p v is f3 l/ov. m N o v e m b e r 1977 A PATCH grI en Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association W e h av e th e m o st co m p le te lin e o f tu r f ch e m ica ls in th e m id w est. Weed-Killers • IBDU-fertilizers • Foggers Diquat • Acti-Dione • Caddy • Cadminate PMAS • Malathion • Microgreen • Dursban Kelthane • Diazinon • Sevin • Proxol Aqua-Gro • Spot-Kleen • Daconil Hydro-Wet • Thiram • Dacthal Fungo • Dyrene • Cleary 3336 Tersan 1991, LSP, SP Calo-gran • Nemacur 2 Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc 19240 W est Eight M ile Southfield, Mich. 48075 (i/2 Mile West of Southfield Road) Phone: (313) 354-5644 TRUCK-CAR TRAILER MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRIAL TIRES UNIROYAL WE STOCK from 450/310-5 2 Ply to 18-22.5 20 Ply WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS CALL GREG OR ROSS FOR A PRICE MICHIGAN & BORDER C ITIE S GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION P R E S I D E N T GEORGE W. PRIESKORN BURROUGHS FARM G O LF C L U B 5341 Brighton Road Brighton, Michigan 4 8 1 1 6 Off. 2 2 7 -1 3 8 1 , R e s . 2 2 9 -9 4 3 7 V IC E P R E S I D E N T CLEM WOLFROM D ET R O IT GOLF C L U B 530 Kendry Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 4 8 0 1 3 Off. 3 4 5 - 4 5 8 9 , R e s . 3 3 8 -6 3 7 5 S E C R E T A R Y - T R E A S U R E R ROBERT HOPE, CGCS THE LOCHMOOR C L U B 2 0 7 4 0 Marter Road Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 4 8 2 3 6 Off. 8 8 1 -8 1 1 2 , R e s . 8 8 4 -8 6 8 4 BO A R D O F D IR E C T O R S JAY DELCAMP GOWANIE G O LF C L U B 19957 Great Oaks Circle South Mt. C lemens, Michigan 48 0 4 3 Off. 4 6 8 -1 4 3 2 , R e s . 791-8481 PINE LA K E COUNTRY C L U B ROGER GILL 1894 Alton Circle Walled L ak e, Michigan 4 8 0 8 8 Off. 6 8 1 -1 3 2 2 , R e s . 2 6 4 -6 9 3 1 PLUM HOLLOW G O LF C LU B WARD SWANSON 29 6 4 2 Westfield Livonia, Michigan 4 8 1 5 0 Off. 3 5 2 -2 4 3 6 , R e s . 4 2 1 -8 0 4 9 JAMES TIMMERMAN ORCHARD L A K E COUNTRY C L U B 24 7 4 Lafay Orchard L ak e, Michigan 4 8 0 3 3 Off. 6 8 2 -2 1 5 0 , R e s . 6 8 2 -7234 WALTER TROMBLEY, CGCS ARROWHEAD G O LF C L U B 3 1 3 0 Orion Road L ak e Orion, Michigan 4 8 0 3 5 Off. 3 7 3 -5 2 4 0 , R e s . 6 9 3 -2 9 2 4 BRUCE WOLFROM, CGCS BARTON H ILLS COUNTRY C L U B 639 Barber Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 4 8 1 0 5 Off. 6 6 2 -8 3 5 9 , R e s . 6 6 3 -9 2 1 3 P R E S I D E N T E M E R I T U S GERALD GILL TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY C L U B 3 4 6 6 Walnut Lake Road Orchard Lak e, Michigan 4 8 0 3 3 Off. 6 2 6 - 8 3 2 5 , R e s . 8 5 1 -7 9 0 4 "A PATCH OF GREEN” th e P u b l i s h e d m o n t h ly b y MICHIGAN AND BORDER C ITIE S G O LF COURSE SU PER IN TEN DEN TS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland H ills C.C. James Timmerman, Orchard Lakes C.C. CO-EDITORS P r i n t e d A t BLAKEMAN PR IN TIN G COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES D o u b le P ag e S p r e a d ..............................................$ 1 0 0 .0 0 B a c k O u t s id e P a g e ...................................................... 6 5 .0 0 F u l I P a g e ................................................................................5 5 .0 0 H a l f P a g e .............................................................................3 5 .0 0 Q u a rte r P a g e ....................................................................... 2 5 .0 0 E i ghth P a g e .................................................................... 1 2 .5 0 7 .5 0 S ix te e n th P a g e .............................................................. i n c h ) .................... 5 .0 0 C l a s s if i e d A d (p er c o lu m n D I S C O U N T R A T E : One Y e a r 10% N o te : A d v e r t i s i n g fe e s m ay n o t be d e d u c te d from the a b o v e ra te s . AdventiAent- • Century Supply Company The Cottage Gardens, Inc. W. A. Cleary Chemical Corp. J. J. D ill Company FDS Fertilizers L. B. Foster Company Golf Car Distributors Jessen’s, Inc. Lakeshore Equipment Corporation Lawn Equipment Corporation Lebanon/Agrico W. F. Miller Garden Northrup King & Co. O. M. Scott & Sons Company Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Terminal Sales Corporation Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc. Turfgrass, Inc. Turf Supplies, Inc. USS Agri-Chemicals Wilkie Turf Equipment