JULY 1981 GREEN Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION - - PRESIDENT JAMES TIMMERMAN, CGCS Orchard Lake Country Club 2474 Lafcry Orchard Lake, Michigan 48033 Off. 682-2750 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 DUSHANE ,CGCS KEVIN Wabeek Country Club 159 Willards Way Union Lake, Michigan 48085 Off. 85 7-7689 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 B loomfield, Michigan 48033 Off. 626-8325 - Res. 85 7-7904 DANIEL UZELAC Dominion Golf Club RR No. 1 Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada NOR 1 LO Off. 969-4350 - Res. 969-4350 THEODORE WOEHRLE Oakland Hills Country Club 3390 Witherbee Troy, Michigan 48084 Off. 644-3352 PRESIDENT EMERITUS CLEM WOLFROM Detroit Golf Club 530 Kendry B loomfield H i 11 s, Michigan 48013 Off. 345-4589 Res. 649-8512 Res. 334-0140 - - - "A PATCH OF GREEN” the P ubl ished monthly by MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland H ills 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 Double Page S pread............................................$150.00 Back Outside P a g e ................................................ 75.00 F u llP a g e ....................................................................... 65.00 H alf P a g e ..................................................................... 40.00 Quarter P a g e ............................................................... 30.00 E ighth P a g e ................................................................ 1 5.00 Sixteenth P a g e .......................................................... 10.00 Classified Ad (per column in c h )................... 7.50 D ISC O U N T R A T E : One Year 10% Note: Advertising fees may not be deducted from the above rates. *75icdTHantA* lertidvu- • • A A A T re e S ervice Benham C hem icals C eniury Rain A id G o lf Car D is trib u to rs K irk la n d & A s s o c ia te s L a k e s h o re E quipm ent C orporation L a w n E quiom ent C orporation L e b a n o n /A g ric o W. F. M ille r Garden & E quipm ent N a tu re ’ s Image L a n d sc a p in g , Inc. O xford Peat Com pany 0 . M. Scott & Son, Inc. Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc. S p rin kle r Irrig a tio n Supply C o. T e rm in a l Sales C orporation T ire W h olesalers, Inc. T urfgrass, Inc. T u rf S upplies, Inc. W ilk ie T u rf E quipm ent D iv is io n , Inc. C h a rlie W ells & Company 2 Benham Chemicals 3190 Martin Road Walled Lake, Ml 48088 313/624-3200 A New Handle on the Ataenius Spretulus Grub Problem by Gerald S. Wegner Graduate Research Associate Department of Enthomology O.A.R.D.C. & thè Ohio State Univ. After two years of intensive research on the biology and control of Ataenius spretulus, Dr. Harry Niemczyk and myuself feel very strongly that we have a handle on this serious white grub problem of golf course greens and fairways. The solution is quite simple. Since the small black beetle and its immature stages are not always ap­ parent or easily monitored by direct observation, it is now possible to “pre­ dict” what stage of Ataenius develop­ ment or life history is occuring at a given time of the year by means of concurrent natural events (i.e., the blooming of certain common flowering plants, shrubs, or trees). This method is valid because both insect and plant biology is dominated by two factors in common: 1) length of daylight and 2) seasonal changes temperature. in Therefore, the activity of the various insects and plants will follow a set pattern year after year. I have found that the first major flights of overwintered Ataenius adults and their initial appearance in and on first noticeable blossoming of dande­ lion, common blue violet, cultivated magnolia, black maple, and Poa annua seedhead. The first eggs of Ataenius appear simultaneously with the blos­ soming of black locust, spirea, haw­ thorn, and cottonwood seed release. First generation thrid instar larvae and their damage occur during the blos­ soming of crown vetch, chicory, milk­ weed, yucca, and black-eyed susan. First generation adults are on the wing and second generation eggs being laid Continued on Page 17 "For Land's Sake-'Use Peat" Oxford y m co. 1430 E. Drahner Rd. Oxford, Michigan 48051 PROCESSED PEAT Top Dressing Blends Custom Blending greens and fairways correspond to theAAA SERVICE FREDLATTA 313/628-5991 EXPERIENCED * PROFESSIONAL * RELIABLE DEARBORN OFFICE L O 2 5 2 2 5 I I PLYMOUTH OFFICE 4 5 9 - 9 5 5 5 ______ _ COMPLETE TREE CARE SERVICE__________ FULLY INSURED • LICENSED • SINCE 1947 4 SUPERINTENDENTS - CHOOSE HONDA FOR 1980 HONDA. ENGINES Recondition your equipment th is winter w ith a Honda. B