LETTER
Golf Course Siiperísiteiideiafs

Association OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship

May 1996

Fund - A w a r d e d yearly to deserving Turf Management Students.

Recent move to Golf Home office
streamlines G CSAN E operations
T h e move has been made. And it's a good
one. "And it's long overdue," quipped Golf
Course Superintendents Association of
New England president Bob DiRico. "I
mean, now we (GCSANE) have an address
. . . a return address, whatever."
DiRico was talking about the
GCSANE's recent operations move to
Golf House from where the association's
administrative paper work will be handied
by secretary Janice Vance. The building,
located in Weston, is a three-sided partnership since it is shared with the Women's
Golf Association of Massachusetts and the
Ouimet Golf Museum.
DiRico, lead conductor in streamlining
the day-to-day operations of the supers'
group, thinks the whole wrap - joining administrative housemaking with the WGAM
and Ouimet people - is a natural. "We've
been working out of a revolving telephone
booth for a long, long time," he said.

fa this issue . . *
Page
Calendar of Events

2

The Super Speaks Out
Government

Relations

3
. . . . . .

Pesticide Testing at UMass
Kennedy receives Morrill

. . . .

Award

5

. . 5

GCSANE News Notes . . . . . . .
GCSAA News
USGA Green Section News

4

6
6,8

. . . .

Divot Drift

•TÜALDLLJDLL.TÜJIILL.LJIÜI.ILJLUJ^

7
8

"With the association
enjoying an ongoing
growth pteri©<ds we felt it
was necessary to keep up

with that growth by
having an administrative
home ©fear own/'
. Bob DiRico
President, GCSAPSE
"Now, this comes along and the setup is
perfect. Janice also is executive director
the women's golf association and brings a
wealth of experience and know-how to her
work for us."
"This has been on the board of directors' table for quite a while. With the
association enjoying an ongoing growth
period, we felt it was necessary to keep up
with that growth by having an administrative home of our own. It gives us a base
of operations for all of our functions.
Before we made this move, the paperwork
involved in running the GCSANE constituted an awfui burden on the job of
treasurer. From now on, that job is in
Janice's capable hands."
The hiring of an administrative secretary and leasing space from which
administrative decisions and association

news are passed on to members is
nothing new in the spiraling world of
the golf course superintendent. DiRico
reminds that many regional wings of the
GCSAA are doing business in the same
manner, adding another touch of professionalism to the supers' status. In fact,
there are some who have gone the route
by hiring full-time executive directors to
take over all administrative aspects of
running operations.
"People don't reaiize just how much
time and effort go into getting things to
run smoothly," DiRico explained. "Those
phones in the homes of our board (of directors) sometimes are ringing off the
hook when a question concerning the
membership comes up. Then there's the
correspondence that goes with making
meeting dates, sites, and what not, setting
up reservations and getting those member
tournaments in working order. Janice has
had experience in all phases of association
business, i think we're lucky she's available. I know it's going to be another plus
for us. And it's surfacing already from
the number of calls coming into our
new office."
Which is old hat for Janice, who virtually grew up on the golf course when her
late father, Larry Gannon, was head professional at the old Happy Valley layout. And
therein lies another story. Janice's father
was such a storied fixture there that the
powers-that-be renamed Happy Valley the
Larry Gannon Municipal Golf Course.
continued on page 2

Page IO
••MBÉRjplÉÉdMHHÉB

PRESIDENT
Robert DIRIco, CGCS*
326 Fuller Street, West Newton, MA 02165
617-527-6968
Brae Bum Country Club
VICE PRESIDENT
Kevin F. Osgood
14 Inman Lane, Foxborough, MA 02035
517-630-1950
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course
SECRETARY
James Fltzroy, CGCS*
357 W . Squantum Street, North Qulncy, MA 02171
617-328-1776
Presidents Golf Course
TREASURER
Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, Chicopee, 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
61 7-244-7741
Charles River Country Club
TRUSTEE
Charles T. Passlos, CGCS*
P. O. Box 392, Hyannisport, M A 02647-0392
508-775-5116
Hyannisport Club
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
James B. Conant, CGCS*
606 River Road, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1735
508-362-1136
Kings Way Golf Club
GOLF CHAIRMAN
Michael J. Hermanson
100 Eaton Street, Gardner, MA 01440
508-632-2713
Gardner Municipal Golf Course
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
Michael V. lacono, CGCS*
42 Newton Street, Weston, MA 02193-2399
617-899-7913
Pine Brook Country Club
NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
Michael Nagle, CGCS*
51 Lincoln Avenue, Holden, MA 01520
508-853-6574
Worcester Country Club
PAST PRESIDENT
Edward L. Brearley
189 Matfleld Street, West Srldgewater, MA 02379
508-584-6568
*denotes Certified Golf Course Superintendent

M J T H E I

NEWSLETTER
Newsletter Editor . . M i c h a e l F. Magi®, C O C S
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business Manager
Hobert Russala
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. W e would appreciate a credit line.

