ASSOCIATIONS Denver landscaper named ALCA president Wallace H. SaBell, president of SaBell's, Inc., Denver, Colo., was recently installed as the 18th president of the Associated Landscape Contractors of 
America (ALCA), during ceremonies at the group's annual meeting in San Diego, Calif. Also installed as officers for 1980 were Allen Keesen, Allen Keesen Landscape, Denver, Colo., president-elect; Ritchie B. 
Skelton, Duncan Landscape Associates, Vienna, Ohio, vice-president; Ray Gustin III, Gustin Gardens, Gaithersburg, Md., vice-president; David R. Pinkus, North Haven Gardens, Dallas, Texas, treasurer; and J. Landon Reeve IV, Chapel Valley Nurs-ery Co., Woodbine, Md., secre-tary. ALCA's 1979 president, Bill Thornton, of Thornton Landscape, Cincinnati, Ohio, auomatically moves to the posi-tion of immediate past president. PESTS Nematodes are hidden cause of many turf and plant failures Nematodes are very common and widespread and occur in large numbers on many different plants, including turf, according to Dr. Norman L. McCoy, area plant pathologist for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, based in Dallas. "Nematodes are sometimes called eelworms, and this ex-pression, better than any other, describes their shape," Dr. McCoy told LAWN CARE IN-DUSTRY. Most of the species found associated with roots are too small to be seen when plants are examined in the field, either 
with the naked eye or the aid of a 
hand lens. Worm-like organisms frequen-tly observed on such occasions are likely to be relatives of the 
common earthworm and not FRIENDS OF THE EARTH PETITION Proposed EPA regulation would prohibit pesticide spraying without written permission of neighbors A proposed regulation by the federal Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) would pro-hibit spraying of pesticides with-out written permission of per-sons living or owning property within 250 feet of the sprayed area's boundaries. A second part of the proposed regulation would require the permission of residents and 
property owners within 1,000 
feet of the sprayed area's boun-
daries when application was 
done with fine droplet misting equipment. The proposed regulation is based upon a petition submitted 
by the environmental group Friends of the Earth. Notification appeared in the U.S. govern-ment's Federal Register earlier this year, asking for comments from interested parties Š in-
cluding the lawn care industry as 
a whole Š no later than April 17, 1980. The Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) early last month suggested a 
letter-writing campaign by mem-bers of the industry, and also \AWN m ^ftm Jg Serving lawn maintenance Ł M^Mm^^wmm and chemical lawn | care professionals. INDUSTRY MAY 1980 Ł VOL. 4, No. 5 Ł A Harvest Publication nematodes. Nematodes are not as small as many people imagine, he said. They are difficult to see 
because most of them are slender and translucent. The average length of the kinds that 
occur in turf is probably about 
one millimeter. The life cycle of most of the plant parasitic nematodes is sim-
ple and direct, Dr. McCoy said. Females lay eggs that hatch into 
young, called larvae, and these larvae are much like adults in 
apperance and structure. During their growth and development, lo page 10 QUICK STARTS Landscape maintenance award winners page 11 Renovating lawns through overseeding page 12 Reducing thatch with earthworms page 16 Disease management correction page 21 Liquid fertilizer solves handling problems page 25 Perennial ryegrasses: pros and cons page 26 MEMOS 2 
TOOLS, TIPS & TECHNIQUES 4 NEWSMAKERS 6 COST CUTTINGS 7 MFFTJMG DATES 9 CETING IDEA FILE 15 /WISE 20 ^JCTS 32 
^SSIFIEDS 34 LCI SURVEY Average lawn business has about 500 accounts The average lawn care company in 1978 serviced 478 accounts, ac-cording to a recent survey by LAWN CARE INDUSTRY. This projects to a total of almost 4.5 
million customers serviced in 1978 by readers of the magazine, according to market research manager Clarence Arnold. The question asked on the sur-vey was: "Approximately how many accounts did your business serve in 1978 with mowing, turf maintenance, ornamental main-
tenance or turf spraying ser-vices?" Answers would reflect total number of customers of both chemical lawn care and mowing/maintenance com-
panies, and also the large num-ber of companies in the industry that handle both. According to Arnold, 89 per-cent of these accounts are under contacted the EPA directly on 
behalf of the industry, according to PLCAA executive director Glenn W. Bostrom. The largest part of the pro-posed regulations dealt with 
aerial application of pesticides. Also due to possible spray drift, the proposal would prohibit aerial pesticide applications without written permission of residents and property owners within 1,000 feet of the sprayed 
area's boundaries. According to Bostrom, the suggested letter PLCAA recom-mended its members send to the 
EPA read: "We note that the Friends of the Earth are requesting that pes-
ticide applicators using ground spray equipment be required to have written permission allow-ing for possible spray drift from residents or property owners within 250 feet of the sprayed 
area's boundaries. In the case of mist-blow sprayers or aerial ap-
plications (FAA Docket No. 19488) they are seeking a 1,000-foot buffer. "Implied but not stated in thei request is that they are seeking 'zero' tolerance for drift, eithe to page Z a contract which calls for more than one visit. Also, 91 percent of 
these accounts are residential. These figures imply that 7.1 per-cent of single-family, owner-
occupied homes are served by the readers of LAWN CARE IN-
DUSTRY, based on the federal government's Current Housing Reports, published by the Bureau of Census. The survey was conducted in July and August of last year. Results are based on a 47.4 per-cent return of the original 500 contacts responding, according to Arnold. Although the question was not asked in the most recent survey, based on the magazine's 1978 survey of its readership, chemical lawn care companies said they had an average of 937 accounts on the books in 1977, 
and mowing/maintenance com-panies said they had an average of 170 accounts. Approximately how many accounts did your business serve in 1978 with mowing, turf maintenance, ornamental maintenance or turf spraying services? For a renort Z91ZB Id on HQ-"Educating Homeowners," see INSIDE THE IN-' _ 'ies of indepth looks at Ł the lawn care busi-i S 1S i *i ' be .. I SiDnCOdo JJuidc »11 GaV3SV*l WLI sa -SH-iiaiS^'^01 nis feature have been Average: 478 accounts Projection to LCI readership: 4.5 million accounts L4WN GIRE INDUSTRI Editor/Associate Publisher: ROBERT EARLEY Assistant Editor: DAN MORELAND Graphic Director: RAYMOND GIBSON Publishing Director: RICHARD J. W. FOSTER Research Services: CLARENCE ARNOLD Advertising Production: CHRIS SIMKO Editorial Secretary: JEANNIE SUTTON MARKETING/SALES Circulation & List Rental: SHARON JONES (216) 651-5500 Marketing & Merchandising Services: FRAN FRANZAK (216) 651-5500 New York Office: BRIAN HARRIS (212) 421-1350 757 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 Midwest Office: JOE GUARISE, JEFF DREAZEN (312) 236-9425 333 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60601 Southern Office: DICK GORE (404) 233-1817 3091 Maple Dr., Atlanta, Ga. 30305 Northwest Office: BOB MIEROW (206) 363-2864 1333 N.W. Norcross, Seattle, WA 98177 Classified: DOROTHY LOWE (216) 651-5500 9800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102 CORPORATE OFFICERS Chairman: JAMES MILHOLLAND JR. Senior Vice President: BERNARD P. KRZYS Senior Vice President: DAYTON MATLICK Vice President. CHARLES QUINDLEN LAWN CARE INDUSTRY is published every month by The Har-vest Publishing Company, a subsidiary of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. at 9800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102 HARVEST 651-5500. Copyright e 1980 by The Harvest Publishing Company. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not De repro-duced either in whole or in part without consent of copyright owner. Controlled circulation postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. SUBSCRIPTIONS: to Lawn Care Industry are solicited only from owners, managers, operators, buyers, merchandisers, agronomists, technicians, dealers, distributors and manufacturers of products associated with the lawn care and maintenance business. Position ana company connection must be indicated on subscription orders. Publisher reserves the right to approve all subscription re-quests. Single copy cost $1.00 for current issue. All back issues $1.25 each. Foreign $1.25. Subscription rates: $10.00 one year, $18.00 two years, $23.00 three 
years. Group and foreign air mail rates available le on request. SUBSCRIBERS: Send change-of-address notices, correspondence regarding subscription service to Fulfillment Manager, Lawn Care Industry, 9800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Change of Address notices should be sent promptly, provide old as well as new address, attach address label from recent issue. Please allow one month for change of address to become effective. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to Fulfillment Manager, Lawn Care In-dustry. 9800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Inc., ig Company, a subsidiary of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, ublishers of WEEDS TREES & TURF, PEST CONTROL, NPCA Extra, The Harvest Publishing Com GOL/BUSINESS. USPS 397250 The taller the grass ...the higher we pop! From residential to light commercial turf installations, Champion has a pop-up to do the job! When you compare the cost, precision construc-tion ond performance, you'll buy Champion. The 18HP (2" pop-up), 
the P180 (21/2* pop-up) and the 6178 Impulse pop-up ore just three of over one-hundred fifty sprinklers, volves, controllers and accessories featured in the new Champion, full-color cotolog. Ask for your free copy. # CHAMPION W SPRINKLER EQUIPMENT 1460 N. Noud St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 221-2108/(213) 223-1545 MEMOS Homeowners to stay at home, spend money on lawns: A re-cent survey conducted for O.M. Scott & Sons, Marysville, Ohio said that 30 percent of homeowners say they will spend more of their time at home this year. The survey was con-ducted by Home Testing Institute. When all respondents were asked which activities they would be spending more time on this year, the following three were cited by more than a third of the people: In-terior decoration or home improvement; exterior painting or refurbishing; and lawn care and gardening. Tops among the activities cited by those intending to spend more time around their houses were lawn care and gardening Š mentioned by two-thirds of the family heads, and over half of them plan to spend more money this year on their lawns. When asked, "Do you think improvements to your lawn will add dollar value to your home or make no difference?" three-fifths thought that such improvements would increase 
the cash value of their homes. An earlier independent survey among realtors tended to confirm homeowners' views on the subject. In the realtors' view, an attractive lawn with flowers, 
shrubs and trees would add about six percent to the market value of a house Š a handsome $4,500 on a $75,000 home Š and would speed up its sale. Outdoor advertising grows: Outdoor advertising, a medium being discovered by lawn care companies across the com-pany in growing numbers, is regaining popularity, growing 10 
percent a year since 1969. McCann-Erickson, Inc., an ad 
agency, estimates 1979 spending on billboards at $535 mil-lion, up 15 percent from 1978, but still only one percent of total U.S. ad outlays. Barefoot pumps dry over liquid: In a full-page ad in at least one midwestern daily newspaper, Barefoot Grass Lawn Ser-vice, Worthington, Ohio recently stated "11 reasons why you should consider trading your liquid lawn service for Bare-foot Grass dry lawn service." The 11 reasons trumpeted dry over liquid in headlines with explanatory copy and some pictures. The headlines were: "Barefoot dry works at the grassroots to grow your grass thicker." "Barefoot dry tailors the treatment individually. With most wets, it's one for all and all for one." "Barefoot dry works overtime. Most wets leave early." "Barefoot dry weedkillers are precise. Wets blanket everything, need it or not." "Barefoot dry insecticide sticks around when wet breaks down." "Barefoot dry stimulates healthy growth. Wet drives grass wild." "Barefoot dry won't give your lawn ugly, brown sunburn." "Barefoot dry works low. Wet stays high Š 
and gets mowed away." "Barefoot dry prevents disease. Wet offers a stopgap." "Great Scotts. It's Barefoot dry." "The Barefoot guarantee." The reference to "Great Scotts" said that Barefoot uses Scotts fertilizer. Letters: We get some nice letters here at LAWN CARE IN-DUSTRY, and we'd like to share some of them with you. William Vogel, manager of Vogel's Spring Valley Turf Care Products, Jackson, Wis., writes: "I would like to take this opportunity to commend you on the good job you are doing to inform an unify the turf care in-dustry through the informative and thought-provoking arti-
cles in your magazine. While attending the Illinois Turf Con-ference, I had the pleasure of meeting you at your booth. "Three years ago here at Vogel's Seed & Fertilizer, Inc., we started a new division called Vogel's Spring Valley Turf Care Products. We handle fertilizers (both liquid and dry), chemicals, seed and liquid equipment. "Recently we sponsored our first (and hopefully annual) 'Milwaukee Turf Day'. We have representatives from Allied Chemical, Ashland Chemical, Monsanto and Snyder In-dustries tank manufacturers talk about their products, and a talk on turf disease. Despite an eight-inch snowfall the day of 
the meeting, we had a fine turnout. "I thought I'd drop you this line to let you know that the Milwaukee turf care market, although young compared to some others, is alive and trying out its new legs. Again keep up the good work. I especially enjoy articles on comparing fertilizer and chemicals and statistics on purchases." And Bill Lyons of Canal Fulton, Ohio writes: "I congratulate you for publishing the article by C.R. Staib and Dr. J.T. Hays of Hercules for writing the splendid article 'Fertilizer Basics' (LAWN CARE INDUSTRY, February, 1980). I do hope they plan to publish this in a small booklet form. It will be just as good for the unborn future turf 
managers as all in the field today. As inflation goes, so goes the price of all fertilizers; so the last paragraph would have to be done on a chart basis to be flexible to future costs." Chipco 26019lets you increase your business without adding new customers. Chipco 26019Fungicide builds profits. Until now, it just hasn't been practical to offer disease control to your typical lawn care customers. The way available fungicides worked, you'd have to make too many appli-cations. And probably get spotty results 
at that. Enter Chipco 26019 Fungicide...the broad-spectrum turf fungicide that fits right into your spray program. Chipco 26019Fungicide gives you more control with fewer sprays. It stops major turf diseases like fusarium blight, Helminthosporium (leaf spot and melting out),dollar spot (includ- ¿^fa ing benomyl-resistant dollar 
spot), and brown patch. And it gives effective control for up to three weeks at low, economical rates. Chipco 26019 Fungicide 1 is easy to work with, too. It mixes well, with no residual left in the tank. And it pre-sents no problems of photo-
toxicity to turf. PRODUCT NUMBER 3355 7T ^^GREOtENT: Łhqreoiemts .. Think what Chipco 26019 Fungicide will do for your business. Because you know it's really going to workŠfor up to 21 days Š you can get a lot more aggressive about going 
after fungicide business. You can offer it right away to existing customers with disease problems. You can add it to your basic lawn care package when current contracts roll over. And you can use 
Chipco 26019 Fungicide as a competitive tool when you're going after new customers 
next season. If you'd like to have this competitive tool working to expand your business, ask your chemical dis-tributor for the profit-building addition to 
the popular Chipco line of turf fungicides and herbicides:Chipco 26019 Fungicide. Rhône- Poulenc Chemical Co., Agrochemical Divi-sion, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852. CHIPCO 26019 CHIPCO 26019 FUNGICIDE Applied Fungicide for the Prevention and Control ot Certain Diseases of Turfgrass . 50.0% .50.0% i *eep out of reach of children CAUTION STAT*"ENT OF practical treatment ^^ «ush With *** pane< tor A0dltlona| Precauttonary statement8 x «Sor. ». . fP RHONE POULENC CHEMICAL COMPANY AGROCHEMICAL DIVISION rp Inc. — NET CONTENTS 2 POUNDS ( 907 *a> Please read label carefully, and use only as directed. HERBICIDES < oc E-1 c/3 D D g u < U z < TOOLS,TIPS & TECHNIQUES Research new products on home lawns Philip Catron, regional agronomist for ChemLawn Corp., Westminster, Md., suggests that lawn care operators test products on home plots before incorporating them into their 
regular program. And the best way to determine the relative effectiveness of a product in a particular region of the coun-try is to test it on a customer's lawn. "University research is excellent," he said, "but it's not home care research. Get the permission of a customer and give him a free application for a year if he lets you use his lawn as a test lawn to see how a product reacts." Catron, speaking at the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Con-ference in Hershey, Pa., said before incorporating a product 
into a lawn care program operators should secure as much in-formation about that product as possible. Controlling broadleaf weeds When it comes to controlling broadleaf and viney weeds, her-bicides are the answer, accord-ing to Dr. William H. Daniel of Purdue University. Here are 
some of his tips. Always use the lightest possi-ble rate of application for herbi-cides. Don't overuse the chemicals just because the turf can tolerate higher amounts. Timing. Treat lawns any time weeds are growing. For many lawns, however, mid-fall is the best time to kill weeds, clover, etc. Since weeds germinate in the spring, summer and early fall, selective kill in September and October will assure a clean 
lawn for your customer next spring. This also favors desirable grasses, as they can fill in for maximum turf cover next year. Announcing DURSBAN Insecticides' "Buy-15-Get+Free" Sale Now buy 15 units of Dow label DURSBAN* 2E, DURSBAN 4E or private label insecticides containing DURSBAN Chlorpyrifos and get one free. But act fast. This offer only lasts from May 1 to May 30, 1980. So call your distributor now. Ask him about the "Buy-15-Get-1 -Free" deal from DURSBAN. Your participating distributor has a coupon for you. Fill it out and place your order for DURSBAN. You'll get your free DURSBAN on the spot. No matter which formulation you use, 2E, or highly concentrated 4E, DURSBAN brand insecticides won't let you down. They are the professional's choice. Buy it by the gallon or the drum, it all adds up to free DURSBAN for you. DOW DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. *Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company The poorest time to treat is late spring, because it opens up the turf to crabgrass, new weeds, etc., thus repeating the weed cy-cle. Fall treatments also minimize potential damage to tomato plants, gardens and shrubs. For best results, use herbicides when temperatures are above 50 
degrees F. and soil moisture is 
adequate for plant growth. Avoid windy or hot days, which favor 
droplet drift and vapor move-ment. There should be ample leaf surface present, as when the turf needs mowing. This en-courages better uptake of the 
chemical. It takes about two to 
four weeks for a complete weed kill. Delay spraying of new lawns 
until they have been mowed 
twice Š more than 30 days of growth, allowing grass seedlings to become tolerant of the chemical. Application. For liquids and wettable powders, dilute with ample water, about one to three gallons for each 1,000 square feet. Apply at a low pressure, perhaps 20 pounds per square inch. Dry, granular chemicals per-mit use of a spreader and dual weed-and-feed programs. For controlling broadleaf weeds, use herbicides when tem-peratures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and soil moisture is ade-quate for proper plant growth. Avoid windy or or hot days. Generally, you'll need to use more chemical in the dry form, and this form depends upon dew or leaf dampness to dissolve and 
distribute the herbicide. Often, for convenience, several chemicals are formulated together to assure control of numerous weeds. Further, synergistic chemicals 
acting together permit a lighter 
application. Most used. The most widely used chemicals include the fol-lowing: 2,4-D will kill most broadleaf tap rooted weeds including dan-delions, buckhorn, plantain, bull thistle, shepherd's purse, yellow rocket and curled dock. Stan-dard usage is one pound active ingredient per acre. MCPP works best on viney weeds including clover, chick-
weed, oxeye daisy. It augments 2,4-D very well, and is often blended about equal parts with 2,4-D. Standard usage is about one pound active ingredient per 
acre. Dicamba is excellent for knot-weed, chickweed, wild onion, yarrow, red sorrel, speedwell, 
clover, ground ivy and henbit. Its standard usage is light Š only one-quarter active ingredient per acre. BOOTS HERCULES Deltic from OuOíZX} BOOTS HEßLES ÏÏ^CTEÛ llSfc PESTAIS* New from Boots Hercules! DELTICŽ Residual Tick and Flea Killer provides both immediate and residual control of ticks, fleas and mites. It works longer and harder in holding back recurring infestations. New Business for you! Spraying for pests can provide a needed service for your lawn care customers plus a new source of 
additional income for you! Homeowners cannot purchase this restricted-use 
pesticide on their own. To get its powerful effects, they must rely on a Licensed 
Certified Applicator. ÖELTIC" Our <x reach op cm**** warnimg BOOTS HERCULES Expand your customer list. DELTIC is ideal for professional treatment of lawns, yards, industrial sites, parks, playgrounds and other outdoor areas where ticks, fleas and mites are a problem. Kennels, dog houses and dog runs can also be treated. Easy to apply! DELTIC is a liquid that's easy to pour, mix and apply. 
