A PATCH Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association INTRODUCING! THE NEWEST MATERIALS ON THE COURSE TODAY. THE ONLY AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OF BAYLETON AND OFTANOL IN MICHIGAN- Benham Chemicals 3190 Martin Road Walled Lake, Ml 48088 313/624-3200 TVRF i m c K s m t SYSTEM. Because the flexibility of the Cushman Turf-Care System saves you time and money. Here’s how! The System is built around the rugged, versatile 18 hp Turf- Truckster, 3-or 4-wheel model. With this one power source and options, you can haul, spray, spike, spread and top dress. And CALL NOW For a demonstration and price quotation. (313) 338-0425 save as much as 35% on equipment in the process. Because, instead of buying separately powered units for each job, you buy only the Turf- Truckster and the modular Cushman accessories you need. So you pay less in total for equipment... and have only one power unit to maintain. CUSHMAN TUFF-CARE EQUIPMENT □MC-Lincoln, a Division of Outboard Marine Corporation 6201 Cushman Drive P.0. Box 8 2 4 0 9 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 But that’s not all. The System is also a time saver that can cut your labor costs. Accessories mount on the back of the Turf-Truckster. Your men do their work quickly, efficiently... and then move on to the next job at speeds up to 22 mph. There’s less wasted traveling time, so you get more work out of each hour of labor cost. The Cushman Turf-Care System. Versatility, superior performance, economy. It’s a tough system to beat. Write today for your free Cushman Turf Care Catalog. GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1980 W. Wide Track Drive (U.S. 10) Pontiac, Michigan 48058 Phone: (313) 338-0425 MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JAMES TIMMERMAN, CGCS Orchard Lake Country Club 2474 La fay Orchard Lake, Michigan 48033 Off. 682-2150 - Res. 682-7234 VICE PRESIDENT BRUCE WOLFROM, CGCS Barton Hills Country Club 435 Stein Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 Off. 662-8359 - Res. 884-8684 SECRETARY-TREASURER ED HEINEMAN Waters Edge Country Club 10531 Bellevue Grosse lie, Michigan 48138 Off. 675-0927 - Res. 676-3095 BOARD OF DIRECTORS KEVIN DUSHANE ,CG CS Wabeek Country Club 159 Willards Way Union Lake, Michigan 48085 Off. 851-1689 - Res. 698-2924 MICHAEL EDGERTON Meadowbrook Country Club 32736 Hees Livonia, Michigan 48150 Off. 349-3608 - Res. 522-6238 CHARLES GAIGE Lakelands Golf & Country Club 7390 Rickett Brighton, Michigan 48116 Off. 231-3003 - Res. 227-4617 GERALD GILL Tam-O-Shanter Country Club 3466 Walnut Lake Road West Bloomfield, Michigan 48033 Off. 626-8325 - Res. 857-7904 DANIEL UZELAC Dominion Golf Club RR No. 1 Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada NOR 1LO Off. 969-4350 - Res. 969-4350 THEODORE WOEHRLE Oakland Hills Country Club 3390 Witherbee Troy, Michigan 48084 Off. 644-3352 - Res. 649-8512 PRESIDENT EMERITUS CLEM Detroit Golf Club 530 Kendry Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48013 Off. 345-4589 - Res. 334-0140 WOLFROM "A PATCH OF GREEN” P u b l¡ s h e d m o n th ly by the MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland Hills C.C. James Timmerman, Orchard Lakes C.C. CO-EDITORS P r in t e d A t BLAKEMAN PRINTING COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES D o uble Page S p r e a d .............................................$ 1 5 0 .0 0 B a ck O u ts id e P a g e ................................................. 7 5 . 0 0 Fu l I P a g e .......................................................................... 6 5 . 0 0 H a l f P a g e ....................................................................... 4 0 . 0 0 Q uarte r P a g e .................................................................. 3 0 . 0 0 E i ghth P a g e .................................................................. 1 5 . 0 0 S ixteenth P a g e ................................................................1 0 . 0 0 C l a s s i f i e d Ad (per column 7 . 5 0 i n c h ) .................... D I S C O U N T R A T E : One Y e a r 10% N o te : A d v e r ti s i n g fees may not be ded ucted from the a b o ve r a t e s . rfduentidenA- • * A A A T re e Service Benham Chemicals G o lf Car Distributors Kirkland & A sso ciates La kes hore Equipment Corporation Law n Equioment Corporation L e b an o n /A g rico W. F. M iller Garden & Equipment N a tu re ’ s Image Landscaping, Inc. Oxford Peat Company O. M. Scott & Son, Inc. Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc. Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Co. T erm inal Sales Corporation T ire Wholesalers, Inc. T urfgrass, Inc. T u rf Supplies, Inc. W ilkie Turf Equipment D iv is io n , Inc. C h a rlie Wells & Company G C SAA to Conduct Fall Insect, Disease Seminars Control Seminars will be Oct. 28-29 at Four fall seminars scheduled by the the Tappan Zee Townhouse in Nyack, Golf Course Superintendents Associa­ N.Y., and Nov. 10-11 in the Albany, tion of America in the Northeastern N.Y., Hilton Hotel. Both seminars will United States will focus on insects and concentrate on disease-causing organ­ diseases which infest golf courses. Fhe isms which damage golf courses. four seminars, which will be presented The disease seminars will be taught in October and November, are aimed by Dr. Houston Couch, professor of at golf course superintendents and plant pathology at Virginia Polytechnic others in charge of maintaining fine Institute, Blacksburg. Couch, a fre­ turf areas. quent contributor to GCSAA educa­ Two Insect Identification and Con­ tional programs, is coordinator of an trol Seminars are scheduled for Oct. extensive research project into the 20-21 in the Sheraton Tara Hotel in causes of C-15 bentgrass decline. Framingham, Mass., and Nov. 4-5 in Successful completion of each two- the Quality Inn West in Catonsville, day seminar will count for two of the six Md. The seminar will concentrate on points necessary for GCSAA Certifica­ the descriptions and life cycles of golf tion renewal. In addition, several states course insects as well as the advan­ tages and disadvantages of various have agreed to accept these two control methods. Both insect seminars GCSAA seminars for credit toward will be conducted by Dr. Harry their pesticide applicators certifica­ Niemczyk, professor of turfgrass tion renewal requirements. entomolgy at the Ohio Agricultural GCSAA is a professional association Research and Development Center, of superintendents Wooster. Niemczyk, a member of founded in 1926 to promote the art and GCSAA’s Educational Advisory science of golf course management. Its Council, has conducted turf insect 5,100 members are located in the research at the Ohio State facility since United States, Canada, Mexico and 17 1964. other countries. The association’s The Disease Indentification and headquarters is in Lawrence, Kan. No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with course golf MILORGANITE Golf Courses Use More MI LO R G A NIT E « Than Any Other Fertilizer^ TERMINAL SALES CORR 12871 E A T O N A V E . D E T R O I T , M I C H . 482 2 7 (313) 491 -0606 Aeration-Post, Present, and Future By Roger J. Thomas, Vice President, Turf Equipment, Jacobsen Manufacturing Co. Aeration is any cultivation of the soil which permits more oxygen in the grow­ ing area of turf. Soil porosity has be­ come a very important factor in the development of fine turf. Large pores are important for air and water move­ ment in the soil, while smaller pores are important for retention of water. The respiration of plant roots requires oxygen and produces carbon dioxide; therefore, it is important to have an exchange of air between the soil and the atmosphere. In this presentation, we will speak solely of aeration by mechanical methods. In the beginning, many terms were presented that caused general confu­ sion. Such expressions as dethatching, aerifying, aerating, spiking, and culti­ vating were used to basically describe mechanical methods of aerating. We have drilled holes, sliced in deep cuts, cultivated, spiked, intermittently slotted, brushed, dethatched, dragged with deep pronged objects, and even C o n tin u ed on P a g e 14 " A ® A For Land's Sake-'Use Peat" WANTED o x f o j ® r m c o . 1430 E. D rahner Rd. O x fo rd , Michigan 48051 5 or 7 gang FAIRWAY MOWER PROCESSED PEAT T o p D r e s s i n g B l e n d s Custom Blending Morey's Golf and Country Club 2280 Union Lake Road Union Lake, Michigan 48085 F R E D L A T T A 3 1 3/628-5991 AAA SERVICE * PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCED * RELIABLE DEARBORN OFFICE LO 25225 P LY M O U TH OFFICE 459-9555 _____ COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE______ FULLY INSURED • LICENSED • SINCE 1947 6 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WE NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D ASK (BUT DECIDED TO AMSWER ANYWAY) I Yes, GCSAA can help you become a bet­ ter superintendent. One way it does this is through educational seminars and con­ ference sessions it sponsors each year to help you become better pesticides, landscaping and management practices. informed about turfgrass diseases, 2 Yes, GCSAA Is helping to further the ad­ vancement of industry. turfgrass the Through the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund, Inc., GCSAA provided more than $ 1 3 ,5 0 0 last year in research grants to leading turfgrass programs. GCSAA also provides educational opportunities to turf­ grass students through annual turfgrass scholarships. 