LIIIIÉTILI^FIÌRIIY^^IILIFRIIIIRIÈÉIILI,

hìliìililiiiiiiii'iiii'i'' iiiili l'iwiiii iti imi) «ini j«.' fh'it.yiriüA-. ÌMLÌÌAÌILÌALÌmìììaìILLIIIÌÌiìLÌMLLIÌAÌAALAMLIIA
continued from page 1
"That's kind of where 1 come from,"
Janice looked back at the days when she
was introduced to golf. "I was b r o u g h t up
with a golf club in my h a n d s and I played
in a lot of junior t o u r n a m e n t s around the
area. 1 did all right, but I did other things,
too. My game's still decent, though. I
think I'm playing to a 10 handicap these
days . . . not working on it, just at it."
It didn't take the wheels of communication too long to spin in Janice's direction
when Bob DiRico and GCSANE directors
were looking for a person to run the Golf
House office. DiRico contacted Ann Marie
Tobin, a noted golfer and WGAM official,
who recommended Janice without hesitation. That's all DiRico needed and the
"deal was done".
Although Janice doesn't make much of
her athletic background and prowess
along those lines when she was into
sports seriously as a participant, she actually under-rates herself. And that active
ability on the field has crossed over to her
job with the women's golf association, and
now with the game's u n s u n g heroes - the
golf course superintendents.
"Being so close to the golf course
when my father was at Happy Valley, I can
appreciate what the superintendents have
done and are doing for the game," Janice
remarked. "They're usually placed in the
background when talk about golf courses
comes up. But, in reality, they're the backbones of the game. All you have to do is
look what golf course conditioning has
turned into. It's practically an art, and
these are the guys making it happen."
Janice will be serving the association
on a part-time basis, since her executive

director's chores with the WGAM keep
her busy. There are over 2,000 WGAM
members, which means the job of crossing
all the t's and dotting all the i's in the paper work corner doesn't leave Janice
much time for taking well-deserved bows.
"I do get away sometimes," she revealed. "One of those times is Mothers
Day, the only day in the year I insist that
my daughters play golf with me. We tee it
u p and anything goes."
By the way, Janice's daughters can
hold their own on the sports field, too.
Betsy is a graduating senior and All-American field hockey player at Northwestern
University and Amanda is a freshman and
aspiring soccer star at the University of
Wisconsin.
All of which makes for a good mix at
Golf House . . . Janice Vance, the WGAM,
Ouimet Museum, and GCSANE. Score one
for the good guys.
GEMEY FINN

Calendar
May 21

GCSANE Scholarship
& Benevolence Tournament
Green Harbor Golf Club
Marshfield, Mass.

June 10

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Larry Gannon Coif Course
Lynn, Mass.

July 16

GCSANE Joint Meeting
with RIGCSA
Agawam Hunt Club
West Barrington, R.I.

August 12

Superintendent /
Green Chairman Tournament
Oak Hill C.C.
Fitchburg, Mass.

September 23

'Being m close to the golf
course when my father
was at Happy Valley;
I can appreciate what
the superintendents
have d&n® and are doing
for the game."

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Twin Hills Country Club
Longmeadow, Mass.

October 1

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Stow Acres Country Club
Stow, Mass.

October 23

NEPGÄ/GCSANE
Shanahan Memorial
Pro-Supt. Tournament
Willowbend Club
Cotuit, Mass.

November 4

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Nabnasset Lake Country Club

Janice Vance
Administrative Secretary,
GCSANE
iLLMM

Westford, Mass.
Jan. 13-15,
1997

Mass. Turf Conference
Hynes Convention Center
Boston, Mass.

ÜILNIIIÜÜTIIHT^IÜÄ^IL^IÜTIAIIIIALHI,

Page 3
jtAJXiili^.jjil^A.ilJ Jj.lii Jja^i.ii JX.A.iiJxiztli.IjjJJ^tLiiiiili.l^LLLAiLiJX^

Tfee Sefger Speaks

.il J ^i.iiJXi jtli.l^ll.il

lilLiijtiiiiiiJiiiiii.ljtiii.iiJi.i.iiJiiitii.ijtiiiiJiiiili.ijtiii.i

Qm

This month's question:

With winter anything but
a fond memory for most superintendents,
how did
this years deluge of snow and ice affect your golf course
and conditioning agenda?
Din® Frig®, Veterans & Franconia Golf
Courses: "After the rough year I had in
1995 (drought conditions), it's hard for
me to grit my teeth after all the snow that
fell this winter (over a record 100 inches).
Maybe that's because I was promised a
new automatic irrigation system.
"Anyway, the best part of all the snow
is that the storms came early and gave us
a blanket covering. The worst is that a
thaw came in February when diseases
were most active. Regardless, I prefer the
heavy snow seasons over the open winters
like we had in 1994-95.
"What I came out with this time was a
little bit of erosion and some snow mold.
But I opened in late March and spirits
are good because I think we're going to
see some money put back onto the city
courses. And because of that, I'm looking
for a good season."
D a n Biggins, Winchester Country Club:
"Let me say that this was the longest winter I've ever spent. It was spent around
the club, too, because every storm seemed
to fall on weekends. So, put two and two
together . . . long weekends and long winter, thanks to what seemed to be about
every snowstorm measured by the foot,
not the inch.
"The end result to the goif course was
not too bad, but by the numbers, again we
had ice damage to IV2 greens. What hurt
was the February thaw. That's when we
were at the snow with shovels and at the
ice with axes. The results of all the storms,
thaws, and iceovers were that it set back
my spring cleanup program (opening was
set for mid-April) and kept me behind a
plow for the better part of four months.
Otherwise, it was normal."
Manmy VIveiros, Glen Ellen Country
Club: "This was sort of a know-nothing
winter for me because I didn't come here

