a v ^ 1 5 SEPTEMBER 1983 r lO ilrw * Etss* 1283 Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association lainnecl ball P P I P P S Washed, Sorted and Striped Supply your driving range and pro shop with retrieved balls. ready for use ill Company 6148 Tnomycroft Street Utica, Ml 48087 (313) 731*3469 :ASE 5KNL) F'OR PRICE BROCHURE: AND A D D IT IO N A L INFORMATION I M I I I I F ® I - * I Jllli - ^ % ¿JUPill m m 2 MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION WOLFROM,CCCS PRESIDENT B R U C E Barton H ills Country Club 435 Stein R oad Ann Arbor, M ichigan 48103 Off. 662-8359 - Res. 663-9213 VICE PRESIDENT M IC H A E L E D C E R T O N Meadowbrook Country Club 3066 Sesame Howell, M ichigan 48843 Off. 349-3608 - Res. (517) 546-5927 SECRETARY-TREASURER K E V IN D U S H A N E , C G C S B loomfield H ills Country Club 159 W illards Way Union Lake, M ichigan 48085 Off. 642-0707 - R es. 698-2924 BOARD OF DIRECTORS C L E M W O LFR O M Detroit Golf Club 530 Kendry B loom field H ills, M ichigan 48013 Off. 345-4589 - Res. 334-0140 TH O M A S M A SO N Jr. Birmingham Country Club 3640 Oriole Rd. Troy, M ichigan 48084 Off. 644-6320 - Res. 362-3201 C H A R L E S G A IG E L a k e la n d s G olf & Country Club 7390 Rickett Brighton, M ichigan 48116 Off. 231-3003 - R es. 227-4617 C R A IG R O G G E M A N St. Clair Shores Country Club 22185 M ason ic Blvd. St. C lair Shores, M ichigan 48082 Off. 294-6170 - Res. 774-1394 D A N I E L U Z E L A C Dom inion G olf Club R R No. 1 O ldcastle, Ontario, Canada N O R 1L O Off. (519) 969-4350 - Res. (519) 969-4350 T H E O D O R E W O E H R L E , C G C S O akland H ills Country Club 3390 Witherbee Troy, M ichigan 48084 Off. 644-3352 - Res. 649-6849 PRESIDENT EMERITUS J A M E S T IM M E R M A N , C C C S O rchard L a k e Country Club 7183 Buckhom Orchard Lake, M ichigan 48033 Off. 682-2150 - Res. 360-0238 "A PATCH OF GREEN” Publ¡shed monthly by the MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland Hills C.C. EDITOR Printed At BLAKEMAN PRINTING COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES Double Page Spread......................................$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 Eighth P a g e ....................................................... 15.00 Sixteenth P a g e .................................................. 10.00 C lassified Ad (per column in c h ) ................ 7.50 DISCOUNT R ATE: One Year 10% Note: Advertising fees may not be deducted from the above rates. T K & ttß t / 4 d v e n t t â e *& - • A llingham Corporation Lakeshore Equipm ent Corporation Lawn Equipm ent Corporation Lebanon W .F. M ille r Garden & Equipment Oxford P eat Company Raven G olf B all Company O.M. Scott 8t Son, Inc. Wm. F. Sell 8» Son, Inc. Term inal Sales Corporation T ire W holesalers, Inc. Turfgrass, Inc. T u rf Supplies, Inc. W ilkie T u rf Equipm ent D iv is io n , Inc. 3 P ythium , Sand Topdressing Increasing Evidence for PYTHIUM Induced Root Dysfunction of Creeping Bentgrass Grown in High Sand Con­ text mixes Clinton F. Hodges, Depart­ ment of Horticulture Iowa State Uni­ versity, Ames, Iowa. The presentation made by me at the 1981 M.G.C.S.A. annual conference implicated Pythium in a root dysfunction of creeping bent- grass grown on reconstructed high sand content greens. The disease in question killed grass very rapidly and in a manner typical of Pythium “Cottony Blight.” Examination of diseased plants, however, failed to yield Pythium or any other pathogen from above ground portions of the plant. Pythium was found throughout the root system of diseased plants. It is believed that when a green on an old golf course is rennovated to sand, Pythium may infest the sand from the collar and apron soil of the old green. The sand probably offers little micro­ biological competition for the Pythium and increased levels of irrigation and fertilization of sand greens may further promote the Pythium. There also is some root mechanical damage may occur in sand than in soil; this could contribute to Pythium infection. This problem has not been observed in the roots of plants grown in traditional soil mixes. To date, we have isolated oufr species of Pythium from the roots of creeping bentgrass associated with rapid death of infected plants. We are currently in the process of identifying the isolates to the species level and testing them for pathogenicity. It has been possible to infect roots in greenhouse studies and in some cases reduce the rate of that more evidence growth of infected plants. We have not been able to kill inoculated plants. Our present, observations suggest that the Pythium’s in question may infect the roots and co-exist with the plant with minimal damage under mild growing conditions. It may necessitate some form of environmental or cultural stress before death occurs. There are two outstanding problems for the superintendent relative to this disease. These are diagnosis and control. The rapid death of infected plants appears to be due to a foliar pathogen. However, examination of dying