4 relations effo rts, Yes, GCSAA offers recognition for superintendents. Through its public its magazine, and its award programs, GCSAA helps promote the image and the profes­ sionalism of the superintendent. GCSAA also provides to superintendents about how they can use public relations to promote their own image to their course, their community and their association. information 5 6 3 Yes, GCSAA provides a meeting ground for superintendents. Each year, GCSAA sponsors an annual conference and show for its members. Last year more than 6 ,5 0 0 educators, in­ dustry representatives and members from all over the world attended. GCSAA's executive committee decided at its last board meeting that the conference experience is so valuable that first-year members should be encouraged to attend by being given free admission. Yes, GCSAA provides each member with a life insurance program. Supplemental insur­ ance, disability and pension programs also are available. No, GCSAA can’t help you with your golf handicap. You’ll have that yourself. to work on if ) GCSAA The association that offers you more than just a name. 1617 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE • LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66044 913 / 841-2240 by Patrick M. O'Brien Fairways Comprise the largest acreage that require maintenance at golf courses. In many areas of the transition and cool, humid zone of the United States, creeping bentgrass (agrostis palustris Huds.) and Colonial bent- grass (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.) could be T h e best in T u r f Su pplies-- L E S C O 100% S u lfu r-C o a te d F e r t i l i z e r s , G o lf C o u rse A c c e s s o ri e s , C h e m ic a ls in c lu d in g LESCOSAN' A H ig h ly E f f e c t i v e P re - E m e r g e n c e C r a b g ra s s and P o a An nua Control * Lescosan (B etasan-R eg. TM o f Stauffer ____________________________ Chemical, Co.) (800) 362-7413 (800) 321-5325 NATIONWIDE IN OHIO Available From: Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. “ Home Of LESCO Products“ 300 South Abbe, Elyria, OH 44035 in in this area, maintained as the principal fairway grass species. However, other turf- grasses including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye­ grass, especially Poa annua, pre­ dominate. Without doubt, bentgrass, where managed correctly, provides some of the best fairways in its area of adaptation. Many of the most famous clubs the Northeast, such as Baltusro Golf Club, Springfield, N.J., Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N. Y., and Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa., have chosen bentgrass for their fairways. Our technology and ability to grow bentgrass is certainly not lacking, so what are the problems? Over-Irrigation Perhaps no grass has been so mis­ managed by irrigation practices as bentgrass. It ranks favorably but FOR ALL YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS YOUR FULL STOCK S u g a i (S n a rl/ FULL SERVICE DISTRIBUTOR JIM VINCE MIKE BYRNES JAN KOVACICH PETE ASARO (fauckner SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SUPPLY CO. 1316 N. CAMPBELL ROAD ROYAL OAK, Ml 48067 PHONE: (313) 398-2233 AGRONOMIST, MID-ATLANTIC REGION USGA GREEN SECTION slightly behind Kentucky bluegrass and the fine fescues in drought toler­ ance. Bentgrasses are widely used in Scotland, where there is no artificial irrigation. The bentgrasses have also been found growing in desert areas. Yet somehow bentgrasses have the reputation of needing much more water than other permanent turf- grasses. Before irrigating, it is good practice to use a soil probe to examine the moisture status of the soil. There should always be moisture enough in the rootzone to supply the plant’s needs. When water is needed, only enough should be applied to restore the supply to the rootzone. Care must be taken not to irrigate to the point where macropores become saturated, since interferes with oxygen this supply, and grass roots will not func­ tion without oxygen. Wilting of the turf occurs when air is cut off from the plant. Unfortunately, the natural ten­ dency is to put on a little more rather than a little less. We have learned the C ontinued on P a g e 11 Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc. 19240 West Eight Mile Southfield. Mich. 48075 ________________ (H mi« w«»i o< SoutMi.id e»»d >_______________ Phone: (313) 354-5644 TRUCK-CAR TRAILER MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRIAL Itili J UMIROYHL TIRES W HOLESALE PRICES TO CO MM ERCIAL ACCOUNTS C h a r l e s E. W e l l s L t d . TURF GRASS EQUIPMENT RESTORATION 15773 ASHTON RD. DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48223 HOME PHONE: 273-0547 BUS. PHONE: 