to a new job until the middle of March,
when most of the snow was history.
"However, the course appears to have
come though the winter in pretty good
shape. The setbacks consisted of a little
snow mold and five square feet of ice damage on one green.
"On the plus side, we opened the last
week in March and were cutting fairways
the first week in April. On the not so plus
side, ahead are thoughts of next winter
and eight function rooms, whose access
roads must be kept open year-round. During the winter here only the super and
mechanic are on the payroll, so I suppose
there's a lot of plowing in my future if
next winter's snowfall comes even close to
what it was this year."
A n d y Gay, The Orchards: "My course's
reaction to the crazy winter we had is, I
think, a little unusual. First, our greens
and tees came though so well it was unbelievable. On the other hand, there's no
other word for it: we got creamed on the
fairways.
"Those fairways really concern me, too.
I hate to start the season in the hole, so to
speak. I like to start even with the
weather and all that comes with it. The
handicap of having to catch up, like we
will with the snow mold on the fairways, is
something I'd rather be without.

7 prefer the heavy sn&w
seasons over the ©pen
winters like we had in
1994-1995."

Din0 Frig©
Veterans & Franconia G.C.

"That was the the sum and substance
of the winter here and the golfers' result
was that I was aiming for an April 5
opening.
"However, I'd like to add that my heart
bleeds for people who had to plow this
winter. I heard there were supers who
spent more time around the course in the
winter than they did in the summer because of the plowing, in my case, the
college (owner Mt. Holyoke Coiiege) takes
care of all the plowing on the premises.
Otherwise, my heart would be bleeding
for myself, too."
J a c k Pluta, Country Club of Pittsfield:
"Welcome to the Berkshires . . . and bring
your snow shovel.
"How bad was it? Well, for the first
time that I can remember there was no ice
skating at the Country Club of Pittsfield.
Why? We couldn't get the plows to the
pond because of the heavy snow. This was
a brutal winter.
"I suppose the hardest hit by all the
snow, ice, and unusually heavy turf damage are my members. Whereas we were
open and mowing one year ago April 1,
this year we weren't looking to open before April 20, and didn't look to have the
course in all that great condition by then.
"One of the big hang-ups here is our
iocation as being a borderline spot when
precipitation falls in late winter and early
spring. It can be raining 20 miles down
the road (south) while we're having a blizzard here. That's what we have to learn
to live with.
"I warned my members we would be
late opening this year. I sent letters to
everyone in the middle of the storms, reminding that there would be no overnight
magic to get the course ready for an early
opening. So, I think the late opening was
a little gentler on their golfing aspirations.
"Regardless, up here we really don't
get into decent playing shape before
Memorial Day, and being more realistic,
no one expects the course to be close to
top playing condition unti! sometime
in June.
"So, yes, this was a weird one . . . the
most snow ever in Berkshire County.
But, then, this is the Berkshires. In the
spring here, when it rains, it doesn't rain
violets, like in the song. It rains snowflakes. Big ones."
GEMKY FIMN

NIIIILIIIIIIIIIJIULIILLIIIIIIDJIIIIIIHLI.IIJILIIII.LJIIIILJIJ.ILI.LJIIII.I

Page

IO

Government Relations

US DA budget alert from GCSAA:
Turfgrass Evaluation Program threatened
T h e budget proposed by President Clinton for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 (starting in
October 1996) includes no funds to support the National Turfgrass Evaluation
Program (NTEP) of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to program officials, the
Clinton administration and the USDA
(whose leaders are appointed by the President) apparently consider this research
low priority and have decided to try to
abandon the program.
The budget process. The President's
proposed budget is the first step in the
budget process. The budgets for government programs are actually proposed as
bills that have to be passed by Congress.
If the President does not like a spending
bill passed by Congress, his only recourse
is to veto the bill. This happened in 199596, and the inability of Congress and the
President to agree on spending caused
the furloughs and temporary funding
measures in FY1996.

Your action is needed!
Your U.S. Senators and
Representatives
are
beginning to develop
FY1997 spending bilk
for government
programs.
Calk and letters ore
needed nationwide f©
urge Congress to eontinue
funding NTEPS despite
the President's budget
proposal.

NH4MJMBMÍMM

Yam action is needed! Your U.S. Senators and Representatives are beginning to
develop FY1997 spending bills for government programs. Calls and letters are
needed nationwide to urge Congress to
continue funding NTEP, despite the President's budget proposal. The following is
the information you need to make this
contact Please call GCSAA at 913/8324490 if we can help you identify your
Senators or Representative, or be of any
other assistance.
Tips and talking points. To call, dial
the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121)
and they can connect you to your legislators' office. When you are connected, ask
to speak to the staff member in charge of
USDA issues. Don't expect them to know
details of the budget proposal, but emphasize how important this USDA program is
to you. If you want to write, follow the
sample letter below.
Cover the following points In your call
or letter:
• The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) is the primary means by
which cultivated varieties of turfgrass
are evaluated in this country. Based on
tests conducted at dozens of land-grant
universities, turfgrass variety recommendations are made to homeowners,
sod producers, athletic field managers,
park managers and, of course, golf
course superintendents.
8

Turfgrass is a $30-35 billion industry
in the United States.

•

The turfgrass industry is growing
faster than any other segment of agriculture. Many states, including Florida,
Maryland, and North Carolina have
documented that turfgrass is their number one or two agricultural industry.