Use it in conventional power, hand or compressed air sprayers. When it comes to controlling ticks, fleas and mites in lawns and other outdoor sites, DELTIC means business. Call or write for full details on this exclus-ively professional product. ALL PESTICIDES CAN BE HARMFUL TO HEALTH AND THF. ENVIRONMENT IE MISUSED READ THE LABEL CARE FULLY AND USE ONLY AS DIRECTED Trusted agrochemical products for a bright agricultural future. Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co. Suite 149, 5100 North 6th Fresno, California 93710 209/227-2911 Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co. Suite 200, The Village Center Greenville, Mississippi 38701 601/335-1177 Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co Airworld Center 320 10920 Ambassador Drive 
Kansas City, Missouri 64153 816/891-0603 Write 158 on free information card Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co. Concord Plaza, 3411 Silverside Road Wilmington, Delaware 19803 302/575-7850 Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co. Suite 370, 340 Interstate N. Parkway Atlanta, Georgia 30339 404/955-9441 < s oc H CO D D 
Z W OC < u Z £ < hJ NEWSMAKERS Easy Lawn Corp. has announced the relocation of company head-quarters to 910 Main St. in Piqua, Ohio. The announcement was made by company president John Cruse. The move con-solidated the company's former offices in both Kettering and Pi-qua, Ohio. Easy Lawn home of-fices serve Miami and sur-rounding counties in addition to serving other territories throughout Ohio with its four branch offices. Established in 1976, Easy Lawn began its operations with nine employes. The company has since expanded its facilities and personnel to include more than 42 employes. Twenty-two of these employes are from the Miami County area. The com-pany has branch offices in Cin-Baltimore, Md. The company of-
fers both liquid and granular 
chemical lawn care. H. Dwight MacDonald is presi-dent of Southwest Maintenance 
and Landscape, Houston. The company offers landscape con-tracting, landscape maintenance and liquid and granular chemical application. Robert A. Kinmonth is owner of Joliet Lawn Service, Joliet, 111. The company offers mow-ing/maintenance and both liquid 
and granular chemical lawn 
care. Don McElrath is owner of Don's Landscaping & Grading, Asheville, N.C. The company of-fers mowing/maintenance and both liquid and granular chemical lawn care. Officers of the recently formed Ontario Association of Turf 
Sprayers, in Canada are: Des F. Rice, The Weed Man, Mississauga, president; Ross Jep-son, Proturf, Ltd., Toronto, vice president; and Bob Wilton, Rice Watson Clintair, Ltd., Toronto, secretary-treasurer. For further informa-tion, contact the association at: 1564 Mississauga Rd., N., Mis-sissauga, Ontario, L5H 2K2. Bruce Watson has been named specifications market manager for the Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp., Glendora, Calif. John P. Tobin, Jr. is president of Tobin Lawn & Landscape, Inc., Grandview, Mo. The company offers both liquid and granular chemical application and seeding, aerating and verticut-ting. Tomas F. Jessen is president of Perma-Green Supreme, Inc., Merrillville, Ind. The company offers mowing/maintenance ser-vices and liquid chemical lawn care. Robert E.Ottley is president of One Step Lawnscape, Inc., Rochester, N.Y. The company of-fers liquid chemical lawn care and landscape construction. William P. Michaelson is presi-dent of Lawn Medic of the Bay, 
Inc., Pittsford, N.Y. The company 
offers both liquid and granular chemical lawn care. Thomas Gilley is president of Green Thumb Custom Lawn Ser-vice, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. Ronald Koch is vice president lo page 7 ^ </- J Cruse Kirby cinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Akron/Canton. Keith Kirby was recently named a contractor development representative for the Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp. Glendora, 
Calif. In his new capacity, Kirby 
will work closely with residen-tial irrigation contractors in 11 western states. His duties will in-
volve the development and im-plementation of local contractor 
product, promotional and incen-tive programs, and the establish-ment of a direct line of communi-cation betwen contractors and the manufacturer. John Purdue is owner of Beauty Lawn, Sylvania, Ohio. Stephen E. Schlaudt is manager of Tru Green Corp., Wyoming, Mich. The company is headquarted in East Lansing, 
Mich. John L. Papp is owner of Lawn-Spray Co., Califon, N.J. E.P. White is owner of Sta-Green Lawn Spray, Clinton, Tenn. Gary Gordon is owner of City Pest Control Co., Rome, Ga. The company offers mowing/mainte-nance and liquid and granular chemical application. Paul Bergman is president of Centra Chemical Services, Inc., 
Hastings, Neb. Dennis Faith is secretary-treasurer and Bill Jeter is lawn service manager. The 
company distributes turf sup-plies in addition to running a lawn care business. Rick Johnson is owner of Johnson Estate Lawns, Sioux Falls, S.D. The company offers both chemical lawn care and mowing/maintenance services. Richard Tice is owner of T & L Lawn Service, Chesire, Conn. The company offers complete 
grounds maintenance. Frank E. Schumacher is presi-dent of Turf Tron, Inc., COST CUTTINGS Wasting energy: A way of life in America Remember when you were a kid and your mother told you to turn off all the lights in your room before going out to play? And you proceeded to leave the house with the radio blaring and enough lights on in your bedroom to safely land a wide-bodied jet on a foggy evening. Sure you do. From the time most Americans were tall enough to reach a light switch, wasting energy was a way of life. However, that is all changing now as $2 a gallon gasoline becomes a reality and the cost of all forms of energy continue to soar. Nowhere is the trend towards energy conservation more apparent than in the "big business" community where con-servation programs have become the rule rather than the ex-ception. Lawn care businessmen can learn from the programs in-stituted by "big business" and in the process save money. Ac-cording to the February issue of Inc., magazine, a "well-planned" energy conservation program can reduce total energy consumption by 20 percent. Among the magazine's "common sense" suggestions for reducing energy con-sumption as we enter the sticky summer months are: Ł Use natural ventilation, not air conditioning, whenever possible. If you must use air conditioning, set summer tem-peratures at 78 degrees. Ł Reduce interior lighting and other sources of heat whenever possible to limit the air conditioning you need. Ł Use indoor drapes, shades, and blinds, especially on south and west windows, and keep them in good condition. They can reduce heat gain as much as 50 percent during sum-mer months. Regarding the reduction of lighting costs, Inc., suggests: Ł Turn off fluorescent lights when leaving a room for more than 15 minutes, incandescent lights if you leave for only three minutes. Ł Evaluate the need for after-hours lighting, both indoors and out. Keep in mind that consumers are becoming more aware of energy scarcity and rising costs, and they may dis-approve of excessive energy use. Ł Remove unneeded lamps or bulbs from existing fixtures where light levels are excessive. Ł Reduce bulb wattage wherever possible. 
Ł Replace standard fluorescent and incandescent lights with high-efficiency fluorescent lights. Incandescent light bulbs are notoriously inefficient. f > $ Z n > 73 M Z a c CD 73 2 > When you buy a piece of turf equipment from your Jacobsen distributor, he knows that the sale doesn't end with delivery. In fact, it's just beginning. The rest of it depends upon his ability to give you fast service whenever it's needed. He knows that when your equipment is out for service, it's like having no equipment at all. That's why your Jacobsen distributor goes out of his way to offer you the best service in the business. From normal maintenance to emergency repairs. And he's been going out of his way for a long time. Our distributors have been with us for an average of 25 years. And their service managers have been with them for an 
average of 11 years. That's one heck of a lot of experience. But Jacobsen distributors don't rest on laurels. Every year they send their service managers and key people to our Racine Product TVaining Center for comprehensive training sessions. To stay up-to-date on new products and modifications. To attend workshops on subjects such as the latest advances in hydraulics and transmissions. And to attend seminars on parts, service and management training. Not only that, Jacobsen distributors hold field seminars and offer training to those customers who handle their own routine maintenance. Fast service. Done by professionals who are thoroughly trained. That's what you said you expect. And that's why we feel that the sale is really completed in the service department. Next time you get a chance, ask your Jacobsen distribu-tor to tell you about his service philosophy. The more you listen to what he has to say, the more you'll know he's been listening to you. We hear you TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc. Write 134 on free information card NEWSMAKERS from page 6 and Donald A. Koch is secre-tary/treasurer of the company, which offers granular chemical lawn care. George Carlson is manager and Ken Stuhr is president of Sequoia Lawn Care, Wyckoff, N.J. It is a division of Sequoia Tree Service, which has been in operation since 1965. The com-pany offers both liquid and granular chemical lawn care. Joe Pierce is president and Frank McGrady is treasurer of 
Pro Green, Inc., New Castle, Ind. The company offers both liquid and granular chemical lawn care 
and landscape contruction and mowing/maintenance. Jim Marosy is president of National Turf Service, Upper Marlboro, Md. The company of-
fers granular chemical lawn care. Thomas Brunner is president Personal Lawn Care, Inc., in Rocky River, Ohio, and Bob Thuenner is president of the company in Maryland. The com-pany offers both liquid and granular chemical lawn care and mowing/maintenance services. G. Michael Brown is president of L & M Lawncare of Canton, 
Ohio. John Doerschuk is manager and Glenn Brown, Jr. is service director. The company 
offers both liquid and granular chemical lawn care and mowing/maintenance services. It is a franchise operation. The franchise is based in Cleveland. Gary Kitchel is president of E-Z Lawn Corp., Richmond, Ind. The company offers liquid chemical lawn care. David W. Young is president and Barbara R. MacCoy is vice president of Lawns, Inc., 
Severna Park, Md. The company offers both liquid and granular 
chemical lawn care and mowing/maintenance services. George W. Graham is owner of Lawn Kare by George, Alexandria, Va. He is a former 
Lawn King franchisee. His com-pany offers both liquid and granular chemical lawn care, and seeding and aeration. 8 < >< OC H ce D Q Z w o: < u z TESTING Staff toxicologist joins CLC Labs Melinda Guzman-Harty, a former toxicologist for Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, has been hired as manager of the clinical and toxicology department at CLC Labs, a division of ChemLawn Corp., Columbus, Ohio. Guzman-Harty, who was born and raised in the Philippines, received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines. In 1970, she completed advanced studies in chemistry at Ohio State University and then worked at the University of Michigan's Department of 
Medicinal Chemistry on cancer 
and contraceptive research. Two years later, she worked as an assistant editor at Chemical Abstracts Service in Columbus, Ohio, and then in 1974, decided to finish her doctorate of 
philosophy in medical pharmacology at Ohio State, studying the effcts of tran-quilizers on the nervous system. After joining P & G, she worked primarily in the analysis and safety evaluation of different chemical formulations that are either applied to the mouth, skin or scalp but may be accidentally ingested or inhaled. She also provided safety data to an interacted with the regulatory 
groups prior to submission of any product for human testing. According to Jeff McKenney, general manager of CLC Labs, she will have multiple respon-sibilities which include the 
supervision of the lab's extensive cholinesterase monitoring pro-grams. These programs, initiated by CLC Labs for the safety of ChemLawn's employes who han-dle organophosphate insecti-cides, have continued to grow 
and expand due to the increased 
concern by other professional lawn care companies about their employes' welfare. Also, Guzman-Hardy's experi-ence includes chromatography, used extensively by CLC Labs for the analysis of pesticide formula-tions and residues. In relation to this, McKenney said, and due to 
the increasing demand to es-tablish the margin of safety of different chemicals in the en-
vironment, she will be involved with evaluating the impact of new pesticide and herbicide for-
mulations on the health of ChemLawn employes and customers as well as the customers' pets. She will regularly attend meetings and discuss current research with toxocologists, chemists, physi-cians, veterinarians and with 
ChemLawn regional agrono-mists. Since beginning her job with CLC in December, she has already taken major steps to answer many of the lawn care in-dustry's questions involving materials, pesticides, safety and the environment.Šby Alice Wagner Finally, An Aid For Teaching Turf grass Superintendents. Contractors, Lawn Care Managers. New. On-the-Job Reference. The Turf Managers Handbook is a compre-hensive. organized approach to turfgrass science and care. It has been designed and written by leading turf specialists from Purdue. Dr. William Daniel and Dr. Ray Freeborg. for on-the-job reference and as a text for students. The book contains 150 illustrations and 96 color photographs. Data includes 240 tables and forms. Included are specifications for rootzones, employment, calculations for chemical applications, and extensive metric-imperial conversion. Business and technical aspects of turfgrass management are covered in this 424-page book. Planning, purchasing, hiring. construction, and plant selection are put together for easy on-the-job reference. Markets covered include lawn care, sod production, golf course nanagement. cemeteries, athletic fields, .nd low maintenance areas. If it concerns turf, it's in the Turf Managers' Handbook. TU mana Hanö BOOK Ordering Information Please send copies of the hardback ($18.95 aa ) copies of the paperback ($14 95 ea ) A shipping charge of $1.25 per book must be added A check or money order tor la enclosed. Please charge to my VISA or MASTER CHARGE (circle one) account no. . expiration date Signature Name (Print) _ Address City -Zip-I understand that delivery may take six to eight weeks Quantity and bookstore rates available upon request Send to Books Department Business Publications Division Harvest Publishing Company 9800 Detroit Ave Cleveland. OH 44102 If I I kTI I U Lawn Care A Digest of Valuable Management Information from TUCO, Division of The Upjohn Company Lawn Insect, Disease Management Requires Knowledge and Experience Just a few years ago. most home lawns received little more attention than a systematic mowing Unlike golf course superintendents, whose jobs depend on efficient and effective 
turf care, homeowners were relatively unfamiliar with lawn-destroying pests But that situ-
ation has changed There is steadily increasing interest 
in improved home lawn care Homeowners have become interested in cultivating healthy 
lawns for aesthetic reasonsŠto keep their yard as attractive as the rest of their residential property Good looking lawns also provide economic benefits. One recent study found that general lawn condition can change a home's value by as much as to 4%! To keep yards in top shape, lawn care people must be able to recognize damaged areas in the 
lawn and associate the damage to the disease or insect causing the problem. This can be difficult, since insect damage is often 
similar to damage caused by disease or other factors Some Problem Insect« Sod webworms, cutworms, armyworms and white grubs are among the many pests that have 
the ability to turn a beautiful lawn into troubled turf. To deal with these pests, the lawn care specialist must be able to recognize the insects, identify the damage they cause, know life cycles and seasonal development patterns, and know how and when to control them. Sod webworms. cutworms and armyworms are the larval stages of various moths These insects go through four stages of developmentŠegg. larva, pupa and moth Current insecticide applications are only effective on 
the larvae and the moth. For best results, plan insecticide applications for the 
larval stage, usually about two 
weeks after peak moth flight. Sod Webworms The sod webworm has a short, thick body, usually spotted and 
coarsely haired, and ranges from 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch long The larvae start feeding on grass as 
soon as they hatch, building burrows close to the soil surface Webworms can restrict water movement into the soil by reinforcing their tunnels with chewed pieces of grass and soil They cut off grass at the soil line, 
chew freely on new growth and 
eliminate chances for grass to 
grow back Damage is indicated by irregular brown spots on the 
lawn. Silky webs often appear in 
areas inhabited by the larvae Webworm moths can be identified by their pale brown or greyish brown color and their 
quick, jerky movements as they fly randomly over a lawn Cutworms There are many cutworm species affecting various plants, 
but several species make grass their major target. Sod Webworm Cutworm The glassy cutworm, which is strictly subterranean, has a greenish-white body and reddish head As its name implies, the worm has a "glassy'' appearance Tuco publishes lawn care management report A new management report on lawn care, including suggestions on control of insect and fungi pests, has been published by TUCO Agricultural Chemicals, Division of The Upjohn Company. The report offers information on insect and fungi control and ways to identify these pests. It also includes management suggestions for lawn care operators on maintaining proper soil pH levels for healthy lawns and the need to control thatch buildup in order to get maximum benefit from insec-ticides. Other features entitled, "Acti-dione Gives Year-Round Fungus Control' and "Proxol 80SP Effective Against Lawn Insects'' are also included in the publication. Proxol and Act-dione are produced by Tuco Agricultural Chemicals. The four-page pamphlet also contains a number of photographs accompanying the various articles. To obtain a copy of the report write: "Lawn Care Report," The Upjohn Company, 9823-190-1, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. SUPER D WEEDONE APPLIED BY METER-MISER 3 Only way to total lawn weed control! Super-D is the formulation that's right for you with broader coverage for your dollar and a broad range of weeds under control. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC. AMBLER, PENNSYLVANIA 19002 Your life could be easier with The low-burn-potential, true solution nitrogen for lawn and turf professionals Reduced burning. Quick green-up. Nitrogen released in one season. Improved performance over dry products. No agitation,clogging or bag handling. No aggravation. These are the benefits that help make your lawn care service program easier throughout the season. FORMOLENE nitrogen fertilizer is a clear water solution of synthetic non-protein organic nitrogen, based on methylol-ureas and urea, ready for easy blending with other nutrients. Because of uptake efficiency through foliage and root systems, FORMOLENE fertilizer provides the econ-omy you need with the color response and healthy turf your customers like to see. And it can be used on any kind of turf as part of your year-round lawn care spray program. In spring, FORMOLENE nitrogen fertilizer quickly greens turf, but without that burst of growth that leads to disease and excessive mowing schedules. During the hot, dry summer, FORMOLENE nitrogen won't burn when used as directed, but delivers steady growth with adequate watering while retaining healthy turf color. For fall lawn care programs, you can count on FORMOLENE fertilizer to help strengthen root formation and support winter carryover of nitrogen for a healthy growth start the following spring. FORMOLENE fertilizer has a 30-0-2 analysis and blends easily with other solution nutrients and most turf herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. It can be used at rates as high as 2 lb per 1,000 sq. ft., per application, without burning. And rates of less than 1 lb per 1,000 sq. ft. can yield excellent results, providing an edge in economy and efficiency over many nitrogen sources. This easy-to-handle nitrogen fertilizer is available from Ashland in 20-ton tank truck loads. Smaller quantities, and complete N-P-K blend concentrates based on FORMOLENE, are available from authorized dealers. In short, FORMOLENE fertilizer provides the ideal basis for putting nitrogen on your cus-tomers' lawns with a minimum of aggravation. We'll be glad to tell you more. Write Ashland Chemical Company, Chemical Systems Division, Box 2219, Columbus, Ohio 43216. Or call one of our FORMOLENE experts at (614) 889-3490 or 889-4655. "Trademark. Ashland Oil, Inc. Ashland Ashland Chemical Company DIVISION OF ASHLANO OIL. INC. < s >-oc F CO D D 2 w oc < u 2 10 NEMATODES (mm,><,—>, larvae undergo a series of four 0 molts and the periods of growth between molts are called larval stages. Some nematodes, like the root-knot, undergo the first molt before hatching, while the larva is still within the eggshell. Feeding. Some nematodes feed on stems and leaves but a much larger number feed in or on the 
roots and other structures that grow below ground. All plant parasitic nematodes have a stylet, a spear-like structure used for piercing and extracting cell contents. Free-living nematodes 
are those that are beneficial, they feed on microorganisms in the soil and do not have stylets. Plant nematodes begin their feeding operation by injecting through the stylet into the plant a secretion, sometimes called 
saliva, that contains, presumably, a digestive enzyme. For some species of nematodes such as the root-knot, this secre-tion has a special function of modifying the plant's cells, caus-
ing them to form tissue on which the nematode can feed. In other words, it stimulates the formation of nurse cells or galls 
without which the parasite 
would die of starvation. This 
secretion by the stubby-root nematode when feeding on the root tips, suppresses the cell divi-sion of the roots and prevents root elongation. Stunted growth. The presence of nematodes are most obviously recognized by stunted growth, an off-color and turf thinning-out, Dr. McCoy said. If root-knot nematodes are present, one may examine the root system and find small knots occuring on the roots with a very limited root system. Soil can also be examined by a state or federal laboratory to determine the presence of nematodes. Information 
regarding soil sampling for nematode detection may be ob-
tained from a local extension agent. "Controlling nematodes with heat is one of the oldest methods used for killing nematodes," Dr. 
