LETTER
Golf Course Superintendents

Association

Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship
Fund — Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students.

OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

July 1995

Four GCSANE supers prepare courses
for prestigious USGA tournaments
July Meeting
Monday, July 10,1995
Indian Ridge Country Club
Andover, Massachusetts
Host Superintendent
Roger Brink
7:30 a.m. Golf (Supt. Championship)
Shotgun start, with lunch and
regular meeting to follow.
Cost: Lunch only - $17;
Golf & Lunch-$40
Reservations Required
Call by July 5, 1995
(508) 632-0252
You must pay by check - No cash!
Checks payable to GCSANE
Roger Brink has been the golf course superintendent at Indian Ridge C.C. since 1989. Prior
to that he was the assistant superintendent at
Worcester C.C. for three years. Roger has also
worked at The Country Club, The Orchards
G.C., Fairway Oaks Golf and Racquet Club in
Abilene, Texas, and at Bristol Harbour G.C. in
Canandaigua, N.Y. He is a 1986 honors graduate of Stockbridge and a former Lawrence
Dickinson / GCSANE scholarship recipient.
Roger and Dee Brink and children Brenna
(10) and Kyle (8) reside in Londonderry, N.H.
In his spare time, Roger enjoys golf and spending time with his family.
Directions: From 1-495, take exit 43A (Rte.
133 East), take right atfirsttraffic light onto
Lovejoy Road. Go approximately one-half mile
and take left on Iroquois Ave. Club is 1/4 mile
ahead. From Rte. 128 (1-95) take Exit 37N
(1-93 North). Take Exit 42 (Dascomb Road)
right towards Andover. Turn left on Lovejoy
Road, then right onto Iroquois Ave., which
leads to the club.

iMLiU^Ll^LMilAi.iMLiiMUALlMLLl

T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Golf Association app a r e n t l y l i k e s t h e k i n d of golf c o u r s e w h e r e
the locals ply their trade. O r m o r e specifically, t h a t a u g u s t g u i d i n g h a n d of t h e
g r a n d and ancient g a m e k n o w s a good layo u t w h e n it s e e s o n e .
W h i c h is o n e w a y of t r u m p e t i n g t h e f a c t
t h a t f o u r G o l f C o u r s e S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s of
N e w England Association members are
p u t t i n g t h e spit a n d p o l i s h of t h e i r g r o o m ing p r o g r a m s in place f o r prestigious
U S G A national tournaments this summer.
T h e y are: T h e Public L i n k s Championship at S t o w Acres, J u l y 1 7 - 2 2 ; the J u n i o r
Girls Championship at the L o n g m e a d o w
Country Club, J u l y 24-29; the National
Women's Amateur Championship at The
Country Club, Aug. 5 - 1 2 ; and the Women's
Mid-Amateur Championship at the Essex
County Club, Sept. 1 3 - 2 1 .
B o b D e m b e k , i n h i s first h e a d s u p e r ' s
post and only his f o u r t h y e a r in the profession since his graduation f r o m Stockbridge
School, is t r y i n g to dial in s o m e low-key
approach to the t a s k at h a n d in w h a t h a s
been an eventful debut as Stow's main
maintenance man.
I w a s n er vo us at first," he said, " b u t I
have a handle on things now. J u s t say that
I ' m excited about everything since I took
over for A n d y Langlois last J a n u a r y . I ' m
k i n d of on a hot seat all right. H o w e v e r , t h e
U S G A people s e e m to be satisfied w i t h
w h a t they see everytime they come here."
D e m b e k w o k e u p on that hot seat v e r y
early in the season w h e n S t o w hosted the
Massachusetts Golf Association four-ball
c h a m p i o n s h i p . T h e p u b l i c l i n k s field w i l l
be using the same North Course the M G A
b o y s did and, a s p l a y in t h a t e v e n t evolved,

nothing but raves on course condition
c a m e o u t of t h e l o c k e r r o o m a n d 1 9 t h hole.
T h e r e f o r e , D e m b e k is setting u p t h e
c o u r s e j u s t a s he did for t h e four-ball a f f a i r .
" W e ' r e talking 9 1 / 2 - 1 0 1/2 S t i m p m e t e r
reading for green speed and 2-3 inches for
the rough," Dembek revealed. " A s we

"I'm kind of on a hot seat..
however, the USGA people
seem to he satisfied with
what they see."
Boh Dembek
Stow Acres
s p e a k ( J u n e 1), t h e course is in pretty good
shape, and don't forget, w e opened early
(Mar. 14). I guess m y time, as assistant
h e r e u n d e r A n d y (the t w o also p l a y e d h i g h
school golf on the s a m e state c h a m p i o n s h i p
t e a m at E a s t h a m p t o n ) really helped. Anyw a y , I ' m k e e p i n g a close eye on the t u r f a n d
hoping the other elements cooperate."
Longmeadow superintendent Rich
Derby, w h o w a s a top high school p l a y e r in
his own right, has a simple f o r m u l a for
getting the course r e a d y f o r the invasion of
the 18-and-under y o u n g women players.
" I j u s t got the course condition to w h e r e
m e m b e r s w a n t it a n d h o p e t o k e e p it a t t h a t
level f o r t h e r e s t of t h e s u m m e r , " h e said.
" I ' v e h a d two or three visits f r o m U S G A
officials like T i m M o r a g h a n and K e n d r a

continued on page 2

Page 10

continued from page 1
Graham, a n d they have only o n e message
for me: 'Don't change a thing'."
T h e j u n i o r girls layout will b e set u p
somewhere between theyardage from the
m e n ' s r e g u l a r tees (6,200) a n d t h e shorter
tees (5,700). D e r b y figures middle g r o u n d
to b e a b o u t 5,900 yards. " I ' m v e r y fortunate,"

Rich

remarked.

"We have

good,

"if course conditions come
through, my biggest concern
will he TV- accommodating
the large contingent it brings
to a tournament site. "

healthy turf here a n d we'll b e watching

Bill Spence
The Country Club

and monitoring the weather to seethat no
PRESIDENT

Edward L. Brearlay
189 Matfleld Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379
508-584-6568
Evergreen Valley Country Club

VICE PRESIDENT

serious problems occur. T h e only variation
f r o m t h e n o r m I ' v e h a d to do is b u i l d

a

temporary practice facility f o r t h e girls a
few hundred yards down the road. M y crew

Robert DIRIco, CGCS*
326 Fuller Street, West Newton, MA 02165
617-527-6968
Brae Burn Country Club

(19 turf-oriented personnel) dida good job

target B u t this place can play hard at 5,800.

on that, a s it h a sever since I b e c a m e h e a d

Whatever t h e final count, it will give t h e

s u p e r a couple of y e a r s ago. O t h e r w i s e , i t ' s

w o m e n a good test, with all t h e aesthetic

SECRETARY

just a normal routine around here."

side effects of a n early A m e r i c a n course.

Kevin F. Osgood
14 Inman Lane, Foxborough, Ma 02035
617-630-1950
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course

TREASURER

Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, Chlcopee, MA 01020
413-256-8654
Hickory Ridge Country Club

TRUSTEE

John T. Hassett
110 Montgomery Avenue, Lowell, MA 01851
508-458-7300
Mount Pleasant Golf Course

TRUSTEE

Scott Reynolds
543 Dedham Street, Newton Centre, Ma 02159
617-244-7741
Charles River Country Club

TRUSTEE
James B. Conant, CGCS*
606 River Road, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1735
508-362-1136
King's Way Golf Club

FINANCE CHAIRMAN

James Fitzroy, CGCS*
357 W. Squantum St., North Qulncy, MA 02171
617-328-1776
Presidents Golf Course

GOLF CHAIRMAN

Almost as unassuming a n d obviously
not intimated b y the challenge, stands T h e
Country Club's Bill Spence, w h o took that
stately course on a successful U S G A Open
ride in the y e a r of Curtis S t r a n g e (1988).
T h e Women's Amateur isn't oldh a t to
Spence, b u t h e doesn't appear to b e overw h e l m e d b y t h e assignment of readying a
course f o r some top-notch players.
"I suppose m yexperience with the Open

M y biggest concern is t h e t i m i n g of t h e
t o u r n a m e n t , t h e dogs d a y s of A u g u s t w h e n
the humidity can b e a killer. T h e ladies will
be playing our regular course, not the Open

d e s c r i b e a s an u n d e m a n d i n g g u e s t a t o u r
club. S o f a r t h e only guideline I've h e a r d is
i n t h e a r e a o f g r e e n p a c e (9 f t . ) , w h e r e
consistency appears t o overrule speed. I ' m
looking forward to the tournament. I think
I m a yeven enjoy it."
G E R R Y

July 10

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
<& Superintendent
Championship Tournament
Indian Ridge C.C.
Andover, Mass.