0

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) fits perfectly into USDA
objectives such as Integrated Pest Management and Sustainable Agriculture
(reduction of inputs while maintaining
quality). NTEP is an excellent example

of how private industry, state universities, and the federal government can
cooperate to address critical issues in a
cost effective manner.
® Much positive publicity has resulted
from past USDA support of turfgrass research and the NTEP. This publicity is
crucial to a positive image of USDA
among a growing urban population.
(Source: NTEP Release, March 21,
1996. For more information about NTEP,
call Jeff Nus, Ph.D., GCSAA research manager at (913) 832-4429, or Kevin Morris,
NTEP national program coordinator at
(301) 504-5125, or via the Internet (kmorris@asrr.arsusda.gov).
Sample Letter (Use letterhead with
course address and phone numbers):
The Honorable
Your S e n a t o r / Your Representative
U.S. Senate / House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510 / 20515
Dear Senator/Representative (Name):
"I am writing to ask you to seek continued funding of the USDA's National
Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP).
President Clinton has proposed to eliminate NTEP funding for FY 1997."
(Explain who you are; where you work.)
(Describe in your own words why the
program is important to you and how it
helps you. if you can, use examples of
how you have used information gained
from NTEP trials.)
(Ask your Senator or Representative to
reject the President's proposal and continue funding NTEP.)
"Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you about this important issue."
Please send copies of any letters you
send or receive to GCSAA so we can track
contacts made on this issue. Thank you.
From GCSAA
Government Relations "Briefax",
March 28 s 1 9 9 6

PageS

mmùàÈm&mÊm

" id iMtlfl l i i í l

Pesticide testing available
W h e r e a s public concern over pesticides
in the environment was formerly focused
on agriculture, golf courses have recently
become a focal point of this concern. As
golf course construction and use continues to increase, adjoining property
owners, local public health and water quality officiais, and environmental groups are
voicing concern over the impact that
chemicai turf management practices may
have on lakes and streams, groundwater,
and human and wildlife health.
The USGÂ has been proactive in
addressing these concerns by funding extensive university research nationwide on
the impacts of chemical use in course management practices. Individual public and
private courses can address locai concerns
through routine environmental monitoring of turf management chemicals.
Chemical monitoring gives you information to address problems before they
arise. It also positions course management and personnel as "good neighbors",
environmentally concerned and directly involved in minimizing negative impacts on
the local environment.
The Massachusetts Pesticide Analysis
Laboratory (MPAL) at the University of
Massachusetts / Amherst provides analytical services and scientific expertise

regarding monitoring of pesticides in the
environment. We can provide the design
and execution of monitoring programs
that include the analysis of groundwater
and surface water samples for any pesticide used in turf management. The benefit
of this testing is the solid evidence it provides that the chemical management

The MPÄL provides
analytical services and
scientific expertise
regarding monitoring
of pesticides in
the environment*
practices you are using do not negatively
impact water supplies, which tend to be
the primary concern over the presence of
golf courses and the chemicals used there.
As an example, we recently completed
a six-year, quarterly sampling monitoring
program at Bayberry Hills Golf Course in
South Yarmouth, Mass. This program was
initiated by the Yarmouth Water Quality
Board, over concerns that chemicals used
on the course would contaminate vulner-

at

able local groundwater supplies. A series
of sampling wells and lysimeters, placed
strategically in and around the course,
allowed MPAL scientists to collect and
analyze groundwater and greens fairway
leachate for chemicals used at Bayberry
Hills. The results of this program have
eased local concerns over groundwater,
and the Water Quality Board recently
approved reducing monitoring to one
annual round of sampling. The Old Barnstable Fairgrounds Golf Course in
Barnstable, Mass. contracted with MPAL
for a one-time round of sampling. This preliminary assessment provided information
for the direction of future monitoring.
MPAT can plan and execute monitoring programs tailored to specific concerns
and chemicals in use on your course. Cost
varies based on the number and type of
pesticides tested, generally $250 to $400
per sample. We follow all standard Quality
Assurance and Quality Control procedures to provide valid, defensible results.
Courses not equipped with monitoring
wells may choose to contract well installation, or limit testing to surface waters.
Contact Daniel Tessier, laboratory
manager, for information (Tel: (413) 5454369; FAX: (413) 545-2115; Email:
tessier@ent.umass.edu).

Michael Kennedy receives Morrill
Michael Kennedy, Jr. of Oak Ridge Country Club, Agawam, Mass., was presented
the Joseph A. Morrill, Jr. Award by the
Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund.
Kennedy worked on the course
superintendent crew at Oak Ridge and at
Longmeadow Country Ciub, and is a
senior at University of Massachusetts/Amherst. The Morrill Award is for a Ouimet
Scholar who is attending turfgrass or
agronomy school. The award was presented at The Ouimet Fund's 46th Annual
Student Banquet in January.
"Michael Kennedy is a fine student and
has had wonderful experience at Oak
Ridge and Longmeadow. He's made a
great contribution to the golf course
superintendent staffs," said Ouimet President Richard R. Stimets.
UIIIIILH

