CLEAN SWEEP —Unwanted chemicals rounded up in NMTMA project Credit: Reprinted from the Gaylord Herald Times GAYLORD- The Northern Michigan Turf Manager’s coordinator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Association (NMTMA) sponsored a Clean Sweep of pesticides Clean Sweep program has been in use for a number of years. and other chemicals for members of the association at the The first one was held in Traverse City in 1988. Otsego County Road Commission Aug. 2. Cubbage said that the funding for the state portion of Clean According to Kim Olson, a board member of NMTMA, the Sweep comes from a federal grant from the Environmental group held the Clean Sweep to get rid of unwanted or old Protection Agency. The majority of the costs were covered by pesticides and chemicals that its members had. Clean Sweep is the NMTMA. a program initially sponsored by the state to help groups like According to Cubbage, NMTMA asked to sponsor a Clean NMTMA get rid of unwanted chemicals. Members paid a small Sweep for its members. They had heard about the program, and fee to NMTMA, then the association paid the company thought it would a good idea for them. disposing of the pesticides. Cubbage said that the Gaylord collection was one of eight According to Greg Lyman, environmental education scheduled this year. One collection will take place near Stanton specialist from Michigan State University, the Clean Sweep and the other sites will be scattered throughout Huron County program is good because it gets old and/or not used chemicals and by Lake Erie. properly disposed of. Drug and Laboratory Disposal of Plainwell provided trucks, “This is a great opportunity because if any one of these sites storage barrels and staff to handle the pesticides. During the tried to do this on their own, it would cost them four to five collection, only the staff of Drug and Laboratory handled the times the cost they’re paying today,” he said. chemicals, once they were at the collection site. Lyman, the principal organizer of the collection, said each ACCORDING TO Cubbage, Michigan is leader in this type member who brought chemicals to the collection site had of collection and disposal program. He said this program is the registered what they were bringing before they came, so the least expensive of any state program in the United States. company personnel collecting the pesticides were aware of what Michigan has helped at least 14 states over the last three years was being brought. set up similar programs. Cubbage said that now 43 states have LYMAN SAID members from all over northern Michigan, similar programs. including some from the Upper Peninsula, were participating in According to Cubbage, the chemicals collected in Gaylord the collection. will be disposed of depending on the flow rate, at either Thermo According to Chuck Cubbage, agriculture environmental Chem. in South Carolina, and NSCO of Eldorado, AR. Lyman Thanks NMTMA Thank you for the recent award of $500 from the Northern in the program to take advantage of an attractive disposal price Michigan Turf Managers Association for my involvement in the and MDA involvement, while agreeing to pay for the disposal “Clean Sweep” program. It was my pleasure to assist in this ef­ of products individually. This pro-active approach allowed your fort. I feel that these are important opportunities for the turf in­ members to become involved and impressed the personnel at dustry to take advantage of when they become available. The the MDA and EPA who were involved in this program. Your project was successful by collecting over 5,000 pounds of ma­ efforts speak favorably for your association and the industry. In terial from golf turf operations across the northern Michigan re­ addition, I would like to recognize Ms. Kimberly Olsen who gion. I’m sure the success of this program can be better de­ was instrumental in making this project work. scribed by those who participated and were able to release these Finally, thanks again for the $500 award. The NMTMA has products from their property. been very supportive of the Environmental Education Program There is another important component of this project which and it has been my pleasure to serve you. Please forward my deserves recognition. The “Clean Sweep” project was conduct­ appreciation to the rest of the board and association members. ed throughout the Lake Huron watershed and involved most of Sincerely, the eastern part of the state. There was EPA funding to conduct this project which was intended to assist agricultural producers Gregory T. Lyman in disposing of unwanted pesticides. The Northern Michigan Environmental Education Specialist Turf Managers Association moved quickly to become involved __________ _____________ _/ c DATE Oct. TBA Oct. 3 Oct. 4 EVENT 1994 Calendar of Events TENTATIVE Schedule & Locations MMTMA Annual Meeting MBCGCSA MTF FUNDRAISER WMGCSA Annual Meeting ( * NMTMA Golf and Meeting) LOCATION TBA 5 Clubs TBA Silver Lake G.C. ) * Oct. 6 NMTMA Annua, Meeting Mistwood G.C. Oct. 