequently make a com­ plete recovery. Most, if not all, of these survivors are probably not struck directly by lightning, but instead receive electrical shock from being in the close vicinity of a strike. (Please turn to page 20) SPECIAL OFFER! TEST DRIVE A DUAL Call us for a FREE three-day tryout in your workshop.* □ We’ll bring the machine right to you and pick it up. □ No charge. □ Your chance to precision grind your reels on the world’s best spin grinder. Subject to scheduling and machine availability. EXPRESS DUAL Storr Tractor Company 3191 US Highway 22, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 908-722-9830 Scare Tactics on pesticides mislead the public Now that the golfing season has begun in earnest, and your golfers may bring their worries and concerns about pesticides to you, here’s an excellent piece to answer their concerns. by C. Everett Koop - Dr. Koop was surgeon general of the United States from 1981 to 1989 Back in my former incarnation as a surgeon, I was distressed when cyclamates were taken out of soft drinks. I had found Fresca very much to my liking. The reason these substances were banned was because of experiments on rodents. The scientists found that high doses of cyclamates cause cancer in rats. Translating those scientific studies to someone my size, I would have had to drink four bathtubs full of Fresca daily for about eight years to have an equivalent dosage. Those who read murder mysteries know that with poison, it is the dose that counts. With coffee, it takes 96 cups to deliver a toxic dose of caffeine, and with turkey, 3.8 tons to deliver a toxic dose of malonaldehyde. In the days of my early surgical career, the state of the art in detecting the concentration of toxins was beginning to approach a sensitivity of one part per million. Anything below that was considered to be zero residue. In 1965, we were able to test for parts per billion; by 1975, parts per trillion. And now, we are approaching the time when we will be able to test for parts per quadrillion. Even parts per million is a minuscule measurement. Converted to time, it is one second per two years. Parts per billion converts to one second every 32 years. And parts per trillion comes out in time to a sensitivity of one second every 32,000 years. Americans are concerned because they are confused. They are confused because no one sorts out for them various components of what has become the food safety issue. The public does not have a very good grasp of the relationship between the dose of a toxic substance and its risk in human beings. Their information comes from those who revel in using scare tactics instead of science to warn the public about dangers in the food supply. These scare tactics lead us down the wrong path. We end up creating concern where it isn’t necessary and ignor­ ing concerns that are real. For instance, some people think that all manmade substances, such as pesticides, should be removed from our food supply, and that everything occurring in nature is beneficial. To sell nothing except foods untreated by pesticides would not only leave storekeepers with rotting food but would also fail to protect the consumer against molds that in high enough concentration can be lethal. People who are so worried about pesticides fail to realize that the cancer rates have dropped over the past 40 years. Stomach cancer has dropped more than 75 percent, while rectal cancer has dropped more than 65 percent. In the food supply—as in all other public health ques­ tions—we need better understanding of the difference between risk and hypothetical risk. There is risk in almost everything we do, so we need to concentrate on the differences. The chances of you being killed in a motor vehicle (1 in 6,000) are much more real than are threats from pesticides. Yet that doesn’t keep us off the road, either as passengers or as pedestrians. There is another concern I have. By focusing on a hypothetical risk, like that from pesticides, not only do people find their anxiety levels elevated, but by focusing on a straw man, they also feel that they are doing something to improve their health. In so doing, they often neglect all the other things that they could be doing more readily, more legitimately and with greater effect, such as paying attention to smoking, alcohol, exercise, balanced diet and so on. Our food is not only the safest but also the most abun­ dant in the world. Science and good sense will eventually prevail, but not until the pesticide terrorists have had another lick or two. Reprinted with permission of "Progressive Farmer" Copyright, January 1992. Lightning, the underrated killer (Continued from page 19) When lightning threatens, all lightning experts agree that the most important thing you can do is get inside a home or a large building, or inside a vehicle. In a golf course setting this means getting the golfers back to the clubhouse before the