McCoy said. "Heat has been 
used in two ways, heat treatment of the soil, in which small quanti-ties of soil can be heated enough 
to kill nematodes by spreading soil in thin layers and placing it in conventional ovens or a micro-wave oven. When treated in larger quantities, compost soil or 
potting soil can be put in sacks 
and placed in a chamber or autoclave and subjected to about 15 pounds of live steam for 30 minutes or longer. The exact time depends on the bulk of the soil. Hot water treatment is a method for killing nematodes in plant structures by submerging them for a short period in hot water. This method has been used very extensively and successfully for controlling the 
stem nematode in narcissus and certain other bulbous plants. Hot water treatment is best-adapted to denematizing bulbs, corms, tubers and fleshy roots while 
they are in a dormant condition. This treatment may also be used for some kinds of infected nurs-ery stock, but fiberous-rooted plants are less tolerant and for this reason the method has met with less favorable success 
among growers. Many of our nematode pests can be controlled by depriving them of plants on which to feed. Plants that have been damaged 
by root-infecting nematodes of 
any kind should not be allowed to stand in the landscape for a long time after their beauty has 
disappeared. They should be destroyed immediately, preferably by exposing the roots to the drying action of the wind and sun. Keeping soil tilled and exposing it to hot sun during the summer will also lower nematode populations. Chemical control of nematodes can also be used in certain situa-tions. Methyl bromide is a soil fumigant that can be used in 
flower beds, seeding beds, soil flats, vegetable gardens and 
potting soil. V a p a m and Nemacur are liquid nematicides 
that can be used on certain plants. Truck decals available from PLCAA Durable truck decals displaying the Professional Lawn Care Associ-ation of America's (PLCAA) motto, "professionalism and good business practices," are now available from the association. Made of polyester-coated plastic, the decals are easy to apply and resist chemical sprays. Cost of the decals are $1 each for orders of 25 
or less and 90 cents each for orders of 26 or more. For further infor-mation contact PLCAA, 435 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1717, Chicago, IL 60611. The PLCAA was formed in the summer of 1979 to promote the lawn care industry, sponsor lawn care, related research and pro-mote professionalism within the industry. ALCA Landscape maintenance projects win Environmental Improvement Awards Ray's Landscaping & Nursery, Inc., Walled Lake, Mich., Federal Mogul World Headquarters; and 
Ed Sinnott, Clearwater 
Landscaping Co., Inc., Sun 
Valley, Idaho, Ellchorn Village. The Associated Landscape Con-tractors of America have recognized some 64 landscape projects Š including 13 landscape maintenance projects - with the prestigious ALCA En-vironmental Improvement Award. Presentation was made to contractors and clients at the recent ALCA Annual Meeting in San Diego. Among the awards were 11 Grand Awards, 17 Merit Awards and 33 Awards of Distinction. In addition to the three regular 
award classifications, the judges presented three special "Judge's" Awards, recognizing 
projects which had exceptional 
merit beyond the strict hor-ticultural aspects of the work. Judges for the program were: Lew Hammer, McSherry & Asso-ciates and a past-president of ALCA; Robert Woerner, presi-
dent of the American Society of 
Landscape Architects; Ian 
Crown, Mahoney's Rocky Ledge Nursery, representing the 
Massachusetts Horticultire Soci-
ety; and Robert Callaway of Mis-sissippi State University. Notable among the winning projects this year were three pro-jects from abroad Š two in the United Kingdom and one in Saudi Arabia. Winning landscape mainte-nance projects and companies were: Grand Award winners: Frank Timmons, Ladybug Industries, Jacksonville, Fla., Royal Palm Plaza; Raymond J. McMullen, Clarence Davids, Sr. (left), of Clarence Davids 8r Sons, Blue Island, III., and Frank Timmons, of Ladybug Industries, Jacksonville, Fla., were two of more than 50 recent winners of A LC A's Environmental Emprovement Awards. Merit Award winners: Ross Flood, Tierra Vista, Inc., Tulsa, Okla., Metropolitan Insurance Company Building; Clarence Davids, Sr., Clarence Davids & WHY 9 OUT OF K> LEADING LAWN CARE FIRMS USE I » When the top 9 of 10 lawn care firms in America all choose DCJRSBAN* brand-insecticides as their predominate insecticides for surface insect control..-there has to be a good reason. Or two. ^MÉÈÉfek Well there are two. 1. DURSBAN insecticides last longest of all 7 \ M leading insecticides. 2. DURSBAN insecticides cost less to use than other ^ leading insecticides. 1 * ^ ^ In fact one application of DURSBAN 4E, % oz. per 1,000 sq. ft., costs only about 45«. Yet with this small amount, you get six to eight weeks of unsurpassed residual control of dozens of turf pests. ^ Compare this to two to four weeks with any of the other leading insecticides. And although DURSBAN insecticides are highly effective against insects, they are kind to turf, to people and to pets. You also use a lower dosage rate with DURSBAN than with other leading insecticides. That means you handle fewer drums to do the job. So ask your supplier for the turf insecticide that saves you time, trips, storage space and money. Ask for DURSBAN 2E ¡M insecticide or double-strength DURSBAN 4E insecticide. Just be sure to read and follow all label directions and precautions. Agricultural Products Department, Midland, Michigan 48640. SM DOW, Sons, Inc., Blue Island, 111., two awards, Bristol Court Apart-ments and Orland Square Shop-ping Center; Chris des Garennes, Theodore Brickman Co., 
Trevose, Pa., AT & T Long Lines Headquarters; Donald O. Syn-nestvedt, Theodore Brickman Co., Long Grove, 111., Acco Work Headquarters; and Chuck Fer-
dig, Keesen Enterprises, Inc., Englewood, Colo., Stoney Brook Homeowner's Association. Award of Distinction winners: Synnestvedt, Ancient Tree; Thomas L. Oyler, Oyler Brothers Co., Orlando, Fla., Winter Park Telephone Co.; Mark A. Avon, Avon Landscape Corp., Alexan-dria, Va., Watergate at 
Landmark; and Owen H. Walker, Walker Industries, Inc., Houston, 
West Memorial Park. NO BUILD-UP How persistent are herbicides in soils Evidence is lacking to support 
claims heard from time-to-time that the potential build-up or persistence of herbicides in the soil can contaminate our en-
vironment. Except in the case of overuse or gross misapplication, the degradation processes men-tioned below will break herbi-cides down into safe or non-toxic compounds, according to Ronald L. Ritter, Maryland extension weed control specialist. Biological decomposition in-volves the detoxification of her-bicides by plants and soil micro-organisms. Plants and microor-ganisms can absorb herbicides. 
They can store herbicides or give them off in their original form. 
Usually they are changed, with the breakdown products being used by the plant or organism or 
being discharged back into the soil solution. Chemical decomposition in-volves a variety of of chemical reactions that change the herbi-cide. Normally, the decomposi-tion products are non-toxic sub-stances that are further degraded to components that are already present in soils and plants. Act D (Decomposition) in-volves the breakdown of herbi-
cides by sunlight. Whenever a 
herbicide is applied to the soil surface or to plant foliage it is 
subject to decomposition by sunlight. A number of transfer pro-cesses are important to the fate of herbicides in the environ-ment, Ritter wrote in a recent University of Maryland newsletter, The Agronomist. Herbicides can be absorbed and exudated by plants and 
animals. Thus herbicides can 
either penetrate through tissues into an organism (known as ab-sorption) or be discharged from inside an organism to the outside environment (known as exuda-tion). Herbicides that are applied to the soil surface may become -dissolved or suspended in rain water resulting in surface ru,n-off during periods of heavy rainfall. Severe run-off can also carry soil particles that have herbicides adsorbed on them. 11 Z n > x tn Z a c CD H X > 12 SEED Renovating lawns through overseeding < >« oc H c/3 D D 2 w oc < u 2 < by Larry Vetter, Northrup King Co., Minneapolis Over the past few years, the lawn care industry has had many improved turf varieties available to it. This, coupled with rapidly advancing technology, has given us the opportunity to provide top-quality turf in a wide range of situations and geographic areas. Healthy grass plants have the ability to increase in density and produce good lawns. However, when management practices, soil or weather conditions are un-satisfactory or grasses being used are poorly adapted for your situation, lawns will not be top quality. The first thing to do when faced with such a situation, and unfortunately it is a step that is very easily overlooked, is to determine why renovation is necessary. In other words, why Seed-to-soil contact is absolutely essential for proper seed estab-lishment and germina-tion. Therefore, ex-cessive thatch should be removed before overseeding. did the turf thin out, and do whatever is necessary to correct that problem or problems. In other words, what caused the problem in the first place? A good checklist to go through in determing what these prob-lems might be is: Compaction. Even the best turf varieties will not maintain vigorous growth if the soil is so compacted that there is not proper water movement or air spaces in the soil. If this is deter-mined to be a problem, some means of relieving the compac-tion are necessary before spending your customer's money on renovation. Normally, this is best accomplished mechanically 
with the specific method being determined by the degree of compaction that exists in the soil. Lack of light or poor air cir-culation. These two problems many times will go hand-in-hand and generally would be the result of severe tree competition with the turf area. To correct this problem, trees may have to be removed or at least a general thinning of the existing trees must be made. There are some varieties on the market today that will do well under more heavily shaded conditions, but, in general, grass plants need ade-
quate light and good air circula-tion to provide a quality turf. Lack of water or poor quality water. To correct this problem, it may be necessary to install a more adequate irrigation system or instruct the customer on proper methods, frequencies and amounts of watering necessary for their lawn. In more severe cases, it might be necessary to find an alternative water supply. However, whichever one of these water problems is deter-mined to be the cause of the in-ferior turf, you should keep in mind that certain varieties on the market will provide improved 
quality with less amounts of water than others, and certain species will do better with different pH ranges. Excessive thatch. This can be a severe problem on older lawns that have not been properly maintained in the past. If the amount of thatch is restricting water infiltration, it will prob-
ably be adversely affecting other factors which are neces-sary to have a quality lawn, and, consequently must be removed. Improper pH. Most grass plants do best under slightly acid 
conditions. However, there is a 
fair degree of variation within the tolerance of the different species. Consequently, if this is determined to be a major prob-lem, it should be corrected or the 
varieties should be selected that 
will thrive under the existing pH range. For example, "Fults" 
Puccinellia distans is a new release by Northrup King that thrives in high pH conditions and, consequently, has a definite role to play where high pH soils or water are a problem. Poor drainage. This, in many instances, is the key to turfgrass management. Without proper drainage, there really is very lit-tle that can be done to improve turf quality. All grass needs air available to it in the root zone, and without that, quality turf 
cannot be maintained. Poor nutrition. This is very un-likely to be the case in the situa-tion a lawn care businessman faces, but I include this point to remind the lawn care busi-nessman that certain grasses will do better at different nutrient levels. In other words, some grasses need more fertilizer than others, and vice-versa. With the improved varieties that are now 
available on the market, you can make a choice of what to plant by determining what the level of nutrition will be in the mainte-nance program for that turf. Weed infestation. Most experts will agree that weeds are not the cause of a bad lawn, but they are, instead, the result of a bad lawn. The 2-Step TUif Renewal Plan with Roundup and Pennfine. One. Wo. Spray Roundup® on the turf area to be renewed. With just one application of Roundup® herbicide by Monsanto, you can control or destroy most unwanted vegetation. Including stubborn intruders like annual bluegrass, bermudagrass, quackgrass, johnsongrass, tall fescue, and kikuyu grass. In a matter of days, Roundup circulates throughout these weeds. Even 
into the below-ground roots, destroying 
the entire plant. Yet Roundup has no residual soil activity. That means there is no injury to new seedings planted after application. Spread Pennfine Perennial Ryegrass seed over the area treated with Roundup. After applying Roundup, seed with fast-growing, fine-leafed Pennfine Perennial Ryegrass. Pennfine was developed by Dr. Joe Duich at Pennsyl-vania State University. Pennfine has been proven to germinate quicker, grow denser, and resist disease better than traditional ryegrasses. And it penetrates compact soil, sending its roots to depths of 12 to 18 inches. These qualities make Pennfine an excellent choice for turf renewal and help to 
explain why it's used by turf profes-sionals from coast to coast. In a short time, you'll see the proof for yourself. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL FOR ROUNDUP* ROUNDUP® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF MONSANTO CO.. ST. LOUIS. MO. MONSANTO COMPANY 1979 PENNFINE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS HAS BEEN ACCORDED U.S. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION CERTIFICATE NO. 7200019. A general rule of thumb concerning renovation is if 50 percent or more of the soil is bare or covered with weeds, it is best to start over. Con-versely, if 50 percent or more is covered by healthy turfgrass, chances are that total renova-tion will not be necessary and a good lawn can be provided by overseeding the poor areas. Consequently, if there is a severe weed infestation, chances are that one or more of the potential problems in this checklist are 
causing the weed problem. A certain amount of herbicide 
weed control in most turf areas is necessary from time to time, so we can't totally disregard the need for attention to weed prob-
lems. However, keep in mind that if severe weed problems ex-ist, there are probably other problems that are causing this one. Improper mowing. Most of the older varieties that exist in es-tablished lawns do not do well under mowing of less than one-and-one-half inches. Also, mow-
ing too infrequently, thus causing severe shock to the grass plant 
when it is mowed, will even-tually cause severe problems. A good rule of thumb to follow is to mow frequently enough so that no more than. one-third of the 
leaf area of the plant is removed at any one mowing. The variety composition of the turf stand will dictate what the proper mowing 
height should be. Unadapted grasses. We are all aware of the climatic adaptation 
of the various turfgrasses, mean-ing warm-season versus cool-season, but keep in mind that the adaptability also varies with pH, 
desired mowing height, amount of shade, nutrient levels, water availability, etc. With the newer 
improved varieties that are available to you, you can make some very positive choices when seeding that will result in quality conditions in a wide variety of 
situations. After you have determined what problems exist and have taken steps to correct those prob-lems, the next decision would be 
whether to overseed into the ex-isting turf or start over from scratch. Here again, a general rule of thumb can apply, and that is, if 50 percent or more of the Free *It will have cost you nothing to see how dramatically the 2-Step I\irf Renewal Plan can improve your turf. Our free kit contains enough Roundup and Pennfine to renew about 200 square feet of turf. And when you see the results, you can judge for yourself just how well this 
new concept in turf renewal 
works. Roundup and Pennfine -the 2-Step Turf Renewal Plan. Address Put Our Free Kit to the Test. Find out for yourself how effectively these two superior products work together in a simple turf renewal program. All it will cost you is the price of a stamp. Name (Please print) Company or Institution State Zip Send this coupon to: Turf Renewal Plan, Box 923, Minneapolis, | MN 55440 Note: this offer is restricted to turf professionals-those whose livelihood depends on the maintenance of quality turf. Limit one per company or course. Offer void where prohibited by law. soil is bare or covered with 13 weeds, it is best to start over. Conversely, if 50 percent or more is a good turfgrass stand, chances > are that total renovation will not be necessary and a good lawn n can be provided by overseeding > the poor areas. 2 The best time for seeding naturally varies depending upon your particular geographic area. However, in general, late sum- Ł< mer to early fall is the ideal time for seed establishment. Dormant 
seeding is another option that is available to you, and this in-volves planting the seed immedi-ately before the soil freezes so that no germination will occur g during that season but will take place as soon as conditions are 
proper in the spring. A successful spring seeding can also be accomplished, but this should be timed so that the soil is dry enough in the spring to avoid undue compaction prob-
lems when working the soil, and also to provide a satisfactory seedbed. Actually, seed can be established anytime during the growing season, it is just more difficult at certain times than others. Regardless of the degree of renovation that is necessary for the lawn, there are certain steps 
that need to be followed in order 
to provide a satisfactory turf for your customer: Ł Correcting existing problems. This refers to the items discussed earlier. Ł Remove thatch. If this was determined to be a problem, keep in mind that one of the ab-solute essentials in seed estab-lishment is good seed-to-soil con-tact. Proper germination and es-
tablishment cannot take place unless the seed is actually in con-tact with the soil. This is best done mechanically if a large area is involved and can be easily accomplished with a hand rake for small areas in the lawn. Ł Mow the exitsing grass as short as possible and remove the clippings from the lawn. This 
will reduce competition from the 
existing grass plants, allow light to contact the soil, and give the 
new seedlings a much better chance of becoming successfully 
established. Ł Loosen the soil surface. Again, on a larger area, this is most efficiently done mechani-
cally. However, it can be done by hand if only relatively small 
spots are involved. A mechanical rake set to cut grooves one-
quarter inch into the soil will enhance the environment for germination tremendously. It might also be beneficial to apply 
a starter fertilizer at this time. Ł Distribute seed uniformly. Obviously, if there are some spots or strips that are missed, the resulting turf stand will not be satisfactory to your customer. Ł Cover the seed lightly. This can be accomplished by a light 
raking, a topdressing, or by run-ning a mechanical rake at right angles to the direction of the original grooves that were made in seedbed preparation. Of course, if you are using one of the mechanical seeders, this step is not necessary because the machine has already done this 
for you. Whatever the method that you use, this will better in-lo page 14 14 OVERSEEDING from page 13 Š sure seed-to-soil contact, which o is absolutely essential to the seed | establishment. Ł Organic mulch. This can be very beneficial in insuring a good turf stand. However, in many areas of the country, it is very difficult to get a satisfactory mulch that will not further com-pound your problems. One of the 
primary things that you need to 
be aware of, if you are planning 
on using a mulch, is that this can 
be an excellent source of weed seeds. Consequently, it is critical to know the source of the mulch that is to be used and the quality of it. Ł Roll lightly if necessary. If the surface is extremely loose or you question whether you have good seed-to-soil contact, a light < S ^ DC H co D Q Z DJ PC < u z £ < rolling would be beneficial to firm the surface of the soil and/or establish effective seed-to-soil contact. Ł Keep seed moist. Once a seed has begun the germination process, it is critical that it is not 
allowed to dry out. This does not 
mean, however, that heavy waterings are necessary since this can cause severe erosion problems, among other things. Small amounts of water or light waterings frequently throughout the day are the ideal situation for the germination process. 
Remember to water on the basis of the slowest germinating species being used. Ł Continue short mowing. If you have overseeded into an ex-isting turf, keep the established grass cut very short in order to Before selecting a particular variety of seed for overseeding a number of factors must be con-sidered including: What geographic area of the id what typ will it be planted on? How will the turf be used country will the seed be used and what type of soil and maintained once it is established? These are questions which must be answered to successfully establish a healthy turfgrass stand. ŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁ eliminate competition with new seedlings. Ł Normal maintenance after two or three mowings. Once the new seedlings have matured to the point where they have been mowed two or three times, nor-mal management should begin. This involves, among other things, less frequent waterings in SPRAYING SYSTEMS CO. Teejetr. SPRAY NOZZLES AND ACCESSORIES SPRAY BOOM CONTROL VALVES, PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES f LINE and SUCTION STRAINERS Vari Spacing. Split-Eyelet and Hose Shank BODIES and NOZZLES SPRAY GUNS Over 800 INTERCHANGEABLE SPRAY TIP TYPES AND CAPACITIES... tapered edge, even and wide angle flat spray ... hollow and full cone ... disc type hollow and full cone ... and flow regulators. The most complete line for spraying herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, liquid fertilizers and 
foam solutions. All materials. For complete information write for Catalog 36 .. . and for foam spraying^ s^i ask for Data Sheets 13602 and 13626. OPRAYING SYSTEMS CO. North Ave. at Schmale Rd., Wheaton, III. 60187 Telephone: 312 665-5000 / Telex No. 72-8409 PROMPT SHIPMENT FROM STOCK Write 122 on free information card TOTAL DEPENDABILITY with the intermediate line of Bob Cat. Some mowers are built to meet a price. Bob Cat mow-ers are built to meet the rugged durability you demand. Whether you want the walk-behind or riding sulky intermediate, you'll be dol-lars ahead with the total dependability from a Bob Cat. Check the benefits of Bob Cat's dependability for yourself. Write 120 on free information card To improve your lawn care business, justadd water. You've got a grow-ing business, we've got a growing business. Why not combine them? Installing under-ground automatic sprinkler systems is easy and profitable. And with quality controllers, heads and valves from Rain Bird, rainmakers to the world since 1933, your customer is assured the best system available. His lawn stays healthier and so do you. For more information on this money-making opportunity, contact your nearest Rain Bird distributor. Or write to us at the address below. We'll show you how easy it is to make more green while you make more green. BA/A&B/RD Bringing new ideas to life. 7045 N. Grand Avenue, Glendora, CA 91740 Ł Rain Bird « a registered trademark of Rain Bird sprinkler Mfg Corp Glendora California c 1978 Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg Corp larger amounts per time, selecting the proper mowing height, and establishing your nutrient management level. At this point, you are now into fairly normal management and your programs should be adjusted ac-cordingly. We have been discussing management and establishment techniques, but in order to get the maximum benefit and thus have the happiest customer as the result of your efforts, a pri-mary consideration must be what type of seed to use. The first con-sideration and the most obvious one, of course, is where is it? This means, the geographic area of the country where the seed is to be planted, and what type of soil it will be planted on. There is the obvious warm-season versus cool-season turf-grasses that we mentioned earlier, but there also is a con-sideration that certain types of 
grasses will do better on different types of soils. Different grasses also react differently to different disease organisms, 
different insect problems, and different watering practices. The second consideration that is extremely important is how will the turf be used once it is es-tablished? There is a very wide variation in the tolerance of traf-fic, for example, between the different turf species. If the lawn is going to be the neighborhood 
playground, you would definitely not want to use the fine fescues and some of the 
common bluegrasses. In a situa-tion where traffic is a prime con-sideration, you should rely 
heavily on the new improved ryegrasses and some of the more traffic-tolerant improved blue-grasses. On the other hand, if the homeowner is going to maintain his lawn as a showplace that is to be looked at and admired, other 
varieties and species would then 
be appropriate. A third consideration and possibly the most variable, is how will it be maintained once it is established. Will the lawn be 
mowed regularly? Will it be watered sparingly or heavily? 
