_ _ _ _ At Thesier's Our Family is Growing No one can accuse John Deere of standing still. Since January of 1992, we've added six totally new machines to our Golf & Turf Equipment family. All designed and manufactured by John Deere. First to arrive were the 1800 utility vehicle and 3365 Professional Turf Mower. The 1800 brought the precision of hydrostatic drive to your work, while the 3365 was the first machine to carry John Deere designed and manufactured cutting units. New machines for 1993 include the 2653 Professional Utility Mower (pictured above) and 6x4 and 4x2 Gator Utility Vehicles. The 2653 features the unique combination of hydraulic reel drive and John Deere 26-inch cutting units. The Gators are stable, quiet, carry large payloads, and feature wet-disk brakes. Talk with your John Deere G olf & Turf Equipment distributor today for more information on our grow- New 6x4 and 4x2 Gator Utility Vehicles are stable, quiet, and carry large payloads. NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE® FINANCE SPECIAL 20% DOWN with NO PAYMENTS UNTIL MAY 1993 LOW RATES AVAILABLE Reel Grinding Specials -- Call Now! THESIER EQUIPMENT COMPANY 1- 800- 870-9791 28342 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI 48178 The 1800 Utility Vehicle brings the benefits of hydrostatic drive to spraying and spreading jobs. 313- 437-2091 A dvertisin g & e d ito ria l o ffices are at: 50600 Telegraph Road Suite 1386 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025 (313) 642-9580 • FAX 642-5290 Publishers E xecutive E ditor Editor M a n ag in g Editor Copy Editor C reative D irec to r D esigner A dvertisin g P ro d u ctio n P rinting O fficers D irectors C o n ta c t fo r MBCCCSA In fo rm a tio n Kolka & Robb, Inc. Paul Kolbe Vicki Robb Katie Elsila Fred Wessells Kathleen Kolka Laura Rogers Michelle Magraw Michael Wagester Pontiac Graphics, Inc. Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association P re sid e n t Ken DeBusscher Committee: Ethics V ice -P re sid e n t Jay DelCamp Committee: CAM Seminar By Laws, Historian S ecretary /T reasu rer Gary Thommes Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book P a s t P re sid e n t Tom Mason Committee: GCSAA Liaison Delegate Michael Bay Committee: Education, Hospitality Room Dave Picot To be announced Carey Mitchelson Committee: Christmas Party, Scholarship, Pub/Awards Paul Kolbe Committee: Editorial, Golf Paul Dushane Committee: Picnic, Membership, Clothing Fritz McMullen Committee: Education, Environmental Relations Gary Thommes c/o Red Run Golf Club 2036 Rochester Road Royal Oak, Ml 48073 (313)541-3533 Fax(313)548-6106 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association Contents on Par w ith the President Newly Elected Association Directors 3 ............... Calendar 3 ............... 5 ............... 5 ............... Annual Meeting Held at Maple Lane Coif Club 7 ............... 7 ............... Member Focus 9 1 0 The Language o f Regulation 637 ..... Around the Course ..... Association Approves New Position 11 ............ W inter Pruning 1 3 ........... Christmas Party Heralds the Season NEW A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • 1 • The No. I name in golf course irrigation. It’s no coincidence that the country’s top golf courses use TORO irrigation systems. Because there are more TORO systems installed on golf courses than any other kind. For a number of very good reasons. \ityti Wilkie Your Lawn Care Specialist TORO 1050 Opdyke Rond, R.O. 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Tee Time and "the professional's partner" - Trademarks of The Andersons A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • 1 • N E W L Y ELECT ED ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS T his year's election will mark Carey's second term as a board member. He has been an active member and has served as chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Christmas Party, Golf, Publicity and association shirts. Carey is superintendent at the Country Club of Detroit, which is ranked In the top 100 golf courses In the United States. The Club Is known fo r Its family focus, and with over 30 acres of grounds, and facilities ranging from tennis courts and 25-meter swimming pool to an executive 9 hole course and formal gardens, provides Carey with challenges beyond the normal course maintenance program. He