Aug. 14

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Ponkapoag G.C.
Canton, Mass.

Sept. 11

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
& Team of Two
Championship Tournament
Westminster C.C.
Westminster, Mass.

Oct. 16

GCSANE
Turf Research Tournament
Salem C.C.
Peabody, Mass.

Oct. 18

Shanahan Memorial
Pro-Superintendent Tournament
Wfflowbend Club
Cotuit, Mass.

Nov. 6

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Hopedale C.C.
Hopedale, Mass.

Nov.
28-29

GCSAA Regional Seminar
Golf History, Theory, Construction,
and Maintenance
The International
Bolton, Mass.

Jan.
15-17,
1996

65th Mass. Turf Conference
& 20th Industrial Show
Boston Marriott - Copley Place
Boston, Mass.

away feeling they want a moderate playing
on the Stimpmeter, and concentrating on
producing good turf. If course conditions
TV, or accommodating the large

contin-

g e n t it b r i n g s t o a t o u r n a m e n t s i t e . "
Pat Kriksceonaitis, in his fifth year at

Michael Nagle, CGCS*
51 Lincoln Avenue, Holden, MA 01520
508-853-6574
Worcester Country Club

if h e sees i n S e p t e m b e r w h a t U S G A offi-

PAST PRESIDENT

cials described after playing E s s e x inM a y

Essex, is hoping for a repeat in a sense that

and J u n e , he'll b e home free for the mida m a t e u r shooting.
T h e y gave t h e place a glowing review,"
P a t said. " T h e y ' d like to set s o m e w h e r e i n
the vicinity of 6,000 y a r d s a s t h e y a r d a g e

Information contained In this publication may be
used freely, in whole or in part, without special
permission as long as the true context Is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line.

nllilitJj.ljtüi.illUtlL.lriliiiUliitliilriiiiiiJil

FINN

Calendar

aghan) a n d Kendra (Graham) I've come

come through, m y biggest concern will b e

Newsletter Edltor . Michael F. Nagle, CGCS
Associate Editor . Stephen Chiavaroll, CGCS
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business Manager
Robert Ruszala

It seems to

a n d I guess it's

r u b b e d o f f o n t h e U S G A , w h o m I like to

course. A f t e r n u m e r o u s visits b y T i m (Mor-

EDUCATION CHAIRMAN

Stephen A. Chiavaroll, CGCS*
6 Birch Street, Paxton, MA 01612
508-752-0031

attempts.

can't afford to over-react to t h e situation.

field with n o tricks. We're thinking 9 1/2

NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN

our grooming

please o u r membership

kicks in somewhere," Bill advised. " B u t I

Michael J. Hermanson
100 Eaton Street, Gardner, MA 01 440
508-632-2713
Gardner Municipal Golf Course
Richard Duggan, CGCS*
93 Warren Avenue, Marlboro, MA 01752
508-369-0879
Concord Country Club

"We t r y to maintain that natural style
in

"I'm looking forward to the
tournament / think I may
even enjoy it"
Pat Kriksceonaitis
Essex County Club

MÜALlMlLiMÜALlMiiiMLiMÜALltlL

Page 10

The Super Speaks Out:
This month's question: What are your thoughts on the change of site and time for the
Massachusetts

Turf Conference, from Springfield and March to Boston and

Greg Misodoulakis, Bellevue Golf
Clufo: " F i r s t , let m e put in m y strong t w o
cents' w o r t h f o r a definite in-favor vote for
the move.
"Why? Because we
h a v e to g r o w a n d this
i s t h e w a y t o do i t . T h e
conference had its day,
its t i m e in the Springfield a r e a . B u t w e h a v e
to t a k e a step f o r w a r d ,
in this case m a n y miles east. Regardless,
the idea of c h a n g i n g t h e site to B o s t o n is
m o n u m e n t a l . T h e r e is no comparison.
" I ' m not trying to put the knock on
Springfield. It has served the conference
w e l l , b u t l e t ' s f a c e it, S p r i n g f i e l d is a n old
a n d tired city c o m p a r e d to B o s t o n , w h i c h
h a s the attractions to p a v e the w a y for a
bigger and better turf conference.
" A s a m e m b e r of the N e w H a m p s h i r e
turf conference committee, I've tuned into
t h e s i t u a t i o n v e r y closely. A lot of u s on
that committee h a v e gone on the record as
approving the changes and perhaps w e see
the day w h e n other groups can join the
G C S A N E to t u r n the conference into a
gigantic regional production."

Dave Barber, Wellesley Country
C l u b : " I ' m looking f o r w a r d to the c h a n g e s
for no other reason
than the fact that a
change w a s necessary.
It's the time when J o e
and Lonnie Troll have
d e c i d e d t o t a k e it e a s y
a f t e r guiding t h e conference over the rough
spots and hand over
t h e c o n t r o l s to u s
(GCSANE).
" T h e r e is no comparison b e t w e e n t h e
sites of S p r i n g f i e l d a n d Boston. A f t e r all,
Boston h a s the reputation as a triple-A
convention city. It h a s all t h e facilities a n d
tourist attractions that can m a k e conference-going a tremendous experience for
attendees and their guests.
" I also like t h e i d e a of h a v i n g e v e r y t h i n g
u n d e r o n e r o o f . I f it i s d e s i r e d , a p e r s o n c a n
c h e c k i n t o t h e h o t e l a n d n e v e r l e a v e it
while t a k i n g in all p h a s e s of the confer-

ence. In conclusion, I ask: 'Where would
y o u r a t h e r spend a day or two . . . Springfield or Boston'?"
Manny Francis, Jr., Green Harbor
G o l f C l u b : " T h i s might t u r n into somew h a t of a g e o g r a p h i c a l i s s u e . T h o s e w e s t of
Worcester p r e f e r to s t a y in Springfield,
t h o s e e a s t w a n t to s w i t c h to B o s t o n . O r is
that too simple?
" G e o g r a p h i c a l l y , t h e m o v e is m o r e convenient for me. However, m y personal
outlook bypasses the physical convenience.
A n d I lean on sentimental values b y stating
t h a t I t h i n k the conference should stay in
Springfield.
" T h a t ' s m y heart talking. It's also the
c o u n t r y side of m e s a y i n g t h a t t h e c h a n g e
f r o m Springfield (relatively rural) to Bost o n (definitely u r b a n ) m a y b e too m u c h of
a culture shock. We'll see.
" A s f o r t h e t i m i n g , J a n u a r y i n s t e a d of
March, I wonder how m a n y supers will
h a v e to c h a n g e vacation p l a n s to m a k e the
n e w date? I m e a n , is it really w o r t h all this
to upset something this established?"
Mike Hermanson, Gardner Municip a l G o l f C o u r s e : "Of course, I a m a
m e m b e r of t h e G C S A N E b o a r d a n d h a v e
m y convictions in the direction of m a k i n g
a change. T h e y a r e obvious. I ' m all f o r t h e
move.
"As for convenience and expense, I
t h i n k I s t a n d o u t a s p m i d d l e of t h e r o a d e r
to t h e degree t h a t in G a r d n e r I ' m deade v e n a s f a r a s t r a v e l goes. I t ' s so m a n y
miles to Springfield, the s a m e to Boston.
"In the past, I have commuted because
of less t a x i n g t r a f f i c conditions. T h i s t i m e
I'll h a v e to s t a y over, so the convenience
factor suffers. T h e n , on the other hand, the
t i m e c h a n g e m a k e s it e a s i e r f o r m e t o b l o c k
out open dates on m y basketball officiating
schedule. Overall, t h a t m a k e s it a standoff.
" G o i n g to the b o t t o m line m e a n s going
head to head . . . Springfield against Boston. Result? N o contest. B u t a s k m e the
same question a year f r o m now. A n d ask
others. In other words, let's give the
c h a n g e s a c h a n c e t o s e e if t h e y w o r k . "

