Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION "A Patch of Green” 31823 U tica Road, Fraser, Michigan 48026 (313) 293-3540 P u b lish e d monthly by the Michigan and Border C itie s G o lf Course Superintendents A sso ciation C irculation: 600 Ted Woehrle, Oakland Hills CC Editor Blakeman Publications Graphic A rts /C ir c u la tio n A D V E R T IS IN G R A T E S Double P age Spread............................................ $100.00 Back O utside P a g e ...................................................65.00 Full P a g e.......................................................................55.00 Half P a g e.......................................................................35.00 Quarter P a g e................................................................25.00 Eighth P a g e............................... 12.50 Sixteenth P a ge...............................................................7.50 C la s sifie d Ad (per in ch )...........................................5.00 DISCOUNT RATES One Year 10 % THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS C. E. Anderson Company Atomic Steam Company Century Supply Corp. Arthur Hills Lawn Equipment Corp. National Chemsearch Corp. W. F. Miller Lawn & Garden Miller Sprinkling Systems Wm. F. Sells & Son, Inc. Terminal Sales Corp. Turfgrass, Inc. Turf Supplies, Inc. P R E S ID E N T WARD SWANSON PLUM HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 29642 W estfield, L ivon ia , Mich. (R e s .) O ff. 352-2436, R es. 421-8049 V IC E P R E S ID E N T TED WOEHRLE OAKLAN D HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Birmingham, M ichigan Off. 644-3352, R es. 646-8512 S E C R E T A R Y - T R E A S U R E R GERALD GILL TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB 3466 Walnut Lake R oad Orchard L ake, Michigan O ff. 626-8325 B O A R D O F D IR E C T O R S WILLIAM P. MADIGAN COUNTRY CLUB OF JACKSON 3135 Horton R oad Jack son , M ichigan C. H. WOLFROM, JR. D E TR O IT GO LF CLUB Detroit, M ichigan 530 Kendry (R e s .) B loom field H ills, M ichigan O ff. 345-4589, R es. 338-6375 ANDREW A. BERTONI H OLLY GREENS GO LF COURSE 11450 H olly R oad H olly, M ichigan O ff. 634-8241, R e s. 349-1708 ROBERT PRIESKORN WESTERN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB D etroit, M ichigan 721 V enoy R oad (R e s .) O ff. KE 1-1549, R es. 721-6648 ALBERT KALTZ M APLE LANE GOLF CLUB Sterling H eights, M ichigan O ff. 268-2130, R es. 463-2892 DAVID S. MOOTE ESSEX GOLF CLUB P .O . B ox 130 Sandwich, Ontario O ff. 734-7815, R es. 966-1617 P R E S ID E N T E M E R IT U S DONALD A. ROSS HIGHLAND MEADOWS GOLF CLUB P .O . Box 197 Sylvania, Ohio 43560 O ff. 882-6492, R es. 882-3113 New Frontiers: GCSAA Certification Advantages of Certification The opportunity for GCSAA certi­ fication opens a vast new frontier for the profession and offers many out­ standing advantages not only to the golf course superintendent but also to his club. GCSAA certification provides a yardstick by which the capabilities and qualifications of golf course super­ intendents can be measured and estab­ lishes defined levels at which he is expected to perform. No longer will a club owner or club official have to rely on word-of-mouth reputation as a basis for selecting a superintendent. The fact that a su­ perintendent is certified will indicate that he has the training and experience ' required by the position of golf course I superintendent. Above all, certification adds dig­ nity and prestige to the profession of golf course super intendency and in- I creases the prospects of obtaining tangible benefits such as career sta­ bility, higher income and increased opportunities. Eligibility Requirements for certification ( Any GCSAA member is eligible to apply (1) is currently employed as a golf course superintendent; and (2) has been a Class A member of the GCSAA for at least three years. if he: Certification under a “ tenure-and- experience” provision is also avail­ able to any member who: (1) is cur­ rently a Class A member; (2) has held that classification for 20 years; (3) is currently employed as a golf course superintendent; and (4) has been a golf course superintendent for a mini­ mum of 20 years. This is not an 4‘auto­ matic” provision; however, the only requirement