482-4210 SAVINGS ON - Example - (1) GREENSMOWER (TRIPLEX) RESTORATION WILL PAY NATIONAL G .C .S .A .A ., NEW ORLEANS, LA., IN 1982! SEE YOU THERE? IF YOU SEE ME FIRST. YOUR EXPENSES TO THE TO RO GROUNDSMASTER 72* worth more D urab ility, versatility and top perfo rm an ce features m ake the G rou ndsm aster 72® w o rth m ore. WILKIE Turj Equipm ent Division, Inc. 1050 O PDYKE ROAD P O N T IA C , M ICHIG AN 48057 (313) 373-8800 B concept that turf roots require water, but we have a more difficult time learn­ ing that overwatering greatly reduces soil air and causes grasses to wilt. Poa Annua Problem The major criticism of bentgrass fair­ ways is related to the Poa annua prob­ lem. Is this criticism justified? Fairway irrigation has contributed to the prob­ lem along with increased soil compac­ tion and turfgrass wear injury caused by golf carts. Forgotten is the fact that many fairways were originally domin­ ated by common Kentucky blue grass and the fine-leaved fescues. These unirrigated grasses produced a good lie but not the tight lie preferred now by golfers. When the bluegrasses and fescues were irrigated, golfers deman­ ded that the golf course superinten­ dent lower the cut. With the lower cutting height and irrigation, Poa annua quickly invaded the Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue. This is the primary cause of the high predomin­ ance of annual bluegrass fairways. It should be noted that the annual blue­ grass had much more difficulty invad­ ing the bentgrass. The bentgrasses are able to withstand the lower cut and, so long as it was applied at reasonable rates, the extra water. Presently, the increased soil com­ paction and traffic injury from main­ tenance equipment, golfers, and par­ ticularly with golf carts have greatly encouraged Poa annua in our present bentgrass fairways. Frequent over­ irrigation also contributes to soil compaction and the extra moisture necessary for Poa annua germination. The bentgrasses are not as competitive with Poa annua on compacted soils. Also important to a bentgrass pro­ gram is the judicious use of fertilizer. Bentgrass fairways require minimal amounts of nitrogen, and the preferred program is to fertilize lightly but more frequently. This provides a slow, steady growth of the bentgrasses. High rates of nitrogen, particularly in late winter and early spring, encourage Poa annua. Higher nitrogen levels also increase the water requirements of the grasses. Applications of phosphorus to bentgrass fairways should be carefully Continued on N e x t P a g e ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? F IL L IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE BELOW AND MAIL TO: CHARLES GAIGE LAKELANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 7390 Rickett Brighton, Ml 48116 Office 231-3003, Residence 227-4617 D A T E N A M E ___________________________________________________ A D D R E S S ______________________________________________ C IT Y _____________________________ S T A T E ____________ OR Y O U M A Y C O N T A C T T H E N E X T G O L F C O U R S E S U P P L I E R WHO C A L L ON Y O U A N D G I V E H I M T H E I N F O R M A T I O N N E E D E D F O R A P P L I C A T I O N . soil phosphorus Sulfur fertilization has considered because high soil phos­ phorus also encourages Poa annua. Most soils in the United States contain adequate levels, except areas in the southeastern states where weathering intensity is relatively high. recently proven to be very beneficial to bent- grass turf. Dr. Roy Goss of Washington State University has been working with a Poa annua control program using sulfur as the key element to the pro­ gram. Several clubs the Mid- Atlantic Region have been applying sulfur to bentgrass fairways with good results. Sulfur materials available are elemental sulfur, ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, gypsum, and fer­ rous sulfate. Bentgrass fairways must receive proper cultural and mechanical maintenance practices to compete successfully with Poa annua. Soil tests should be taken periodically on bent­ grass fairways to determine nutritional needs. Bentgrasses prefer a soil pH around 5.5. A higher pH in the fairway soils will favor Poa annua. in Too Expensive I Many people do not consider bent-1 grass for a fairway turf because they feel maintenance will be more expen­ sive than for a Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass turf. Others equate the high cost of maintaining a bent­ grass putting green with a bentgrass fairway. In reality, bentgrasses will pro­ vide an excellent fairway playing sur­ face at only slightly higher mainten­ ance standards than Kentucky blue- grass or perennial ryegrass. A com­ parison of management practices will help demontrate the