USGA 
GREEN SECTION 
RECORD

GOLF COURSE PLANTINGS

The 18th at Southern Hills. Native oak trees on either side of the fairway 
frame the hole and the view of the clubhouse. A discussion of golf course 
plantings appears in this issue.

oa rnsuw

Published by the United States Golf Association

© 1966 by United States Golf Association. Permission to reproduce articles or material in the USGA 
GREEN SECTION RECORD is granted to publishers of newspapers and periodicals (unless specifically 
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articles nor other material may be copied or used for any advertising, promotion or commercial purposes.

VOL. 4, No. 4

NOVEMBER 1966

Planting the Golf Course by Holman M. Griffin ..........................................  1

Golf Course Maintenance Equipment by Lee Record ..................................  7

Power Sprayers by Albert Newberger ..........................................................  8

Turf Twisters ............................................................................................ Back  Cover

Published six times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November by the UNITED 
STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION, 40 East 38th ST., NEW YORK, N. Y. 10016. Subscription: $2 a year. 
Single copies: 35<J. Subscriptions and address changes should be sent to the above address. Articles, photo­
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Rutherford, N. J. Office of Publication: 315 Railroad Avenue, East Rutherford, N. J.

Editor: Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson 

Managing Editor: Robert Sommers

THE GREEN SECTION OF THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION
Green Section Committee Chairman: Henry H. Russell, P. O. Box 697, Perrine, Fla. 33157.

Green Section Agronomists and Offices

EASTERN REGION
Northeastern Office: P. O. Box 1237, 
Highland Park, N. J. 08904
Alexander M. Radko, Director, Eastern Region 
Holman M. Griffin, Northeastern Agronomist 
Raymond E. Harman, Northeastern Agronomist 
Albert Newberger, Northeastern Agronomist 
Lee Record, Northeastern Agronomist

Southeastern Office: P. O. Box 4213, 
Campus Station, Athens, Ga. 30601

James B. Moncrief, Southeastern Agronomist

MID-CONTINENT REGION 
Southwestern Office: Texas A&M University, 
College Station, Texas 77843
Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson, Director, Mid-Continent 
Region and National Research Coordinator

Mid-Western Office: Room 905, 
211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611 

James L. Holmes, Mid-Western Agronomist

WESTERN REGION
Western Office: P. O. Box 567, 
Garden Grove, Calif. 92642
William H. Bengeyfield, Director, Western Region

USGA OFFICERS AND
PRESIDENT: Wm. Ward Foshay, New York, N. Y.

VICE-PRESIDENTS: Hord W. Hardin, St. Louis, 

Mo. Philip H. Strubing, Philadelphia, Pa.

SECRETARY: Robert K. Howse, Wichita, Kans.

TREASURER: Fred Brand, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The above officers and: 
Victor N. Carter, Houston, Texas; Robert F. 
Dwyer, Portland, Ore.; Edward L. Emerson, Bos­
ton, Mass. ; C. McD. England, Huntington, W.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Va.; Lynford Lardner, Jr., Milwaukee, Wis. : 
Eugene S. Pulliam, Indianapolis, Ind.; Henry H. 
Russell, Miami. Fla. ; Lynn A. Smith, Pasadena, 
Calif.; Charles P. Stevenson, Buffalo, N. Y. ; 
Morrison Waud, Chicago, Ill.

GENERAL COUNSEL: Harton S. Semple, Sewick­

ley, Pa.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Joseph C. Dey, Jr.
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: P. J. Boatwright, Jr., 

Frank Hannigan

USGA HEADQUARTERS: “Golf House”, 40

East 38th Street, New York, N. Y. 10016

Planting the Golf Course

by Holman M. Griffin, Agronomist

Have you ever thought of a golf 

course as having character and 
ability to produce moods in the people 
who play it?

They do and can. However this sub­
ject has either been neglected or 
studied by only a few.

One of the most complete explora­
tions of the subject is a thesis by Mr. 
Richard Morgan Phelps, a candidate 
for a Masters degree at Iowa State 
University.

Mr. Phelps advances the thought 
that “by carefully selecting and placing 
plant materials on any site, the designer 
may create moods, produce beautiful 
views and vistas, enclose spaces, en­
hance architecture and land formations, 
provide beauty, color, texture, frag­
rance, and scale, create illusion, provide 
privacy, and make man’s environment 
more enjoyable in general.”

A golf course is an area providing 
unlimited possibilities for the use of 
plant materials to create moods and 
otherwise enhance the enjoyment found 
in playing.

The following excerpt is taken from 
Mr. Phelps’ thesis and is offered here 
as a guide to specific plant materials 
that may be used to satisfy the require­
ments of a golf course.

Greens

Trees that are to be placed near 
putting surfaces should possess charac­
teristics that will allow turfgrass on 
the green to grow without interference. 
These characteristics include deep root­
ing, light or filtered shade, absence of 
litter, small volumes of leaves, strong 
branching, lack of insects and diseases, 
and unobtrusive coloration. Unfortu­
nately no tree possesses all these 
characteristics.

As a result, trees with several of 
these characteristics are recommended. 
It must be emphasized that trees of 
many types are appropriate around 
greens, depending on their placement. 
Trees that are deep-rooting, strong, 
long-lived, and litter-free may cast 
dense shade or possess volumes of 
leaves. If these trees are placed so 
that their shadows are not cast upon 
the putting surface, they would be 
considered acceptable. Modern mulch­
ing equipment is able to handle the 
leaf problem easily. Many trees not 
mentioned in the following list may 
be used near greens, but they must 
be used with great care. The oaks 
CQuercus spp.) are of this type.

In general, shrubs are not recom­
mended in the vicinity of greens. In 
special cases, they may be useful as 
protection for nearby tees, or to help 
prevent a ball from going out-of- 
bounds. Some golf course architects 
might consider them desirable as 
obstacles.

Trees may be of any height; how­
ever, high-branching varieties are pre­
ferred. The outer foliage line of the 
tree at maturity should be not closer 
than 15 feet from the edge of the 
green. Trees to be placed far behind 
the green will be considered under the 
listing “backgrounds.”

Tees

Plant materials to be used in the 
vicinity of tees may possess charac­
teristics that differ from those placed 
around greens. Trees may be lower 
branching, possess larger volumes of 
leaves, and be more colorful. Shrubs 
are often valuable around tees as a 
means of providing color and fragrance. 
Care must be taken, however, to insure 

NOVEMBER, 1966

1

adequate air circulation, sunlight, and 
branching height for the tee area. Deep 
rooting trees should be specified to 
eliminate root problems. Many shallow­
rooting trees may be used if the tee 
area is properly watered to encourage 
deeper rooting by the tree.