is that a written request be sent to the Headquarters Office be­ fore September 1, 1973* All eligible members in either cate­ gory who want to participate in the program must complete an application (available from either Headquarters Office or their GCSAA Chapter secre­ tary) and return it to Headquarters with the $50 fee. Half of the fee will be re­ funded to those applicants who meet the requirements of the tenure-and-ex- perience provision. The Examination An important aspect of the certifi­ cation program is a comprehensive six- part examination. It covers these areas: 1. Knowledge of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ameri­ ca, including the history, purpose and ethics of the Association and the pro­ fession of golf course superintendency; 2. Knowledge of the game of golf, including the official rules of the game; Turf management procedures - consideration of practical problems in the major areas o f irrigation, fertili­ zation, soil factors, cost analysis, drainage sys­ tems; 4. comprehensive questions on the selection, usage, safety precautions, and use protectant chemicals; calibration, Pesticides equipment 3. - 5. Business Administration techniques of record keeping and ap­ plication, budget preparation and meth­ ods o f presentation; 6. Management - Human relations; recruiting, training, and supervising crews; (officials, members, club department heads, com­ munity). Continued on next page relations public 3 GCSAA Certification Cont. Applicants will be allowed up to six hours to complete the entire exam­ ination, although it is anticipated that less time will be necessary. Each of the six sections will be graded separately. Thus, if an appli­ cant passes four sections and fails two, he will be required to retake only the two sections failed. There is no limit to the number of times an appli­ cant may retake any failed section. However, if all six sections are not oriented correspondence course in the the initial examination date, all six sections must be retaken at an addi­ tional fee of $25. Study Materials After his application has been pro­ cessed, the applicant will receive study materials to help him prepare for the examination. Information contained in the reference materials has been carefully written and edited to pro­ vide candidates with a timely and ap­ propriate study source. An applicant may take as long as he likes to prepare for his examination. Once he feels he is ready to be tested, a date will be set that is mutually agreeable to him and to an official monitor in his area. Because applicants will be tested on anf “ open book” basis, they will be allowed to refer to any of their study materials during the actual exam­ ination. Other Requirements For certification to be truly bene­ ficial and effective, it cannot be a “ one-shot” affair. In order to keep informed on the developments in his field, the certified golf course super­ intendent will be required to be re­ examined every five years. He must also maintain his membership in GCSAA and remain actively employed as a golf course superintendent. In addition, he must either complete one regional GCSAA workshop or success­ fully complete a GCSAA-approved turf- oriented correspondence course in the interim. for more If a certified member should leave the profession than five years and then return, he must start the certification program over again from the beginning. If he is away less - than five years, such time will be added to the stipulated reexamination requirement. Certification Manual Available to All Members Even though some members may not presently be eligible for certification, they still may purchase the Certifi­ cation Manual for $25. Only GCSAA members (regardless of classification (status) are permitted to do so. This manual can prove particularly useful to superintendents in increasing their knowledge and providing a tool for training assistants and crew mem­ bers. All requests must be accom­ panied by a check or money order made “ GCSAA-Certification out Program.” For any further information on the cer­ tification program, write GCSAA Di­ rector of Education, Dr. Paul M. Alex­ ander. to RESIDENCE TAXABLE From C .E . (Scotty) Stewart in the “ B U L L S H E E T ” It will probably come as a shock