Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association LET THE EXPERTS AT J. J. DILL HELP YOU MAKE IT BUY DIRECT • SAVE MONEY GET FAST DELIVERIES Your budget will buy more — in chemicals and equipment to apply them — when you deal direct with Dill. As manufacturer, formulator and/or distributor, Dill can save you money. Consistently. Dill offers the most com­ plete line of quality turf A chemicals in the midwest . . complete with appli- v p B cation instructions. Dill is headquarters for complete lines of: • Fungicides • Herbicides • Algaecides • Insecticides • Fog- gers • Sprayers. PROMPT DELIVERY throughout southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio, including weekly shipment via our trucks covering the Detroit, Flint, Lansing and Toledo areas. Call Dill collect for information, prices, and to place orders. (616) 349-7755 TIP OF THE MONTH FOR F A L L & EARLY WINTER . . . Order your s n o w m o l d c o n t r o l chemicals now! C all us for n e w e s t develop­ ments and recommenda- ations. VALUABLE CATALOG Latest edition, up-dated in all respects. Contains a wealth of in­ formation. Lists and describes hundreds of chemicals, pesticides and equipment for maintenance of grounds and waters of golf courses, parks, recreation areas and resorts. J. J. DILL COMPANY KALAMAZOO, Ml 49005 Gentlemen: Please send your latest Turf Care Catalog. Box 788 Dept. PG-4 NAME ----- ADDRESS C ITY_____ . STATE . .Z IP. " A Patch of Green” 3 7823 U tica Road, Fraser, Michigan 48026 (313) 293-3540 P u b l¡sh ed monthly by the Michigan and Border C itie s G o lf Course Superintendents A sso cia tion C irculation 750 Ted Woehrle, Oakland Hills CC Editor Blakeman Publications Graphic A rts /C irc u la tio n ADVERTISING RATES Double Page Spread....................................... $ 100.00 Back Outside Page...............................................65.00 Full Page.................................................................55.00 Half Page.................................................................35.00 Quarter Page...........................................................25.00 Eighth Page............................ 12.50 Sixteenth Page..........................................................7.50 Classified Ad (per inch)....................................... 5.00 DISCOUNT RATES One Year 10 % THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS American Research Corp. Century Supply Corp. C ertified Laboratories, Inc. J. J. D ill Company Gunter Co., Inc. Lakeshore Equipment Lawn Equipment Corp. W. F. M ille r Garden M iller Sprinkling Systems 0. M. Scott & Sons Company Turfgrass, Inc. Turf Supplies, Inc. Terminal Sales Corp. Wilkie Turf Equipment Co. 3 MICHIGAN AND BORDER C IT IES GOLF COURSE SU PERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT OAKLAND HILLS COUNTRY CLUB TED WOEHRLE Birmingham, Michigan Off. 644-3352, Res. 646-8512 VICE PRESIDENT GERALD GILL TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB 3466 Walnut Lake Road Orchard Lake, Michigan Off. and Res. 626-8325 SECRETARY-TREASURER BOB HOPE KNOLLWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 6330 Inkster Road Birmingham, Michigan Off. and Res. 626-6062 BOARD OF DIRECTORS C. H. WOLFROM, JR. DETROIT GOLF CLUB Detroit, Michigan 530 Kendry (Res.) ALBERT KALTZ MAPLE LANE GOLF CLUB Off. 268-2130, Res. 463-2892 Sterling Hgts., Michigan GARY BARTSCH PINE LAKE COUNTRY CLUB P.O. Box 216 Orchard Lake, Michigan Off. 681-1322, Res. 476-5852 ROGER GILL Royal Oak, Michigan ROYAL OAK GOLF CLUB Off. 549-7125, Res. 573-6859 GEORGE W. PRIESKORN 5341 Brighton Road (Res.) Brighton, Michigan 48116 BURROUGHS FARMS GOLF CLUB Res. 227-1381 WILLIAM W. MILNE 220 C.C. Drive COUNTRY CLUB OF DETROIT Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Off. 881-8000, Res. 886-9319 PRESIDENT EMERITUS WARD SWANSON PLUM HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 29642 Westfield (Res.) Livonia, Michigan Off. 352-2436, Res. 421-8049 The President’s Message Here in a condensed form is a run down on our events in 1972. Jan. 7 February GCSAA- Conference and Show - Cincinatti, Ohio Holiday Inn Knollwood Country Club March 21 Bay Pointe Golf Club April 18 Essex Country Club May 2 May 22 C. C. of Detroit June 13 Chemung Hills July 18 Hillcrest Country Club Aug. 3-6 PGA