Trees placed near the tee should be 
placed closer to the edges at the .rear 
of the tee and farther from the sides 
in front to allow ample clearance for 
a golf shot made from the rear. For 
the same reason, overhanging trees 
should not be used near the front of 
long tees.

Sunlight must reach all parts of the 
tee during a majority of the day to 
insure healthy turf. Trees and tall 
shrubs are valuable as shade providers 
if they are placed with care. Benches 
for resting may be placed in this shade 
while still allowing close proximity to 
the tee and full vision of the tee and 
fairway.

Fairways

Plant materials suited for fairways 
differ slightly from those used near 
greens and tees. Fairway turf requires 
adequate amounts of light and nutri­
ents. As a result, trees should be 
rather open and deep-rooted; shallow- 
rooted trees rob grasses of water and 
nutrients. Shrubs should not be used 
on fairways. Litter should be kept to 
a minimum, although leaves and small 
twigs are not as objectionable in fair­
ways as they are on greens. They may 
be easily mulched or removed by hoses, 
spray equipment, or rakes. Trees should 
be high-branching to avoid interference 
with a player’s swing. Trees may 
possess interesting color such as 
flowers, foliage, fruit, or bark. They 
may also be picturesque or symmetrical 
in shape.

Trees placed on fairways should be 
used sparingly and set in strategic 
locations. Placement of any trees in a 

fairway should be thoroughly and 
thoughtfully considered before they 
are specified. They have a definite place 
in the design of golf courses, but they 
must not be over-used.

Roughs

Trees and shrubs to be used in the 
rough may be of nearly any variety. 
Much will depend upon the type of golf 
facility, existing plant materials, and 
attitudes of local golfers. In general, 
municipal courses should use trees 
similar to those recommended for use 
on fairways. In addition, shrubs for 
use in the roughs should be avoided. 
Privately-owned courses open to the 
public where play is not as heavy, may 
specify either, or a combination of the 
two.

Plant materials in the roughs may 
be valued for their color, shape, bark, 
texture, specimen or massing use, and 
qualities as an obstacle. They should 
allow medium to high amounts of light 
to filter through to the turf and should 
be at least moderately free of insects 
and diseases, litter, and root problems. 
Some plant materials to be used out 
of the normal range of play will be 
mentioned under the subject: “Plants 
for Wildlife Areas.” Other plants to 
be used in remote areas of the course 
should be native to the area or should 
provide material for specific uses such 
as lumber, specimens for arboretums, 
or nursery stock.

Table 1
Plant Materials Recommended for 
Greens, Tees, Fairways, and Roughs

Scientific name

Common Name

Use*

Acer nigrum
Acer rubrum
Acer saccharum
Albizzia julibrissin
Alnus spp.
Amelanchier spp.
Betula lenta
Betula lutea
Betula nigra
Betula papyrifera
Betula populifolia
Catalpa speciosa

Black Maple
R
Red Maple
R
Sugar Maple
R
Silktree Albizzia G,T,F,R
Alders
R
Serviceberries
R
Sweet Birch
R
Yellow Birch
F,R
River Birch
G.T.F.R
Paper Birch
G.T.F.R
Gray Birch
G,T,F,R
R
Northern Catalpa

2

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD

Celtis laevigata
Celtis occidentalis 
Cercidiphyllum japonicum 
C er cis canadensis 
Chionanthus virginicus 
Cladrastis lutea 
Crataegus spp.
Diospyrus virginiana 
Elaeagnus angustifolia 
Fraxinus spp.
Ginkgo biloba
Gleditsia triacanthos 

in;rmis

Gymnocladus dioicus 
Halesia Carolina 
Kalopanax pietus 
Koelreuteria paniculata

Lagerstroemia indica 
Larix decidua
Larix laricina 
Liquidamber styraciflua 
Liriodendron tulipifera 
Malus spp.
Nyssa sylvatica 
Ostrya virginiana 
Oxydendrum arboreum 
Paulownia tomentosa 
Phellodendron amurense 
Phellodendron lavallei 
Pinus banksiana
Pinus flexilis
Pinus nigra
Pinus palustris 
Pinus ponderosa 
Pinus resinosa 
Pinus rigida 
Pinus strobus 
Pinus sylvestris 
Pinus taeda 
Platanus acerifolia 
Platanus occidentalis 
Quercus borealis 
Quercus coccinea 
Quercus palustris 
Quercus velutina 
Quercus spp.
Robinia pseudocacia 
Sassafras albidum 
Sophora japonica

Sorbus spp.
Syringa amurensis
Syringa amurensis japonica 
Ulmus americana 
Ulmus carpinifolia var.

Ulmus glabra 
Zelcova serrata

Sugar Hackberry F,R 
Common Hackberry F,R 
Katsuratree 
F,R
Eastern Redbud T,R 
White Fringetree T,R 
American Yellowwood R 
T,R
Hawthorns 
Common Persimmon R 
Russianolive 
R
F,R
Ash 
Ginkgo 
G,T,F,R
Thornless, seedless

Honeylocust G,T,F,R 
Kentucky Coffeetree R 
Carolina Silverbell R 
Castor Aralia T,F,R 
Panicled Goldenrain-

Tree 

G,T,F,R
Common Crapemyrtle R 
European Larch G,T,F,R 
Eastern Larch G,T,F,R 
American Sweetgum R 
Tuliptree 
F,R
Crabapples 
R
Black Tupelo G,T,F,R 
American Hornbeam T,R 
Sourwood 
R
Royal Paulownia 
R
Amur Corktree 
F,R
Lavalle Corktree F,R 
Jack Pine 
G,T,F,R
Limber Pine 
R
Austrian Pine 
F,R
Longleaf Pine G,T,F,R 
Ponderosa Pine 
R
Red Pine 
R
Pitch Pine 
T,F,R
White Pine 
R
Scotch Pine 
T,F,R
T,F,R
Loblolly Pine 
London Planetree 
F,R
American Planetree F,R 
Northern Red Oak F,R 
Scarlet Oak 
F,R
F,R
Pin Oak 
Black Oak 
F,R
Oak 
R
Black Locust 
F,R
R
Common Sassafras 
Japanese

Pagodatree 
Mountainash 
Amur Lilac 
Japanese Tree Lilac R
American Elm 
Christine Buisman

T,F,R
R
R

T,F,R

Elm 

Scotch Elm 
Japanese Zelcova 

T,F,R
T,F,R
F,R

*Grean—G 

Tee—T 

Fairway—F  Rough—R

Specimens

Almost any plant may be valued as 
a specimen in planting designs. How­
ever, trees and shrubs considered as 
desirable specimens usually possess an 
outstanding characteristic, such as 
beautiful flowers, seasonal color, special 
form, or special texture. Use of too 
many specimen plants tends to defeat 
their purpose and results in a mass of 
oddities instead of a unified com­
position of clumps and groupings. 
Occasional single specimens or small 
specimen clumps are desirable. The

NOVEMBER, 1966

current trend of making every tree or 
shrub on the golf course a specimen 
is illogical, regardless of mowing con­
siderations. Some degree of esthetic 
feeling must be left on our modern 
courses.