differences in bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass/ perennial ryegrass fairways. ment will be the height of cut. Bent­ grass fairways are cut between V2 and % inch, while Kentucky bluegrass/ perennial ryegrass fairways are cut between 3A and 1 inch. Best playing conditions are obtained on cool-season fairways by frequent mowing. How­ ever, Kentucky bluegrasses require more frequent mowing than the bent­ grasses. The lower cutting height of the bentgrasses not only can produce bet- 1. The biggest difference in manage­ ter playing conditions, but also deters Poa annua. Poa annua is most competi­ tive at 3A to 1 inch. 2. The bentgrasses require more water during the summer months because they become very short- rooted during July and August. Fre­ quent light waterings may be necessary during these months. Kentucky blue- grass and perennial ryegrass are more deeply rooted; therefore, light, fre­ quent waterings to these species dur­ ing the summer may reduce the root systems and produce a more tender plant. 3. Disease control programs are needed for all grasses. The best disease control program, however, is a sound cultural program using minimal fertilizer and water, proper mowing and thatch control. The peak disease period for bentgrasses, bluegrasses, and ryegrasses will be during July and August when heat and humidity are high. Normally, depending on weather conditions and the fungicide selected, a 7- to 21-day spray interval is followed in fairways in the late spring, summer and early fall. 4. The bentgrasses are also surpris­ ingly heat tolerant. This is a character­ istic usually overlooked. Bentgrass greens are present in areas of the deep south, and bentgrass tees are common in the southern limit of the transition zone on modified soil mixes. It is possible to grow bentgrass fairways further south than is currently prac­ ticed, if soils are well-drained. 5. The wear tolerance of bentgrass is poor compared to Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Perennial rye­ grass is the most wear tolerant of the cool-season grasses. Traffic control, particularly if golf carts are present, is mandatory to reduce wear on bent­ grass fairways. 6. The bentgrasses are the most weed free of the cool-season turf- grasses. However, they are more sus­ ceptible to injury from herbicides, particularly and hormone-type chemicals. Clover, par­ ticularly on imperfectly drained, fine- textured soils, is the biggest problem. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye­ grass have a higher tolerance to most Continued on N e x t P a g e pre-emergent TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 DON’T EVEN THINK OF B U Y IN G .......................... GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES WITHOUT CALLING 291-1200 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 If you have changed your address, please let us know so we can keep our addressing plates up to date. Present Address: N A M E A D D R E S S C I T Y S T A T E Z I P Fill In New Address: N A M E A D D R E S S Z I P S T A T E C I T Y Mail this form to: A PATCH OF GREEN 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 herbicides. The Future Hopefully, the criticisms that bentgrass fairways are too expensive to maintain and are too subject to Poa annua in­ vasion will be less in the future. Addi­ tionally, many managers may select bentgrass for areas previously con­ sidered too risky during the summer. Intensive breeding work will one day produce bentgrasses with greater heat- and drought-tolerance. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a bentgrass with the rooting characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass? Through breeding, we may one day have rhizomatous Colonial bentgrasses. This feature together with greater wear tolerance would sig­ nificantly increase bentgrass use on golf courses throughout the country. The future for better bentgrass fair­ ways through research now appears more promising than ever before. USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD JULY/ AUGUST 1981 Aeration, Cont. cultivated at sub-surface levels. Initial­ ly, pitch forks or some other homemade devices were rammed into the dry soil areas to permit better moisture and air penetration. Another theory appeared which said that the lower you mow, the more chance air has to get at the fine cracks in the soil. It was later proven that all grass would not hold up during stress periods mowed at low heights of cut. After the subject of mowing was re­ futed, the next step that came along was deep-pronged mechanical devices that merely dragged through the soil, drawing up some good and bad turf, generally leaving a mess in the area. Sweepers were developed, or the