Is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Turfgrass Management. Carey and his wife Debra have two sons, Justin and Chase, and a daughter, Jordan. He is Involved with the Cub Scouts (he's a den leader) and as a basketball coach for a neighborhood team. He's also a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Carey E. Mitchelson Association, Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and Midwest Regional Turfgrass Foundation. Carey enjoys golf, and has been the MBCGCSA Champion three times. Like Carey, Dave's blood runs "green." He's a graduate of MSU's four-year Turfgrass Program and has been employed as a course manager since graduating in 1976. Dave has been superintendent at the Port Huron Golf Club for the last nine years. He views education as being very Important and frequently attends national and regional conferences and seminars. In 1982 he received his certification from the CCSAA. Serving his first term on Dave Picot the Association's Board of Directors Dave plans to work toward increased member participation In Association activities. "Local chapters of associations offer the greatest opportunity for fellowship and networking," Dave said. He and his wife Gayle Margaret have three children, Angela, 15, Andy, 14, and, Aaron, 11. JANUARY 1 .......... Bingo! L O MBCCCS Association Meeting. 23-31 (CCSAA) Conference We Passed Co and Are on Our Way into 1993. Happy New Year! Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Conference. For Information call the MFT at (517) 321-1660 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's Annual Conference. Anaheim, California. Four challenging San Diego courses 23-24 CCSAA'S G o lf 26-27 28-29 C h am p io n ­ ship. The Michigan Say hello to fellow Hospitality professionals Watch for Room will be Information about the located in Michigan Skins Game. the Anaheim Hilton Hotel during the CCSAA Conference. FEBRUARY Do You Have A Question? If so, let A Patch of Green help find the answer. Simply call the editorial offices at (313) 642-9580, and the staff will track down a professional or appropriate source who can provide the best answer. For Instance. "W.C. Hagen" to signing "Walter Hagen?" Q Why did Walter Hagen change his autograph from A When he went to England to play golf he found out that "W.C." stood for water closet, or bathroom. From then on he signed his autograph "Walter Hagen.” Courtesy of Amazing But True Golf Facts. Serious or humorous, please call and help get the exchange of ideas going. Ed. Attention Association Members: Please send In one or tw o copies of your Club's scorecard. Whenever possible we would like to use the graphlc/logo from your Club when we are doing a feature that Includes reference to your Club. Send care of editorial offices at Patch of Green, 30600 Telegraph Rd., Suite 1386, Bingham Farms, Ml 48025. A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • 3 • Gone Fishing. 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(3 1 3 ) 4 3 7 -1 4 2 7 Tire Wholesalers Co., Inc, •A s our nam e implies, we are a wholesaler of tires. •W e are an established business, having been in business for over 22 years. •W e deliver. •W e have UPS service daily. •W e guarantee what we sell. •W e want your business. •W e have a huge inventory of Passenger, High Perform ance, Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, Carlisle Lawn & G arden, Industrial Tires & Tubes, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag W heels and Accessories, all in stock for im m ediate delivery. (CORDOI/aii) Ijlp iiu ^BMSTRoru^ l l R E L L I CADILLAC WAREHOUSE 303 Hawthorn Street Cadillac, Ml 49601 (616) 775-6666 NEW1 NEWI NEW! TROY DISTRIBUTION CENTER 1783 E. 14 Mile Road Troy, Ml 48083 (313) 589-9910 SOUTHFIELD WAREHOUSE 19240 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, Ml 48075 (313) 354-9910 TURFGRASS INC. Serving you better with.. Technical information Fungicide programs Free timely delivery ... Quality products Fertilizers Chemicals The Andersons, Lebanon Country Club, Nitroform, Turfgrass Dupont, Am pel, C iba-G eigy, W.A. C leary, C hipco, D aconil, M obay, Elanco, NAIAD, Dow, Monsanto, Bio G reenskeeper, A gri D iagn ostics, Mallinckrodt, Nor-Am, Riverdale, Pana Sea, Miller, Agri-Plex 4X Seeds Northrup King Medalist Turf Products Spreaders & Sprayers Cyclone, Spyker, Back Pack, Wheely, Spray-Hawk Golf Supplies