Question: How did you get started in the lawn care business? Answer: Many people choose the lawn care business because of extensive backgrounds and families already in the horticultural-agronomic fields, according to a straw poll conducted by LAWN CARE IN-DUSTRY this spring. Approximately 43 percent of the men contacted who run lawn care businesses had parents whose careers were in horticulture or agronomy, including John Haub-rich of Grounds Care Inc., Love-land, Ohio. Haubrich's original intent was not to follow in the footsteps of his father, who operated a garden store. So he pursued an economics degree in college. Upon gradua-tion, he took a job in his major field of specialization in Cleveland. "But I hated it," Haubrich re-members now. "When I was at-tending college, I had worked for a landscape contractor during the summers. After I decided I didn't like living in Cleveland, I called back that landscape contractor in Cincinnati and he gave me a job as a foreman. "In four years, I was vice-president. Last year, I started Bernard Huening Grounds Care with a friend and now this new company has been a real challenge." Bernard Huening of Huening Landscaping in Closter, N.J. grew up in Europe. "In my family, we have quite a few in this business," Huening relates. "I worked as an apprentice in Germany and Switzerland when I graduated from high school. When I came to the United States, I started from the bottom with one small pickup truck and worked up. to page 12 HBJ) A Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publication \WiH RE Volume 7, Number 5 MAY 1983 Serving lawn maintenance and chemical lawn care professionals Annual survey Million dollar list reaches 33 Experience pays off for Lawnmark Assoc. In football, you need quality people at the "skill" positions. And if Lawnmark Associates, one of the country's million dollar lawn care companies, is any indication, a little quality at the skill positions never hurts in the business world, either. "Quarterback" of the Lawnmark team is Marty Erbaugh, who points to prior experience of its founders as one of the reasons the Peninsula, Ohio-based company has taken just four years to vault into the seven-figure mark in gross sales. "We had a lot of prior experience, strength in the pivotal positions," Erbaugh said recently, "and the market has been so darned good that we've been able to cover all sorts of financial sins with sales. to page 23 Riding rotary mowers Cl?7 STEVF 01235C5 19 31 i BATTEN TETAS ARK UNIV SOIL £ C?0P SCIENCES COLLESE STATION T* 77^ 15 Judging by figures obtained dur-ing a spring survey, the lawn care industry is alive and well. The 42 companies listed on this page gross more than one-quarter of a billion dollars a year in chemical lawn care, a huge portion of the entire market, which is estimated at $1.5 billion. Forty-eight questionnaires, which were mailed to the nation's largest lawn care companies, were returned to LAWN CARE INDUS-TRY'S offices. The 48 respondents alone claimed employment of 4,229 persons year-round and 5,974 during the peak season, and they also claimed to have serviced 1,494,430 chemical lawn care ac-counts. ChemLawn largest By far, the largest response came from ChemLawn, which services 1.1 million lawns. The people at New director PLCAA picks James Brooks "One of my functions is to get out to the members and try Š from their input Š to develop programs that will be of help to everyone," says James R. Brooks of Atlanta. "I'm not going to be a desk jockey." Brooks was selected March 15 as the new executive director of the Professional Lawn Care As-sociation of America by unanim- ous vote of its board of directors. B£AkD topa«e7 COLLECTION ChemLawn do $155 million in business, using 3800 peak-season and 3100 year-round employees at 177 branches. Davey Lawnscape services 55,000 lawns for $8.5 million gross business. Two hundred peak-season employees are used, and 150 of them are year-round em-ployees at 20 outlets. Lawn Medic has 86 outlets which do slightly under 40,000 lawns per year for $6.7 million gross. Lawn Medic employs 112 year-round and 279-340 during the busy season. Barefoot Grass Lawn Service uses 19 outlets employing 150 year-rounders and 200 during the peak season. They do more than $5 million business on more than 40,000 lawns. Spring-Green also services 40,000 lawns for about $5 million to page 27 Without a summer application of Dursban, Dig problems could pop up in fell. While most insects emerge in spring, sod webworms and other varieties don't spring into action until late summer or fall. And even DURSBAN* insecticideŠwhich gives you long-lasting residual action Š won't protect your customers' lawns from spring to fall. That's why it's important to apply DURSBAN twice a yearŠon your first round for the early risers and later in the summer to get the late bloomers. And considering the relatively low cost of DURSBAN, a two application insecticide program makes doubly good sense. After all, DURSBAN costs as little as 35<£ per 1000 sq. ft. application. A small price to pay for protection against the immeasur-able costs of call-backs and shaken customer relations. DURSBAN gets just about every bug you'll face, too: chinch bugs, sod webworms, armyworms, cutworms, you name it. DURSBAN. Make sure all insects get a shot. Available in 2E, concentrated 4E and 50WP formulations. See your Dow distribu-tor. Also ask him about our new "DURSBAN delivers the goods" incentive program. Be sure to read and follow all label directions and precautions. Agricultural Products Department, Midland, Michigan 48640. DURSBAN Gets the jump on late emergers, * DOW Chemical U.S.A. ŁTrademark of The Dow Chemical Company. 3914 UPFRONT 00 05 rH >« < 2 L4WN GARE INDUSTRY JERRY ROCHE, Editor ROBERT EARLEY, Group Publisher JOAN HOLMES, Production Manager MARILYN MacDONALD, Production Supervisor MARIO ROSSETTI, Graphic Design JOAN SMITH, Circulation Supervisor GAIL KESSLER, Reader Service Manager LINDA WINICK, Promotion Manager MARKETING/SALES Midwest Office: ROBERT EARLEY (216) 243-8100 7500 Old Oak Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44130 Southern Office: JIM BROOKS, National Sales Manager RON KEMPNER (404) 233-1817 3091 Maple Dr., Atlanta, GA 30305 Northwest Office: BOB MIEROW (206) 363-2864 1333 N.W. Norcross, Seattle, WA 98177 Classified: DAWN ANDERSON (218) 727-8511 1 E. First St., Duluth, MN 55802 Please send advertising materials to: LAWN CARE INDUSTRY 120 W. Second St. Duluth, MN 55802 218-727-8511 A HARCOURT BRACE JOVANOVICH PUBLICATION VBPA &ABP ROBERT L. EDGELL, Chairman RICHARD MOELLER, President LARS FLADMARK, Executive V. Pres. ARLAND HIRMAN, Treasurer THOMAS GRENEY, Senior V Pres. EZRA PINCUS, Senior Vice President PAT O'ROURKE, Group Vice President JOE BILDERBACH, Vice President JAMES GHERNA, Vice President GEORGE GLENN, Vice President HARRY RAMALEY, Vice President LAWN CARE INDUSTRY (USPS 397250) is published monthly by Harcourt Brace Jo-vanovich Publications. Corporate and Edi-torial offices: 7500 Old Oak Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44130. Advertising Offices: 757 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017, 111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601 and 3091 Maple Drive, At-lanta, Georgia 30305. Accounting, Adver-tising Production and Circulation offices: 1 East First Street, Duluth. Minnesota 55802. Subscription rates: $16 per year in the United States; $20 per year in Canada. All other countries: $45 per year. Single copies (pre-paid only): $2 in the U.S.; elsewhere $4.50; add $3.00 for shipping and handling per order. Second class postage paid at Duluth, Minnesota 55806. Copyright © 1983 by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, in- cluding photocopy, recording, or any infor-mation storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Microfilm copies of articles are available through University Microfilm, International, 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48160. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LAWN CARE INDUSTRY, P.O. Box 6200, Duluth. Minnesota 55806-9900. As the lawn care industry grows, so does the list of companies which gross more than $1 million per year. Last year, there were 32 on LAWN CARE INDUSTRY'S an-nual list; this year, the number grows slightly to 33 companies. And this year, our magazine is treating the issue a little differ ently. We have selected two typi-cal "Million Dollar Lawn Care Companies" (if there is such an animal) to spotlight: Lawn King and Lawnmark. Maybe the busi- ness histories of these highly suc- cessful men (Marc Sandler, and Marty Erbaugh respectively) will help those of you who are seeking to expand your businesses in the near future. Talking with these successful lawn care businessmen was an education in itself. It reinforced the contention that nothing in life comes easy. From Lawn King's legal problems to Lawnmark's sophisticated direct mailing sys- tem, each of the above businesses When Jerry Roche calls your office to tell you that a new column will be appearing in LAWN CARE INDUSTRY, you have more to do than just congratulate him on the good news. I should have known that he really wanted to tell me that I was "the annointed," the one whose literary skills would be tested first. That's okay. His follow-up letter assured me that I could comment on "just about any topic imaginable." Commenting can be pretty seri-ous business. A person has to have something worthwhile to say about a timely topic. I read a lot of lawn care journals, cover to cover, including the ads. Other lawn care people call my office and I do go to all kinds of meetings so I have a fair idea of what topics are most important to lawn care businessmen today. There's not much sense for me to comment on all the wonderful in-depth articles, lectures and seminars on plant pathology, etc. The learned scholars and Ph.D.s would send me down in flames. What do I know about identifying hydrocephalic amoeba and annual bluegrass? And they know I don't know anything, so I better leave that alone. Who cares about that, anyway? Business in general It would probably be better if I just commented on business in general. Maybe there are some practices that more serious-minded professionals would ap-preciate knowing about. Computers are very important now. But even there, I'm getting left behind. It seems to be a problem concerning "state of the had its own obstacles to conquer. We think the stories make good reading, and hope you find them enjoyable. And on this page, you'll find the first installment of "My Side," this one written by Tom Brune of At wood Lawn Spray, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich. "My Side" will be a semi-regular feature on this page, MY SIDE and will give those of you in the industry the chance to present your side of an issue. The selection of Brune to kick off the column, judging by the final product below, was a good one. Also included in this edition of LCI, you will find a detailed analysis of new and improved riding rotary mowers on the mar-ket this spring and summer. This is more detailed than any other product list ever to appear in this magazine, and we hope it is of help if you are looking for new equip-ment. Until next month, then, enjoy this wonderful weather . . . and keep reading. art," or something. The whole computer field is being taken over by super-intelligent whiz-kid sorts who are very impatient with those of us not entirely up on the jargon. There's a seventh-grader at my daughter's school who teaches a computer class in the evening to adults who are trying to find out what it's all about. That's heavy! And this kid knows what he's talking about. I could get in trouble here. Let's go on to another subject. Success I worry about being successful in business. It's easy to look at other people and see how much better they are doing. Just check the list of million dollar com-panies in this issue. If a person is going to feel successful, he ought to look successful. I was reminded of this a month or so ago as I drove down 1-75. A guy went flying by me in his new Cadillac talking on a telephone. Now there's a successful looking man. It so impressed me that I now carry a phone with me in my car everywhere I go. I found it on the floor of the last phone booth I pulled up to Š in the rain, of course. If you already have a phone, or if the idea just doesn't appeal to you, here's another practice you can employ on your way to the top. A car passed me recently in which the lone occupant was reading the newspaper as he drove along. Now there's a busy executive! Impres-sive? You bet, but check with your insurance company on this one first. My list Space really doesn't allow me to comment on all the items I have on my list here. They're not all on business anyway, and I don't think they are that closely related to lawn care. Here's a couple of items that really need to be commented on and maybe there will be space in a later issue of LCI: (1) doctors who must have graduated at the bottom of their class; (2) bank loan officers who want me to think they are friendly; or (3) how I'd feel if my daughter came home and said she was planning to marry an athlete/coach/sports writer. Being a world-class observer, I've got a long list of these ideas and would gladly comment on any of them at any time. On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't take things so seriously. Tom Brune Atwood Lawn Spray Sterling Heights, Mich. PLCAA convention: Nov. 8-10 Indianapolis, Ind. Inquiries serviced for 90 days from date of issue. For those countries outside the U.S., please apply appropriate postage before mailing. READER SERVICE INFORMATION CARD 5-83 1 For more information on products or services mentioned in this issue, circle the corresponding numbers below, fill in appropriate information and mail today. 101 108 115 122 129 136 143 150 157 164 171 178 185 192 199 206 213 220 227 234 102 109 116 123 130 137 144 151 158 165 172 179 186 193 200 207 214 221 228 235 103 110 117 124 131 138 145 152 159 166 173 180 187 194 201 208 215 222 229 236 104 111 118 125 132 139 146 153 160 167 174 181 188 195 202 209 216 223 230 237 105 112 119 126 133 140 147 154 161 168 175 182 189 1S6 203 210 217 224 231 238 106 113 120 127 134 141 148 155 162 169 176 183 190 197 204 211 218 225 232 239 107 114 121 128 135 142 149 156 163 170 177 184 191 198 205 212 219 226 233 240 PLEASE CHECK BELOW YOUR PRIMARY BUSINESS AT THIS LOCATION: A. CONTRACTOR OR SERVICES: ŁLawn care service business involved primarily with fertilization, weed, and insect control. Please specify method of application 10 OLiquid 11 DOry 12 DBoth 20 DPrimarily mowing/maintenance service 30 Ł Landscape contractor/lawn service company 40 Ł Nursery or garden center/lawn service company 50 DPest control/lawn service company 60 Ł Irrigation contractor/lawn service company B GROUNDS CARE/MAINTENANCE AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FACILITIES: 110 ŁPrivate or public estate 120 130 140 150 190 ŁSchool, college, university, hospital, or similar facility ŁCondominium housing development or industrial park ŁGovernment grounds; parks, around municipal buildings, military facilities Ł Cemetery or memohal garden ŁOther (please specify) C. SUPPLIER 210 ŁChemical dealer or distributor 220 ŁEquipment dealer or distributor 230 USeed broker/dealer 240 OSod grower NAME BUSINESS NAME. CITY _STATE_ _TITLE . .ADDRESS. _ZIP_ _TELEPHONE_l_ ) AREA CODE I WISH TO RECEIVE (CONTINUE RECEIVING) LAWN CARE INDUSTRY EACH MONTH Ł YES Ł NO SIGNATURE DATE BUSINESS REPLY CARD FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 665 DULUTH, MINNESOTA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE READER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WWN G3RE INDUSTRY POST OFFICE BOX 6200 DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55806 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES INDUSTRY NEWS PLCAA picks James Brooks from page 1 "I characterize myself as a builder," Brooks says. "My im-mediate goal is to increase the revenues of the association through membership develop-ment and growth of the conven-tion and trade show." Brooks resigned as national sales manager of LAWN CARE INDUSTRY and WEEDS TREES & TURF magazines to accept the newly-established PLCAA post. For five years prior to joining Harcourt Brace Jovanovich pub-lications, Brooks was director of membership services and direc-tor of marketing and sales for the Golf Course Superintendents As-sociation of America. Brooks says his other goals are: to de-velop a wider