areas were raked to remove these materials. Play areas were disrupted, and recovery took a long time. SPIKING Spiking in some mechanical way was perhaps the first real effort at aeration. Even early tractors had spikes on the wheels to provide aeration, as well as traction, and many simple devices were made to attach to mowers that C ontinued on N e x t P a g e Serving you better v.V j • ■v W ith Q U A L IT Y ------ MALLINCKRODT LEWIS FORE PAR CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY Chipco DIAMOND SHAMROCK Yankee c y c l o n e PBI Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products PanaSea SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phone: Area 313 437-1427 GENE JOHANNINGSMEIER D on Kirkland & A sso cia te s IRRIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND SERVICE MANUAL SYSTEM CONVERSION GRADING-DRAINAGE - MECHANICAL - ROCK REMOVAL SEEDING-MULCHING 673-0222---------------- 674-1321 OVER 2,000 SPECIMEN TREES! i - 3” B & B /28” ______ 3Vi” B & B /32” ______ i - 4 " B & B /36” ______ 4H” B & B /40” ______ i - 5 ” B & B /50” ______ . $ 122.00 — 142.00 -162.00 _ 193.00 _ 233.00 D e l i v e r y & P l a n t in g a v a i l a b l e 20 v a r i e t ie s to cho ose from H u n d re d s of P in e & Spruce C o n t r a c t tree d igging by m ach in e or hand dug - A N Y s i z e tree R e fe re n c e s a v a i l a b l e upon req u e st TREE SUPPLY 6 TRANSPLANTING V i s i t o u r5 acre farm” 5 2 6 -0 4 4 0 I 4210 ROCHESTER RD. • TROY • 1 BLOCK N. of WATTLES would break up compaction at the top surface of the soil. Later, special spikers came out for that singular purpose and penetrated the soil anywhere from V2- inch to IV2 inches. CORING The first real efforts at changing the soil make-up came through the aera­ tion method of plugging or pulling out cores. The size of these cores ranged from lA inch to as large as 1 inch in diameter. The tines were hollow, and merely pulled out a three to four inch plug of soil. While this method disrupts the soil surface and interrupts play, it remains today as the most popular method of aerating. We moved then from the position of removing just a few cores from the soil to removing very many plugs. Some of this was done for the purpose of changing the soil structure by adding sand or soil amendments. Other users found it was one way that they could get water below the soil surface, as compaction really became a problem in heavy traffic areas. Many different types of tines were then developed, such as hollow closed tines, open tines, “L” shaped blades that merely lifted the turf; four, five, six and eight inch slicing knives were also developed. Today, a popular method of aerating large areas is to place blades into the soil anywhere from four to six inches, which leaves intermittent slits for water and air to penetrate the soil. DETHATCHING Along came the subject of what to do about the accumulation of grasses at the soil surface. The build-up prevents water from getting down to the roots of the soil. The term mat or thatch has been a difficult one to define, but for our purpose here, we refer to it as a surface organic accumulation which limits water and fertilizer, as well as prevents good grass growth. Thatch accumulation builds a spongy rough putting surface on a green, and can contribute to the cause of disease in some grasses. Dethatching machines were devel­ oped to cut the strands of stems and leaf sheaves which failed to decay over a period of years. The purpose of the machine was to slice the runners of Continued on N e x t Page Aeration, Cont. vascular strands and accumulate them on the surface so that they could be removed. Several machines were developed to do this, and from this concept was developed a machine that dethatches and seeds at the same time. Dethatch­ ing and seeding has become very popu­ lar in many areas and the results have been favorable. Aeration and dethatching by a slit­ ting method disrupts play less because less soil is brought to the surface than in the coring method. It also has a cultivating effect in that the whirling blades cause a cracking action in the soil, permitting water to penetrate it. Cultivation or aeration by this method, however, while growing in favor, has still not achieved the popularity of the hollow-tined cultivator. Machines for larger areas were devel­ oped to both dethatch and sweep, and many of these units have been sold throughout the world. Since the results of dethatching began to appear, some users of equipment felt it would be undesirable to pull plugs or cores of soil from the surface, as this method brought up some of their weed prob­ lems. Under the circumstances, these users prefer the blading method of aeration, and realize that thatch can be a real