Table 2
Trees Suited for Use as Specimens

Scientific name

Common name

Abies spp.
Acer nigrum
Acer palmatum
Acer saccharum
Acer tataricum
Aesculus spp.
Amelanchier spp.
Betula spp.
Carya illinoensis
Carya ovata
Cedrus spp.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Cercis canadensis
Chamaecyparis spp.
Chionanthus virginicus
Cladrastis lutea
Cornus florida
Cornus kousa
Crataegus spp.
Fagus spp.
Ginkgo biloba
Gymnocladus dioicus
Hamamelis virginiana
Juniperus chinensis
Koelreuteria paniculata
Larix spp.
Liquidamber styraciflua
Liriodendron tulipifera
Magnolia spp.
Malus spp.
Nyssa sylvatica
Ostrya virginiana
Oxydendrum arboreum
Phellodendron amurense
Phellodendron lavallei
Picea spp.
Pinus spp.
Prunus spp. 

Quercus spp.
Salix spp.
Sciadopitys verticillata
Sophora japonica
Syringa amurensis japonica
Taxodium spp.
Taxus cuspidata commutata
Thuja spp.
Tilia spp.
Toona sinensis
Tsuga spp.
Ulmus americana

Fir
Black Maple
Japanese Maple
Sugar Maple
Tatarian Maple
Buckeye; Horsechestnut
Serviceberry
Birch
Pecan
Shagbark Hickory
Cedar
Katsuratree
Eastern Redbud
Falsecypress
White Fringtree
American Yellowwood
Florida Dogwood
Kousa Dogwood
Hawthorn
Beech
Ginkgo
Kentucky Coffeetree
Common Witchhazel
Pyramid Chinese Juniper
Panicled Goldenrain-Tree
Larch
American Sweetgum
Tuliptree
Magnolia
Apple; Crabapple
Black Tupelo
American Hophornbeam
Sourwood
Amur Corktree
Lavalle Corktree
Spruce
Pine
Apricot; Cherry ; Chokecherry ;
Laurelcherry; Peach; Plum
Oak
Willow
Umbrellapine
Japanese Pagodatree
Japanese Tree Lilac
Baldcypress
Japanese Yew
Arborvitae
Linden
Chinese Toona
Hemlock
American Elm

Table 3
Shrubs Suited for Use as Specimens

Scientific name

Common name

Caragana arborescens 
Chaenomeles spp.
Cotinus coggygria 
Euonymus alatus 
Euonymus americanus 
Euonymus atropurpureus 
Euonymus europaeus

Siberian Peashrub 
Floweringquince 
American Smoketree 
Winged Euonymus
Brook Euonymus 
Eastern Wahoo 
European Euonymus

3

Exochorda spp. 
Halesia spp. 
Hibiscus spp. 
Hydrangea spp. 
Lonicera spp. 
Prunus japonica 
Prunus triloba 
Rhododendron spp. 
Rhus spp.
Viburnum spp.

Background

Pearlbush 
Silverbell 
Hibiscus, Rosemallow 
Hydrangea 
Honeysuckle 
Chinese Bushcherry 
Flowering Plum 
Rhododendron; Acalea 
Sumac
Viburnum

Many trees and shrubs possess 
characteristics that are valuable for 
background purposes. Plants of this 
type are often used behind greens, as 
a terminus of a view, for direction in­
dicators, and as backgrounds for 
flowering specimens.

Trees and shrubs should be dense 
and heavy in appearance. Usually, their 
color is dark and ranges from dark 
green to purple-green or blue-green. 
Often they branch to the ground; how­
ever, this is not a steadfast require­
ment. Background plant materials may 
also possess color, texture, form, or 
fragrance characteristics of their own.

Table 4
Plant Materials for Background

Scientific name

Common name

Abies spp.
Acer spp.
Aesculus spp. 
Alnus spp. 
Cedrus spp. 
Chamaecyparis spp. 
Cornus florida 
Crataegus spp.
Diospyros virginiana 
Fagus spp.
Ginkgo Biloba 
Hamamelis virginiana 
Ilex spp.
Juniperus spp.
Liquidamber styraciflua 
Nyssa sylvatica 
Paulownia tomentosa 
Phellodendron spp. 
Picea spp.
Pinus spp.
Pseudotsuga spp.
Quercus spp.
Rhamnus spp.
Rhus spp.
Sophora japonica 
Staphylea trifolia 
Syringa spp.
Taxus spp.
Thuja occidentalis 
Tilia spp.
Viburnum spp.

Fir 
Maple 
Buckeye; Horsechestnut 
Alder 
Cedar 
Falsecypress 
Flowering Dogwood 
Hawthorn 
Common Persimmon 
Beech 
Ginkgo 
Common Witchhazel 
Holly 
Juniper 
American Sweetgum 
Black Tupelo 
Royal Paulownia 
Corktree 
Spruce 
Pine 
Douglasfir 
Oak 
Buckhorn 
Sumac 
Japanese Pagodatree 
American Bladdernut 
Lilac 
Yew 
Eastern Arborvitae 
Linden 
Virburnum

Plants for wildlife areas

Certain plant materials possess 

characteristics that are more favorable 
for wildlife. These plants may provide 
nesting areas, protection and food for 
many kinds of birds and animals. Many 
of our common plant materials provide 
seeds or fruits that wildlife require 
for survival, and these materials can 
easily be included in most plantings for 
golf courses.

Table 5
Plant Materials Valuable to Wildlife

Scientific name

Common name

Amelanchier spp.
Aronia spp.
Berberis spp.
Betula lenta
Betula lutea
Betula nigra
Betula populifolia
Carya spp.
Celastrus spp.
Celtis spp.
Chionanthus spp.
Cornus spp.
Corylus americana
Cotoneaster spp.
Crataegus spp.
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Euonymus spp.
Gaultheria procumbens
Hippophae rhamnoides
Ilex opaca
Ilex verticillata
Juglans spp.
Juniperus spp.
Larix spp.
Lespedeza spp.
Ligustrum spp.
Li nd era spp.
Lonicera spp.
Malus spp.
Morus spp.
Myrica spp.
Nyssa spp.
Parthenocissus spp.
Picea spp.
Pinus spp.
Prunus spp.