thunderstorms move overhead. Golf courses use a number of methods to get some kind of advance warning of thunderstorms. Some watch the ‘Weather Channel” on TV or listen to the NOAA Weather Radio for location of thunderstorms. Other courses do nothing more than listen to an AM radio for lightning induced static. Even tan or brown lawns benefit the environment by Dr. James B. Beard International Turfgrass Science Institute The green color of outdoor vegetation is one of the healthy, desirable components in a favorable quality-of-life, and green grass is one of the key symbols of this quality. However, ideal climatic conditions for maintaining a green lawn are not always present. Extended droughts occur with various frequencies depending on the climatic charac­ teristics of a given region. Certain species/cultivars of both warm- and cool-season turfgrasses have enhanced survival capabilities under extended drought stress and should be selected for use in those climatic regions where extended drought stress is a reoccurring concern. Research at Texas A & M University has shown that certain cultivars of bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and seashore paspalum can remain green for more than five months under extended drought stress. Creeping Bentgrass It's outperforming some well-known competition with Its dense, upright growth and attractive color! To learn more contact: Lofts Seed Inc. Chimney Rock Rd. Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (908) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890 WHEN TURFGRASS BECOMES DORMANT If the drought stress is long enough, the turfgrass leaves will eventually turn tan to golden to brown in color and the plant enters a state of dormancy. This is an important survival mechanism, which the perennial turfgrasses pos­ sess. While the leaves are brown and essentially dead, the vital meristematic areas of basal crowns and, more impor­ tantly, the meristematic nodes on lateral stems of under­ ground rhizomes remain alive and healthy. When subsequent rainfall reoccurs, these living meristematic areas of the crown and stem nodes are capable of initiating new shoot and root systems, resulting in full recovery of the turf including a green attractive appearance. Thus, a drought resistant, perennial creeping turfgrass in a tan to brown condition during drought stress is not dead. Rather, it is in a dormant nongrowing state and has the capability to recover relatively quickly once the drought period ceases. ACCEPTING THE NATURAL CONDITION OF TURFGRASS Homeowners have the option of either irrigating peren­ nial turfgrasses during the drought stress period or allowing them to enter the tan to brown dormant state. The latter option is of particular significance where water supplies are limited during the summer water/heat stress period. Unfortu­ nately, certain homeowners have viewed turfs as an orna­ mental surface which should remain green at all times. It has been quite acceptable for deciduous tree leaves to turn brown in the fall and eventually drop to ground, leaving only the brown wood and bark during the winter dormancy period. Leaves of certain tree species turn attractive colors of yellows, reds, and purples during the season. There also are species and cultivars of turfgrasses that behave in a similar manner in terms of reddish and purplish leaf colora­ tions during the autumn low temperature discoloration phase. BENEFICIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF DORMANT TURFGRASS It is important to emphasize that a dormant tan or brown colored turf is not necessarily undesirable and, in fact, can continue to make important beneficial contributions to the environment, in addition to functioning as a water conserva­ tion entity during periods of drought stress. The benefits to (Please turn to page 22) Lawns that benefit the environment (Continued from page 21) our trufgrass environment and quality-of-life that are retained by tan to brown dormant turfgrasses include the following: • Erosion Control. Even during the midsummer brown dormancy period turfs retain their superior capability to control soil erosion and, in turn, also protect the quality of surface waters in streams and lakes. • Mud and Dust Stabilization. The movement of dust and mud into residential houses and places of employment can be a significant problem that is substantially reduced through the use of turfgrasses to stabilize the extensive soil areas. Nongreen dormant turfs continue to play an impor­ tant role in this valuable function of enhancing our quality- of-life. • Water Entrapment-Ground Water Recharge-Flood Control. Turfs in a nongreen dormant state continue to function as one of the better vegetations for water entrap­ ment, which in turn increases ground water recharge. This unique capability as it reduces the extent of costly man­ made structures required for flood control, especially where the