January?

other f a c t o r into m y decision to a t t e n d the
c o n f e r e n c e in B o s t o n . T h a t f a c t o r is t h e
cost factor. M y club doesn't h a v e the f u n d s
f o r o v e r n i g h t outlay. So, if I go, it will be a
one f u l l d a y to a n d f r o m .
" I really h a v e n ' t h a d a chance to discuss
the other v a r i a b l e s involved in m o v i n g
f r o m S p r i n g f i e l d to B o s t o n . S o m e s a l e s m e n
s e e m t o like t h e i d e a of b e i n g a b l e (they
think) to spread a n d e x p a n d their salestalking boundaries.
" W h a t e v e r , t h e t i m e c h a n g e is a positive
w i t h m e . W e ' r e a l w a y s at the m e r c y of the
w e a t h e r , w h e t h e r it b e i n A u g u s t o r M a r c h .
So, w h e n the w e a t h e r allows m e to get a
j u m p on m y w o r k in M a r c h , the c o u r s e is
w h e r e I ' m going to be. M y club obligations
c o m e first.
"Right now I'm undecided about going
t o B o s t o n . I m a y g i v e it a c h a n c e , s e e w h a t
develops. I really don't know. We'll see
when J a n u a r y gets here."
Charlie Passios, Hyannisport Golf
C l u b : " I remember talking about something like this . . . the
association becoming
more involved and a
move a possibility.
T h a t w a s six y e a r s ago
and the guy doing the
talking w a s J o e Troll.
" I think it's a great
move, but emphasize
that the first beginn i n g s of t h e n e w site a n d t i m e s h o u l d s e r v e
as a tribute to J o e a n d L o n n i e Troll w h o
put heart a n d soul into t h e conference for
so long. T h e y k e p t it g o i n g a n d n o w it's o u r
c o m m i t m e n t t o b r i n g it t o a n o t h e r l e v e l .
" W h e n you analyze the overall picture,
it's clear t h a t a c h a n g e w a s in line. T h e
conference h a d a long r u n in Springfield
b u t I s e n s e it w a s b e c o m i n g s t a g n a n t .
T h e r e f o r e , t h e c h a n g e to B o s t o n is a clearcut p l u s for the conference. W e ' r e g o i n g to
a first c l a s s c i t y a n d a first c l a s s f a c i l i t y ,
and the convenience becomes the conference's keynote speech in a nutshell.

" T h e y ' r e taking the conference out

" A s f o r t h e t i m e c h a n g e , i t fits m y p e r spective. Hit the B o s t o n show, m o v e to the
national, t h e n b a c k to the club r e c h a r g e d
for the long season. It's a move and change
f o r t h e b e t t e r m e n t of all. L e t ' s do i t . "

of m y b a c k y a r d (Monson) a n d p u t t i n g an-

GERRY FINN

Kevin

Club:

Killoy,

Quaboag

Country

Page 10

GCSANE help is needed to save
critical teaching position at UMass
Dr. Richard Cooper h a s left the Universioty of M a s s a c h u s e t t s

and

Stockbridge

Stockbridge to refill this v a c a n t position.

and T u r f Research. With your help,

W e all k n o w that Stockbridge has produced

sure they will hear us.

quality

turf managers

in the

golf

Here are addresses and F A X

I'm

numbers

School of Agriculture to accept the position

high

of A s s o c i a t e P r o f e s s o r o f T u r f g r a s s S c i e n c e

course a s well as l a w n care fields. If this

of the m e m b e r s of t h e U m a s s administra-

at

tion w h o should recieve letters:

in

position is not filled, a large void will b e left

Raleigh. Dr. Cooper w a s an Associate Pro-

in the Stockbridge T u r f P r o g r a m for future

fessor in the D e p a r t m e n t of P l a n t &

Soil

students and also for present superinten-

cellor's

the

dents and turf managers who depend on

Administration

turf research in their daily

Massachusetts, Amherst, M A 01003, FAX:

North

Sciences,

Carlina

Program

State

University

Coordinator

Stockbridge Turf Management

for

Program,

Coordinator of the T u r f Winter

School,

maintenance

routines.

Chancellor David K . Scott, T h e
Office,

374

Building,

Chan-

Whitmore
University

of

(413) 545-2328.

in

We need your help! If this vacant posi-

S o u t h Deerfield, participated in E x t e n s i o n

tion is to b e filled, w e all m u s t w r i t e to t h e

more Administration Building, University

managed

the Turf

Research

Facility

Dr.

Patricia

Crosson, Provost,

Whit-

T u r f P r o g r a m educational outreach activi-

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n of U M a s s . R e m e m b e r , it's

of M a s s a c h u s e t t s ,

ties, a n d conducted r e s e a r c h in t h e a r e a s of

a n u m b e r s game: T h e more people

FAX: (413) 545-2328.

turf fertility, cultural m a n a g e m e n t ,

m a i l or f a x letters to these decision-mak-

Dr. Robert Helgesen, Dean, College of

ers, t h e better chance we'll h a v e to get this

Food and Natural Resources, Stockbridge

and

f a t e of pesticides.

who

Amherst,

MA

01003,

critical position filled. P l e a s e t a k e t h e t i m e

Hall, University

has

to w r i t e a n d tell t h e m y o u r c o n c e r n s a n d

herst, M A 01003, F A X : (413) 545-1242.

r e f u s e d to allow D e a n R o b e r t H e l g e s e n of

wishes for the Stockbridge Turf Program

Since Dr. Cooper's resignation, Dr. Patricia

Crosson,

Provost

of U M a s s ,

Scenes from the GCSANE
Scholarship & Benevolence
Tournament
May 22 at Poquoy Brook C.C.
Below, at the 8th tee at Poquoy Brook C.C., Chris Cowan launches another scud. At right at the 6th
tee are (I. to. r.) Ed Savage, Mark Savage, Dr. Prasanta Bhowmik, and Bob Ruszala. Below right,
at the Poquoy Brook putting green, the field gets in some last-minute practice putts.

of M a s s a c h u s e t t s ,
MIKE

Am-

NAGLE

Page 10

Turfgrass clipping management:
To remove ..or not to remove clippings?
Dr. William M. Dest,
University of Connecticut
It h a s become a common practice over
t h e last 1 5 y e a r s or so to r e m o v e g r a s s
clippings f r o m h o m e lawns and other turf
grass areas. Although there are situations
in which g r a s s clippings m u s t be r e m o v e d
such as on putting and l a w n bowling
g r e e n s or w h e n clippings a r e so excessive
a s to s m o t h e r t u r f , t h e s e n s i b l e a p p r o a c h
is to r e t u r n g r a s s clippings to other t u r f
areas.
Several problems with removing grass
clippings a r e 1 ) the cost to b a g and/or h a u l
t h e m a w a y , 2) p l a c e s t o dispose of t h e m ,
a n d 3 ) t h e i r p o t e n t i a l a s a point s o u r c e of
w a t e r c o n t a m i n a t i o n if s t o r e d i n a s i n g l e
location.
T w o studies on clipping m a n a g e m e n t
were recently completed at Plant and Soil
Teaching and Research Farm, University
of C o n n e c t i c u t , S t o r r s o n a p e r e n n i a l r y e grass (Lolium perenne L . var. Blazer II,
F i e s t a II, J a z z ) a n d K e n t u c k y b l u e g r a s s
(Poa pratensis L. var. America) turf. T h e
first w a s a t h r e e y e a r s t u d y i n v e s t i g a t i n g
the effects of g r a s s clippings on the biological activity in a t u r f g r a s s c o m m u n i t y , their
effect on the physical and chemical properties of soils, a n d n u t r i e n t recycling u n d e r a
t u r f g r a s s s w a r d . T h e second study w a s to
determine h o w m u c h nitrogen fertilization
c o u l d b e r e d u c e d b y r e t u r n i n g g r a s s clipp i n g in p l a c e of t h e p r a c t i c e of r e m o v a l a n d
still m a i n t a i n t u r f g r a s s quality.
It w a s f o u n d t h a t the total clipping yield
in all t h r e e y e a r s w a s g r e a t e r w h e r e g r a s s
clippings w e r e r e t u r n e d c o m p a r e d to the
t r e a t m e n t in w h i c h clippings w e r e removed, a n indication of the difference in
t u r f g r a s s v i g o r . T h e f r e s h w e i g h t o f clippings r a n g e d f r o m 1 0 , 7 7 6 to 1 2 , 8 3 5 p o u n d s
per acre w h e n clippings were returned and