14 GCSAA Seminar - Employee Safety E. Lansing Holiday Inn Oct. 25 GCSAA Seminar - Equip. Managers Blythefield C.C. Oct. 25 MBCGCSA Annua, Meeting Maple Lane G.C. Nov. 4 WMGCSA FALL PARTY Spring Lake C.C. Nov. 26 MMTMA CHRISTMAS PARTY Frankenmouth Reflections of a past season at Matheson Greens... By Pat Mertz As the year winds down, and I think back on the past sea­ dress this issue next year. son, I am struck by how quickly it passed. It doesn’t seem pos­ Matheson Greens hosted the NMTMA/MTF fund-raiser this sible that 15,000 golfers have already played our course! year. It was extra work for all of us, but was a terrific incentive Matheson Greens has been open four seasons now, and I am to get done all of the little projects we had been putting off. The starting to see the course shift its requirements from being course looked great and our crew felt a great sense of accom­ grown in to regular maintenance. Thatch is starting to accumu­ plishment. late. Disease pressure is increasing and traffic patterns are now This winter, the Board of Directors of NMTMA will be con­ a consideration. sidering whether or not to become part of establishing and Bob Vavrek, the USGA agronomist, came for a day visit. maintaining turf plots at the horticultural research station in Lee­ He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise. He lanau County. A parcel of land was recently acquired that was very helpful in coming up with solutions to several prob­ would lend itself well to this project. The board will be interest­ lems we are experiencing. We are struggling with a bad infesta­ ed in hearing from the membership before making a decision. tion of necrotic ring spot. After we hear all the latest reports at Please contact one of the board members if you have any ques­ the turf conference this winter, we will formulate a plan to ad­ tions or suggestions regarding this matter. Par Ex® WHY MID-SIZE GRADES FOR SEED introduces CLOSELY- COMPANY a family of MOWED TURF? mid-sized BECAUSE fairway-sized par­ Lawn Seed fertilizer ticles are too large to apply to closely mowed turf. Field/Grass Seed grades BECAUSE Greens - sized Clovers designed products can be difficult to spread. to meet BECAUSE IBDU® is the most Wholesale Conditioning the needs reliable, most consistent source of slow release nitro­ Export of today’s gen. closely- For more information 110 S Washington St mowed contact: Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 J. Mollema & Son, Inc. turf. 5400 36th Street SE Grand Rapids, Ml 49512 (616) 940-1441 1 (800) 344-2482 (517) 773-5391 FAX: (517) 773-1216 par ex ■ THE EX STANDS FOR EXCELLENCE Sam Stimmel Specialty Products Territory Manager Par Ex® and IBDU® are registered trademarks of Vigero Industries, Inc. (212) 562-8775 2 Turf Management Report: How to Solve Winter Turf Injury ... by Nor-Am Precision Turf in a weakened condition resulting from disease or pest damage, low or excessive moisture, lack of fertility, or poor root development is much more susceptible to winter damage. At no time Laser Measurement is the importance of healthy turf more significant than during fall months. But even a lush, vibrant turf often cannot withstand the Increases Play pressures of severe winter weather. Winter injury results from many different extreme conditions. Symptoms are often complex, since many of the injuries can interact. Some of the conditions include: Laser your course properly with the Ice Sheet Damage: complete laser measurement fairway Turf covered with ice for extended periods can experience injury marking system from from oxygen suffocation and toxic gas buildup, but these conditions are rare. More commonly, freezing and thawing cycles cause crown hydration, which reduces winter hardiness. (Crown Hydration occurs when plants stand in moisture following a FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY thaw, causing tissues to absorb high levels of water. When temperatures drop again, ice crystals form within the plant cells, rupturing cell walls and killing tissue. The plant crown, or growing Fairway Management at its' finest point, is the most critical tissue affected by these freezing and thawing cycles. Damage appears in irregular-shaped areas, similar to direct low temperature kill. Poa annua is most susceptible to this type of winterkill.) • Incremental 25 yard markers Low Temperature Damage: • Color-coded posts every 50 yards Direct kill may occur in freezing-thawing situations, when turf experiences a rapid drop in temperature (usually below 20°F). Poorly hardened plants with a high moisture content are more susceptible to • Par 3 tee boxes this type of winterkill. Leaves and stems appear water-soaked, turn MOV 0 8 1994 brown and become matted. A foul odor is often evident, and damage occurs in large, irregularly shaped 100 -150 - 200 yard markers areas. UBHaBIES Chill Injury: Most commonly seen on warm-season turf grasses, chill injury • Sprinkler heads occurs when green pigment production ceases during periods when temperatures dip below 