leaves usually fails to yield any pathogens and often times even saprophytic organ­ isms are not present. When the root systems are examined they usually appear normal in size and color. Be­ cause of this it is assumed that root pathogens are not present. These normal appearing roots can, however, be severly infected by Pythium. The Pythium’s associated with this prob­ lem do not cause a rot and the degree of discoloration may not be detectible with the naked eye. We have found that when we properly incubate what appears to be a healthy root from these diseased plants, Pythium will grow from the root within six hours. We are suspicious these Pythium’s damage plants by interfering with water relations, not by rotting. Control of this problem in the field remains elusive. Intense aerification followed by application of Pythium specified fungicides into the aerifier holes may slow the disease. There is some indication that wetting agents used in conjunction with the fungicides that C O N TIN U E D PAGE 17 4 PROS AND CONS OF SAND TOPDRESSING In our travels as agronomists for the USGA Green Section we are fre­ quently asked what can people expect from and what are some of the prob­ lems we envision with sand topdress­ ing. I have attempted to briefly list some of these pros and cons along with a few words of explanation for each. As you can see from the list there are 15 pros and 13 cons. Perhaps this is why this type of putting green program re­ mains so controversial. There is no absolute or clear cut answer to what is the best topdressing to use on every golf course. It really comes down to what type of putting greens you want in terms of appearance and playability and that particular type of management pro­ gram often for many years to come. THE PROS: 1. Firmer greens (not hard greens) - then having to accept Properly sized and sand “bridges” resulting in firm greens but not hard greens. 2. Smoother greens - Any topdressing program will smooth out depressions and the sand program be­ cause it is performed so frequently during the season will definitely give you smoother putting surfaces. 3. Less thatch-straight sand seems to accel­ erate the decomposition of excessive organic matter. 4. Allows for lower cutting heights - the crown of the grass plant are insulated and protected by the layers of topdressing sand. In reality, the grass plant is actually growin through the sand that has been lightly dusted on the putting surface. In this way, cutting heights can be lowered with the mowers only cutting the grass blades and not necessarily the stems or crown of the plant. It C O N TIN U ED PAGE 17 Scotts m ost successful product is not available for sale.. support... your ProTurf Tech Rep. Jim Brocklehurst Technical Representative Jim Bogart Executive Technical Representative ProTurf Division O.M. Scott âP Sons 66 Gihralter Road Rockfordy Michigan 49341 Telephone: 616/866-9389 5 ProTurf Division O. M. Scott âP Sons 1964 Catalpa Street Berkley, Michigan 48072 Telephone: 313/547-9632 Wisconsin’s Experience with Yellow Patch Disease We first observed the disease in May 1974, affecting greens on a golf course near Neenah. The weather had been cool and wet. Symptoms disappeared after about three weeks, but reportedly returned in the fall of 1975. We isolated a Rhizoctonia-type fungus from the affected tissue, but did not test its pathogenicity. It has since been observed on several courses affecting Penncross, Seaside and Poa annua. Fertility levels have been highly vari­ able ranging from marginally low to very high rates of nitrogen. Thatch levels have also varied and are prob­ ably not significant in the development of this disease. Unlike reports of other states, some of our courses have ‘observed yellow patch in mid-summer furing periods of high temperature. Symptoms are dra­ matic (easily seen) not serios (tissue not killed and the putting surface is not strongly affected). No control has been developed. Chem­ icals in use by superintendents at the time symptoms first appeared have included Tersan LSR, Tersan 1991, Cleary’s 3336 and Actidione. Ap­ parently these don’t work. Dyrene and Daconil (6 oz./lOOO ft?,) were subs­ equently used by two superintendents and are the disease subsided. However, this does not affirm their effectiveness, as the weather patterns changed and may have stopped yellow patch disease. The disease is of some significance to us in Wisconsin, in part due to the suggestion that the casual organism may be contributing to our “necrotic ring spot” disease. Our original isolate has lost viability and we seek addi­ tional disease specimens from which to attempt isolation. Suspect samples are difficult to submit by mail, as the symptoms frequently disappear in transit. History: Yellow patch disease is an in­ teresting new disease that has been identified within the last decade. Typi­ cal symptoms are chlorotic or tan rings ranging from a few inches to three feet or more in diameter. Sometimes the rings are incomplete, or they may appear as snake-like (serpentine) streaks. Less frequently the symptoms appear as a chlorotic blighted patch. Unlike typical Fusarium blight, the ring of affected turf is narrow, and the affected tissue rarely dies. The chloro­ tic patches or rings often “recover” due C O N TIN U ED PAGE 12 No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE Golf Courses Use Me MILORGANITE Than Any Other Fertilizer^ rrt TERMINAL SALES CORR 12871 EATON AVE. DETROIT, MICH. 48227 (313) 491 -0606 6 4 L L IN G H A N I CORPORATION DETROIT “A CRANE A ND COMPRESSOR RENTAL SERVICE COM PANY” Water lines must be blown out before freeze-ups cause extensive repairs. For portable air compressor rental call. . . (313) 444-8850 ANYTIME - DAY OR NIGHT FROM 150 cfm TO 1600 cfm MACHINES AVAILABLE 21250 w. 8 MILE RD. SOUTHFIELD, Ml 48075 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? FILL IN THE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW AND MAIL TO: CLEM WOLFROM DETROIT GOLF CLUB 530 Kendry Bloomfield H ills , Ml 48013 Off. 345-4589, Res. 334-0140 D A T E ____________________ NAME ______________________ ______________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________ _ C IT Y ___________________________ S T A T E ______________ Z IP ___________ 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 O N 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 . 7 H O W FAST IS FAST? putt, that they double cut the greens In the English language, the word fast every day, even triple cut, and yes, on has many meanings, such as you can some greens quadruple cut to increase run fast, hold fast, go on a fast, have the speed. fast women and have fast greens. Whenever a group of golfers or super­ The topic of conversation around the intendents congregate, golf and turf locker and grill rooms of golf clubs are naturally discussed, greens speed these days is “how fast are the greens for the average club is a favorite topic. today?” In some areas of the country it Seven, eight, nine, ten or more feet is is referred to as “the roll of the green.” suggested. It all boils down to the speed of the ball Has the superintendent contributed to on the green. Lost is the art of stroking the dilemma? Yes, in a way. He the ball - today a tap is all that is probably has perfected his course to required. I think some of the golfers the point where only incredible fast want the ball to roll into the cup just by greens will save par. Also the competi­ looking at it. At some clubs they post tion to have faster greens than your the speed of the green on the bulletin neighbor is not helping the situation in board for the day. any way. Are we becoming victims of the stimp- In any event, an increasing amount of meter, fast greens and tournament pressure is put on the Superintendent play? When big tournaments are on TV to increase the speed of the greens. all we hear about is how fast the greens Plant a fairway. O verseed with winter rye. Fertilze a green. V T 3 takes care o f the watering. Autom atically. We gave Toro VT3 a green thumb. For example, if the seed gets dry when you're planting a new area or overseeding an old one, you’ll have to start over again. That’s one reason we gave the VT3 central programmer up to 30 random start times per day. You can use half a dozen or so on that new seed and have plenty left over for the rest of the course. Or say you’re feeding greens and need watering to flush the fertilizer off the grass and into the roots. You can punch in the new running times and schedules you need on up to six stations. Then, when the jo b is done, VT3 goes back to normal operation. Automatically. What's more, any Toro VT3 satellite will operate on its own — independent of the central programmer — when you want it to. That way you can take control of a temporary localized irrigation need right on the spot. A weather eye on the system and an eye on the weather. VT3 always keeps you posted on what’s going on. For example, digital displays give you the next start time all the time. Even if it's next week. And while you keep an eye on the system, VT3 is watching the weather. If it rains enough to water the course, it shuts itself off and waits for you to push the reset button. A single wire is par for the course. VT3 does all these things through a single control wire connecting the central unit with the satellites. So you buy and bury only a sixth of the wire you w ould use with an ordinary system. That means installation of the VT3 costs a lot less than you might have guessed. You don’t have to be a great golf course to have a great golf course. Give your players fair and honest fairways and fine greens and they’ll forgive ybu if you’re not Augusta National or Pebble Beach. Carefully controlled watering can do a lot toward that end. That’s what VT3 gives you. And thanks to the miracle of modern electronics, it gives it to you at a price that w on't put any golf course in the hole. WILKIE Tiarj Equipment Division, Inc. 1050 OPDYKE ROAD P.O. BOX 749 PONTIAC, MICHIGAN 48056 (313) 373-8800 8 Every Superintendent has heard the