NEWSLETTER
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ENGLAND
MARCH 1957
"Never one thing and seldom one person caii
make for a success. It takes a number of them
merging into one perfect
whole."
MARIE

DRESSLER.

That about describes the reason for the huge success of the two day turf conference held under the
sponsorship of the Golf Course Supts. Assoc. of N. E.
at the Waltham Field Station March 4, and 5. Everyone participating in this affair gave their all to make
it a success. From the program committee right down
to the last speaker, from the director of the Waltham
Station to the janitor, from O. Clapper to his file
clerk, our president down to the newest member, and
from the front row to the back row of the interested
audience there was an earnest, sincere and cheerful
attitude that made the show what it was. T h e program itself was diversified in subject matter, neither
too long nor too short. It was just right. T h e 160 the
first day and 140 the second day showed this in their
faces as they left the hall. Congratulations to all who
had any part in this conference.
Space does not permit a long resume of all the
interesting talks but if the reader doesn't mind being
in the rough here is the gist of the meeting. Following the splendid remarks by our president Francis
and the well chosen words of Director Havis it was
fitting that the father of the fine turf school, Prof.
Dickinson, was called upon for the introduction of
the conference.
" T u r f Renovation" was A. M. Radko's subject.
He said that the 4 million golfers in the U. S. playing
66 million rounds of golf a year naturally dislike any
disturbance in playing conditions. Each club must
make a very strong approach to the renovation work.
T h e Supt. must go on record on what improvements
should be made and how and when. Make careful
plans. Inform the membership what will be done and
why. Educate them. Leave no stone unturned to in-

companied by excellent slides, on the effects of clipping heights and fertilization on root and top growth
of fine turf grasses. By varying nutrients applied to
roots and tops in different quantities there were different responses in root and top growth. Close clipping of top growth reduced both tops and roots,
making it necessary to effect the most favorable
growth possible.
Prof. Whitcomb, Entomologist at the Waltham
Station, gave an interesting presentation on turf insects and their control. White grubs, Jap. beetle,
Asiatic beetle, and chinch bugs held the limelight.
Suggested rates of the common and newer insecticides
were recommended for control of these insects. He
suggested that we know something about the time
lag between the date of application and the time the
insecticide becomes effective so we know when to expect results. Research and new insecticides are fast
catching up with todays insects.
Dr. Klomparens (Upjohn Co.) emphasized the
principles of turf diseases and their control. He illustrated that the parasitic organism is always present
ready to go to work when it has two other things, a
host plant and proper environment. Spray to prevent or control. Keep the plant as healthy as possible
for minimum infectation.
Dr. Colby (U. of Mass.) gave a good talk on Soils
and Fertilizer. His explanation of soil chemistry was
enlightening. Know the nutrient requirements and
keep the crop supplied in the proper balance.
A1 Radko ably summarized the conference at
which he is so capable. In fact much of his summary
has been used in this letter. He closed his remarks
by saying, "This conference has been a resounding
success — it has been one of the best." Adding to these
words we all say amen.
Editors Note. In addition to all the visible reasons
for the_success of this conference it occurs to the

sure tne J O D D e m g u o n c r i g x n . .
^
cur. Keep the area in play where ever possible — fairways especially. Tees and greens temporary but keep
them as good as possible, with least possible disturbance.
Next subject, "Weed Control" Panel — Maney
Francis, Phil Cassidy, Albert Allen, and Dick Silver.
Moderator — Dr. Havis. An excellent job was done in
answering questions. Rates and results of 2 4 D and
sodium arsenite thoroughly discussed. Crab grass,
knot weed, chick weed and clover received a going
over. Control of weeds and grass in sand traps with
jtotent killers was cautioned. Copper sulphate or
sodium arsenite for pond algae was recommended.
Chlorinated water harmful to grass? (No.) Clover
control early fall — 2 4 5 T plus 2 4 D excellent.
Low pressure sprayer — 40 lbs-50 gal. tank. 5 qts to 50
gal. on 5 acres — 7 miles per hour. — Considerable
emphasis given to following directions on labels right
to the letter on different materials used.
"Trees On Golf Courses" by Dr. McKenzie (U. of
Mass.). Many trees today on highways, golf courses,
and housing developments are killed in ignorance by
fill around the trees. Their days are numbered when
this happens. A 25 foot tall tree should flare out at
its base. If it is straight at its base it must have
been filled at this point. This means a slow death.
Trees like any other plant must have air for its root
growth. Bulldozer injuries by cutting big roots
another cause of death. Select your trees for beauty,
shade, and practicability. Give them good care. Feed,
spray and water.
Dr. Elliot (U. of Mass.) on the subject Turf
Research at U. of Mass. gave an enlightening talk, ac-

editor that certain background lactors also contributed to its success. For example:
1. It was our first attempt at such an event at
the Waltham Field Station.
2. T h e Field Station itself with its splendid auditorium, its facilities for a caterer, its convenience for
the public, and its exclusiveness were definite factors.
3. Having the luncheons in the building insured
concentration and encouraged good fellowship.
Many of the boys are already asking, when will
we do it again?
At the business meeting Leo Brown, Commonwealth C.C. and R . Joseph Dandurand, Maynard C.C.
were voted associate memberships. One application
for new membership was read from Joseph Capozzi,
Norfolk C.C.
OUR NEXT MEETING
AT THE WALTHAM FIELD STATION
Monday, April 1.
Luncheon 12:30
Dr. James R. Watson (Toro Co. Agronomist)
Dr. Watson is a good speaker as well as a scientist.
Don't miss it.
This will not be an April Fools Party even though
some still say,
"Young men think old men fools and old men
know young men to be so."
METCALF.
Those who ordered the new Lapel pin can pick
them up at this meeting — Price $2.75 each.
T h e committee on By-Law revision will meet at
10:30 Monday April 1st prior to the regular meeting.
H . DARLING,
Editor.