55°F. along with high light intensity. Generally, grass leaves appear light brown to white. • Cart paths labeled Desiccation Injury: This condition is common in regions with high winds and low • No maintenance interference relative humidity, but can occur anywhere turf remains unprotected and soil moisture is limited due to low temperatures or drought. Leaves and shoots turn white to silver and plant tissue is not matted • Professionally installed down. Damaged areas vary from small > patches to large irregularly-shaped areas. • Endorsed by Michigan PGA Frost Heaving Injury: Freezing and thawing cycles on wet soils move the surface during Professional Rodger Jabara ice formation, pushing crowns and roots out of the soil. Roots can be severed from the plant. Symptoms include tissues turning white or silver to tan. This condition is most common on seedling turf. Stop complaints about slow play Traffic Injury - Frozen Ground: Foot and vehicle traffic on frozen leaves causes mechanical injury Call or write today for more info: by rupturing cells in leaves and shoots. Frost damage is common when traffic occurs in early morning before frost leaves the turf. Damage to frozen turf appears as white or silver areas, taking on the FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY shape of footprints or tire tracks. ***— Traffic Injury - Slush-Covered Ground: 1849 Larchwood ph: (810) 740-3505 Traffic on slush-covered turf causes crown hydration and reduces Troy, Ml 48083 fax: (810) 689-8644 winter hardiness. Damage is most severe when temperatures drop (Continued on Page 4) 3 Turf Management Report: How to solve winter Turf Injury ... By Nor-Am (Continued from Page 3) below 20°F. following heavy traffic injury, except patterns tend to be more regular. ROADBUILDINGPLUS Diagnose Winter Injury Early: Early diagnosis of turf winterkill or injury is essential to alleviating CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: damage. Diagnostic steps should be taken prior to normal greenup in CLEARING, GRADING, SHAPING, BUNKERS, CART the spring. If you suspect winter injury, take the following steps to PATHS determine the extent of turf damage: • Collect turf plugs from suspected sites. • Place plugs in suitable container for short-term growth. CREATING SPECIALTY SANDS: • Place containers in a greenhouse or well-lighted area, preferably TOP DRESSING & BUNKER SAND a window facing south. • Keep turf adequately watered. Golf Course Construction Since 1977 • Turf will initiate greening in 5-7 days, depending on growing conditions. Request for References Encouraged • Assess the extent of greening after two to three weeks. Areas with less than 50% greenup should be considered extensively damaged, and will require renovation to ensure ROADBUILDINGPLUS Asphalt Paving • Concrete satisfactory quality. Lesser damaged areas can be recovered with Paving • Excavation • Airports • Golf Courses • Site Devel­ extra attention to proper fertilizing, watering and mowing. Keep opment • Tennis Courts • Sand & Gravels • Underground traffic off damaged areas until adequately recovered. Utilities • Plus, Plus, Take Action Early If you determine that your turf suffers from winter injury, plan H&D INC., 2081 W. CHARLEVOIX AVE., PETOSKEY, Ml 49770 early to reseed those areas in the spring. Some of the steps you may wish to consider include: (616) 347-2547 • Communicate with your membership or customers to alert them that some turf areas will be under renovation. • Ascertain equipment needs. • Arrange your seed purchases and locate the best source. • Plan your herbicide and fertility programs. Proactive Approach Pays Off D&CDISTRIBUTORS.INC. Even if you experience severe winter injury on your turf, you can 51000 Grand River, Wixom, MI 48393 810-349-7779 • 1-800-888-7779 • Fax 810-349-4670 assure your membership or customers of a quality turf in the spring by planning early to re-establish damaged areas. A proactive approach will yield positive results a few months down the road. BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- Presented as a public service to professional turf managers by SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE NOR-AM Chemical Company and IIoechst-Rouss el Agri-Vet Company Michigan's Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS /MECHANICS CORNER: \ QUALIIY REPLACEMENT PARIS By... Larry Dorr, Lost Lake Woods Club Genuine Kohler • Jacobsen • Hahn-Westpoint Installing grease guns on all of our larger pieces of equipment Cushman • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes has greatly reduced bearing failure. Operators are able to grease ma­ Mott • Ryan • Yazoo • Ford • Excel chines quickly and more often, i.e., after washing off equipment. • Reel Sharpening Compound \Grease guns are held on the machine in a 3-inch pvc sleeve. ./ KOHLER BRIGGS & STRATTON Change of Address, Membership MID-WEST RAKE Application info available YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: FLAGS - POLES - RAKES - CUPS - RICO MFG. Any member with a change