Tournament - Oakland Hills Aug. 8 Burrough’ s Farm - Picnic Aug. 29 Edgewood Country Club Sept. 13 Northern Mich. Turf Day Sept. 18 Fund Raising Day - Oakland Hills Sept. 26 Stoney Croft Golf Club Oct. 9-10 Kalamazoo C.C. & Upjohn Oct. 24 Maple Land Golf Club Nov. 7 Morey’ s Golf & C.C. Dec. 8 Christmas Party - Edgewood Country Club In all, we had 19 functions to attend if you count the Turf Clinic at in January, it would be 20. I and MSU Turfgrass Conference the 44th I n t e r n a t i o n a l Attend Turfgrass C o n f e r e n c e and Show - January 7 - 12, 1973 - Boston, Mass. The Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Associa­ tion is planning on having another Hospitality Room at the Conference. Details are being worked out and information becomes once additional available, we will pass it on to you. Plan to attend. Participate in the fun at our room. Get acquainted. 4 the Host Superintendents personally wish to thank all the Clubs and for allowing us the use of your facilities. 1972 was a grand year. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you all for your support. Your President, Ted Woehrle 1973 MBCGCSA Officers Ted Woehrle, S u p e r i n t e n d e n t of Oakland Hills Country Club, Birming­ ham, M i c h i g a n , was re-elected President of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association, at the annual meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 1972, at Morey’ s Golf and Country Club, Union Lake, Michigan. Re-elected Vice President for the coming year is Gerald Gill, Superin­ tendent of Tam-O-Shanter Country Club, Orchard Lake, Michigan. Also re-elected for 1973 was Bob Hope, Superintendent Knollwood Country Club, Birmingham, Michigan. Secretary-Treasurer to elected The two new D i r e c t o r s of the three-year Association terms are Bill Milne, Superintendent, Country Club of Detroit, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, and George Prieskorn Superintendent, Burroughs Farm Golf Club, Brighton, Michigan. two retiring Board members were Bob Prieskorn, who retires after s e r v i n g 16 years on the Board of Directors and Dave Moote, Superin­ tendent, Essex Golf & Country Club, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The Materials Used to Modify Soil Reaction Reprinted from Bui. No. 1, T u rf Service Bureau, Sewerage Commission THE R O L E O F L I M E IN T U R F M A N A G E M E N T called G y p s u m and L i m e are Soil Amendments: Gypsum and Lime are commonly soil amendments because they have not been considered sources of essential plant food ele­ ments. Their function is an indirect one, to make conditions favorable for growth. The mechanism involved when they are used on an acid soil is not generally understood. Gypsum is another name for calcium sulphate. It was used extensively as a soil amendment before the chemistry of acid soil was well understood. It is not a good material to use for the sole purpose of reducing soil acidity. When gypsum reacts with an acid soil, sulphuric acid is formed. So the first effect increase the amount of soluble acids in the soil. Acidity is not the soluble acid disappears as a result of leaching. reduced until is to When limestone is applied on an acid soil, the calcium reacts with the soluble acids, and with the insoluble acid clay. Carbonic acid is the by­ is oxide formed from to c a r b o n a t e product in both instances. It is a very feeble and unstable acid and breaks down into water and carbon dioxide gas which escapes into the air. Lime Sources: Ground limestone, hydrated lime, and quicklime are the kinds of lime used to correct acidity. Calcium the active ingredient in limestone. The other two it. Quicklime (or are chemist) calcium the is produced by subjecting limestone to in a kiln. The carbon intense heat is driven off as a gas and dioxide is the residue left in calcium oxide the kiln. Hydrated lime, or calcium formed when quicklime hydroxide, reacts with water. Hydrated and quick­ lime act faster because they are more soluble. Quicklime by combining with water becomes hydrate when added to a moist soil. Hydrated lime reacts with the soil acids to form a calcium salt. Water is the by-product of the reaction and is the reason why acidity is reduced. is 1 9 7 3 MBCGCSA Officers Board of Directors, Back Row: Left to Right; Clem Wolfrom, George Prieskorn, newly elected, Ward Swanson, Roger Gill, Al Kaltz, Bill Milne, newly elected. Front Row: Left to Right; Gerald Gill, Vice President, Ted Woehrle, President, Bob Hope, Secretary/Treasurer, Gary Bartsch, Director. 