Pyracantha spp.
Quercus spp.
Rhamnus spp.
Rhus spp.
Ribcs spp..
Rubus spp.

Sambucus spp.
Shepherdia spp.
Sorbus spp.
Symphoricarpos spp.
Tamarix gallica
Tsuga spp.
Vaccinium spp.
Viburnum spp.
Vitis spp.

Serviceberry
Chokeberry
Barberry
Sweet Birch
Yellow Birch
River Birch
Gray Birch
Hickory
Bittersweet
Hackberry
Fringetree
Dogwood
American Filbert
Cotoneaster
Hawthorn
Russianolive
Euonymus
Checkerberry Wintergreen
Common Seabuckthorn
American Holly
Common Winterberry
Walnut
Juniper
Larch
Lespedeza
Privet
Spicebush
Honeysuckle
Apple, Crabapple
Mulberry
Bayberry ; Waxmyrtle
Tupelo
Creeper
Spruce
Pine
Apricot; Cherry ; Chokecherry ;
Laurelcherry ; Peach ; Plum
Firethorn
Oak
Buckthorn
Sumac
Currant; Gooseberry
Blackberry ; Dewberry ;
Raspberry
Elder
Buffaloberry
Mountainash
Snowberry
French Tamarisk
Hemlock
Blueberry
Viburnum
Grape

Screens and windbreaks

Plant materials that are suitable for 
windbreaks or screens should possess 
several important characteristics. They 

4

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD

must be dense and low branching. They 
may be fast or moderate in growth. 
They may have thorns in instances 
where they are needed as boundary 
screens or barriers. They must be able 
to withstand effects of wind and ex­
posure. They may or may not be ever­
green, depending upon their specific 
use. Evergreens are useful throughout 
the year, while deciduous materials are 
useful as windbreaks only during a 
portion of the year.

Table 6
Plant Materials for Screens 
and Windbreaks

Scientific name

Common name

Acer campestre
Acer ginnala
Acer negundo
Acer saccharinum
Acer tataricum
Ailanthus altissima
Berberis spp.
Caragana spp.
Carpinus spp.
Catalpa spp.
Chaenomeles japonica
Cornus spp.
Cotoneaster spp.
Crataegus spp.
Euonymus alatus
Fagus spp.
Gleditsia triacanthos
Hamamelis virginiana
Hippophae rhamnoides
Juniperus spp.
Larix spp.
Ligustrum spp.
Lonicera spp.
Maclura pomifera
Mahonia aquifolium
Morus spp.
Phellodendron amurense
Philadelphus spp.
Physocarpos opulifolius
Picea spp.
Pinus banksiana
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus resinosa
Pinus strobus
Pinus sylvestris
Platanus orientalis
Populus spp.
Prunus spinosa
Ptelea trifoliata
Pyracantha spp.
Rhamnus spp.
Robinia pseudoacacia
Rosa spp.
Salix spp.
Sambucus canadensis
Staphylea trifolia
Thuja spp.
Tsuga spp.
Viburnum spp.

Hedge Maple
Amur Maple
Boxelder
Silver Maple
Tatarian Maple
Treeofheaven Ailanthus
Barberry
Peashrub
Hornbeam
Catalpa
Floweringquince
Dogwood
Cotoneaster
Hawthorn
Winged Euonymus
Beech
Common Honeylocust
Common Witchhazel
Common Seabuckthorn
Juniper
Larch
Privet
Honeysuckle
Osageorange
Oregongrape
Mulberry
Amur Corktree
Mockorange
Common ninebark
Spruce
Jack Pine
Ponderosa Pine
Red Pine
Eastern White Pine
Scotch Pine
American Planetree
Poplar
Sloe; Blackthorn
Common Hoptree
Firethorn
Buckthorn
Black Locust
Rose
Willow
American Elder
American Bladdernut
Arborvitae
Hemlock
Viburnum

Undesirable Characteristics of Plants

Many unsuitable plant materials are 
used on golf courses, Such plants add 

greatly to the yearly cost of main­
tenance. Most plants possess un­
desirable characteristics, such as litter, 
odor, soft wood, troublesome roots, 
quantities of leaves, or insect and 
disease. However, some are recom­
mended when their desirable character­
istics dominate their undesirable char­
acteristics.

The following lists of plant materials 
should be regarded as indicators, since 
all plant materials have not been listed. 
Of the plants that are listed, many 
considered to be undesirable in one 
section of the country may be desirable 
in another. For example, Siberian elm 
(Ulmus pumila), boxelder (Acer ne­
gundo), Russianolive (Elaeagnus an- 
gustifolia), poplars (Populus spp.), 
and willows (Salix spp.) may be un­
desirable in the Northeast (region 1), 
while serving very well in the Northern 
plains (region 4).

Table 7
Undesirable Materials Due to Litter

Scientific name

Common name

Problem

Acer negundo
Acer rubrum
Acer saccharinum

Aesculus spp.

Ailanthus altissima

Betula papyrifera
Carya spp.
Castanea dentata
Catalpa spp.
Cedrus spp.
Citrus genera
Cladrastis lutea

Boxelder
Red Maple
Silver Maple

storm damage
storm damage
brittle,
storm damage
storm damage
twigs, fruit
fruit,
storm damage
storm damage
fruit
fruit
fruit
fruit (cones)
fruit

Buckeye;
Horsechestnut
Treeofheaven
Ailanthus
Paper Birch
Hickory
American Chestnut 
Catalpa
Cedar
Citrus
American

Yellowwood

storm damage

Diospyros virginiana

Fagus spp.
Fraxinus spp.

Common

Persimmon

Beech
Ash

Ginkgo biloba (female) Ginkgo
Gleditsia triacanthos

Common

Honeylocust

Gymnocladus dioicus

Kentucky

Coffeetree

Juglans spp.
Koelreuteria paniculata Panicled Goldenrain-

Walnut

Tree

Liquidamber styraciflua American Sweetgum 
Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree
Maclura pomifera
Malus spp.
Morus spp.

Osageorange
Apple; Crabapple 
Mulberry

storm damage
fruit
fruit,
storm damage
fruit

fruit pod
fruit pod,
storm damage
fruit

storm damage
fruit
storm damage
fruit
fruit
weed tree,
fruit

NOVEMBER, 1966

5

Picea spp.
Pinus spp.
Platanus spp.

Populus spp.

Prunus spp.

Pyrus spp.
Quercus spp.
Robinia pseudoacacia

Salix spp.

Sambucus spp.
Schinus molle
Sorbus spp.
Tilia americana

Spruce 
Pine 
Planetree

Poplar

cones 
cones 
storm damage, 
fruit
storm damage,
seeds, twigs

Apricot; Cherry;
Chokecherry;
Laurelcherry;
Peach ; Plum
Pear
Oak
Black Locust

fruit
fruit
fruit
storm damage,
fruit pods
storm damage,
twigs, seeds
Elder
storm damage
California Peppertree fruit
Mountainash
fruit
American
Linden

Willow

storm damage
fruit, twigs 
storm damage,

Ulmus spp.