Kennedy is majoring in plant pathology and has a 3.1 grade point average. He
volunteers in the IPM Greenhouses and
participates in intramural hockey. Kennedy also had a prestigious internship at
Disney World in Orlando, Fla. this winter.
The Morrill Award was founded in
1982. It is named after the late Joseph A.
Morrill, Jr., founder and iongtime treasurer of the Bay State Seniors Golf
Association. The Morrill Award is funded
by proceeds of the Bay State Seniors Golf
Association. Kennedy was presented with
a plaque by Ouimet President Stimets, a
member of the Bay State Seniors. A cash
scholarship was presented earlier.
A total of 10% of current Ouimet Scholars have worked in course superintendent
operations, and the Ouimet Fund is very

UMass

Award

actively supported by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
was founded in 1949. Since then it has
awarded over $7.2 million in need-based
college tuition assistance to 3,000 students. Ouimet candidates are required to
give three years "service to golf" as caddies or as helpers in pro shop or course
superintendent operations. In ¡995-96 the
Ouimet Fund enjoyed its third consecutive record year, awarding $450,000 to
252 students who are attending 109 colleges and worked at 109 courses. The
Ouimet scholarship is competitive and is
considered the "Golf Charity of Massachusetts". It is supported by contributions
from clubs, individuals, and corporations,
and is a 501(c)(3) organization.

SOD FARMS £R

NURSERY

STATE OF THE ART
SOD

IURFGRASS

FOR

DEMANDING

APPLICATIONS!

Choose Gold Star For Cool Season Turf Blends

Mixes!

G e t The Right Blend or Mix
for the Right
Application:

Each Blend and Mix is
Available Soil Free™

• Premium Kentucky Bluegrass Blends
• Athletic Turf Mixes

Using StrathAyr Turf Washing System ,
no interfacing soils, sod roots 4 times
faster, weighs less and saves labor.
Call the experts at Gold Star today for
your next demanding sod application.

• Shade Tolerant Iurf
• Low Maintenance Blends
• Commercial Grade Mixes

S O D F A R M & N U R S E R Y , INC,

A

R E P U T A T I O N

F O R

G R O W I N G

E X C E L L E N C E

250 West Road, Canterbury, New Hampshire

Call 1-800-648-TURF
I c i N G

T H E

N O R T

Tools of the Trade

R e s u l t s

Experts in service, information & solutions
to difficult problems for the horticultural
industry. We are also successful retail
operators, redesigning the concept of
j m ¿ m outdoor living. Let the depth
f
of our knowledge & experience
m / I be your resource for success.

We've been getting our hands dirty
for over 44 years & we've successfully

grown: an 800 acre Nursery, Sod Farm &
Greenhouse Range. We're a complete
supplier of landscape materials & a
respected nationwide supplier of
quality Christmas Trees & Wreaths.

W H O L E S A L E N U R S E R Y , INC.

A

M
3

Sod Farm & ¿Nursery

R E P U T A T I O N

F O R

G R O W I N G

E X C E L L E N C E

u
Stari*

wsons
Qm
u r n

our

J-THE:
The Outdoor

Christmas Trees, Wreaths & Greens

Living Store

LEXINGTON, MA 1265 M a s s a c h u s e t t s A v e n u e 1-800-631-3013
YARM0UTHP0RT, MA ¡ 2 6 4 W i l l o w S t r e e t

250 W e s t Road
l - 8 0 0 - 6 9 6 - 8 8 0 5 ( i n

Mass only)

1-800-648-TURF

Page 7
Uiiiili.liiiiii-lihtLljáii.i

USGA Green Section News

woes:
disease

activity

by James E. Skorulski,
Agronomist
N. E. Region, USGA Green Section
M o t h e r nature has dealt New England another blow with a winter season full of
weather extremes. The early record snowfalls, two major thaws, and more recent
temperature fluctuations have resulted in
unusually high disease activity and ice related injury.
New England is not alone in this, as
winter damage is being reported in many
northern states. The severity of the damage may be less than was first anticipated
in early and mid-March as warmer weather
has stimulated new growth in Poa annua.
This has been the case at several golf
courses in the metropolitan New York
region, where weather conditions have
been warmer. We are not in the clear yet
however, as a return of more severe
weather could conceivably cause f u r t h e r
damage, especially as the grasses initiate
new growth.
Winter injury is unpredictable at best.
Golf courses located near each other, with
seemingly like conditions, will often experience different degrees of injury. Why is
there such variability and how does the injury occur are two common questions
often heard. Unfortunately, there are often
no definitive answers to these questions,
as there remain many u n k n o w n s regarding the injury. Let us discuss several of
the processes which are t h o u g h t to occur.
The turf can be injured directly by cold
temperature extremes, the effects of
crown hydration and ice, or a combination
of these factors. A plant protects itself
from cold temperature by increasing solute concentrations in the cells' cytoplasm,
and by modifying the structure of cell
membranes in fall. The high solute concentration lowers the freezing point of water
in the cell. As the plant is subjected to
freezing temperatures the water outside
the cell freezes first. This pulls water out
of the cell which increases solute concentrations and f u r t h e r reduces the freezing