Lewisline, Par Aide, Standard, Fore- Par, Yankee, United Stockmen, Chix, Fox Valley Safety Equipment Mine Safety Equipment Soil Management Grid System, TerraFlow, TerraBond, TerraCover Markers Richway, Blazon 1-313-437-1427 O ffice 1-800-521-8873 (M ichigan O nly) Rich Locke Douglas Johanningsmeier Keith Richards Gene Johanningsmeier A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 i i p f i n f m i ii i N the difference between summer and winter season is like night and day. During the golfing season we can never seem to "find time" to meet our agendas, and in winter we have "plenty of time." It seems like the great "time god" begins to turn o ff our faucet In April, leaving it tightly closed for six months, then cranks the spigot back open in November when, once again, "time is on our side." We are all aware that time is a limited resource. Whatever we president' " " ' accomplish, we accomplish in the 24 hours we have each day, no more, no less. We can't "find time" or "buy time" or "save time" to use it later. What we can do Is learn and apply the skill of tim e management. Through good tim e management practices we are able to learn to control the events that shape our lives. We must realize the need to be proactive in achieving this control. The alternative Is simply to react or let other factors shape and Influence our goals-belng controlled instead of being In control. Gaining control of these events strengthens and helps us achieve our highest goals and priorities. There have been many times we can all point to when we've felt helpless, stuck in our seemingly uncontrollable rut. Through proper planning and goal setting, however small, we're able to climb above the muck to higher ground. During this past season my goal was to manage my tim e better, allowing the opportunity for my business and personal life to Improve. There's no question I've become a better time manager with the system I've used, and little question there's room for plenty of Improvement-thls year's goal. There are many books, videos and classes that you can use to find an effective management system that will work for you. If you are anything like me, sometimes feeling like you're paddling with only one oar, you owe It to yourself to "find the time" to properly manage your time. You may find that you are finally enjoying the "time of your life." Annual M eeting Held a t M aple Lane Golf Club day c to b e r 26 was a fu ll fo r A s s o c i a t i o n m em bers. The day started w ith the Clarence W olfram Sr.Tournament (results under A round th e Course colum n, this issue) and concluded w ith Annual Meeting and Elections. The tournam ent and meeting were held at Maple Lane Golf Club in Sterling Heights and th e the host was Paul Kolbe. F ollowing an excellent dinner prepared by Chef Jack Furnette, Bill Roberts, president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and MBCCCS Association m em ber, gave a slide presentation and discussed the changes in the GCSAA's Bylaws. "Several years ago, we began a dialogue addressing some of the issues impacting our ability to remain competitive in this rapidly changing world. As long ago as 1986 the GCSAA's membership committee began to explore the Issues of variable dues/beneflt structures. The standards committee made a number of recommendations to the membership at the 1991 co n fe re n ce in Las Vegas, addressing vo tin g , membership and am endm ent issues," Roberts said. Roberts then outlined the Bylaws Proposals that will be voted on at the GCSAA Annual Meeting In Anaheim. (See sidebar of Proposed Actlon/Beneflts to Members chart page 13.) returned to local business, including a proposed increase in MBCCCS Association dues to support an executive secretary position, and th e annual election. F rom R oberts' discussion th e m eeting th e n i he Board of Directors and the executive committee proposed the hiring of an executive secretary to oversee the constantly Increasing day-to-day activities of the Association. Following a lengthy discussion members voted In favor of a dues Increase to generate the necessary $10,000 to fund the newly created p o sitio n . (A proposed Increase whose in fo rm a tio n had been m ailed to m em bers was defeated.) The new dues rates will be as follows: Class A $65, Class B $65, Class D $65 and Class F, $115. A lthough the Increase was significant, the overall support