uilt tough for Dependability - D urability - Quiet Precision Engineering - Economy ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS GV150 A1 GV150 A2 3.5 G 150 G 150 G 150 GV200 GV200 GV/200 G 200 G 200 G 200 G 200 G 200 G 300 G300 G300 G300 G300 G400 G400 G400 GV400 GV400 GV400 Q PE HQ (1) (2) (3) Q V PE S HQ Q V S HQ Q Q V Q (4) (5) (6) GV400 (7) 5 7 10 11 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X AF AF AF N40 N 50 N4C AF A5 AF AG AF B6 B6 B7 B6 JO B6 B6 JO AA AB JB JD 3 5/32 x 7/8 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 7/8 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 3/4 DIA. TAPPED 5/16 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 5/8 THREADED 2 3/4 x 3/4 DIA. X X X X X 3 5/32 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 1 13/16 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 3/8 24 UNF 2 7/16 x 3/4 DIA. TAPPED 5/16 24 UNF 2 53/64 x 0.755 DIA. TAPER 2 1/4 PER FT. 2 7/16 x 5/8 THREADED 2 3/64 x 22 mm DIA. 2 3/64 x 3/4 DIA. 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 4 11/64 x 7/8 DIA. TAPER 2 1/4 PER FT. 2 3/32 x 22 mm DIA. 3 7/32 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 4 11/64 x 7/8 DIA. TAPER 2 1/4 PER FT. 3 31/64 x 1 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF 3 5/32 x 1.0 DIA. TAPPED 7/16 20 UNF X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 3600 3600 4000 4000 4000 3200 3200 3700 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 4000 OPT. X 4000 4000 X X 4000 OPT. X 3550 3550 3550 X X X 3550 OPT. X X X X X X (1) N40 with CDI & Extended Oil Filler Tube (2) N50 with CDI & Extended Oil Filler Tube (3) N4C (without tank, oil filler tube, with S-type muffler) (4) AA - STD. type (5) AB - STD. type (with SN muffler, w/o fuel tank) (6) JB - Electric Start (with SN muffler and recoil starter, w/o fuel tank) (7) JD - Electric Start (with 80w lamp coil, w/o fuel tank and muffler) X X X X X X X X X X SD 2.12 28.7 SD 2.12 28.7 OB 2.64 29.8 OB 2.64 OB 2.64 .29.8 37.1 DE 2.01 37.5 DE 2.01 37.5 DE OPT. 35.3 OB 3.68 33.1 OB 3.68 33.1 OB 3.68 OB 3.68 OB 3.68 33.1 46.5 41.5 DE 6.36 48.5 DE 6.36 48.5 DE 6.36 63.5 DE 6.36 59.0 DE 6.36 59.0 DE 6.36 66.1 DE 6.36 66.1 DE 6.36 76.0 DE 2.44 61.7 DE OPT. 61.7 DE OPT. 68.4 DE OPT. 66.2 * SD - SEMI-DRY OB - OIL BATH DE - DUAL ELEMENT GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1980 W. WIDE TRACK DR. (US 10) PONTIAC, MICH. 338-0425 MON.-FRI. 8-5, SAT. 8-1 To F it Your Budget SPECIAL PRICES TO M.B.C.G.C.S.A. MEMBERS Easy Terms C U S H M A N T U F F-C A FE EQUPM ENTT 5 Between September and May the cool-season turfgrasses in the Mid- Atlantic Region will be initiating new rooth growth. The proper management practices of the golf superindendent at this time can enhance maximum root development. It is particularly import­ ant to encourage the strongest root growth in the fall since these roots will live longer than those formed in the spring. The following are suggestions to encourage maximum root develop­ ment.Watering - Try to restrict watering the greens from September through May. This will encourage the roots to forge deeply into the soils. Frequent watering will induce shallow rooting. Never water to soften the greens for the golfers. Besides being detrimental to the roots, this practice encourages Poa annua. Aeration - Compacted soils are one of the major reasons for limited root growth on putting greens. By aerating the greens at least once every fall and spring, soil compaction is reduced. This also encourages better air and water movement in the top of the soil profile.Vertical Mowing - For optimum playing conditions and agronomic management, layer on greens should be no greater than 1/4 inch. If thatch is greater, the blades of a vertical mower should be set into the thatch at this time. Thatch reduces turfgrass rooting by restricting fertil­ izer, air, and water movement to the soil where it will benefit the plant. Fertilization - By fertilizing with a complete fertilizer at the rate of 1/4 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet Continued on Page 15 thatch the ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? FILL IN THE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW AND MAIL TO: CHARLES GAIGE LAKELANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 7390 Rickett Brighton, Ml 48116 Office 231-3003, Residence 227-4617 N A M E ___ A D D R ES S D A T E C IT Y _____________________________ S T A T E _______________ Z IP ____________ O R 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 W H O C A L L O N Y O U A N D G IV E H IM T H E IN F O R M A T IO N N E E D E D F O R A P P L I C A T I O N . 