array of member-ship benefits; to assist the PLCAA in becoming a stronger voice in the turf industry; to enhance public awareness of the industry's professionalism in the pesticide issue; and to "make sure the association gets the most out of its dollar." Board still in charge Brooks adds, however, that "the goals have to be the board's and not mine; they are still the policy-makers." Brooks' appointment was rec-ommended to the PLCAA board by a search committee consisting of Don Burton, Bill Fischer, Marty Erbaugh and Jerry Faulr-ing. In making the recommenda-tion, Erbaugh said, "Jim's past experience and commitment to the turf industry is a glove-fit-hand situation for this group." Brooks has opened a tempor-ary, two-person office in Atlanta and is in the process of transfer-ring records from the Glenn Bostrom Management Corp. in Chicago. Bostrom's management contract with the PLCAA was allowed to expire April 30. The permanent home of the PLCAA is to be determined fol-lowing its 1985 national con-vention and trade show. Some board members are suggesting a move to the Washington, D.C. area at that time. James Brooks (left) sits next to PLCAA president Don Burton (center) while outgoing executive director Glenn Bostrom (background) takes notes at the PLCAA's March meeting. Pesticide buyers need documents Documentation will be required of uncertified persons wishing to purchase restricted use pesticides from dealers in Colorado and Neb-raska, according to a recent gov-ernmental policy decision. A non-certified prospective buyer would have to supply one of two kinds of documentation. In most cases, the certified applica-tor's certification card would be required, along with a signed statement from a certified to page 10 tr > $ Z n > pa m z a c <*> H pa M-> If at first you succeed... , , V * HF-5 Features Out Front MowingŠCuts ahead of the wheels to eliminate tracking. Hydrauikally DrivenŠCuts wet or dry grass easily. Reels can be reversed from the operator's seat. Instant backlapping. Diesel EngineŠPower, efficiency and longer engine life. Hydraulic Lift MowersŠ84' Š106"Š133" cutting width for the HF-5 All at the operator's fingertips. Ducted, Screened, Air-Cleaning SystemŠCleaner, more efficient cooling. Longer engine life. TEXTRON Jopobsen Division'oT Textton Inc. Jacobsen* Engineered from the ground up. The HF-15 A remarkably successful feat of pure engineering, the HF-15 keeps proving itself to be a versa-tile and reliable workhorse year after year. In both diesel and gas. With a fully hydraulic system for maximum control under most cutting conditions, the HF-15 remains un-surpassed by any other seven-gang tractor in the field. ns, m The New HF-5 A hydraulic chip off thetold block, the com-pact, highly maneuveroble HF-5 gives you three, four and five-gang \jersatility plus the control and maintenance ease of a com-plete hydraulic system. The HF-5 is light on the turf andys hydrostatic variable speed transmission lets you handle most terrain or tureconditions ut shifting. The HF-5 wMI mow up 50 acres in eight hours.,And trim your budget downtfosize. THE MORE PUCES THE MORE TIME AHD Look around you. Whether you service commer-cial or residential customers, the more places you find to use Roundup® herbicide, the more youll save. Any side-by-side comparison along fencelines, sidewalks or curblines would prove Roundup works considerably faster than string trimmers and other mechanical weed control methods. So the more trim- ming and edging jobs you do with Roundup, the more time youll save per call. A complete weed control program with Roundup can also mean a considerable savings of time and labor on repeat treatments. With a 2% solution of Roundup you can control over 90 kinds of problem weedsŠroots and allŠso they won't grow back. YOU USE ROUNDUP LABOR YOU'LL SAVE What's more, Roundup leaves no residual soil activity, and it won't wash or leach out to harm desirable vegetation. That makes Roundup ideal for around shrubs and flower beds, around trees and other areas. Using Roundup makes good business sense. Look around. The more you do, the more you'll save. See your herbicide dealer soon. FOR A FREE GUIDE TO ROUNDUP, CALL 1-800-621-5800 TOLL FREE. IN ILLINOIS CALL 1-800-972-5858. Monsanto w , '1 1 % H 1 m if m JiZ VERSATILE EFFECTIVE Circle No. 116 on Reader Inquiry Card ŁŁIB HII I' xm 10 > < 2 >« oc H cn D 3 < u z £ < MONEYWISE Surviving hard times Though the national economy has shown recent signs of coming out of the doldrums, it would still be a good idea to follow a set of tried-and-true ways of surviving hard times. The American Association of Nurserymen offered these hints to its members in a recent newsletter. They also apply to the laWn care industry. Ł Watch your inventory and try to anticipate your customers' needs for the coming season. Ł Survey overhead costs frequently, making sure so-called fixed costs are truly unavoidable. Ł Tighten up even more on your use of energy. Ł Study those travel and entertainment expense vouchers. If an activity isn't fully cost-effective, eliminate it. Ł Put the pressure on accounts receivable. INDUSTRY NEWS /rom page 7 applicator authorizing the uncer-tified person to pick up the pes-ticides. Under certain circum-stances, all that would be required would be a signed statement from the uncertified person stating that the restricted use pesticide would be used only by a certified applicator. In the latter case, the name of the certified applicator would be mandatory. The pesticide certification pro-grams in Colorado and Nebraska are run by the federal government. 'Strike Force' for gypsy moths The California Department of Food and Agriculture has decided to set It takes a tough tool to do a tough cut-ting job. Weed after weed. Job after job. Year after year. Good reasons for getting the Stihl FS 9QAVE. It's dependable. Built with famous Stihl durability. And with six optional cutting attachments, including Stihl's exclusive Polycul® head, it's every tool you're ever likely to need. The FS 90 is also precision bal-anced and lightweight. So it's easy on you while it's tough on everything else. See it at your Stihl dealer's now, along with the full line of Stihl grass and weed trimmers as well as brushcutters. And meet your lawn care problems head on. For sales and service, see the Yellow Pages under "saws!' For your local deal-er's name call toll-free 1-800-528-6050, Ext. 1430. In Arizona call 1-800-352-0458, Ext. 1430. You Get What You Pay Foe up a "Gypsy Moth Strike Force" to halt the spread of the insect, which can cause extensive defoli-ation. The strike force will plan an eradication program which will target at least six locations where egg masses have been found. It will be headed by Division of Plant Industry's assistant director, Rex Magee. In 1981, gypsy moths defoliated an estimated 13 million acres in the eastern states. International gets two certificates International Seeds Inc. of Halsey, Ore. has been granted Plant Vari-ety Protection Act certificates for Houndog turf-type tall fescue and Elka turf-type perennial ryegrass. Houndog, a moderately low growing and leafy variety which was developed by International, is perhaps the darkest green of the newer turf-type tall fescues. Elka is considered the lowest-growing of the turf-type perennial ryegrasses and is used in low maintenance areas such as or-chards, along highways and in golf course roughs. Good signs of better economy There is an increasing number of signs to indicate that the economy is moving toward recovery, said a noted agribusiness economist in Atlanta at the annual meeting of The Fertilizer Institute. Dean McKee, who is director of market economics for Deere & Company of Moline, 111., pointed to 1983 as a year of recovery. "However," he stipulated, "the recovery will be weaker and more fragile than previous recoveries of the post-World War II era." Stauffer forms sales department A new department for the sales and marketing of specialty chemi- cals has been formed by the Ag- ricultural Chemical Division of Stauffer Chemical Company. The new structure divides Stauffer's domestic market into four regions, each with a rep-resentative who will be involved in the marketing of specialty chemicals produced by Stauffer for control of weeds, insects and diseases in home lawns and gar- dens and in commercial turf, trees and ornamentals. Stauffer manufactures eight specialty products. Correction There was an error in the February issue of LAWN CARE INDUSTRY in the article written by B. J. Johnson. In Table 4 which accompanied the story "Care must be taken in weed control," the misprint was in the last column (stand as percent-age of untreated check) where the value for Ronstar should have been 100, and not 10. MARKETING IDEA FILE DATES Direct mail hints Many of the most successful lawn care businessmen use direct mail as a means to effective marketing. Direct mail can work for you, too, if you care to follow a few easy tips: Ł Tailor your message to individuals in specific customer categories. Ł Set up a quality list, color coding different customer categories and updating twice a year. Ł Design your mailing so it fits your budget, making the choice between a simple letter; a slick, custom-printed color brochure Š or any- thing in between. Ł Use an attractive, first-class envelope with the customer's name (not "occupant") and your firm's name, logo and return address on the front. Ł Don't be wordy. Ł End your message in a style to make the customer take action. Ł The best results can be obtained by mailing information on the same promotion to the same target group up to three times with an interval of not more than five weeks between mailings. As with any selling venture, the amount of time you spend on the project will go a long way toward determining its success. When you decide to issue a direct mail promotion, take your time, plan things out and do it right the first time. Turf-Seed/Pure-Seed Testing Turf Field Day, June 16, Hubbard, OR. Contact: Turf-Seed, Inc., 77 W. G St., Hubbard, OR. (503) 981-9571. Lawn Institute Annual Meeting, June 26-July 3, San Francisco, CA. Contact: Lawn Institute, County Line Road, P.O. Box 108, Pleasant Hill, TN 38578. (615) 277-3722. Garden Industry of America Conference and Trade Show, Sept. 8-10, David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: Paul A. Anderson, Box 1092, Minneapolis, MN 55440. (612) 374-5200. Southern California Turfgrass/Landscape Equipment and Materials Educational Ex-position, Oct. 5-6, Orange County Fair-grounds, Costa Mesa, CA. Contact: Ed McNeill, 1000 Concha St., Altadena, CA 90110-9977. (213) 798-1715. YOURSELF FOR THE BUSY MONTHS AHEAD . . Ł . with vital marketing data gathered by our experts in these proven research techniques: Ł WATS Telephone Ł Focus Groups Ł Direct Mail Ł Personal Interviews We provide top quality in-house printing, mailing, tabulating, data processing, and analytical systems. Count on us for your special research needs. Free cost estimates. Infometrics National Research Center A SERVICE OF HARCOURT BRACE JOVANOVICH PUBLICATIONS 131 West First Street Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Ph: (218) 727-8511 Until now, most tall fescues have come up short. They've failed under extreme temperatures. And fallen victim to disease. But now there's Galway from Northrup King. A versatile, fine-leafed tall fescue that maintains a dense weed-free turf years after ordinary tall fescues thin out. Improved performance against disease and extreme temperature. In development, Galway passed the test of fierce Minnesota winters and sweltering Midsouth summers. It passed the test at several northern and southern universities, too, ranking among the best turf-type tall fescues available. Tests have shown that it won't succumb to brown patch or net blotch. And that its improved shade tolerance makes it well suited for use under trees and in other low-light areas. It is recommended for athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, commercial and public turf areas, boulevards, embankments and home lawns. New, fine-leafed Galway from Northrup King. It'll change your thinking. Because, in the world of tall fescues, it stands above them all. Ask your Northrup King distributor about Galway tall fescue. Or write Northrup King Medalist Turf Products, P.O. Box 959, Minneapolis, MN 55440. > z n > pa m 2 a c in H pa 2 > TOOLS,TIPS,TECHNIQUES < 2 >< DC H C/3 D Q 2 w < U 2 £ < Lawn care pros enjoy their work from page 1 Lloyd Kuhn of Tulsa Lawn Care in Tulsa, Okla. started out as a farmboy before moving to Tulsa as a young man. There, he "got into the sales area" until finding an opportunity to change to sales and promotion of lawn care, "which I love dearly." Kuhn, now vice-president of the National Lawn Care Institute, still maintains his own lawn at home. "I've always liked that type of work myself," he says. "I've always wanted to have the nicest lawn in the block." Vince Flecker left teaching for lawn care, and started a shrub and tree spraying business with his brother Tom in 1974. That gradu-ally evolved into lawn care, where the bulk of Shur-Spray Lawn Care's business is today. Flecker, who is from In-dianapolis, at first thought about mosquito spraying, but was di-rected into his current field by some friends at ChemLawn. "We wish we would've gotten into lawn care a year or two sooner," Flecker notes, "but we weren't sure enough of ourselves, so we just took it slow." Marty Turner of Custom Lawns in North Olmsted, Ohio, was not satisfied with the life of a retiree. "I retired from the construction business after a lifetime, but appa-rently I retired too young," Turner recalls. "I decided I needed another activity, so I started talk-ing to the grounds staff of the country club I belonged to. "This is a second career for me. At the time (seven years ago), the lawn business was starting to show signs of growth, and I thought that would be best." Lloyd Kuhn Jim Marria, a member of the Professional Lawn Care Associa-tion of America's board of direc- tors, introduced Duane Saxton to the business. Saxton now owns Liqui-Lawn Corp., Lewiston, Idaho. "I was into tree and shrub spraying," Saxton says, "and he was into lawn care, and we de-cided to trade knowledge. I've also got a pest control business, and pest controllers in a small com- munity have to be a jack-of-all-trades, anyway." Perhaps the most interesting story came from Gary Weaver of TurfGard, Troy, Ohio Š in the backyard of the industry's biggest company, ChemLawn. "I started mowing lawns when I was 11," Weaver reminisces. to page 13 Calibrating nozzles Calibration of sprayers is one of the keys to efficient, proper spraying of chemicals in the lawn care business. There are certain procedures leading to correct calibration. Here are some: Ł Check sprayer for proper mounting. Ł Use clean water and rinse sprayer. Ł Remove and clean nozzles. Use an old toothbrush, toothpick or wooden match but not a pocket knife or wire because they might enlarge the openings. Ł Start sprayer, then flush hoses and boom. Ł Replace nozzles. Ł Check discharge of each nozzle for proper spray pattern and uniform discharge. To check discharge, place quart cups under each nozzle; all nozzles of the same size and type should discharge into the cups at the same rate. Ł Replace worn and defective nozzle tips. Ł Measure a course 163-1/3 feet long on field conditions similar to those where the sprayer will be used. Fill the sprayer with clean water. Spray the course, maintaining a constant nozzle pres-sure and travel speed, catching the discharge from one nozzle. Note pressure, throttle and gear setting, then use the same settings for spraying. Measure discharge contained in the procedure with a standard measuring cup. Multiply the number of cups by 200, then divide by nozzle spacing in inches to obtain your application rate in gallons per acre. White grubs used to laugh at insecticides.. ( COST CUTTINGS Barter, yours for mine Lloyd Kuhn of Tulsa Lawn Care, Tulsa, Okla., has a copying machine, a telephone answering machine, and some expensive office furniture. He didn't lay out as much as a penny for any of it. How did he do it? Barter. "You don't have to have the cash up front," Kuhn says of the barter system, which has worked exceedingly well for him. Tulsa Lawn Care also employs an accountant and professional printer through the system. "For instance, we needed a copying machine, so we found someone who was willing to trade the machine for lawn care service," Kuhn relates. "We're trading, say, $3,000 worth of lawn care