o f the new position and the benefit to the Association was positive. (Look fo r th e a rticle Association Members Approve New Position: Executive Secretary for details.) E ach committee chairman distributed reports to the attendees with a discussion period allowed for each area. Jim Eccleton, Chairman o f the Golf Day com m ittee, reported th a t the successful event would allow the Assocaition to donate more than continued of page 13 A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • 5 • Elite Turfgrass Seed Mixture Triple Play is the unique blend of ryegrasses that has been care­ fully selected to meet specific needs for seeding Athletic Fields, Lawn Areas and Golf Courses. Triple Play contains the elite turf-type ryegrasses of PENNANT, PEBBLE BEACH and STALLION. Triple Play will produce a beautiful dark green color with excellent heat and drought tolerance. „ Seedmg Recommendation 5 to 7 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Turf C h e m ica ls Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL O F YOUR FER TILIZER , C H E M IC A L A N D G R ASS SEED NEEDS H A S IT! Everything you need for professional turf management. •Fertilizers »Control Products »Seed •Irrigation »Equipment »Replacement Parts •Golf Course Accessories »Safety Products •Service Brochures • Low Voltage Lighting (8 0 0 ) 321-5325 Your Growth Partner LESCO, Inc., 20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, Ohio 44116 A TORO. r Turf Vehicles Toro introduces the long awaited in­ troduction o f the Turf Vehicle. This rugged vehicle has 3 wheel maneu­ verability with 4 wheel versatility and stability. Let us show you its many uses! Call today for your free demon­ stration. 1- 800-822*2216 . W t W ilkie Your Lawn Care Specialist 1050 Opdyke Road, P.O. Box A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • I • Q R 430749, Pont, Michigan 48343 - (313) 373-8800 T he L anguage R egulation 6 By Tim Doppel M ichigan & B ord er C itie s CCSA Now that Regulation 637 has been Instituted, one of the biggest Investments we will have to make is the construction of a rinse and loading pad. The language of the rule Is very vague about details and that is causing some people some real concern about how to construct their pad. But, when we wrote this rule, we left the details out ON Now th a t Regulation 637 has been instituted, one o f the biggest investm ents w e will have to m ake is the con­ struction o f a rinse and loading pad. PURPOSE. We decided early on that we did not want to have very specific construction standards when there is such a wide variation of situations and applications in the pesticide application industry. We felt that It was best to describe what was needed to be accomplished, and leave It to the creativity of the individual as how best to accomplish It. Although it m ight have been easier to spell out specifics, I believe that, In the end, we'll be glad we don't have those kinds of requirements. (If you doubt that, talk to your colleagues In Illinois or Indiana, to name a few.) Let's review what the regulation says. Rules Six and Seven require that all mixing, loading and washing of pesticide application equipment be done on an impervious pad that will "contain spills, leaks, releases or other discharges that are generated during the mixing and loading of pesticides and the washing of pesticide equipment." Rule Six further specifies that the pad or holding tank be able to hold the amount discharged In one minute of a loading operation. If the pad Is outdoors, it will also have to contain six inches of rainfall. And basically that's It. Now how do we do this? The options are almost endless, limited only by your Imagination, budget and physical constraints of your facility. There are a couple of pads that can be purchased and placed on the floor or ground; add a pump and you're all set. Or you can always cut troughs, pads and pumps into the floor of your garage. But not everybody has the budget or ability for those kinds of alternatives. There are other options. You can get coatings for concrete that are impervious to chemicals and easy to apply. If you square o ff an area in your shop with concrete blocks, seal the edges and apply this coating, bingo, you have a rinse and loading pad. Of course you have to be sure that the pad is big enough fo r the amount of material you have to hold. But if you remember that