Elm

Table 8 
Undesirable Materials due to 
Dense Shade

Scientific name

Common name

Abies spp.
Acer ginnala
Acer macrophyllum
Acer nigrum
Acer platanoides
Acer saccharum
Acer tataricum
Aesculus hippocastanum
Asimina triloba
Catalpa speciosa
Cornus florida
Cornus mas
Euonymus alatus
Euonymus atropurpureus 
Fagus spp.
Ilex spp.
Juniperus spp.
Kalmia latifolia 
Ligustrum spp. 
Magnolia spp.
Morus spp.
Paulownia tomentosa 
Picea spp.
Pseudotsuga spp.
Quercus alba
Quercus bicolor
Quercus borealis
Quercus macrocarpa
Quercus robur 
Rhododendron spp.
Taxus spp.
Thuja spp.
Tilia spp.
Tsuga spp.
Viburnum spp.

Fir
Amur Maple 
Bigleaf Maple 
Black Maple 
Japanese Maple 
Sugar Maple 
Tatarian Maple 
Common Horsechestnut 
Common Pawpaw 
Northern Catalpa 
Flowering Dogwood 
Corneliancherry Dogwood 
Winged Euonymus 
Eastern Wahoo 
Beech 
Holly 
Juniper 
Mountainlaurel Kalmia 
Privet 
Magnolia 
Mulberry 
Royal Paulownia 
Spruce 
Douglasfir 
White Oak 
Swamp White Oak 
Northern Red Oak
Bur Oak
English Oak 
Rhododendron, Azalea 
Yew 
Arborvitae 
Linden 
Hemlock 
Viburnum

Table 9 
Undesirable Materials due to Roots

Scientific name

Common name

Problem

Acer negundo
Acer platanoides
Aesculus parvifolia 
Ailanthus altissima

Alnus spp.
Amelanchier spp.
Asimina triloba
Carpinus spp.

Boxelder
Norway Maple
Bottlebrush Buckeye
Treeofheaven
Ailanthus

Alder
Serviceberry
Common Pawpaw
Hornbeam

suckers
surface
suckers

suckers
suckers
surface
surface
surface

Cercidiphyllum japonisum 
Cladrastis lutea

Cornus alba sibirica 
Cornum amomum 
Cornum stolonifera 
Fagus spp.
Fraxinus spp.
Hydrangea spp.
Liriodendron tulipifera 
Maclura pomifera 
Morus alba 
Morus rubra 
Ostrya virginiana

Phellodendron amurense 
Populus spp.
Prunus americana 
Prunus pensylvanica 
Prunus virginiana

Rhus spp.
Robinia pseudoacacia

Salix spp.

Sambucus canadensis 
Sorbus spp.

Staphylea trifolia 
Syringa vulgaris 
Tsuga spp.
Ulmus spp.
Viburnum spp. 
Zanthoxylum spp. 
Zelcova serrata

Katsuratree
American

Yellowwood
Siberian Dogwood
Silky Dogwod
Redosier Dogwood
Beech
Ash
Hydrangea
Tuliptree
Osageorange
White Mulberry
Red Mulberry 
American Hophorn

beam

Amur Corktree
Poplar
American Plum
Pin Cherry 
Common

surface

surface
suckers
suckers
suckers
surface
surface
suckers
suckers
surface
surface
surface

surface
surface
surface
suckers
suckers

Willow

Chokecherry

Sumac
Black Locust

American Elder
Mountainash

suckers
suckers
shallow­
suckers
shallow­
suckers
suckers
shallow­
suckers
American Bladdernut suckers
Common Lilac
suckers 
surface 
Hemlock
surface 
Elm
Viburnum
suckers 
Pricklyash
suckers 
Japanese Zelcova
surface

Table 10
Undesirable Materials due to 
Susceptibility to Diseases and Insects

Scientific name

Common name

Abies balsamea 
Acer negundo 
Acer saccharinum
Aesculus hippocastanum 
Alnus japonica 
Amelanchier spp.
Betula spp.
Carya spp.
Castanea spp.
Celtis spp.
Cornus alternifolia 
Crataegus spp.
Cydonia oblonga 
Euonymus spp. 
Fraxinus spp.
Gleditsia japonica
Halesia Carolina
Ilex aquafolium 
Ilex opaca 
Juglans spp. 
Juniperus spp. 
Larix spp.
Malus spp.
Photinia spp.
Platanus occidentalis 
Populus spp.
Prunus spp. 

Ptelea trifoliata 
Pyrus spp. 
Quercus borealis 
Rhamnus spp. 
Rhus spp. 
Robinia spp. 
Salix spp. 
Sorbus spp. 
Syringa spp. 
Tilia spp. 
Ulmus spp. 

Balsam Fir
Boxelder 
Silver Maple
Common Horsechestnut 
Japanese Alder 
Serviceberry 
Birch 
Hickory 
Chestnut 
Hackberry
Pagoda Dogwood 
Hawthorn 
Common Quince 
Euonymus 
Ash 
Japanese Honeylocust 
Carolina Silverbell 
English Holly 
American Holly 
Walnut 
Juniper 
Larch 
Apple; Crabapple 
Photinia 
American Planetree 
Poplar
Apricot; Cherry; Laurelcherry ;
Peach, Plum
Common Hoptree
Pear
Northern Red Oak
Suckthorn
Sumac
Locust
Willow
Mountainash
Lilac
Linden
Elm

6

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD

Golf Course Maintenance 
Equipment 

by Lee Record, Agronomist

To meet the demands of present day 

golf course maintenance, the most 
modern and up-to-date equipment is 
needed. Maintenance equipment alone 
will not be the answer at every course; 
administration, programming, adequate 
budgets, manpower, responsibility and 
a host of other elements will be 
necessary.

The following suggested list may 
not be adequate at many golf courses, 
depending upon the degree of main­
tenance. This list should, however, be 
adequate for the majority of 18-hole 
courses.