following remarks: “Are the greens going to be mowed today?” “When are you going to lower the height of cut?” “The greens at such and such a club are faster than ours.” Seriously, I am concerned about this trend of “fast greens”. Can we afford to maintain greens of this caliber - that require frequent topdressing; frequent verticutting; daily cutting or double cutting of greens; close, close mowing- even to the point of grinding the underside of already thin bedknives. And in all my conversation and reading and listening, I have never heard anyone mention a thing about the little grass plant. How is it standing up under all this abuse? I was tutured under the late Professor Lawrence Dickenson of Massachusetts and one of his often quoted phrases was “Give the grass plant half a chance. It wants to live.” Under these conditions of shaving the grass plant to Vs” or less are we giving it “half a chance?” I do not think so. We are giving it very little chance. Sooner or later we are headed for trouble. We all know that the root growth of the grass plant is in proportion to the top growth. That the grass plant needs leaf surface for survival - for transpiration, respiration, the manufacturing of carbohydrates to maintain life and growth. It also needs nitrogen and other nutrients that we are witholding so as to increase speed by limiting plant growth. I predict that in the not too distant future we will get back to the basics of a good putting green surface - that the demands of the grass plant will be given equal or more consideration than the demands of the golfers. A firm, true, healthy green with reasonable speed is much more preasurable than putting on dead grass and plain soil. We will return to stroking the ball, not tapping it. Credit - Tee to Green, May 1983 Sherwood A. Moore, Supt. Winged Foot Golf Club the professional's partner TheÆ EES* Andersons Lawn Fertilizer Division P.O. Box 119 Maumee, Ohio 43537 Ohio: 800-472-3220 Outside Ohio: 800-537-3870 With 27 field-proven formulas we may have more solutions than you have problems. Distributed by: LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 * P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 SERVING ALL OF MICHIGAN! \ 9 T O R O Toro Debris Handling Equipment Two machines ¡none Makes cleaning a breeze With the Toro Vacuum/Blower you can clean up to a quarter- acre in less than an hour. The 5-horsepower vacuum t as a 30" vacuum head that rakes in leaves, twigs, and even cans. For better vacuum action, it has a flexible rubber lip on the vacuum head and seven height ad­ justments. The heavy duty bag can handle seven bushels and has a sturdy metal zipper. The vacuum is available in hand-propelled or self-propelled models, and with an optional attachment, hitches to the back of a tractor or rider-mower. WILKIE Both Toro vacuum models can be converted to a leaf blower in about 5 minutes - without costly optional equipment or tools. Just take off the vacuum head, attach the special discharge chute, rotate the impeller housing, and raking becomes a breeze! A s a blower, it uses a 100 M .P.H. “ jet stream” to blow damp or dry debris into an e asily bagged pile. The air discharge chute converts to straight ahead or side use, too. And, there’ s an optional hose kit to get in and out of . . . corners and tight places. The two and only Toro Vacuum/Blower. It’ s a product of over 60 years of experience in lawn maintenance equipment. TUrf Equipment Division, Inc. P.O. Bax 749 • 1050 Opdyke Road • Pontiac • Michigan • 48056 • 313/373-8800 10 NOSTALGIC LOOK BACK The President’s Message We As the season nears its end, we must look back and reflect on our responsibilities and how we handled them. Did we attack our problems in a business like manner? Did we panic when the going got tough? Did we keep the members informed about our problems? This past summer was a difficult one to grow good turf. Many small but important decisions had to be made on a moments notice. A cool wet spring after a cloudy wet fall gave us a weak shallow-rooted grass plant. Along came leafspot to weaken the plant even more. received unusually really didn’t get much of a chance to use our irrigation systems until the 20th of June. The last week of June and again the third week of July, we large amounts of rain. A real test of our drainage systems. Late in August and early September, we found ourselves in an extended hot spell - 10 days over 90 degrees - with high humidity! Now we are in an extended drought. What next? Hang on! The Christmas party is coming up sooner than you can imagine. Your President, Ted Woehrle This article appeared in the September, 1973 issue of the Patch of Green magazine. Serving with Mr. Woehrle the Board ” Members included: Vice-President - Gerald Gill, Tam-O-Shan- ter C.C.; Secretary, Treasurer - Bob Hope, Knollwood C.C.; Board of Directors - C.H. Wolfrom, Jr., Detroit G.C.; Albert Kaltz, Maple Lane G.C., Roger Gill, Royal Oak G.C.; George W. Prieskorn, Burroughs Farms G.C.; William Milne, C.C. of Detroit; Don La Fond, Bay Pointe G.C.; President Emeritus - Ward Swanson, Plum Hollow G.C. The list of Advertisers included: American Research Cor­ poration; Century Supply Corp.; Cowbell Seeds, Inc.; J.J. Dill Company; R.P. Klein & Sons, Inc.; Lakeshore Equipment, Lawn Equipment Corporation; W.F. Miller Garden, Miller Sprinkling Systems (Sisco); Rhodia Chipco Products; Sprinkler System Services; Terminal Sales Corporation; Turfgrass, Inc.; Turf Supplies, Inc.; Wilkie Turf Equipment Company. 