to some golf course superintendents to learn that a free house on the golf course grounds plus free utilities such as gas, light, water, telephone, etc. is I not as free as they imagine. A recent court case was won by the j Internal Revenue Service against a j golf course superintendent who lives | on the grounds and which now forces i him to add a fair house rental value, plus the cost of all his paid utilities, to his yearly salary and he then must pay an income tax based on this gross taxable income. The IRS stated that a superinten­ dent’ s residence on the golf course grounds was not required as a condi­ tion of his employment for the majority of superintendents live off the grounds. Officers Elected: MBCGCSA Annual Meeting The annual meeting of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Super­ intendents Association was held at Idyl Wyld Golf Club, November 2, 1971. After a delicious buffet style din­ ner prepared by Host, Don Patterson, the Class A and B members of the Association retired to an adjoining room to elect new officers. Bill Milne presented the slate and conducted the election of officers. The results of the election are as follows: President - Ted Woehrle, Oakland Hills Country Club I Vice President - Gerald Gill, Tam O’Shanter Country Club I Secretary-Treasurer - Bob Hope, Knoll- wood Country Club { and two newly elected directors for a f three year term - Gary Bartsch - Pine Lake Country Club Roger Gill Golf Club - Royal Oak Ward Swanson of Plum Hollow Golf I Club becomes President Emeritus. Directors retiring from office are l Andy Bertoni of Holy Greens Golf | Course and Bill Madigan of Country i Club of Detroit. Gerald Gill, Vice-President, Supt. of Tam O Shanter C.C. Newly elected Directors; Gary Bartsch, Supt. of Pine Lake C.C. on the left and Roger Gill, Supt. of Royal Oak Golf Club. COMING EVENTS | 1. Christmas Dinner Dance - Decem­ ber 3 - Edgewood Golf Club 3. 2. Ohio Turfgrass Conference and Show - December 7, 8, & 9, 1971 Sheraton-C level and Hotel, Cleve­ land, Ohio 42nd Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference - Kellogg Center, MSU January 18 & 19, 1972 43rd International Turfgrass Con­ ference and Show - Convention Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Feb­ ruary 13 thru 18, 1972 54th PGA Championship - July 31 thru August 6, 1972, Oakland Hills Country Club, Birmingham, Michigan 4. 5. Bob Hope, newly elected Secretary- Treasurer, Superintendent of Knollwood | Country Club. 5 New Concept in Turf Aerification Introduced “ While we are hearing more and more about the importance of aerifica­ tion in the maintenance of turf,” said Martin Ford, president of Howard Rota- vator Co., Inc., “ until now there has not been adequate equipment to do the total job .” Ford’ s comment was made in con­ junction with his announcement of a new “ total turf aerification” machine, called the Turf-Quaker, introduced by the Harvard, Illinois equipment com­ pany. The new unit is designed to re­ lieve excess thatch, and open the soil for nutrients in a single pass. “ It is highly effec­ tive in all turf aerification applica­ tions,” says Ford, “ including parks, cemetaries, courses, playing fields, and grounds maintenance opera­ tions.” compaction, remove The Turf-Quaker is a powered slicing type of aerifying machine (as compared with “ Spiking” and “ Coring” types also in use) but, ac­ cording to Ford, with numerous advan­ tages that make it superior to other slicing and coring machines. Rather than mounting the blades straight a- cross the the power-driven rotor, golf the before Howard Turf-Quaker blades are mount­ ed in a scroll, or corkscrew pattern to give it an auger-like action. In opera­ tion, this action results in one blade slicing down and part way through the i ground the adjacent blade! touches the soil surface. Each blade j is sufficiently thick that, in addition to parting the turf along the line of the cut, it also forces it to one side, while the next blade forces it back into po­ sition. This action shatters the soil around the grass roots and gives the turf full relief from compaction. “ While the problem of compaction is evident in most grounds maintenance' operations,” says Ford, “ it is perhaps i most serious in the maintenance of the