Company 4 M ore on Thatch 1 This past summer was a good time [ to observe what thatch can do to your turf programs. If you suffered because of excessive thatch accumulation, you ! now know what it is all about. Thatch is defined as “ an intermingled organic layer of dead and living shoots, stems, and roots that develops between the l zone of green vegetation and the soil thatch becomes mixed surface.” is often c a l l e d , Mat. with soil Excessive amounts of thatch and Mat can cause several problems: Localized dry increased disease and insect activity, footprinting, scalping and to environmental ex­ tremes and stresses. exposure spots, If it of the inactivity c o n t r o l l e d by pH, and inactivity earthworms. Any stimulation of growth in excess of normal maintenance should be avoided, in excess, over such as watering, i m p r o p e r mowing practices. fertilizing and Quite often we can control thatch with frequent topdressing and vertical mowing. One thing for sure, some of the new chemicals that claim to de­ thatch compose biologically have thatch. The stimula­ little effect on tion is negligible. Coring and slicing also help. the m i c r o o r g a n i s m s of i TURF PROFILE Mat or Soil Bio Mass Unique in Agriculture or plant system. When plants grow above soil in the thatch, you are in trouble. When thatch ^ is a growing medium, turf becomes [ vulnerable to stress. \ How does it occur. When production of living portions of turf exceeds the decomposition of the dead plant parts you have an imbalance and thatch is ( the result. Decomposition is slowed chemicals, microorganism down by New Chemical on the Horizon Rhodia, is in the process of satis­ fying the “ Experimental Research” requirements set forth by the Federal Government for a new fungicide. After all requirements are met, they will be able to present the new chemi­ cal RP 26019 as a broad spectrum turf fungicide. It shows great promise as a control for Large Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, Helminthosporium L eaf Spot and Snow Mold. It also appears to control the resistant strains that are becoming more common. No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE G olf Courses Use More MILORGANITE^L T han Any O ther Fertilizer TERMINAL SALES CORR 12871 E A T O N A V E . D E T R O I T , M IC H . 48227 (313) 491 -0606 _ 5 How to make your board see the value of new turf equipment Convincing your Board of Directors that new turf equipment is a neccessary and sound investment can be one of your most difficult tasks. They don’t always see the benefits behind such a purchase. A nd as good businessmen, they won’t commit the money until they’re sold on the expenditure. So when it comes time to face them, here are some of the things you should point out. Point # 1: The Duffer Demands More. Today’s golfer is more sophisticated than ever before. H e has seen, and many times played, some of the finest courses in the world. H e recognizes the value of a good course. And if yours is sub-par, he’ll go elsewhere. W ith this more sophisticated golfer comes the need for more sophisti­ cated golf course maintenance. Heavy player traffic has increased the work required to keep the turf in top condition. So jobs that were once optional are now mandatory. W here spiking a green used to be sufficient, today it also needs deep aeration. A ll this dictates the use of special­ ized equipment that wasn’t available ten or even five years ago. Equipment that will enable you to build and maintain a top flight course, and help avoid special turf problems that could prove extremely costly. Point # 2 : Machines Do More. In the past decade, the price of labor has tripled. T h e same number of men must do more work in less time to give you the same value for each labor dollar invested.