one gallon equals 0.1337 cubic feet, you can quickly determine the holding capacity of your pad. And there are even more possibilities. I've heard The options are alm ost endless, lim ited only by your im agination, budget and physical constraints o f your facility. people talking about plastic liners inside concrete parking blocks, a small pad with a big tank and a good pump, fiberglass or plastic pads and on and on. The Important thing Is that you are not limited to only one style of pad. As long as It does what It Is supposed to do, then you'll be in compliance. You have until October 1993 to have your pad in place so there Is no need to panic. But you do need to start thinking how you will comply economically, creatively and responsibly, Jim McGuire - a Vendor W ho Makes a Difference Jim McGuire, an MBCGCSA member for more than five years, is a manufacturer's representative for: D&C Distributors— dealers for a wide line of golf course supplies, including R&R Products, Lewis line, Rico Products, Ultra Turf, Greenslron and others; Evans Mining — supplier of mixes for golf course construction and top dressing; and a variety of miscellaneous equipment, including the Lawn Genie by the Mathews Co. But McGuire is more than a vendor and MBCGCSA member. He is an active member. He most recently served on the Christmas Party committee and is again helping to plan the annual picnic. McGuire feels that Interacting with members on club activities has helped him get to know members better and given him an even better understanding of their profession. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for the dedication and professionalism of MBCGCSA members," he says. McGuire also is involved currently with the MBCGCSA's education committee, which hopes to Invite a naturalist to present a program to MBCGCSA members about the use of bats for insect control on golf courses. He also Is interested in the use of purple martins for daytime control of Insects. McGuire's willingness to serve others is reflected In his membership and leadership in civic activities. He flew dive bombers as a naval pilot during World War II, was a founding member of the Village of Bingham Farms and was that group's president, was a volunteer member of the Franklin Fire Department and Is a member of the Board of Directors of the Utica Heritage Association. He also is a member of the Michigan Turfgrass Association's Founders Society, which promotes awareness of and membership in the Michigan Turfgrass Association, A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 >ors Tnr. m D & C P?sLr?h 1X 51000 Grand River Wixom, Michigan 48393 (313) 349-7779 FAX (313) 349-4670 M idw est’s Largest Stocking Dealer For R & R PRO D UCTS TORO RYAN NATIONAL QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS JACOBSEN ROSEMAN YAZOO HAHN-W ESTPOINT RANSOM ES FORD REEL SHARPENING COM POUND CUSHMAN MOTT EXCEL FLYM O — POW ER PRUNER — AaB-SO RBO IL EM ULSIFIER C A LL US TO LL FREE 8 0 0 -8 8 8 -7 7 7 9 YO UR O NE STO P SHO P FOR YO UR G OLF C O URSE M O W ING EQ U IPM EN T REPAIR PARTS AND SUPPLY ITEM S FLAG S - PO LES - RAKES - CUPS RICO M FG . 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Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL O F YOUR FE R TILIZE R , C H E M IC A L A N D G R ASS SEED NEED S E X P E R IE N C E D , D E P E N D A B L E P E O P LE TO S E R V E YO U ★ RUSS HANCOCK ★ LOU BECKMAN ★ JIM HYDE ★ FRED MILLER ★JA Y SIDDOCK ★TE D KASEL TDS 2150 TOPDRESSING SAND ■ Meets USGA specifications ■ Consistent Quality ■ Lab Reports with Every Shipment ■ M ichigan’s Largest Topdressing Sand Supplier ■ 87% Between .21 and .50 MM (Current Tests) P.O. Box 290 Standard Sand Corporation Grand Haven, Michigan 49417 Contact: Roy Hanson (616) 842-5180 A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 Member Activities A.5l- llT '/A Turf grass Stress Management Seminar. Fifty-two superintendents attended the Turfgrass Stress Management Seminar held in East Lansing on October 16. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), in cooperation with the MBCGCSA, presented the Division II elective course to this region. The course, part of the GCSAA's continuing education program, is worth .7 CEU. Dr. Joseph M. Dipaola, from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, was the course instructor. He works in the university's Turfgrass Research area and is an instructor in the Crop Science Department. Dr. Dipaola covered both the technical and practical aspects of managing quality turfgrass throughout the year. Plans are underway to hold another GCSAA seminar in October 1993. The tentative topic will be "The Microbiology of Turfgrass Soils," covering soil micro and macro-organisms and their functions, the role of microbes in fertilizers, thatch management, pesticide degradation, the effects of biostimulants, hormones, natural organic fertilizers and humic acids on turfgrass and the soil eco-system. AN EAGLE TO JIM ECCLETON OF ARBOR HILLS COUNTRY CLUB in Jackson. Jim is leaving the MBCGCSA Board of Directors after four years of service. During his tenure Jim was chairman of the annual picnic, various fundraising events and the scholarship committee— all major successes due in no small part to Jim's work. The Association and its members thank Jim for the time and service given to the benefit of the entire organization. CLARENCE WOLFROM SR. GOLF TOURNAMENT. The tournam ent was held in conjunction with the Association Annual Meeting at Maple Lanes Coif Club. Club Manager Rick Moddafare and his staff put on a great day! The results of the tournament, which had 46 competitors, are: First place: Second place: Low Net Marc McMullen, Assistant, Orchard Lake Country Club, Low net of 59 (75 with 16 handicap) (hole playoff) Jon Shreve, low net 63 (Tom Stark and Dave Montgomery also posted a net 63.) First place: Second place: Low Cross Jerry Prieskorn, low gross 72 (hole playoff) Dave Montgomery, low gross 73 (Jay Delcamp, Bob Nesbit and Mike Grace also posted a low gross 73.) Six skins were handed out plus three closest to the pin winners, A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • 9 • DAVEY OFFERS EVERY TREE CARE SERVICE YO U’LL Ev e r n e e d . You know that mature trees add challenge as well as beauty. You also know ma­ ture trees are impossible to replace. Davey knows how to help protect these valu­ able assets from decline, lightning, storm damage, insects and disease. Davey professionals will inventory your trees, evaluate the condition of each one, and give you a report prioritizing treatments. Over time, expert care from Davey will actually reduce your tree maintenance costs. Keep your most valuable assets standing tall with the leader in tree care since 1880. Call Davey today at 689-2200 DAVEY TREE ANO U V V f. BEAUTY Associa- tion oers Mem Approve New Position: Executive Secretary 1 9 9 3 . New Year, new challenges, new approach, new President, new ideas, new magazine, new skills, new goals, new executive secretary, new attitude, new diet, new resolutions, renewed determination. Good Luck! In an attem pt to offer better services to our membership, the Board of Directors recommended the hiring of an executive secretary for the Association. At our Annual Meeting at Maple Lane Golf Club, the membership approved a dues increase proportionately among all classes to support this new position. This is a major step in the evolution of our association. We must grow, mature and change as circumstances dictate. We've reached a turning point and, fortunately for everyone, you have chosen the farsighted path. Communication and organization among the Board of Directors, A Patch of Green, committee members and the general membership will improve significantly. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, but I'm confident of a smooth transition of duties. Soon we'll be wondering how we managed without an executive secretary, i m m «1 | i £ m m M m mmmi i t t | i c c i c i c r . J 1 | 1 v. 1*1 % f To Place Your Classified Ad Contact Patch of Green at (313) 642-9580, Fax, 642-5290 30600 Telegraph Road, Suite 1386 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025 Payment must accompany copy! Charges: 75 per word, m inimum charge $10.00. Borders, bold lettering or special set-up additional charge. Golf Course Superintendents Milorganite In 50 lb. Bags For The Professional Milorganite outperforms other fertilizers for long-term turf needs. Non-Burning • Slow Release Water Insoluble • Natural Organic • Over 4% Iron. For the best tu rf. . . use the best fertilizer MILORGANITE PROFESSIONAL BENHAM CHEMICALS 24800 N. Industrial Drive Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 313- 474-7474 1- 800- 482-6520 TOLL FREE (Michigan Only) A Patch of Creen, January/February 