Greens And Tees
6 to 8 putting green mowers
2 power aerators
1 vertical mower
1 power drag mat
1 power topdresser
1 power thatcher
1 power spiker
1 power sprayer (fungicides)
1 proportioner
2 rotary fertilizer spreaders
2 triplex mowers

Fairways And Roughs
2 to 7 gang hydraulic tractors and 

mowers

1 fairway aerator
1 fairway thatcher
1 fairway sweeper
1 power sprayer (herbicides)
1 rotary fertilizer spreader
1 5-gang mower (roughs)
1 3-gang roller

General Equipment
1 or 2 dump body golf tractors

NOVEMBER, 1966

2 general construction PTO tractors
1 jeep, pickup truck, etc.
1 dump truck (5 ton min.)
1 snow plow
1 front end loader and backhoe
1 power sod cutter
1 power saw
1 power stump cutter
1 power soil shredder
1 powered hand sweeper
2 powered leaf blowers
1 water ballast roller
6 rotary trimmer mowers
3 hand trimmer mowers
2 general purpose power reel mowers 
2 or 3 gas powered runabouts

Miscellaneous Hand Equipment

(This list will go from A to Z.) 
axes, burners, crow bar, duster, cup 
cutter, wheelbarrow, ladder, sod edgers, 
sod lifters, shovels, rakes, funnels, 
spade, picks, forks, jacks, pruners, 
tree saws, traps (animal), pumps, gas 
cans, scales, pullers,hose, bamboo poles, 
soil testers, soil probe.

Tools For Repair Of:

All power equipment (trucks, trac­
tors, mowers, etc.), plumbing, drains, 
electrical equipment, sewers, roadways, 
cement and concrete, water systems, 
painting and wood working repairs, 
etc.

Shop Equipment

Lapping machine, air compressor, 
steam cleaner, table saw, bench grind­
ers, bed knife grinder, reel knife 
grinder, pipe threader, paint sprayer, 
welder, drill press, vises, arbor press, 
work benches.

7

Irrigation Equipment

Pumping station and number of 
heads will be determined by the super­
intendent at each individual course.

This suggested list has only touched 
a few of the many odds and ends and 
pieces of equipment needed. If we may 
have omitted the one piece of equip­
ment which you feel is necessary, by 
all means add it to the list.

A maintenance building should meet 

the following requirements:
1. Superintendent’s office (desk, file 
cabinets, adding machine, etc.)
2. Toilet facilities (showers, lockers, 

etc.)

3. Adequate heating and ventilation 
4. Paint spraying room
5. Herbicide-fungicide, etc. storage 

room

6. Fertilizer storage area
7. Adequate storage area for all equip­

ment

8. Adequate maintenance area.

Also in conjunction with the main 
maintenance building, an additional 
storage building is essential for the 
storing and mixing of topdressing 
material. Topdressing should be kept 
in a dry area so that it will be available 

at any time of the season. A two-year 
supply should be stored at all times.

If we have the necessary equipment 
and maintenance building, how many 
men will be required to keep the equip­
ment rolling for the necessary turf 
maintenance? We suggest the following 
personnel be considered for the average 
18-hole golf course in the Northeast.

1 Superintendent (year round em­

ployment)

1 Assistant Superintendent or Fore­

man (year round employment)

1 Mechanic (year round employment) 
2 Laborers (year round employment) 
3 Laborers to be hired at the begin­
ning of the outside maintenance 
program to be carried through until 
fall maintenance is completed.

3 Laborers to be hired as summer help 
11 men total

Regardless of the maintenance build­
ing and modern equipment, the work 
load cannot be carried out unless an 
adequate work force is available; a 
work force that can be depended on, 
day in and day out; men with re­
sponsibility to themselves, to the golf 
course they are working for and to 
the equipment they are handling.

Power Sprayers

by Albert Newberger, Agronomist

If one were to ask which piece of 

equipment is most vital to good 
golf course maintenance, a variety of 
answers might be expected. Certainly 
in this day of increased use of herbi­
cides, insecticides, fungicides, and 
liquid fetrilizers, power spray equip­
ment must rank high on the list.

Treatment of turf, trees and shrubs 
on golf courses is becoming more and 
more necessary if we are to maintain 
high standards of quality in our plant 

materials. Where chemicals are avail­
able in both dry and liquid formula­
tions, it is often more economical to 
use the liquid.

However, many golf courses still 
have either no power spray equipment, 
or at best, highly inadequate equip­
ment. Modern spray equipment is 
generally quite good, and it is not 
recommended that one build his own 
sprayer. However, it can be done if the 
material and know-how are available.

8

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD

First, consider the major components 
of all power spray equipment. The 
primary component of any spray 
system is the pump. Pumps can be 
placed in two categories: positive dis­
placement and non-positive displace­
ment.

Positive displacement means that 
liquid is discharged as soon as the 
pump operates and continues as long 
as the pump operates. These pumps 
need no priming, but must have 
some means of relief when the dis­
charge control valve is closed. These 
mechanisms will be discussed later. 
Examples of positive displacement 
pumps are the piston, gear, and some 
rotary pumps.

Non-positive displacement pumps can 
be operated without liquid discharge 
and are not necessarily self-priming. 
Examples of this type are the centri­
fugal and turbine pumps. The pumps 
mentioned above vary considerably in 
characteristics such as wear, cost, 
pressure, and speed of operation. Be­
fore purchasing or building a power 
sprayer, these characteristics should 
be investigated and given careful con­
sideration.

Piston pumps are popular for all­
purpose use because they can handle 
a wide variety of materials. When 
fitted with rubber or neoprene piston 

cups, these pumps are quite resistant 
to abrasion. For most golf course work, 
a pump capacity of 5-10 g.p.m. at 
40-400 pounds per square inch is 
acceptable.

As mentioned, positive displacement 
pumps require a pressure regulator or 
bypass valve to relieve pressure and 
recycle liquid when the discharge con­
trol valve is closed. The pressure regu­
lator also maintains constant pressure 
delivery to the boom or gun.

Located between the boom and the 
pump, the pressure regulator consists 
of a spring-loaded valve with adjust­
able tension. Whenever the pump 
pressure exceeds the spring tension, 
the valve opens allowing liquid to re­
cycle into the tank, thus keeping 
pressure constant. This recycling aids 
in agitation, and in some cases is the 
sole source of agitation.

Adjustment of the spring tension 
regulates pressure at the boom or gun. 
In order to do this, the pump must 
maintain a pressure in excess of the 
desired pressure at the boom. In 
the case of non-positive displacement 
pumps, regulation of pressure is ac­
complished with a pressure reducing 
valve. This valve is also located be­
tween the pump and the boom, but no 
liquid is recycled in this case. Pressure 
on the input side of the valve may 

A good spray pattern—a turf management must.

NOVEMBER, 1966

9

fluctuate, but output pressure is fairly 
constant.

An integral part of any sprayer is 
the pressure gauge. This should be 
located between the boom cut-off valve 
and the boom. It should be placed in 
such a position and be large enough 
so that the operator can read it clearly. 
The pressure gauge should be capable 
of reading pressure higher than the 
pressure used in normal operation. For 
general golf course spraying, a wide 
range of pressures, maximum 600 p.s.i., 
should be anticipated, especially if 
equipment also is to be used on crops 
other than turf.