deterrent to fine turf. Recently, more and more superintendents have reached the conclusion that the severity of the cultivation method to turf does not necessarily insure fine turf growing conditions. Vertical mowing, as it was formerly thought out, involved running the slicing blades through the thatch, into the soil. It was considered desirable to bring up some small amounts of soil. There seems to be a current trend toward considering vertical mowing, where the blades are set merely to “tick the tops.” With the advent of the Trip­ lex Greens Mowers, coupled with the concept that the players become upset because the playing conditions are not the same each time they go out, neces­ sitated a device that would reduce thatch, nap, and graining without dis­ rupting the playing surface. Properly adjusted, vertical mowers that merely “tick the tops” leave the playing surface in good condition; and over a period of time, thatch will be removed in this manner. Deep slicing may not be required, and the playing surface, for all purposes, is equivalent to what it was before the procedure. The trend also might be affected by the fact that the Triplex Greens Mowers are 60 inches wide, and can do the job far quicker because the clippings are collected at the same time the vertical mowing is being done. Recently, I had the chance to observe vertical mowing being done with V2- inch spaces between the blades instead of the normal 34-inch spaces. Again, let me stress the point that the vertical mowers are just “ticking the tops” and doing very little slicing of the runners. The fact that the time and effort re­ quired to do the job permits golf course operators to do what they now term “vertical mowing” and dethatching more often without severely upsetting the green has to be one of the prime reasons for this trend. SUB-AIRING Compaction, a real problem to most turf maintenance people. On high-use areas such as football fields, golf courses, and playgrounds, there is a consistent problem of keeping compac­ tion at a minimum. For this reason, the tined Aerators have been used. More recently, an apparent trend to the four- to-six-inch blades for loosening the turf has been incorporated. Introduced within the last few years is another new method of relieving compaction which could be termed subsoil aeration. The unit has an oscillating blade which goes fore and aft, and performs at a depth of four to seven inches below the surface. The ascillation of the blades causes tremendous vibration, and shakes the soil from two to three feet around the slits. The process permits heavier and deeper penetration of water and air into the soil, and if calcined clays or other soil amendments are placed on the surface prior to the operation of the machine, penetration of these clays can be found from four to five inches below the level of the turf. If some top dressing and fertilizing is done follow­ ing sub-airing, recovery is quite quick, but the job must be done at a time during the best growing portion of the C ontinued on P a g e 18 Ken became Sales Manager of Cen­ Kenneth G. Hodas has been appoint­ ed Vice President, and Scott Foerstner as Treasurer and Controller announced Ernie Hodas, President, Century Rain- Aid, diBtibutor of Underground sprinkler supplies and agricultural irrigation equipment. tury’s Ag Division, Coldwater, Michigan in September, 1980 with responsibilities including branch management. After graduating from Michigan State Univer­ sity, East Lansing, Michigan in 1971, Ken joined Century as designer and estimator in 1972. Scott Foerstner joined Century in 1979 as Controller based at the Madison Heights, headquarters, with duties of control procedures, financial plan­ ning and auditing. Scott is a graduate of the University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1977, and is a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Sam Roach joined Century Rain-Aid as Engineering Sales Representative, and Art McKinlay as Credit Manager reported President Century, Ernie Hodas. Roach will be based at Century’s Elk Grove Village, Illinois branch developing and servicing Illinois turf sprinkler installer contractors, golf courses, architects, nurseries, con­ struction contractors, municipalities, and commercial sprinkler applications. A 1977 graduate of Michigan State University, Sam’s past active involve- mentincludes positions with Schones Landscaping, Sprinkler Supply & Con­ sultants , and recently with Chicago Turf & Irrigation. He has also served as President of the Chicago area Contractors Advisory Board. Art McKinlay was degreed in Busi­ ness Administration from Eastern Michigan University, Detroit Institute of Technology, Boston University. Art also was a Silver Medalist with the 1956 U.S. Olympic Rowing Team. McKinlay, based at Century’s Cor­ porate Headquarters, Madison Heights, will have responsibilities of credit, collections, customer relations and supervision of credit personnel. 