1993 • 1 0 • WINTER PRUNING by Trevor F. Vldlc, Davey Tree T H E a d ­ vantages o f c o n d u c t i n g pruning work on w oody plants d u rin g w in te r are In buds w o undw oods w ill develop at th e collar margins with the onset o f the growing season. Larger lim bs rem oved fro m many species o f trees during w inter will o fte n result in increased epicormic branching ("sprouts") fro m th e callus/woundwood grow th and/or from la ten t buds carried along in cam bium below the branch collar. Good collar cuts will minimize eplcormlc branching. a d ve n titio u s Be judicious about removing "tips" or terminal branch growth any time of year, especially In w in te r and on recently established w oody plants. Trees and shrubs need as much terminal growth left in tact as possible to "trig g e r" optim al branch system development In spring. Tipping cuts also promote excessive lateral shoot extension and epicormic branching. The plant has routed much energy to terminal growth areas In storage fo r spring-flush of leaves and new wood; removing terminals takes away th e stored energy and auxin hormones that direct new growth, while putting the plant Into more of an energy deficit than it would normally undergo as eplcorm lc sprouts use up scant energy reserves. collar ro o t and W inter is also an excellent tim e to removed deadwood from large old trees th a t require an absolute m inim um o f pruning. Leafless canopies enable the worker to locate most, If not all, of the dead branches In a big tree that need to be rem oved. Climbers can also detect overwintering scale Insect populations that may not be visible from the ground which can be controlled as soon as feasible with dorm ant (horticultural) oil applications. F e rtiliz a tio n can also be s c h e d u l e d close to pruning work, and w here w hen soil Is penetrable, to facilitate wood c o m p a r t - m entllizatlon o f p ru n in g wounds, well d o cu m e n te d In a rb o rlc u ltu ra l literature. Most articles tend to provide rationale fo r keeping arborists employed through winter slowdowns, especially the annual essays you see In trade and industry magazines. Some concerns regarding the health of certain woody plants pruned in the winter do exist in conjunction with the valid benefits. It Is com m on knowledge among Davey arborists that Intense winter pruning of many woody plants tends to stim ulate eplcormlc branching and shoot grow th. This reaction is o fte n desired, mostly for rejuvenation or basal pruning of cane-type shrubs. Most summer-flowering shrubs that are headed back hard in winter develop denser form w ith m ore flow ers during the growing season. Elms and oaks susceptible to w ilt disease (Ceratocystlt spp.) should always be scheduled fo r dorm ant pruning when Insect vectors are not active. Pruning woody plants just after leaves and needles have fully expanded In spring tends to suppress excessive new growth. Spring flow ering shrubs should also be pruned rig h t a fte r leaf-expansion and petal-fall to ensure enough viable flow er buds will set for the following spring. Most s u m m e r-flo w e rin g shrubs should be pruned during w inter months, as well as those spring-flow ering shrubs that need rejuvenation and are not going to be relied upon to flow er come spring (which the client should be Informed about). d o r m a n t ^ Dr. Alex Shlgo states In his book Tree Pruning (1989) that the optim al tim e to prune m ost trees is late d u rin g season and Im m ediately a fte r leaves/needles are fully expanded. Birches, maples and similar trees th a t exude excessive sap flow when pruned late w in te r should be worked on after fu ll expansion. P runing th e d o rm a n t season leaves cuts to desiccation where callus and subse quen t less exposed w ould leaf late th e In in A Patch of Green, January/February 1993 • 11 • winter Disease Control Dave Roberts, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic MSU ALERT (Landscape Edition) Because of the prolonged damp periods during the summer of 1992, epidemics of various foliage leaf spots and twig/limb cankers occurred. It is really too late to initiate pesticide programs to control diseases at this time (falll. Cultural practices this fall and winter can be helpful. For most foilages diseases, raking and destroying leaves that harbor the various fungi and bacteria can minimize infection