turf on golf course fairways. Here the problems of compaction have greatly increased with the use of more andI larger maintenance machinery, multiple pass mowing, more power-driven golf cars, and in general, increased traf­ fic .” The new Howard Turf-Quaker is de­ signed to answer all of the major pro­ blems o f aerification in a single ma- ’ chine. It is designed to slice into hard, | 6 Continued on Page 11 Irrigation Drainage Time by Douglas A. Bruce, P .E ., V ic e President, M ille r Sprinkling Systems It’ s the time of year again to think about protecting your irrigation sys­ tem against the damaging freezes o f winter. The deep frost o f last winter caused more damage to irrigation systems in the Midwest than any two winters com­ bined in the last 10 years. Frost dam­ age irrigation system occurs from the following causes and in the 2. following order of frequency: 1. temperature at periods of to an Low light or no snow cover. 2. Poor drainage procedure - drain 3. entire system poorly. Incomplete drainage - forgot to drain part of system. 4. Water standing on the ground sur- face above an open drain valve or sprinkler head. 5. Contraction of piping and ground heave due to temperature change. “ Blowing out” of irrigation sys­ tems with an air compressor has gained in popularity in the last five years. Coupled with good procedure, blowing can minimize most of the above causes. The following sequence for drain­ age should be followed in order and tailored to your particular installa­ tion: 1. Several days or a week before actual draining: 3. A. Locate irrigation drawing. B. Turn off water supply. C. Open drains that flow directly creeks, or lines, tile into ponds. D. Insert sprinklers at the high and low points to allow air to replace the water as the low head drains. cfm Connect suitably sized air com­ pressor near the source of water. (Note) A piping system of 3” and less can be blown quickly with compressor. Piping 1-125 systems 4” -8” can be blown faster with less chance for error with 2-125 cfm compressors. Beginning at the pumphouse, open each sprinkler outlet until you get air and no water, then close, on one branch of the main line and follow it to the dead end. Do the same on each branch of the main line until you have air and no water coming from each outlet. (Note) Several men “ leap frog- ging” with golf carts makes this quite fast. Be sure to allow compressor to build up pressure so the water will be moved with a large volume o f air. Continued on next page A lg a e : T h e S p o ile r CUTRINE(5) 7 Be free of the odor, scum and harmful effects of algae. C U TR IN E , used as directed, eliminates ALL forms of algae at safe limits to other living things. No other algaecide can make this claim. U.S.D.A. Registered (No. C959-1). Use water immediately. TERMINAL SALES CORP. DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48227 12871 EATON AVE. (313) 491 -0606 Drainage Time Cont. 4. Repeat step 3 to check drainage. 5. check lateral, Starting again at the pumphouse and working toward the end of each the drain valves slightly to be sure air and I no water escapes. Close the drain, wait a minute, and repeat. Water may have collected at the (Note) Drains and low points. standing surface water usually occur at low points in the terrain. Closed drains will prevent the surface water from entering the pipe line through the drain valve, along with stones from the drain­ age sump, and eliminate the drain closing chore during spring turn­ on. The basic piping system is now drained and special attention is needed to properly drain the pumphouse. One small slip at this state of drainage could be very expensive. Pumphouse drainage: 6. A. Starting at the discharge line in the pumphouse wall, trace the flow of water in the piping through gate valves and check valves and open necessary drains. B. Drain pump volutes by re­ the bottom plug or moving opening drainage cock. C. Remove or drain suction drop pipe. D. Remove water from pressure reducing covers by blowing out or loosening cover bolts. valve GOLF COURSE CHEMICALS Donald Benham NATIONAL CHEMSEARCH CORP. 5589 Abington Road Birmingham, Michigan 626-1111 E. Turn pump motors off and pro­ tect windings against possible rodent nesting. F. Drain water from pressure gauges, switches, tank sight glasses, tank air chargers, and other special items sub­ ject to freeze in the pump­ house. Program automatic valves to oper­ ate once a day for 5 minutes to prevent the solenoid plunger from sticking and reduce the moisture in the solenoid coil and automa­ tic controller contacts. 