6 INK YOUR OPINION If you feel strongly about an issue or a piece of new legislation, don’t just sit home and worry about it. Let your representative or senator know your opinion by taking a few minutes to write him a letter. These fifteen suggestions from the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association Newsletter will help you compose an effective and informative letter.Power of a letter - Letters from home have become the primary form of con­ tact for legislators with the voters back home-and, as a result, the main source for assessing the views of his or her constituency. Your letter can and should be part of that input. Form letters - Avoid form letters or using sterotyped phrases and sentenc­ es. They identify your message as part of an organized pressure campaign and will have little or no impact. When to write - In general, write early. Begin to encourage approval or disapproval of a bill while it is in committee, if possible. Try to time the arrival of your letter for midweek- Monday and Friday are heavy mail days and are also the days members of congress travel back and forth from hoem.Stationery - Write on personal stationery or on plain paper. If you have your own business, you should use your business letterhead. Return address - Put your return address on the letter, not just the envelope. Envelopes are often tossed away before a letter is answered. Identify yourself - Somewhere in the first paragraph, state the name of the legislation about which you are writing. Include the bill number if you can. Sometimes several bills are introduced Continued on Page 14 FOR ALL YOUR IR R IG A TIO N NEEDS YOUR FULL STOCK FULL SERVICE D ISTR IB U TO R JIM VINCE MIKE BYRNES JAN KOVACICH PETE ASARO SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SUPPLY CO. 1316 N. CAMPBELL ROAD ROYAL OAK, Ml 48067 PHONE: (313) 398-2233 7 Use of Sulfur to Reduce pH James A. McAfee Soil pH (soil reaction) is a term used to describe the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. A pH of 7.0 is neutral, while anything below 7.0 is acid and anything above 7.0 is considered alkaline. Most turfgrasses grow best at a slightly acid pH (6.2-6.5). As the soil pH deviates from this range, many of the plant nutrients in the soil become less avail­ able for plant growth. Therefore, main­ taining the soil at the proper pH range is very helpful in the maintenance of quality turfgrass. Also, improper soil pH decreases the efficiency of applied fertilizers, thus increasing the cost of turfgrass maintenance. Soils with a low pH can be corrected by the addition of limestone, while soils with a high pH must be corrected by the addition of some type of acidifying material such as sulfuric acid, acidify­ ing fertilizers (ammonium sulfate, am­ monium nitrate, etc.), or sulfur. Rates of lime needed to correct acid soils have been established. However, rates and types of acidifying material need­ ed to correct alkaline soils are not fully understood at this time. Research is currently being conducted by several investigators to establish the best ma­ terials, rates, and timing of application to correct high pH soils. Sulfuric acid will react the fastest to correct a high pH. However, it is too dangerous and corrosive to be used in most turf situations. One of the best materials for correcting high pH soils is elemental sulfur. Microorganisms in the soil convert the elemental sulfur to sulfuric acid (Table 16). It is the oxida­ tion process for this conversion that creates the acidity. Sulfur comes in three forms; (a) powder, (b) flake, and (c) granulated products. The fine pow­ der reacts the fastest to correct the pH, while the flake product reacts the slow­ est. The different granulation products are intermediate between the powder and flake. Last year, several golf courses in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area applied sulfur to their greens. Table 17 shows the re­ sults of 6 pounds elemental sulfur per 1.000 sq. ft. applied to Tifdwarf ber- mudagrass greens. Six months after application the soil pH had been low­ ered a little more than one unit in the top 4 inches and slightly less than one unit in the 4 to 7 inch range. Lowering the soil pH by one unit with 6 to 10 pounds of sulfur per 1,000 sq. ft. has also been observed on other turf areas in the region. While sulfur has been shown to be effective in lowering soil pH, it can also create other problems. Over applica­ tion of sulfur can burn the turfgrass. Twenty pounds of sulfur or more per 1.000 sq. ft. per application to bent- grass caused extreme burning of the bentgrass at the Texas A&M Univer­ sity Turfgrass Research Plots. Appli­ cation of 400 pounds sulfur per acre in Continued on Page 13 No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE Golf Courses Use More M I L O R G A N I T E c V Than Any Other Fertilizer __________l TER M INAL SALES CORP. I H S h E“2' 8 $5 C harles E. W ells L td. 