5 Annual Golf Tournament at Stoneycroft Jim Vlassis and George Prieskorn tied for the Association Championship at Stoney Croft in October. They had a play off at Maple Lane later that month and Jim Golf Club Vlassis was victorious. Jim is the Superintendent at the Lakeland Country Club. C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s to two great competitors. LaFond, Gordy LaFontaine, Gary Gartsch, Don Benham. Some real serious players: L to R; Bill Davis, Doug Forier, Ward Swanson and Clem Wolfrom. 6 Bob Kirkpatrick John Macfarlane Burt Bradshaw Gordon Lafontaine LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 520 WEST 11 MILE ROAD, ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN 48068 (313) 398-3636 7 COUNTRY CLUB Season’s Greetings TURFGRASS, INC. SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phone: Area 313 437-1427 8 R eprinted from the Rocky Mountain G o lf Course Superintendents’ 11R E P O R T E R ” Thatch Removal by PAUL E. RIEKE Thatch has been variously defined as the layer of organic accumulation in turfgrass sod between the soil surface and the green portion of the turfgrass plant. Its composition is the dead roots, stems, and leaves, although living roots and stems are also an intricate part of the thatch layer. A limited amount of thatch is usually considered desirable because it pro­ vides some resilience to the turf. It may tend to buffer soil temperatures from air temperatures and reduce weed inva­ sions. Generally, however, thatch is con­ sidered undesirable because it accumu­ lates to objectionable levels and several disadvantages become apparent (1) roots tend to grow in the thatch layer rather than into the soil making the turf more drouth susceptible; (2) the thatch layer may become hydrophobic, severely reducing water infiltration rates and decreasing water use efficiency; (3) dry spots often develop, requiring increased attention to watering and other manage­ ment practices; (4) aeration may be reduced, possibly to the point of limiting growth; (5) water retained in the thatch layer may provide an environment (6) conducive to pathogen activity; thatch may harbor certain turfgrass insects; (7) thatch may cause the de­ velopment of an uneven surface, re­ ducing turfgrass quality, and increasing the opportunity for scalping of the turf; (8) effectiveness of certain pesticide treatments may be reduced because of the inability of water to penetrate into the thatch layer; (9) it is difficult to obtain satisfactory overseeding under heavy thatch conditions; and (10) the management to reduce thatch are costly, usually cause some injury to the turf, and may take the turf area out of use for a period of time. practices required Factors Contributing to Thatch Formation Several factors are suggested as contributing to thatch accumulation and, therefore, affect the thatch removal program required for a given turfgrass area. A most significant factor is the extremely vigorous growth and high density of plants usually associated with high quality turf. Such turf is achieved by utilizing; (1) heavy nitrogen fertilization rates; irri­ gation, especially when frequent and Continued on Next Page intensive (2) Pa/zM^B/bd, SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO MEET THE MOST DEMANDING WATERING REQUIREMENTS OF ANY GOLF COURSE. IRRIGATION SYSTEMS. WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS ( 313 ) 5 4 3 - 7 7 3 0 3890 WEST ELEVEN MILE ROAD B E R K L E Y , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 7 2 9 (4) Thatch Removal Cont. heavy rates are applied; (3) highly vigorous species and varieties of turf- grasses; and frequent pesticide applications. Other factors which may contribute to thatch accumulation are; (5) compacted and heavy soils which are poorly drained; (6) acid soil con­ ditions; (7) return of clippings to the turf; (8) mowing practices; (9) environ­ mental conditions which encourage rapid growth of grasses; and (10) the amount of traffic on the area. Means of Thatch Removal There have been several research studies