7. Before going out and renting an air compressor and blowing your system, take several hours with your blue print and the above procedure. Write down in sequence the steps you plan to take when you start actual drainage. The steps can be listed by thinking of yourself as entering the pipeline at the source of water and your job is to | push the water out on top of the ground ' as you move through the pipe. What routes will you have to follow to push all of the water out the dead end of every line? What will you do when you I come to a branch tee that feeds another! fairway or splits and goes both ways at the front of a green? When do you get to the end of the line when the sys­ tem is looped? The same routes you , took entering the pipes at the source I to get to the dead ends must be fol- j lowed by the wall of air you will put into the system when blowing out. if the dirt Frost damage repairs have got to rate near the top of the bad job list. In addition, they occur at a critical time of year from a manpower stand­ point, and can cause several weeks of anguish is not properly flushed after the repair is made. Now I is the time to think about any neces­ sary pump and sprinkler repair re­ quired for next year’ s operation. Get | the necessary parts on order and make the repairs conveniently in the winter I rather than wait for the spring rush. Good luck in your drainage this fall. The old adage “ you make your | own luck” was never truer. 8 TORO helps you Take Better Care GREENSMASTER 3 OUTPERFORMS 4 MEN Here's the kindest cut of all, as well as the fastest. The new GREENSMASTER 3 gives you the best of both worlds, by delivering 18 ribbon-cut greens in about 3K2 hours, and paying for itself in a single season. The GREENSMASTER 3 saves time because of simplified operator controls - simple pull knobs to change cutting heights - single foot control to raise or lower cutting units, with simultaneous engage- disengage - a mere 15 inch turning radius inside a 58 inch cut width - and a transport speed of 7 MPH. Order a 1972 Model TORO GREENSMASTER 3 today. No payments until spring ’72 and get a Complete Set of 3 Toro Thatching Reels at a Special Fall Introductory Price. C. E. ANDERSON COMPANY 2 3 4 5 5 T E L E G R A P H R O A D A R E A C O D E 3 1 3 S O U T H F I E L D . M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 7 5 P H O N E 3 5 3 - 5 3 0 0 9 Sprinkler Supply Brochure Rate Card for Design and Layout Service Complete R a i n ^ B ir d Catalogue and Price List WHOLESALE DISH! 11!IfII IIS for Underground Sprinkler Supplies hires - Controls-Pipe - 3 8 9 0 W. 11 M I L E R O A D B E R K L E Y , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 7 2 ( D E T R O I T ) 3 1 3 - 5 4 3 - 7 7 3 0 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? Fill in the questionaire below and mail to: ALBERT KALTZ Maple Lane Golf Club Sterling Heights. Mich. 48017 Phone: Off. 268-2130, Res. 463-2892 N A M E O F IN T E R E S T E D P E R S O N D A T E _____________________________ M A IL IN G A D D R E S S ________________________________________ C I T Y __________________________ S T A T E ________________ Z IP Or you may contact the next golf course supplier that calls on you and give him the information needed for application. New Concept Cont. compacted turf, cracking and breaking impervious layers of soil that prevent drainage. The topside of the turf is loosened with a firm shaking action resulting in a properly loosened and aerated turf that is open to air and nutrients deep down to the roots. The turf is thus softer and healthier in all seasons. Working from the tractor’ s PTO, the Howard Turf-Quaker operates under the toughest conditions. Complete con­ trol of both depth and speed of the blades allows the operator to meet his specific turf conditions. The depth of cut can be controlled from one to four inches by raising or lowering the rear mounted control wheels. The rotor speed is also controlled to match soil conditions ranging from soft to bone- hard. This is done quickly, without special tools, through the exclusive Howard “ Selectatilth” gearbox. Two models of the Turf-Quaker are now being distributed throughout the United States: the model ‘P ’ for three- For The Latest and Best Call Turf Supplies, Inc. 6900 P A R D E E , T A Y L O R , M IC H . 