Weither
and

©jctren»
ice-related

point within the cell. The reduction of cellular water can result in desiccation injury
to the cell and its membrane. The growing
ice crystal outside the cell also exerts trem e n d o u s pressure which can cause
mechanical damage to the cell. The hardened turf plant has the greatest chance to
overcome these stresses as well as survive
the cold temperatures themselves.
The level of cold hardiness and tolerance to ice varies between turf species.
Poa a n n u a and perennial ryegrass are
most susceptible, while creeping bentgrass
is generally the most tolerant. The hardening process occurs in fall as temperatures
cool and the days shorten. Excessive soil
moisture and nitrogen nutrition can delay
this process. Potassium applications
where deficiencies exist are t h o u g h t to increase hardiness and encourage thicker
cell walls. Turf growing in shaded conditions will also harden more slowly due to
a reduced photosynthetic rate. Photosynthesis is critical as it produces the
carbohydrates that provides energy for
the hardening process. The sugars produced in photosynthesis may also serve as
the solutes which help to lower the freezing point in the cells.
The turf reaches maximum hardiness
in early winter. That hardiness will be reduced as the plant is exposed to warmer
temperatures and thawing and freezing cycles. The degree to which a plant can
re-harden is not known. This helps to

Winter injury is
unpredictable at best.
Golf courses heated
near each other,
with seemingly like
conditions, will often
experience different
degrees of injury,,

mean
damage

show why the turf is more vulnerable to a
rapid temperature drop in late winter and
spring. Snow and certain artificial covers
insulate the turf to prevent the temperature fluctuations t h a t lead to a reduction
in hardiness.
Crown hydration is a term often associated with winter injury. It refers to the
absorption of water by tissues in the
crown of the plant. This usually occurs in
poorly drained depressions, where water
from melting snows and ice accumulate
on the surface. The hydration will reduce
the cold hardiness of cells in this critical
growing point of the plant. Damage to
cells in this region usually results in plant
mortality. Damage from this type of injury
is most likely to occur late in winter and
spring when the plants are probably least
hardy. However, crown hydration injury
can occur earlier in winter as weli, especially if a prolonged thaw is followed by a
severe and rapid temperature drop. Dr.
John Roberts (University of New Hampshire) provides a very good account of this
type of winter injury in the article "Understanding Crown Hydration Injury", Golf
Course Management, October 1993. Dr.
Yves Desjardins (Laval University) is also
researching winter injury and covering
techniques which may be used to prevent
such injury. Results of his work can be obtained by contacting Dr. Desjardins at
(418) 656-2359.
The recovery process is now probably
of greatest concern to those that have experienced winter injury. There have been
several articles written on recovery programs for winter injured greens. Two
more recent articles which are recommended reading can be found in the
N o v e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 1994 and the Janua r y / F e b r u a r y 1996 issues of the Green
Section Record. Both articles cover
overseeding techniques, the use of covers,
fertility management, irrigation, traffic
control, and other practices during the
recovery process.
continued on page 10

IIDIIIIIIIIL.IJTIILIHLILAI.I.LJTLII.IIJLLDJIIIII.I.UTLILIII.TLILJTILI.I

Page 8

.lÜliiiL.ljdli.iUiULliáll.iUll.iiJihi^

QCSÂÂ swards research grant fm water quality study

The GCSAA has awarded a research
grant to Environmental & Turf Services,
Inc., to critically review water quality monitoring results from golf courses across the
country. The GCSAA Foundation's Board
of Trustees approved the grant proposal
at GCSAA's Conference in Orlando, Fla.
Environmental & Turf Services, Inc., is
an environmental consultant company
based in Wheaton, Md. Their proposal was
one of several reviewed by the research
committee and recommended to The
GCSAA Foundation's Board of Trustees.
The objective is to compile information
from studies designed to sample surface
and ground water from golf courses and
then to publish an evaluation of the impacts of golf courses on water quality.

The USGA has spent millions of dollars
in the last few years to fund pesticide- and
nutrient-fate studies. The studies indicate
chemicals used on golf courses pose little
threat to the environment. These studies
were conducted in lab settings and at field
stations. The ETS study will take the next
step, using data directly from courses.
"The university research funded by the
USGA has provided a broad array of information about how the green spaces of golf
benefit communities, including wildlife
populations," said GCSAA President
Bruce R. Williams, CGCS. "By funding
ETS' metastudy, we hope to obtain more
specific data on water quality that will
further support findings of the USGAsupported studies on this topic."

A summary article will be written for
Golf Course Management, GCSAA's
monthly magazine. At least one technical
paper will be written for a scientific journal, important for having results accepted
by regulatory agencies, governmental officials, and scientists around the world.
"Providing evidence that golf courses
are environmentally friendly is very important to GCSAA and the rest of the golf
industry," said Dr. Jeff Nus, GCSAA research manager. "This work by ETS could
go a long way in providing evidence not
only to the golf industry, but to regulatory
agencies and environmental groups."
Research proposals can be submitted
to Dr. Jeff Nus at the GCSAA for consideration by the Research Committee.

DIVOT DRIFT...announcements...educational seminars...job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership.
MEMBERSHIP
Proposed for Membership: Robert Larson, Regular, Green Hill Golf Course, Worcester, Mass.;
Frank Bava, Affiliate, Sawtelle Bros., Lawrence,
Mass.; Michael Johnson, Assistant, Tara Colonial
Country Club, Wakefield, Mass.; John Neville,
Regular, Leo. J. Martin Golf Course, Weston, Mass.;
Christopher Weiman, Affiliate, P.I.E. Supply, Milford, Conn.; Kenneth Brown, Affiliate, Sawtelle
Bros., Lawrence, Mass.; Mark Richard, CGCS, Kirkbrae Country Club, West Warwick, R.I.; Keith
Cummings, Assistant, Marlboro Country Club,
Marlboro, Mass.; Ernest Bernard, Affiliate, Turf
Enhancement Enterprises, Millbury, Mass.
Welcome New Member: Michael Guibord, Assistant, Mt Pleasant Country Club, Boylston, Mass.