Will it be fertilized with several pounds of nitrogen per year or with only one application at 
best? Does the homeowner want a certain mowing height? All of these things and others will be factors in your decision of what 
kind of seed to plant. As was mentioned earlier, with the num-ber of improved varieties that are available on the market to-
day, many of which have certain strong points inherent to them, formulations can be made to in-sure a happy customer under a 
very wide range of conditions. You'll notice the word "formu-lations" was used and this was 
not accidental. In almost no in-stance is it recommended to co (O 3 O) O ? o co 3-o CD O CD O o 3 5' c 
CD ^ CD O CD < 0) t 3 O 2 ° CD Q) ET CD a >-o 3 o O® k z o Ło 8 8 2 CD I 0DÛ w O C 5 3 í2. «o © 3 w CD © n co co o ? ? co $ 2 S <o ro <0 City Mail To: Company Name Your Title First Initial -Š Š Š Middle Initial Š -Š Š Š » » Š -Š Š 3 2» ® Š -Š Š Š co cu Š © Š Š Š Š OK. 2 -g-10 Š Š Š ÍOSK2 ï**? .-i =: aiuiAuo JS52 ai 0300|1«£? f ülMfl .-ÍE3*fFf 1 ^ o o 5Íod35| If I' °!fl ¡ i * : Ipl IIÜ I i M AY1980 (Ex p i res i n 60 d ay s) reader service card Use this card to obtain more information...fast. B plant a single variety when es-tablishing a turfgrass population. Mixtures of the different species, meaning fescues, bluegrasses and ryegrasses, or blends of varieties within a species, mean-ing several bluegrasses or several ryegrasses put together with their specific strengths in mind, is your best assurance of not only successful establish-ment, but a happy customer for 
many years to come. There have been many papers written on this particular sub-
ject, and almost without excep-tion the recommendation will be to use more than one variety for 
turfgrass establishment. Climate, shade, watering practices, water quality, fertility levels, mowing practices, disease con-
siderations, etc., all pose much less of a threat to the quality of the turfgrass area when the turf population consists of more than 
one variety and/or species. Is it worth it? Will it pay? These are questions that only you can answer for your in-dividual lawn care business. However, successful business-are built on quality work-manship and satisfied, happy customers. With this in mind, I think we can plainly see when looking at the items that were discussed earlier, that the chances of both success and fair-ure, when renovating, can be 
numerous. Consequently, by tak-^ ing advantage of renovation opportunities and doing it prop-erly, you have increased your 
chances of having that happy, satisfied customer who is all-important to a successful, profit-able lawn care business. MARKETING Boots Hercules launches Nitroform promotion Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co. has launched a new identity program to increase awareness of its Nitroform fertilizer. Bob Staib, product manager, told LAWN CARE INDUSTRY: "This program is aimed es-pecially at fertilizer formulators 
and blender-mixers serving the turf and horticultural market. It provides a way for them to 
reduce bag costs and promote 
Boots." Boots Hercules will pay resellers a fertilizer bag allow-
ance for using the Nitroform logo on the front of the bag. This allowance ranges from $.015 to $.06, depending on the net weight and percentage of nitrogen derived from Nitroform. For more details, write: C. Robert Staib, Boots Hercules Agrochemicals Co., Concord Plaza, 3411 Silverside Rd., Box 7489, Wilmington, DE 19803. COMPANIES Encap Products buys Ball Pow-r Products Encap Products Company, Mt. Prospect, 111., recently acquired Ball Pow-r Products, division of Geo. Ball Pacific, Inc., according to an announcement by Walter A. Houston, Encap president. Houston said the acquisition means that Encap Products' Green Garde label will go on Ball 
Pow-r Products' complete line of Arimitsu agricultural equipment, which includes hoses, pumps, power blowers, dusters and sprayers for the horticultural and pest control markets. He 
added that a sales office and 
warehouse will be maintained in the San Francisco area. Jim David, who was general manager of Ball Pow-r Products, has joined Encap and will be responsible for the company's western sales operation. MARKETING IDEA FILE I Phone marketing could be curbed A bill that could partially curb the use of the telephone for 
soliciting lawn care customers has been introduced into the House of Representatives. If approved, the bill would make unsolicited commercial telephone calls illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment. The prohibition would apply only to commercial calls made to persons who had previously in-
dicated that they did not wish to receive such calls. The bill defines a commercial call as any business call not made by political organizations, non-profit organizations, 
public opinion polling services or electronic media rating ser-vices. Under the proposed legislation, people who do not wish to receive unsolicited commercial telephone calls would so 
notify the telephone company, which would then pass their names along to businesses. The Federal Communications Commission would regulate these name removal procedures, as well as set a rate struc-
ture under which businesses would pay for the costs involved 
in obtainning these names. 15 > ? z n > PC m Z a c CD H PC m-2 > CO Charles Craig put his career on the line to use Roundup herbicide And he won. When Charles Craig decided to renovate 35 acres of this college campus with Roundup^ herbicide in 1977, he knew that if it didn't work, he'd probably have to "hide under a rock'.' But, fortunately, Charles didn't have to go into hiding because just 7 days after he applied Roundup he was able to reseed right into the dying grasses. "Yes, I put my career on the line, but I felt all along that Roundup was going to work',' Charles says. "There was no doubt in my mind'.' As horticulturist for Mercer County Community College in Trenton, New Jersey, Charles Craig depended on Roundup for the broad spectrum control he needed for tough grasses like quackgrass, orchardgrass, tall fescue and others. And since Roundup has no residual 
soil activity, he was able to reseed in a matter of days. "Seed germination was ter-rific, especially with the weather we had',' Charles told us. "Every-one always says it looks nice'.' Charles still uses Roundup for touch up jobs around cracks in the pavement, park-ing lots, buildings, tree bases and flower beds. Taking pre-cautions against spray drift, Charles has no fear of harming surrounding vegetation with Roundup. Charles Craig is convinced that Roundup works, and he has 35 acres of beautiful turf to prove it. To see how it can work for you, reach for Roundup where you buy chemicals. For literature, call 1-800-621-5800, or in Illinois, 1-800-972-5858. MOHSailtO There's never been a herbicide like this before. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE LABEL FOR ROUNDUP. Roundup® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Co. © Monsanto Company 1980. RI-8014D Write 128 on free information card 16 TURF OVERVIEW >-< S >-DC H C/3 D O 
2 w oc < u 2 < Earthworm activity in turf aids in thatch decomposition by Dr. Keith Karnok, assistant professor, Ohio State University Thatch continues to be a perplex-ing problem to turfgrass man-agers. However, during the past several years research has aided in our understanding of the 
causes and control of turfgrass thatch. For example, low soil pH, elevated mowing height, poorly drained soils and excessive use 
of certain pesticides are all fac-tors which may encourage exces-sive thatch accumulation. Like-wise, research has also docu-mented the effectiveness of vari-ous thatch controlling methods 
such as mechanical dethatching, coring, aerification, top-dressing and liming. Although significant progress has been made in the above areas, many other factors related to the causes and control of thatch have been virtually unex-plored. One such factor of partic-
ular significance is the influence 
of earthworms on thatch degrad-ation. Although a few popular ar-ticles in recent years have eluded to the importance of an 
active earthworm population, 
very little research has been con-ducted with this small animal jn 
a turfgrass ecosystem However, there is sufficient evidence that suggests turf areas with little or no earthworm ac-tivity will accumulate thatch at a 
faster rate than areas with active populations. This is illustrated by research which has shown drastic reductions in earthworm populations or activity following the use of certain pesticides with a subsequent increase in thatch accumulation. It appears rela-tively certain that there is a rela-tionship between earthworm ac-
tivity and thatch. How do earthworms aid in thatch decomposition or slow down its rate of accumulation? In addition to pesticides, what other factors affect earthworms? What can a turf manager do to insure 
an active earthworm population? These questions can best be answered by reviewing the 
biology of this soil inhabiting animal. Earthworms are invertebrate animals which form an impor-tant group of annelids, or seg-
mented worms which live in the soil. They range in size from a fraction of an inch to the giant earthworms of Australia or Brazil which have been found to be more than 11 feet long and weighing up to one pound. There 
are about 1,800 species of earth-
worms distributed throughout the world. The most common worms found in North America 
belong to the family Lumhricidae, which include the common nightcrawler or Lumhricus terrestris. It is impor-tant to realize that different species of worms behave differently. For instance, only a few species have permanent 
burrows and produce casts. Earthworms derive their nutri-tion from many forms of organic matter including dead or decom-
posing plant material, living pro-tozoa, nematodes, bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms, and 
decomposing remains of large and small animals. One of the major factors which affect the distribution and population of earthworms in the soil, is the availability of organic matter as a food source. Generally, if there is little organic matter in the soil, the earthworm population will he small. Effect of earthworms on soil. Earthworms have long been known to improve both the chemical and physical properties of soils. For example, the frag-mented organic matter in soil is consumed by millions of bacteria and various enzymes. These ele-Thatch on left is from well fertilized turf with no earthworms. On right, thatch is diluted and decomposed by earthworm casts. ments or nutrients are then released from the worm to the soil for plant use. Some studies have shown that when earthworms were present, significant increases of available nitrogen, phosphorous, 
potassium, calcium, magnesium and molybdenum were found in the soil. The physical properties of soils are also improved by earthworm activity. The improvement in soil structure is through the activity of ingesting soil and the partial breakdown of organic matter in the gut. These two fractions are then mixed together and excreted. In addi-tion, the burrowing of the worm through the soil brings the deeper sub-soil to the surface as 
well as well as the movement of Ibro introduces trimmers to be called You work hard for a living. You need equipment built to do an honest day's work, too. So Toro has come up with trimmers and blowers good enough to be called Professionals.1 They're specifically designed for parks, schools, golf courses, offices and other commercial users. Ruggedly engineered to give you dependable service. And reliably powered by the world famous Kioritz air cooled, two cycle, gasoline engine. Our 21cc trimmer is ideal for quick trimming jobs. Weighs only 11.9 lbs. and has an auto-
matic head that feeds 
new line with just a tap on the ground. Our 21cc deluxe trimmer is for longer stretches of work on grass, weeds and brush. It's easily maneuverable 
with an adjust-able U-handle control and wide strap harness for 
operator 
comfort. Our 30cc trimmer/cutter is heftier and more powerful for sustained -¿P ; V A 40cc Back Pack Blower kì0 ŁL 21cc Hand Held Blower chores on Ł ^ 
everything ^ Ł M from grass to light brush. Its fixed head / with heavy Š duty nylon line and 10" weed cutter are both standard. . / The Toro Company, 8111 Lyndale Ave. So., Minneapolis. MN S5420. topsoil and surface organic mat-ter to a lower depth. The result is a well granulated, soil-organic matter mix with improved aera-tion and water holding capacity. It has been shown that soils with earthworms drain from four to 10 times faster than soils without earthworms Earthworms have long been known to be critical in the decomposition of plant organic matter. Most research has been conducted in conjunction with traditional agricultural farming systems. For example, in apple orchards earthworms have been shown to remove up to 90 percent of the fallen leaves from the soil surface during the fall and win-ter months. In orchards with lit-tle or no earthworm activity, a 
thick organic mat develops at the soil surface. Field experiments in permanent pastures have shown similar results. Very little work has been done on their ef-fects on turfgrass communities. A recent study shows that lawns with one-half inch or more of thatch average less than five earthworms per square yardf whereas lawns with little or no thatch average more than 33 worms per 
square yard. A correlation obviously exists be-tween thatch accumulation and earthwrom popu-lations. However, as already mentioned, it has been well documented that a correlation exists between thatch accumulation and earth-worm populations. For example, a recent study conducted on 30 home lawns in Columbus, Ohio, showed that lawns with one-half-inch or more of thatch averaged less than five earthworms per square yard, whereas lawns with little or no thatch averaged more than 33 worms per square yard. Earthworms act on organic matter deposited on the soil sur-face in a number of ways. They ingest bits of partially decom-posed roots, stems and leaves from the surface and that which 
is mixed with the soil. The in-gested material is then frag-mented in the earthworm's giz-
zard. Approximately 18 to 36 hours after ingestion the earth-
worm excretes the further decomposed organic matter in the form of casts on the soil sur-face and at various soil depths. Research has shown that earthworm casts may contain and Mowers good enough Professionals. 30cc Trimmer I Cutter 21cc Trimmer -< y.jt¿>Vi ' ' < ; raft . : a> AlU '/Jil V Got tougher jobs? Our trimmer accessories include a 10" circular saw blade for thick grasses, tall weeds, scrub trees and the like. And, to blow hours of work away in minutes, take your 
choice of two new Toro" blowers: , Our 21cc hand held V blower is just 9.7 lbs. but discharges air at 102 mph. Perfect for "quickie" jobs clearing leaves, dust and light debris off side-walks, flower-beds and smaller areas. j^f® Our 40cc f back pack blower produces an air velocity of 276 mph to gather leaves and all kinds of litter from lawns, driveways, parking lots, stadiums and other areas. . * And it goes where you go, easily and comfortably. / Want to know 
more about the trimmers and blowers good enough to be called Professionals? Call your Toro distributor . for more information. MM | y « TORO The Professionals ii 1 P '^y-tiv1: , -E* ,. 3MM more fungi, actinomycetes and cellulose decomposing bacteria than the surrounding soil. Worm casts also contain enzymes such as proteases, anylases, lyases, cellulases and chitinases which continue to break down orgainc matter. The effects of surface 
deposited casts can be of particu-lar importance in organic matter 
decomposition. It has been es-timated that 7.5 to 16.1 tons per 
acre of casts can be deposited an-nually. This is equivalent to a soil layer 3/16 inch deep spread over the entire area, or in other words, a naturally occurring an-nual topdressing. Therefore, earthworms can potentially aid in the decomposi-tion or control of thatch in three ways: Ł Direct ingestion of small pieces of organic matter. Ł Incorporation of micro-organisms and enzyme-rich casts 
into the thatch layer. Ł The removal of loose leaves and stems from the soil surface to deeper soil depths. Management practices. What can the turfgrass manager do to insure maximum earthworm populations and activity? Earth-worms and the environment in Earthworms can be a tremendous asset to the turfgrass manager. Their influence on the physical and chemical 
properties of soil have a definite affect on the health and vigor of turf. which they live are quite com-plex. However, there are several management practices or precautions which can affect 
earthworm populations. 1.) Discriminate use of pesticides: This is one of the most crucial aspects of avoiding total elimination of earthworms from a given turf site. Several 
pesticides have been shown to be toxic to earthworms. (See table 1 and 2 on pages 18 and 28.) Past or present use of these materials 
can be the major factor responsi-
ble for none or limited numbers of earthworms being present in the turf environment. However, pesticides do not necessarily have to act directly on the worm for the actiity to be decreased. It has been suggested that pesti-
cides sprayed on the surface of 
organic matter can change the palatability of that material to the point that it will be rejected by the earthworm. It should be 
emphasized that timing, rate, method and frequency of application will also determine the overall effect of a particular pesticide on earthworm activity. 2.) Soil and thatch pH: Most earthworms can be found in soils with pH's ranging from 5.2 to 9.0. However, most species prefer soil with a pH of about 7.0. To in-sure maximum earthworm ac-tivity, low pH soils and thatch should be limed sufficiently to bring pH into the neutral range. 3.) Soil moisture: Since earth-worms are composed of 75 to 90 percent water, it is important to to page IB THATCH from page 17 keep soil moisture at an ade-quate level. Although earth-worms can survive drought con-
ditions, their activity decreases. Under prolonged drought, earth-worm populations will decrease 
dramatically and it may take up to two years of favorable con-ditions for the area to 
repopulate. As a rule, soil mois-ture content between 15 and 30 
percent is most conducive for maximum earthworm activity. Conversely, earthworms will migrate from a water saturated soil. In general, they prefer a well aerated medium to fine tex-tured loam soil. In most cases, few if any will be found in soils high in sand content. 4.) Compacted soils: The beneficial burrowing of earth-worms and their surface activity can be significantly reduced by a hard, compacted soil. Human and vehicular traffic should be 
directed away from wet and poorly drained soils which are more prone to compaction. It may also be necessary to core the turf area to relieve the compac-ted condition and improve aera-tion. 5.) Seasonal activity: Earth-worm activity is at a maximum 
during the spring and autumn months and may be completely absent at other times of the year. This activity closely parallels soil and air temperatures. Earth-
worms are most active when soil temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Farenheit. Usually they burrow down in the soil below the frost or heat line. Earthworm activity drops off dramatically during the hot, dry 
summer months. Activity can be encouraged through these stress periods by keeping the soil cool and moist. This can be accom-plished by providing adequate irrigation and in some cases a 
mulch. Earthworms can be a tremen-dous asset to the turfgrass manager. Their influence on the physical and chemical properties of soil, along with their ability to decompose organic matter can have a definite beneficial affect 
on the health and vigor of turfs. Drawbacks to earthworm activity. There are some poten-tial drawbacks to an active earth-worm population in a turf area. to page 28 Table 1. Pesticides that have shown no adverse effects on earth-worms. SOME COMMON COMMON NAME TRADE NAMES Benefine (14) Balan, Balfin, Benelan, Benefine (14) Carpider Bensulide (14) Betasan, Betamec 4, Halts, Bensulide (14) Exporsan, Lescosan, Pre far, Pre-san Dalapon (1) Dowpon, Ded-Weed DCPA (14) Dacthal, Dac893, Fatal, DCPA (14) Rid Linuron (1) Proturf Selective Poa Linuron (1) Annua Control Diazinon (3) Spectracide, Lawn Insect Diazinon (3) Control Maleic Hydrazide (11) Chemform, De-Cut, Retard, Maleic Hydrazide (11) Slo-Gro, Super Sprout Stop Paraquat (1) Gramoxone, Weedol Siduron (14) Tupersan 2,4-D (4) Chipco Turf Herbicide D, 2,4-D (4) Dacamine, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Rhap, Weedar Biological dethatching products: How effective are they? During the last several years a variety of biological dethatching products have been marketed throughout the country. The products have consisted of a number of ingredients including enzymes, plant hormones, yeast organisms and soil microbes. In addition to increasing the decomposition rate of thatch, statements have been made about the beneficial aspects of these materials on turf such as improved color, increased shoot density, deeper and more extensive rooting, decreased disease activity and improved soil structure. Although many of these products differ in their composition and proposed mode of action, they all claim to be a fast, easy and relatively economical means of controlling thatch and improving turfgrass quality. Unfortunately, as desirable as these materials appear to be, extensive university testing across the country has yet to find any beneficial effects of these materials on thatch 
decomposition or turfgrass quality. When one considers the 
complexities of a turfgrass ecosystem, it is not surprising that these products have failed to perform as claimed. For example, research has shown that contrary to popular belief, the thatch medium is rich in soil microorganisms. In fact, thatch will often contain a greater number of microbes than the underlying soil. Even the use of most common turfgrass pesticides have only a minimal effect on thatch and soil microbes. Usually microorganism populations are reduced for only a short time, this is followed by a subsequent increase in number to the original level. 
Therefore, the theory of introducing microbes into a "sterile environment" as thatch is believed to be, is in most cases, incorrect. It is also unlikely that the introduction of microbes would increase the number of that decomposing microorganisms to the point that the rate of thatch decomposition would be improved. This is true because: (1) the number of alien organisms that could be introduced would be small in comparison to what 
is already present in the thatch and soil. (2) alien microorganisms would not survive any appreciable length of time following introduction due to competition with and antagonism by the other naturally occurring microbes in the thatch and soil. In addition, certain microorganisms cannot adapt to the environmental extremes found under field conditions. For example, the yeast organism Saccharomyes cerevisiae which is the active ingredient in some biological dethatching products, is not at all adapted to hostile environments such as those found in thatch and soil. In the case of this particular organism, even if it was able to survive under natural conditions, it's effectiveness in promoting thatch degradation would be limited since it is capable of utilizing only short chain or simple sugar molecules as a carbon source and not to page 29 AQUA-GRO M —O^ADIKIN AN Irregular growth of turf in stratified soil ^ when maintained W^ with plain water I Recovery of same j area in two weeks when maintained 1 with Aqua-Gro and 1 water Ł Compensates for poor soil mixtures and soil stratification Ł Helps eliminate hot spots Ł Allows for the rewetting of B&B stock and the establishment of sod. Eliminates seed floating reducing drought, heat stress, and disease. Increases fertilizer and pesticide performance. > Provides for improved plant establishment and growth. ¿M. AQUATROLS CORPORATION S CM OF AMERICA, INC. W. .—«..»»Ł»« revolutionary approach to the application of herbicides in ornamental shrubbery and landscape plants. The HERBI is a simple yet proven applicator that uses less water and herbicide than conventional sprayers while achieving more effective weed control in orna-mental shrubbery, landscape plants, greenhouses, and nurseries. "For ease of operation, low cost, and low maintenance, plus truly effective weed control, the HERBI outclasses all others. I figure it will pay for itself before using five gallons of Roundup®." Steven J. Murray Manager, Oglesby Nursery, Inc. Hollywood, Florida Micron West, Inc. Pod Otti» Box 1969B Houston Texas 77024/(713) 932140S/ Telex 79 2511 MICRONW HOU RoundupŁ ìs a registered trademark of Monsanto Company. Write 109 on free information card Grubs are of increasing concern. Many entomologists agree infes-tations are on the rise. Grubs can and will attack customer turf and I Proxol 80 SP H reduce the benefits of your lawn care program. Your profits and | ,NSECT.c.de Ł reputation are on the line. Protect your reputation, and customer turf, with a grub control pro-gram using Proxol 80 SP insecticide. Long used by golf course super-intendents, whose requirements are often very demanding, Proxol has recently become available to the lawn care industry. Proxol has a proven performance record for controlling grubs...and other common lawn pests: sod webworm, cutworm, and armyworm. Fast acting Proxol stops pests before damage starts. It controls grubs on contact. Unlike other insecticides that have been shown to tie-up in thatch, Proxol penetrates thatch readily and works effectively at the site of larval activity. You'll like the way Proxol fits into your lawn care program. It's highly soluble in water, easily applied with conventional ground equipment, and can be tank mixed with other non-alkaline pesticides. Low effective rates offer economy. And Proxol won't persist in the environment. Proxol helps you protect your customer's investment in your quality lawn care program. And protects your reputation, too. Acti-dioneR: Programed turf disease care is prevention of damage...not a cure. Acti-dione is a proven broad spectrum fungicide to help you stop turf disease problems before they start. We'll be glad to send more information. CALL THIS NUMBER TOLL-FREE FOR PRODUCT AVAILABILITY AND INFORMATION: OUTSIDE MICHIGAN 1-800-253-8600 INSIDE MICHIGAN (COLLECT) 0-616-323-4000 TUCO Division of ThfrtJpjohn Company TUCO products readily available. Over 150 U.S. distributors and 8 TUCO distribution centers assure you of convenient product availability. 'Sod Webworm 20 < >< OC H c/3 D Q 
2 w oc < U 2 < MONEYWISE It could make good sense to borrow Lawn care companies might want to look at high interest rates as just another overhead item, especially if it makes good sense to borrow. If the cost of money is less than the rate the company can lift its prices, it can make sense to borrow to ex-pand sales regardless of interest rates. For example, a lawn care company that pays 15 percent in-terest on a sum equal to two month's sales is really increasing product costs by only 2.5 percent. If the company can boost prices even modestly, the cost of the money is minor when the loan is for a short period. Gross dollar profits will go up despite the high cost of money. If the loan is only for a few months, the cost is minimal, according to Small Business Report. To get more information about the magazine, contact: 497 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, CA 93940. FLORIDA Audio visual library features turf insects An audio visual library featuring educational information about nematodes, ornamental insects, turf insects, and turfgrass dis-eases is available to members of the Florida Turfgrass Associa-
tion. The slides are available in sets only. The nematode slide set dis-cusses nematode anatomy, affec-ted grasses, above and below ground symptoms, and possible chemical controls. Chemical con-trols are broken down and dis-cussed in terms of pre-plant fumigants, fumigants for es-tablished turf, and non-fumigants for established turf. 