The studies showed important
benefits to be gained by
returning grass clippings
back to the turf.

f r o m 6 8 2 3 to 9,800 p o u n d s p e r a c r e w h e r e
r e m o v e d . T h e f r e s h w e i g h t of c l i p p i n g s a l s o
provided information on t h e a m o u n t of
grass clippings that are potentially hauled
to landfills a n d other disposal sites w h e n
c l i p p i n g s Eire r e m o v e d f r o m l a w n s . F u r ther, the difference in yield between the
t w o practices is a reflection of n u t r i e n t
recycling, particularly nitrogen. This w a s
also apparent by nitrogen deficiency symptoms that were experienced at certain
periods over the three growing seasons
where clippings were removed, even
t h o u g h 3 lbs. N p e r 1 0 0 0 sq. f t . divided into
three applications w a s applied e a c h y e a r to
t h e plots.
T h e t r e a t m e n t s in w h i c h clippings w e r e
recycled r e t u r n e d 1 3 5 , 1 1 8 , a n d 1 3 5 lbs.. N
p e r a c r e in e a c h of t h e t h r e e y e a r s r e s p e c tively, while 1 0 8 , 78, a n d 6 7 lbs. N per acre
w a s removed f r o m plots in w h i c h clippings
w e r e collected. T h i s is a s u b s t a n t i a l l o s s of
nitrogen being equivalent to 1.5, 1.8, a n d
2 . 5 p o u n d s of nitrogen p e r 1 0 0 0 s q u a r e feet
i n e a c h of t h e t h r e e y e a r s , n i t r o g e n t h a t
would be reutilized in part by the plant
t h u s r e d u c i n g s o m e of t h e n e e d f o r fertilizer nitrogen. This w a s substantiated by
our second study in which w e w e r e able to
r e d u c e t h e n i t r o g e n t r e a t m e n t of 3 lbs. N
p e r 1 0 0 0 sq. f t . p e r y e a r to 1 . 5 lbs.. N p e r
1 0 0 0 sq. ft. a n d still m a i n t a i n a q u a l i t y
t u r f g r a s s s w a r d w h e r e w e r e t u r n e d clipp i n g s . H o w e v e r it s h o u l d b e r e c o g n i z e d
t h a t reducing nitrogen r a t e s b y one-half is
not feasible in all situations. T h e a m o u n t
of r e d u c t i o n t h a t c a n b e o b t a i n e d w o u l d
d e p e n d on t h e p r e s e n t a m o u n t of n i t r o g e n
fertilizer- being applied over the growing
season, soil t e x t u r e , a n d its o r g a n i c m a t t e r
content. T h i s is s o m e t h i n g t h e professional
t u r f m a n a g e r will h a v e to e x p e r i m e n t w i t h
and adjust nitrogen fertilizer application
rates accordingly.
D i s e a s e s of r e d t h r e a d , r u s t , a n d l e a f
spot were evident at certain periods over
all g r o w i n g s e a s o n s , w i t h t h e g r e a t e r disease incidence occurring in the clipping
r e m o v e d plots. S e v e r e d a m a g e on t h e clipping removed plots f r o m pink snow mold
o c c u r r e d i n M a r c h in t w o o u t of the t h r e e
years. T h e difference in disease severity
between the clipping t r e a t m e n t s probably
w a s a result of a m o r e healthy g r a s s plant
f r o m nutrient recycling in t h e clipping ret u r n e d plots, although disease suppression
m a y h a v e been d u e to d i f f e r e n c e s in diver-

sity and/or population differences in microflora. T h i s needs to be studied to
a s c e r t a i n if t h i s i s o c c u r r i n g .
E a r t h w o r m activity w a s greatly enhanced in the clipping returned treatment
during the three years compared with plots
in which g r a s s clippings w e r e removed.
T h e a d d e d c l i p p i n g s s e r v e d a s o r g a n i c litter f o r the e a r t h w o r m s resulting in a n
i n c r e a s e in their population. Subsequently, water infiltration rates,
determined by using double ring infiltrometers, w a s substantially increased in
the plots in w h i c h clippings w e r e r e t u r n e d
c o m p a r e d to clipping removal. T h e differe n c e is p r o b a b l y a r e s u l t of a l a r g e r n u m b e r
of m a c r o p o r e s l e f t b y t h e g r e a t e r e a r t h w o r m activity in the clipping recycled
plots. T h i s led to p r e f e r e n t i a l f l o w of w a t e r
down the macropores.
The studies showed important benefits
to b e gained b y r e t u r n i n g g r a s s clippings
b a c k to the turf. R e c y c l i n g the essential
plant n u t r i e n t s , reduction in disease incidence, a n d t h e p r o m o t i o n of e a r t h w o r m
activity w i t h its contribution to b e t t e r soil
conditions contribute to a healthier environment for plant growth.
T h e r e is presently a national m o v e m e n t
b y s o m e p a r t s of t h e t u r f g r a s s i n d u s t r y t o
promote clipping recycling. It is h o p e d t h a t
the results from this study will provide
information on the benefits to be derived
b y d o i n g so a n d s t r e n g t h e n t h e i n d u s t r y ' s
effort in promoting national a w a r e n e s s on
this important issue.

From Turf Notes,
March/April 1995.

Recycling the essential plant
nutrients, reduction in disease
incidence, and the promotion
of earthworm activity (with its
contribution to better soil
conditions) contribute to a
healthier environment for
plant growth.

Paged

Thunderstorm & lightning safety:
How you can stay prepared... and safe
Be prepared
before the storm...
• K n o w the county in which y o u live
a n d t h e n a m e s of n e a r b y m a j o r cities.
Severe weather warnings are issued
on a county basis.
• Check the weather forecast before
leaving for extended periods outdoors.
• Watch

for signs

of

approaching

storms.
• If a s t o r m is approaching, k e e p

a

N O A A Weather Radio or A M / F M radio w i t h y o u .
• P o s t p o n e outdoor activities if t h u n d e r s t o r m s a r e i m m i n e n t . T h i s is y o u r
best w a y to avoid b e i n g c a u g h t in a
dangerous situation.
« Check on those who h a v e trouble taki n g s h e l t e r if s e v e r e
weather
threatens.

If caught outdoors
and no shelter Is nearby...
• Find a low spot a w a y f r o m trees,
fences, a n d poles. M a k e sure the place
y o u pick is not subject to flooding.
• If y o u a r e in the woods, t a k e shelter
under the shorter trees.
• If y o u feel y o u r skin tingle or y o u r h a i r
s t a n d on end, s q u a t low to t h e g r o u n d
on t h e b a l l s of y o u r feet. P l a c e y o u r
hands on your k n e e s with y o u r head
between them. M a k e yourself the
smallest target possible, a n d minimize your contact with the ground.
• If y o u a r e boating or s w i m m i n g , get to
land and find shelter immediately!