48180 • Agrie o Country Club F e r tili zers 9 NEW D uPont Tersan 1991 (B en late) 9 The 3 other Tersan Fungi ci des, plus D aconil 2131, A c ti-D ione & F o re! 9 The Best in Bulk Grass Seeds 9 Weed K ille rs , In s e c tic id e s , Sprayers and 7” Hose. 3 1 3 / 2 9 T 1 2 0 0 TURFGRASS, 365 Woodland Dr. South Lyon, Mich. 48178 Phone 437- 1427 PROGRAMS FOR FINE TURF Top-Dressing C hem icals Grass Seed F e rtiliz e r Sod Fungicides Stolons H erbicides In secticid es General Supplies Eugene D. Johanningsmeier Consulting Agronomist point linkage tractors ranging from 20 to 40 horsepower, and the model ‘E ’ for 35 to 60 horsepower tractors. Both models are available in 50-inch or 60-inch widths. Complete information on the new Howard Turf-Quaker may be obtained from Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc., 16555 So. Telegraph Road, Taylor, Michigan 48180, Phone: 282-5100. ARTHUR HILLS Tony Jacklin, Design Associate Golf Course A rchitect 7351 West Bancroft, Toledo, Ohio 43617 419-841-4580 Box 4086, Fort Myers Beach, Fla. 33931 MATURITY IS MANY THINGS MATURITY is many things. First, it is ability to base a judgment on the Big Picture - the Long Haul. It means being able to pass up the fun-for-the minute and select the course of action which will pay off later. Maturity is the ability to stick with it is a project or a situation until finished. Maturity is the capacity to face un­ pleasantness, frustrations, discomfort, and defeat without complaint or col­ lapse. Maturity is the ability to live up to your responsibilities, and this means being dependable. The world is filled with people who can’t be counted on. People who never to come through in the clutches. People who break promises and substitute alibis for performance. seem Maturity is the ability to make a it. Immature decision and stand by people lives exploring endless possibilities and then do no­ thing. Action requires courage. And there is no maturity without courage. spend their Maturity is the ability to harness your abilities and your energies and to do more than is expected. The mature person refuses to settle for mediocrity. He would rather aim high and miss the mark than aim low - and make it. 11 SALES SERVICE RENTALS FORD TRACTORS LOADERS-BACKHOES FORKLIFTS-TRAILERS HOWARD TURF QUAKER Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc. 16555 South Telegraph Road Taylor, Michigan 48180 Telephone: 282-5100 “ L IT T L E BEAVER" SPIKER can do it all. It can spike a 5,000 foot green in five minu eighteen greens in two hours . . and you ride . . no walking! Note the deep penetratio the spiking reel. Each and every disc flexes and turns independently to eliminate all r ing. This is the only greens spiker that can turn on a green! It even has a hydraulic control lower the spiking reel when to raise and is “ Little Beaver" Spiker needed. The distributed by Lawn Equipment Corporation. Call (313) 398-3636 for a demonstration. 12 CONTROLLING MOSS IN LAWNS Moss occasionally becomes a prob­ lem in Michigan lawns. It is commonly associated with the following condi­ tions: (a) low fertility, (b) acidic soils, (c) poor drainage, (d) soil compaction, (e) heavy shade, and (f) sites with re­ stricted air movement. Any one or a combination o f these may be the de­ termining factor in a moss infestation reports Robert Shearman and J. B. Beard, Michigan State University Turf- grass Scientists. Moss can be controlled by spraying with copper sulfate. It should be ap- : plied at a rate per 1000 square feet of 5 ounces in 4 gallons of water. After the moss has been controlled, steps should be taken to correct any of the 1 above conditions that may encourage v the moss to reinfest the area. A soil i test would be beneficial in determining soil fertility level and soil pH. The following Michigan State University and Cooperative Extension Service publications are available: * 1. Lawn Establishment, Exten­ sion Bulletin No. E-673. Lawn Care, Extension Bulle­ tin No. E-646. f 2. 