services for the machine, and our actual cost may be only $2,000. Also, we get to use the machine right away, but it may take us two years to provide enough lawn care service." There are organized barter systems spread throughout the country. Their members can trade their services for the products or services of any of the other members. Kuhn says that the barter system to which he belongs allows its members to build up points which can be used for any of a number of services or products. He adds that the barter system is even better suited to sole proprietorships because the owner can use the service to obtain staples. ŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁŁI now there's OFTANOL. Heh-heh-heh. When it comes to stubborn white grubs, you get the last laugh. Apply one shot of ®OFTANOL 5% Granular Insecticide at the recommended rate at the recom-mended time and it's goodbye, grubs. All season long. OFTANOL can be applied with either drop or rotary spreaders and, normally, needs no watering in to work. Its low water solubility resists leaching, so OFTANOL is retained in the upper soil profile where it controls grubs on contact. OFTANOL can also take out existing populations of sod web-worm larvae, Hyperodes weevil, billbugs, and chinch bugs. Just follow directions on the label. With its lasting residual action, OFTANOL requires fewer applica-tions and is more economical than other insecticides. OFTANOL provides the most ef-fective control of mole crickets of any product presently registered, but such use is limited to states which have issued Special Local Need registrations. Check with your state extension office. Ask your turf chemicals distribu-tor for OFTANOL. OFTANOL is a Reg TM of the Parent Company of Farbenfabriken Bayer GmbH, Leverkusen Mobay Chemical Corporation Agricultural Chemicals Division Specialty Products Group Box 4913, Kansas City, MO 64120 Lawn care pros enjoy their work from page 12 "After I graduated from high school, I went to mechanics school, but it didn't work out. Then I worked for B. F. Goodrich, but that wasn't working out either." "While I was with Goodrich, ChemLawn was right across the street, and it kind of lured a bunch of us Š seven or eight of us Š over there. Looking at ChemLawn, I couldn't wait to get a job back outside." Also in that group which was lured from the tire company was John Cruse, who now owns Easy Lawn of Piqua, Ohio. Weaver, like Cruse, eventually left ChemLawn to build his own business. Gary Weaver "People ask if I ever regret leaving ChemLawn," Weaver continues. "If I were still there, I'd be making a load of money and probably be some kind of vice-president. "But I guess I just like being independent." And if the lawn care industry has any one major advantage over other fields of specialization like economics, business adminis-tration or even mechanics, it is independence. That and the chance to get outside for six or seven months of the year, to appreciate the fresh air and to see the fruits of your labor seem to be the biggest attractions of the lawn care industry. Letters LAWN CARE INDUS-TRY accepts unso-licited letters from readers for use on their editorial page (page four). Letters should be kept short, precise and must bear a signature and address or tele-phone number for veri-fication purposes. If you have a com-ment you would like to make public, send your letter to: LAWN CARE INDUSTRY 7500 Old Oak Blvd. Cleveland, Ohio 44130 The magazine re-serves the right to edit letters for length and grammar. < 2 >« DC H CO D Q g w os: < u Nowhere else in the lawn care business is there a more competitive market than for a good riding rotary mower, manufactured nationally by a bevy of companies. As a service to its readers, LAWN CARE INDUSTRY did a survey of new riding rotary mowers on the market for 1983. The results of this survey follow, and readers might like to peruse the list of new products before choosing the right machine for the right job. Ł;......... Cushman Powered by an OMC 18-hp gas engine (two-cylinder diesel optional), the Cushman Front Line is a rugged, responsive addition to the riding rotary mower market. Three overlapping blades attached to a three-wheel tractor unit give you a choice of 60-inch or 72-inch mower decks, each of which is built of 12-gauge reinforced carbon steel. The Front Line also has an eight-position height adjustment and optional anti-scalp rollers. Excel Excel has introduced a front-mounted, 14-foot, rotary gang mower attachment called the Range Wing for its Hustler Model 305 D grounds maintenance tractor. The Range Wing attachment is the only front-mounted, 14-foot, fine-cut rotary gang deck available which has been designed for use on a fuel-efficient 32-hp diesel tractor. The Range Wing and tractor package costs approximately one-half of competitive units. Seven 24-inch blades make up the cutting width. Each deck can be hydraulically raised or lowered, and the side decks can be adjusted separately. A single-wing version of the Range Wing, which cuts a 10-foot swath, is available for the Hustler 295 or 305 D. John Deere John Deere has replaced its popular 317 and 400 tractors with new models 318 (18-hp Onan engine) and 420 (20-hp Onan). On both models, the drivetrain has been beefed up, a return-to-neutral braking system and hydro-static power steering have been added, and the brakes have been strengthened. Both models are also built around a new one-piece welded steel C-channel frame that runs the full length of the tractor. The new mower mounting system makes it easier to install a mid-mounted rotary. The 420 offers some features not available on the 318: a two-power differential axle and a differential lock. The mower attachment is a 60-inch, three-point hitch-mounted groomer. Excel Excel has introduced a front-mounted, 14-foot, rotary gang mower attachment called the Range Wing for its Hustler Model 305 D grounds maintenance tractor. The Range Wing attachment is the only front-mounted, 14-foot, fine-cut rotary gang deck available which has been designed for use on a fuel-efficient 32-hp diesel tractor. The Range Wing and tractor package costs approximately one-half of competitive units. Seven 24-inch blades make up the cutting width. Each deck can be hydraulically raised or lowered, and the side decks can be adjusted separately. A single-wing version of the Range Wing, which cuts a 10-foot swath, is available for the Hustler 295 or 305 D. John Deere John Deere has replaced its popular 317 and 400 tractors with new models 318 (18-hp Onan engine) and 420 (20-hp Onan). On both models, the drivetrain has been beefed up, a return-to-neutral braking system and hydro-static power steering have been added, and the brakes have been strengthened. Both models are also built around a new one-piece welded steel C-channel frame that runs the full length of the tractor. The new mower mounting system makes it easier to install a mid-mounted rotary. The 420 offers some features not available on the 318: a two-power differential axle and a differential lock. The mower attachment is a 60-inch, three-point hitch-mounted groomer. Gilson Gilson's 1983 line of yard and garden tractors features innovative engineering changes and attractive new styling with major emphasis on operator comfort and extended durability. Gilson's tractors have 11 hp, 16 hp and 18 hp Briggs and Stratton I.C. (industrial-commercial) engines. The 11 hp model is designed for a 38- or 42-inch mower deck. Both the 11 and 16 hp models feature electric keylock start, extra-wide turf tires and Peerless heavy duty five-speed transaxle. Two 18 hp models are available, one with a four-speed Peerless cast iron transaxle and the other with hydrostatic drive that can attain speeds up to six miles per hour. Dixon Dixon has added three new products, including the ZTR 425, Dixon's first rear-discharge Zero Turning Radius mower. The new 11-hp, 42-inch-cut 425 allows the operator to trim from either side of the deck with no wasted time or motion. The upgraded standard model ZTR 426 also has the features of the 425 with a heavy duty transaxle. The top-of-the-line 424 features standard equipment, plus an adjustable seat with cushioned back and arm rests; a handy utility box; and a two-gallon gas tank. Gilson Gilson's 1983 line of yard and garden tractors features innovative engineering changes and attractive new styling with major emphasis on operator comfort and extended durability. Gilson's tractors have 11 hp, 16 hp and 18 hp Briggs and Stratton I.C. (industrial-commercial) engines. The 11 hp model is designed for a 38- or 42-inch mower deck. Both the 11 and 16 hp models feature electric keylock start, extra-wide turf tires and Peerless heavy duty five-speed transaxle. Two 18 hp models are available, one with a four-speed Peerless cast iron transaxle and the other with hydrostatic drive that can attain speeds up to six miles per hour. Dixon Dixon has added three new products, including the ZTR 425, Dixon's first rear-discharge Zero Turning Radius mower. The new 11-hp, 42-inch-cut 425 allows the operator to trim from either side of the deck with no wasted time or motion. The upgraded standard model ZTR 426 also has the features of the 425 with a heavy duty transaxle. The top-of-the-line 424 features standard equipment, plus an adjustable seat with cushioned back and arm rests; a handy utility box; and a two-gallon gas tank. Grasshopper Dual rear wheels are a 1983 option on the 16- and 18-hp Grasshoppers, which have been developed for weight dis-tribution beneath a new and larger capacity grasscatcher. Caster-type and mounted at either end of a common arm that pivots at their attachment point, the wheels also provide greater flotation and a smoother ride. Howard Price The new Turf Blazer 727 Diesel from Howard Price gives a 72-inch cutting swath while the new Hydro-Power 180 gives a 15-foot cut. The diesel is a Yanmar three-cylinder water-cooled unit which delivers 27Vi hp. The blade spindle on the deck is one of the heaviest in the industry. Conveniently located hydrostatic control pedal enables the operator to vary his ground speed independent of engine rpm. The Hydro-Power 180 is capable of mowing up to 11 acres per hour with individual decks allowing for maximum flotation. Wing units can be raised individually as needed. The Hydro-Power 180 is powered by a four-cylinder 78 hp Perkins engine. MTD MTD has introduced what it calls its TR-500 series, a generation of rear-engine mowers with a streamlined wedge shape. Four models are available from a five hp, single-speed machine with a 26-inch cut to an electric-start, 10 hp, five-speed with a 30-inch cut. All models are equipped with MTD's new transaxle which combines transmission and differential in one unit. All TR-500 series mowers have comfortable no-straddle driving positions for clear visibility and a steering column that is angled back 25 degrees for more comfort. A convenient side-mounted lever engages and disengages the cutting blade. Howard Price The new Turf Blazer 727 Diesel from Howard Price gives a 72-inch cutting swath while the new Hydro-Power 180 gives a 15-foot cut. The diesel is a Yanmar three-cylinder water-cooled unit which delivers 27Vi hp. The blade spindle on the deck is one of the heaviest in the industry. Conveniently located hydrostatic control pedal enables the operator to vary his ground speed independent of engine rpm. The Hydro-Power 180 is capable of mowing up to 11 acres per hour with individual decks allowing for maximum flotation. Wing units can be raised individually as needed. The Hydro-Power 180 is powered by a four-cylinder 78 hp Perkins engine. Smithco The Smithco Performer, a hydrostatic front-mounted mower, comes with the choice of two engines: the Briggs & Stratton 18 hp twin-cylinder air-cooled engine or the Kohler 23 hp twin-cylinder cast iron engine for maximum power. For more efficient use of power, the Performer has an Eaton Model 11 hydrostatic unit combined with a two-speed Peerless transaxle (Model 250). An exclusive feature only available on the Performer is the adjustable operating foot pedal that provides smooth starts and stops. Mower deck sizes of 52, 62 and 72 inches are available. Jacobsen In addition to the popular Turfcat II line of mowers was introduced by Jacobsen at the International Turfgrass Confer-ence and Trade Show in Atlanta last February. Though designed to appeal to new customers facing particularly tight budget constraints, the new Turfcat IIGA 180 incorporates many features found in the other Turfcat II vehicles: hydrostatic drive, two-speed transaxle with limited slip differential, single treadle for forward and reverse and a foot-operated hydraulic implement lift. The GA 180 is powered by an 18 hp Onan gas engine that is twin-cylinder and air-cooled. Jacobsen also redesigned the GA 200 with a specially ducted engine and the ability to handle a variety of cutter decks, a 50-inch side discharge deck, a 60-inch side discharge deck, a 60-inch rear discharge deck and a 50-inch flail mower. Smithco The Smithco Performer, a hydrostatic front-mounted mower, comes with the choice of two engines: the Briggs & Stratton 18 hp twin-cylinder air-cooled engine or the Kohler 23 hp twin-cylinder cast iron engine for maximum power. For more efficient use of power, the Performer has an Eaton Model 11 hydrostatic unit combined with a two-speed Peerless transaxle (Model 250). An exclusive feature only available on the Performer is the adjustable operating foot pedal that provides smooth starts and stops. Mower deck sizes of 52, 62 and 72 inches are available. Jacobsen In addition to the popular Turfcat II line of mowers was introduced by Jacobsen at the International Turfgrass Confer-ence and Trade Show in Atlanta last February. Though designed to appeal to new customers facing particularly tight budget constraints, the new Turfcat IIGA 180 incorporates many features found in the other Turfcat II vehicles: hydrostatic drive, two-speed transaxle with limited slip differential, single treadle for forward and reverse and a foot-operated hydraulic implement lift. The GA 180 is powered by an 18 hp Onan gas engine that is twin-cylinder and air-cooled. Jacobsen also redesigned the GA 200 with a specially ducted engine and the ability to handle a variety of cutter decks, a 50-inch side discharge deck, a 60-inch side discharge deck, a 60-inch rear discharge deck and a 50-inch flail mower. Snapper A lawn tractor with 33- and 41-inch cutting systems called the LT 11000 has been introduced by Snapper Power Equipment. This machine has an 11-hp horizontal shaft engine, friction disc drive, a 33-inch Hi-Vac cutting system and a tilt steering wheel. Other standard equipment includes an electric clutch, a cutting height range from one to five inches and a dual range transmission that provides 12 forward and two reverse speeds. Plenty of options are available for the 33-inch system. Where more cutting is to be done and bagging is not needed, the 41-inch system is also available. F. D. Kees Greater rust protection through a special urethane paint is now standard for all F. D. Kees riding rotary mowers, which come in 32-, 36- and 48-inch models. Standard features for the models include an 11-hp Briggs & Stratton or Honda synchro-balanced engine, an Ultra-High Lift Blade and baffled frame design. Also standard are individual drum-type brakes, extra large front caster wheels and V-flanged front protectors. Snapper A lawn tractor with 33- and 41-inch cutting systems called the LT 11000 has been introduced by Snapper Power Equipment. This machine has an 11-hp horizontal shaft engine, friction disc drive, a 33-inch Hi-Vac cutting system and a tilt steering wheel. Other standard equipment includes an electric clutch, a cutting height range from one to five inches and a dual range transmission that provides 12 forward and two reverse speeds. Plenty of options are available for the 33-inch system. Where more cutting is to be done and bagging is not needed, the 41-inch system is also available. F. D. Kees Greater rust protection through a special urethane paint is now standard for all F. D. Kees riding rotary mowers, which come in 32-, 36- and 48-inch models. Standard features for the models include an 11-hp Briggs & Stratton or Honda synchro-balanced engine, an Ultra-High Lift Blade and baffled frame design. Also standard are individual drum-type brakes, extra large front caster wheels and V-flanged front protectors. Toro A three-cylinder, four-cycle, water-cooled Mitsubishi en-gine has been selected for Toro's Groundsmaster 72 riding