( Mechanized equip­ ment allows you to trim hundreds of unnecessary man­ hours. One man can now cut more sod in an hour than six men used to cut in six hours. O r that same man can aerate 18 greens in a few hours instead of a few days. New engineering concepts coupled with precision machinery means he’ll do a consistently good job. You get better results and fewer occasions when a job must be redone. A nd your turf equipment is depre­ ciable; something your labor is not. You get an accounting break over a period of years. A t the end, it’s like owning a piece of free machinery. One that will continue to save you money long after you’ve paid for it. W hich brings us to the third point. Point # 3 : Longevity Makes Them Worth More. Equipment life should be a prime consideration when you select a manufacturer. T h e longer a machine works, the more it does, and the less maintenance it requires, the better your investment. And here’s where we’d like to put in a little plug for Cushman and Ryan turf equipment. Both lines of machinery are built to la st. . . and last. It’s not unusual to see a piece of Cushman or Ryan equipment still doing it’s daily chores after ten or fifteen years of use. W e believe the idea of “planned obsoles- scence” should be obsolete. But performance is just as important as longevity. A Cushman Turf-Truckster and its accessories give you the capabilities to transport, spray, spike, dump, aerate, and top dress . . . all from one power source. If “A Day With the Board” is in your future, we’d like the opportunity to tell you more about the full line of Cushman and Ryan Turf equipment. W rite to us and we’ll send you our catalogs, full of detailed product information. Information that may help you open a few eyes to the value of new turf equipment. C U S H M A N ' OMC-Lincoln, a Division of Outboard Marine Corporation, 6538 Cushman Drive, P. 0. Box 82409, Lincoln, NB 68501 GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1980 W. Wide Track Drive (U.S. 10) Pontiac, Michigan 48058 Phone: (313) 338-0425 6 At our Meetings ...Pictorially Jim Latham, Milwaukee Sewerage Com­ mission, making a point about "Getting Your Head on Straight" at our July 19 meeting at Barton H ills Country Club. Mr. Richard Tillotson (center) discussing the Mud Cat process with interested members. Dick spoke at our August 30 meeting at Meadowbrook Country Club. President George Prieskorn (left) with guest speaker Hugh McKay, Golf Course Specialist from Toro Irrigation. 7 Beware of the Expert By Dr. B ill Knoop, Iowa State University Being a golf course superintendent has to be an easy job. What other profession has available to it so many “ experts” that are so willing to give advice at such a low cost. Sometimes you even get advice without asking. Who are these “ experts” ? They come from they are your club e m p l o y e r , your m e m b e r s , your fellow golf course employees, your the superintendents, the technical turfgrass consultants and, oh yes, guys like me from the u n i v e r s i t y . We are all “ experts” . representatives, salesmen, all over, You’ve got a problem, we all know the answer or do we? You, as a golf course superintendent are faced with problems of some type every day. Some are considered big problems, but hopefully most are not so big. No matter the size of the problem you will need to make a decision regarding the problem and you want to make the right decision. No one can tell you with 100% certainty what the right decision may be. A first s t e p look at the problem solving or decision making process may help increase your odds of making the right d e c i s i o n . The is to accurately identify the problem. For example, last winter we lost a lot of grass on greens to what we are calling winter kill. We have a problem that we must solve so it won’t happen again. identify We must the cause of the problem. It could be a lack of fall moisture. It could be a shallow root system. It could be a thatch layer that prevents water to the roots. It could be a heavy soil that has restricted root growth or it could be a combination of the above or it even caused by something else. The point is that you must use your basic turf knowledge could have been from getting and experience to cause of the problem. identify the real | The next step is to decide how to ( solve the problem. You could decide to do nothing and hope it doesn’t happen j again. You might decide the best solution is to reconstruct the green or you might select some other method to repair In selecting the best solution to the problem, you must also consider your budget situation, your available labor, the effect your' choice will have on play, etc. the damage. In this whole process the word you has been used often. This is because it is your job to make decisions. No one else can step into your shoes and make your decisions. Many “ experts” will try if you let them, but most of live with our own us would