What to do when
thunderstorms approach...
• R e m e m b e r : if y o u c a n h e a r t h u n d e r ,
y o u a r e close enough to the s t o r m to
b e s t r u c k b y lightning. G o to s a f e shelter immediately!
• M o v e to a sturdy building or car. D o
not take shelter in small sheds, u n d e r
isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning is occurring a n d a s t u r d y
shelter is not available, get inside a
hard top automobile and keep

• G e t to h i g h e r g r o u n d if f l a s h flooding
or flooding is possible. Once flooding
begins, a b a n d o n cars a n d climb to
h i g h e r g r o u n d . D o not a t t e m p t to
d r i v e to s a f e t y . N o t e : M o s t f l a s h f l o o d
deaths occur in automobiles.

win-

dows up.
• G e t out of b o a t s a n d a w a y f r o m w a t e r .
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can
conduct electricity. U n p l u g appliances not necessary for obtaining
weather information. Avoid using the
telephone or a n y electrical appliances.
U s e p h o n e s only i n a n e m e r g e n c y .
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• T u r n off air conditioners. P o w e r
surges from lightning can overload
the compressors.

Warnings and watches:
What to listen for...
Severe T h u n d e r s t o r m Watch: tells y o u
when and where severe thunderstorms are
m o r e likely to occur. W a t c h t h e s k y a n d
stay tuned to k n o w w h e n w a r n i n g s are
issued. W a t c h e s are intended to heighten
public a w a r e n e s s a n d should not be confused with warnings.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: issued
when severe weather has been reported by
spotters or indicated b y radar. W a r n i n g s
indicate i m m i n e n t d a n g e r to life a n d prope r t y to t h o s e i n t h e p a t h of t h e s t o r m .

Myths and facts
about lightning
M Y T H : I f it i s n o t r a i n i n g , t h e n t h e r e i s
no danger f r o m lightning.
F A C T : Lightning often strikes outside
of h e a v y r a i n a n d m a y o c c u r a s f a r a s 1 0
miles away from any rainfall.
M Y T H : T h e r u b b e r soles of shoes or
rubber tires on a car will protect y o u f r o m
being struck b y lightning.

F A C T : Rubber-soled shoes and rubber
tires provide N O protection f r o m lightn i n g . H o w e v e r , t h e s t e e l f r a m e of a
hard-topped vehicle provides increased
protection if y o u a r e not t o u c h i n g metal.
A l t h o u g h y o u m a y b e i n j u r e d if l i g h t n i n g
strikes y o u r car, you are m u c h s a f e r inside
a vehicle t h a n outside.
M Y T H : People struck by lightning
carry an electrical charge and should not
be touched.
F A C T : Lightning-strike victims carry
no e l e c t r i c a l c h a r g e a n d should b e attended to immediately. Contact y o u r local
American R e d Cross chapter for information on C P R a n d first aid classes.
M Y T H : " H e a t lightning" occurs after
very hot s u m m e r days and poses no threat.
F A C T : W h a t is r e f e r r e d to a s " h e a t
l i g h t n i n g " is a c t u a l l y l i g h t n i n g f r o m a
t h u n d e r s t o r m too f a r a w a y f o r t h u n d e r to
be heard. However, the storm m a y be moving in y o u r direction!

From A Preparedness Guide
by t h e U.S. Dept. of Commerce,
NOAA, and the National Weather
Service, January, 1994.

Postpone outdoor activities
if thunderstorms are imminent
This is your best way to avoid
being caught in a dangerous
situation.

Remember: If you can hear
thunder, you are close enough
to the storm to be struck by
lightning. Go to a safe shelter
immediately!

Page 10

Consider causes of insecticide "failure":
Diagnosis, application rate & timing,... and water
Dr. Patricia J. Vittum,
University of Massachusetts

identification of the insect pest before a n y
effort can b e m a d e to control that insect.

S o m e t i m e s turf m a n a g e r s use insecticides to control insect p o p u l a t i o n s a n d
report that those applications did not w o r k
as well as they h a d expected or h a d hoped.
However, in m a n y cases the applicator
does not sample the insect population before he treats an area, a n d therefore does
not k n o w h o w m a n y insects h e h a d to start
with. For example, an area might have an
a v e r a g e of 2 5 w h i t e g r u b s p e r s q u a r e f o o t
before a n application is m a d e . A w e e k a f t e r
the m a t e r i a l is applied, a c o u n t m i g h t reveal five grubs per square foot. If a turf
m a n a g e r does not k n o w w h a t t h e original
population was, he might think that the
m a t e r i a l " f a i l e d " b e c a u s e h e still h a s f i v e
g r u b s per square foot. B u t in fact the mat e r i a l w o r k e d quite w e l l , k i l l i n g 8 0 % of t h e
population.
S o t h e f i r s t q u e s t i o n t o a s k i s , "Did

the

material really fail?"
There are virtually no circumstances
w h e r e w e can expect a traditional insecticide to control e v e r y single i n s e c t i n a t u r f
area. I n other words, w e c a n n e v e r hope to
eradicate a n insect population - a n d w e a r e
b e i n g u n r e a s o n a b l e if w e e x p e c t a c h e m i c a l
to give u s 1 0 0 % control.
Usually a turf manager will have a
p r e t t y g o o d g u e s s a s to w h a t t h e p r o b l e m
is - t h e d a m a g e looks similar to s o m e t h i n g
he has seen before, the insects he finds in
the turf look f a m i l i a r to h i m , or a neighbor
down the street compares notes a n d reports that h e is h a v i n g a p r o b l e m w i t h
"pest x". However, sometimes the insects
do s o m e t h i n g unexpected. Occasionally w e
f i n d l a r g e n u m b e r s of i n s e c t s b l o w i n g in
w i t h s p r i n g s t o r m f r o n t s . S o m e t i m e s insects change their feeding habits and
attack plants they have not attacked before.
So sometimes a turf m a n a g e r m a y not
k n o w w h a t k i n d of i n s e c t i s a t t a c k i n g t h e
t u r f , o r m i g h t m a k e a wrong
diagnosis.
Several insect species look v e r y similar.
F o r e x a m p l e , t h e g r u b s t a g e of t h e J a p a nese beetle, E u r o p e a n chafer, oriental
beetle, m a s k e d chafers, a n d black t u r f g r a s s
ataenius looks virtually identical, but the
life cycle f o r each is quite d i f f e r e n t - a n d the
best timing for chemical control depends
o n w h i c h s p e c i e s i s d o m i n a n t . S o it i s a b s o l u t e l y critical to h a v e the
right

M o s t i n s e c t s h a v e c e r t a i n s t a g e s of t h e i r
d e v e l o p m e n t w h i c h a r e susceptible to control and other stages which cannot be
controlled w i t h a n y insecticide currently
available on the market. A s a general rule
insect eggs and pupae are virtually impossible to control w i t h chemicals w h i l e larvae
a n d a d u l t s a r e m o r e l i k e l y to b e s u s c e p t i b l e
to control. S o m e insecticides a r e m o r e effective against adults than larvae, while
some are more effective against larvae

than adults. So timing of application is
critical t o t h e s u c c e s s of a control e f f o r t . A n
a p p l i c a t i o n w h i c h is m a d e w h e n m o s t of
the target insects are in the egg or p u p a
s t a g e is p r o b a b l y d o o m e d to f a i l u r e . S i m i l a r l y , a n application of a n adult-active
m a t e r i a l w h i c h is m a d e w h e n m o s t of t h e
target insects are larvae probably will not
w o r k very well. S m a l l larvae usually are
e a s i e r t o c o n t r o l t h a n l a r g e l a r v a e , s o if a n
application is m a d e w h e n m o s t of t h e insects are small larvae, that application will
h a v e t h e g r e a t e s t c h a n c e of c o n t r o l l i n g t h e
target insects.
M o s t insecticides h a v e a r a n g e of r a t e s
on the label. T h e s e rates h a v e b e e n establ i s h e d a f t e r s e v e r a l y e a r s of l a b o r a t o r y a n d
field testing and are on the label for a
r e a s o n . S o m e of t h e insecticide " f a i l u r e s "
w h i c h h a v e occurred c a n be traced to inaccurate applications. Sometimes an
a p p l i c a t o r f a i l s to o v e r l a p a d e q u a t e l y a n d
leaves strips which are not treated. Perhaps even more frequently an applicator
fails to calibrate the application e q u i p m e n t
frequently enough. Note that pre-season
calibration is a great idea, b u t will not last
through an entire growing season.