Consideration of the type of tank 
to use in a power sprayer is very im­
portant. Size and material are of 
primary importance. For golf course 
use, tanks ranging from 200- to 400- 
gallon capacity are desirable, since 
most turf spraying is of rather high 
gallonage, 50-100 gallons per acre. 
When selecting a tank, its resistance 
to corrosion must be considered, since 
many chemicals are highly corrosive.

Because a power sprayer on a golf 
course is used to apply various types 
of chemicals, the tank should be of 
such material that it can be thoroughly 
washed out after use. Wooden tanks 
are resistant to corrosion, but they may 
tend to absorb highly volatile chemi­
cals, thus limiting their use. In the 
case of both metal and wooden tanks, 
lining the interior with an inert 
material such as fiberglass or plastic 
may be desirable. Stainless steel and 
aluminum alloy tanks are commonly 
used today, but they are expensive.

The tank should have one large open­
ing on top for filling, and at least one 
adequate drain on the bottom, to 
facilitate cleaning.

Because a large percentage of chemi­
cals used in sprayers are either emul­
sions or wettable powders, some means 

of sufficient agitation is necessary. The 
two most common methods of agitation 
are mechanical and hydraulic, the 
former generally considered to be 
better. Mechanical agitation is accom­
plished by paddles attached to a 
horizontal shaft in the lower part of 
the tank. The shaft is driven by the 
prime mover of the pump, either a 
gasoline engine or the tractor powei' 
take-off.

Hydraulic agitation is generally 
accomplished by forcing recycled liquid 
from the pump through holes in a pipe 
near the bottom of the tank or through 
an agitator nozzle. A large quantity 
of liquid must be recirculated in order 
to effect proper agitation.

Small bilge pumps can be used for 
agitation if mechanical or hydraulic 
agitation is impractical. Flat-bottom 
tanks generally require 30-40% more 
agitation than round-bottom tanks to 
keep material in suspension.

The pump suction line in the tank 
should be located near the bottom, but 
not so close that it will pick up sedi­
ment. A small well, 1 or 2 inches deep, 
beneath the tip of the suction line is 
preferable.

Strainers located at key points in 
the system alleviate clogging problems 
and facilitate more efficient operation. 
An easily removable 50- to 80-mesh 
strainer should be placed in the large 
filler opening at the top. This aids in 
mixing the spray material and the 
exclusion of large lumps. A strainer 
of similar size should be placed within 
the pump suction line.

A strainer of 100 mesh or smaller 
should be placed in the pump discharge 
line, and should be of sufficient area 
to do a thorough job of straining. 
Finally, the nozzles will contain screen 
of such size that it will block particles 
larger than the nozzle openings.

A quick-closing valve must be placed 

10

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD

in the boom supply line to allow for 
immediate cessation of spray flow. It 
is generally considered necessary to 
locate this valve as close to the boom 
as possible so a minimum of spray, 
still in the line, will drip out. By the 
use of spring-loaded nozzles, the neces­
sity for placing the valve close to the 
boom is eliminated.

For golf course spraying a boom of 
20-25 feet is preferable, and it can 
always be adapted to spraying a smaller 
swath by capping nozzles. Always re­
calibrate the sprayer after doing so!
The boom generally should be con­
structed of a strong pipe such as 
galvanized steel, black iron, or some 
alloys, and should be one inch in 
diameter or larger.

When the boom far exceeds the 
width of the tractor, it should be 
sectioned and hinged for easy folding. 
Sectioned booms require separate feed­
er lines, and this is generally desirable 
since it gives better control and more 
versatility in tight areas.

Sectioned booms should be held in 
the extended position by springs which 
allow them to give when they strike 
an object such as a tree or fence.

Front or rear mounting of the boom 
is primarily a matter of preference.
Nozzle attachment is preferable at 
the sides or the top of the boom to 
reduce settling of dirt particles and to 
reduce spray flow after closing of the 
cutoff valve. If spring-loaded nozzles 
are used and the boom is flushed out 
regularly, bottom attachment of nozzles 
is quite acceptable.

Nozzle spacing depends on the type 
of nozzles used, which in turn depends 
on the crop. Spacing of 18-22 inches 
using flat fan-shaped spray nozzles is 
desirable for most turf work. However 
the width of the spray delivered and 
the boom height govern the spacing.
It is generally desirable to keep the

BY-PASS LINE

FILTER SCREEN

TANK

GLOBE VALVE

SUCTION TYPE STRAINER 

GLOBE VALVE

AGITATOR LINE

PUMP

FILTER OR LINE STRAINER

PRESSURE REGULATOR

PRESSURE GAUGE

SELECTOR & SHUT-OFF VALV1

SPRAY BOOM (3 SECTIONS)

Schematic diagram indicating the essential 
parts of a sprayer.

boom at a minimum height and pres­
sure just great enough to produce the 
rate fan width, in order to minimize 
drift.

Consideration of the nozzles is ex­
tremely important! They are generally 
made of brass, plastic, stainless steel, 
or hardend stainless. The materials 
mentioned are given in order of in­
creasing resistance to abrasion and also 
in order of increasing cost. Nozzles 
wear quite rapidly, especially when 
wettable powders are used frequently.
Selection of nozzles will depend on 
frequency of use and the material 
being used. However, when using any 
nozzle for application of wettable 
powders, frequent calibration is ab­
solutely essential.

A hand spray gun or hand boom 
should be included in the spray system 
for golf course spraying.

Oil-resistant high pressure hose, 
50-100 feet in length should be con­
nected to the gun or hand boom. This 
hose is normally % to % inch in inner 
diameter. A reel with 100 foot capacity 
should be mounted on the tank so the 
hose can be rolled neatly and stored 
right on the rig.

NOVEMBER, 1966

11

Hand guns can be obtained which 
are adjustable from a fog to a far- 
reaching stream, and spray discs can 
be quickly changed for different types 
of spraying.

The mounting of a sprayer must be 
considered, especially if it is home­
made. Most golf course sprayers are 
trailer-mounted riding on an axle with 
two wheels. Tandem wheel assemblies 
are also used in order to distribute 
weight more uniformly. Trailer-mount­
ed sprayers allow for greater tank size 
which is desirable for general golf 
course spraying. However, rear and 
center tractor-mounted tanks may be 
used if necessary.

Homemade sprayer systems often 
use 55-gallon drums for the tank. These 
tractor-mounted tanks should be con­
veniently attachable and detachable. 
One of the greatest advantages of the 
tractor-mounted tank is that the boom 
can easily be placed in front of the 
tractor, thus allowing the operator to 
better observe the spray pattern.

