Monthly Update IIB May 1995 Vol. 24, No. 5 The newsletter from the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association CCSAA AFFILIATE NMTMA Meeting at Lincoln Hills Golf Club May 8th Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association meeting will be held Monday, May 8, 1995 at the Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Ludington, Michigan. Maynard Gamer is the Golf Course Superintendent, golf will begin with an 11:30 shotgun start. Dinner will be held at 4 p.m., the speaker will be Bruce Wilde, Michigan Depart­ ment of Natural Resources. Reservations must be made by Friday, May 5, 1995. Please call Rebecca at (616) 843-4666 or fax your reservations to (616) 845-6435. Cost is $30 for golf and dinner and $10 for dinner only. OOOOOMake checks payable to Lincoln Hills Golf Club, Maynard Gamer, Superintendent. Directions: Take US 31 North/South to US 10. Go west on US 10 to Ludington and through town. (US 10 turns into Ludington Avenue in town). Follow Ludington Avenue almost to the lakeshore. Turn right (north) on Lakeshore Drive. (Watch for Miller’s Motel on the Northeast comer, Snyder’s Shoreline Inn on the Southwest comer). Take Lakeshore Drive north for approximately two miles, crossing the bridge over Lincoln Lake. The drive to Lincoln Hills Golf Club will be die first road on the left (west) after crossing over the lake. The sign at the entrance will let you know you’re in the right place!! CLIP AND SAVE 1995 Meeting Schedule - NOTICE - May 8th ................. Lincoln Hills Golf Club Ludington NEXT MEETING: June 19 .................. MTF Fundraiser June 19th July 11 .................. The Gailes, Oscoda Hubbard Lake MTF Fundraiser August 15 ............ September............ ........ The Natural, Gaylord Watch Turf Times NMTMA Fundraiser October 10 ........... for details Chapter Championship Some Observations on The New York Audubon Sanctuary Program During the winter of 1994 we joined the New York reduced labor with the weedwhip, but all they saw was Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program and last unkept grass and the environmental benefits were not summer began making changes toward certification. enough to change their minds. Acceptance came when Many of the projects recommended by Audubon were they discovered that the buffer grass stopped a rolling things I had wanted to do for some time, but either ball from entering the water. Not the original inten­ there was a lack of funds or a resistance to change by tions, but everybody’s happy. the membership. The unilateral credibility of the Audu­ I have written before about wildflower plantings. bon name went a long way toward acceptance of these Yet, they have certainly been the biggest success. I projects both in funding and perception. We also have haven’t heard a request for annual flowers since their found that many of the recommendations by Audubon inception and the positive PR for me to my members is once implemented had some unexpected results. phenomenal. The only down side is the members de­ Here are a few of the unusual/unexpected situations mand for expansion of the plantings, but I’ll live with it we have incurred. since they also except the small extra cost. We allowed some areas of the fine fescue roughs to The paperwork involved in becoming certified is no grow up. My real desire for this was to reduce mow­ small matter. Yet, the benefits to my operation have al­ ing time and labor. Unexpectedly, it also greatly effect­ ready far exceeded the cost of joining. I am sure that ed our Thirteen-Stripe Ground Squirrel problem, since once certified that work will also be worth it. Unex­ they moved their borrows out of the fairways and into pectedly, we found that being environmentally prudent these areas. didn't cost money, it saved us labor. Being located between a lake and a marsh we have Jeffrey T. Dorrell always had a mosquito problem. The crew could easily Cadillac CC go through two or three cases of repellent each sum­ mer. Also, we were constantly getting patches of yel­ The measure of people’s real character is what they low turf with green foot prints in the middle, where golfers had sprayed their legs while standing on the would do if they knew they would never be found out. green. -J.C. MaCauley Last spring we erected 14 Bluebird houses. Only one house was occupied by Bluebirds, but all the rest took families of Tree Swallows. Some mornings there were flocks containing hundreds