of address Excellent Quality Personalized Tube Flags should immediately contact WE ALSO HANDLE Aab-sorboil Emulsifier Hand Cleaner Plastic Signs Tee Towels Bayco Supplies Hole-in-one-paint Plastic Chain Tire Sealant Thomas J. Reed Clover Lapping Comp. Dedoes Parts Hose*3/4" & 1" Karcher Power Washer Rain Suits Red Max Equipment Tires Tire Changers 3733 Apollo Drive Driving Range Equip. Earthway Spreaders Lewis Line Supplies Lift Ramp/work Table Rope & Stakes Rotary Blade Grinders Trimmer Line/Heads White Cedar Furn. Traverse City, Ml 49684. Fairway Markers Fox Valley Mrkg Paint Marfax .00 Lubricant Par Aide Supplies Rotary Blades Simplex Grinding Equip. Wooden Rakes He should also be contacted if any person would CALL US TOLL FREE - 800-888-7779 like to apply for membership in the NMTMA. WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! \/ 4 1994 Golf Course Expo planned Nov. 11-12 in Orlando ORLANDO, FL - Golf Course Expo is scheduled for and Development. Each of the three educational tracks is November 11-12, here at the Orange County Convention designed to shed light on issues, unique to the public- Center. Sponsored by Golf Course News, the newspaper access golf market. Superintendent’s who register and for the golf course industry, Golf Course Expo is the first participate in the conference will receive 6 Continuing Ed­ exposition and conference devoted to public-access golf. ucation Units from the GCSAA. There is a registration fee It is designed specifically for the entire public-access golf to attend the Expo conference. facilities facilities: daily-fee, municipal, semi-private and The Agronomy program will feature sessions on how resort. to maintain golf courses under high-traffic conditions, Arnold Palmer, golfing legend and principal of Palmer staffing and crew motivational techniques and mainte­ Course Design, will keynote on November 11 and Golf nance on a shoestring. As part of the Management pro­ Course Designer Robert Trent Jones II will be the open­ gram, Terry Buchen, CGCS and author of GCN’s “Sav­ ing speaker on November 12. vy Superintendent” column, will enlighten owners and The Expo is free and will feature over 150 companies, managers on course-related matters with his discussion highlighting displays and demonstrations spanning of “Agronomy for Non-Agronomists.” The Development 66,000 square feet of exhibit space. Also located on the track, co-sponsored by Golf Course News and the Nation­ show floor will be the “Shop Talks” vendor-sponsored al Golf Foundation, will feature several discussions of fi­ technical and demonstration sessions. The Palmer and nancing, course renovation and its relation to the bottom Jones talks, in addition to the Expo and Shop Talks are line, and environmental regulation and its relation to free to Expo attendees. sound public-access development. Exhibitors include fertilizer, seed and sod, consultant Show hours are Friday, November 11 and Saturday, services, golf cars, mowers, aerators, irrigation equip­ November 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange ment, chemicals, architectural services, construction ser­ County Convention Center on International Drive in Or­ vices, software, equipment parts, landscape supplies, util­ lando, FL. For more information contact: Golf Course ity equipment, greens rollers, and ball washers. News, Conference Group, P.O. Box 997, 38 Lafayette Palmer will keynote the conference on Nov. 11, open­ St., Yarmouth, ME 04096; the Golf Course Expo hotline ing the trade show and setting the stage for afternoon con­ at 207-846-0600, ext. 248; or fax 207-846-0657. ference sessions in the areas of Agronomy, Management Yamahaulalotastuff. The only utility vehicle tough enough to carry the Yamaha name. If you’re looking for a utility vehicle you can truly utilize, look to us. The convertible bed gives you the flexibility you want, while the heavy duty construction and O.H.V. four-stroke engine give you the dependability you need. Give us a call for more information. We’ll get you better acquainted with the utility vehicle whose name says it all. YAMAHA USA Better in the long run. Boylan Sales, Inc. West Michigan East Michigan (616) 685-6828 (810) 742-3700 5 Serving the Wien It Comes to Turf Management... Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association Nobody Knows .. .By Brian M. Holmes Like Your By the time you read this my term on the Board of Wilbur-Ellis Pro Directors for the NMTMA will have expired. I served six years, and they went by very quickly. I enjoyed being on the Board of Directors. It has been a positive learning experience, and very interesting. I’ve met and worked with many conscientious people. The quality of the people in the turf industry is very high. I feel the dedicated people involved in the NMTMA make it a progressive and worthwhile association. It takes many people to operate our association, Your one-stop shop for all turf management needs. Ask, about our whether through a director on the board, assisting with complete line of