Equipment for various means of application is also discussed as is proper use of these chemicals. Sucking insects, mites, chew-ing insects, leaf miners, and bor-BOOTS HERCULES Nitroform from tiÜOQ ¡}í i:T'Tr i I ROOTS HHHmDiNG FLUSH TOP GROWTH You can feed the roots of grass while you feed the tops Š and still avoid excess top growth. With Nitroform from Boots Hercules. Quick release nitrogen primarily feeds the top, resulting in too much top growth and little or no root growth. Nitroform Powder Blue is the sensible release nitro-gen. It will not burn or 
streak. It can also be mixed and applied with 
insecticides and BOOTS HERCULES fungicides. It helps grass maintain a good green color between feedings. Use Nitroform Powder Blue in your lawn sprays Š or Blue Chip for dry application. Write direct for additional information. If your fertilizer isn't lasting long enough, it doesn't contain Nitroform. NOTE: Ask about Deltic, the new insecticide to elim-inate ticks and fleas in lawns. Ideal for the lawn care operator who wants to enlarge his business. BOOTS HERCULES AGROCHEMICALS CO. WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19803 302/575-7850 ing insects are featured in the or-namental insect section. Within each group, detailed information is discussed with regard to the life cycle of the insects, suscepti-ble hosts, time of year of major infestations, and typical plant symptoms. General insecticide application information for or-namental insects is also discussed. Life cycle, host susceptibility, symptoms of injury, and causal agent determination are dis-
cussed in the turf insect section. Insects featured include chinch bugs, sod webworms, army-worms, mole crickets, white grubs, ground pearls, and Bermudagrass mites. Special at-tention is also directed towards 
methods of determining the in-sect involved in an area of in-
jured turf. The final slide set discusses turf diseases. Of the more than 100 diseases that attack turf-grasses, there are 12 which are considered serious in terms of 
damage caused and frequency of 
appearance. Among them, dollar spot, pythium, and fairy ring are 
grouped together as diseases that most frequently affect turf plantings in distinct areas and patches. Leaf spot diseases, rust 
diseases, and slime molds are 
classified as diseases that affect the entire plantings. For further information about the audio visual programs con-tact the Florida Turfgrass Associ-
ation, 1520 Edgewater Drive, Suite E, Orlando, FL 32804, or call 305-425-1581. SURVEY Landscapers average 4.2% annual profit The average U.S. landscape con-tractor does an annual volume of $784,700 with a profit of 4.24 per-cent, according to a study re-cently published by the Associ-
ated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). The study, the 1979 ALCA Operating Cost Ratio Study, is based on a survey taken by the association of the landscape contracting industry throughout the U.S. during 1979. The survey encompasses financial statistics associated with both the association's In-
come Statement and the Balance Sheet. The Balance Sheet data, for example, reveals that the typical firm has assets of slightly 
more than $518,000 including 
fixed assets of $171,000. The typical firm also has liabilities of $321,000 and capital of $197,000. The 40-page study is based on a survey taken among the landscape industry, the ALCA 
membership and others and was compiled from a total of 126 com-pleted survey forms. The in-dustry composites (average/me-
dian data) is presented for the total industry, seven geographic regions, and for four size 
categories. The study is being distributed to all firms who participated in the survey. It is also available for purchase from the ALCA office, 
for $10 to ALCA member firms, and $25 to non-members. To 
order send a check to ALCA Pub-lications, 1750 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102. Disease management will be the next growth area in the lawn care industry. The above statement is true, but if lawn care operators diagnose turf diseases according to the photos which appeared in the April issue of LAWN CARE IN-DUSTRY (page 28), they will un-doubtedly lose more customers than they retain. Unfortunately, the captions which appeared under the 11 photos of various turf diseases were in the wrong positions. LAWN CARE INDUSTRY apologizes for the error. Below are the photos which appeared in the April issue, along with the correct captions. The accom-panying chart spells out when the most troublesome diseases are likely to appear on home lawns. Leaf spot, B i p o I a r i s sorokiniana, appears most often during the cool, moist weather of spring and fall, but it can also develop throughout the summer. It is characterized by brown or 
tan spots on the turfgrass' leaves and stems. As the disease spreads, it produces large brown patches of of dead turf. Turfgrass infected by brown patch, Rhizoctonia solani, is at 
first purplish-green in color, but turns to light brown as the dis-ease develops. This disease is prevalent from July through Sep-tember. Dollar spot, Sclerotinia homocarpa, generally occurs in the spring and fall, but also can appear throughout the summer. It is characterized by brown or bleached patches and leaf spots 
with hourglass-shaped lesions. Stripe smut, Ust i I ago striformis, is easily recognized by the black, sooty spores which 
appear on the turf plant. It is most prevalent during cool periods from September through October and April through July. Red thread, Cortecium fuciforme, is identified by the red, threadlike structures which appear on the grass leaves. It is most likely to occur in the early spring or late fall. Pythium blight, Pythium aphanidermatum, generally begins as a dark, greasy area on 
water-soaked areas of turf. It is also characterized by fluffy 
whtie mycelium in the early morning. Pythium blight occurs 
in the summer from July through August. Predictably, snow molds occur between October and April, throughout the winter months. However, snow cover need not be present for some types of snow mold to develop on home lawns. Powdery mildew, Erysiphe graminis, occurs during cool tem-peratures in the spring and fall. It is characterized by a grayish color coating which appears on the upper leaf surface in a pow-dery form. This disease is com-mon shaded areas. Fusarium blight, Fusarium spp., is most often characterized by a circular area of reddish brown grass with green grass in the center. This is called the "frog eye" symptom. Fusarium blight appears on home lawns from July through August. Melting out, like leaf spot, also appears in the spring and fall of the year. > ? n > 70 m z a c CO TO 2 > Fusarium blight Stripe smut Cold temperature brown patch Grey leaf spot foliar symptoms Powdery mildew Spring dead spot Ilelminthosporium melting-out Š by Dan Moreland, assistant editor < S oc H c/D D 
Q 
Z w a: < u z £ < _3 Customer education: Do the benefits justify the cost? Lawn care businessmen depend on customers to properly care for the lawns in between service calls. Therefore, it's in the businessman's best interest to educate his clients in lawn care basics. It is generally agreed that in order to succeed in the lawn care industry proper employe train-ing is essential. Therefore, most lawn care companies conduct educational programs for their technicians, whether it be a one-week accelerated training course or eight hours of "hands-on" field work. Yet, many lawn care 
businessmen neglect to educate the single most important 
individual associated with their company, the client. In virtually no other industry is the owner of a business more de-pendent upon his client for the 
ultimate success or failure of his program than in the lawn care in-dustry. The customer who pur-chases a rug cleaning service does not criticize the cleaners for 
a poor job if his children dirty the carpet soon after the cleaner leaves the premises. Yet, the same customer will blame his yellow lawn on a lawn care operator even if he is the in-
dividual directly responsible for the problem, (i.e. The customer scalped the turf with a dull mower blade or failed to water the lawn properly.) Gordon Ober, general manager of Davey Lawnscape, Kent, Ohio, describes lawn care tàuro Ufr ks While You Pía * g m ¡kPMSZ CARRT Bi* Bate U S Poslage PAID Pamni No 23 MO The primary function of direct mail advertising is to increase sales rather than educate the customer in the basics of lawn care. And although direct mail ads do increase the customer's knowledge about a particular company, their overall educational benefits are negligiE' le. HYDRO LAWN PRIMER Name _ Subjcct _ 5. Diseases - yes, grass gets sick too! thirty wit»* turf ¿«M *<«Ław* P«*4AU>ik* 1» ¿iKkmH - «*«>» it 4,(Ur,»t 1rM.hU <Udt't ....II, tt.ri tiH J««« TkrM of iM ««I wm. ml t?.'U'5oo< - lltf-<.u»*la,4.3*. IHMM ita<- m r-% to« iln. awl iN J tin. in.« ten.« 1« 411 CM) Thatch it a mati«l Uycr of dead, partly decaycd iraw il«nt, root» and leato tightly wotcn to thr living gratt plants and Uxatcd just above the toil level Most domestic lurfgrasses fill in bare tpott with as many a* 1,000 to J,000 lateral stems per square foot. Their various parts live from 40 days to over 2 years. This dead matter forms thatch Crass clippings are St0*s» water and normally do not contribute to thatch if the lawn ts cut often enough Thatch it normally disposed of by decomposition, earthworms and inaccfs and a well balanced lawn may only have to be de thatched every four years or so. When a thatch butld up of over V occurs, it must be removed mechanically, preferably in the fail Lawn maintenance companies »ill perform this service or a power rake can be acquired at most garden shops and 
many rental stores -,» í'Á iW »fMwiaf at» m *.«Ł«Ł«« Au«tii cart saaMn francs m IVmSm^w» arsa 3 issar.un b - iiuu« ckacU, law pH, nifk mtr.y.« Umk dr^ Mill uUiwn ans CmracUfhtK 'mj U' Hou . MVatly tu M-. t«f d it ¿t«. iwt j»i»ral% catto pi Although it has been recently dis-continued, Hydro Lawn introduced a lawn care primer to educate customers about turf care. The 12-page primer cost about 30 cents to publish. If you suspect Thatch is affecting your lawn Cm« V*. Fact sheets, like the one shown above, are generally more expensive to produce than informational data sheets because of increased pro-duction costs. Cost is usually five to seven cents per unit. as a three-way partnership whereby nature, the home-owner, and the lawn care busi-nessman determine the success or failure of a lawn care pro-gram. "Neither the homeowner or lawn care businessman can do anything about nature," he said, "so we better make sure that at least two-thirds of the partner-ship is working together." And that is why customer education is so essential! A lawn care operator can offer the best program, the best em-ployes, and the best application techniques, but if he doesn't take the time to properly educate his customers, there is a good possi-
bility that all of his efforts will go 
for naught. And the result is of-ten a displeased client and an equally disenchanted lawn care businessman. So it is more than merely to the lawn care busi-
nessman's benefit to educate his 
customers, it is his professional responsibility to include educa-tion as a part of his overall pack-age. Jerry Faulring, president of Hydro Lawn, Gaithersburg, Md., views education as a way of reducing the animosity which can often develop between customers and lawn care com-panies. "Providing educational materials to the customer gives them a little more insight into all 
the variables that go into taking care of a lawn," he said. "It also helps them understand that some of these things really are not under our realm of con-trol. Some of it's up to God." There are a number of instruc-tional materials currently being used throughout the lawn care industry including: Ł Direct mail advertising: Direct mail advertising generally serves to introduce a lawn care company to potential clients. Its primary function is to increase sales rather than educate the client. Therefore, any edu-cational information it does pro-vide is negligible. Direct mail ads can appear in many different forms including 
mailing cards, letters, circulars, brochures, catalogues, and self-mailers. The types most often used in in the lawn care industry 
are brochures and door hangers. Direct mail brochures are generally very basic in content. They usually contain a photo of a healthy, green lawn and a clean-cut technician, along with a short description of the services pro-vided and a price listing. Some also contain a short synopsis of technical information. The cost per unit of direct mail literature 
is three to five cents per unit for color. Ł Informational data sheets: Data sheets are the most inex-pensive form of educational material currently being used in the lawn care industry. They usually consist of one page of editorial material dealing with basic lawn care information, (mowing, watering, etc.) Graphics and photographs are 
kept to a minimum to reduce pro-duction costs. Davey Lawnscape, like most large lawn care companies, pro-vide data sheets for their sales representatives and field techni-
cians, who leave the literature 
with homeowners. "We try to supplement the in-formation provided by our tech-nician with an application sheet," Ober said. "After the technician puts the application down, he'll leave the customer a sheet giving them tips on water-ing and mowing, along with other timely information." Regarding cost, Ober said, the data sheets generally cost about V2 cent per unit. "If you're just doing one sheet with no pic-tures," he said, "you're talking a bulk rate of about V2 cent per 
sheet. Now if you have nice pic-tures in black and white or color, then they can run up to a nickel a piece." Ober added that one of the pri-mary advantages of the data sheets are they prevent minor problems from developing into major lawn care problems. "Say, for example, that you have a customer who is scalping his lawn and he is wondering why his lawn doesn't green up after you spray it," he said. "By giving him a (data) sheet and get-ting him to raise his mower,you will improve the quality of his lawn. It's not a real noticeable thing, but it helps improve the quality of your program." Further, data sheets serve to reduce service calls by answer-MAY 1980 (Expires in 60 days) reader service card Use this card to obtain more information...fast. c NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES D ] INSIDE THE INDUSTRY > ? 2 O > 70 m 2 a c CD H 70 2 > M-ing many of the simple questions often asked by new clients. "If 
you're forced to visit a customer every time he has a question, you're increasing costs," Ober said, "but if you can answer those questions without a visit from a service rep, you're saving money." Ł Fact sheets: Lawn care com-panies have also developed fact sheets to help the homeowner cope with more serious lawn 
care problems like disease and insect encroachment. Fact sheets are generally more extravagant than data sheets and, not surprisingly, more ex-pensive to produce. Typically, they consist of editorial material, along with four-color photo-graphs of the problem in ques-tion. They also contain a brief description of the problem, how 
it is identified, and how it is go-
ing to be treated by the lawn care 
professional. Cost is five to seven cents per unit. Ł Newsletters: Some of the bet-ter established lawn care com-panies also provide newsletters to their customers on a regular 
basis. The newsletter format allows for a more in-depth study of various lawn care problems, but is generally too expensive to produce for small to medium-sized lawn care companies. Cost is 20 to 30 cents per unit. "By providing a newsletter you're trying to get the customers you already have to feel a closeness with your company," Ober said, "so they don't go shopping for somebody else. You can do this by stressing the 
special consulting services you provide and by showing your 
customers pictures of your lab-oratories and technical people." Ł Telephone spots: Some com-panies have even gone so far as to prepare weekly lawn care tips 
on a recording device which customers can listen to merely by 
dialing a special phone number. These lawn care "hotlines" serve as a quick reference tool for many clients. Further, because the phone service is a novelty item, many customers remember the tips longer and make it a practice to call the lawn care 
company every week. Prior to selecting any of the aforementioned educational tools to enlighten customers about proper lawn care, it is nec-essary to be aware of the 
metamorphisis of today's lawn care client. "When we started out in 1973 we were dealing with a different type of client," Faulring said. 