on the troublesome thatch prob­ lem, but results are often variable because of the complexity of the en­ vironmental and management factors which affect thatch accumulation. control are Practices which have been utilized in thatch topdressing, vertical mowing, coring (aerification), liming, clipping removal, spiking, and fertilization. Many of these practices have other objectives, but still affect thatch accumulation. conditions Topdressing has given most consis­ tent reductions in measurable thatch of treatments reported. Mixing soil with thatch apparently provides more the favorable for microbial activity thatch decomposition. Topdressing is costly and timeconsu­ ming, however, so this technique is usually practiced only on small areas which are In addition, good quality soil materials for intensively managed. and topdressing are often difficult to locate, or if commercially prepared, quite ex­ pensive for use on large areas. Vertical mowing is suggested most widely as the tool to use for thatch removal. Engel and Alderfer1 reported topdressing and vertical mowing were about equally effective in controlling thatch in a bentgrass green. Vertical mowing reduced the amount of top­ dressing needed for thatch reduction in Tifgreen bermudagrass in Mississippi. On a heavily thatched bermudagrass turf Morgan2 found that irrigation water did not penetrate the thatch, but when the turf was vertically mowed the water penetrated to a 4-inch depth, improving infiltration. Vertical mowing and coring increased penetration to 15 inches. No report was make on the degree of thatch control. little more The depth of vertical mowing is significant in thatch removal. With a very shallow setting is achieved than lifting and slicing stolons which aids in reduction of grain and close mowing on greens. For thatch removal the teeth (or tines, flails, etc.) are normally set to penetrate to the soil surface. More than one treatment may be removal. The needed degree of thatch accumulation, the condition of the turf, and the type of vertical mower will all be factors in determining how many passes and how frequently vertical mowing should be Coring has given a limited degree of thatch control under greens conditions. Continued on Page 13 for effective No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE Golf Courses Use More MILORGANITE^tó Than Any Other Fertilizer TERMINAL SALES CORR 12871 EATON AVE. DETROIT, MICH. 48227 (313) 491 -0606 10 and lest Wishes fer the Coning Veer Wilkie Turf Equipment Company The Anderson Division 23455 TELEGRAPH RD., SOUTHFIELD, MICH. 48075 • PHONE: 353-5300 11 SISCO SALESMEN at your SERVICE MIKE BYRNES has been on the Sisco solos team for six years and has had specialized training in fie ld installation of irrigation systems. Any questions you may have regarding piping products, sprinklers and valves in your irrigation system, dial for Mike at 548-7272. Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Company, Division of A. J. Miller, Inc., 1316 N. Campbell Rd., Royal Oak, Mich. 48067, (313) 548-7272 Chicaqo (3121 629-7730, Kalamazoo (616) 381-0506, Columbus, Ohio (614) 888-1782 O I A C O - E N G I N E E R E D R A I N ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE M IC H IG A N A N D BORDER CITIES G O LF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS A S SO C IA TIO N ? a l b e r t k a l t z Map,e Lane Golf ciub Sterling Heights, Michigan 48077 Fill in the questionaire below and mail to: Phone: Off. 268-21J0, Res. 463-2892 NAME OF INTERESTED PERSON DATE MAILING ADDRESS C IT Y ____________________________________ S T A T E _______________ Z I P ______________ Or you may contact the next golf course supplier who calls on you and give him the Information needed for application. 