rotary mower while the Groundsmaster 72 Diesel has a four-cylinder, four-cycle water-cooled Continental engine. Toro has also added Groundsmaster 52 and 62 grass collecting systems to its line of equipment. The Groundsmaster 62 is a new commercial turf mainte-nance unit combining a new rotary cutting deck with a newly-powered prime mower. The deck is 62 inches wide with three rotary blades mounted at the front of the vehicle. The engine is a twin-cylinder four-cycle air-cooled Onan. Also new for 1983 is a floating deck for the Groundsmaster 52 and other optional equipment. Kubota Four Kubota models are being hailed as "a new generation" of small water-cooled, two- or three-cylinder compact diesel engine tractors with mid-mount mowers. The 44-inch rigid mower deck available (RC44-G) is designed to allow better grass flow and discharge through a right-hand oriented outlet. The RC44-G is for Kubota tractor models G3200, G4200, G4200H and G5200H, which range from 10 hp to 14 hp. The entire assembly weighs as little as 830 pounds with either gear or hydrostatic transmission available. Toro A three-cylinder, four-cycle, water-cooled Mitsubishi en-gine has been selected for Toro's Groundsmaster 72 riding rotary mower while the Groundsmaster 72 Diesel has a four-cylinder, four-cycle water-cooled Continental engine. Toro has also added Groundsmaster 52 and 62 grass collecting systems to its line of equipment. The Groundsmaster 62 is a new commercial turf mainte-nance unit combining a new rotary cutting deck with a newly-powered prime mower. The deck is 62 inches wide with three rotary blades mounted at the front of the vehicle. The engine is a twin-cylinder four-cycle air-cooled Onan. Also new for 1983 is a floating deck for the Groundsmaster 52 and other optional equipment. Mitsubishi Eight compact and mid-size tractors with mowing attach-ments are available from Mitsubishi, ranging in size from the 15-hp Beaver to the 38-hp Stallion. Seven of the models are available with water-cooled engines. In addition, dual range transmissions with from 8 to 12 speeds are available, and all models come in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive with a choice of ag or turf tires. A wide variety of front, mid and rear mounted attachments, available through Mitsubishi dealers, are compatible with most models. Wheel Horse New for 1983 from Wheel Horse are the C-195 tractor and a front mount mower carrier. The tractor has a 19 hp twin-cylinder Kohler engine,, hydrostatic transmission and uni-drive all-gear transaxle. Attachments include a 60-inch side discharge mower and a lawn sweeper. The front mount mower carrier is designed to fit most Wheel Horse C-series tractors. Full-floating 42- and 48-inch mowers attach to the front mount carrier, which offers on-end mower positioning. to page ie RIDING ROTARY MOWERS from page is Yard-Man Two versatile new lawn tractors have been introduced by Yard-Man. Model 13699 comes with a 40-inch tri-blade rear-discharge deck that eliminates "windrow effect" and the Gemini is a twin-chute large capacity clipping-leaf collection system. Each features an 11 hp engine. The dual adjust cutting height system is carried in both the frame and deck with an index lever with a "memory" that permits the operator to pre-select a cutting height and return to it immediately. Each has full-floating cutting decks with five forward and one reverse speed. No. 1 problem Moles: Is there When you talk about caring for lawns Š eliminating weeds, dis-eases, insects; assuring a beautiful deep green color Š there's hardly anything the well-versed lawn care businessmen can't handle. Except moles. Those pesky rodents have more than one way of tearing up lawns, and they're so difficult to elimi-nate that many lawn care businessmen wouldn't touch them with a 10-foot pole, even if they had the chance. "We do not do moles," states NORTHRUP KING PRESENTS THE HEAVY TRAFFIC TOLERANT. SUN-TD-SHAPE No one grass seed combines every characteristic for every type of turf. That's why Northrup King research has developed a complete line of Medalist Turf Products to meet specialized professional needs. MEIALIST TIRF PRIII6T MAJIR AREAS IF ISE SPECIAL FEATIIES Athletic Pro Mix High maintenance athletic turf Both are well suited for new seeding or overseeding. Fast establishing, excellent traffic tolerance, and rapid recovery. Provides good footing. Athletic Pro II Mix Low to moderate maintenance athletic turf. Both are well suited for new seeding or overseeding. Fast establishing, excellent traffic tolerance, and rapid recovery. Provides good footing. Boulevard Mix Any area with high pH (roadsides, sidewalks, boulevards, beachfronts, etc.) Contains both "Fults" Puccinellia distans and Dawson red fescue which thrive on high saline or alkaline soils. Performs at low to high fertility levels. Landscape Pro Mix School grounds, cemeteries, golf course roughs, lawns Fast establishing. Adapts to broad range of conditions and management levels. Low to moderate fertility requirements. Overseeder II Mix Fairways, tees, athletic fields Fast establishing, traffic tolerant, disease resistant, penetrates compacted soil. Medalist North Mix Fairways, tees, cart paths, wear areas Long term quality in high traffic areas. Clean mowing and disease tolerant. Premium Sod Blend Commercial sod producers Fast establishing, exceptional dark green color, shade tolerant, superior disease resistance. Special Park Mix Parks, commercial developments, lawns Low fertility tolerance, shade tolerant, adapts to wide range of soil types. Ask your Northrup King distributor about the Medalist Turf Products for your needs. Or write Northrup King Medalist Turf Products, PO. Box 959, Minneapolis, MN 55440. Duane Saxton of Liqui-Lawn Corp., Lewiston, Idaho. "Manpower-wise, it's a killer. Trapping takes too much time, and you have to bait and go back and find the tunnels, too." Adds Vince Flecker of Shur-Spray Lawn Care in Indianapolis: "I bet I get a call a week about moles when the busy season gets started. If I could come up with an answer for them, I'd be a mil-lionaire." After numerous conversations with experts, LAWN CARE IN-DUSTRY found that there is just one sure-fire answer for ridding a lawn of the little critters, the same answer mentioned by Saxton: trapping. "The mole problem seems to be getting increasingly more severe each year," says Dr. Robert Corri-gan, extension specialist at Purdue University, the one man in the entire country who has done the most research on moles. "Trapping is the only effective, consistent answer. But it's difficult and tricky; the key is knowing where to place the traps." Ted Hood ( $ Z n > M M z a c C/3 H 70 ^ 2 > BIG GREEN PLUS MICRONUTRIENTS RESULTS EQUAL PROFIT. XLQUICK GREEN-UP Apply 1.5-2 ounces/1000 BIG GREEN PLUS for a beautiful green turf within hours of application. Micronutrients can be a help in solving your service problems. .LESS NITROGEN USE Tests have shown that turf color and quality can be maintained with higher rates of micronutrient and lesser rates of nitrogen. BIG GREEN PLUS contains 15% nitrogen, 4% sulphur and 6% iron. HARDIER TURF ^NON-STAINING University experiments have shown turf applied with micronutrients such as BIG GREEN PLUS to be more resistant to disease and insects. (indilute state) BIG GREEN PLUS has been shown to have non-staining properties when diluted at 3-4 ounces in 3-5 gallons of solution. AVAILABLE IN BULK Easy transport, less waste, no handling problems, safer to use when handled in bulk. ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL CONTAINER PROGRAM. CALL our toll free number 1 "800-447-41 31 or write for further information. manufactured by: BULKKEM BULK SUPPLIERS OF % LAWN CHEMICALS THE BULKKEM CORPORATION Ł 400 NORTHTOWN ROAD Ł NORMAL, IL. 61761 18 Pacific Northwest 00 r-> < >< DC H cn D Q Z w Š < u z £ < Larry Birum fills need for landscape maintenance Northern Washington is among the most lush and beautiful areas in the country. The mild climate and the approximately 35 inches of rainfall received annually com-bine to create an environment as green as any on this planet. It is also, perhaps not surprisingly, one of the fastest growing areas in terms of population, as well. Ironically, the lush vegetation that attracts many people to the area often becomes a major prob-lem as they struggle to maintain the lawns around their homes and businesses. One man who has analyzed the situation and made it work to his advantage is Larry Birum, presi-dent and founder of The Shaw Company, a landscape mainte-nance firm based in Everett, Washington. "There is a tremendous need for landscaping and landscape maintenance in this area," says Birum of the land bordered by Seattle to the south and Bellin- gham to the north. "The area is growing so quickly, and every city and municipality in Washington now requires a landscaping plan to accompany all new developments Heat up your business this year with small engine spark plugs from the world's leader in advanced spark plug technologyŠNippondenso. These ND plugs are made to fit all the major small engine applications: tractors, chain saws, tillers, leaf blow-ers, lawn mowers and more. Yet they have all the terrific features of the larger ND automotive and motorcycle plugsŠthe same spark plugs which come as Standard Factory-Installed Equipment in millions of Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi cars, and Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki motorcycles. And there's another feature guar-anteed to make them one of the most popular items in your inventory: some of the best pricing programs in the business! In addition, you'll benefit from an aggressive, high-profile national advertising campaign designed to maximize consumer awareness and demand. So if small engines are a big part of your business, call your Distributor* todayŠand get the spark you need to heat up your profits this summer. SPARK PLUGS, The Fastest Growing Spark Plug in America. ŁIf your Distributor is out of ND plugs, call us toll-free at 800-421-1400. In California, at 800-421-6821. Ask for ext. 263. We'll put you in touch with America's fastest from apartment complexes to malls." By limiting his area of service strictly to maintenance of already landscaped areas, Birum, a former real estate man, has found a profit-able niche for his business and watched it grow continually over the last 10 years. "We take over right where the landscaper left off," explains Birum, who has found his work for commercial clients such as banks and a local power company particularly re-warding. Birum's first client was the U.S. government for whom he main-tained the landscape of reposses-sed FHA homes. "It was during a recession in the aerospace indus- try," he recalls, noting that Boeing employs a large portion of the area's residents. "The government was repossessing hundreds of homes and needed to maintain them. At one point, we were responsible for 600 homes in the greater Seattle area." Sixty clients Today, Birum and his staff of 15 to 18 employees serve approxi-mately 60 clients. And, while he treats each one individually ac-cording to their specific needs, he insists on a year-round mainte-nance contract. "We service our clients on a yearly schedule and provide them with virtually all of their maintenance needs," he comments. "Our standard mainte- nance program is based on one to four monthly visits that include everything from general clean-up of refuse and pruning to fertiliza- tion and weed control." In many cases, Birum also pro-vides irrigation. "As wet as it is here, we do get dry months in the summer," he explains. "Our gras- ses are dependent on very high humidity, so even a brief dry period can have a browning ef- fect." Lack of moisture is, however, not one of Birum's primary con- cerns. In fact, the moisture itself represents his major problem. "We can't even do a good job of cutting the grass in this wet weather," he laments. "We usually have to wait until well past noon for the wind to blow the mist off and the sun to shine through and dry out the grass." Contradictions? In another apparent contradic-tion, the very moisture that pre-vents Birum's crews from mowing is the cause of his having to mow so frequently. "We mow a stand-ard lawn at least every seven days, and try to maintain a height of one inch," he states. In order to main-tain a lawn at such a height, he knows it must be in good condi-tion to withstand the stress of constant cutting. "We fertilize our grasses every four weeks, and trees twice a year," he notes. Larry uses Agro-Fertilizer special lawn mix or tree and shrub mix accordingly, ap-plying the lawn granules mechanically with a cyclone spreader, and by hand around trees and bushes. to page 39 The Hustler 261 has the Solution to year round production with these attachments. Ł BAC-VAC Grass Vacuum Ł Self-Sharpening Edger Ł 11.2 Cu. Ft. Utility Scoop Ł 60-inch V-Blade Ł 60-inch Dozer Blade Ł 60-inch Rotary Broom Ł Tilt-Deck Trailer Ł Grass Catcher/Compactor Ł 60-inch 3-Way Mowing Deck The choice of the Pros. EXCEL Turf A Grounds Equipment e Z oo 5 " a* 2E£ .E o oo c 3 U 0> <0 V W > ro c 2 o o _o Š 0> o E u c m 3 3 ill K.r HQ, - ^ ^ op > -t cl : 3 < .E Q-m ~ Q£ £ < ^ O E § 2 ^aSE^oTi^ |2E>i°30£ o 2? j*/ Š Wf? 8 D -D 15 D 3 I E £ ŁŁsir r lit 5 5 -O cu O q__c S a» ,2P o £ -o -o Ł c-^jE-^ a;0 n n ' 2 3 £ £ £ g £ Q. Si-it z u II "u Send for Rotary's New Full-line Catalog WT^ia tfet £Eg K? t. TO TO a ° e £ r g^CD^cS >to>=£* TO ZJ.Q Sc "D O TO C fc vo ? */> CD Sf^jSpe c cd af 2 0) ^ z o Ql Nl < »-M l/) < 5 w h Z uj £ sSoQ? < t a Q t Z I- O < O BUSINESS REPLY CARD FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 24 HESSTON, KANSAS Postage will be paid by addressee EXCEL HUSTLER Turf & Grounds Equipment Excel Industries, Inc. RO. BOX 7000 Hesston, Kansas 67062 BUSINESS REPLY CARD POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 1 GLENNVILLE, GA. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS ROTARY CORPORATION P.O. BOX 747 GLENNVILLE, GA. 30427 NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED INTHE UNITED STATES Use the other side of this card to order your copy of TURF MANAGERS' HANDBOOK. $23.95* hardcover $18.95* paperback Use the other side of this card to order your copy of ADVANCES IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY. TURF MANAGERS' HANDBOOK By Dr. William Daniel and Dr. Ray Freeborg This essential reference book covers: Ł scope and organization Ł pests and controls Ł grasses and grooming Ł uses of turf Ł rootzones and water Ł serving turf needs Ł nutrition Ł AND MORE The TURF MANAGERS' HANDBOOK is an easy on-the-job reference to planning, purchasing, hiring, construction, and plant selection. These 424 pages contain 150 illustrations, 96 color photographs plus 240 tables and forms. ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!!! Return this card to: Booksaies HARCOURT BRACE JOVANOVICH PUBLICATIONS One East First Street, Duluth, MN 55802 Please send me copy(ies) of TURF MANAGERS' HANDBOOK My payment* of $ per copy is enclosed. $23.95* hardcover $18.95* paperback Quantity rates available on request 'Please add $3.00 per order plus $1.00 per additional copy for postage and handling. Please charge to my Visa, MasterCard or American Express (circle one) Account Number. Name Expiration Date. Address. City. . State. .Zip. Phone Number. Signature LCI 5/83 Please Allow 6-8 Weeks for Delivery ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! . Date. .1 If it concerns turf, it's in the TURF MANAGERS' HANDBOOK! ADVANCES IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY keeps you up-to-date on turfgrass problems! Where experience pays off from page 1 "This industry is classic free enterprise. People who are aggressive in the business senseŠthat is, profit-motivated Š and use that as their basis for decision-making can be successful." Erbaugh and six other former members of Davey Tree Service in nearby Kent, Ohio, formed Lawnmark during the fall and winter of 1978 when they open offices in the Akron-Canton area and in Rochester, N.Y. and Milwaukee, Wise. Four of the six are still with Lawnmark: Fred Fassett, Ed Coia, John Prusa and Mark Laube. Erbaugh, long an advocate of direct mail, cites Landmark's mailing system as one of the company's secrets to success. "Our mailing lists Š our direct mail advertising Š are the most sophisticated in the business," Erbaugh says. Since their first year, the Lawnmark associates have opened additional branch offices in Roanoke, Va., Buffalo, N.Y. and Syracuse, N.Y. In the process, they increased gross sales from $350,000 in 1979 to $1.8 million in 1982. "We've spent four years getting the business up and on its feet," Erbaugh said. "Now, I'm predicting an annual growth rate of 30 percent for the next three years, though I'll go no further than that. "If I compound 30 percent on my million-eight, I'm happy." Erbaugh is also one of the founding fathers of the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, and as a past president is still one of the most-recognized men in the industry. Fassett is now branch manager at Roanoke. Prusa handles the New York regional operation while Laube is No. 1 man in the Akron-Cleveland office. Coia is the financial consultant. Lawnmark offers a four-application granular fertilizer program, along with a two-application "feed and weed" program. Core aerating and overseeding are also offered. In addition, the company operates an "Arbor-Gro" division for tree and shrub care. Participating Distributors Agricultural Chemicals of Dallas Agway, Inc. American fertilizer fir Chemical Co. American fluoride/Superior Chemical div. of Sou. Mill Creek Products The Andersons Arizona Agrochemicals Atlantic fertilizer fir Chemical Co. Balcom Special Products B fir G Chemical fir Equipment Co. Brayton Chemical, Inc. Brewer Chemical Cessco, Inc. Crown Chemical Dettelbach Pesticides Corp. Eagle Chemical (Division of foster-Gardner, Inc.) Equipment Sales fir Service Co., Inc. Elco Manufacturing Estes Chemical fords Chemical fir Service forshaw Chemicals, Inc. High Point Mills Holder Pest Products Island Golf fir Turf Inc. J.C. Ehrlich Chemical Co. Lakeshore Equipment fir Supply Lawn Medic, Inc. Lebanon Chemical Corp. Mercury Chemical Metro Milorganite Miracle Chemical Old fox Chemical, Inc. Oldham Chemical Pest Control Supplies Pest fog Sales Corp. Redwood Chemical Residex Corp. Rhodes Chemical Co. Rockland Chemical Co., Inc. Seacoast Laboratories Inc.Š TWinlight Products Southern Mill Creek Products of Ohio Southern Mill Creek ProductsŠTampa Stephenson Chemical Steve Regan Co. Summit Chemical Co. Sunniland Corp. Target Chemical Terminix International, Inc. Thompson Hayward Chemical Tri-Cal Inc. (VIKANE only) U.S.S. Agrichemical Co., Inc. Van Waters fir Rogers Veatch Chemical Wagner Seed Co. Wilbur Ellis Co. Woodbury Chemical Co. York Chemical Co./Comell Chemical fir Equipment/Sherwood Chemical DuRStm JUST KEEPS (XI DELIVERING It s here again for 1983 Šbigger and better than ever! The "DURSBAN* Delivers The Goods" incentive program. Last year pest control and lawn care operators earned thou-sands of dollars worth of merchandise just for using DURSBAPi insecticides. They stocked up on equipment that's used on the job every day, office furnishings, color televisions, video recorders and valuable choices that filled a catalog. And we re delivering the goods again. The program is scheduled to run from March 1 through October 31, 1983. During this time you can earn credits for buying our goods: DURSBAn 2E, DURSBAN 4E, DURSBAN L.O. and DURSBAN TC. Plus, we've ^^^^^^^ expanded the program to include VIKANE* gas fumi-gantand formulated (private brand) DURSBAN products. DURSBAN DELIVERS THE GOODS In turn, we'll send you award credit checks which you can use to "purchase" the mer-chandise of your choice. The more credits you earn, the more valuable your choices become. And this year's catalog contains over 100 val-uable items for your work or pleasure. There's another change for this year. You can only enroll in the program through a par-ticipating distributor. If your distributor is not listed here as a participant you may enroll and purchase your products through any listed distributor. So contact a participating distributor for your free catalog of over 100 award items, enrollment form, rules and award claim ^Š forms. The sooner you enroll in the "DURSBAN Delivers The Goods" program the sooner you start earning credits. Dow Chemical U.S.A. ŁTrademark of The Dow Chemical Company. Circle No. 108 on Reader Inquiry Card 3912 Loving Lawn Care Machine solves tough problems "The funny thing I found out about this business is how complicated it can get," says Don Bassman, owner of Loving Lawn Care in Seattle, Wash. "What with dealing with equipment, employees and customers, a seemingly small op-eration ends up demanding an awful lot of management." Bassman has found an ideal way to cope with his situation: a per-sonal computer programmed specifically for his lawn care busi-ness. In order to understand in more detail what Bassman's computer does for him, and how he evolved its specific program, it is helpful to go back to the beginning of his entry into the lawn care business. "I came to Seattle three years ago and started mowing lawns for a M THE TURF BUSINESS, YOU HAVE TO BE TOUGH TO CUT II AND DETHAICHII AND AERATE It Turf-care profession-als everywhere swear }by their Ryan® Jr. Sod r Cutters. "The toughest," they say. And they should know. But what many turf pros don't know is that there's a power rake and aerator built just as rugged. And that's really tough. Because it's a waste of money to settle for anything less. The power rake is the Ryan Ren-O-Thin®, available with a gutsy 7-hp engine or a more economical 5-hp one. Both dethatch turf thoroughly across an 18" swath. Both also feature a floating front axle, precise depth adjustment and a choice of 3 optional blade reels for different turf conditions. The aerator is the self-propelled Ryan Lawnaire® III. Its ballast drum can be filled with 50 lbs. of water for powerful, sure penetration up to 21/2" deep, at 2" intervals across a 19" swath. Ryan's Jr. Sod Cutter, Ren-O-Thin power rakes and Lawnaire III aerator. Easy to use. And tough as nails. CUR-3-8786 RYAN EQUIPMENT 2335 Cushman, P.O. Box 82409 Lincoln, NE 68501 CALL TOLL FREE 800-228-4444 «ŁOutboard Marine Corporation, 1982 All rights reserved. friend," Bassman recalls. "Except for mowing a few lawns as a kid, this was my introduction to lawn care. I was impressed by the fact that someone could bill people for $16 to $20 an hour for a skill he didn't have to be particularly qualified in. At least, this was my perspective at the time. I was also surprised that my friend couldn't make any money." Bassman's friend was in debt and wanted out. "I took over his debts and paid them off, which was the trade-off for my receiving the business. "My primary assumption that an inexperienced person can go out and make money was wrong. I had to learn the hard way and found it takes a surprising amount of time and training to teach an employee to mow a lawn both quickly and efficiently." Quick changes There were some management changes that Bassman was able to enact right away. The former owner was paying too much for overhead, including $500 a month for rent. "I moved to this space for $70, but pay only $45; $25 is rebated for my cutting the grass," says Bassman. This space consists of three small 175 sq. ft. garages, one for office and the other two for equipment. Bassman says the former owner was hampered by faulty equip-ment which was always breaking down on the job. "Also, we had five jalopy trucks, only two of which were working at any one time. I immediately sold three." "Other problems included un-organized scheduling, late starts, a lot of part time help which in-creased wear and tear on the equipment and added to the con-fusion, all of which added up to low quality, undependable work. "I took over 150 accounts that were canceling like crazy," Bassman recalls. Good manage- ment, aided by the computer, has turned that situation around. Bassman now has 300 solid ac-counts. Scheduling now is absolute, the lawn care is professional, the equipment is new and the debts all paid off. "We grossed $80,000 last year, and now this year are in the I , V-, ? 'A£ mm** iV*"' Vv-i' Don Bassman demonstrates his computer position to actually start making money," Bassman says. After struggling through the first year, Bassman says, "I tried to figure out logically in my mind how the business should be man-aged, and how to best make im-provements." He made a tentative start with a computer, but, at the start of the second season, found he had to sell the computer to get enough money to start the busi-ness again. During the second year, he says, "I kept learning, organizing my- self, and developing systems by hand, making out little forms, different ways I could make scheduling and other operations more efficient." This turned out to be an important time, for, as he explains, "No computer is able to figure out your actual methods of doing business, which have to be personal ... I look at my compu-ter as an extension of myself Š not of my personality, but rather a tool to help me do what I want to do." Over the second winter he Bassman spent the winter writ-ing the programs and keying in all the accounts in the proper format. "Fortunately, this time around I didn't have to sell it," he says of his $1,100 computer. 'I look at my computer as an extension of myself/ thoroughly thought out just how he wanted to manage his business, which, in turn, enabled him to visualize how to set up his system. When he finally struck onto his method, it all came together, in a rather sophisticated way. "Right away, at the start of February, I was able to put it in motion. I still didn't know whether it would be practical or not. I just assumed I would be in a position so that, if I wanted to grow, I could do so in an easier way. I felt it would be better to start early rather 25 than wait until things got out of hand." The key document the computer £ prints out every day is the work < sheet. This includes the cus- n tomer's name, account number, > address, and route of every lawn to Ž be cut that day. g "The computer routes the jobs c so that the waste of drive time and h gas is minimized," Bassman says. "We've divided the city so that no one will ever have to drive more than a mile from one end of the route to the other." The mowing cycle is every 10 | days. At the end of the day the < employee circles the jobs he's g done which Bassman feeds back w into the computer, which will to page 28 Turf Maintenance? Ł r-v $ am-Let your grasses do the work Turf problems can be avoided, improved varieties are your lowest cost management tool. If the turf area you manage is over 15 years old, chances are it is a mixture of poa annua, wild bentgrass and other questionable turf species. Make your job easier and cut maintenance costs. Renovate and plant a mixture of improved turfgrass varieties like Touchdown and America Kentucky bluegrass and Fiesta Perennial ryegrass. All these have the ability to establish quickly, and produce a dense weed resisting turf. They will stand up to wear, turf diseases, and seasonal stress. Professional testing proves it. university of Illinois - Touchdown was outstan-ding in its ability to out compete Poa annua. Ohio State university - America ranked first out of 30 commercial bluegrass varieties in incidence of Sclerotica Dollar Spot. (At low, medium, & high fertilization levels.) Ohio State university Fiesta ranked number 1 out of 22 commercially available perennial ryegrasses in overall turf quality for entire season. Touchdown KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS PERENNIAL RYEGRASS KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Pickseed Also Produces Produced by PICKSEEIE) PICKSEED WEST Inc. PO Box 888 Tangent. OR 97389 Ł (503) 926 8886 Distributed in Canada by Otto Pick and Sons Seeds Ltd Box 126 Richmond Hill Ontario Ł (416) 884 1147 FREE DEMONSTRATION On Your Own Turf! Exclusive coulter-type edger delivers a professional trim. FREE BUCKLE New air sweep feature on our BAC-VAC is adjustable on the go to divert air flow to a side opening for sweeping sidewalks, or for side-discnarging clippings. GS-07S-07691 See for yourself how efficiently the HUSTLER 261 cuts, sweeps, vacuums and edges. Experience for yourself HUSTLER versatility, economy and performance. Your HUSTLER distributor will give you a FREE demonstration of the HUSTLER 261 on your own turf! And, if you do it before June 30, you'll receive a popular HUSTLER Belt Buckle FREE! The HUSTLER 261 beats the competition in performance and price because of famous HUSTLER quality features, backed by traditional Excel reliability and design-mated attachments that give year-round versatility. ...and receive a beit buckle FREE. See the precision-cut, 60-inch, 3-Way rotary deck in action. Watch the BAC-VAC grass vacuum with new air sweep feature and 16-bushel capacity go through its paces. Ask about the superb self-sharpening edger! Other time-saving attachments include grass catcher/compactor, utility scoop, dozer blade, V-blade and rotary broom. To set up your FREE DEMONSTRATION of the HUSTLER 261 or other HUSTLER models, see your nearest HUSTLER distributor or call Toll Free 1-800-835-3260. Excel Industries, Box 7000, Hesston, Kansas 67062 $$$ Lawn King survives bankruptcy courts "There have been, for years, rumors of our imminent demise. And there are times I wonder how we managed to survive it all." Not what you'd expect from the owner of a million-dollar lawn care business? Not at all Š but Marc Sandler of Lawn King in Fairfield, N.J. says it with a smile. In March, 1978, after rebound-ing from three years of court battles that had financially de-pleted the business, Lawn King emerged from Chapter 11 ban-kruptcy and began rebuilding a kingdom that had once numbered 170 franchises and had been big-ger than even ChemLawn. "We were exonerated on all counts of antitrust," Sandler now says. "We just kept fighting, and that I have to credit to my father, Joseph, who started the business in 1970. He decided he hadn't done anything wrong and just didn't knuckle under." The elder Sandler was forced from active participation in the business last April when he in-jured his back in an auto accident. When Lawn King emerged from Chapter 11 status, franchises were offered an equitable method of terminating the relationship with the home office, but Lawn King maintains approximately 35 franchises that reach from Long Island, N.Y. to Montgomery County, Md. With 19 trucks and a peak full-time employment list of 19, Lawn King grossed more than two million dollars in 1982. When asked to name the secrets of Lawn King's success, Sandler immediately noted the quality of n R n n R s I INDUSTRIES 1 INCORPORATED INTRODUCING TWO NEW BREAKTHROUGHS IN LOW COST AERATION FOR A FAST AND EFFICIENT ONE-MAN AERATION (P MODEL 3660 SELF PROPELLED RIDING AERATOR MODEL 3672 WIDTH: 32" TOTAL WEIGHT: 1000 lbs. ENGINE: 12 H.P. KOHLER ELECTRIC START DRIVE: HYDRAULIC AERATING PATH: 27" WIDE SELF PROPELLED WALK BEHIND AERATOR MODEL 3660 WIDTH: 36" TOTAL WEIGHT: 550 lbs. ENGINE: 4 H.P. KOHLER DRIVE: CHAIN DRIVEN DRUM AND TRANSPORT WHEELS AERATING PATH: 20" WIDE PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT THE DEDOES NAME ON IT'S AERATION EQUIPMENT HAS LONG BEEN A MARK OF QUALITY. IT'S THE KIND OF QUALITY THAT COUNTSŠDURABLE, SIMPLE TO OPERATE AERATORS. OUR SELF PROPELLED RIDING MODEL IS UNIQUE FOR IT'S SIZE, EFFICIENCY, AND THE ABILITY TO COLLECT PLUGS, WHILE THE SELF PROPELLED WALK BEHIND AERATES COMPLETELY IN TIGHT SPACES AND AROUND PLANTINGS. BOTH MODELS ARE OF SOLID STEEL CONSTRUCTION EVERY DEDOES HAS THE PATENTED FEATURE OF HINGED TINES ON EACH DRUM. THIS ALLOWS FOR CLEAN REMOVAL OF PLUGS - WITHOUT TEARING THE TURF. THE DRUMS ROTATE INDEPENDENTLY PERMITTING TIGHT MANEUVERS OR EVEN TURNS ON GREENS WITHOUT DAMAGE. OUR AERATION EQUIPMENT IS SO VERSATILE IT CAN BE USED IN ALL TYPES OF OPERATIONS. LAWNS, FAIRWAYS, TEES AND GREENS - DEDOES DOES IT ALL! WITH EACH OF OUR AERATORS COME YEARS OF DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE. DEDOES DOESN'T JUST SAVE YOU MONEY, WE MAKE YOU MONEY! THIS MAKES DEDOES INVALUABLE TO THE TURF CARE SPECIALIST. 