11 TO: SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN PESTICIDE DEALERS AND GOLF COURSE OPERATORS A problem has been brought to the attention of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources concerning the use of pesticides on golf greens which could possibly result in a public health concern. Specifically, zinc phosphide used in the control of mice and fungicides containing mer­ cury such as PMA (phenylmercury ace­ tate), CaloGran and Calo-Clor used for snow mold are being applied in a manner such that geese are eating exposed treated seeds or granules. Although labeled for such uses, these products are being applied at a time that concides with the fall goose hunt­ ing season which, in southeast Michigan, is quite liberal in an attempt to control the size of the resident flock. There have been die-offs of geese which autopsies have shown to be caused by consumption of pesticides used by golf courses. Concern for any possible health effects, no matter how remote, arises because of the possibil­ ity of persons consuming geese or other waterfowl that may have some level of the pesticide or degradation products such as heavy metals or or­ ganic contaminants in the body tissue. To avoid this possibility and to prevent the accidental, unlawful killing of geese, we request that special precau­ tions be taken by pesticide applicators and to use pesticides in a manner that they will not be inadvertently con­ sumed by geese or other birds or ani­ mals. Such precautions could include covering all seeds or granules, or making the bait as unavailable or un­ attractive as possible. One method found to make the bait unattractive is to apply the zinc phosphide on whole oat groats, dyed black. University studies shown that this bait is much less attractive to nontarget wildlife than is treated com. Some golf courses have already been contacted regarding problems that have occurred in the past. As sup­ 12 pliers and users, we are asking that you provide precautionary advice to all applicators buying and using these products so that similar problems can be eliminated or mitigated to the great­ est extent possible. Your cooperation and assistance in this matter will be appreciated. If you have any questions, please call Carl Dollhopf, Michigan Department of Ag- rigulcture, Plant Industry Division, 1120 W. State Fair, Detroit 48203, (313) 368-2230. Frank Opolka, Chief La Enforcement Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources John C. Dreves, Acting Chief Plant Industry Division Michigan Department of Agriculture Wisconsin Yellow Patch, Cont. to growth of symptomless foliage into the diseases area. It is not uncommon for symptoms to remain two or three weeks before recovery is complete. The disease is associated in most in­ stances with cool wet weather of spring or summer. Several different turfs are reportedly affected. We have observed it with certainty only on golf course Poa annua and bentgrass greens, although some suspect chlorotic bluegrass areas have been observed. In other states it has been reported to affect bluegrass in patterns resembling Fusarium blight. What Causes Yellow Patch?: The fungus associated with yellow patch disease has most recently been identified as Rhizoctonia cerealis. Earlier, it has been identified as Rhizoctonia solani (the brown patch fungus) and Ceratobasidium spp. The taxonomy of this fungal group is difficult to work with, since only the negative characteristics can be very difficult. Whether the final word on fungal identification has been written is uncertain. However, pathogenicity has been well demonstrated - it is a legitimate disease. CHECKING TURNOVER their workers People change jobs for any number of reasons. Often it’s for a better oppor­ tunity or a fatter paycheck. But even with the lure of more money, people who are reasonably content with their work and their bosses seldom seek other jobs. Some bosses have a higher turnover among than others, sometimes embarrassingly so. And often it’s the better people who leave. This can be a costly and frustrating problem. Sometimes, of course, people are offered opportunities or salaries that are so extraordinary you can’t possibly match them. All you can do in such cases is let them go and wish them good luck. However, before you absolve yourself of all your blame when employees leave, ask yourself a few questions and answer them as honestly as you can. 1. Did I let these people know how important they were to me and to the company? Or did I more or less take them for granted? 