"They were generally older peo-ple, living in more mature neigh-
borhoods who had a 'do-it-yourself' background. "Then there was a transition period in 1975-76 when we began serving a much younger client. They were more scrutinizing and wanted to know specifics about everything we did. "But now that volume lawn care is established," he added, 
"the customer is not so con-
cerned about results and price. They like to have this back-ground information, but it might not be as valuable to them as it was five years ago." Ober, like Faulring, is well aware of the changes in con-sumer attitudes during the past decade. "I think people are 
definitely more knowledgeable about lawn care," he said. "You 
can see it in the way they shop 
for a service and their knowledge of different pro-grams. "But you could probably argue the other side of the coin too; that because people used to take care 
of their lawns themselves, they were more involved, and there-fore knew more about it. "I guess you could be torn both ways," he added, "but I think that as the customer becomes less interested in doing it him-self, it becomes that much more important for us to let them know just exactly what we are doing. So I think this (educational material) is important." Besides its obvious advantages as an educational tool, Faulring also views printed material as beneficial to promotion. "Those printed items are the biggest sales tool we can develop," he 
said. "We would like to inter-view each customer, but time and scheduling doesn't permit us to do that. "We may get 20 leads, but only be able to contact five people when we visit their homes. We can usually sell those five con-tacts, but what about the 15 we don't see? In those cases, the literature we leave at the home will do a big part of the selling for us." Ober also stressed the impor-tance of customer-technician contact when the field person-nel visit the home lawns. "Too often technicians visit a job site, spray the lawn and leave the site 
unnoticed." But educational material serves to keep the lines of com-munication open between a com-
pany and a homeowner through-out the year. Further, it answers many of the customer's ques-tions, thereby reducing service calls and bothersome phone calls. "It's almost like the squeaky wheel situation," he said. "You only hear about it when it's not 
doing the job for you." In short, printed material serves as both a sales tool and an educational aid. Is it effective in both these roles? Perhaps, but it 
is difficult to be sure because no hard data is available on the sub-ject. However, Hydro Lawn's Faulring is convinced of the 
merits of educating the homeowner through printed means. "It's just like when you go out to buy a new car," he said. "You like to take the brochure home and thoroughly read it. Maybe you don't learn that much 
about the quality of the vehicle, but it gives you the opportunity to have something in your hand 
that you can read while you're not sitting in front of the salesman." *7fie Ifqdro ¿a«** Ao^w« Sfixènq *%ceUMf "Ulte ¿<-ittfijatu>H "PwrnerqeHce nafiqmee contusi SvhuUmJ u>eed control IHACCÍ <uut VtUAAl contusi 44 required SfrUfty Grovnd Try - On* of the most aeyfi-see reedt forth* <-~*onoer. No oth*r ,r**d m A rtr.ee ran o-roo* J //m«Mc<MV<y' root -I pvrviisl ana Jt«/ori. lony romero to ^/txixc n* r ».into .nth smtiio.'ve-ivpit filtra oh,d,b.ooo,*JUs«t /» rcry ¿. ffxmt Po priore Tent Cater -pHtri tCéUtheHfáro Ltwn Trot rod Scroto ¿Xpert ¿or mmextirte n' f '/ HON TO TELL IF fOUR 019 ¿ECPS pre snu aoop : Piace dooot ter Melt r^-jimt rapt' to«oi z.Kotp at *f-7ar 3. Ktoc toy*. -Oft 4. Seeds shoud Sprout * S-7oay* Som« fasy to Grò* Annerii M«r>f»as - PUrt seraf atUr Ntifroat GerooooLon Sday, P/*nt,*j d,state* IO Ł IN ,neh«% HeyAt at mot^ tf Ł -iCmeA P*ns es - 8* *t t° Ora botto pianto from nvnortj He eth at matvr->ty b/ttO«» P art noa-uartet t'O/nehea P,ek off dead f entra Poe » teli n a home fregiar f«ed,nyooJ ndttrno htJpe Ajtrobt,m - p.Omta from rv^tony he ni» et mtbm.iy 0-ti »che, P< art c. Street tO II imenei Ł ò ne «r Tornerà n me,cerner Por »«cord h- oonr tfaoy Colori 6o*Jfar toc* ntrdmu VEGETABLE PLANTING CHART CROP PLANTING HIT PLANTING DISTANCES DATES OF ROW BETWEEN IN THt PtR PERSON ROWS ROW PER YEAR (INCHES» (INCHES» Com M.V I (unr I 100 Vto 10-12 N«.rfc .n. M«, 4 Junr V «0 24 V 1-2 Bfmcoli Apil I Mm I 20 24 V 12 IN i .hK*. Mi, IS Ap.il 10 It 24 * 12 IK Came, Ap.il 10-Junr I 20 15-V 2 1 
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V 21 JJ If 2r is If / V. 2f u 27 IS 19 17 if JO ite 7ree & S&XU& PiotectioK fam 'Zcfdia ndcuifK See cou fi on oh ine fi fiuqe Calendar helps educate customers Hydro Lawn, Gaithersburg, Md., recently introduced a lawn and garden calendar to help its customers gain a better understanding of lawn care. The 24-page calendar is broken down into two-month segments (March-April, May-June, etc.) to coincide with Hydro Lawn's treatment periods. The top of the calendar features a short description of the company's lawn service for that particular two-month period and also contains a number of illustrated lawn/garden tips. The calendar cost about 37 cents per unit to publish, accord-ing to Jerry Faulring, Hydro Lawn president. "The cost of publishing the calendar is not directly justifi-able," he said. "You can't say that it saves some customers from cancelling or it creates new customers, but it does serve as communication link between the company and the customer. And that is absolutely essential to maintain a good rapport with the customer." The calendar replaced the now discontinued "Hydro Lawn Primer" (see photo, page 22), which the company offered to all its customers in 1979. Faulring said the company was pleased with the response to the primer, but the calendar is much more visible. "The information in the primer was good, but what often happened was it just got filed," he said. "Whereas, we hope the customer posts the calendar so the information for each treatment period is more readily available." Faulring said the calendar also serves as a form of company promotion. "If a customer has it (calendar) stuck to the refrigerator and a friend or neighbor comes in, they'll see it." Not surprisingly, the company logo is subtly displayed in a corner of the calendar. Hydro Lawn printed about 18,000»calendars this year at a cost of about $6,600. "We just introduced the calendar this spring so we haven't had a lot of feedback," he added. "We've had some favorable comments, but we really haven't 
had enough feedback to know if it's being used to the extent that we hope it will be." Eight good reasons to join the Professional Lawn Care Association of America. l. "An annual national lawn care convention for the professional exchange of new ideas and operating know-how, and a chance to meet with suppliers/1 Rick White, Village Green Lawn Spraying, West Chicago, III. "Consumer education ... informing potential customers of the advantages of lawn care and the importance of putting the proper care of lawns into the hands of dedicated, trained, skilled professionals/1 Tom Brune, Atwood Lawn Spray, Sterling Heights, Mich. 3. "Conferences, clinics and workshops aimed at continuing management education for today's business climate and conditions relating to the lawn care industry.11 Jim Kelly, Keystone Lawn Spray, Wayne, Pa. 5. "Government relations ... PLCAA, as a spokesman for the entire industry, can present our interests with greater force and effectiveness than can an individual company. Government legislation is going to affect our industry more and more, and we have to make our needs known.11 Ronnie Zwiebel, Chem-Care Lawn Service, Birmingham, Ala. "Specially designed training programs for sales, service and supervisory employes of member firms to teach the fundamentals of business, customer relations, lawn care technology and the importance of economics to business success.11 Gordon Ober, Davey Lawnscape Service, Kent, Ohio "Establishment of acceptable technical, ethical and safety standards to guide existing lawn care businesses and newcomers to the industry.11 Dr. Paul Schnare, Atkins Lawn Care, Columbia, Mo. 7 "Association funding for the specific research and development we need for the lawn care industry.11 Frank Stevens, Pro-Lawn-Plus, Baltimore, Md. "Surveys to enable each PLCAA member company to compare its performance against the average performance of all member companies and to compare business performance factors, such as sales volume, profit, investment and growth/1 Marty Erbaugh, Lawnmark Associates, Peninsula, Ohio These are only some of the things the lawn care industry as a whole can accomplish through the Professional Lawn Care Association of America. Ours is a young industry, we need to be recognized as 
professionals and the experts we are. We need to get the word out about the lawn care industry to potential customers, suppliers to the industry and to government at the local, state and federal level. We can't do it alone. We need the support of the entire lawn care 
industry if we are to realize our goals. Tell me more. The Professional Lawn Care Association is off and running. Together we can make things happen. Grow with PLCAA. Complete this application for further information and mail it today. NAME COMPANY. 
STREET_ 
CITY -STATE. -ZIP-Mail to: PLCAA Suite 1717 435 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 We're Sold on I have used various varieties of ryegrass for winter overseeding on courses in Florida. For the last two years we have used CBS Blend at Doral and we were very pleased with the results. We had excellent greens throughout the winter. We found CBS Blend the most disease resistant, and a better transition as the Burmudagrass came back in the summer. Yes, we will use CBS again this fall. Superintendent, Doral Country Club The job of filling spray trucks becomes a matter of pushing but-tons and watching the meter when using li-quid materials. Solution fertilizer can be pur-chased from several chemical companies, including Ashland Chemical Co., and Allied Chemical Corp., Houston. It also can be purchased from 
numerous local or regional li-quid fertilizer dealers. Caution must be used in selecting a liquid 
fertilizer dealer because many liquid fertilizer materials used in agriculture are not suitable for turf. The choice of a storage tank must be coordinated with the 
channel of supply through which 
orders will be placed. The most common-size tank is 6,000 gallons. A tank of this size per-mits the ordering in truckload 
quantities (4,000 gallons) before the tank is completely empty. This insures no shortage of fertil-izer and permits scheduling a mutually convenient delivery. Most suppliers of liquid fertil-izer on a national or regional 
basis ship only truckload quanti-ties. Local dealers may deliver or encourage customer pickup of 
smaller quantities; 1,000 gallons is approximately five tons. As a general rule, the storage tank should be at least 1.5 times the delivery volume. Therefore, if you plan to receive 1,000 gallon 
deliveries, your tank should be 1,500 gallons. In most cases, the tank can be outside, using no ex-pensive warehouse space. There are great differences in the efficiency with which MATERIAL HANDLING Solution fertilizer can be the solution to problems by Bob Doberneck, Ashland Chemical Co., Columbus, Ohio The dealers listed below are currently supplying solution fer-tilizer for the lawn care industry: Flo Lizer, P.O. Box 237, Kingston, OH 45644; Morral Chemical Co., P.O. Box 26, Morral, OH 43337; Keller Heartt, 2478 Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515; Gildersleeve Fertilizer Co., 114 Shinner St., Box 195, Hudson, IL 61748; Old Fox Chemical, Inc., P.O. Box 2287, Hazardville Station, 249 Shaker Rd., Enfield, CT 06082; Producers Fertilizer Co., 17205 148th St., Spring Leke, MI 49456. Also: Great Plains Associates, P.O. Box 3588, 123 Marmont St., Niles, MI 49102; Sparrow's Farm Service, P.O. Box 228, Shelby-ville, KY 40065; Moyer & Son, 113 East Reliance Rd., Souderton, PA 18964; Vogel Seed & Fertilizer, 
1891 Spring Valley, Jackson, WI 
53037; Liquid Ag Systems, Inc., 1010 N.W. 15th, Pompano Beach, FL 33060; and Centra Chemical 
Services, Inc., 1400 E. 27th, Kear-
ney, NE 68847. EXPANSION PLANNED Lakeshore sales up 40% last year Dan Dunstan, treasurer of Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co., Elyria, Ohio recently an-nounced that the company's sales were up 40 percent last year. He attributed this rise in sales to general sales increases throughout all divisions of the company, to inflation, to geographic expansion and to new product development. Projected sales increases for this year are expected to be 40 to 45 percent higher than in 1979, he said. James I. FitzGibbon also re-cently announced that present plans call for construction of a 
new building at the company's Wellington, Ohio site. The ex-isting fertilizer plant in Wellington will also be remodeled. n > ? Z n > X m Z a c CD H X < A Family of Fine Products: Lescosan 12.5G Ł Lescorene Ł Leseo 4 Ł Lescobor Ł Lescopar Ł Lescopex Ł Leseo Non-Selective Herbicide Ł Leseo MSMA Ł Leseo Thiram 75W Ł Lescozyme Ł Lakeshore Chinch Bug & Sod Webworm Control. Many firms in the liquid lawn care industry have numerous materials handling problems associated with buying dry prod-ucts in bags for making solutions in the spray truck. Some of these 
problems can be solved by buy-
ing liquid fertilizer solutions. Some dry handling problems are: Ł Storage problems include the facts that it must be kept dry, un-
der a roof and unbroken. Ł Time and/or equipment is needed for unloading a delivery truck. Ł Loading the spray truck re-quires time, effort, accuracy and bag handling. This can cause 
morale problems. Solution fertilizers can solve problems: Ł Tank and fill station can be outside. Ł No labor or fork lift needed to unload. Ł The job of filling spray trucks becomes a matter of pushing but-tons and watching the meter. This system is easy to operate and also very accurate. > different companies receive fer-tilizer deliveries. Some com-panies keep their applicators in to unload by hand a truckload of bags; the loss time can easily amount to half a day for five ap-plicators if the delivery is late. With a liquid system, the transport driver could put the fertilizer in your tank and your secretary can sign the papers. This requires no labor or equip-ment. When equipped with a good meter, the liquid fill system is extremely accurate and easy to operate. All these factors can contrib-ute to a more efficient, more ac-curate and more productive lawn 
care business. LESCO BLEND See for yourself what CBS LESCO Blend can do. Call toll-free forthissuperior grass seed blend and all the other quality LESCO Products. LESCO 100% Sulfur-Coated Fertilizers. (800)321-5325 NATIONWIDE (800) 362-7413 IN OHIO I c o r* ¿r\ (216) 323"7544 COLLECT LESCfp PRODUCTS Division of Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. 300 South Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035 26 RESEARCH Understanding the pros and cons of perennial ryegrasses by John Hall III Extension Specialist, VPIfrSU, Blacksburg, Virginia During the past five years there has been a tremendous increase in the use of improved perennial ryegrasses. Breeding programs at Rutgers and Pennsylvania State University have produced new 
medium textured perennial rye-grasses which have significantly expanded the capability of pro-fessional turfgrass managers. However, it is extremely impor-tant that the lawn care operator be aware of this turfgrass' 
capabilities and limitations. Some of the strengths of the perennial ryegrasses are they ex-hibit good traffic bearing charac-teristics, germinate and establish quickly, have the ability to with-stand low mowing heights, and they blend well with Kentucky smoother transition back to bermudagrass than has been possible with annual ryegrass. Some weaknesses, as observed in Virginia, include disease susceptibility, non-uniform up-right growth habit, lack of mow-ing quality, slow lateral growth habit and a lack of seedling winter-hardiness. The perennial ryegrasses ap-pear to be extremely susceptible to Pytbium spp. and Rhizoctonia so 1 an i activity during hot weather. Unpublished data by Virginia Tech's Dr. H.B. Couch 
indicates there is a range of varietal resistance to these organisms. As a group of grasses, the traditional perennial rye-grasses appear to exhibit less resistance to these hot weather diseases in the field than the improved varieties. The ryegrasses are also sus-ceptible to Helmintbosporium sativum and Corticium fuci-formo (Red thread. Disease sus-ceptibility is currently the major 
drawback in the use of the im-proved perennial ryegrasses. Another disadvantage is in early spring and late fall the rye-grasses exhibit rapid and relatively upright leaf elongation 
rates which necessitate more 
mowing in bluegrass-ryegrass mixtures, than in straight blue-grass stands. Mowing quality is also considered poor on the 
perennial ryegrasses. Citation and Diplomat have shown the best season-long mowing quality. However, the majority of the 
commercially available peren-nial ryegrasses do exhibit poor 
mowing quality at one time or 
another during the year. Perennial ryegrasses germinate quickly, 1)lend well with Ken-tucky bluegrass, with-stand low mowing heights and exhibit good traffic-bearing characteristics. bluegrass. Further, perennial ryegrasses grow four to five weeks longer in the fall and green-up four to five weeks earlier in the spring as compared to Kentucky bluegrasses. This can be either an advantage or a 
disadvantage. In situations 
where the exteded growing 
season is needed, it certainly is an advantage to have this extra growing period. However, in situations where this simply means eight to ten more mowings a year, it is an added cost. The improved perennial rye-grasses have also exhibited good short term drought color. During 20 to 40 day periods with limited water availability, they have maintained good green color in situations where Kentucky blue-grass has gone dormant. It is likely that they have less ability to withstand long term drought 
than Kentucky bluegrass. The vigor of the improved perennial ryegrasses has been an extreme advantage to the lawn maintenance industry in that it has made possible the successful 
overseeding of semi-thatchy areas. In the past, the limited seedling vigor of Kentucky blue-grass made it difficult, if not impossible, to successfully intro-
duce new turf varieties into lawns where thatch depth ex-
ceeded one quarter of an inch. Perennial ryegrasses have also been excellent for overseeding bermudagrass on home lawns. Their quick germination and desirable texture and color have provided excellent winter quality, and their ability to per-sist into the summer provides a In view of the fact that peren-nial ryegrasses are exhibiting ex-treme summer disease suscep-tibility in transition-zone climates, it is of major concern that they have shown a tendency 
to be extremely aggressive in certain situations when mixed with Kentucky bluegrass. The degree of aggressiveness is, of course, dependent on several factors including what variety of 
ryegrass is mixed with what variety of bluegrass. However, in studies seeded at Virginia Tech in April of 1972 containing 87.5 percent Merion Kentucky bluegrass and 12.5 per-cent Manhattan perennial rye-grass (bluegrass: ryegrass seed ration of 69 to 1), the ryegrass made up 58 percent of the ground 
cover by April of 1977. This does not appear to be a serious prob-lem where ryegrass is not ex-posed to hot weather disease. However, this could be a serious problem in areas where high Control 15 major lawn pests with versatile SEVIN carbaryl insecticide. They nip, munch, burrow and bite. As sure as grass is green, lawn pests will try to make life miserable. You can minimize the misery STOP! ALL PESTICIDES CAN BE HARMFUL With SEVIN TO HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT r^rh^rvl IF MISUSED. READ THE LABEL CARE- Uai / 1 FULLY AND USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. |HSeCtlClde And protect lawns from as many as 15 different problem pests. Both the most common ones and the worst: ants, bluegrass billbugs, chiggers, chinch bugs, cutworms, ear-wigs, European chafer, fall armyworm, fleas, green June beetle, leafhoppers, millipedes, mosquitoes, sod webworms (lawn moths) and ticks. Broad registration only starts the list of SEVIN benefits. It's also compatible with many other commonly used insecticides, miticides, fungicides and foliar nutri-ents. And residents can resume using the grounds or yard as soon as the spray 
dries. There's a choice of ä temperatures and excessive moisture and humidity are pres-ent. This aggressiveness would 
significantly increase the prob-ability of losing the ryegrass-dominated turf to summer dis-ease. Perennial ryegrasses also do not exhibit good long-term shade 
tolerance. However, their ex-tremely fast germination and es-tablishment rate does allow development of a turf in heavily 
shaded areas which will last 100 to 150 days. This certainly is an advantage over what we have been able to do with the existing slow-establishing Kentucky blue-grass. In summary, as one considers using the perennial ryegrasses in a turfgrass management pro-gram, it is important to be aware of their strengths and weak-nesses. Their disease suscep-tibility is a serious concern and is more serious in areas where hot weather disease activitv is ex-Table 1. A generalized comparison of the characteristics of the improved Kentucky bluegrasses and the improved peren-nial ryegrasses. Kentucky Perennial Characteristic bluegrass Ryegrass Establishment rate poor excellent Heat tolerance fair poor Spring green-up fair good Shade tolerance fair-poor fair-poor Disease resistance fair poor Thatch buildup potential good ? Mowing quality good poor Short term drought color poor good Long term drought survival good fair Root to soil bond fair good References 1) Funk, C. R. 1978 Proceedings of University of Illinois. the 18th Annual Illinois Turfgrass Conference. treme. In areas where summer disease pressure is heavy, the perennial ryegrasses are going to be extremely limited in their abil ity to provide quality turf-grass over an entire growing season. At this point in time, the improved perennial ryegrasses are not, in my opinion, capable of providing the level of season-long quality we associate with a good Kentucky bluegrass mix-ture. The perennial ryegrasses should be used primarily as a 
support or specialty grass in areas where summer disease potential is high. In these areas, they should be utilized with the realization that they will require 
a fungicide program and may re-quire annual reseeding to thicken the turf. When one compares Kentucky bluegrasses as a group of grasses with perennial ryegrasses as a group of grasses (Table 1), it is obvious that the perennial rye-grasses have provided us with improvements in establishment rate, spring green-up, low mow-ing tolerance, short term drought color and better root-soil bond. They have also made a signifi-cant contribution to our ability to produce quality turf in the climatic transition zone. Hope-fully, the breeding programs un-derway at several universities and companies will provide us with stronger perennial rye-grasses to use in our attempts to produce quality turf. DISEASE Powdery mildew attacks plants, turf Powdery mildew, a fungal dis-ease that attacks turfgrass and a 
wide variety of ornamental plants from April through July, is easily identified by a white pow-der on plant leaves. "Affected leaves are often dis-torted and fail to develop prop-erly," explained Dr. Wendell Home, plant pathologist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University 
System. "If not controlled the fungus may cause leaves to turn yellow and drop, thus weakening plants that fail to fruit or flower 
properly." Powdery mildew thrives in cool, dry conditions as opposed to warm, moist conditions for most leaf-spotting fungi. It also seems to develop most rapidly in areas of poor air movement. "Roses and crape myrtles are commonly affected plants," 
Home said. "Depending on weather conditions, they may es-cape damage one year and be af-fected seriously the next." The plant pathologist suggests that lawn maintenance profes-sionals check plants closely for powdery mildew and to take con-
trol measures if necessary. Fungicides that prevent powdery mildew include Benlate, Ac-
tidione PM, Karathane, Phaltan and sulfur. Use sulfur only dur-
ing cooler parts of the growing season since it may cause leaf bronzing when temperatures are 
high. Two to three applications of fungicide may be required to control the fungus. Powdery mildew that attacks euonymous is the most difficult to control, Home added. Gar-dens with this problem may want to replace euonymous with plants resistant to the disease. Wax leaf ligustrum, for example, mjght be acceptable. "The key to controlling pow-dery mildew is to recognize it 
early and to apply a fungicide before serious damage is done," Home said. "This will help to in-sure an attractive landscape." > ? z o > 50 W z a 
c 03 H Ł< > four formulationsŠ sprayable, wettable powder, flowablesand SEVIMOl! 4, a liquid blend of SEVIN and molasses. Granules, dusts and baits 
are also available for certain specialized uses. Plus, SEVIN isn't harsh on the environment. It is bio degradable; and when compared with other insecticides, it ranks low in toxi-city to people,animals, birds and fish. So it's probably no surprise to hear that SEVIN carbaryl is one of the largest 
selling insecticides in the United 
States today. For more information about SEVIN, contact your pesticide supplier or Union Carbide at the address below. Make SEVIN carbaryl insecticide your answer to pest control too. SEVIN CARBARYL INSECTICIDE IS THE ANSWER. SEVIN and SEVIMOL are registered trademarks of Union Carbide Corporation for carbaryl insecticide UNION CARBIDE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC , 7825 Baymeadows Way. Jacksonville, FL 32216 < S VC H co D 
a z u vc < u z < hJ Pesticides that are toxic to or reduce the activity of earthworms. RELATIVE LEVEL OF TOXICITY OR SOME COMMON COMMON NAME REDUCED ACTIVITY TRADE NAMES Atrazine (4) Slight Aatrex, Bonus S, Vectal Anilazine (6) Moderate-High Dyrene Bandane (14) High No Longer Manufactured Bandane (14) High for Agricultural Use Benomyl (6,12) High Proturf Fertilizer+DSB Benomyl (6,12) High fungicide, Tersan 1991 Calcium Arsenate (14) High No Longer Manufactured Calcium Arsenate (14) High for Agricultural Use Carbaryl (8,13) Moderate Dicarban, Septene, Sevin Chlordane (9) High No longer labeled for turf-grass use Chlorothalonil (6) Moderate-High Daconil 2787, Proturf 101V Broad Chlorothalonil (6) Moderate-High Spectrum Fungicide Chlorpyrifos (12) Slight Dowco 179, Dursban, Kwit, Chlorpyrifos (12) Western Lawn Insect Control Fensulfothion (13) Slight-Moderate Sasanit Iprodione (6) Moderate Chipco 26019 Mancozeb (6) Moderate-High Fore Metham (2) High Vapam Methyl Bromide (2) High Brom-O-Gas, Dowfume MC-2 Methyl Bromide (2) Profume PCNB (6) Moderate Lawn Disease Preventor, Pro-PCNB (6) turf FF, II, Terraculor 75, Turfcide Thiophanate-methyl (6) Moderate Fungo 50, Proturf Systemic Thiophanate-methyl (6) Fungicide 1Timing, rate, frequency and method of application are important in the overall ef-fect of the pesticide on earthworm activity. THATCH from page 18 For instance, burrowing of the large earthworms in the spring can disrupt a pre-emergent her-bicide barrier and bring buried weed seeds to the soil surface 
where they may germinate. Also, following a heavy rain or irriga-tion, earthworms may leave their burrows and move onto 