1060 WEST MAPLE RD P.O. BOX 575 WALLED LAKE, Ml 48088 PHONE: (313)624-7710 SPECIFICA TIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. L DBDOeS OUT OF STATE (800) 521-7086 TWX 810-232-2558 dms 1500-383 INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED immmm the program. "We've always encouraged our franchisees to offer the maximum in terms of quality, but not in price," he responded. "We're an excellent value since we've elimi-nated the cost of a sales call to the point where we can offer the best deal in the business. "The basic concept of the busi-ness is valid, and we've adapted with the times, recognizing the changing of the industry." Sandler says his next big deci-sion Š which will be reached this year Š will be whether to plan Lawn King's growth through its retail operation or through fran- chising, at which it was successful 10 years ago. Will Lawn King's future be as turbulent as its past? Marc Sandler doesn't know, but he's ready for it. "It was a hell of a roller coaster ride," he concludes, the smile still on his face. "We've taken our share of the punches and rolled right with them. But I'm the type of gambler that enjoys the ride more than winning or losing." ILCA Seminar held in Wood Dale The Illinois Landscape Con-tractors Association had its winter seminar at the Elmhurst Country Club in Wood Dale, 111. The first three days were de-voted to speeches on landscape design. The fourth day, Feb. 3, featured an array of technical mini-seminars. The last day was used for a session on marketing. Attendance at the seminar was strong, according to an ILCA press release. Marc Sandler outside Lawn King Annual listing of nation's largest lawn care companies from page 1 gross. Seventy-five year-rounders are employed at 33 franchises with that number growing to 200 dur-ing the peak season. Hydro-Lawn, a seven-outlet chain, uses 11 year-round employ-ees and 96 peak-season. They service 23,000 accounts for $4.6 million gross. More than 20,000 accounts are serviced by R. W. Collins Inc. for $3.2 million in business. The 15 outlets employ 125 year-round and 140 peak season. Super Lawns Inc. does ap-proximately 6,500 lawns with gross receipts of $1.9 million. Thirty-five are employed during the peak season at 16 franchises with 10 continuing year-round. Lawnmark, with five branches, employs 14 year-rounders and 52 during the peak season. Lawnmark services 10,800 accounts for $1.75 million in business. With just one outlet, Spray-a-Lawn of Youngstown does more than $1.6 million in business on 12,246 lawns. Spray-a-Lawn of Youngstown employs 37 workers year-round and 46 during the peak season. Meanwhile, Spray-a-Lawn of Pittsburgh has about the same numbers; just under $1.6 million: 12,525; 33 and 46 out of two offices. More biggies With 18 franchises, Nitro-Green Professional Lawn and Tree Care needs 19 year-round employees and 40 during the peak season. They service 15,000 accounts with gross receipts of $1.5 million. Shur-Lawn, a two-outlet chain, has a minimum of 29 and maximum of 48 employees doing $1.4 million in business on 8,300 lawns. Greenlon, Inc. does more than $1.2 million on the same number of lawns as Shur-Lawn. Greenlon uses 45 minimum and 100 maxi-mum employees. Lawn Groomer services 7,500 lawns for gross receipts of $1.2 million with 29 year-round em-ployees and 35 during the peak season. Lawn Groomer has five branches. Keystone Lawn Spray does more than $1 million on more than 10,000 lawns with two offices, eight year-round employees and 42 during the busy season. Village Green Ltd. does about $1 million gross with 5,200 lawns, nine year-round employees, a maximum of 13 employees and two offices. $1,000,000 and over ChemLawn Corp. Columbus, OH Ever-Green Lawns Corp. St. Louis. MO Tru-Green Corp. East Lansing, MI Davey I.awnscape Kent, OH Orkin Atlanta, GA Lawn Medic Bergen, NY Barefoot Grass Lawn Service Worthington, OH Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp. Naperville, IL Hydro Lawn, Inc. Gaithersburg, MD Leisure Lawn, Inc. Dayton, OH R. W. Collins, Inc. Satellite Beach, FL Turf Doctor Framingham, MA Liqui-Green Lawn Care Corp. Peoria, IL Excelawn, Inc. Louisville, KY Lawn King, Inc. Fairfield, NJ Super Lawns, Inc. Rockville, MD Lawnmark Associates Peninsula, OH Lawn Beautiful Wheeling, IL Spray-a-Lawn Youngstown, OH Nitro-Green Pro Lawn Care Bismarck, ND Perma-Green Boise, ID Shur-Lawn Co. Omaha, NE Greenlon, Inc. Cincinnati, OH Lawn Groomer Normal, IL Village Green Ltd. West Chicago, IL Keystone Lawn Spray Wayne, PA Green-Lawn, Inc. Louisville, KY Lawn-a-Mat Chemical & Equipment Mineola, NY Perf-a-Lawn Corp. New Carlisle, OH Royal Lawns, Inc. Pine Brook, NJ Truly Nolen Exterminating Hollywood, FL Old Fox Lawn Care East Providence, RI L&M Lawncare Cleveland, OH $500,000 to $1,000,000 Spray-a-Lawn Orville, OH Fox Valley Pro Lawn Care Appleton, WI Green Care Lawn Service Birmingham, AL Lawnlife Salt Lake City, UT ProGrass, Inc. Hubbard, OR Jay-Lan, Inc. Sioux City, IA All-American Turf Beauty Van Meter, IA J. C. Erlich Co. Reading, PA Surf Ian and Roundup". A powerful combination with beautiful results. When you combine the dependable residual con-trol of Surflan® with the knock-down power of Roundup® the result is season-long control of troublesome weeds and grasses. And that can be beautiful. You simply won't find a more effective tank-mix for use in noncropland areas, Christmas tree and ornamental plantings, landscaped areas, and highways. With Roundup, you can have weed and grass kill right away. Then Surflan follows up with six To eight months of dependable residual control, the real key to a solid, long lasting weed control program. A preemer-gence herbicide, Surflan meets crabgrass, barnyard-grass, fall panicum, pig-weed, johnsongrass, foxtail, and many others head-on, before they ever really get a chance to grow. By being a weed's worst enemy, an effective tank-mix is the best friend flowers, trees, plants, or shrubs can have. And that's the real beauty of Surflan and Round-up. For Surflan, see your Elanco distributor, BANCO Elanco Products Company, a Division of Eli Lilly and 1 Dept. E-455, Indianapolis, IN 46285 U.S.A. Get a on leafspot, dollar spot and brown patch control. Get Daconil 2787® fungicide, and you've got yourself the most effective control money can buy. Because nothing matches Daconil 2787 performance when it comes to fighting leafspot, dollar spot and brown patch. Plus six other destructive turf diseases including red thread and stem rust. The fact of the matter is, Daconil 2787 gives you the broadest spectrum of disease control on the market today. What's more, Daconil 2787 resists wash-off. So it keeps on working during heavy rains or watering for maximum disease protection. And it's just as effective against common diseases on 45 ornamentals. So this season, get a better grip on disease control. Get Daconil 2787 from Diamond Shamrock. Also available in wettable powder. Diamond Shamrock ) Agricultural Chemicals Division Diamond Shamrock Corporation 1100 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Always follow label directions carefully when using turf chemicals. Computer key to success of Loving Care from page 25 again program the job 10 days hence. The computer indicates whether a particular job is behind schedule. Also, in case of exces- sive rain or dryness, which would change the lawns' needs, Bassman can make quick adjustments "so that lawns will always be cut when they need to be, but only then." Under the date is the amount charged, which, in turn, indicates the size of the job and how much time it should take. The computer also prints out on this same form special services, such as fertiliz-ing, as they become due. This single sheet also generates all of the payroll calculations, plus customer bills. The computer au- tomatically sends out past-due notices, and adds up the monthly gross. It prints a total of all that's been received as well as pro-jecting future business. "I know just what my costs and income will be at any particular time," says Bassman. "It's an ex-cellent tool for maintaining proper cash flow." How can other lawn care profes-sionals utilize a home computer for themselves? Possibilities Bassman says there are three basic possibilities. The first is purchasing standard software de-signed for all small businesses. The problem here is that it's difficult to make general programs like these work for the specific needs of a lawn care business. Another possibility is hiring an outside computer consultant. But the problem here is that they're usually in the price range that can be afforded by only a large com-pany. The third possibility is to do as Bassman did, teach himself to design his own programs to meet his own needs. This involved a lot of hard work, as well as trial and error. Bassman did have some programming experience before coming into the lawn care busi-ness, but says he believes even someone with no experience can, with commitment, come up with something as valuable to him as Bassman's computer is to him. Bassman also says, "I'm open to consult with any readers of LAWN CARE INDUSTRY who wish to talk to me about my computer." You may reach Bassman by writing him at P.O. Box 12074, Seattle, WA 98112, or by calling (206) 322-5114. -Mike Major Mike Major is a freelance writer who has been a past contributor to LAWN CARE INDUSTRY, among other business publications. He works out of his base in Yelm, Washington. PROXOL KILLS GRUBS AND SURFACE FEEDERS FUST! There's no need to wait over a month for a grub control to work. Economical Proxol 80SP insecticide readily penetrates thatch to work fast for an effective broad spectrum kill, including grubs and surface feeding sod webworms, armyworms,and cutworms. You apply Proxol with the liquid applica-tion equipment you already have. So there's no need to haul spreaders and bulky pack-ages on your rig, put up with package break-age and waste, or carry them in inventory. Proxol's convenient 2-and 5-lb. packages make measurement easy. Eliminates waste. You can even mix Proxol with other non-alkaline chemicals. And you can rest easy with Proxol. Custom-er's children and pets are not exposed to a granular residue left on the turf. Proxol is easy on the environment, too. No unpleasant odor to offend customers. No long-term re-sidual buildup in the soil. Proxol kills grubs and surface feeders. Fast! Over 150 U.S. distributors and 8 regional TUCO Distribution Centers assure convenient product availability. These same sources al-so have Acti-dione; a TUCO broad spectrum fungicide, long used by golf course super-intendents, to stop turf disease problems be-fore they start. For more information, call toll-free: Outside Michigan-800-253-8600 Inside Michigan (collect)-616-385-6613 30 Managing effectively < >< oc F CO D a z w 2 < u z £ < Overhead shouldn't be over your head Question: Can the owner of a lawn care business fail when business is good? Answer: Emphatically, yes: when he doesn't understand the importance of watching and con-trolling overhead costs. In order to do this he must know Š and know what to do about Š the responses to queries like these: 1J Exactly what is overhead? This usually includes all business expenses as the cost of a new lawn spray unit or mowing tractor which is more efficient than a similar machine he is using now. Other typical overhead costs are building rent and maintenance, insurance, utilities (as the phone) and outside professional aid (as an accountant). Some expenses are fixed and relatively uncontrollable (as the rent); others can be man- ipulated to a varying degree, as cutting down drastically on em-ployees during the winter time watershed months, and using the mails instead of long distance phone calls. 2) Why must most overhead costs be watched? Because it's easy for expenses to get out of line, especially in times of prosperity when an unconscious spendthrift management frequently develops. It's argued that "we can afford it because our business is growing." A case in point concerns the owner of one enterprise who was doing very well because, as he put it later, "The lawn care industry was the big new service on the block," and everybody seemed to want it. "Then," he recalls, "I insisted on only high salaried college educated workers." But CUSHMAN INVENTS A NEW GRASS-GROOMING SYSTEM Mow cleanly, catch all the clippings and then dump them, without ever leaving your seat! The computer designed 60" high-lift cutting deck combined with the "Grass Caddy" vacu-ums up clippings and litter for professional well groomed turf. The operator can see when the big 16-bushfcl hopper is full. He then dumps it hydraulically into a container or pickup bed as high as 41/2 feet, without ever leaving his seat. The "Grass Caddy" gives you clean and continuous service and gets you back into the mowing sequence fast. There is no separate engine or blower to maintain; one relia-ble Cushman-built power plant does it all. There's no mower on the market to match it. When you want well-groomed turf fast and economically, nothing compares to the Cushman Grass-Grooming System. For a free demonstration on your grounds, contact your Cushman Dealer or call us toll-free 1-800-228-4444. CUSHMAN Front-LineŽ Grass Caddy CALL TOLL-FREE 800-228-4444 P.O. Box 82409 3145 Cushman Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 ® Outboard Marine Corporation. 1983 All rights reserved when the recession began to take big bites out of his lawn care business profits, he had to cut down on this overhead cost (and fortunately discovered that practi- cal experience can often be a better employee qualification than edu- cation if you want to hire only top flight people). Many lawn care business own-ers who have to cut down begin to panic, and when many small ex- penses (which seem insignificant when considered separately) are added together, the total is gigan-tic. But because it's hard to economize now, painful measures are often taken thoughtlessly Š and the end result is often tragic: a valuable worker (college or non-Sometimes, good services are cut without cutting prices. college trained) can be terminated or his salary cut to the point where he has to quit. Needed insurance can be dropped. Plans for the urgent purchase of important equipment, as snow plowing machinery which will keep the business operating in the winter time months when lawns obvi-ously won't need maintenance Š may be cancelled. Sometimes the good services which good customers have the right to expect are cut without cutting prices. Sometimes they are even raised, and cheaper fertilizer and other chemicals are used which can't possibly do a "best quality" job. All of this can inevit- ably lead to a vicious cycle: old customers drop away in droves, which keeps prices high, and the lack of new business makes it impossible to get them back down again. 3) How can overhead costs be watched? The best way is to set up and use a suitably long-term over-head accounting control system which will reveal and prevent the recurrance of any wasteful, hazardous and sometimes desper-ate expense-cutting methods. One way to create it is to start at once by recording expenses as they occur. By the end of the year you will have a detailed report, classified by month, which will include everything pertinent to the period, as the purchase of herbicides, the cost of a trip to a distant city to attend an important industry conference, and the re-pair of an old spray unit. One method requires a loose leaf notebook, with each page devoted to a particular expense. It should have 14 columns, with the first used for the year, the next 12 for the individual months, and the final column, at the far right, for totaling the figures of the 12 months. Such a record Š which is easy to use by reading across any particu-lar line Š is invaluable for many different expense-cutting pur-poses because you can review last If you buy 'on time/ always figure in all interest and carrying charges year's costs (and those of the years before that) before incurring the same expenses again. You can also consider different and possibly more practical ideas. For instance, if the herbicide you purchased in 1980, '81 and '82 has constantly inched upward in price, is there another brand or type which does the job as well but will cost the business less? Or, if the 1982 industry conference was impor-tant, would you have saved money in the long run by going yourself instead of sending a key man? And should you do this in 1983? Did it really pay off to repair that old spray unit, which will need to be repaired again very shortly, or should you sell it now and use whatever proceeds you'll get to-ward the purchase of a new and better model? Such a record is also invaluable when it's time to prepare business income taxes and set up financial statements as the P&L and the balance sheet. Some owners file all statements and bills by expense, then by date. Then all papers concerning ex- penses of the same type are placed in a large envelope with holes punched on one side so that they can be "filed" in the loose leaf expense book right behind each specific expense. Now back-up information is right at hand for comparing past bills with present estimates. 