rather decisions live with decisions that have been made for us. than have to “ Experts” are not all bad. Use them to help you explore the possible causes and solutions to problems, but in the end you’re “ the man” and you, should make the decisions. Several years ago, Dr. Dick Skogley spoke at a New H a m p s h i r e Turf^ Seminar and suggested that when we ( are faced by an “ expert” we should [ remember the origin of the word. He said the word should be divided into > 2 parts, X and spert. The first part, X, means a has been and the second part, ’ spert, means a drip under pressure., Think about it. CCSAA 49th International Turfgrass CONFERENCE AND SHOW February 12-17, 1978 San Antonio, Texas 8 The Latest on Fertility, Fungicide and Insecticide Programs for Fairways Dizainon and Proxol 80 appear to lave controlled grubs best in 1977. Proper fertility levels were responsible for most success stories in controlling Anthracnose, Ateneous beetles and dollar spot with pesticides. MSU proposes that the following program be followed: JULY JUNE MONTH DAY 1st & 15th 15th & 25th FUNGICIDE N.S. S. N.S. N.S. *N.S. — Non Systemic (contact) S. — Systemic AUGUST SEPT. 7th S. 7th N.S. for Each application will cost about $700.00 forty acres of fairway turf. Six a p p l i c a t i o n s will cost $4,200.00. Most years will also re­ quire an early spray application for Leaf Spot so add another $700.00. LAKESHORE E Q U IP M E N T & S U P P L Y CO . D I S T R I B U T O R & F O R M U L A T O R GRASS S EE D - F E R T IL IZ E R S IN S E C T IC ID E S . F U N G IC ID E S -H E R B IC ID E S R E P L A C E M E N T MOWER P A R T S R E P L A C E M E N T T IR E S LESC O Products P r i c e Q u o t a t i o n O n R e q u e s t C A L L O U R N E W O F F I C E 300 So. Abbe Rd., E lyria, Ohio 44035 (216) 323-7544 M I C H I G A N C U S T O M E R S C all Toll Free: (800) 321-7423 The fertility program for fairways should include V2 pound of Nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. in June, another V2 pound in July, another V2 pound in August and still another V2 pound in September. A final one pound of N should be applied in November for a grand total of three pounds per season. Other nutrients should be applied as soil tests indi­ cate and dictate. A proper fertilizer program will compliment your fungicide program. the same condition as It is felt that a good fertility and fungicide program will keep your turf healthy enough to keep your fairways in tees and greens. Fairways can be kept as short as V2 inch. Many Superintendents are doing this with great success. The secret is: TEST YOUR SOIL FIRST! 46TH A N NUA L MICHIGAN TURFGRASS C O N FER E N C E JANUARY 10-11, 1978 KELLOGG CENTER Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan Experience is what you get when you were expecting something else. ( S c o tts) P r o T u r f Helping the superintendent through turf research... ■ Controlled Release Fertilizers ■ Fertilizer/Pesticide Combinations ■ Fungicides—Herbicides—Insecticides ■ Soil Testing-Weed & Disease Identification s c o t t s • l e l y • g a n d y s p r e a d e r s Finest quality turfgrass seed-Fairways • Greens • Tees • Roughs Scotts Windsor and Victa blends Steve Dearborn Technical Representative 6 1 5 2 Cold Spring Trails Grand Blanc, Mich. 48439 Telephone: 313/695-2738 9 Viola and Clarence Wolfrom, happy as ever after 50 years. W olfroms Celebrate 50 Years Together Clarence and Viola Wo l f r o m celebrated their fiftieth anniversary on Saturday, October eighth, 1977 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Utica, Michigan. The hall was filled with well wishers from around the country. Their family was present as well as the best man. A night of dancing and visiting with old friends highlighted the evening. Our Congratulations to the Wolfroms from the entire membership. We hope they have many more happy years together with God’ s blessing. Interruptions: There is an art to avoiding them You walk into your shop in the morning. The phone is ringing. You pick it up and spend the next fifteen minutes talking. is someone Immediately after hanging up the phone, in front of your desk waiting to talk to you about a problem. You spend twenty minutes discussing ways that alleviate to problem. Then you turn to some paperwork that must be done before you head to the course. On the way out of the door you see