3. Lawn Weed Control, sion Bulletin No. E-653. Exten­ ! These bulletins contain information | that will be beneficial in correcting ’ the existing factors that have led to (the moss invasion. improving Choosing the proper turfgrass spe- 1 cies, turfgrass nutrition, ¡and correcting poor drainage and soil compaction will minimize conditions ( favoring the development of a moss problem in the future. FOR SALE informs us , Golf Course | 40 HP E lectric Pump FOR S A LE - Bob Main, of Loch Lomand that he has a is a 300 gpm pump & motor, used approx. 8 times. Cost $1,875 new for information call $1,200. For additional in F lin t, or w rite 65191 \ Bob at 742-14 34 - w ill sell for sale. It S. Port H wy., F lin t, Michigan 48507. 13 [ CLEAN IT BETTER-FASTER! LOW COST COMPACT POWER PACKED! STEAM CLEANERS 90 sec. Over 5000 in use in this area. THE AMAZING ELECTRO-MAGIC STEAM CLEANER defies all comparison - w ill do all that higher rated, higher priced cleaners costs hundreds less. And you get serv- ic e a fte r the sale too. w ill yet do, STEAM CLEANERS AND PRESSURE WASHERS IS OUR ONLY BUSINESS! NOT A SIDELINE! $ A Q Q DELIVERED COMPLETE 27 Other Models From $395 CA LL FOR MOBILE DEMONSTRATORmmLarge Stock - Instant Delivery FACTORY WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTOR ATOMIC STEAM CO. 10727 FENKELL- DETROIT 48238 the past CUTWORM PROBLEMS ON TURFS IN MICHIGAN Robert Shearman, Michigan State University Associate Turfgrass Ex­ tension Specialist, reports that cut­ worms have caused an increasing a- mount of damage to bentgrass putting few years. greens during These dull-brown, gray or almost black larvae range in length from 1.0- to 1.5 inches. They cause small, ir­ regular brown spots in the turf due to the cropping of the grass plants near the soil surface. Quite often the in­ jury symptoms on greens are difficult to differentiate from old ball marks. Cutworms feed on the shoots during the night and may be found curled up in the thatch layer or holes in the soil near the damaged areas. They also re­ main in aeration holes during the day where it is cool and damp. Cutworms can be controlled with several of the commercially available insecticides. Since cutworms feed pri­ marily on the grass leaf blades, in­ secticides that are applied as a drench to the turfgrass foliage and the under­ lying soil are most effective in con­ trolling cutworms. Sprays have gener­ ally proven more effective than granu­ lar applications. The preferred time of year for con­ trolling cutworms varies with their abundance. The period of May through July is when the highest populations normally occur and the turfgrass dam­ age is the greatest. Dr. W. E. Wallner, M.S.U. Exten­ sion Specialist in Entomology, recom­ mends the use of Diazinon, Sevin, | Ethion 4E, or Dylox for controlling cutworms. These should be applied as a drench in the late afternoon to ob­ tain the best control. If possible, the grass should not be mowed for 2 days after treatment, especially where clip­ pings are removed, this will allow the larvae to feed on the treated blades. If you can’ t see the bright side, polish the dull side. DEW REMOVAL U\ % 0 . % z o — o > i — O Z l n — m —x o o — —r H C - MILLER CENTRAL CONTROLLER Call 398 - 2233 For A Mobile Demonstration At Your Golf Course Truly Automatic Irrigation by f i l l e r Sprinkling Systems R O Y A L O A K 398-2233 Since 1925 14 cMow! c M o d e l - 5 Turf Sweeper by jurf^vScL &ive-&oot 4 tyull Engine: 12 HP Frame: welded structural steel Hopper: 5 cu. yards Welded steel construction Overall: Width 5'-4" * PICKS UP EFFICIENTLY * FULL 5' SWEEP * HUGE HOPPER CAPACITY * EASY DUMP * FLOATING SCOOP * EASY TRANSPORT * LOW MAINTENANCE * PICKS UP WET OR DRY C A L L F O R A D E M O N S T R A T I O N ( 3 1 3 ) 3 9 8 - 3 6 3 6 LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 5 2 0 W E S T 11 M I L E R O A D R O Y A L O A K , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 6 8 15 S e a s o n ’s G re e tin g s from Hal Vogler and the W F. Miller Staff "A Patch of Green” 3 1 8 2 3 U T IC A R O A D F R A S E R , M IC H IG A N 4 8 0 26 Dr. Jases §♦ Beard Department, of Crop Science Michigan State U n iversity East Lansing« Mich. vS822