12 Thatch Removal Cont. This treatment is more effective if the soil cores are worked back into the turf and the thatch debris is removed. Liming has given variable results. Most of the studies have been conducted on acid soils in eastern U.S. It is doubtful if liming itself would be bene­ ficial in California where the soils and water used in irrigation are both already quite high in pH. is a removal Clipping for keeping standard recommendation thatch problems at a minimum in home lawns, yet detailed studies indicate that grass leaves decompose very rapidly and probably contribute very little to thatch accumulations. Clippings should always be removed, however, if they interfere with use of the turf or if they cause significant smothering or shading con­ ditions. is the wide Spiking penetrates the thatch with knoves that go down into the soil. The improved water major advantages infiltration with little damage to the turf, although the influence is shortterm. Fertilization with nitrogen has been suggested for thatch reduction because of carbon/nitrogen ratios reported in the thatch. When heavy nitrogen fertilization is practiced, in­ creased thatch usually results because of increased vigor and density of growth. In attempts to increase thatch de­ composition under conditions, additions of gypsum, sugar, and nitrogen had no effect on thatch in bentgrass field turf. Martin^, working with J. B. Beard, studied the decomposition of red fescue in the laboratory. Pectinase, sucrose and ferulic acid caused increased car­ bon dioxide evolution in test tube studies, indication there might be hope for use of such chemicals in field studies. Much more research needs to be done but, ultimately, chemical addi­ tives might be a practical, economic alternative to present methods of thatch control. Continued use of pesticides which kill earthworms has resulted in signifi­ cant increases in thatch accumulation in Kentucky bluegrass (D. J. Butler, unpublished data). Detailed studies on soil plugs less thatch and greater numbers of worm channels in the untreated plots. Under acid soil con­ ditions reduced earthworm populations and thatch are commonly observed. increased indicated Specifications for Thatch Control Because of variation in degree of thatch accumulation, condition of the turf, environmental conditions, budget, equipment available, manpower avail­ able, use of the turf area, and level of maintenance, it is impossible to design a program of thatch removal for all turfgrass areas. Some turfs may never need thatch removal, while others may require treatment as high as 8 to 10 times annually. For effective thatch control one must Continued on Next Page GUNTER CO., INC. D 12495 DIXIE HWY. HOLLY, MICHIGAN 313 634 4812 GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE GOLF COURSE CONST. REMODELING EXISTING COURSES IRRIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION CONVERSION OF EXISTING SYSTEMS 13 Thatch Removal Cont. consider the total management program including fertilization, mowing, and irrigation, as well as cultivation prac­ tices. As an example of some programs, the Southern California Golf Association reported in 1967 that Superintendents in the metropolitan area practiced an average of 4.5 vertical mowings, 2 topdressings, and 2.5 corings on putting greens. On non-metropolitan courses each practice was followed 3 times per year on the average. Data compiled from reports presented by turf managers at recent conferences that golf and bowling greens show receive the most intensive treatment with a high of 5 corings, 8 vertical mowings, and 4 topdressings annually. Intensively managed cemeteries, foot­ ball fields, and fairways receive inter­ mediate management, while general athletic fields and parks usually receive the fewest treatments. Each turf manager must adjust his program to utilize the practices which best fit his particular set of circumstances. In the following discussion, only vertical mowing will be considered. Vertical mowing should be practiced New Turfgrass Book The long awaited book, “ Turfgrass” , by Dr. James Beard, is finally off the presses and it looks like a winner. It is the most comprehensive book on t u r f g r a s s science and culture available today. We now have a “ Green Bible” for our use in turfgrass man­ agement. James B. Beard (Ph.D, P u r d u e Univeristy) is Associate Professor of Turfgrass Physiology, Ecology and Culture, Michigan State University. Order your copy today!! Send $17.95 plus $2.32 for t a x e s , postage and handling to: Prentiss Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 07632 and ask for your copy of “ Turfgrass” Science & Culture by Dr. James Beard. Congratulations Jim! during periods when active growth can be expected to follow. This is important for recovery from the thinning and injury which occur due to