Homemade systems may be mounted 
on an axle also, without too much 
difficulty. If the tank is such that its 
capacity is 400 gallons or more, over­
size tires or tandem wheels should be 
used to prevent damage to soft turf.
The tank should be centered directly 
over, or slightly forward of the wheels 
to prevent too much pressure being 
exerted on the tractor drawbar as the 
amount of liquid in the tank changes.
Once you have either purchased or 
constructed your sprayer, the most 
important consideration is its proper 
use and care.

The following is a list of do’s and 

don’ts:

Operating Precautions

brush with soft bristles. Never blow 
into a nozzle to clean it.

2. Never allow dirty water or debris 

to enter the tank.

3. Control spray drift by:
(a) using the largest nozzle and the 
lowest pressure that will apply 
the spray material

(b) keeping the boom as low as 

permissible

(c) never spraying on a windy or 

even a breezy day.

4. Never operate a sprayer with any 
of the screens or filters removed. If 
the screen is constantly becoming 
plugged, replace it with a screen with 
the proper mesh and capacity.

5. Never fasten a P.T.O.-driven 
pump solidly to the tractor with a 
bar. Most sprayer pumps should be 
kept from rotating with the chain pro­
vided. Fastening the pump with a bar 
usually causes rapid pump bearing 
wear.

6. Never allow any sprayer pump 
to run without water, even for a short 
time. If no water is present, pump 
seals, bearings and other working 
parts may be severely damaged.

7. Never leave a tank with any spray 
material in it—even during noon hour. 
Wettable powders settle rapidly and 
are difficult to re-suspend.

8. Always pump at least 50 gallons 
of clean water through the sprayer at 
the end of the day or when changing 
from one spray material to another. 
Clean the nozzle tips and all screens 
at the same time. This will help to 
reduce the gummy deposits or the 
wettable powder accumulations in the 
sprayer. Leaving the tank full of clean 
water will help reduce flaking inside 
an unlined steel tank.

1. Never use a pin, knife or other 
metal object to unplug a nozzle. Use 
compressed air, an old toothbrush or 

End-of-the Day Cleaning

Whenever wind or weather con­
ditions force you temporarily to stop 

12

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD

spraying, clean the sprayer to prevent 
gum or powder deposits in the pressure 
regulator, selector valve, nozzle tips 
and on screens.

Follow these simple steps:
1. Rinse the inside and outside of 

the tank with plenty of clean water.

2. Half fill the tank with clean water 
and spray it out at low pressure. While 
the sprayer is operating, (a) run the 
bilge pump, (b) adjust the pressure 
regulator and the selector valve and 
(c) remove the plugs in the ends of the 
three boom sections. A small amount 
of liquid detergent added to the clean 
water will help clean the inside of the 
sprayer system.

3. Clean the nozzles, nozzle screens 
and suction screens with compressed 
air or a soft brush. Replace the screens 
and nozzles.

4. Leave the tank full of clean water 

if weather conditions permit.

Never clean a sprayer near sus­
ceptible plants or where the wash water 
could contaminate water supplies.

Storing the Sprayer

When you store your sprayer proper­
ly instead of just letting it sit in the 
fence corner, you add years to its useful 
life and put money into your pocket.

Here is a good procedure to follow.
1. Thoroughly clean the sprayer.
2. Completely lubricate all moving 
parts according to the manufacturer’s 
recommendations.

3. Make a list of all faulty parts 
and order the new ones NOW—not 
next spring when you want to start 
spraying.

4. Fill the tank with water and add 
the recommended quantity and type 
of rust inhibitor or new light oil (see 
your instruction manual). Drain the 
tank. Leave all tank openings uncovered 
for better tank ventilation, but screen 
them to keep out dust and debris.

5. Clean all nozzle tips and screens 
with compressed air or a soft brush 
and kerosene. Store the tips and 
screens in a jar of new light oil or 
kerosene.

6. Take the weight off any tires.
7. Remove, clean and drain the 
pump. Fill it with the light oil or 
rust inhibitor recommended by the 
pump manufacturer. Seal all pump 
openings to keep out dust and dirt.

Make certain that no water is left 
in the pressure regulator, selector valve 
or the boom. These parts will be 
severely damaged if water freezes in 
them.

November 30-December 2

December 1-2 .....................

December 5-7 ......................

December 8-9 ......................

January 11-13 ......................

January 24-25 ....................

January 27 ..........................

COMING EVENTS

• Oklahoma Turfgrass Conference 
Oklahoma State University 
Stillwater, Oklahoma
.Illinois Turfgrass Conference 
University of Illinois 
Urbana, Illinois
•Texas Turf grass Conference
Tex-s A&M University 
College Station, Texas 
■Louisiana Turfgrass Conference 
University of Southwestern Louisiana 
Lafayette, Louisiana
■Nebraska Turfgrass Conference
Nebraska Center for Continuing Education 
Lincoln, Nebraska
■Virginia Turfgrass Conference 
Hotel John Marshall 
Richmond, Virginia
■United States Golf Association 
Green Section Conference 
New York, N. Y.

NOVEMBER, 1966

13

USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD 

40 East 38th Street, New York, N. Y. 10016

TURF TWISTERS

REMOVING BERMUDAGRASS

Question: Common bermudagrass exists in spots in our putting 
greens. We want to remove this sod and replace it with Tifgreen 
from our nursery. How much soil do we have to take out to insure 
against the burmuda coming back from the roots? (Tennessee)

Answer: Contrary to popular belief, bermuda is not able to re­
generate growth from its severed “roots.” The regrowth comes from 
the underground fleshy stems called rhizomes. In closely cut ber­
mudagrass, these rhizomes are rarely found below 2 inches.

In many cases sod is removed to a sufficient depth to take out 
all the growing points, but the area removed is too small. The 
growing points of underground stems frequently grow underground 
for a considerable distance beyond the edge of the visible top 
growth. If these are cut off and left in the ground, the bermudagrass 
will become reestablished in a relatively short time.

PROBLEM WITH ALGAE

Question: Algae has been quite a problem on our greens. It starts 
as a green scum in thin areas and then becomes black and crusty. 
(Oklahoma)

Answer: Algae is almost always present in areas where turf is thin 
and where water remains on the soil surface. Thick turf areas, and 
areas where water drains off or infiltrates readily, rarely are 
affected by algae.

A common treatment is a light dusting of hydrated lime. About 
2 or 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet is enough. This appears to dry 
the surface somewhat. Perhaps the very sudden change in pH just 
at the surface layer where the algae is growing is enough to stop 
its growth.

Another treatment that is giving good results is an application 
of zineb. This product is primarily a fungicide, but it appears to 
be a very effective algicide as well.