In other words, applying materials at
the wrong rate w i l l i n v a r i a b l y l e a d t o l e s s
t h a n ideal p e r f o r m a n c e of t h e p r o d u c t .
W h i l e it i s i n t u i t i v e l y o b v i o u s t h a t a p p l y i n g
t o o l i t t l e m a t e r i a l m a y l e a d t o l o s s of c o n trol, a p p l y i n g too m u c h m a t e r i a l m a y also
lead to problems. I n s o m e cases insecticides
m a y serve a s repellents at high rates, so
insects are driven a w a y from the treated
a r e a b u t n o t controlled. A n d of c o u r s e t h e r e
a r e several environmental, as well as legal,
concerns which come into play w h e n materials are applied above the labeled rate.
M a n y insecticide labels stipulate the
u s e of w a t e r immediately before or a f t e r a n
application. T h e s e requirements m a y be on
t h e l a b e l to e n h a n c e t h e e f f e c t i v e n e s s of t h e

m a t e r i a l (for example, t h o r o u g h w a t e r i n g
a f t e r a white grub application moves the
material through the thatch and draws the
g r u b s u p into t h e t h a t c h so t h a t t h e g r u b s
come in contact with the material) or m a y
be on the label to reduce e n v i r o n m e n t a l
e x p o s u r e c o n c e r n s . I n a n y c a s e , use of

water before or after application can make
a t r e m e n d o u s difference in the effectiven e s s of a n insecticide.
L a w n care applicators often have an
e x t r a challenge b e c a u s e m a n y of the m a t e rials they use should be watered in as soon
a f t e r application as possible, particularly
w h e n they are t r y i n g to control g r u b s . U n f o r t u n a t e l y , m o s t h o m e o w n e r s do not
understand w h a t must be done to irrigate
a l a w n w i t h h a l f a n i n c h of w a t e r , so t h e
material m a y already be at a disadvantage.
S o m e insecticides b r e a k down very rapidly
in w a t e r with high p H (very alkaline). Det e r m i n i n g p H indicates h o w acid or basic
(non-acid) a m a t e r i a l is. P u r e w a t e r is n e u t r a l , w i t h a p H o f 7; p H v a l u e s h i g h e r t h a n
7 are basic or alkaline. If the water supply
w h i c h i s u s e d t o fill a t a n k h a s a p H o f 8 . 0
or higher, s o m e insecticides will b e g i n to
b r e a k d o w n in the t a n k v e r y quickly. F o r
e x a m p l e , if t h e p H is 8.5, P r o x o l or D y l o x
will begin to b r e a k d o w n in a m a t t e r of
minutes.

High water pH is an often overlooked
r e a s o n f o r insecticide f a i l u r e . I n spite of all
the n e w s about "acid rain", several city
w a t e r supplies in the N o r t h e a s t t e n d to
have fairly high pH. Fortunately there are
several acidifying agents or b u f f e r s w h i c h
can be purchased from turf suppliers and
a d d e d to the t a n k to a d j u s t t h e p H so t h a t
the material does not b r e a k down as rap-

idly. So check your pH and adjust it if
necessary!
S o there are several reasons w h y insecticides m a y not w o r k as well as expected.
B u t before you blame the material, review
w h a t y o u did a n d b e s u r e t h a t y o u g a v e t h e
m a t e r i a l every chance to w o r k a s well a s it
could. M a k e sure you k n o w w h a t the insect
p e s t i s a n d w h a t s t a g e it i s i n , b e s u r e t h e
e q u i p m e n t is c a l i b r a t e d p r o p e r l y , u s e
w a t e r before or after the application as
directed, a n d u s e a m a t e r i a l that is labeled
for the insect pest y o u a r e t r y i n g to control.
A l l of these steps should help to i m p r o v e
t h e p e r f o r m a n c e of the material.
Reprinted from New York State
Turfgrass Association Newsletter,
Fall

1994.

n
Page

Please Patronize These FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
A-OK Turf Equipment
8 Boulder Dr., Coventry, Rl 02816
Buy & sell used turf equipment.
Mike Cornicelli - (401) 826-2584
AA Will Materials Corporation
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
Top dressing & bunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est. 1886.
Frank Will, Dan Graziano, Kevin LaPorte
1 -800-4-AAWILL
Agriturf, Inc.
59 DwightSt., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
Bruce Chapman, Paul McDonough,
Chris Cowan
1-800-346-5048
Baker Golf Cars
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Steve Founier, Doug Hooper
(508) 379-0092
Barilett Tree Experts
153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
Tree maintenance, fertilization & consulting.
(617) 969-5990
Bayer Corporation
1516 Capella South, Goat Island
Newport, Rl 02840
Baylaton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo, Nemacur.
Brad Herman-(401) 846-3515;
FAX (401) 846-8012
Best Bent Turf, Inc.
P.O. Box 318, Raymond, NH 03077
Alan Anderson - (603) 895-6220
The Borden Company
Maynard, MA
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (508) 897-2571
Boston irrigation Company
Dedham, MA
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbati
(617) 461-1560
Brennan Sales
P. O. Box 1082, Scarborough, ME 04070
Turf care products.
Bob Brennan - (207) 883-5799
Caldwell Environmental
5 Cross St., Acton, MA
(508) 263-4586
The Cardinals, inc.
166 River Rd„ P. O. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699
Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, carryalls, utility cars.
Jim Casey, Dave Farina, Ed Maguire
(508) 563-2284
Country Golf, Inc.
4852 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction & reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jeny Deemer-(616) 947-5751
Doering Equipment
P.O. Box N, Franklin, MA 02038
Distributor of John Deere golf & turf equipment.
Mark Doering - (508) 520-3629
Elanco Products Company
31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Stephen C. Dollnak - (401) 789-9017
jjtÜiriÜiliikijiÜAdÜlidlJilüLii^

F.B.I., Inc.
(Fairway Design Illustration)
55 Railroad Ave., Warren, Rl 02885
Custom granite signs & markers.
Joseph K. Martin, Robert Page
(401) 245-7890 or 1-800-358-8337
Goid Star Wholesale Nursery & Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, MA-(617) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717
Golf Direction Associates
54 N. Grove St., Foxboro, MA 02035
Business forms, graphics, reports, resumes.
Nora Berard - (508) 543-9822
FAX (508) 698-0402
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
P. O. Box 9169, Weathersfleld, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1-800-326-HART
International Golf Construction Co.
5 Purcell Rd„ Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonlos Paganls
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022
Irrigation Management & Services
21 Lakevlew Ave., Natlck, MA 01760-4252
Irrigation consultation, design and
system evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625
Tom Irwin, inc.
11B A St., Burlington, MA
Jack Petersen, Wayne Ripley, Dennis Friel
Paul Skafas, Chris Petersen
1-800-582-5959
Ken Jones Tire Co.
Worcester, MA
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, industrial equipment, and golf carts.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255
larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Steve Butler - (617) 862-2550
The Lawn Co., Inc.
P. 0. Box 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Fertilizers & pest controls applied;
fairway aeration & slice seeding.
Tom Fair - 1-800-660-TURF
Lazaro's Golf Course Accessories
dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro - (617) 647-3361
LESCO, Inc.
20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Mike Donohue
1-800-321-5325
Loft's Seed
22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, Ri 02822
Victoria Wallace- 1-800-648-7333
D.L. Malter Co.
Box 127, Concord St., N. Reading 01864
Water supply specialists;
water wells & pumping equipment.
(617) 933-3210
Mass Natural
P. 0. Box 363, Westminster, MA 01473
Manufacturers & suppliers of organic compost, enriched topsoil, custom planting mixes.
(508) 874-0744
Lawrence R. McCoy & Co., Inc.
100 Front St., 700 Mechanics Tower
Worcester, MA 01608
Wholesale resource for railroad ties, timbers,
bagged or bulk mulches, fencing, stakes,
planters, and ice & snow melt.
1-800-346-2269