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 $ Keep this card handy. It could save yo time and money* 9 Two Turfgrass Management students at Michigan State University received TUCOAwards at the 51st Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference. Recipients are Lawrence D. Kreh. (left) and Steven Chont (right). The awards are being presented by TUCO representative Russell H. Tiller, Jr. TUCO is a Division of the Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan. A Western Michigan Golf Course Superintendent’ s Association Scholarship is pre­ sented to Steven P. Kolongowski (center) at the 51st Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference at Michigan State University on January 13, 1981. Presenting the schol­ arship are Roger Barton (left), and Keith Paterson (right). Board Members of W.M.G.C.S.A. Golf Course Superintendent’ s Association of America Scholarships are presented to four Michigan State University Turfgrass Management students at the 51st Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference. Left to right are Gary Pulsipher, Steven D. White, James Timmermen (G.C.S.A.A. Board Member, Michael McEiroy, and James Johnson. 10 SUPER PRO Features and benefits of this 81-inch reel mower include: 3 power driven reels that give the Super Pro more capacity than any independent reel mower in the Toro line; choice of 5 or 6 blade reels to tailor the clip to the turf. Articulated outboard '.wing’ reels hug uneven ground contours. Electric­ starting 12 hp engine provides ample power. Seven-position range of cutting heights (3/8 inch to 2-3/4 inch) adjusts without tools to move machine quickly from one mowing area to another. Call Wilkie Turf Equipment Company for a Super Pro demonstration. W ILKIE TUrf Equipment Division, Inc. 1050 OPDYKE ROAD PONTIAC, MICHIGAN 48057 (313) 373-8800 (BUT DECIDED TO ANSWER ANYWAY) 6 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WE NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D ASK I Yes, GCSAA can help you become a bet­ 2 ter superintendent. One way it does this is through educational seminars and con­ ference sessions it sponsors each year to help you become better turfgrass diseases, pesticides, landscaping and management practices. Each year, GCSAA sponsors an annual conference and show for its members. Last year more than 6,500 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. Through the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund, Inc., GCSAA provided more than $13,500 last year in research grants to leading turfgrass programs. GCSAA also provides educational opportunities to turf­ grass students through annual turfgrass scholarships. Yes, GCSAA provides a meeting ground for superintendents. Yes, GCSAA is helping to further the ad­ vancement of industry. turfgrass the 3 informed about 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 4 Yea, GCSAA offers recognition for superintendents. Through its public its relations efforts, 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 if5 GCSAA more than just a name. The association that offers you 1617 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE • LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66044 913 / 841-2240 12 Sulfur to Reduce Ph, Cont. the spring and 400 pounds per acre in -the fall caused burning of bermuda- grass in Dallas-Ft. Worth. Also, addi­ tions of sulfur to some areas caused an increase in salts, particularly sodium (Table 17). It is essential that areas being treated with sulfur have good drainage. Otherwise, an accumulation of sodium could occur and cause problems. Oxidation of elemental Table 16. sulfur (S) to sulfuric acid in the soil. SOq soil , Sulfur + bacteria Trioxide Sulfuric acid HoO ___ H9SO4 Water Sulfur + Oxygen 4 Table 17. Effects of six pounds ele- n\ental sulfur per 1,000 ftr applied to three Tifd- warf bermudagrass sites in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. ( 12/15/75 6/2/76 : Site 014^. 