sidewalks and driveways where they are stepped on or run over by human and vehicular traffic. This is often times objectionable. Earthworms are not a panacea 
for all lawn problems including thatch development, but just one of the many important compo-nents of the turfgrass environ-ment. In summary, there is much to be learned about earthworm 
behavior under various turf com-munities and different manage-ment programs. The possibility of introducing earthworms to a turfgrass site is conceivable. This practice has been successfully Singlehanded, you can whip fuel and labor costs with EXCEL HUSTLER pure motion at your fingertips. V vfe lì mmm / * To groundskeeping pros. EXCEL HUSTLER means MowerŠand MoreŠevery season. Two hydrostatic pumps transmit direct to drive wheels instantly in response to fingertip touch on twin hand levers. Dual pumps work only half as hard, last many seasons longer for added value and less downtime. But there's More: instant pure motion moves the big mowers easily around trees, park benches, markers, and other mowing headaches. EXCEL HUSTLER owners mow More acres per hour. More grass per gallon. More years per mower! The Mower delivers a super cut on fine turf or rough. Choose air-cooled 275 or 285: liquid cooled 4 W3m& V. ; . m < Ł ! i ,« Turf & Grounds Equipment Excel Industries, Inc. Ł Box 727 Ł Hesston, Kansas 67062 Ł (316) 327-4911 Ł (800) 835-3260 295. Standard or heavy duty 72" rotary. 54 rotary, or 60" flail. More turf and grounds attachments: Cultivator. Catcher/Compactor. Edger. Dozer Blade. Rotary Broom, amazingly efficient Snow Thrower. Add ROPS: enclose cab for winter comfort: Tilt-Deck Trailer for transporting. And More! Factory trained service and parts through your EXCEL HUSTLER Distributor. Write or call for his name and free literature, or watch for a field demo. GSA GS-0TS-<1491S HUD OPH *CO>m-2930 Mower and More, the choice of the pros. EXCEL accomplished in orchards and pastures. However, before a turf 
manager attempts this, it would be wise to ascertain the factors responsible for their absence or decreased activity. If a problem such as improper pH, poor 
drainage, or use of a certain pes-ticide is not resolved, the in-troduction of worms into the soil will serve little purpose. Furthermore, even if these problems are resolved but a 
pesticide with a long residual such as chlordane, bandane or calcium arsenate is present in the soil, it may be years before 
their residues decrease to a level where worms can be introduced. Finally, not all species of earthworms will produce the same effect on all soils and plants. The fact remains that no one species of earthworm is responsible for all the beneficial contributions mentioned above, 
but a combination of several 
different species typically found under natural field conditions. UP 15 PERCENT Fertilizer use ahead of last year's levels In most respects the pace during February for U.S. fertilizer pro-ducers was much like that of previous months during the current fertilizer year, according to a report released last month by The Fertilizer Institute. "Production continued to run ahead of last year's level for the July-February period with an eight percent increase, while domestic disappearance showed an increase of 15 percent," said 
Edwin M. Wheeler, president of the Institute. "Among the basic materials," he added, "an-
hydrous ammonia production continued to increase its lead this year over the past fertilizer year." HHHHHHHHHHHI Fertilizer produc-tion continued to run ahead of last year's level for the July-Feb-ruary period, with an eight percent increase. ŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁ¡¡ŁŁŁŁŁŁI Increases in domestic dis-apperance for the July-February period were applicable to each of the nitrogen, phosphate and potash groups, he said. Potash 
products led other nutrient groups in terms of percentage, with an increase of 23 percent over a year ago for the eight-month period. Nitrogen product disappearance increased 15 per-cent and that of phosphates, 10 percent. Referring to export/import trade during the July-February 
period, Wheeler said that im-
ports increased 22 percent, led 
by muriate of potash and am-monia. Exports, however, decreased six percent during the period with largest decreased oc-curing with phosphates. February ending inventories for nearly all products were well below last year's levels, he said. COMPANIES 3m expands distribution of its plant growth regulator Embark brand plant growth regulator, developed by 3M and released for limited distribution in 1978, will be available in a larger number of regional areas this year, according to the manu-facturers. The growth regulator can be applied to a variety of popular turf species including Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, common bermudagrass and several native California grasses and broad-leaves. It reduces lawn mowing by temporarily inhibiting the growth of these plants for up to eight weeks. It also suppresses seedhead formation. Because Embark plant growth regulator results in less frequent mowing and trimming activities, it can cut mowing costs, allow 
reallocation of labor and materials and help reduce mow-ing accidents and equipment damage. Further, proper spring application can extend suppres-sion until normal turf growth slow-up in mid-summer. Applicaton of the growth regulator is made to healthy, ac-tively growing grass with stan-dard spraying equipment and 
calibrated nozzles that can apply 15 to 150 gallons of finished spray per acre. Distributors of the prod-uct are located primarily in the northern half of the United States. However, 3M will also sell directly to interested con-sumers in other parts of the country. WÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊM 29 Biological dethatching agents: Fact versus fiction from /tuyo 1H complex natural compounds such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin which are the chemical components of thatch. As with the introduction of microorganisms, the use of plant hormones to stimulate existing thatch and soil microbes 
is unlikely to result in increased thatch decomposition. Research has shown that plant hormones may be inhibitory to some microorganisms and stimulating to others. Likewise, the application of various thatch degrading enzymes is also unlikely to result in any significant thatch breakdown since the enzymes themselves would serve as a carbon source for 
many microorganisms found in the thatch and soil. Turfgrass species and/or cultivars, management practices, the underlying soil and climatic conditions all can have a profound affect on the nature of thatch. In terms of using any one of the currently available dethatching products, the lawn 
care professional would be wise to request unbiased, fully replicated and scientifically conducted research results to support the manufacturer's claims. tr > ? Z n > 73 m Z a c CD H 73 > EPA from page 1 volatile or spray mist, on persons or property adjacent to pesticide application sites. The proposals 
completely ignore the precau-tions stated in the label and maintain that the EPA is not en-forcing these restrictions. Lawn 
care operators, nurserymen and other agricultural users do abide by these precautions. "The proposal would mean (hat anyone with less than 1.4 acres would have to obtain per-mission from adjacent property owners prior to applying any pesticides. As you can readily see, this would deny the homeowner the use of any pesti-cide. These regulations proposed by the Friends of the Earth would drastically change prop-erty rights. "We urge you to give this view-point serious consideration." Many members of the lawn care industry and the PLCAA did 
indeed send letters to the EPA before the deadline last month. The PLCAA also suggested that members contact their con-gressmen, and supplied addresses. In the Federal Register, it was pointed out that the although the -notice sets forth the petitions made by the Friends of the Earth, the publication of the petition ' does not represent any agency Ł 
position on the merits of the peti- ' tions. The notice does not pro-pose any amendment of current rules or any change in policy or procedures. After .consideration of available data and comments 
received in response to this , 
notice, the EPA will consult and 
determine whether it should pro-
ceed to initiate rulemaking or 
other proceedings based on the petition. For further information direc-tly from the EPA, contact: Ms. Jean Frane, Registration Divi-sion, Office of Pesticide Pro-grams, EPA, 401 M St., S.W., Washington, DC 20460, 202-426-2510. For further information about PLCAA's stand on the proposed legislation, contact: Glenn W. 
Bostrom, executive director, PLCAA, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 
Suite 1717, Chicago, IL 60611, 312-644-0828. M « o o «Q « O o «O DISEASES OF SHADE TREES by Terry Tattar Because shade trees require specialized maintenance rarely used in the forest, this text seeks to aid the arborist in providing necessary care to maintain vigor and prevent shade tree diseases. An indepth look at infectious and non-infectious tree diseases. Plant pathology not necessary. $22.00 ttrf irrigation manual TURF IRRIGATION MANUAL by James Watkins A guidebook for engineers, architects, designers and contractors. Keeps pace with the latest developments in turf and landscape irrigation. Specific chapters devoted to rotary sprinkler design systems, golf course design systems and expanded engineering and reference material. $19.50 TREE IDENTIFICATION by George Symonds Pictorial reference to identifying trees by checking leaves, buds, branches, fruit and bark. Like its sister publication, Shrub Identification, popular and botanical names are listed with index tabs for easy reference. ihettui IDENTIFICATION BOOK MODERN WEED CONTROL $8.00 paperback MODERN WEED CONTROL by Alden S. Crafts Deals exhaustively with the botany, chemistry, plant physiology and ecology involved in modern weed control technology. Contains lists and classifications of herbicides and an abundance of illustrative material that will help the reader visualize the varied aspects and forms of weed control. $16.00 SOIL & SOIL MANAGEMENT by Charles D. Sopher and Jack V. Baird An introductory text presents a comprehensive coverage of major soil concepts. Highlights include exercises in calculating crop needs under varying soils and temperature conditions, case histories and appendices and bibliographies for readers interested in additional information. $14.00 DISEASES & PESTS OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS by Pascal Pirone This standard reference discusses diagnosis and treatment of diseases and organisms affecting nearly 500 varieties of ornamental plants grown outdoors, under glass or in the 
nome. Easy to understand explanations of when and how to use the most effective | fungicides, insecticides and other control methods. $20.00 HOME LANDSC APE by Garrett Eckbo Provides designs, examples and current innovations and refinements to older traditional designs. Covers all aspects of residential landscape planning. $16.00 THE GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT by John W. Mastalerz Covers principles and practices of greenhouse ffower crop production, emphasizing response of flower crops to greenhouse environmental factors. General coverage of factors determining these conditions with illustrations. $20.00 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL SCIENCE by Henry D. Foth Sixth edition. Contains the most useful knowledge about soil science. Covers important national and international issues sucn as soil resource conservation, land use, environmental uuality and food procfuction. $20.00 ; MINTIMI U I K
 «I MU HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE by Jules Janick Third edition. 15 chapters covering the biology and technology of horticulture. Includes illustrations and graphs. $20.00 WYMAN'S GARDENING ENCYCLOPEDIA by Donald Wyman A classic reference on all aspects of gardening. Offers advice on planting and maintenance, information on new plants, cultivation, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Contains 10,000 articles, 20o drawings, 170 photographs and a color hardiness zone map. $25.00 in PO -TREE MAINTENANCE Pascal Prione The fourth edition of this guide for anyone involved in the care and treatment of trees. Special sections on tree abnormalities, diagnosing tree troubles, non-parasitic injuries and assessing the suitability of different trees to throughout the country. $25.00 Mail to: Book Dept. Harvest Business Publications 9800 Detroit Avenue. Cleveland, OH 44102 Master Card or Visa (Circle one) Acct. No Name Address City . State--Zip. Expiration Date-Signature Please send the following books. I have enclosed a check or authorized a charge for the total amount. Title Quantity Price Total Price Add $1.25 per book for handling and shipping. Total enclosed < MEETING DATES International Franchise Association 13th Annual Legal Symposium, Capital Hilton Hotel, Washington, D.C., May 6-7. Con-tact: IFA, 1025 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 1005, Washington,D.C. 20036, 202659-0790. Turfgrass Research Field Day, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, May 21. Contact: Dr. Richard Duble or Dr. |ames Beard, Department of Soil & Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, "Dlfei ~ " ~ College Station, TX 77843. Residential Landscape Design Course I, Milwaukee, WI, June 18-20. Contact: John Shaw, executive director, ALCA, 1750 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22101, 703-893-5440. Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, June 18-20. Contact: Dr. 
David F. Karnoslcy. Cary Arboretum, Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545, 914-677-5343. Residential Landscape Design Course I, Tucson, AZ, June 23-25. Contact: John Shaw, executive director, ALCA, 1750 
Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22101, 703-893-5440. 1980 Tax Seminar, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago, IL, June 24-25. Contact: International Franchise Association, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.. Suite 1005, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-659-0790. Residential Landscape Design Course II, Phoenix. AZ, June 26-28. Contact: John Shaw, executive director, ALCA, 1750 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22101, 703-893-5440. 1980 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Day, New Brunswick, NJ, August 6. Contact: Raplph E. Engel, P.O. Box 201, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, 201-932-9427. Residential Landscape Design Course I, Seattle, WA, Aug. 7-9. Contact: John Shaw, executive director, ALCA, 1750 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22101, 703-821-8611. Iowa State University Turfgrass Field 
Day, Horticulture Research Station, Ames, IA, Aug. 12. Contact: A.E. Cott,ex-tension horticulturist, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, 515294-1870. Lawn, Garden Outdoor Living, Division 
of National Hardware Store, McCormick 
Place. Chicago, IL, Aug. 13-16. Con-tact: National Hardware Show, Charles Snitow, 331 Madison Ave., New York, NY 
10017, 212-682-4802. Tan-Misslark Trade Show. Astro Hall, Houston, TX, Aug. 16-19. Contact: Bill 
Fullingim, Tesas Association of Nursery-men, 512 E. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704, 512-444-7489. Rhode Island Turfgrass Field Day. Turf Research Farm, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, Aug. 20. Contact: Professor C.R. Skogley, Plant and Soil 
Science Department, University of Rhode Island. Kingston, RI 02881, 401-792-2570. Western Regional Grounds Maintenance and Equipment Show, Bear Creek Park, Colorado Springs, Aug. 26. Contact: Frank 
Cosgrove, regional director, National Recreation and Park Association, 3500 _ new -Boohs MODERN WEED CONTROL by Alden S. Crafts SOIL & SOIL MANAGEMENT by Charles D. Sopher and Jack V. Baird TREE CARE by John M. Haller THE PRUNING MANUAL by Everett P. Christopher THE GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT by John W. Mastalerz FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL SCIENCE by Henry D. Foth Ł Deals exhaustively with the botany, * chemistry, plant physiology and ecology involved in modern weed control technology. Contains lists and classifications of herbicides and an abundance of illustrative material that will help the reader visualize the varied aspects and forms of weed control. $16.00 2 An introductory text presents a ^ comprehensive coverage of major soil concepts. Highlights include exercises in calculating crop needs under varying soils and temperature conditions, case histories and appendices and bibliographies for readers interested in additional information. $14.00 3Urban trees are subjected to every kind of environmental stress and abuse requiring continuous attention to keep them healthy. HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE by Jules Janick This book gives you the how-to s ol planting, feeding, pruning, repairing and defending trees against their enemies with special coverage of environmental damage and miscellaneous troubles. $9.00 Pri shade trees, ornamental shrubs and roses. 100 diagrams and photographs. Sections also devoted to forestry, grafting, root pruning, wound treatment and tools. $10.00 Covers principles and practices of greenhouse flower crop production, emphasizing response of flower crops to greenhouse environmental factors. General coverage of factors determining these conditions with illustrations. $20.00 Sixth edition. Contains the most useful knowledge about soil science. Covers SOILS & SOIL FERTILITY by Thompson and Troeh WEED SCIENCE by Glenn C. Klingman, Floyd M. Ashton important national and international issues such as soil resource conservation, land use, environmental quality and food production. $20.00 H Third edition. 15 chapters covering the Ł biology and technology of horticulture Includes illsutrations and graphs. $20.00 £ Fourth edition. Comprehensive textbook and reference guide for the study of soil fertility and soil science. Several chapters devoted to specific soil amendments, soil management and conservation $20.00 9Source for those concerned with weeds. Thoroughly indexed, tabled and illustrated. Effective classroom aid and research reference. Explains more than 100 herbicides, their uses. Includes chapters on soil sterilants and total vegetation control $20.00 Mail to: Book Dept. Harvest Business Publications 9800 Detroit Avenue. Cleveland, OH 44102 Master Card or Visa (Circle one) Acct. No Name Address City State--ZiP-Expiration Date-Signature Please send the following books. I have enclosed a check or authorized a charge for the total amount. Title Quantity Price Total Price Add $1.25 per book for handling and shipping. Total enclosed Ridge Road, P.O. Box 6900, Colorado Springs, CO 80934. 6th Annual Garden Industry of America Conference & Trade Show, Convention Center, Baltimore, Md., Sept. 12-14, 1980. Contact: GIA Conference & Trade Show, Box 1092, Minneapolis, Minn. 55440, 612-374-5200. National Lawn & Garden Distributors Association Annual Convention, Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, Calif., Sept. 16-19. Contact: Nancy S. Irving, executive 
director NLGDA, 1900 Arch St.. Philadel-
phia, Pa. 19103. International Franchise Association Tax Seminar, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago, 111., Sept. 22-24. Contact: IFA, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1005, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-659-0790. Northwest Turfgrass Annual Conference, Sunriver Lodge, Sunriver, OR, Sept. 22-25. Contact: Dr. Roy Goss, executive sec-retary, Northwest Turfgrass Association, Western Washington Research and Ex-tension Center, Puyallup, WA 98371, 206-593-8513. Central Plains Turfgrass Foundation. 
Kansas State University Turf Conference, 
KSU Union, Manhattan, KS, Sept. 30 -Oct. 2. Contact: R.N. Carrow, secre-tary/treasurer, Horticulture Department, Waters Hall, Kansas State University, 
Manhattan, KS 66506, 913-532-6170. Kentucky Turfgrass Conference & Field Day, Eastern Kentucky University, Rich-mond, KY, Oct. 7-9. Contact: Kenneth B. Rue, president, Kentucky Turfgrass Council, 3110 Brownsboro Road, Louis-ville, KY 40206, 502-893-7137. Franchise Management Workshop, Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, Calif., Oct. 8-9. Contact: International Franchise Association, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1005, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-659-0790. Symposium on Turfgrass Insects, Holiday Inn, Columbus, Ohio, October 14-15. Con-tact: Dr. B.G. Joyner, Plant Diagnostic Labs, ChemLawn Corp., 6969 Worthington-Galena Road, Suite L, Worthington, Ohio 43085, 614-885-9588. Southwest Turfgrass Association Conference, New Mexico State Univer-sity, Las Cruces, NM, Oct. 16-17. Contact: Arden A. Baltensperger, secretary-treasurer, Southwest Turfgrass Associa-tion, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 3-Q, Las Cruces, NM 88003. Second National Irrigation Symposium. Nebraska Center for Continuing Educa-tion, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 
NE, Oct. 20-23. Contact: Dr. Dale Heer-mann or Dr. Del Fangmeier, Department of Soils, Water, and Engineering, Univer-
sity of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ 85721, 602-626-1412. Franchise Management Workshop, Con-tinental Plaza, Chicago, 111., Oct.. 22-23. Contact: International Franchise Associa-tion, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1005, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-659-0790. Franchise Management Workshop, Old Town Holiday Inn, Alexandria, Va., Nov. 5-6. Contact: International Franchise Association, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1005, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-659-0790. Missouri Lawn and Turf Conference. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, Nov. 5-7. Contact: Dr. John H. Dunn, pro-fessor of horticulture, 1-43 Agriculture Building, Columbia, MO 65211, 314-882-7838. Southern Turfgrass Conference, Bir-mingham Hyatt House, Birmingham, AL, Nov. 9-12. Contact: Dr. Euel Coats, ex-ecutive secretary, Southern Turfgrass 
Association, Drawer CP, Mississippi 
State, MS 39762, 601-325-3138. First Professional Lawn Care Association of America Convention, "Lawn Care Business Management in the 1980's," Nov. 12-14, Commonwealth Convention Center, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Glenn Bostrom, PLCAA, Suite 1717, 435 N. Mich-
igan Avenue, Chicago, 111. 60611, 312-644-0828. EARNINGS LOWER BASF Wyandotte 1979 sales increase BASF Wyandotte Corp., Parsippany, N.J., an American member of the BASF group, has reported 1979 sales of $1.1 billion and net earnings after taxes of $9.7 million. Edwin L. Stenzel, president, said that compared to 1978, sales increased 28 percent, reflecting growth in the company's overall business, particularly in agricul-tural chemicals, including the turf herbicide Basagran. Net earnings were 12 percent lower than in 1978 due in part to start-up costs for new plants, one-time shut-down costs, and accelerated depreciation on ob-solete facilities. HERBICIDES bensulide, preparations of seven percent and 12.5 percent appear to give nearly as good crabgrass control as the bulkier, less con-centrated forms. Of herbicides available for use in water, ben-sulide is an effective spray treat-ment, being almost as effective in a spray as in its granular form, he said. "Proper timing of the treat-ment is essential for good results," Dr. Engel said. "Generally, most preemergemce herbicides are applied just prior to crabgrass germination because earlier application shortens the effective period of activity. It is difficult to time preemergence application by 
presence or lack of crabgrass seedlings, but timing the treat-ment with spring flowering of forsythia bloom may be a helpful guide. Since bensulide has com-parative long-term effectiveness, 
its date of application is often more flexible." Actor, state official receive Daisy awards Academy Award winning actor Cliff Robertson (second from right) and California Secretary of State March Fong Eu (far right) were 
honored for their contributions to the California environment and the state's landscape industry with Daisy Awards presented by the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). With the two award winners are CLCA president Don Napolitano and his wife Nancy. Robertson, a native of California, was cited for his interest in preserving the California coastline and beaches. Eu was acclaimed for lending her prestige to the beautification of California. 31 > ? Z n > 70 m Z a c CD 70 2 > Second application sometimes needed for 
control of crabgrass Crabgrass germinates from April to mid-summer, making a residual action over the entire period a must. If other weeds, such as goosegrass, are present, then the herbicide needs to remain active even longer. Herbicides available on the market today differ in length of control. Herbicides for control of crabgrass include Tupersan, marketed by Du Pont Co., Wilmington, Del.; Balan, marketed by Elanco Products Co., Indianapolis; Dacthal, marketed by Diamond Shamrock Corp., Cleveland; and Betasan, marketed by Stauffer Chemical Co., Westport, Conn. Betasan is available also under other trade names. According to Dr. Ralph Engle, turfgrass specialist at Rutgers University, one of the top performers in controlling crab-grass over a period of years is bensulide (Betasan). "Sometimes a second preemerge application is made midway in the germination season in an attempt to better cover late germination of crab-grass or other weeds, but this does not control crabgrass that 
escaped the first application," Dr. Engel said. "The effec-
tiveness of a second treatment depends on time of application and the amount of subsequent germination. However, ben-sulide has far less need of a 
second application than some other products due to its long residual action." Although bensulide remains active longer, if reseeding becomes necessary, it can be successfully inactivated by char-coal, Dr. Engel said. Because of a shorter residual, some herbi-cides, such as Tupersan, are of-ten used when reseeding is nec-essary, according to other ex-
perts. Generally, low-analysis granular forms of preemergence herbicides are considered more effective than more concentrated preparations. However, with The height of confidence for consistent yellow nutsedge control It takes consistent performance to earn the confidence of turf professionals. And no herbicide ever provided more consistent yellow nutsedge control pp"::;>f;ofs;v 070S4 than Basagran" herbicide, leaving established turf green and healthy. IBASF For consistent yellow nutsedge control. Basagran every time. For more information, write or call our nearest Regional Office: 5720 W 85th Street. Suite 16. Indianapolis. Indiana 46278. (317) 299-4122 6263 Poplar Avenue. Suite 850. Memphis. Tennessee 38138. (901) 761-2001 6405 Metcalf. Suite 317. Shawnee Mission. Kansas 66202. (913) 677-2424 32 PRODUCTS U 2 | Walk-behind mower operates in four modes Allis-Chalmers' all-in-one walk-behind lawn mower can operate as a rear-bagging, side-discharge, mulching or leafbagging mower. The mower's three-bushel, zip-pered bag is bracketed and lifts on and off easily. Powered by a 3.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine, the mower is available in either self-propelled or push models and features a 21-inch cast alumi-num mower deck and staggered wheels to minimize scalping. 