watershed is dominated by relatively imperme­ able surfaces. • Organic Chemical Degradation. The turfgrass-soil ecosystem contains a very large, diverse population of microorganisms with extraordinary capabilities in the degradation of organic compounds, including pesticides. The intensity of microorganism activity would be lessened during dormant periods caused by water stress, but the capability is still retained to a certain extent and can be accelerated quickly to pre-drought levels once rainfall occurs. • Carbon Storage. The fibrous, dense root system of turfgrasses contributes substantially to soil organic matter levels and resultant carbons storage. This function contin­ ues in a positive manner during nongreen dormancy peri­ ods, such as a drought stress. • Noise Abatement. The canopy morphology that functions in noise abatement is retained during the tan to brown dormancy period induced by drought stress. There­ fore, brown turfs continue to provide an important benefi­ cial dimension in the abatement of unwanted noises. STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY TURF and INDUSTRIAL DIVISION 201 WINDSOR RD. • POTTSTOWN, PA 19464 AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR: BUNTON REEL MOWERS • CUSHMAN TURF CUSHMAN FRONT LINE MOWERS CUSHMAN INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL VEHICLES RYAN TURF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT RANSOMES TURF EQUIPMENT HOWARD PRICE TURF EQUIPMENT S.D.I. SPRAYING EQUIPMENT VICON SPREADERS • BECK TRAILERS MITSUBISHI MIGHTY MITS TRUCKS_________________ 800-724-1024 GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB SIGNAGE DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORP - (908) 988 5400 T AR P A C TOP-DRESSING GOL F C OU RSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS PLUS GREEN & TEE CONSTRUCTION MIXES, WHITE TRAP SANDS, CART PATH & DIVOT REPAIR MIXES AND MUCH MORE! DISTRIBUTED IN NJ. BY: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY HOWARD SCOTT, 215-483-5000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS KEN KUBIK, 201-361-5943 FISHER & SON CO. FRANK FISHER, 215-644-3300 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. ERNIE RIZZIO, 201-263-1234 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 908-637-4191 PATRON DIRECTORY ♦ AGRO-TECH 2000, INC Axis/lsolite/Agroroots/Break-Thru Peter Van Drumpt - Chris Des Garennes (908) 922-4743; (215) 598-3132 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY Topdressings, golf course supplies Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma (908) 322-6132 ALPINE, THE CARE OF TREES Complete tree care Michael Cook; (201) 445-4949 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation Equip. Distrib. Phil Demarco - Jerry Purcell (609) 561-1777; (800) 524-0895 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturer of Water Management Products. Andy Moore - Phil O'Brien - Drew Effron (800) 257-7797 ATLANTIC MILLS INC. Tee Accessories, Towels, Detergent Peter Donnelly - Jack Brady - Laura Irving (908) 774-4882 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Design & Consulting Jim Barrett; (201) 744-8237 SKY BERGEN Sales to the Professional Turf Industry S.J. Bergen, Jr.; (201) 635-6469 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS Topdressing, Sand Gene Evans; (717) 443-9596 BRUEDAN CORP. Yamaha Golf Cars/Yamahauler Jay Antonelli - Michael Gesmundo (800) 535-1500 CIBA-GEIGY CORP. Turf and Ornamental Products Randy Moser, (215) 343-5654 Michael Oleykowski, (609) 267-8041 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan Cruse - Jim Cruse; (201) 227-7183 DE BUCK'S SOD FARM Sod Farm Leonard M. DeBuck; (914) 258-4131 DISPRO DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORP. Sign and Display Manufacturing Jerry Blaine; (908) 988-5400 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Distributor Jerome Pearlman - Nancy Pearlman (908) 329-9292 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Greens Topdressing, Construction Mixes, Bentgrass Sod Jeff Lacour - John Strickland - Dean Snyder (410) 335-3700; (800) 899-7645 E-Z-GO/TEXTRON, INC. New & Used Golf Cars & Turf Equip. Tom Sauer, Branch Mgr.; John Myers, No. & Cen. NJ; Pau, Proter, So. NJ (609) 586-4000 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. Turf Equipment Dealership Dennis Wagner - Tom Wojcik - Ray Finch (800) 78-DEERE FISHER & SON CO., INC. Grass seed, Fertilizers, Chemicals Allan C. Phillips- Frank Fisher-Mike Fisher (800) 262-2127; (609) 478-6704 ♦ FLANAGANS LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR, INC. Landscape Contractor Robert J. Flanagan - Roger P. Flanagan - Christine Flanagan (908) 469-7782 ♦ VIC GERARD GOLF CARS, INC. Sales & Service Vic Gerard, Jr.; (800) 339-4302; (908) 938-4464 GOLF CARS, INC. Club Car Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles, Sales, Service, Leasing Jon F. Schneider, Genl. Mgr. - John