treatment. Nitrogen fertilization 2 to 3 weeks previous to treatment will encourage rapid recovery. For warm season grasses, vertical mowing is suggested during late spring to early summer (May, June) and late summer to early fall (October, Novem­ ber). Light treatments are often utilized during the summer on turf which tends to thatch readily without serious injury. For cool season grasses, March to early April, and October to early November are recommended. Treatment during hot weather should be avoided. Other factors which should be con­ sidered in the timing of vertical mowing includes laborpool, use of the area, requirement for overseeding, and degree of Poa annua problem. For example, YoungnerG reported serious Poa annua infestation within 10 days after vertical mowing of bermudagrass turf in Novem­ ber. Cultivation of turf which contains appreciable quantities of Poa annua seeds should be avoided during its peak period of germination unless chemical control treatments are also utilized. Evaluation of cost factors in vertical mowing is difficult because few records are available which consider this prac­ tice alone. Based on i n f o r m a t i o n provided through personal contact and reports from previous conferences, costs range from as low as $7.50 per acre to as high as $23 per acre per vertical mowing. This range in figures reflects a number of variables including: equip­ ment depreciation (or rental), equipment repair and servicing, labor and benefits costs per hour, number of men needed for the job, travel time, collection and disposal of thatch debris, size of area to be treated, type of equipment avail­ able, and intensity of vertical mowing needed for a given turf area. Not all of these factors were considered equally in the figures quoted above. Conclusions are: (1) further research Continued on Page 18 14 More Photos Michigan State University was well represented at our Annual Golf Day at Oakland Hills. Left to Right: Dr. Paul Riecke, Soils Department; Dr. Joe Vargas, Plant Pathologist; Dr. Kenyon Payne, Plant Breeding and Student Co-ordinator. Some of the gang from Crooked Creek — they came in style and proudly supported our effort. 15 Winter Protection of Trees, Shrubs and Roses to temperature T r e e s and S h r u b s : The main objectives in winter protection are to minimize fluctuation, guard against or slow down extreme desiccation (loss of water), reduce the m e c h a n i c a l of plant material, and minimize the effects of low temperatures. breakdown Mulching: Due these extreme fluctuations of temperature, havoc is raised with our plant material. Mulches, such as ground corn cobs, peat moss, oat leaves, pine needles, wood chips, or straw, should be piled up 6 inches around the shrubs just after the soil is frozen. These materials will insulate the soil so that it will not freeze and thaw often throughout the winter and thus not heave the plants out. In addition, these mulches will help conserve moisture and keep the soil cooler in the spring so plants will not break dormancy too soon. later Water Loss: With the soil frozen, we must try to cut down on the effects of drying wind so plants will not burn. This can be accomplished by watering the plants just before the soil freezes, screening the plants with a hedge, building, or burlap windbreak on the leeward side of the plants, or spraying with “ Wilt P ro o f’* or “ Foligard.” * Wilt Proof and Foligard are plastic emulsion sprays that when applied to the leaves of evergreen plant material help reduce loss of water. Mechanical Protection: Of all our plant materials, trees and shrubs in the foundation planting suffer most from mechanical damage. Everyone has experienced snow falling off the roof and breaking the branches of trees and shrubs. Protection must be a applied against this type of damage. This protection may be simply tying the plants together, building a struc­ ture of 2 X 4” s around the plant material, open structure nailing snow fence across the top, or lastly, putting a bushel basket over smaller s i m p l y brushing off evergreens will markly decrease the adverse effects of heavy snow. shrubs. snow Further, simple Low Temperatures: If one knows some shrubs that are tender, that is, may be damaged by low temperatures during the winter, wrap the top of the shrub