Power propelled models feature a two-speed, belt-drive system to adjust walking speed while maintaining maximum engine speed for efficient cutting. Write 202 on free information card tilizer Division. The seven-page easy-to-understand booklet spells out a four-stage feeding program complete with applica-tion rates, recommended prod-ucts, and square footage covered. The pamphlet also contains brief "remarks" describing each stage of the four-part feeding program. Round I of the feeding program states, "In the lawn care industry the accepted major nutrient ratio is a 4-1-2 ratio with total nitrogen 
per season equalling between 3.5-4.0 pounds per 1,000 square feet. In addition to fertilization the customer is also interested in preventing or controlling troublesome turfgrass pests at 
the time of year they are prevalent or easiest to control. The first application in any lawn care program should be a com-bination of fertilizer plus grassy weed control herbicide. Write 203 on free information card Turf box buries valves in irrigation systems An economy turf box for burying 
small valves and controls in residential and commercial 
irrigation systems is available from Ametek's Plymouth Prod-ucts Division. The round turf box ¿''¿¿à " i i^'^m** Kfe < > is molded from a Superflexon plastic compound that is nor-mally unaffected by moisture, corrosion, or temperature changes. It measures six-and-a-half-inches in diameter and has a 
depth of nine inches. Write 205 on free information card Turf booklet describes lawn feeding program A free turf care booklet outlining a year-round granular lawn care feeding program is available from The Andersons Lawn Fer-Turf-Quaker aerates dry, compacted turf Turf-Quaker slices a 60-inch swath through dry, compacted turf and opens the soil to air, nutrients, and water. HA-TQ, the newest mem-ber of the Turf-Quaker line, is manufactured by Howard Rotovator Company and is designed for three-point linkage tractors in the 25 to 60 PTO horsepower range. Write 211 on free information card Y; GORDON'S TRI M EC BROADLEAF HERBICIDE NET CONTENTS ONE U.S. GALLON (3.7S5) LITERS .i Lay-flat vinyl discharge hose in 300-foot lengths A lay-flat vinyl plastic discharge hose is offered by Hosenose, a division of Amtrex International. Available in 300-foot lengths, the hose is weather proof and rein-forced with woven vinyl. Oil and gasoline resistant hose, PVC suc-tion hose and polyester braided vinyl tubing are also available from the California-based company. Write 212 on free information card Low-profile utility tank fits in pick-up trucks A 300-gallon utility transport tank designed especially for 
pick-up trucks is now being 
manufactured by Snyder In-dustries. The tank fits securely over the rear wheelwells of most pickups typically used by lawn care operators and features a low-profile design which in-creases rear visibility while lowering the center of gravity for increased stability. Further, the tank is made with Snyder's high density, crosslinked, polyolefin material which resists cracking, corrosion and chemicals. The seamless, one piece unit has a translucent green tinting and ultra-violet inhibitor which helps protect the tank and its contents 
from the sun's damaging rays. It also features a domed bot-tom and syphon pickup tube for more complete drainage, along with dual recessed and reinfor-ced outlets which provide for gravity or pump-assisted drainage. Write 209 on free information card Slow-release nutrients feed tree, plant roots Controlled release packets, by Unique Fertilizer Inc., pro-vide nutrients for up to eight years when placed near the roots 
of a plant or tree. The sealed polyethylene bag, containing a water soluble fertilizer of at least 16-8-16 analysis, slowly releases nutrients through micropore holes. Originally developed by soil scientists at the University of 
Wisconsin, the packets release only the amount of fertilizer needed during the season. Write 206 on free information card Immaculate weed-free turf is the key to profit for the Lawn Care Operator Read how Trimec s> Turf Herbicide can help you improve the bottom line As a lawn care operator, you live in a glass house, and this has a direct bearing on your profits. Some busi-nesses can hide their mistakes, or shift the blame, or postpone the con-sequences, thus buying time to make corrections later when they're not so busy. But not you! If a few ugly weeds appear out of nowhere in one of your lawns, or if some trees and ornamentals show signs of damage, the finger points to you; you've got to do something right now or you may lose a customer as well as your chances for new custom-ers in the block. Fortunately, there's another side to the coin. If one of your lawns is as immaculate as a country club fairway, everyone in the block sees it and be-comes a prospect for you. The point is, you've got to do the job right the first time. You absolutely can't tolerate the emergence of stray weeds or damaged ornamentals. STRAY WEEDS: The weeds that plague lawn care operators are not dandelions or chickweed or other common sensitive weeds. To the con-trary, they invariably are a hard-to-kill 
variety usually thought to be rare Š until they showed up in your custom-er's lawn! Where did they come from? They're the natural consequence of using a narrow-spectrum herbicide in an area being fertilized and watered. The hardy weeds (those not con-trolled by the narrow-spectrum herbi-cide) are nourished by the fertilizer and water, and fight with the grass to fill the vacancy left by the demise of 
the sensitive weeds. Some of them win, and weeds that once were ob-scure become prominent. There's really only one efficient way to cope with the problem, and that is the Trimec way. Trimec is the one turf herbicide with a broad enough spectrum to get those hard-to-kill weeds along with Only Trimec gives you all these benefits Controls the widest range of broadleaf weeds Gets hard-to-kill species with one treat-ment. Wide safety margin for lawn grasses Minimum hazard from root absorption No vapor action after application Effective weed control In a wide temper-ature range Unique formula overcomes water hard-ness problems Treated areas may be reseeded within two weeks Non-flammable and non-corrosive In use Product stable several years above 32° F. Biodegradeable; friendly to the environ-Ł Bentgrass formula is also available the common, sensitive ones. How many broadleaf weed species will Trimec control? We're still looking for the troublesome broadleaf weed that Trimec will not control when applied at the right times and rate. If we do 
find such a weed, we'll be very much 
surprised. No other selective herbi-cide matches the broad spectrum of Trimec. ORNAMENTAL DAMAGE: Any broadleaf herbicide can damage trees and ornamentals if used indiscrimi-nately. But, for Trimec to cause such damage as a result of translocation, it would have to be applied at more than ten times the label recommendation. We estimate that more than 2 million lawns were sprayed with Trimec in 1979; there is not a single report of damage to trees or ornamentals. The reason why Trimec is so friendly to the environment, yet so powerful, is because no ingredient in Trimec is at a phytotoxic level. CUSTOMER RELATIONS: Be-cause most customer complaints and resulting service call-
backs are caused by a genuine lack of informa-tion, we have designed an instructive Trimec 
door-hanger in response to the problem. It ex-plains Trimec's slow, thorough action and the time required to kill a weed, root and all, using the world's most efficient herbicide. Experience has shown this door-hanger to be highly effective in reduc-ing the number of complaints and call-backs because it tells customers what to expect Š in advance. A generous supply of Trimec door-hangers is available with your Trimec 
purchase. THE BOTTOM LINE: You can buy a narrow-spectrum herbicide that 
costs less per gallon than Trimec. But, on the bottom line, Trimec costs less than its less-effective contem-
poraries. That's because it requires 
less chemical per acre for maximum weed control; and because it saves la-bor by doing the job right the first time. No matter how large or small your business, your Trimec distributor wants to help you. See him, today. TRIMEC I» a registered trademark of PBI/GORDON Corporation, U.S. patent No. 3,284,186. PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS pbl/Gondon copponabon 300 SOUTH THIRD STREET P.O. BOX 2276 KANSAS CITY. KANSAS B61 1 Ł 913-342-B7BO Tree stump treatment 33 Tree stump herbicide treatment is possible with Dow's Tordon, a ready-to-use formulation pack-aged in a convenient squeeze trigger applicator bottle. Tordon RTU is the only product in the line of Tordon herbicides that is not a restricted use pesticide and can be used by persons without special licensing. One gallon will treat from 300 to 800 stumps, depending on their size. Write 208 on free information card Mower cuts grass on slopes up to 40 degrees Slope Master, by Kut-Kwick, cuts slopes up to 40 degrees due to its low center of gravity. Powered by a 23-horsepower gasoline — . , . Ł t-.r- Ł ' . .ŁŁŁ * * y Ł s . . -mm WSÊ ' « engine, the unit has dual tractor wheels for added traction and stability. The mower cuts a 60-inch swath and up to three acres of grass per hour. Write 204 on free information card Ford diesel tractors Diesel tractors from 13 to 30 horsepower are now available from Ford Tractor Operations. All five models are available with two- and four-wheel drive. The 30-horsepower Ford 1900 tractor features a three-cylinder diesel engine and 26.5 PTO horsepower. The other four models feature two-cylinder diesels with 13-, 16-, 20-, and 25-horsepower engines. Ten and 12-speed transmissions offer a choice of working speeds. The entire comes series equipped with three-point hitches that match most implements made for a Category I hitch. Lift capacity is from 880 to 3,800 pounds. Write 207 on free information card r* > ? Z n > PC m Z a c cc H PO > > < S > OC E-CD D Q Z w b: < u z £ < J BEHIND THIS ISSUE We have this month, as the saying goes, some good news and some bad news. First the bad news, and boy, is it a wowser. Last month we ran a feature on turf dis-ease identification and control by Dr. Joe Vargas of Michigan State University ("Dis-
ease Management Will Be the Next Growth Area in the Lawn Care Industry", page 28). Along with the excellent copy, Dr. Vargas put together a quick-reference turf disease guide for our readers, and provided top-notch photos for identification of some troublesome lawn diseases. But somewhere between when we last saw the page that carried the identification photos and when it went to the printer, the gremlins that plague all trade magazine editors somehow switched around just about all of the identifying captions. We 
have re-run the photos with the correct cap-tions on page 21 of this issue, and thank all of you who noticed the colossal goof for calling us. Now the good news. In the April 7 issue of Advertising Age, the bible of the adver-tising industry, the lawn care industry 
received some substantial recognition right 
on page three. In a story titled "Green 
Grass Field Growing," associate editor Jen-nifer Alter zeroed in on the increasingly in-tense competition among major companies in the chemical lawn care industry. She quoted Toro president Jack Cantu (whose 
company last year acquired Barefoot Grass 
Lawn Service), Lawn Doctor president Tony Giordano, and Lawn-A-Mat's Stan Weber, in addition to myself. She used examples of Barefoot's literature and also that of ChemLawn Corp. to illustrate the piece. Some facts from the story: ChemLawn mails out 10 million per-sonalized self-mailers a year; Barefoot ex-pects a 50 percent sales increase this year, with marketing concentrated in the Midwest (they expect sales of $30 million to $50 million by 1985); and Giordano is look-ing for sales of $23 million this year from his 270 dealers. Alter pegged the industry at $200 million, quoting me, but I feel the market is closer to $900 million. However, it was an excellent article. If you didn't see it, drop me a line, and I'll send you a copy. JÉ^fr why tfata TURF TYPE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS There's a reason why Fiesta has become one of the most popular varieties in such a short time. To find out why ask your local seed dealer or write: PICKS LED PICKSEED WEST, Inc. Ł»OX 888. TANGENT, OREGON 97389 (503) 926 8886 CLASSIFIED lg only is given, please address as follows: Box number. % LAWN CARE IN-DUSTRY, Dorothy Lowe, Box 6951, Cleveland, Ohio 44101. Rates: 35c a word for line ads, 65c a word for display ads. Box numbers add $1 for mailing. All classified ads must be received by the publisher before the 10th of the month preceding publication and he accompanied by casn or money order full payment. covering Mail aa copy to Dorothy Lowe, LAWN CARE INDUSTRY. Box 6951, Cleveland, 
Ohio 44101. POSITION WANTED LANDSCAPE, NURSERY, golf course, park, etc. Career in manage-ment. Salary commensurate with my experience derived from ten years self-employed in professional landscape maintenance, installa-tions, and snow plowing. Will manage your current establishment or create a new division. P.O. Box 9114, Cleveland, Ohio 44137. MISCELLANEOUS KELWAY SOIL pH TESTER, used by professionals everywhere. Direct reading, longlasting, portable, 
lightweight, no power source. Model HB-2 reads moisture too. Available through local distributors or contact 
Kel Instruments Co., Inc., Dept. L, P.O. Box 1869, Clifton, N.J. 07015. 201 471-3954. KNOW pH INSTANTLY. Patented electronic tester, portable, handheld. For soil, liquids, etc. $22 postpaid. Details free. A & H 
Marketing, Dept. L6, 8325 Dru Ave., SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Phone 505 266-4821. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT: Obtain the expertise to start and/or manage a lawn care business. For in-formation contact: The Institute of 
Applied Agriculture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. 
301 454-3938. USED EQUIPMENT NOTICE TO LAWN-A-MAT DEALERS: Tractors, trailers & com-bines for sale. Very good con-ditionŠMake an offer. Jerry Amstutz, 918 N. Main St., Orrville, OH 44557. 216 682-8866. FOR SALE: 1978 Ford 350 completely equipped, steel tank, pump, Hannay electric reel, hose, etc. Complete unit, excellent condition, ready for immediate use. Phone 301 694-6006. LELY TURF SHAPER, $4,200.00. Rogers seeder, 3 point hitch, $2,-300.00, minimal use, excellent con-dition. R2, Box 235, Danville, Indiana 46122. 317 745-6226. HELP WANTED HORTICULTURIST WANTED: Prefer someone who has worked with a major company in tree and lawn spray programs. Top pay. Con-tact Quality Tree & Pest Control, Inc., 3002 Manzano, NE, Albuquer-que, New Mexico 87110. Phone 505 881-9118. WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO PURCHASE, granular lawn care companies in Midwest and South serving primarily residen-tial accounts, present management 
may stay, principals only, confiden-
tial replys to Box 18, Lawn Care, Box 6951, Cleveland, Ohio 44101. Preserve Your Copies of LAWN CARE INDUSTRY in PER/MkNENT BINDERS if-only $5.00 Custom-made binder easily holds entire years copies of LCI magazine. Green binder with logo protects your magazines and gives your library a neat appearance. Magazines can be inserted as they are received....send check or money order to: (Add $1.25 per Binder Shipping Chg.) Allow 6-8 Weeks Delivery. LAWN CARE INDUSTRY 9800 Detroit Ave. Ł Cleveland, Ohio 44102 ADVERTISERS Aquatrols Corp 18 BASF Wyandotte 31 Boots Hercules 5,21 Champion Brass 2 Diamond Shamrock 35 Dow Chemical Co 4,10,11 Excel Industries 9 Jacobsen 6,7 Lawn Care 8,28,29,34 Lofts 36 Micron West 18 Mobay 24 
Monsanto 15 Pickseed 34 PLCAA 30 PBI Gordon 32,33 Rainbird 14 Rhone-Poulenc, Ine 3 SPIC 12,13 Spraying Systems 14 Toro 16,17 Tuco 19 Turf Seed 25 Union Carbide 18,26,27 Wisconsin Marine 14 For the turf you care for: proven protection against nine damaging diseases from America's leading fungicide for turf. Now a 500 gram per liter flowable formulation. Daconil 2787 is the broad-spectrum fungicide that helps you fight such problems as dollar spot, gray leaf spot, large brown patch and red thread. Easy to handle with great flowability. Disperses quickly in the spray tank. Effective even in hot weather. Daconil 2787 also provides effective disease control on a number of ornamentals. Now in a new 500 g/l formulation. Diamond Shamrock gives you all the help you need for weed problems, too. Dacthal® is the preemergence herbicide that controls more than 20 weeds and unwanted grasses. Stops early and late germinating weeds without affecting healthy, growing turf grasses. Tough weeds like crabgrass and Poa annua can't stand up to Dacthal. Dacamine® gives postemergence control of over 70 broadleaf weeds including dandelion, annual chickweed, knotweed and Canada thistle. Kills'em right downtothe roots so they won't come back. Daconate® gives the postemergence herbicide that knocks out nutsedge, chick-weed, wood sorrel, sandbur and othergrassy weeds. It'sa ready-to-use liquid herbicide with a built-in surfactant for uniform wetting. For beautiful turf and ornamentals, count on the big four from Diamond Shamrock to make your job easier. ¿6 Diamond Shamrock The resourceful company. See your turf chemicals supplier, or contact the Diamond Shamrock Agricultural Chemicals Division sales office nearest you: Three Commerce Park Square. 23200 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44112 Ł 1760 The Exchange, Suite 100, Atlanta. GA 30339 Ł 5333 Westheimer, Suite 850, Houston. TX 77002 Ł Commerce Plaza Bldg., 2015 Spring Rd.. Oakbrook. IL 60521 »617 Veterans Blvd.. Redwood City. CA 94063 Write 119 on free information card H baron KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS is the most customer Łproof' I jt ] grass seed rpt lean buy h I I /N . A M ¿¿g V Ł v^ mk, . » ^ Alan Maged, Q Lawn-A-Mat dealer, Garden City Park, Long Island, New York. .. one of the largest independent lawn care dealers, servicing over 2000 lawns. use their lawn for a baseball field. With all that abuse, they still expect a good lawn. "I need a 'customer-proof' grass seed mixture. So I specify Baron, Yorktown and other top quality Lofts grasses in my special mixture. I get a lush, green color, an excellent root system and the best resistance to leaf spot I've ever seen. Guess that's whty I get better than 85% renewals every year. "One last thing, I really depend on my suppliers for delivery and service. I've dealt with the Lofts people for 15 years and they haven't failed me yet. That's very important to me.' "I make sure Baron is in every pound of grass seed we use. Last year it amounted to 80,000 pounds of Lofts special lawn seed mixtures. If all goes well, I'll order even more this year. 'Why do I insist on Baron? Because my customers expect me to compensate for everything, from the weather to their own mistakes. Some homeowners may let their lawn grow to six or eight inches, then cut it to three-quarters of an inch! Or they'll forget to water their grass during a drought, or ^awn-a-m' SCIENTIFIC w HYDE PARK ^ M Ma automated Lofts Pedigreed Sood) Inc. Bound Brook, N.J. 08805/(201) 358-8700 Write 103 on free information card