someone who stops and talks with you for thirty minutes. All the while your work is waiting for you. As a manager you are being given a heavy dose of the interruptions. Interruptions often wreak havoc with a manager’s effectiveness. I n t e r r u p t i o n s obvious masquerade as and we hesitate are not always - some are deceptive. They legitimate concerns to label them time 10 wasters. This presumption of legiti­ macy is attached to telephone calls as well as visitors. say that You may callers and visitors wouldn’t stop by without a good reason. But sometimes a caller | or visitor simply wants to socialize or to procrastinate. is There are several ways to get an upperhand on the interruption syndrome. One to manage your use of the telephone. Another is to gain control over shop conversations. A third is to plan for uninterrupted think time. Good management dictates that incoming telephone calls be prevented | from destroying a managers concentra­ tion. Many callers ask for the superin­ tendent because they identify his name that of the course. The wise with manager introduces his staff to his c l i e n t s , speaks h i g h l y of their competencies and suggests, “ Jim is Continued on Page 16 W hat does your Northrup King man offer you besides quality turfseed? A w illing e a r. W e listen i c a refu lly to your problem and study it th o ro u g h ly so w e can solve it to g eth er. T h e vo ice of e x p e rie n c e . N orthrup King con tinues to be a lead e r in the d ev elo p m en t of new va rieties and blends. At his fin g e rtip s , a w id e range of proven tu rfseed varieties. And w e can custom blend to m eet your sp ecial needs. G ra ss-stain ed k n e e s , if th a t’s w hat it takes to u nderstand your problem . N o rth ru p King p eo p le get involved. Feet firm ly planted in you r a re a , so w e can reco m m en d va rieties and fo rm u late m ixtures th at w ill w ork in your p a rtic u la r region. R e lia b ility . N orthrup King has a testing and quality control program th at is your assu ran ce of quality seed. The right turfgrass decision can im prove the quality of your turf. It can also save you m aintenance dollars. So the person who helps you m ake that decision is very im portant to you. T h a t’s why we stress the profession­ alism of your Northrup King man. And his w illingness get involved with your needs. For a thoroughly professional evaluation of your turf requirem ents, talk with your Northrup King repre­ sentative or distributor. He offers you quality turfseed—and a lot more. NORTHRUP, KING & CO. PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS (209) 237-4731 (415) 843-7020 (213) 722-7893 (503) 928-2393 Fresno, 93725 Berkeley Los Angeles Tangent, Ore. 11 Coping w ith a W ater Shortage By Dr. James R. Watson Vice President, Agronomist, The Toro Company on drastic practices Maintenance golf courses and other large turf areas may need to be altered during periods of water shortages and, in some circum­ stances, changes may be necessary. If the facility depends for irrigation on municipal water and that supply is terminated or restricted, or if water available from other sources is severely limited, steps should be taken to: Reduce the need for moisture. Make certain all available moisture, including dew and rainfall, is utilized with maximum benefit and with maxi­ mum efficiency. Improve moisture retention of the soil. Find new sources of water, such as treated sewage effluent, brackish or other marginal quality water. for Here is an eight-point program that will help to conserve water and reduce the need the search is made for alternate sources. irrigation, while areas; 1. Establish watering priorities. Give the highest priority to the most i n t e n s i v e l y managed for example, on a golf course, the greens, the most valuable part of the course, and where the most critical play takes place. The greens also are the most difficult to revive following periods of extreme moisture stress, especially if the stress causes dormancy or turf loss. On a golf course, give lesser importance, in descending order, to tees, clubhouse grounds, rough. If there are specimen plantings or trees or plants that have special significance, imported at high cost or a gift) give them the same special attention as the greens. fairways, those (e.g. 2. Alter irrigation practices. (This is much easier