of these birds feeding FF-II is your first line on the course. Though weather factors may have defense against winter diseases played into it, there certainly was a marked reduction in mosquito populations, verified by the reduction in repellant use (less than one case used by crew mem­ bers) and injured greens. We observed no detrimental In university testing Scotts effects from the great numbers of swallows. They FF-II has consistently out­ didn’t peck greens or cause interference with play. performed all other PCNB This has prompted us to look into Bat habitat for the same reasons. products. In one convenient One of the hardest areas for my members to accept, application, FF-II controls pink was allowing a buffer zone of natural grass to grow around our surface water. I was very attracted to the and gray snowmold, cool season brown patch, leaf spot, dollar spot, stripe smut and rust while providing FOR SALE: F-10, Gas, 6-blade, Fresh grind, New bed knives. a dormant feeding of 14-3-3 fertilizer for early Older used unit, but reliable, operated daily in 1994. Must sell, Make offer. Jeff Dorrell, Cadillac C.C. Work: 616-775-6021, spring green-up. home: 616-779-0096. WANTED: Spray Technician/Foreman. Send resume to Dan Bis- For details, call your sonette, Walloon Lake C.C., Box 801, Petoskey, MI 49770. SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED: Benham Chemical ProTurf. ProTurf Tech Rep Corp, is looking for a Sales representative for Northern Michi­ gan. We represent all of the major Manufacturers of Fertilizers & Pesticides. Please address all inquiry to: Don Benham, Benham Chemical Corporation, 24800 N. Industrial Drive, Farming- ton, MI 48335:1-800-482-6520. or 1-800-543-0006 today. 2 Executive Summary Turfgrass Soil Management Research 1994 Report to the Golf Association of Michigan Phosphate and Potash for Sand Putting Greens surface in the channels left by the Hydroject treatment. Su­ Most new putting greens are established on sandy mixes perintendents who are pleased with the Hydroject report 4 which have a low cation exchange capacity and hold nutri­ to 10 treatments per year with an average of 6 times annual­ ents very weakly. Nutrients of particular concern are phos­ ly, concentrated during the summer months when there is phorus and potassium. Applications of four pounds of heavy play. Spot treatment of special areas, such as local­ P2O5 applied per 1000 sq. ft. in 1993 and again in 1994 ized dry spots or where traffic is concentrated at entry or was found necessary to maintain adequate turf color of a exit paths on greens or tees, has been very successful. The Penncross creeping bentgrass putting green which as appropriate frequency of treatment with the Hydroject will growing on a mix of 85% sand and 15% peat. Lower rates vary with soil and turf conditions. resulted in poor turf color and deficient levels of phosphor­ Greens Rolling us based on soil tests. Eventually, phosphorus levels A study to evaluate the impact of rolling greens on ball should build up in these sands so lower rates should be roll indicated that rolling 3 times per week increased ball needed in subsequent years. Potassium soil test studies on roll an average of over 14 inches compared to the unrolled established turfs indicate that sands do not hold potassium check plots on a putting green mowed at 5/32 inch. By well. In general, equal amounts of nitrogen and potash are contrast, double mowing increased ball roll about 10 inches recommended for putting greens growing on sands. For compared to the check. Double mowing can be used on a sandy loams and other finer-textured soils the use of soil short term basis to increase ball roll, but should not be con­ testing should adequately predict needs for potash. Soil sidered a regular practice because of detrimental effects on tests for potassium in November this year were lower than the grass. expected, likely due to leaching of potassium caused by the Acknowledgement higher than normal rainfall in the Lansing area during the Financial support from the Michigan Turfgrass Founda­ summer of 1994. Regular applications of phosphate and tion and the Golf Association of Michigan provided part of potash should be made throughout the growing season for Thom Nikolai’s salary. Thom conducts the field research turfs growing on sands. program as well as being actively involved in planning and Hydroject Studies conducting the Michigan Turfgrass Conference and a num­ Research on how best to use the Hydroject aerifier in ber of extension activities. This support is gratefully ac­ golf turf management is continuing. One observation from knowledged. our research in 1994 is that regular treatment with the Hy­ -by Paul E. Rieke, Crop & Soil Sciences MSU droject resulted in fewer worm casts on the surface of a putting green. It is not known if this is a result of fewer earthworms in the soil or if they are casting beneath the soil eckmtc’s Co/tne/t J SINCE 1938 ROADBUILDINGPLUS By James Gautz Head Mechanic Cadillac C.C. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: During the winter months we use a small John Deere CLEARING, GRADING, SHAPING, BUNKERS, CART Skip Loader for snow removal. Since we don’t have chains PATHS for this unit, traction was always a problem. Multiple types of rear weights were tried without real success. Large con­ CREATING SPECIALTY SANDS: crete weights were easily cracked or broken and always pre­ TOP DRESSING & BUNKER SAND sented sharp comers. Last summer I noticed an ingenious idea for a rear tractor Golf Course Construction Since 1977 weight, that has solved our problems. While at the McGuire’s Resort the Head Mechanic Ron Request for References Encouraged Greenman showed me one he had devised out of a plastic barrel. Cutting off the top of a 30 gal. barrel we positioned a ROADBUILDINGPLUS Asphalt Paving • Concrete three-point hitch two bar crosswise and angled iron out the Paving • Excavation • Airports • Golf Courses • Site Devel­ top for the third point. Filling this with concrete left us with opment • Tennis Courts • Sand & Gravels • Underground a large heavy weight that was durable and without sharp Utilities • Plus, Plus, comers. In the down position it sits level on the floor for easy removal/installation. H&D INC., 2081 W. CHARLEVOIX AVE., PETOSKEY, Ml 49770 This simple weight has greatly improved traction during winter and improved lifting capacity for summer. (616) 347-2547 3 PRUNING HELPS PROTECT GOLF COURSE TREES KENT, OHIO- Trees are a major part of the natural beau­ swollen area surrounding the underside of the branch, and ty that attracts people to a golf course. However, a golf the branch bark ridge is the upward ridge of bark that devel­ course tree is more than just scenery - it is an integral part ops in the branch crotch. “Cuts made flush against the trunk of the play of the course. are not recommended, Burkhart says. “They are unneces­ When you lose key trees, you sacrifice the integrity of the sarily large and can expose trunk tissue to decay.” course. Tree removal may change how a hole is played and To avoid tearing the bark, especially when removing can decrease per value. large limbs, make a cut on the underside of the limb, about Proper pruning helps golf course superintendents main­ one-third of the way through, a foot or two out from the tain the challenge of the course without compromising the trunk. Make a second cut on the top of the limb a few inch­ design, says Marianne Waindle, a horticulturist with The es farther out from the first cut. As the top cut deepens, the Davey Tree Expert Company. “Pruning helps benefit the limb’s weight breaks the wood fibers back to the undercut. course not only by keeping trees healthy, but also by shap­ "Because of these two preliminary cuts, most of the limb’s ing trees to direct golfers along a specific path,” Waindle weight is removed,” Burkhart says. “Then, remove the stub says. with a final cut made just outside the branch bark ridge and There are times when trees can act as a screen that guides collar.” golfers down the fairway or toward the next hole. For ex­ Wound closure begins from the edge of the pruning cut. ample, tall, thick-canopied trees on a dogleg add challenge This produces a roll of tissue called callus. The callus that and fun to the game. “In cases like these, prune to encour­ develops from a correct cut resembles a round doughnut. age both canopy and lower branch growth,” Waindle says. Pruning should only be performed by professional arbor­ “Heavy pruning may create too much space through die ists. Improper pruning practices, such as topping, can harm trees, which gives golfers a clearer shot toward the green.” trees and destroy the beauty of the course. Topping is the Pruning can also elevate a crown, so golfers can more indiscriminate removal of a tree’s main leader and branches, easily retrieve their golf balls without having to wrestle low- resulting in unsightly