4) Are there other ways to cut overhead costs? One is to always seriously consider the purchase of new types of lawn maintenance equipment (even if an old machine doesn't need repair) if there are proven time and worksaver fea-tures, as the latest model profes- sional turf system which will spray lawns and trees from the same unit, permit the spraying of different solutions from the same unit, and allow the suspension of granular material. Many successful lawn mainte-nance people Š even when they're perfectly satisfied with what they own Š check new equipment routinely because they feel that the cost of its purchase is recouped quickly: Fewer employees are usually needed to do the same jobs, and the work quality is generally much higher. Now over- head goes down, old customers are far more satisfied, and there's usually an increase of new ac- counts. But it's also important Š overhead-wise Š to acquire needed items by the most finan-cially advantageous method pos-sible. So if you buy "on time" always figure in all interest and carrying charges for late pay-ments, since these can be high. However, if they are, don't let this block the purchase of a needed item if it will more than pay off because you'll be able to use what you need at once, instead of wait-ing Š as you will, if you want to accumulate the full purchase price before you buy. Another way to curb overhead expenses is to question those which are usually unthinkingly accepted. When the owner of one lawn maintenance company learned, for example, by reviewing his over-head costs what it was actually costing him to retain a full time bookkeeper, he didn't replace her when she retired. Instead, he ar-ranged for her to come in once a week and check his company's books which he decided to keep himself. At the end of six months he found, to his surprise, that he didn't even need her to do this for him Š and saved a big chunk of overhead costs. You can also follow through when expenses seem to be out of line Š even concerning bills you've already paid. Another story concerns a lawn care man who decided to purchase the chemicals his business needed in bulk quantities because this would reduce warehouse space and improve industry manage-ment. Although this new purchasing method did do these things for his business, he found that the actual price of the chemicals had gone up instead of down. His first thought was to carelessly blame the rising figures on inflation, and do no- thing further. But he gave the matter a second thought and checked with the supplying chemical firm. He eventually learned, in this way, that there was collusion between his own en-ployee who handled his own com-pany's purchasing and two of the people who worked for the chemi-cal firm. These three men were earning their so-called "fringe benefits" via a simple overcharge and kickback arrangement. You can be sure that this was corrected quickly. -Bess Bitter May TOMCH At last there's an alternative to cumbersome, tough-to-maneuver lawn care equipment... It's the Lawn Maker. An all-in-one seeder, aerater and fertilizer that goes where you want it to go with just a twist of the wrist. Check out these features. Ł Totally hydraulic (with few moving parts) Ł Four-wheel drive with oscillating axle Ł Easy to transport (can be driven into small pick-up truck or van) Ł Seeds, aerates and fertilizes up to 4,000 ft. in 9 minutes Ł Direct from factory Ł Coreaeration attachment available For more information on this exciting new lawn care product, call us today! Welding & Fabrication, Inc. 196 Clark Street, Milldale, CT 06467 (203) 621-6764 Circle No. 123 on Reader Inquiry Card Advances in Turfgrass Pathology published by HARCOURT BRACE JOVANOVICH PUBLICATIONS in cooperation with Dr. B. G. Joyner, Dr. P. O. Larsen and Chemlawn Corporation This extensive volume contains .. — . v chapters on: $27.95 (hardcover) Ł turfgrass diseases Ł cool v.s. warm season pythium blight and other related pythium problems Ł snow molds of turfgrasses Ł fairy rings Ł leaf spot of Kentucky Bluegrass in Minnesota Ł initial and filed fungicide screening Ł turfgrass disease resistance Ł PLUS MUCH MORE! COPIES LIMITED Š DON'T DELAY! ADVANCES IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY is a compilation of more than 23 reports and discussions by the nation s leading turfgrass pathologists. Explore the diseases that attack turfgrass. Find out how to conquer the battle of turfgrass diseases. KEEP CURRENT WITH NEW IDEAS ON HOW TO HANDLE TURFGRASS PROBLEMS WITH ADVANCES IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY. Return this coupon to: Book Sales Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publications One East First Street, Duluth, MN 55802 YES! Please send me copy(ies) of ADVANCES IN TURFGRASS PATHOLOGY. Name. $27.95* hardcover Quantity rates available on request. A check or money order for. Js enclosed. Address. City Phone. -Zip -'Please add $3.00 per order plus $1.00 per additional copy for postage and handling. Please charge to my Visa, Master Card, or American Express (circle one) Account Number Expiration Date. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. LCI 53 PRODUCTS Power sprayers proven versatile The new Dobbins CS-25 and CS-25S electric power sprayers have proven to be highly versatile and mobile. The sprayers draw power from the 12-volt battery of a garden tractor or pickup truck. The CS-25 is a trailer model for towing be-hind a garden tractor, while the CS-25S is on a skid for easy transfer to a pickup truck or other mounting. Both models have 25-gallon ca-pacity tanks with attachments that include a boom assembly and hand-held spray gun. Circle no. 150 on Reader Inquiry Card Compact backhoes offer stability Stability through their "Saf-T-Lok" mount and wide stance can-tilevered stabilizers is one of the special features offered by new compact backhoes now on the market from Woods, Division of Hesston. Other features are easy opera-tion with two-lever control of reaching, digging, lifting, swing-ing and dumping; and self-contained independent hyd-raulics. Two-bar parallel linkage gives the backhoes 162-degree bucket Tine Rake goes deep into surface Tine Rake, a new product de-veloped by the Tine Rake Com-pany, features a patented design which is based on the hand rake, for improved raking efficiency. The tines face in the direction of travel. As the device moves for-ward, spring tension is created on the tines, which controls the rak-ing depth. This tension also allows Tine Rake to effectively dethatch, dig out imbedded mulch and aer-ate the surface on each pass. Available in both front- and rear-mount models, Tine Rake at-taches quickly and easily to any riding mower or tractor of eight or more hp. Raking speed is limited only by the density of the turf. Tine Rake models are available in widths of from 24 inches to 52 inches. Circle no. 152 on Reader Inquiry Card Sprinkler monitor helps save water "Water Sentry" can cut water cost by 50 percent, according to Wally Cox, president of Universal Irriga-tion Technologies, which markets the computer. The product uses new state-of-the-art solid state technology that measures the actual moisture content of the soil and begins the watering cycle only when needed. The unit can be installed on most existing residential, commercial and industrial systems. Circle no. 153 on Reader Inquiry Card curl for maximum break-out and full bite, keeps material in the bucket during lift and swing, and makes the hoes more compact for transport and storage. The two models are No. 650, which reaches seven feet, 10 in-ches and digs six feet, six inches below grade; and No. 750, which reaches nine feet, four inches and digs seven feet, six inches below grade. The former is designed for tractors rated 18-35 hp, the latter for tractors from 20 to 40 hp. Bucket sizes of 10, 12, 16 and 24 inches are available for both. insecticide. And that makes it the perfect choice for broad spec trum control in both commercial and residential turf. Need another clue? Dzn con-trols damaging worms including Here's a clue. D z n Diazinon controls every insect you see here, from the root-eating white grub to the juice-sucking chinch bug. In fact, D z n Diazinon has the biggest label of any turf c 1982 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Hole Mole added to boring devices General Equipment Company has added the M101 Hole Mole to its line of vertical and horizontal earth boring equipment. The unit is intended for instal-ling underground services up to 3V2 inches diameter under drive-ways, sidewalks, lawns and other obstructions. It is ideal for sprinkler system installation work, and can be utilized with any power source capable of delivering 15 gpm and 1500 psi. Also offered from General Equipment are compaction type boring moles and return reamers, computer designed for optimum boring accuracy and efficiency. Circle no. 154 on Reader Inquiry Card Soil test brochure The National Limestone Institute has developed and is distributing a new brochure entitled "Check Your Field Š Soil Test Now." Designed to be used at any time of the year, the brochure em-phasizes the importance of con- ducting soil testing to ensure ba- lanced soil fertility conditions and stresses the use of aglime to build the foundation for productive soils and maximum fertilizer efficiency. Circle no. 155 on Reader Inquiry Card Flail mowers added to existing line Vemco Corporation of America has added two new 22-inch flail mowers to its line of rear-mount, front-mount, tow-behind and self-propelled commercial flail mowers. Model SP 22 is self-propelled, Model HP 22 hand-propelled. Centrifugal force holds free-swinging lightweight flail blades w Ł -& -** A \ fr-v f -J/Br S? -' ' & insects ore hiding picture? cutworms, sod webworms and Keep counting. And when you armyworms. Plus it takes care of place your next insecticide nuisance pests like ants, fleas order, ask your supplier for the and chiggers. biggest label in the businessŠ We've mentioned 8 species on D z n Diazinon. the label but that's not even half. PS: You'll find the answer below. CIBA-GEIGY in cutting position. Blades cut grass and vegetation cleanly, but fold back harmlessly when strik-ing a solid object. Clippings are mulched and deposited evenly across the entire width of the swath. The design enables Vemco mowers to cut fine lawns or rough, trashy areas, dethatch for soil renovation, mulch grass and leaves and operate in wet or dry conditions. It also decreases, and usually eliminates, damage to the mower. Circle no. 156 on Reader Inquiry Card Quick way to kill unwanted growths The Quickdraw Division of Caudill Seed Company is market-ing three new ways to effectively kill unwanted growths in and around the yard. The positive touch liquid applicating systems are named Quickdraw, Quickdraw Jr. and Quicktouch. They are touch-type applicators with patented features that permit immediate use when needed, storage of all unused costly chemicals and lightweight durable construction. Quickdraw uses the latest sys-temic herbicides in the safest, most efficient manner, eliminating drift, saving time being highly adaptable to various situations. In addition, the Quickdraw surface applies approximately three times as much mix as will any rope surface. Circle no. 157 on Reader Inquiry Card LAWN CARE INDUS-TRY: the No. 1 maga-zine in its field. To receive LAWN CARE INDUSTRY every month, fill out the Reader Service Card which has been in- serted between pages 4 and 7, and return postage-free. ajaq uaas sjoasui aajip-AjuaAYj pe sjojjuoa UOUIZCIQ u z Q iia/nsuy « Circle No. 104 on Reader Inquiry Card NEWSMAKERS C5 CO 05 >« < 2 >< PC F to D Q Z w OS < u Z £ < Dr. Harry Niemczyk of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster has been honored as the Ohio Turfgrass Founda-tion's 1982 "Man of the Year." The announcement and award presentation was made at the most recent OTF banquet. Niemczyk was the first person to identify soil insect resistance to certain insec- ticides and the first to iden-tify the Ataenius beetle as a turfgrass insect and to deter-mine control measures. Niemczyk received his bachelor's and master's de-grees from Michigan State University. He is a professor of turfgrass entomology at the OARDC and has been a member of the faculty at Ohio State University since 1964. The doctor is a member of the advisory board of WEEDS, TREES & TURF magazine, a member of the Entomological Society of America, the American Soci-ety of Agronomy, the Inter-national Turfgrass Society and the OTF. Using DYRENE for fungus disease control is the smartest thing you've always done. You know ®DYRENE Turf Fungicide gives you effective control of the various species of Helminthosporium which cause diseases known as melting-out, going-out, and leaf spot. You know DYRENE also con-trols dollar spot, copper spot, snow mold (typhula), and rust. You know DYRENE can be mixed and applied easily with standard equipment, plus it's compatible with other turf fungicides. You know using DYRENE for fungus disease control is smart. That's why you've always used it. DYRENE Turf Fungicide. Mobay Chemical Corporation Agricultural Chemicals Division Specialty Products Group Box 4913, Kansas City, MO 64120 DYRENE is a Reg TM of Mobay Chemical Corporation Louis Johnson, former president of Johnson Manufacturing Com-pany of Pendleton, N.C., has been named the vice president/sales for Agrotec, Inc., Salisbury, Md. Ag-rotec recently bought the man-ufacturing plant and equipment assets of Johnson Manufacturing, according to Agrotec president Roger Cohill. Both the sprayers and liquid fertilizer applicators of Agrotec and the Johnson brand-name group equipment will be manufactured at the Pendleton facility. Kenneth Griffith has been added to the staff of Green Care Lawn Service of Birmingham, according to president Ronnie Zwiebel. Griffith has his bachelor's degree from Auburn University, and did his master's work at the University of Arkansas on turf fertility and irrigation. Also for Green Care, Alan Chan-nell is opening a tree and shrub service in Tuscaloosa, Ala. and Quint Langstaff will be offering a Green Care lawn service in Flor-ence, Ala. BFC Chemicals has announced the election of a new director and the appointment of a new com-pany secretary. George W. Pfautz, vice-president of finance/ administration, is the new direc-tor. Kenneth D. Morris, the com-pany's general counsel, has been named as secretary of the board. The Fertilizer Institute Board of Directors has elected Gary D. Myers as president of the Institute. Myers had served as Institute executive vice-president for sev- eral years prior to accepting the position of president of the Na-tional Council of Farmer Coopera-tives in August, 1982. Also elected by TFI was Jonathan P. Rogers, vice-president and general man- ager of the phosphorus division of Mobil Chemical Company of Richmond, Va., as chairman of the board. Sam Seever, a graduate of Neb-raska Wesleyan and the University of Nebraska College of Law, has been named director of agronomic services for Harris Laboratories, according to president Ron Harris. Sam Seever Seever joined the firm in 1981 as national sales manager. He will continue to handle sales and mar- keting duties, and will add re-sponsibility for management of the technical aspects of soil, plant, water, fertilizer and miscellaneous agricultural testing. Owner/manager Alex Garza of the Cross-B Company, San An-tonio, Texas, received an award from Weather-matic recently for Distributor of the Year. Weather-to page 37 DY83682 Circle the Reader Service numbers of those items of interest to you. Inquiries serviced for 90 days from date of issue. For those countries outside the U.S., please apply appropriate postage before mailing. READER SERVICE INFORMATION CARD 5-83 2 For more information on products or services mentioned in this issue, circle the corresponding numbers below, fill in appropriate information and mail today. 