8.6 7.4 7.8 8.9 7.6 8.0 f Soil pH ( A 1 B 1 C9.2 7.9 8.2 12/15/75 6/2/76 ^1 0-4” 4-7” 910 2,030 1,240 900 2,550 1,300 - Sodium « As a member of the Board of Direc- ! tors of the club, I thought it appro- / priate to define a “Board Member”: A Board Member is said to be a person who knows a great deal about very little and who goes along knowing more and more about less and less until finally he knows practically everything ’ about nothing; Then you become chairman of the Greens and Grounds Committee. This is a person who knows very little about a great deal and keeps knowing less and less about more and more until he knows practically nothing about 1 everything; ) And then the Greens Superinten­ dent starts out knowing practically f everything about everything, but ends up knowing nothing about anything, due to his association with Board Members and the Chairman of the Greens and Grounds! GRASS DOES NOT LIVE BY NITROGEN ALONE! OR P H O S P H A T E 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 ..." Kubota backhoes are ver­ satile and maneuverable implements designed to work most effectively and economically with Kubota diesel tractors. A FULL UNK OF MID-RAIMI MESKL TRACTORS AND IMPUMKNTS HlKIIBQTir—' Test drive a Kubota D iesel Tractor now at: WM. F. SELLS SON, INC. 16555 TELEGRAPH ROAD TAYLOR, MICHIGAN 48180 Telephone: 313/282-5100 13 Your Opinion, Cont. that deal with the same subject matter. State your position - Explain how the bill would affect you, your family, your business, or even your state or community. Use facts - Arguments that can’t be substantiated are dismissed. Be sure of your facts but don’t overload the letter with them. Facts tend to validate your letter and illustrate that you have given a lot of thought to your position. Be reasonable - Don’t ask for the impossible. Don’t tell a legislator to vote your way “or else.” Do be firm, confident and positive about your position. Use human terms - Make it your own letter, write in your own style. Keep it short - Write your letter about one issue. If you are concerned about three issues, write three letters. This makes your letter easier to read and your position easier to understand. Ask for a reply - Indicate to your legislator that you would appreciate a reply containing his position on the issue. As a constituent, you have a right to know how your representative feels on an issue. Follow-up - If your legislator’s vote on the bill pleases you, thank him for his vote. Everybody appreciates a complimentary letter. If his vote dis­ pleases you, let him know that, too. Suggested salutations - Here are the addresses and suggested salutations to be used when writing members of the U.S. Congress: The Honorable John Doe The Honorable John Doe House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Doe: The Honorable John Doe U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Doe: 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 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313)291-1200 DON’T EVEN THINK OF BUYING....................... GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES WITHOUT CALLING 291-1200 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,ToyJor, Michigan (313)291-1200 14 Building Root Systems, Cont. every three to four weeks in the fall, the ('roots greatly benefit. Fertilizer at this ! time is consumed largely by the roots 'instead of the leaves and stems. Do not ^pver-fertilize or apply fertilizer in the Nearly spring of the year, particularly in I March, April, and early May. This will [ over-stimulate the plant, reducing root ) growth. Potassium sulfate applications > at the rate of 1 1/2 pounds from the bag per 1,000 square feet also help roots in i the spring and fall. Herbicides - The preemergent herb- I icides used for crabgrass, goosegrass, and Poa annua control have side ef- \ fects on the roots. Are you usiung these materials wisely? Remember, the grass leaves and stems are not as easilyu ^ affected by these materials, so injury is 5’not readily visible. Air and Light Quality - Greens which have poor air and light quality were hardest hit by the high temperatures of this past summer. Improve these fact­ ors by removing trees and branches along the lines of the prevailing winds and of the rising and setting sun, and the whole turf plant will benefit. This is Y an excellent time to accomplish tree work.Building a good root system now will pay off in reducing summer manage­ ment problems. The greens will re­ quire less water, thus lessening the chances of crabgrass and goosegrass germinating. There appears to be a | direct correlation between the strength of the root systems and the invasion of these weeds in our region. All golf courses were reporting in­ creased play in 1980 in the geion, and we expected heavy play this fall. To I provide the best playing conditions at f this time on the greens, be sure to