A. Czerwinski, Rep. - Linda A. Wunsch, Sis. Mgr. (215) 340-0880; FAX (215) 340-1634 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik; (201) 361-5943 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones - Keith Evans - Greg Muirhead (201) 744-4031 STEPHEN KAY, GOLF COURSE ARCHI­ TECTS Restoration, Master Planning, Consultation Stephen Kay - Ron Turek (914) 699-4437; FAX (914) 699-4479 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY INC. Distributors Turf Irrigation William F. Koonz, Jr. (201) 379-9314 LONGO MOTOR & PUMP INC. Electric motor, Pump repair, Sales Jim Austin (201) 539-4141 (x336) RALPH MCCILLAN EXCAVATING Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan; (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Paving, Excavating, Cart Paths, Tee and Trap Construction Joseph Mercadante - Robert Mercadante (201) 467-8622; FAX (201) 467-8419 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Rick Apgar - Scott Apgar - Joe Stahl (914) 666-3171; FAX (914) 666-9183 MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION Surf-Side Wetting Agent/Zap! Defoamer Bob Oechsle; (215) 836-4992 NK LAWN & CARDEN CO. Turfgrasses for the professional user George Rosenberg, Br. Mgr. Sky Bergen, Turf Spec. (800) 828-5856 NOR-AM CHEMICAL CO. Manufacturer of Fine Turf Chemicals Shaun M. Barry (908) 846-8173 NORTHEASTERN ASSOCIATES Sales & Service for Golf Course Industry Vincent Dujets - Chuck Kolenut (201) 227-0359 P & P EXCAVATING INC. Excavation Bob Laner (201) 227-2030; (201) 227-2819 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing Jim Kelsey; (908) 637-4191 PAVALEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Tony Pavelec; (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec; (201) 939-6182 LEBANON TURF PRODUCTS Fertilizer Manufacturer Steve Chirip - Bill Smith - Alan Kulibaba - Chris Zelley (800) 233-0628; NJ (201) 329-4011 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Ted Platz - Anthony "Rip" Rippel (609) 448-0935; (800) 562-1291 FAX (609) 443-8038 LEON'S SOD FARMS Sod Grower Samuel Leon - Irene Leon - Wayne Berger (908) 996-2255 LESCO, INC. Manufacturer & distributor of Green Indus­ try products Dan Cavallo; (800) 321-5325 LOFTS SEED INC. Turfgrass Seed Company John Morrissey - Dr. Rich Hurley (908) 356-8700; (800) 526-3890 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS INC. Professional Turf Seed, Fertilizer & Chemi­ cals Craig Lambert; (201) 663-3368 Ingrid Kern; (215) 750-1732 Brad Simpkins; (609) 758-7620 CEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Golf Course Supplier (sands, stone, soil products) Kevin Schofield - Bob Carson - Tom Casmer (908) 356-0858 THE SCOTTS COMPANY - PROTURF DIV. Turf Fertilizers, Protectants, Seed Fran Berdine, (914) 361-4105 Steve Rudich, (215) 253-4003 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Granular Turf Products, Grass Seed Gerald Fountain; (800) 522-4769 SHEARON ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Golf Course Design and Construction Chip Kern (609) 466-0666; (215) 828-5488 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Mary Lou Deschamps - Gene Tarulli - Paul Granger (908) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO. INC. Well Drilling, Pumps & Pump Repairs William L. Stothoff III (Pete) - William E. Snyder (908) 782-2717 ♦ STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Turf Equipment and Supplies John Barrow - Charlie McGill, Jr. (215) 495-7441 SWEENEY SEED COMPANY Turfgrass Seed Jeffrey Shockley - Andrew Sweeney (215) 275-2710 TARGET ENVIRONMENTAL CO. INC. Environmental Consultants/Contractors Mark Hartman - Linda Crane (609) 692-7575 ♦ TEE AND GREEN SOD INC. Bentgrass, fine fescue and ryegrass sod blends, washed sod David Wallace; (401) 789-8177 TERRE CO. OF NJ. Seed, Fertilizer, Nursery Stock Byron Johnson - Bryan Bolehala - Pat O'Neil (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Golf Course Supplies Ernie Rizzio; 334-6684 Buddy Rizzio; 335-5499 Ron Lake; 875-8246 (201) 263-1234 WILFRED MCDONALD Turf Maintenance Equipment Dennis DeSanctis - Blair Quin - Mike Pelrine (201) 365-6801 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Distributor Mark Ericson - Bruce Pye - Rich Brandel (201) 579-5656 ♦ New Patrons for 1993 Baltusrol • Bedens Brook • Canoe Brook • Shackamaxon • Spring Brook • Timber Trails and others . . . What do the superintendents of these prestigious golf courses have in common? They use the services of . . . KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY ... the smart choice for all your irrigation needs Service Excellence • Complete inventory • Service assistance and technical support • 25 years experience KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Quality product Lines Distributors of RAIN BIRD® HUNTER® WEATHERMATIC® Sprinkler Equipment 39 Waverly Avenue • Springfield, N. J. 07081 (201) 379-9314 Branch Offices: Wall Township • Toms River • Hackensack