2. Did I give them a chance to be proud of themselves? Did I pass along all the authority I possibly could - or keep them tied to my apron strings? 3. Did I give them the credit and recognition they deserved from me and others in the company? Or did I tend to leave them in the shadows? 4. Was the job a real challenge? Dis I do my best to make it so? 5. Did I make their work as varied and interesting as possible? Did the possibilities of a promising future? Or did I simply leave them in a rut and exploit their abilities to my own advan­ tage? Don’t be too quick to let yourself off the hook. If you were responsible, to any degree, it’s smarter to realize it than to hide your head in the sand. Unless you change your attitude or actions, you may lose more than just good people. You may be on the verge of damaging your company or career as well.Obviously, the best time to think of these things is before you lose good people rather than after. I show them — * h r -.c' /ik Serving you better j& 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 Phon*: Ar*o 313 437-1427 GENE JOHANNINGSMEIER & 13 REDUCE INJURIES SAFE MOWER OPERATION MAY The greatest danger while mowing a lwan is from accidental contact with the rotating blade. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 64 percent of all walk-behind mower injuries are caused by contacting the blade. This can occur when the operator is clearing the discharge chute of grass clipping while the blade is rotating. Other blade-contact accidents occur when the operator adjusts the cutting height of the mower with the engine running and when the operator’s foot slips under the mower housing. Three percent of all blade injuries result in amputation of the toes or fingers. Fifteen percent of blade-contact in­ juries produce fractures or disloca­ tions. Seventy percent result in lacera­ tions.CPSC estimates that there are more than 120,000 power lawn mower accidents each year. In 1979, reports submitted to CPSC by hospitals across the nation indicate that over 65,000 persons were in hospital emergency rooms for rotary lawn mower injuries. CPSC offers these safety tips to reduce chances of a mower injury: - Before mowing: pick up all debris (stones, wire, toys, etc.) on the lawn. Check for objects near shrubs, trees and fences. treated WHOSE JOB IS IT? This is a story about four people named everybody, somebody, any­ body and nobody. There was an impor­ tant job to be done and everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it. But nobody did it. Some­ body got angry about that because it job. Everybody was thought anybody could do it but nobody everybody that wouldn’t do it. It ended up that every­ body blamed somebody when nobody what anybody could have done. everybody’s realized uim.F.seii & son,ine. SINCE 1923 d i » Tractors Equipment I f Complete Une of Motefial Hondling & Form Equipment RENTAL SALES - SERVICE * SWEEPERS * LOADERS * TRENCHERS* MOWERS * ROTARY CUTTERS * BACK HOE DIGGERS * BACK FILL BLADES * POST HOLE DIGGERS JOB TAILORED EQUIPMENT 282-5100 16555 TELEGRAPH RD. - TAYLOR 1 MILE SOUTH OF EUREKA cdulUNTRY CLUB TURF PRODUCTS —Homogenous Granulation —High UF (W.I.N.) —Balanced Feeding —Fits Your Budget Distributed by.^—n Lebanon Chemical Corporation P.O Box 847. Danville. Illinois 61832 14 WELL WATER TEMPERATURE A mistaken idea held by some is that well water, owing to its low tempera­ ture, will chill turf when discharged directly through a sprinkler and con­ siderable sums of money have been needlessly spend on the construction of so called “tempering ponds” to hold and warm well water before its use for irrigating. In the Chicago area we have three main sources of well water and the tem­ peratures of the water delivered from them at ground level is as follows: 1. Where the well is about 400 feet in depth the water is obtained from the crevices in the Niagaran limestone formation and is produced at 53 deg. F. temperature. 2. Where the well is about 800 feet in depth the water is obtained from the St. Peter sandstone formation and is produced at 56 deg. F. temperature. 3. Where the well is about 1500 feet in depth the water is obtained from the Galesvile sandstone formation and is produced at 59 deg. F. temperature. It will be noted that the water temp­ erature increases in relation to the C O N TIN U E D NEXT PAGE GOLF SEASON Did you ever wonder why most golfers will not fix ball marks? Why when you put a rope, chain or some other re­ straining device they feel they have to go through that area? Why do they complain about bad hole cups and then try to scoop the ball out with their putters? Why do they moan when a low line drive does not stop dead and a high pitch does? Why trees are the place to drop empty cans, cups, etc. instead of containers provided? Why they will take 4 practice swings, 4 big divals and only replace the dival when they hit the ball? (I guess 1 out of 5 isn’t bad) Why the wettest area is where they drive the carts? Why when you want to spray, its always windy, and very calm when the sprayer is broken