lightly vertical mow and topdress the greens once every 15 to 25 days if climatic conditions are favorable. Also, the greens should be mowed as fre­ quently as possible, preferably five to t six times weekly, and the Wiehle or grooved rollers should be attached to the mowers. Patrick O’Brien 31691 Dequindre Madison Heights, Ml 48071 313/588-2990 22159 Telegraph Southfield, Ml 48034 313/358-2992 15 We would like to thank the following persons for donating their time and money to help operate the Michigan Hospitality Room at the G.C.S.A.A. National Convention in Anaheim, California. Walt Trombly Jim Vince Jay DelCamp Chris Myers Kevin Dushane Jim Timmerman Gene Johanningsmeir Ted Wohrle Ed Heineman Bob Hope Tom Gauthier Mike Edgerton Bill Milne George Prieskorn Jerry Gill Steve Vasher Norm Brown Paula Deitz Clem Wolfrom W.F. Miller Co. Mid-Michigan Turf Managers Association Century Rain Aid Don Ratcliff Tom Mason Craig Roggeman Jeff Gorney Bob Birdsall Ken Debusscher Don LaFond Charlie Scott Jerry Fairbel Marty Miller Keith Paterson Roger Barton Western Michigan Golf Courses S.A. Through your donations and efforts we raised enough money to not only purchase the beverages but also help defray part of the cost of the room in which the Michigan and Border Cities G.C.S.A. and the Western Michigan G.C.S.A. paid the difference. Everyone who attended the Hos­ pitality Room agreed that this was the finest facility the Association has ever operated at a National Convention. Hospitality Room Committee Kevin Dushane Ted Wohrle Chris Myers 16 Serving you better v , V W ith Q U A L IT Y ------ MALLINCKRODT LEWIS FORE PAR CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY Chipco DIAMOND SHAMROCK Yankee cyclone PBI Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products PanaSea SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phone Areo 313 437-1427 GENE JOHANNINGSMEIER Ataenius Spretulus, Cont. while hibiscus (rose-of-sharon, althea) and evening primrose are blooming. Second generation larvae are feeding in greens and fairways through the blossoming of ironweek, staghorn sumac, goldenrod, and bull thistle Finally, second generation adults are on the wing enroute to suitable over­ wintering sites (at the tree line of surrounding wooded areas) during new england aster bloom and bull thistle and milkweed seed release. Based on this information, it would be wise to employ an adult control program at the onset of black locust and hawthorn blossom, and cotton­ wood seed release. Such a preventative measure should be used only in situa­ tions where a large population of Atae­ nius is known to be present based on damage inflicted in the previous year. In cases where no evidence of a harm­ ful Ataenius population is available, periodic checks for the larvae and their damage should be made when crown vetch, chicory, milkweek, yucca, and blackeyed susan come into bloom. At this time a larval control program may be employed if needed. Generally 20 to 30 larvae per square foot will cause no apparent damage to fairways. It is Dr. Niemczyk’s and my firm belief that if the gold course superin­ tendent is conscientious in the timing and execution of the recommended control programs, he should be able to get a handle on this turf grub problem within the next year or two. LOOK FOR WHAT UNION ORGANIZERS What do union organizers look for when they begin selecting an organiz­ ing target? A recent published study suggests that unfair and harsh treatment by supervisors is a primary condition of this selection process. The study - the Dartnell Manage­ ment Report - also suggests that em­ ployees believe they can get even with management for real or imaginary wrongs by joining a union. Continued on Next Page OVER 2,000 SPECIMEN TREES! i - 3 " B & B /2 8 " ___________ $122.00 B & B /3 2 ” _____________142.00 W » - 4 " B & B /3 6 ” _____________162.00 - 4M?” B& B -/40M_____________193.00 > - 5 ” B & B /5 0 " ____________ 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 & Sp ruce 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 reque st TREE SUPPLY 6 TRANSPLANTING V i s i t our 5 acre farm" 528- 0+40 I 4210 ROCHESTER RD • TROY • 1 BLOCK N. of WATTLES Don Kirkland & A ssociates IRRIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND SERVICE MANUAL SYSTEM CONVERSION GRADING - DRAINAGE -MECHANICAL - ROCK REMOVAL SEEDING-MULCHING 673-0222 -------------------- 674-1321 17 Unions, Cont. Here are some of the items, accord­ ing to the report, that union organizers look for: 1) Little, if any, personal recognition. Employees believe they could at least get forced recognition from