with straw and/or burlap. This simple protection will bring many flower buds through for spring enjoy­ ment. One precaution - don’t tie black or clear plastic over the ropes of shrubs. If you want to see what kind of effect this will have, wrap your hand in a plastic bag on a sunny day and see how hot it gets inside. This will do nothing more than burn up plant material, and in fact, encourage drastic temperature fluctuation. Continued on Next Page You Can RELY ON LABORATORIES. INC. FOR TURF CHEMICALS CALL ARNIE COLLENS 27848 K E N D A L L W O O D F A R M I N G T O N , M IC H 4 8 0 24 PHONE: (313) 477-4595 410 05/03 9 4 28900 16 Winter Protection Cont. R oses: Roses must be protected from the rigors of our hard Michigan winters. Roses are not only damaged by low, cold temperatures but also temperature fluctuation can cause the plants to make false starts, and more important, the plants to heave out of the soil. Winter protection should be started just after the first hard frost. This is the time to mound the soil up about 8 - 1 0 inches around the crown of the plants. If not enough soil is present, consider using mulches, such as wood chips, rotted manures, cocoa shells, or buckwheat hulls. If temperatures dependably dip lower than -10 additional protection should be added, such as straw or peat moss, around the exposed soil area and the tops of the plants. peat moss, degrees, Just prior to the straw or peat moss application, all branches should be tied together to insure the tops will not break apart under the weight of hea y snows. Pruning? No! Roses should not be pruned until spring. Late fall pruning in most cases will result in more severe winterkill. The one exception to fall pruning is if one uses styrofoam cones to protect their plants. It is obvious that these rose bushes must be cut down to accommodate the styro­ foam insulation cones. Don’t remove any of the winter protection until the danger of frost has passed in the spring. in past w i n t e r s one has ex­ perienced damage to trees and shrubs, protect them as described previously , These insure a beautiful landscape next spring. precautions will For any further questions, don’t hesitate to call your County Coopera­ tive Extension Service. tradenames should not be *Any If considered endorsements. Gregory Patchan County Horticultural Agent Remember . W e ll......... . . . How Good Your Golf Course Looked When You Last Used . . . G & F? Borden’ s Famous G & F (Greens & Fairways) is A va ilable in Michigan Again for ’73 . . . IN NOT JUST ONE, BUT S I X G & F ’ s - TO GIVE YOU ULTRA-MODERN, HIGH ANALYSIS, NON-BURNING F E R T IL IZ E R S IN SUPER-UNIFORM, DUST-FREE P ELLE TS . GREENS & FAIRWAYS “ THE GREENS & FAIRWAYS GREENS & FAIRWAYS GREENS & FAIRWAYS GREENS & FAIRWAYS 16-5-11, 50% Organic with all needed trace elements. GREENS” 13-3-9, 65% Organic, Fine Texture, all trace elements. 16-8-8, All Mineral, Uniform Fairway Pellets. 16-8-8, 25% Organic with all needed trace elements. 15-0-15, “ No Phos” , with trace elements. 10-0-0, All Natural Organic, Odor Free leather tankage. LIBERAL QUANTITY AND EARLY SHIPMENT DISCOUNTS T u r f S U D D Ü ê S . In c . 6900 PARDEE ROAD, TAYLOR, MICHIGAN 48180 PHONE 291-1200 , M W ' 17 CALL LAKESHORE COLLECT (216) 6 5 M 6 0 0 FOR ALL YOUR TURFGRASS SUPPLIES - QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST - - CHECK OUR PRICES - LAKESHORE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY CO. 1 0 2 3 7 B E R E A R O A D C L E V E L A N D , O H I O 4 4 1 0 2 YOU’ RE ENTITLED TO THE BEST golf course CHEMICALS (You’ll get it - and more!) HERB CARSON AMERICAN RESEARCH CORP. 11840 M A Y F I E L D A V E . LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 (313) 5 2 2 -2 4 0 0 - E X T . 2 4 0 1 / 2 4 0 2 Turf Care the GRANULAR WAY Controlled Release Fertilizers Fertilizer- Pesticide Combinations Fungicides/Herbicides/lnsecticides — • — Granular Spreaders L E L Y /S C O T T S /G A N D Y Turfgrass Seed High Quality/Wide Selection Charles Croley 1120 Je ffe rso n Street Lapeer, M i c h i g a n 48446 Phone: 3 1 3 / 6 6 4 -8 2 6 6 Thatch Removal Cont. is needed to understand the value of specific treatments for thatch control, and to develop new methods of control; (2) thatch removal is only one of a series of management practices which influence thatch; and (3) thatch removal costs vary considerably depending on the particular situation and the method of calculation of expenses. LITERATURE Engel, Ralph E., and R. B. Alderfer. 