chemicals, fertilizers and seed. registration at meetings, or being a host superintendent. Please take the time to be involved in Wilbur-Ellis. . .dedicated to quality, customer service and the NMTMA. Remember we are looking for a “few environmental stewardship. good people.” The NMTMA will only be as good as the people involved with it. Brian Anderson WILBUR-ELLIS ■mm U11 mra 1 (800) 873-5599 y GCSAA's Conference and Show A Commitment to Head to San Francisco Quality Turf Care An estimated 15,000 to 16,000 golf industry profes­ sionals are expected to attend the 66th International Golf Products Course Conference and Show, Feb. 20-27, 1995, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The event, which is the largest in the golf course management industry, is hosted annually by the Golf Course Superintendents As­ Tee Time® sociation of America (GCSAA). The week will include nearly 80 educational seminars, Fertilizer/Pesticides sessions and forums; a three day trade show, which is ex­ and Specialty Products pected to fill 190,000 square feet of the center; a gala ban­ quet featuring the presentation of GCSAA’s Old Tom for the Morris Award; the association’s annual meeting and elec­ Golf Course Professional tion of officers; and the 1995 CGSAA Golf Champion­ ship. Conference week opens with the annual GCSAA Golf Distributed by: Championship, which will be played Feb. 20-21 at five TURFGRASS, INC. Call Toll Free: courses on the Monterey Peninsula. A field of up to 480 P. O. Box T 1-800-521-8873 or 28064 Pontiac Trail 313-437-1427 will compete for individual and chapter team honors in the S. Lyon, MI 48178 (call collect) national tournament. Beginning in 1995, GCSAA’s golf championship will be presented in partnership with The Toro Company. the professional's Many of the educational and professional development nnrfner® needs of golf course superintendents will be covered in Call Toll Free: The Customer Service: the 60 one- and two-day seminars that will be offered dur­ 1-800-251-LAWN (Ohio) ing the first four days of the conference, Feb. 20-24. Sem­ Andersons 1-800-253-LAWN Lawn Fertilizer Division (Outside Ohio) inars will address issues ranging from environmental re­ P O. Box 119 Sales Office: 1-800-225-ANDY sponsibility to personal stress management. Maumee, Ohio 43537 (2639) y (Continued on Page 8) 6 Preventing Winter Storm Damage to Trees... Scotts ____FF-II is your first line By Davey Tree Expert Co. defense against winter diseases KENT, OHIO- Winter storms can damage or kill a mature, valued tree in very little time. Hundreds of years of growth can be In university testing Scotts wiped out by a strong gust of wind, heavy ice or wet snow. In some cases damage is inevitable, but usually it is preventable, if FF-II has consistently out­ sound arboricultural practices are followed, say scientists at The performed all other PCNB Davey Tree Expert Company. products. In one convenient “Winds, heavy ice and snow are serious problems for structu­ rally weak trees,” says Trevor F. Vidic, technical advisor with application, FF-II controls The Davey Institute, the research and development division of The pink and gray snowmold, Davey Tree Expert Company. “Such trees have branches that are cool season brown patch, weakly attached at a narrow, V-shaped fork. Long or fruit-laden branches are often weak, as well. Storms can cause these branch­ leaf spot, dollar spot, stripe es to fall, seriously damaging the tree or surrounding property.” smut and rust while providing a dormant Cabling and Bracing feeding of 14-3-3 fertilizer for early spring Cabling and bracing can prevent breakage during winter green-up. storms. Cables are typically used when two branches are joined at a V-shaped crotch, Vidic says. “The cable takes the tension off the branches,” he says, “it also ensures that the branches will move together in the wind, prevent­ Scotts For details, call your ing the tree from twisting apart. If the crotch is cracked, a bolt and cable are installed to relieve tension and hold the crotch together.” ProTurf Tech Rep ProTurf® V__________z Pruning TOM HEID Proper pruning also helps reduce winter storm damage. A dense tree acts as a sail, catching the wind’s force and increasing (616) 275-7700 the probability of breakage. Reducing the crown’s density allows the wind to blow through it, decreasing the tree’s resistance to or 1-800-543-0006 today. high winds. Dead or weak branches can become unsafe during high winds. Removing dead or weak branches prevents them from falling on property or people during a storm. Cavity Filling The Trees with cavities are also structurally weakened. Filling the cavity provides a surface for new tissue to grow over. Cavity clo­ TORO sure helps strengthen the trunk so it can support the crown and withstand high winds. “A vigorous tree produces more woody tissue annually than a of Competition Coi stressed, unhealthy tree,” he says. “Branches are attached to trunks by an overlaying system of woody tissue layers, so a healthy tree should have stronger branch attachments than an un­ healthy tree of the same species.” YOUR COMPLETE LINE OF IRRIGATION A tree can only grow as well as its environment will allow. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Trees, like all plants, have specific growing requirements, such as sun and wind exposure, as well as soil moisture, texture and pH, that must be fulfilled for a large, beautiful specimen to develop. “UPGRADING” for future plantings, golf course superintendents should consid­ er the effect of winter weather, Vidic says. Let us show “An often-overlooked aspect of storm damage prevention you how the should begin before a tree is even planted,” he says. “Certain tree Network 8000 species characteristically have weak wood and should not be con­ Network LTC sidered for most landscape situations because of their susceptibil­ or ity to breakage in storms.” Careful selection of an appropriate planting site is also impor­ OSMAC tant. The selected tree should be well suited to planting site condi­ Can meet your tions. Periodic watering, fertilization, mulching and pest manage­ demands ment helps develop a healthy, strong tree that is better able to withstand winter hazards. Proper fertilization is especially impor­ tant because landscape soils are usually low in nutrients. Supple­ Spartan Distributors, Inc. mental fertilization helps provide the right amount of nutrients to 487 W. DIVISION ST. • P.O.BOX 246 • SPARTA, Ml • 616-887-7301 landscape trees. 1050 OPDYKE RD. • AUBURN HILLS, Ml • 810-373-8800 Following these simple preventive steps helps improve a tree’s 30650 WEST 8 MILE RD. • FARMINGTON HILLS, Ml • 810-476-3664 chance of surviving a destructive winter storm. In most cases, the cost of protection is far less than the value of a mature tree. __________ _____________________ j 7 GCSAA's Conference and Show Head to San Francisco (Continued from Page 6) Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional Concurrent education sessions and special-interest for­ association for the men and women who manage and ums are scheduled Feb. 24-27. Half-day programs host­ maintain golf facilities in the United States and worldwide. ed by allied associations, including the American Society From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association of Golf course Architects, the American Zoysiagrass As­ provides education, information and representative to more sociation, the Golf Course Builders Association of Amer­ than 14,000 individual members from more than 50 coun­ ica and the United States Golf Association Green Section, tries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance round out the conference portion of the week. their profession, and enrich the quality of golf and its envi­ Rocky Bleier, legendary running back for the Pitts­ ronment. burgh Steelers, will keynote the Opening Session on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the San Franciso Marriott. Fall good time for planting More than 650 companies that manufacture and distrib­ ute golf and turf industry products, supplies and services .. .by Davey Tree Expert Co. are expected to exhibit at the trade show, which will run KENT, OHIO- Though many golf course superintendents do Feb. 25-27, at the Moscone Center. A record 671 exhibi­ most of their tree and shrub planting in the spring, fall is also a tors showcased their products and services during the good time for planting, say scientists at The Davey Tree Expert 1994 show in Dallas. Company. A headline performance by recording artist Anne Mur­ “Roots continue active growth until the ground freezes,” says ray will provide entertainment at the formal closing ban­ Roger C. Funk, Ph.D, Davey’s vice president of human and quet on Monday, Feb. 27. technical resources. “As a result, trees and shrubs planted in the fall have several weeks to become established before winter.” The highlight of that gala evening will be the presenta­ Only containerized or balled-and-burlaped trees and shrubs tion of the Old Tom Morris Award, GCSAA’s highest should be planted in the fall, Funk says. Bare-root planting honor. This year’s award will be presented to turf indus­ should be done in the spring. Also, plant broadleaf evergreens, try giant, Dr. James Watson. Previous recipients of the cherry, dogwood, Japanese maple, magnolia, pin oak, white award include Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Patty Berg and birch and willow in the spring. Plant Selection- The first step in ensuring successful planting Byron Nelson. is selection the right plant for the site. Plants most commonly fail The 1994 conference and show in Dallas drew 15,386 in a landscape because they are not suited to their location. Ac­ people. More than 1,300 of those attending were interna­ cording to Funk, the following factors are critical: tional visitors and guests, representing more than 50 • Hardiness zone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture pub­ countries and territories outside the United States. lishes a map of hardiness zones in the