INFORMATION
Our decision to ban metal spikes at all of our
sponsored golf events in 1996 has already received some print in the Brockton Sunday
Enterprise. The April 14 article by Frank Stoddard
contained interviews with Joe Rybka.CGCS,
Thorny Lea, and Dave Robinson of Atlantic C.C.
Both Joe and Dave explained how spikeless shoes
did not lift the turf and create marks on the greens.
Two golf professionals from the Cape were also
interviewed. Although one pro spoke of the advantages of better putting surfaces, the other actually
said "Spikes can help open up the greens. Even
minor scruff marks that are sometimes left by
spikes can help the greens. I feel that spikes help
more than hurt a course". I must have been out
that day when Joe Troll explained that one in class!

In the April 1996 issue of Golf Course Management on page 41, there's a photograph of a familiar
young family (thank goodness the kids look like
their mother) at one of GCSAA's many functions
at the Orlando conference. I hope that what was
in the baby bottle didn't come out of one of those
many empty cans on the table!
Of all the people I could leave off the GCSAA Golf
Championship list, it has to be Ron Kirkman!
Congratulations to the Captain on placing 2nd Net
in the Senior II Division. Ron aiso reminded me
that a number of GCSANE members received pins
from GCSAA in Orlando. Joe Rybka, CGCS, Ron
Kirkman, and Wayne Zoppo, CGCS ail got their
30-year pins; John Petraitis received his 35-year
pin; and Bob Grant, CGCS was awarded his 40-year
pin. Congratulations to all!
Turf Research Field Day. On June 5, 1996, the
University of Massachusetts Extension and Department of Plant and Soil Sciences will host the Turf
Research Field Day at the Turf Research facility
on River Road, South Deerfield, Mass. This year's
field day includes vendor displays and demonstrations. The Field Day provides turf professionals
with an opportunity to learn about current research projects, to meet with researchers and staff,
and to participate in field diagnostic and educational workshops. Pesticide recertification credits
have been requested from all New England states
and New York. Registration is at 8 a.m. A Welcome
and the Research Presentations run from 9-11
a.m., and the trade show and demonstrations are
from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Pre-registration deadline is
May 25, 1996, and the fee is $40. For more
information, call Mary Owen at 508-892-0382.

Meeting sites for 1997 are being booked now. If
you can host a meeting or tournament, please call
Mike Hermanson at (508) 632-2713.
The GCSAA Scholars Competition applications
are available from Bob DiRico. For more information on this, please call Bob at (617) 527-6968.
Let's get those dues in ASAP if you haven't paid
yet No delinquent member will be permitted to
play in the Scholarship & Benevolence Tournament if your dues for 1996 are not paid!

MEETING

NOTES

A thank you to the entire staff at the Hyannis Goif
Club for hosting the April joint meeting of GCMCC
and GCSANE.

TOURNAMENT

RESULTS

Team of Four Scramble
1st - Jack Hassett, Jim Fitzroy, Eric Brox, and John
Petraitis, 62
2nd - Al Lanois, Scott Nickerson, Matt Crowther,
and Greg Albanese - 62
3rd - Steve Mann, J. McGill, Eric Sinisaio, and Tim
Keating - 65
Closest to pin #7 - Greg Frederick
Closest to pin #11 - Russ Bragdon

EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE

Jacobsen 5-gang Blitzers with frames, sharpened
and ready to go! Call Ed Eardley at Wampatuck
C.C. at (617) 575-9511.

Page IO
RIÜILRILLJDLLRIUIFTLKBDLLRIULUJLL^

Please patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Advanced Agronomic Services, inc.
91 Day St., Leominster, MA 01453
Deep-tine aerification, core aerification,
overseeding, and irrigation services.
Jim Favreau - (508) 840-0432
R-OK Turf Equipment
9 Leuba Road, Coventry, HI 02816
New England Articulator dealer, Greens Groomer
Brush, & used equipment
Mike Cornicelii-(401) 826-2584
M Wiil 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, Ins.
59 Dwight St., Haffield, 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
Bartlett Tree Experts
153 Rumiord 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
l b s Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd, P. 0. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699

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, NarraganseK, Rl 02882
Stephen C. Doiinak - (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, Weathersfield, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1 -800-326-HART
Hartney Grevmont
433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02192
Tree care, landscape consruction, consulting.
Mark J. Tobin-(617) 444-1227
Internationa! Goif 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, Natick, MA 01760-4252
Irrigation consultation, design & 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 l i r e Co.
Worcester, MA
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks, cars,
industrial equipment, and golf carts.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255
Landmark Construction
42 Chamock St, Beverly, MA 01915
Tee/bunker shaping & remodeling,
cart path work, drainage, tree planting,
6 landscape construction our specialty
Daniel Champion - (617) 927-5052
Larchmoni Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Steve Butler-(617) 862-2550

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, Inc.
32 Nickerson Road, Ashland, MA 01721
Pruning, fertilization, removal, and
professional care.
William P. Maley - (508) 881-2622