down? Why is it always hot and dry when you’re having problems with the irriga­ tion system? Why when you schedule a major project, half the help is either late or no show? C O N TIN U ED NEXT PAGE (J u ly /A u g u s t Conn. C lippings) 15 'For Land's Sake-'Use Peat" OXFORD J>EAT CO. 1430 E. Drahner Rd. Oxford, Michigan 48051 PROCESSED PEAT Top Dressing Blends Custom Blending FRED LATTA 313/628-5991 Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc. 19240 Wast Eight Mila South),.Id Mich. 41075 Phone: (313) 354 5644 TRUCK-CAR TRAILER MOTORCYCLE ¡till J UNIROYM.mnSTI INDUSTRIAL TIRES A . WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS The best in T u rf Supplies» LESCO ]00% Sulfur-Coated F e rtiliz e rs , G olf Course A ccessories, C hem icals including LESC0SAN' A H ighly E ffe ctive Pre-Em ergence Crabgrass and Poo Annua Control * Lescosan ( Betasan-Reg. TM of Stauffer Chemical, Co.) (800) 362-7413 IN OHIO (800) 321-5325 NATIONWIDE Available From: Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. “ Home Of LESCO Products” 300 South Abbe, Elyria, OH 44035 WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE? HUNDREDS of policemen entered a contest to find “America’s most crea­ tive excuse for speeding”. Among the entries were: “My car is so light that the wind blew it over the spped limit.” “I was sppeding to get away from my mother-in-law.” A woman claimed she was speeding to keep up with the cars behind her. A man said he had a “right to speed” while making up for time lost in a con­ struction zone. Another man was speeding after being detained at a farewell party, where speakers included a lot of stuttering children. Still another man was speeding be­ cause he was furious that his wife had just received a ticket for speeding. (This one incidently won the contest.) “I have to go to the bathroom.” was the most common excuse. Well Water Temp., Cont. depth of the well. Regardless of any of the above tem­ peratures it will be found that when the water is discharged and properly broken up into droplets by a modern sprinkler that these droplets in falling through the air will almost even them­ selves up to the existing air tempera­ ture. It might be noted that the reverse action takes place with high tempera­ ture water. C.E. (Scotty) Stewart Golf Season, Cont. Why the part you break is the one that has to be back-ordered? Why the pin is in front when you are at the back and visa versa? Why the salesman you want to talk to shows up when you are the busiest? I am sure many more items can be added to this list and they tell me that they fall under “Murphy’s Law”. So I wonder why this law has to cover so much??? John Stephenson 16 The 18th Annual Wisconsin Golf Turf Symposium will be held at the Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, on October 26 and 27, 1983. The subject will be, “Facts and Fallacies in Poa annua Manage­ ment.” Subject matter will range from protec­ tion of Poa annua through new Pythium, Sand Topdressing, Cont. may be beneficial. It also appears that following renovation of a green the first time the disease strikes it is most severe; each subsequent year it be­ comes less severe. Our primary research objectives for the next 2-3 years will be as follows: 1) Continue identify Pythium species associated with roots. 2) Determine pathogenicity of the Pythium species and the conditions necessary for injury or death to occur. 3) Determine the pathogenicity; i.e., in that the roots are not rotted, how are the plants ultimate­ ly killed. 4) Examine approaches to control. to collect and the nature of Pros & Cons, Cont. allows for safer lower cutting heights. 5. Faster greens - the combination of smoother greens with less thatch and lower cutting heights will give you faster putting greens. There just is no doubt about it. 6. Tightens the surface - less grain and leafiness results. Between the lower cutting heights and the actual matting-in or the dragging process, the putting greens surface tightens up and has good texture. This is a combination between the topdress and the actual process of working it into the greens. 7. Less compaction - properly sized sands don’t compact anywhere near what a topsoil based topdressing which contains large amounts of silt and clay. 8. Better roots - roots grow in between soil particles. A properly sized sand has outstanding aertion allowing the roots freer movement through the new soil medium. 9. Better drainage - Because these sands have such good 17 COMING EVENT methods of suppression to replace­ ment with other species. The program is expected to give an update on all angles of Poa annua production or control(?). More information will be forthcoming as it is developed. James M. Latham, Manager __________ Marketing and Agronomy aeration water tends to soak freely into them and they seem to dry out quicker after a rain, firm up earlier in the spring and stay firm later into the fall. All of this relates back to a sandier, firmer and better draining topdressing. 