United States. Select only landscape suitable for your area’s hardiness zone. • Microenvironment. The microenvironement is the climate im­ mediately surrounding the planting site. Does the planting site HUGGETT have intense sunlight, or is it in the shade? Is it subjected to high winds? Choose only plants that are tolerant of the conditions im­ mediately surrounding the site. SOD FARM, INC. • Soil drainage, ana pH. To check soil drainage, dig a hole at the planting site, fill it with water and let it drain. Then, refill the hole and let it drain again, for normal drainage, the water should • TOP QUALITY SOD drain about 1 inch per hour. Check pH with an indicator strip. • PENNCROSS BENT (Grown on U.S.G.A. mix) Choose plants that grow well in the site’s soil conditions. Planting Technique- The second most important factor in • PENNLINKS BENT (Grown on loam soil) plant survival is proper planting technique, Funk says. • SHADE MIX (Bluegrass, Fescue mix for fairways & “The most common mistake is planting too deep,” he says. “Planting too deep may limit the amount of oxygen that reaches erosion control) - Good on Sandy Soils or in Shade. plant roots, inhibiting plant growth and possibly limiting nutrient • NUGGETT + II (Bluegrass Blend) - Grade A or and water uptake. For a new transplant, this can be devastating.” Commercial Peat or Top Soil Base. Instead of digging a deep hole, prepare a wide planting area. Spading a large area helps the plant overcome transplant shock. SOIL FREE SOD AVAILABLE (Continued on Page 11) The Nifty /------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Fifty Big Roll Letters to the Editor • Less Labor You can communicate directly with the NMTMA • Easy Laying • Less Seams and your fellow members by writing to: ♦ BULK SPHAGNUM PEAT FOR GREENS MIX Turf Times c/o Mike Morris ♦ SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES P.O. Box 1575 Frankfort, Ml 49635 4114 East Marlette Rd. ♦ Marlette, Ml 48153 Delivery Michigan - Ohio Share your thoughts and feelings about our Ph: 800-432-2763 Indiana organization or the industry in general. ________________________________ ____________________ J 8 The 2653 Professional Utility Mower The 2653 features the unique combination of hydraulic reel drive and John Deere 26-inch cutting units. NOTHING RUNS LIKE KLOOSTER A DEERE® EQUIPMENT, INC. WORK ‘N PLAY SHOP 9821 U.S. 31 ELLSWORTH, Mi 49729 (616) 599-2822 9 Stop Snow Mold WithaChipco 26019/Daconil Combination. Call to receive your free video, "Controlling Snow Molds in the 1990's." Bob Dugan RHONE POULENC AG COMPANY P.O. Box 74398, Romulus, Michigan 48174-0398 CHIPCO is a registered trademark of Rhone-Poulenc. (313) 782-0323 FAX (31 3) 782-6344 Daconil is a registered trademark of ISK Biotech. 10 HANDS ON PURCHASING... A WAREHOUSE ON WHEELS FOR SALE: 1976 Jacobsen 6 Blade, 7 Gang pull behind Fair­ way Mowers, $3,500; 1989 Case Tractor Model 485 with ROPS and Cab, 2100 hrs. $8,000. Call A-Ga-Ming: 616/264-5081 or 5292. FOR SALE: 1987 Jacobsen Greensking Diesel with groomers. Call Michael Morris: 616/352-4241. Fall good time for planting Do you have Ants or Cutworms? (Continued from Page 8) ° Dursban Turf @ 3/4 oz/1000ft2 During transplanting, the plant can lose as much as 98% of its ab­ is the cure. sorbing roots. Transplant shock is the period when the plant re­ establishes equilibrium between the roots and the crown. During that time, it is stressed. To keep any high sand turf area from Roots need oxygen to grow, and soil is their only oxygen ° becoming hydrophobic apply 2 oz/1000ft2 source. In a wide planting area, more oxygen penetrates the soil per week of Aquagro, Hydrowet, Hydroflow. and reaches the roots. Ideally, extend the planting area about three times the area of the rootball. For on-the-spot dspill control, Next, dig the planting hole. The hole should be no deeper than o “Spill Response Kit" is the the container or root ball. Planting just 1 inch deeper can cause the new transplant to die from lack of oxygen. In poorly drained, one to have. heavy clay soil, it may be a good idea to plant 1 or 2 inches high­ er than the container to allow more oxygen to reach plant roots. “Total Turf Care Products” The sides of the hole should be rough, or broken up - otherwise, the roots may encircle the plant as they grow. Call Tom Reed Sr • Tom Reed Jr. Place the plant in the hole. If roots are encircling a container­ Eric Denoyer • Robert Reed • Jim Surge ized plant, either spread them out or cut them. To cut the roots properly, use a sharp knife or shears to make three equidistant (616) 943-8343 vertical cuts around the ball. Backfill the planting hole with the soil removed during planting site preparation. Amending the soil is usually not necessary. Tamp lightly. Mulching- Next, apply mulch around the plant. Mulch pro­ vides many benefits to plants. It moderates soil temperatures, suppresses weed growth and keeps soil moist. Tire Wholesalers Co., Inc. Funk cautions that mulch must be applied properly to be bene­ ficial. As our name implies, we