stubs. Topping severely disfigures hanging branches. Branches pose problems when they trees and results in “watersprouts”- weak limbs that are overhang old cart paths, as well. People could be injured if susceptible to damage from high winds or other adverse they drive into the branches. weather. To keep key trees available as part of the course, golf When pruning, professional arborists consider the tree’s course superintendents should concentrate on two aspects branch structure and growth habits to produce the strong­ of pruning: how often to prune and proper pruning cut est, most attractive plant. Arborists remove branches from placement. their point of attachment to the trunk or another branch. Pruning Schedule This method eliminates unhealthy, unsightly stubs. Profes­ Set a regular pruning schedule for golf course trees. Len sional arborists also thin the canopy to reduce the amount of Burkhart, Ph.D., a horticulturist with Davey, recommends a three-year pruning cycle. “Every year, prune one-third of the tree population,” Burkhart says. “This helps keep trees HUGGETT healthy while keeping costs down.” Trees that are not on a regular pruning schedule often are radically pruned to achieve the desired form. Workers end SOD FARM, INC. up overpruning because they don’t prune on a regular ba­ • TOP QUALITY SOD sis. The tree loses to much foliage, and is unable to produce • PENNCROSS BENT (Grown on U.S.G.A. mix) enough energy for the pruning cut to close properly and • PENNLINKS BENT (Grown on loam soil) quicldy. With radical pruning, the tree will slowly decline and may eventually die. • SHADE MIX (Bluegrass, Fescue mix for fairways & Larger, open cuts also make the tree more susceptible to erosion control) - Good on Sandy Soils or in Shade. disease problems, especially canker rot fungi. The fungi • NUGGETT + II (Bluegrass Blend) - Grade A or weaken the tree’s structure and eventually lead to breakage. Commercial Peat or Top Soil Base. Large pruning cuts can also indirectly compromise tree health, which makes them more susceptible to pests. SOIL FREE SOD AVAILABLE Although maintenance pruning of most shade trees can be The Nifty . done year-round, intensive pruning should be performed in the dormant season. Also, new leaves that emerge the fol­ lowing spring mask cuts made in winter. Pruning in late fall and early winter reduces sap flow from pruning cuts on • Less Labor v • Easy Laying trees such as conifers, maple, birch and walnut. • Less Seams Winter pruning also minimizes damage to some tree spe­ cies. The bark of some trees, such as maple and ash, can easily tear loose during climbing and pruning during the • BULK SPHAGNUM PEAT FOR GREENS MIX spring flush of growth. Proper Pruning Cut Placement • SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES Proper pruning cut placement helps keep trees healthy. 4114 East Marlette Rd. ♦ Marlette, Ml 48153 Delivery Cuts should be made outside the branch collar and branch Michigan - Ohio bark ridge, Burkhart says. The branch collar is the raised or Ph: 800-432-2763 Indiana 4 Golf Course Expo Expands Trade Show Floor, Sets Dates for ‘95 ORLANDO, FLA - Golf Course Expo, the trade exhibi­ Brecht, publisher of Golf Course News, “from many ex­ tion and educational conference sponsored by Golf Course hibitors who were pleased with the results of the first Golf News, will be held Nov. 9-10 at the Orange County Con­ Course Expo. They are making plans for Golf Course vention Center here. Golf course Expo is an educational Expo in 1995 and plan to take large spaces.” conference and trade show for superintendents, owners, Golf Course News is owned by United Publications managers and developers of daily-fee, resort, municipal Inc., a publisher of specialized business publications based and semi-private golf courses. in Yarmouth, Maine. For more information, contact the The inaugural Golf Course Expo, held here last Novem­ Conference Group at 207-846-0600. ber, was a great success, drawing more than 1,200 attend­ ees and 100 exhibitors. In 1995 Golf Course Expo will ex­ PRUNING HELPS PROTECT GOLF pand the trade show floor to 100,000 square feet. Shop Talks, vendor-sponsored presentations on the show floor, COURSE TREES will be repeated in 1995 and will feature new products and (Continued on Next Page) services, solutions, and industry trends. Attendees will (Continued from Previous Page) have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the high wind damage. The