Modern Aeration Service, Inc.
212 Kendrick St., Newton, MA 02158
Featuring water injection aeration.
Kevin Osgood - (617) 630-1950
Modern Tractor & Truck Service, Inc.
400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
Holliston sand/loam topdressing mixture, 1/2"
or 1/8" screened loam, underground tank
removal, Convault aboveground fuel tank.
Steven S. Howitt - (508) 761-5554
R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin
(508) 295-1553
Nardone Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.
37 Power Rd., Westford, MA 01886
Specializing in topdressing sand.
Greg Frederick - (508) 692-8221
Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.
Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester-(203) 828-8905
Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing
Kelsey Part, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated top-dressing, golf hole targets,
turf blankets, and other specialty golf supplies.
Jim Kelsey, 1-800-247-2326, (908) 637-4191
P.I.E. Supply Co.
For your irrigation needs; dedicated to sales
and service of quality irrigation equipment.
Frank Santos
(508) 420-0755 or (203) 878-0658
Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.
24 Johnathan Rd., W. Greenwich, Rl 02817
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs.
(401) 397-8880
Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.
171 VFW Dr., Rockland, MA 02370
Topdressing; root-zone mixes; bunker sand;
3/4 & 3/8 screened loams; cart path materials;
mulch; drainage stone.
Joe Farina- 1-800-660-2955
J.P. Roberts Co.
Technical resource catalog; survey-weathertesting-measurement & diagnostic equipment.
Barbara Piantedosi - (508) 456-6886
Safety Storage, Inc.
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
Prefabricated pesticide storage buildings,
gas & oil, storage cabinets.
(617) 599-5490
Sani-Mate Supply, Inc.
88 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
Distributor of Karcher hot high pressure
equipment and bulk detergents, sales, service,
and rentals.
Barry Hackett - (508) 752-8888
Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannigan,
Frank Higgins, John Lenhart
(508)682-9296
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard Forni - (413) 534-8896
Sodco, inc.
P.O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Matt Faherty, Joe Wagner
1-800-341-6900
Sports Club Management
104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know
compliance implementation.
Ron Smith-(617) 848-5978

Sullivan Tire Co.
Goodyear specialty tires & tubes.
Tom Wilson
MA: 1-800-464-1144, (508) 580-2222
NE:1-800-321-0042
Dahn Tibbett Professional Golf Services
d/b/a/ Weed & Feed, Inc.
20 Clark Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050
Specialists in golf course construction and
irrigation installation. We also offer a wire
tracing service.
(617) 837-3503, FAX (617) 834-2392
Tee and Green Sod, Inc.
Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, bluegrass and blue/fescue sod.
Dave Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Richmond, Rl
Chris Beasley- 1-800-556-6985
Turf Enhancement Enterprises
Featuring Floratine Products, Precision Small
Engine Co. & Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150
TurfNet Associates, Inc.
21 Brandywine Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Communication...information...
market intelligence
Peter L. McCormick - 1-800-314-7929
Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
Distributors of Toro irrigation and maintenance
equipment, lightning detection systems, and
other golf-related products.
Tim Berge, Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
John Winskowicz
(508) 791-2091
Turf Specialty, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, John Lensing
1-800-228-6656
United Horticultural Supply
P.O. Box 7, Sodus, NY 14551
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM.
Glen Larabee - (508) 223-4931
Ed Wiacek-(401) 254-1674
Varney Bros. Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Bellingham, MA
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian -1-800-441-7373
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109
1-800-243-0232
Winfield Nursery
1320 Mountain Rd., Suffield, CT06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Jeff Rogers
Philip Wogan
Golf Course Architecture
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983
Zip Type Service
50 Kent St., Newbuiyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing,
advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (508) 462-9358

10

1

Page 9

Please Patronize These FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
A-OK Turf Equipment
8 Boulder Dr., Coventry, Rl 02816
Buy & sell used turf equipment.
Mike Comicelli-(401) 826-2584
AA Wili Materials Corporation
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
Top dressing & bunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est. 1886.
Frank Will, Dan Grazlano, Kevin LaPorte
1-800-4-AAWILL
Agriturf, Inc.
59 Dwlght St, Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
Bmce Chapman, Paul McDonough,
Chris Cowan
1-800-346-5048
Baker Golf Cars
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Steve Founier, Doug Hooper
(508) 379-0092
Bartlett Tree Experts
153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
Tree maintenance, fertilization & consulting.
(617) 969-5990
Bayer Corporation
1516 Capella South, Goat Island
Newport, Rl 02840
Baylaton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo, Nemacur.
Brad Herman-(401) 846-3515;
FAX (401) 846-8012
Best Bent Turf, Inc.
P.O. Box 318, Raymond, NH 03077
Alan Anderson - (603) 895-6220
The Borden Company
Maynard, MA
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (508) 897-2571
Boston Irrigation Company
Dedham, MA
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbatl
(617) 461-1560
Brennan Sales
P. O. Box 1082, Scarborough, ME 04070
Turf care products.
Bob Brennan - (207) 883-5799
Caldwell Environmental
5 Cross St., Acton, MA
(508) 263-4586
The Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd„ P. 0. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699
Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, carryalls, utility cars.
Jim Casey, Dave Farina, Ed Maguire
(508) 563-2284
Country Golf, Inc.
4852 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction & reconstruction;
specialists In Donald Ross courses.
Jerry Deemer-(616) 947-5751
Doering Equipment
P.O. Box N, Franklin, MA 02038
Distributor of John Deere golf & turf equipment.
Mark Doering - (508) 520-3629
Eianco Products Company
31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Stephen C. Dolinak - (401) 789-9017

F.D.I., Inc.
(Fairway Design Illustration)
55 Railroad Ave., Warren, Rl 02885
Custom granite signs & markers.
Joseph K. Martin, Robert Page
(401) 245-7890 or 1-800-358-8337
Gold Star Wholesale Nursery & Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, MA-(617) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717
Golf Direction Associates
54 N. Grove St., Foxboro, MA 02035
Business forms, graphics, reports, resumes.
Nora Berard - (508) 543-9822
FAX (508) 698-0402
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
P. O. Box 9169, Weathersfleld, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1-800-326-HART
international Golf Construction Co.
5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022
Irrigation Management & Services
21 Lakeview Ave., Natlck, MA 01760-4252
Irrigation consultation, design and
system evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625
Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, MA
Jack Petersen, Wayne Ripley, Dennis Friel
Paul Skafas, Chris Petersen
1-800-582-5959
Ken Jones Tire Co.
Worcester, MA
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, industrial equipment, and golf carts.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255
Larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Steve Butler-(617) 862-2550
The Lawn Co., Inc.
P. 0. Box 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Fertilizers & pest controls applied;
fairway aeration & slice seeding.
Tom Fair - 1 -800-660-TURF
Lazaro's Golf Course Accessaries
dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro - (617) 647-3361
LESCO, Inc.
20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumlski, Mike Donohue
1-800-321-5325
Loft's Seed
22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, Rl 02822
Victoria Wallace - 1-800-648-7333
D.L. Maher Co.
Box 127, Concord St., N. Reading 01864
Water supply specialists;
water wells & pumping equipment.
(617) 933-3210
Mass Natural
P. 0. Box 363, Westminster, MA 01473
Manufacturers & suppliers of organic compost, enriched topsoii, custom planting mixes.
(508) 874-0744
Lawrence R. McCoy & Co., Inc.
100 Front St., 700 Mechanics Tower
Worcester, MA 01608
Wholesale resource for railroad ties, timbers,
bagged or bulk mulches, fencing, stakes,
planters, and ice & snow melt.
1-800-346-2269