are a wholesaler “The most common mistake when mulching is applying it too of tires. deep,” he says. “Apply mulch at a depth of 2 to 4 inches at the We are an established business, having plant’s drip line, tapering to 1/2 inch just outside the stem. Never been in business for over 19 years. pile mulch on the stem. Mulch on the stem attracts rodents and creates ideal conditions for decay fungi.” We deliver. Watering- Water is critical for newly transplanted trees and We have UPS service daily. shrubs. Monitor soil moisture carefully, as the plant can be We guarantee what we sell. stressed by too much or too little water. By the time stress symp­ We want your business. toms appear, considerable damage may have occurred to the We have a huge inventory of plant’s root system. Check soil moisture by removing a small amount of the soil from the root area using a soil probe or trowel, Passenger, High Performance the soil is too dry if it crumbles in your hand instead of holding Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, together in a moist ball. Carlisle Lawn & Garden, Staking- Stake newly transplanted trees only when they can­ Industrial Tires & Tubes, not remain upright on their own. To provide proper support, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag stake the new tree low enough on the trunk to allow some flexing Wheels, and Accessories, while keeping the root system stable. Determine the ideal staking point by putting your hand on the base of the trunk and moving it all in stock for immediate up until the tree stands upright. Move your hand back and forth delivery. slightly to ensure the trunk can flex but the root system remains >lRMSTROI\IG^ji stable. A common mistake is the use of only one stake. Two stakes with a flexible tie on each will provide better trunk support and reduce the potential for injury. CConnoi/aiQ^yp A tie should have a flat, smooth surface and be somewhat elas­ tic to allow slight movement of the tree. Do not use wire in a CARUSI hose. Instead, use a 2-inch wide inner tube or other flexible wrap. Stake so that the tree is snug, but not tight. 19240 West 8 Mile Road 303 1/2 Hawthorne St.- Following these simple steps will ensure that your landscape Southfield, Ml 48075 Cadillac, Ml 49601 plants not only survive transplanting, but also become a healthy, attractive part of the landscape. Phone: (313)354-5644 Phone: (616) 775-6666 11 The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE EQUIPMENT SERVICE Matthews & Associates, P.C. & SUPPLIES “Elevating Golf to a New Plateau” (517) 485-0480 • Fax (517) 485-0334 Boylan Sales, Inc. D&C Distributors, Inc. John Collins (800) 888-7779 • (810) 349-7779 (616)685-6828 • (810)742-3700 FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS &SEED Golfs Driving Fot SOD, SOIL & CONSTRUCTION (313)425-7001 Chipco (800) 482-8830 H&D, Inc. Bob Dugan Complete Construction/Specialty Sands (313) 782-0323 • Fax (313) 782-6344 (616) 347-2547 Ellis Sales, Inc. Turf Chemicals, Inc. Bob Hope Mechnical Soil Technology “Fertilizers for Better Turf” (616) 375-3535 Contract Aeration Service (517) 725-7145 • Fax (517) 723-7410 Servings the Entire Midwest VERTI-DRAIN®^ The Scotts Company IRRIGATION SERVICES The Ultimate Solution For Compacted Soil Tom Heid, Technical Representative C.J. Colein & Associates, Inc. David Strang (616) 275-7700 • (616) 620-1442 (800) 743-2419 Irrigation Design & Consulting Services 442 Pine Street • Galesburg, IL 61401 Sweeney Seed Company (810) 656-6805 “ft Pays To Plant The Best” D.G. Irrigation Co. TIRES, TUBES & WHEELS (800) 344-2482 • (517) 773-5391 “Where Service Comes First - Buckner” Tire Wholesalers Co. North, Inc. (800) 334-7011 • (517) 772-5621 Tri Turf Dan Cross “A Warehouse on Wheels” (616) 775-6666 • Fax (616) 775-8810 (616) 943-8343 AUTOMATED PUMPING ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN FULLSERVICE: EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS & CONSULTING & IRRIGATION Commercial Pump Service, Inc. Mike Wilczynski J. John Gorney, Inc. Valley Turf, Inc. Golf Course Design (616) 532-2885 (800) 426-0370 • (419) 825-2353 (616) 235-1323 (800) 688-3605 - Parts Only ... and we encourage you to support them. BULK RATE & ZQ. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association US POSTAGE C/O Tom Reed 3733 Apollo Drive PAID Traverse City, Ml 49684 FRANKFORT, MI 49635 PERMIT #25 NMTMA Past Presidents Ed Karcheski EXECUTIVE C.E. "Tuck" Tate, CGCS COMMITTEE David Longfield, CGCS President Jonathon Scott, CGCS Michael Meindertsma Tom Brogger Jeffrey Holmes, CGCS Vice-President Brian Holmes Executive Secretary Thomas J. Reed MTF Liaison 3733 Apollo Dr. Jon Maddern Traverse City, Ml 49684 Phone 616-943-8343 Serials Replacement Clerk Michigan State University Directors Jeff Dorrell GCSAA Liaison Libraries Dave Foucher Tom Heid Kimberly Olson Jon Maddern East Lansing, Ml 4882 4 David Little, CGCS Jon Maddern, CGCS Newsletter Editor Pat Mertz Michael Morris David Pretznow P.O. Box 1575 Mark Wildeman Frankfort, Ml 49635 RECYCLED PAPER