10. Less weeds and weed grasses - because the greens are topdressed on a fre­ quent basis seeds are physically buried. Certain of our weed seeds need direct rays of sunlight to germinate so by constantly buring them, they just never germinate. 11. Generally less disease - less free water on the surface and because most of our disease are related to surface moisture there is the potential for less disease. 12. Generally less insect activity - Perhaps this is related to less thatch? 13. Generally less winter injury - less ice injury due to better drainage and as this program will tend to encourage the develop­ ment and spread of creeping bentgrass over Poa annual there is less potential for winter injury Poa annua is the most susceptible grass in this part of the country to winterkill so the less Poa annua you have the less potential you will have for winter injury. 14. General ly an extended playing season - greens that have been on a good sand top­ dressing program will generally tend to firm up earlier in the spring, are less spongy through the season and gen­ erally are quicker to return for play after a rain. 15. Generally a fairly inexpensive program when compared to topdressing efforts using com­ mercially prepared materials. It is a very economical program in most instances THE CONS: 1. Increased wear and grinding of reels and bedknives - the light, frequent applications of top­ dressing sand always tends to leave some particles on the surface and when C O N TIN U ED NEXT PAGE Shaw's Turf Food Shaw's Greens Food Here. Powder Blue Here. Blue Chip Sulfate of Potash C. I. L. Urea Iron Sulfate Sulfur Coated Urea U.S.S. Vertagreen U.S.S. Vertagreen U.S.S. Vertagreen U.S.S. Vertagreen U.S.S. Vertagreen 28-5-8 With S.C.U. 30-0-10 60% Org. N. 38-0-0 Sprayable 38-0-0 Slow, no burn. 0-0-50 Soluble 46-0-0 Plastic bags Cures Chlorosis 32-0-0 Slow Release 10-6-4 Budget Priced 16-8-8 All-Mineral 12-4-8 25% U.F.N. 18- 19- 4-10 50% U.F.N. 5-9 48% U.F.N. Pros & Cons, Cont. the greens are cut this sand causes extensive wear and dulling of the cutting blades and bedknives. Also, be­ cause of lower cutting heights it is also necessary to grind some of the thick­ ness off of the bedknives ... which can significantly decrease their life. So, between using thinner bedknives and the abrasiveness of the sand you can expect to use more bedknives and do more maintenance on the mowers. 2. Firm greens - some golfers don’t like firm greens (they won’t hold as well) - Firmer greens simply won’t hold as many shots as will softer greens. Firmer greens can cause some ob­ jections from at least one segment of golfers. 3. More hydrophobic dry spots - Hydrophobic or isolated dry spots seems to occur more frequently on high sand soils. Thus, with a sandy topmix you can expect more of these dry spots (increased useage of spot coring and wetting agents) than with topsoil based topdressings. 4. Lower or different microbial activity levels - Dr. Clinton Hodges has been studying some of the effects of these high sand soils on the flora and fauna in the soil. When you are dealing with a straignt sand grass growing medium things are different in terms of soil microbes than a more native or natural type of soil. This may or may not be a problem but it is a different environment to deal with. 5. Lower nutrient holding capacity - sand soils just don’t hold nutrients as efficiently as a topsoil type of topdress­ ing. Their Cation Exchange Capacities (CEC) are generally lower. 6. Lower moisture retention - high sand soils just don’t hold as much water. 7. Differ­ ent diseases to manage - whereas a sandy topmix would generally tend to decrease overall disease problems those diseases which still are active will tend to be more of the soil borne type (again referring to Dr. Hodges’ work) and not necessarily the traditional diseases common on golf courses. In a nutshell, these high sand soils are diff­ erent environments for the growth of organisms and this can sometimes lead to some very unusual disease problems. Also, it has been our experience that you tend to get more algae with sands. S c c f i f i U e à , *)a c . Let’s Talk Fertilizers! We stock the Proven Best. BRUCE, DAVE & GEOFF WOULD LIKE TO TAKE YOUR ORDER 6900 Pardee Rd. Taylor, Ml 48180 (313) 291-1200 18 oWow! c4 9*ull tyxve-tyoot Model-tyM 5 ^urf Sweeper by à * PICKS UP EFFICIENTLY * FULL 5' SW EEP * HUGE HOPPER CAPACITY * EASY DUMP * FLOATING SCO OP * EASY TRANSPORT * LOW MAINTENANCE * PICKS UP WET OR DRY Engine: 14 HP Frame: welded structural steel Hopper: 5 cu. yards Welded steel construction Overall: Width 5'-4" C A L L . F O R A D E M O N S T R A T IO N LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 19 JACOBSEN8 HF-5 With GRASS CATCHERS CATCHERS ARE MADE OF DURABLE POLYETHELENE AND ALUMINUM, DESIGNED FOR LONG SERVICE AND GIVE AN ULTRA-CLEAN FINISH TO TURF AREAS. 133 INCH CUTTING SWATH. W .F . M i l l e r & f e p a n y 1593 S. WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 TELEPHONE: (313) 647-7700 "A Patch ot 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