101 108 115 122 129 136 143 150 157 164 171 178 185 192 199 206 213 220 227 234 102 109 116 123 130 137 144 151 158 165 172 179 186 193 200 207 214 221 228 235 103 110 117 124 131 138 145 152 159 166 173 180 187 194 201 208 215 222 229 236 104 111 118 125 132 139 146 153 160 167 174 181 188 195 202 209 216 223 230 237 105 112 119 126 133 140 147 154 161 168 175 182 189 196 203 210 217 224 231 238 106 113 120 127 134 141 148 155 162 169 176 183 190 197 204 211 218 225 232 239 107 114 121 128 135 142 149 156 163 170 177 184 191 198 205 212 219 226 233 240 PLEASE CHECK BELOW YOUR PRIMARY BUSINESS AT THIS LOCATION: A. CONTRACTOR OR SERVICES: ŁLawn care service business involved primarily with fertilization, weed, and insect control Please specify method of application 10 Ł Liquid 11 DDry 12 DBoth 20 ŁPrimarily mowing/maintenance service 30 Ł Landscape contractor/lawn service company 40 ŁNursery or garden center/lawn service company 50 DPest control/lawn service company 60 Ł Irrigation contractor/lawn service company B. GROUNDS CARE/MAINTENANCE AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FACILITIES: 110 Ł Private or public estate 120 130 140 150 190 ŁSchool, college, university, hospital, or similar facility ŁCondominium housing development or industrial park ŁGovernment grounds: parks, around municipal buildings, military facilities Ł Cemetery or memorial garden ŁOther (please specify) C. SUPPLIER 210 ŁChemical dealer or distributor 220 ŁEquipment dealer or distributor 230 OSeed broker/dealer 240 DSod grower NAME BUSINESS NAME_ CITY .STATE. .TITLE .ADDRESS. ^ZIP. _TELEPHONE_L ) AREA CODE I WISH TO RECEIVE (CONTINUE RECEIVING) LAWN CARE INDUSTRY EACH MONTH Ł YES Ł NO SIGNATURE DATE NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS REPLY CARDl FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 665 DULUTH, MINNESOTA POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE READER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WWN OIRE INDUSTRY POST OFFICE BOX 6200 DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55806 S. Wayne Bingham (left) Virginia Tech professor of plant physiology, receives the R.D. Cake Memorial Award from Archie Good of Salem, Va. Bingham was recognized for his contributions to the development of the turf industry at the annuaJ Virginia Turfgrass Conference in Norfolk recently. Łiir v % Packed house The exhibition floor at the Reinder's Seminar and Equipment Show in March was packed with observers and equipment which the Milwaukee, Wise, distributor has available. Hosting the event were the Reinders Brothers, who also provided informative educational sessions. > z n > W Z a a C/3 H X 2 > NEWSMAKERS from page 34 Charles S. Putnam, Alex Garza matic is a manufacturer of lawn and turf irrigation products. John Zajac, vice-president and general manger of Garfield Wil-liamson Company, said that George W. Hill & Co. of Florence, Ky. has been added as a distributor of lawn and garden supplies and in the Cincinnati, Ohio tri-state area. Carson Bethea of Bethea Land-scape Services, Lillington, NC, was elected president of the North Carolina Landscape Contractors Association recently, replacing Leonard C. Tilson of L. A. Reynolds Landscaping, Winston-Salem, NC. Elected vice-president was Michael F. Currin of Greenscape, Fayetteville; secretary-treasurer is Richard W. McFetters of Southern Plant Sys-tems, Greensboro. Use our classified blind box service for confidential results! Products WEED CHART Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. Nationwide (800) 321-S325 Home of LESCO Products 300 South Abb* Ro*d. Elyrta. Ohio 44030 (210) 323-7544 In Ohio (800) 362-7413 OUACKGRASS ICOUCHGRASS) {Agropyron roppm i) 0< d.*p* m. MOT Ring o» rooMMK *«*ry A lo | CONTROL WITH ROU I TREATMENT) (poal wi NOUP (SPOT wgr«i] CONTROL WITH LESCO OCVRINOL. (pr*-*m*rg*nc*) LESCO DICAMSA -2.4-0. LESCOPEX LESCOPAR. LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN ONE lkMfitml«» CONTROL WITH LESCO OEVRINOL (pr.-MMf|m«| LESCOPAR. LESCO OICAMB* Ł2.4-0. LESCOPEX (po*t-*m*rQ*nc*) LESCO Sells Selective Herbicides For Your Pre and Post Emergent Weed Control Needs | CRABGRASS i HAIRY CRABGRASS 1 SMOOTH CRABGRAS! LARGE CRABGRASS. I. FALL GRASS (DtgHmrf tpp ) CONTROL WITH LESCOSAN OR LESCO OEVRINOL (pr* .rn.rg.nc. Łpnng wtuct\ turn to Sully CONTROL WITH LESCOPAR. LESCO DICAMSA 2 4 0 LESCO EIGHT ONE. LESCO TEN-ONE LESCO ŁT I S I >* y fEF CONTROL WITH LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN ONE. LESCOPAR. LESCO OICAMBA 2.4-0 lpo.1 wwyic«l CURLY DOCK AltolMrhWI P CONTROL WITH LESCOPAR. LESCO DICAMBA 2 4 0 LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN-ONE GROUND IVY (GILL OVER-THE-GROONO. CREEPING CHARLEY) CONTROL WITH LESCOPEX. LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN-ONE. LESCO OICAMBA -2.4-0 (po*l-.m.rp.nc<) CONTROL WITH LESCO A-4.0. LESCO OICAMBA -2.4-D. LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN-ONE (p CHEALALL .SELF I (Prunlla nrtgartt) NEAL) ' . . -r Ł u -* 1 V, ft* Ł - Ł . 1 >f It*' (am.ty (CONTROL WITH LESCO OICAMBA -2.4-0. 1 I LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN-ONE. 1 LESCO A-40 (po.l-«nwrg*nc*) mlmM* HENBIT** (OEAONETTLE) CONTROL WITH LESCO SAN (pr* OR LESCO DICAMBi Ł2.40. LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN-ONi (p ^m H Ła®1"* * Y . NIMBLE WILL MUHLENBERGIA) MALLOW (Ma/ra tpp ) Sm« portion Niapod I*. d«c and bn*i mo CONTROL WITH LESCO OEVRINOL. (pr. .rn.rp.nc) LESCOPAR. LESCO EIGHT-ONE. LESCO TEN-ONE. LESCO DICAMBA -2.4-0 (poil mrf^r Ask your LESCO representative for your free full-size LESCO Weed Chart. Call Barb to place your herbicide order. (800) 321-5325 Nationwide (800) 362-7413 In Ohio LESCQ PRODUCTS Division of Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. 300 South Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44036 (216) 323-75744 Chem Lawn Gun Ł the best in the business /Ł \ PROSTRATE KNOTWEED* (WIREGRASS) {Polygonum .Wo/tor.) < 2 >< DC H CO D Q Z UJ a: < U z £ < CLASSIFIED RATES: 65 cents per word (minimum charge, $20). Bold face words or words in all capital letters charged at 90 cents per word. Boxed or display ads charged at $55 per column inch (one inch minimum). Agency commissions will be given only when camera-ready art is provided by agency. For ads using blind box number, add $5 to total cost of ad. Send ad copy with payment to Dawn Anderson, LAWN CARE INDUSTRY, 1 East First Street, Duluth, MN 55602. BOX NUMBER REPLIES: Mail box number replies to: LAWN CARE INDUSTRY, Classified Ad Department, 120 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55802. Please include box number in address. FOR SALE Finn Bantum 800 Hydroseeder, 1980 Model Š Like new. Tower, 200' hose, electric reel Š on Finn trailer. Contact Garry Struyk (402) 592-2233 or (712) 328-9227. 5/83 FOR SALE: Out of business, must sell unopened 55 gal. drum of Dursban. Various other chemicals and supplies. Will sell cheap or trade. 216-357-8400. 5/83 FOR SALE Š PATENTED LAWN KING COM- BINE WITH TRACTOR, STAINLESS STEEL EXPELLERS, GOOD CONDITION, $2500.00. CALL 301-833-6221. 5/83 SPRAYERS Š FACTORY DIRECT, professional gardeners, turf applicators, proven dependability, unconditionally guaranteed. Black River Sprayers, Dept. 1-B, P.O. Box 11, Long Beach, N.C. 28461. 8/83 Lawn-Care MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Software for multi-user CPM or OASIS systems with 5mb, Hard-Disk. "RASCAL" in use since Dec. '81. $2500 + license, set-up, training. The Green Scene, 5842 Tampa Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356, (213) 705-6388. TF HELP WANTED General Manager position open for chemical lawn and shrub division of established landscaping company in the sunbelt area. Tremendous opportu-nity for an aggressive individual having experience with a national or regional lawn care company. We are looking for a BUSINESSMAN Š the very BEST!! Knowledge of turf grass, ornamental plants, and marketing needed. The right person will enjoy excellent salary, benefits, and opportunity for equity participation with unlimited earnings potential. Send complete resume including education, experience, and salary history. All replies will be kept confiden-tial. Write LCI Box 85. 5/83 MISCELLANEOUS KELWAY® SST., new professional SALINITY TESTER using microchip technology, retails under $90.00. Eliminates soluble salts problems by telling when to leach or fertilize. Available from distributors. Brochure from KEL INSTRUMENTS CO., INC.. P.O. Box 1869, Clifton, N.J. 07015, (201 )-471 -3954. 5/83 KELWAY® SOIL ACIDITY TESTER, used by PROFESSIONALS nationwide. Direct reading, portable, serviceable. Model HB-2 reads moisture, too. Available from distributors. Brochure from KEL INSTRUMENTS CO., INC., P.O. Box 1869, Clifton, N.J. 07015, (201 )-471 -3954. 12/83 ADVERTISERS Reader Inquiry No. Page 102 BFC Chemical 40 103 BulkkemCorp 17 104 Ciba-Geigy 32-33 105 Cushman Turf 30 106 Dedoes Industries, Inc 26 107 Diamond Shamrock 28 108 Dow Chemical U.S.A 23 109 Dow Chemical U.S.A 2-3 110 Elanco 27 126 Elanco 38-39 111 Excel Industries 25 112 Jacobsen, Div of Textron 7 113 Lakeshore Equipment & Supply 37 114 Mobay Chemical Co 34 115 Mobay Chemical Co 12-13 116 Monsanto Co 8-9 117 ND Spark Plugs 18 118 Northrup King 16 119 Northrup King 11 120 PickseedWest 25 122 Ryan Turf 24 123 Salsco Inc 31 124 Stihllnc 10 125 Tuco Agri Chemicals 29 NEW PRODUCTS 150 Power sprayers proven versatile 32 151 Compact backhoes offer stability 32 152 Tine Rake goes deep into surface 32 153 Sprinkler monitor helps save water 32 154 Hole mole added to boring devices 33 155 Soil test brochure 33 156 Flail mowers added existing line 33 157 Quick way to kill unwanted growths 33 This index is furnished for the readers convenience. However, the publisher can not guarantee its accuracy due to circumstances beyond our control. FOR SALE Profitable wholesale foliage nursery for sale in Central Florida, specializing in fern hanging baskets, 33 acres on main highway in prime location, 60,000 sq. ft. of shade houses and greenhouses, two wells, sophisticated electronic irrigation, fully operational, professionally staffed (only requires 4 people to operate and manage!), three mobile homes and much more. $425,000 with 50% down, balance easy terms. Excellent tax shelter. Owner retiring. Write: GREEN HAVEN NURSERY 2848 Nursery Road Lake Wales, FL 33853 (813) 676-1222 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY How to grow when the grass doesn't Make profitable use of your time Š your equipment Š and your market all year round. A Chimneys Unlimited dealership includes the complete training, equip-ment and promotion package to make you the leading chimney sweep in your market area during the off-season. Call or write for details. No obligation. Chimneys Unlimited P.O. Box 104 14152 Irving Avenue Dolton, IL 60419 (312) 849-9161 SERVICES ŁPESTICIDE ANALYSIS* Š Agricultural Residue Carryover in soil, water Š Lawn Care Company Residue and Formulating Š Long-term Residue Studies Š Miscellaneous organic compound analysis. LESCO PRODUCTS Division of Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. 300 S Abbe. Elyria, OH 44036 216-323-7544 5/33 WANTED ACCOUNTS WANTED Š National chemical lawn care company seeks accounts to acquire. Selling price open for negotiation. If interested, send name, address, phone number and number of accounts available to LCI Box 86. 5/83 New Rubigarfspel Is curtains for | f^W^^r^) QOmO trated product. Long lasting con-LI Id I oUI I Id RubiganŽ turf fungicide serves notice. Because,after extensive testing, Rubigan has proven to be remarkably effective in evicting unwanted fungi that give any golf course an unfair handicap. Broad spectrum control. Dollar spot (even fungicide resistant strains), large brown patch, fusarium blight, stripe smut and pink or gray snow moldŠthese tenants might as well start thinking about a forwarding address. And if others are lurking in the neighborhood, Rubigan is com- patible with most contact or systemic fungicides commonly used on turf. Preventive and curative action. Rubigan provides you with the flexi-bility to manage a disease prevention program and,at slightly higher rates, provides curative action on dollar spot and large brown patch. More to the point, Rubigan acts as an enforcer that prevents turf diseases from mak-ing themselves feel at home on tees, greens and fairways. Unlikely development of resistance. Rubigan has a mode of action involv-ing three or more sites of inhibition (a multi-site inhibitor). Years of suc-cessful use outside of the U.S., as well as trial usage in the U.S., have shown that susceptible fungi commonly found in turf have not been able to develop resistance to Rubigan. Longer-lasting control. Rubigan is a very active, concen-between spraying. You can re-duce the number of application trips and save on fuel and labor costs. What's more, lower use rates mean less storage and lower handling costs. Rapid leaf penetration. Rubigan is a foliar-applied, locally sys-temic fungicide. It's absorbed al-most immediately into leaf tissue and isn't susceptible to washoff by rainfall' or irrigation once the spray has dried. While the spray is drying, the active ingredient sets up shop inside the plant where it can't be washed out. Disease protection begins immedi-ately after application. Excellent turf grass safety. No adverse effects or discoloration BIRUM from page 18 "All this moisture promotes healthy growth of our desired grass and plants," he continues, "but it also generates a tremen-dous amount of undesirable vege-tation." The undesirable vegeta- tion Birum is referring to includes practically every weed species indigenous to North America. But, he singles out dandelions, chickweed, and Canada thistle as his worst problems. "We've cer- tainly got a very wide variety of weed problems," he observes, "but I have had good success control-ling them with two primary chemicals: 2,4-D and Roundup." Birum uses 2,4-D for spot treat-ments in solutions ranging from 1 to \xk ozs. in a three gallon sprayer with water, depending on the density of the infestation. "Since 2,4-D is applied directly to a lawn area, we feel any higher concent- ration would likely burn the lawn itself," he explains. While Larry finds the 2,4-D effective for controlling dandel-ions and Canada thistle on his lawns, he relies on Roundup for virtually all his other weed prob-lems. "It can be used anywhere to control weeds without worrying about leaching into sensitive areas," he claims. "With all the rain and moisture we get, leaching is a very serious problem." Saves 'thousands' Before he began using Roundup, Birum relied primarily on hand weeding to clean up these sensi-tive areas. "I used to hire around four or five people every summer to do nothing but hand weed," he recalls. "I estimate that I have reduced hand weeding by almost 90 percent and saved thousands of dollars a year in labor." Birum has also found the prod-uct effective in his renovation operations. "I see complete reno-vation as a last resort," he says. "I always prefer to seed into an existing lawn unless it is just too weed-infested or worn out to work with." Birum begins his renova-tion procedure with a broadcast application of Roundup at a rate of one gallon per acre from a 150- gallon fiberglass tank skid-mounted on a one ton flatbed truck. He waits at least seven days after application to allow the chemical to translocate com-pletely, and comes back with a thatching machine to prepare the lawn for seeding. Birum has gone to hydroseeding primarily in the drier summer months, but is utilizing the tech-nique on more of a year-round basis as he finds the equipment more economical than hand appli-cations. Larry Birum's willingness to experiment with new products and techniques, along with his diligent pursuit of perfection, seems to ensure the continual success of The Shaw Company. As he puts it, "Everything seems to grow well around here, why should we be any different?" RubiganŽ EPA Experimental Use Permit No. 1471-EUP-50. Before and after views are shown on two properties on which Larry Birum's company worked. Left, Birum's initial job was scheduled to involve the use of Roundup to remove existing vegetation. The area in the right photo looked much like that on the left before Birum's crew cleared away the existing vegetation and applied bark mulch and planted ornamentals. Rubigan. It's spreading. For b«st results, ^^ always read and follow the ® label directions. occurs when Rubigan is used at recommended rates. Your university turfgrass research personnel will tell you that Rubigan is as beneficial to your turf as it is destructive for five major turf diseases. For more infor-mation on cost-efficient Rubigan, contact your distributor or write: Elanco Products Company, 740 S.Alabama St., Dept. E-455, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285. Precautions: Applications of RUBIGAN to turfgrass areas containing Pea annua (annual bluegrass) may result in the gradual reduction of this species from the turfgrass area. Cumulative dosages of 5 pounds of RUBIGAN 50W per acre or 2 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. are usually necessary for this response to occur.Turfgrass areas contain-ing Poa annua which cannot tolerate its reduction should not be treated