next spring. Some foliar diseases can almost be eliminated if rigorous removal of infected plant parts is followed. Another good practice is removing cankers or severely affected branches by pruning. From a disease standpoint, late winter or early spring is the best time to prune for disease control. Continued from page 5 Annual M eeting Held a t M aple Lane Coif Club $19,000 to Michigan State Turfgrass Research. With the completion of committee reports the meeting focused on the annual Association elections. O fficers unanimously re-elected were: Ken DeBusscher, president, Jay Delcamp, vice president, and Cary Thomm es secretary- treasurer. Two director vacancies were also filled. Carey Mitchelson of Country Club of Detroit and Dave Picot from the Port Huron Country Club were elected. There were five candidates running fo r the tw o vacancies. The Association thanked Scott Gardiner, Tom Schall and Jon Shreve fo r running and encouraged them to run for the board in the future. The Board and members gave special recognition to Jim Eccleton of Arbor Hills Couuntry Club who Is leaving the Board after serving four years. Jim had served as chairman of a number of successful events Including the annual picnic and fundraising activities. He was also chairman of the scholarship committee, Proposed g c s a a Action In s t it u t e a n in d iv id u a l v o t in g s y s t e m . Benefit to Members ♦ More democratic. ♦ Encouragement of more member participation. ♦ Convenience of options for mail-in balloting or machine voting. Proposed Action Benefit to Members Proposed Action Benefit to Members destiny. leadership role. ♦ Allow bylaws amendments by a simple majority vote. ♦ More democratic. ♦ Encouragement of more member participation. ♦ Authorize board to create new membership classes. ♦ Increase superintendents' control of professional ♦ Expand superintendents' sphere of influence and ♦ Expand CCSAA's political and Industry clout. ♦ Support those who support us. ♦ Allow board to set dues for new and existing classes. Proposed Action Benefit to Members ♦ Enhance CCSAA's overall business effectiveness. ♦ Provide for future association growth, Heralds th e Season The annual Christmas Party was held on December 4 at Edgewood Country Club. The remodeled clubhouse accommodated the 123 people who attended. Chairman Carey Mitchelson and his wife, Debbie, greeted people and gave pine cone ornaments to each couple and pins to female guests. The gifts were handmade by Debbie, and everyone marveled at the amount of patience It took to make them. Great job, Debbie. Thanks!!! The chef provided a great hors d' oeuvres table and an excellent meal, topped o ff by a dessert table that made everyone's sweet tooth even sweeter. President Ken DeBusscher welcomed everyone and introduced the board of directors and their wives. Host Superintendent Ken McRae and his wife, Elizabeth, were recognized for their support of the event. Carey gave thanks to the staff of Edgewood for allowing the Association to have access to their beautiful facility and for their excellent service. Jim McGuire was introduced and gave a Christmas tree pin ornament and a pine seedling to each couple as a memento of the event. He also provided a poinsettia plant to the person at each table who was sitting In the specially labeled chair. Thanks to Jim for his continued support at the Christmas party and the annual picnic. The music for the Christmas Party was provided by "Secrets," and they played till 12:30 a.m., with the concluding song accompanied by the MBCCCSA human train. Thanks again to Edgewood Country Club, Carey and Debbie, and Jim McGuire for helping to make this such a successful holiday event, Shore Control BRIDGES • DAM S • BO ARDW ALKS SEAW ALLS — Steel • W ood PVC C-LOC Boulders Com plete Jobs or Products Only FREE QUOTES — (313) 887-7855 POND DREDGING SPECIALIST Off Road Trucking Wide Track Bulldozing Grading Shore Line & Land Developm ent SWEETCO INC. South Lyon, M ichigan 48178 27405 Henry Rd. 313- 437-1830 A Patch of Green, January/February 1995 • I S • RENTALS BY THE • DAY • WEEK • MONTH f \ & < RENTAL 313-373-8200 DON’T BUY IT - RENT IT! DELIVERY AVAILABLE PALACE EQUIPMENT RENTAL INC. 4640 Lapeer Road • Orion, Ml 48359 (313)373-8200 • FAX (313) 373-0398 Conveniently located 1 mile north of The Palace on Lapeer Rd. 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