wind blows through, instead of presenters in this informal setting. against, the branches. The two-day educational program will feature three dis­ Pruning is necessary to maintain healthy trees that tinct tracks: Maintenance, Marketing & Management, and perform their desired function. When done properly, prun­ Development. The program features speakers from the ing helps control canopy shape and keeps trees in good U.S. Golf Association Green Section as well as industry health. When trees are in optimal health, they are less leaders in managing and marketing profitable, progressive prone to pests and diseases that can damage tree health and golf operations. appearance. Most importantly, proper pruning helps pre­ “I’ve had very positive feedback,” said Charlie von serve the challenge of tees, fairways, greens - every aspect of the course that adds to its character. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides tree care and grounds maintenance services and arboricultural and horti­ It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts. cultural consulting to utilities and residential, commercial -John Wooden and municipal customers in more than 40 states and five Canadian provinces. Davey is employee-owned with more A When It Comes to Turf Management... VALLEY TURF I N C O R P O 3721 28th Street SW 1-800-688-3605 Nobody Knows Grandville, MI 49418 parts orders only Like Your The all-new Wilbur-Ellis Pro Jacobsen SV Series- loaded with everything, ready for anything. The Professional’s Choice On Turf. JACOBSEN TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc. KALKASKA 1 GRANDVILLE t WALLED LAKE (616) 258-9091 (616) 532-2885 (810) 960-1054 Your one-stop shop for all turf management needs. Ask about our Ra/n&B/rd. complete line of chemicals, fertilizers and seed. Both full and part circle EAGLE Rotors are available Wilbur-Ellis. . .dedicated to quality, customer service and in electric, hydraulic and Stopamatic® models, each environmental stewardship. designed to meet the specific demands of golf course irrigation systems. The EAGLE 700/750. Performance Plus. Case closed! Brian Anderson 1 (800) 873-5599 I I (AS II III« itili* y 5 NMTMA Directors Newsletter Editor Past Presidents EXECUTIVE Michael Morris Ed Karcheski COMMITTEE Jeff Dorrell Michael Meindertsma P.0 Box 1575 C.E. "Tuck” Tate, CGCS Tom Heid Frankfort, MI 49635 David Longfield, CGCS President Kimberly Olson Jonathon Scott, CGCS Mark Wildeman Tom Brogger Jon Maddem, CGCS Executive Secretary Pat Mertz Thomas J. Reed Jeffrey Holmes, CGCS Vice-President Michael Meindertsma Rick Warren 3733 Apollo Dr. David Pretznow Traverse City, MI 49684 David Little, CGCS Secretary/Treasurer Phone 616-943-8343 Dave Foucher i mi „II,,1,1.,I,I The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... • GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE • • FULL SERVICE: EQUIPMENT Boylan Sales, Inc. Commercial Turf Equipment L.L.C. John Kirtland & IRRIGATION • Pat Boylan • Kathy Hanson Valley Turf, Inc. (810) 858-7705 (616)685-6828 • (810)742-370 (616) 532-2885 (810)994-1424 (800) 688-3605 - Parts Only Pat Conry • FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS & SEED • Spartan Distributors, Inc. (313) 425-7001 Scotts Pro Turf Specializing in Turf and Irrigation Equipment (800) 482-8830 (616) 887-7301 • (810) 373-8800 "Providing Specialty Products for 125 years” (616) 275-7700 • (616) 620-1442 • IRRIGATION SERVICES • • CONTRACT SERVICES • Thielen Turf Irrigation Mechanical Soil Technology Golf Course Installation Wilbur-Ellis CompanyBrian Anderson Contract Verti-drain ® Aeration (517) 773-3409 1-800-873-5599 (800) 743-2419 • (309) 342-2419 Tri Turf • ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN • •AUTOMATED PUMPING SYSTEMS • “ A total Turf Care Distributor” J. John Gorney, Inc. Commercial Pump Service, Inc. (616) 943-8343 FAX (616) 943-9092 Golf Course Design Mike Wilczynski, Sales Representative (616) 235-1323 (800) 426-0370 • SOD, SOIL & CONSTRUCTION • W Turf Chemicals, Inc. •EQUIPMENTSERVICE & SUPPLIES • “ Fertilizers for Better Turf” Bunting Sand & Gravel, Inc. Work N’Play Shop (517) 725-7145 • Fax (517) 723-7410 Bob Resteiner John Deere Golf and Turf Equipment (517) 345-2373 • (517) 345-1718 (616) 599-2822 ... and we encourage you to support them. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association C/O Tom Reed 3733 Apollo Drive Traverse City, Michigan 49684 V com Turfgrass Info. Center, MSU \A/91 ? I ihrarv