The Lawn C o , Inc.
P. O. Box 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Fertilizers & pest controls applied;
fairway aeration & slice seeding.
Tom Fair - 1-800-660-TURF

Geoffrey S. Cornish & I r i a n Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002

Lazara's Gol! Course Accessories
dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co, inc.
738 Main St, Suite 223, Waitham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro - (617) 647-3361

Country C M Enterprises, Inc.
P. 0. Box 820, Cataumei, 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
Michael Drake Constuction, Inc.
240 Walnut Street, Framingham, MA 01701
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247

LESS0, Inc.
20005 Lake Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Mike Donohue
1-800-321-5325
Loft's Seed
22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, Rl 02822
Victoria Wallace - 1-800-648-7333
Lysott Environmental Research, Inc.
600 Charlton St, Southbridge, MA 01550
Environmental consulting services: lake &
pond management, wetland studies, site
assessments, & laboratory analysis.
Lee Lyman, president -1-800-462-8211

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 topsoil, custom planting mixes.
(508) 874-0744
Lawrence R. McCoy & C o , 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 meit.
1-800-346-2269
McNulty Construction Corp.
19TumerRd„ P.O. Box 3218
Framingham, MA 01701
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways,
and parking areas.
John McNulty - (508) 879-8875
Meco Environmental, Inc.
1119 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02189
Installation of UST/AST, pump/tank upgrades,
and oil/water separator installation.
Greg Murphy-(617) 331-6446
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 sanrfioam topdressing mixture,
1/2" or 1/8" screened loam, underground tank
removal, Convault aboveground fuel tank.
Steven S. Howitt - (508) 761-5554

Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St, Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brawn, 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 Fomi- (413) 534-8896
Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2, Siocum, 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
Tuckatae Turf Farms, Inc.
Richmond, Rl
Chris Beasley-1-800-556-6985

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin
(508) 295-1553

Turf Enhancement Enterprises
Featuring Floratine Products, Precision Small
Engine Co. & Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150

Nardone Sand & Grave! C o , Inc.
37 Power Rd, Westford, MA 01886
Topdressing sand & mixes, bunker sands,
root-zone mixes, loam, cart path materials,
drainage stone.
Greg Frederick - (508) 692-8221, (617) 648-6222

TurtNet Associates, Inc.
21 Brandywine Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Communication, information, market intelligence.
Peter L. McCormick - 1-800-314-7929

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, goif 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.
Greg Aibanese - (617) 964-8533 (phone & fax)
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, Karcher hot high pressure equipment & bulk detergents, sales, service, rentals
Barry Hackett-(508) 752-8888

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.
Scott Mackintosh, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermertiorn, 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
Wintield Nursery
1320 Mountain Rd, Suffield, CT 06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Jeff Rogers
Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr.
Golf Course Architects
17 Walker Rd, Topsfield, MA 01983
(508) 887-3672
Zip Type Service
50 Kent St, Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing, advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (508) 462-9358

Page IO

USGA Green Section News

Winter woes
continued from page 7
Recently, seed germination was personally observed during the second week of
April on winter-injured greens in southern
New Jersey. Seeding was completed in late
February and the greens were covered
with a geotextile material. Granted, that
area of New jersey is probably two to
three weeks advanced in terms of weather,
but the early establishment illustrates the
importance of initiating the recovery process early, and the potential benefits covers
can have for hastening establishment.
Even though winter injury remains an
enigma, there are several key factors
which are known to eliminate or greatly reduce the injury. They involve a long-term
maintenance philosophy aimed at increasing populations of more cold-tolerant
creeping bentgrass and improving surface

III

drainage to eliminate standing water that
leads to tissue hydration. Maintenance
practices to improve growing environments are crucial for both the long-term
conversion to creeping bentgrass, and to
allow the plant to reach its maximum cold
hardiness in early winter.
Covering the greens with a permeable
geotextile fabric alone will have little influence on cold temperature injury especially
if plants below the covers become hydrated. This fact has been observed in the
field and in research work. Will removing
or reducing a deep snow pack in early winter reduce injury? Probably not, as a
heavy snow cover acts as a good insulator
against severe temperature fluctuations
which have the greatest potential for injuring turf. Removing snow in late winter or
during periods of heavy thaw does have
merit if surface drainage is poor and water
is puddling in lower depressions. Removing ice which has formed is also

debatable. It is probably a good idea if
prolonged ice cover occurs. However,
mechanical injury to the turf may occur
during the removal process, and the removal is in no way a guarantee that the
turf has not already been injured.
Remember, there are no guarantees
with winter injury. All we can do is adjust
cultural programs to favor the establishment of more tolerant grasses and to
help the turf reach a maximum level of
hardiness. Preventing tissue hydration in
the winter months will also help minimize
damage. Creeping bentgrass growing on a
well-drained soil stands the best chance of
survival, but even that does not guarantee
that injury will not occur. Good luck to
those who have recovery work ahead. I
hope that as the temperatures warm, the
extent of anticipated damage is reduced.
Finally, do not hesitate to call the office if
I can be of any assistance. Best wishes for
the new season.

II

E6IZ0VW 'N01S3M
avoy>ravd06i
asnOH dlOD
:oj ujnjay

SSW10JLSHId
19 -ON IJUJJED
BIAS 'PODAINQMBN

0 IVd
eBejsod 'STI
ISBIAÄ SSBIO }SJY

FS

H3JLL3TSM3kJ
a i i x *
ad
1