Modern Aeration Service, Inc.
212 KendrickSt., Newton, MA 02158
Featuring water injection aeration.
Kevin Osgood - (617) 630-1950
Modern Tractor & Truck Service, inc.
400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
Holliston sand/loam topdressing mixture, 1/2"
or 1/8" screened loam, underground tank
removal, Convault aboveground fuel tank.
Steven S. Howitt - (50B) 761-5554
R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin
(508) 295-1553
Nardone Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.
37 Power Rd., Westford, MA 01886
Specializing In topdressing sand.
Greg Frederick-(508) 692-8221
Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.
Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester-(203) 828-8905
Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing
Kelsey Part, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated top-dressing, golf hole targets,
turf blankets, and other specialty golf supplies.
Jim Kelsey, 1-800-247-2326, (908) 637-4191
P.I.E. Supply Co.
For your irrigation needs; dedicated to sales
and service of quality irrigation equipment.
Frank Santos
(508) 420-0755 or (203) 878-0658
Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.
24 Johnathan Rd., W. Greenwich, Rl 02817
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs.
(401) 397-8880
Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.
171 VFW Dr., Rockland, MA 02370
Topdressing; root-zone mixes; bunker sand;
3/4 & 3/8 screened loams; cart path materials;
mulch; drainage stone.
Joe Farina- 1-800-660-2955
J.P. Roberts Co.
Technical resource catalog; survey-weathertesting-measurement & diagnostic equipment.
Barbara Piantedosi - (508) 456-6886
Safety Storage, Inc.
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
Prefabricated pesticide storage buildings,
gas & oil, storage cabinets.
(617) 599-5490
Sani-Mate Supply, Inc.
88 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
Distributor of Karcher hot high pressure
equipment and bulk detergents, sales, service,
and rentals.
Barry Hackett - (508) 752-8888
Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannigan,
Frank Higgins, John Lenhart
(508) 682-9296
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard Forni-(413) 534-8896
Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Matt Faherty, Joe Wagner
1-800-341-6900
Sports Club Management
104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know
compliance implementation.
Ron Smith-(617) 848-5978

Sullivan Tire Co.
Goodyear specialty tires & tubes,
Tom Wilson
MA: 1-800-464-1144, (508) 580-2222
NE: 1-800-321-0042
Dahn Tibbett Protessional Golf Services
d/b/a/ Weed & Feed, Inc.
20 Clark Lane, Marshfieid, MA 02050
Specialists in golf course construction and
irrigation installation. We also offer a wire
tracing service.
(617) 837-3503, FAX (617) 834-2392
Tee and Green Sod, Inc.
Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, bluegrass and blue/fescue sod.
Dave Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Richmond, Rl
Chris Beasley- 1-800-556-6985
Turf Enhancement Enterprises
Featuring Floratlne Products, Precision Small
Engine Co. & Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150
TurfNet Associates, Inc.
21 Brandywine Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Communication...information...
market intelligence
Peter L. McCormick - 1-800-314-7929
Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
Distributors of Toro irrigation and maintenance
equipment, lightning detection systems, and
other golf-related products.
Tim Berge, Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
John Winskowicz
(508) 791-2091
Turf Specialty, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, John Lensing
1-800-228-6656
United Horticultural Supply
P.O. Box 7, Sodus, NY 14551
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM.
Glen Larabee - (508) 223-4931
Ed Wlacek-(401) 254-1674
Varney Bros, Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Bellingham, MA
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - 1-800-441-7373
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109
1-800-243-0232
Winfield Nursery
1320 Mountain Rd„ Suffield, CT 06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Jeff Rogers
Philip Wogan
Golf Course Architecture
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983
Zip Type Service
50 Kent St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing,
advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (508) 462-9358

Page 10

Sharing space with wildlife calls for balance
C r e a t i n g a beautiful landscape a n d enj o y i n g the sights, sounds, a n d diversity of
w i l d l i f e a r e p r i m a r y b e n e f i t s of m a n a g i n g
y o u r l a n d w i t h t h e n e e d s of w i l d l i f e i n
mind. Y e t as soon as that once-graceful
deer eats y o u r s h r u b b e r y d o w n to twigs, or
f l o c k s of C a n a d a g e e s e l e a v e s m a l l piles of
surprises that make walking a hazard,
y o u r f o n d n e s s for wildlife m a y b e g i n to
w a n e . S u c h conflicts with wildlife b e h a v i o r
or boundaries m a y even lead y o u to quest i o n t h e s a n i t y of m a n a g i n g p r o p e r t y a s a
shared space with wildlife. T h r o w in a
neighbor's complaint about your efforts
and being a cooperative sanctuary m a n ager can sometimes pose quite a challenge.
S t r i k i n g a balance b e t w e e n the needs of
people a n d those of wildlife is k e y to e v e r y
successful cooperative sanctuary. But
given the divergent values, perceptions,
a n d experiences that people h a v e of wildlife a n d n a t u r e , this is not a l w a y s easy. W e
o f f e r the following suggestions to help y o u
reap the greatest benefits from sharing
space w i t h wildlife:
1. C a r e f u l l y consider y o u r n e e d s
and surroundings w h e n planning to
e n h a n c e y o u r p r o p e r t y . B y outlining
your goals and any limiting factors up
front, you'll avoid most problems later. F o r
example, consider the relationship bet w e e n y o u r cat a n d y o u r bird feeding
activities, or y o u r needs f o r m a i n t a i n e d
play space with y o u r desire to create " w i l d "
habitat areas.

SSÏ10lSüld

2. R e c o g n i s e y o u r r o l e a n d y o u r
l i m i t s a s s a n c t u a r y m a n a g e r . You'll
s a v e y o u r s e l f a lot of f r u s t r a t i o n if y o u
u n d e r s t a n d that y o u can't control wildlife.
Y o u r j o b is to provide conditions t h a t support wildlife survival, tinker where needed,
a n d t r y to w o r k in h a r m o n y w i t h y o u r land.
3. B e w a r e of " T h e B a m b i Synd r o m e . " All wildlife species, not j u s t those
that are "cute and fuzzy," have a place in
nature. While it's often the more beautiful
o r c h a r i s m a t i c species t h a t w e w a n t to attract, chances are these species depend on
the less g l a m o r o u s f o r survival. Strive to
provide the most diverse and healthy habit a t t h a t y o u c a n , f r o m soil t o p l a n t s t o
insects, rodents, birds a n d m a m m a l s . B y
d o i n g this y o u ' l l c r e a t e f a v o r a b l e conditions for your favorite species and a
h e a l t h y ecosystem w i t h plenty of n a t u r a l
checks and balances.
4. D e a l w i t h a n y c o n c e r n s o r c o m plaints directly. As
a
sanctuary
m a n a g e r , y o u ' r e b o u n d to encounter situations w h e r e y o u r efforts to enhance a n d
attract wildlife are feared, misunderstood,
or generally unwelcome. Dealing directly
w i t h people's v i e w s a n d feelings is o f t e n
t h e b e s t w a y to c o m m u n i c a t e y o u r goals,
educate people about wildlife habitat, and
invite support. Let people k n o w that you're
participating in the A C S P a n d that y o u ' r e
following a carefully thought-out managem e n t plan. Often, w h e n people understand

w h a t y o u ' r e t r y i n g to do, t h e y ' l l b e m u c h
m o r e s u p p o r t i v e of y o u r e f f o r t s .
5. W h e n w i l d l i f e p r o b l e m s arise,
d o n ' t i g n o r e t h e m . As human expansion
a n d habitat loss force wildlife to s h a r e ever
smaller quarters w i t h people, it's inevitable that some conflicts w i t h wildlife will
arise. E v a l u a t e each situation to be sure
you fully understand what's happening.
F o r instance, are you dealing with someone's fears or perceptions, or w i t h actual
property damage? K n o w i n g the scope and
n a t u r e of t h e p r o b l e m w i l l help y o u choose
the most appropriate solution. Also, learn
about the species that's causing problems.
O f t e n y o u c a n c h a n g e s o m e e l e m e n t of
their habitat to reduce the conflict.
6. S t e p b a c k to e v a l u a t e a n d e n j o y
w h a t y o u ' v e c r e a t e d . A l t h o u g h day-today stresses and problems m a y periodically
cloud y o u r vision, m a i n t a i n i n g y o u r sanct u a r y at y o u r home, school, golf course, or
business should be a f u n and rewarding
experience. Y o u r commitment to sharing
space w i t h wildlife is vital to s u s t a i n i n g a
h e a l t h y e n v i r o n m e n t . T a k e credit a n d enjoy y o u r good work!
F r o m Field Notes,
a publication of the
N e w York Audubon Society,
May/June, 1995

0 2 9 1 0 VW ' N 3 Q 1 0 H
3 A V N I O O N H IS
3 1 9 V N 3X1W
:o; ujrqay

i-9 -ON l!UiJ9d
VIAI 'pod/hnqMSN

a i vd
aßeisod s n
l!El/M s s e i o i s j y

H3XX3m
TSM3U
mi
^