1967. The effect of cultivations, lime, nitrogen and wetting agent on thatch development in V^-inch Bentgrass turf over a 10-year period. N.J. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 818: 32-45. 2. Morgan, Wayne C. 1962. Observations on turf­ grass aeration and vertical mowing. Ca. Turf­ grass Culture 12(2) Apr: 12-13 3. Lederboer, F. B., and C. R. Skogley. 1967. into the nature of- thatch and Investigations methods for its decomposition. Agron. Jour. 59: 320-323. 4. Martin, David P. 1970. The composition of turfgrass thatch and the influence of several materials to increase thatch decomposition. M. 5. Thesis. Michigan State University. 5. Escritt, J. R., and H. J. Lidgate. 1964. Re­ port on fertilizer trials. Jour.i Sports Turf Res. Inst. 40: 7-42. 6. Younger, V. B. 1968. Vertical mowing aeri­ fication and Poa annua invasion. Cal. Turfgrass Culture 18 (1) Jan: 6. 7. Butler, J. D. 1965. Thatch — a problem in turf management. 111. Turf Conf. Proc. p. 1-3. 8. Juska, F. V., J. F. Gormman, and A. W. Hovin. 1969. Turfgrasses under cool, humid conditions. In Turfgrass Science, Ch. 19. Agron­ omy Monograph 14. American Soc. Agron. 9. Thompson, W. R., Jr., and C. Y. Ward. 1966. Prevent thatch accumulation of Tifgreen ber- mudagrass greens. The Golf Superintendent 34(9) Sept-Oct. CLASSIFIED ADS GOOD USED EQUIPMENT SALE 1 0 G P M H a rd ie Spraye r Wood (1) 1956 200 Gal (1) 1964 R y a n tank. E x . c o ndit io n, $3 5 0 .0 0 ; set up to H y d . R e n o v a ir e F a i r w a y Ae rify e r, q uick c h a n g e 1 set 4 ” s l i c i n g k n i v e s c o m p letely rebuilt Model R-96, $500.00; (1) 1963 R y a n S p ik e a ire , E x . condit io n, $ 1 50.00; (2) 1964 H e n d e rs o n Co n to ur Veri cuts, $3 0 .0 0 each; J a c o b s e n 22 G P M , Good c o ndit io n, $ 1 7 5 . 0 0 ea ch. - new se t Zi tin e s 1 (2) IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT SALE (76) B u c k n e r 1360 M a n ua l P o p up, 1/4 by 3/16 N o z z e l s , $ 1 5 .0 0 ea ch; (14) B u c k n e r 88 2 G Impact S p rin k le r s , 2 s e t s N o z z e l s , $ 1 2 .5 0 ea ch; (5) R a in b ird 80 8 W Impact F u ll C ir c le , $ 1 0 .0 0 each; (36) R a in b ird 80 B Impact F u ll C ir c le , $ 1 0 .0 0 each; (20) R a in b ird 7 0 E S e r ie s , $8.00 each; (10) R a in b ird 4 0 B S e rie s, $ 4 . 0 0 each; (14) T o ro 404, $5 .0 0 each; (2) T o r o 403, $2.50 each. A b o v e s p r in k l e r s do not in clud e q u i c k c o u p l e rs. C o u p l e r s are a v a i l a b l e at $ 3 .0 0 ea ch. If interested Call: William Madigan, Supt., Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, Mich. Area Code 517-787-0650. 18 Par Ex specializes in helping you get more for your money. With IB D U (isobutylidene diurea). IB D U is a different slow release nitrogen th at can be applied at higher rates and feed s more evenly than conventional slow release fertilizers. B ecause it’s released by w ater at lower soil tem pera­ tures, IB D U feeds sooner in the spring and longer in the fall. B ecause IB D U ’s nitrogen is all available in one growing season, you get more for your money. Typical ‘‘UP’ Nitrogen IBDU Nitrogen Type of Nitrogen W ater Soluble Nitrogen Available WIN* Unavailable WIN T otal N itrogen Claimed 31.0% 31.0% A ctual Available Nitrogen 27.9% A ctual Available WIN •WIN Water insoluble Nitrogen Available WIN based on standard AA F C O Availability Index analysis procedure. 11.0% 14.8% 12.2% 38.0% 25.8% 14.8% 3.1% 27.9% - As the above chart shows, IBDU gives you nearly Va more total nitro­ gen and tw ice as much w ater insoluble slow release nitrogen. And you can buy it straight or in mixed grades. In th ese modern times, when there are so many fair products a t top prices, it’s nice to know you can still get a top product at a fair price. Available A t Lawn Equipment Corporation 5 2 0 West Eleven Mile Road Royal Oak, Michigan 4 8 0 6 7 (313) 3 9 8 -3 6 3 6 l U____________^________ ■ p r o f e s s io n a l p r o d u c t s ♦ Season’s Greetings from Hal Vogler and the W F. Miller Staff " A Patch of Green” 31823 UTICA ROAD FRASER, MICHIGAN 48026 _____ — U S. POSTAGE l a PERMIT NO. 37 PAID