17 Art McKinlay season. SUMMARY If one can surmise what is taking place today and what will be produced for the future, it would appear that turf maintenance people would rather do the job with wider equipment more often with less physical damage and faster recovery of the turf in the aerating field. Also, operators would prefer to ride instead of walk behind any piece of equipment to do their aerating. What­ ever method is used, we know mechan­ ical aerating will continue to be neces­ sary to promote the growth of better turf in our high-rise areas. In the case of schools, institutions, and parks, new aerating methods, while they affect appearance and recovery of the turf, are equally important with relation to the time and cost of doing the work required. A whole host of new products will be produced in the years to come, basically to reduce efforts, time, and cost. The goal is minimum maintenance, with maximum results to the turf and the least amount of dis­ ruption of play or appearance. THE GARDEN OF LIFE First, Plant Five Rows of P’s Presence Promptness Preparation Perseverance Purity Next, Plant Three Rows of Squash Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash unjust criticism Then Plant Five Rows of Lettuce Let us be faithful to duty Let us be unselfish and loyal Let us obey the rules and regulations Let us be true to our obligations and Let us love one another No Garden is Complete Without Turnips Turn up for meetings Turn up with a smile Turn up with new ideas Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile. Carolinas Newsletter tractors keep the job going strong. a s l o w a s $1170. A FULL UN K OF M ID-RANGE DIESEL TRACTORS A N D IMPLEMENTS Test drive a Kubota Diesel Tractor now at: WM. F. SELL & SON, INC. 16555 TELEGRAPH ROAD TAYLOR. MICHIGAN 48180 Telephone: 313/282-5100 GRASS DOES NOT LIVE BY NITROGEN ALONE! OR PHOSPHATE OR POTASH Yes, it takes a balance of all nutrients to grow good turf. Country Club products provide total nutrient feeding. Look to Country Club for all your fertilizer and combination fertilizer-pesticide products. You can rely on Country Club turf products for satisfaction and results. For more information, call 1-800-637-2101 (217-446-0983 in Illinois) LEBANON CHEMICAL CORPORATION P.O. Box 647 Danville, IL 61832 P.O. Box 180 Lebanon, PA 17042 HOWARD COMMERCIAL TURF EQUIPMENT COMMERCIAL 82” MOWER The Howard 82" allows you one of the largest cuts for com­ mercial mowers but without the scalping you receive from single plane cutting tables The center unit is 48" with the two wings being 18" each The forward mounted cutting head af­ fords m aximum visibility, non-tracking perform ance and unparalleled trimming capabilities around and under bushes. chains, guard rails, picnic tables, etc. By having your cutting head out in front, independently attached, you can actually see the mower following the contour of the ground, not the trac­ tor The Howard Commercial Mower with hydrostatic trans­ mission enables you to set your cutting speed to an infinite range, between the speeds of 0 and 6.2 M.P.H., depending on your mowing conditions. The heavy duty transmission and dif­ ferential allows for a responsive, yet smooth, operating forward and reverse action in open or congested areas. The transmis­ sion is backed by the strongest warranty in the field. The out­ standing versatility of our tractor is evidenced by the attach­ ments which are available. The attachments are quick change and may be run off our live P.T.O. LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 154-154T SWEEPERS The patented rubber pick-up fingers is the reason that the Jacobsen Model 154 Sweeper picks up the debris that other sweepers leave behind. Two reels of counter-rotating, interlocking rubber fingers pick up every­ thing in sight . . . from small branches to cigarette butts. They’ ll police your grounds better than a company of recruits. With a 48” sweeping width and a one cubic yard hopper capacity, the Jacobsen Sweeper lets you stay ahead of the job. The Model 154 self-propelled Sweeper (pictured above) and the Model 154T pull behind Sweeper are designed to sweep wet and dry clippings, leaves, rocks, cans, bottles, branches and litter of both, turf and hard surfaces. - CALL 313-647-7700 FOR A DEMONSTRATION - W.F. M iller & &„fepa„y 1593 S. WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 TELEPHONE: (313) 647-7700 "A Patch of Green” 31823 UTICA ROAD FRASER, MICHIGAN 48026 B L K N T MICHIGAN STATE UNIVSIlSITY LIBRARY - SERIALS EAST LANSING, MICH, 4 8 0 2 3