the company; b) Lack of firm and fair discipline; c) Fear of job security. Employees feel they would have great­ er safety and job security numbers; d) Failure of management to exercise confident leadership; e) “Open-door” complaint procedures that do not open doors; f) Failure of management to help employees identify themselves with their employees. Employees be­ lieve they would have the opportunity to achieve a personal need satisfaction through a union; g) Favoritism; h) Lack of standard or inadequate employee benefits; i)Substandard wages; j) Fail­ ure to put company personnel policies and employee benefits in writing. THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Beware of half-truths; you may have gotten hold of the wrong half. LA K E S H O R E EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY CO. HOME OF LESCÇ) PRODUCTS And SULFUR COATED FERTILIZERS Distributor & Formulator GRASS SEED, FERTILIZERS Call Us Today TOLL FREE 1-8 0 0 -3 2 1 -5 3 2 5 INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES, HERBICIDES 300 S. Abbe Rd. Elyria, Ohio 44035 (216) 323-7544 Price Quotation On Request Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc. 19240 West Eight Mile _____________ (V, MU« W««l of South»« Id *o«d) Southfield. Mich. 48075 Phone: (313) 354-5644 TRAILER I TRUCK-CAR MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRIAL jnu mmluWIWOYALl TIRES WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION EXTENDS INVITATION Dedication ceremonies for the new Robert W. Hancock Turf Research Center will be held in conjunction with the 1981 Michigan State University Turfgrass Field Day on September 10, 1981. Located at the corner of Mount Hope Road and Farm Lane, just South of the Michigan State Campus in East Lansing. It is being sponsored by Michigan State University and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. It will be the first Field Day held at the new Robert W. Hancock Turf Re­ search Center. The newly developed 10-acre site has become a reality after many years of planning. The building, furnishing, equipment and field plot de­ velopment costs have mainly been paid for through donations received from in­ dividuals and the turf industry. Michigan State University Agricultural Experi­ ment Station has provided 10 per cent of the development costs. Total develop­ mental costs have been over $300,000. Robert W Hancock Turf Research Cen­ ter has over 10 acres of field plot area, whereas the old test site had only 3 acres. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation has been the driving force in devel­ oping and coordinating industry support for this new facility. The new irrigation system is the most sophisticated system ever installed at a turf testing facility. It will be used extensively for research related to ef­ ficient energy and water use for the home owner and the turf industry. All individuals, organizations and companies will be recognized for their contributions which made this new facility available to the people of Michigan and the Northern Turfgrass region. Contact persons: Dr. John Kaufmann Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan 48824 Gordon LaFontaine, Executive Secretary Lawn Equipment Corporation 2203 Sexton Road Howell. Michigan 48843 Phone-' (517) 355-2033 Phone: (313) 348-8110 18 HOWARD COMMERCIAL TURF EQUIPMENT COMMERCIAL 60” MOWER The Howard 60" Commercial Mower with forward mounted cutting head affords maximum visibility, non-tracking per­ formance 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 tractor. The Howard Commercial Mower with hydrostatic transmission 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 m owing conditions. The heavy duty transmission and differential allows for a responsive, yet smdoth, operating forward and reverse action in open or congested areas. The transmission is backed by the strongest warranty in the field. The outstanding versatility of our tractor is evidenced by the attachments which are available. The attachments are quick change and may be run off our live P.T.O. LAW 46845 « N EQUIPMENT CORPORATION I. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 P.0. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 Jacobsen Turfcat And Price Quotation Call Now For A Demonstration W. F. Miller Equipment Company 1593 S. WOODWARD A V E . BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 T E L E P H O N E : (313) 647-7700 "A Patch of Green” 31823 U T I C A R O A D F R A S E R , M IC H IG A N 48026 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - SERIALS EAST LANSING» MICH. 48823 US POSTAGE PAID! PERMIT NO 37