to do if the course has stimulate growth. irrigation system.) Use an automatic only enough water to sustain life, not to Irrigate when there is the best combination of little wind, low temperature and high humid­ ity. that any 24-hour p e r i o d , combination most often exists just before dawn. In , When there is dew on the ground, \ (“ wetting agent” ), ] use a surfactant or drag a hose across the grass to break the surface tension of the dew and send as much moisture as possible to trees and shrubs, use probes so the water will penetrate deeply. the root systems. When watering * ' 3. Reduce, or avoid where possible, other causes of stress. Be alert to salt build-up, especially in arid or semi-arid regions. Make certain there is adequate drainage. On golf courses, alter locations of tees and flags, and restrict golf cart use to paths and trails, keeping them off turf areas. Initially, m4. Alter mowing and cultivation practices. test the soil to ensure adequate fertility, especially for phosphorus, which encourages root - deeper roots, thus system growth the area from which the expanding turfgrasses can draw nutrients and moisture. Use calcium if there is a deficiency, to bring pH to a range of 6.5 uniform supply of nitrogen at a low to medium level to avoid unnecessary leaf growth. slow-release soluble materials; materials frequently, rather than at higher rates infrequently. The latter will stimulate excessive leaf growth. C o n s i d e r otherwise at - 7.2. Maintain a constant and > ' apply rates low , R aise areas. Although the height of cut for all this enlarges the Continued on Page 17 12 TORO GROUNDSMASTER 72' worth more Durability, versatility and top perform ance features make the Groundsm aster 72® worth more. The optional Two-stage 48-inch Snowthrower with driftbreaker auger clears snow from sidewalks in a hurry. Oversized Second Stage prevents clogging, Electric Chute Rotator puts snow where you want it. WILKIE TURF Equipment Company P.O. BOX 749 • PONTIAC, M IC H IG A N 480 5 6 1050 OPDYKE ROAD • PHONE (313 ) 373 -8 8 0 0 13 FORE-PAR MANUFACTURING CHICOPEE MANUFACTURING CO. 3M ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS AGRICO FERTILIZERS FOX VALLEY MARKING SYSTEMS E. I. DUPONT ACTI-DIONE PRODUCTS VELSICOL CHEMICALS CONTAINER DEVELOPMENT CYCLONE SEEDER COMPANY MALLINCKRODT CHEMICALS TURFGRASS, INC. Phone: Area 313 437-1427 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? Fill in the questionaire below and mail to: BOB HOPE The Lochmoor Club 20740 Marter Road Grosse Pointe Woods, Mi. 48236 Off. 881-8112, Res. 884-8684 NAME O F I N T E R E S T E D P E R S O N D A T E __________ M AILING A D D R E S S . C I T Y __________________ Or y o u m a y c o n t a c t th e n e x t g o l f c o u r s e s u p p l i e r w h o c a l l s o n y o u a n d g i v e S T A T E . Z I P . h im th e in f o r m a t i o n n e e d e d fo r a p p l i c a t i o n . 14 USS Vertagreen... A product for all reasons. For professional turf products you just can ’t beat the Vertagreen lineup. And this com plete array i didn’t just happen. It’s the result ; of many years of experience, testing and proven use—designed * and formulated to meet every need and contingency. < USS Vertagreen products contain those extra pluses that ^ separate them from ordinary turf fertilizers —like urea-form aldehyde for sustained, long-term nitrogen release. There’s potassium sulfate to provide needed sulfur for lush growth and a dark healthy color. And iron is available in chelated and fritted form. Add a com plete guarantee of secondary and m icro-nutrients and you have turf products that are second to none. And backing this line of Verta­ green products are the best turf teams in the business—your local Vertagreen distributor and a Vertagreen turf specialist. The two work together to help plan your trailor-m ade turf program and keep it running smoothly. And that makes it easy for you because when you want the best you just have to see the best— and th at’s your local Vertagreen distributor. A product for all reasons. Agri-Chemicals Division of United States Steel P O Box 1685. Atlanta, Ga 30301 15 Interuptions: Cont. our expert on pesticide application. I depend highly on him to keep our members informed.” that openings Consider the telephone a message machine and get off the line promptly. Avoid long, drawn-out Instead of saying, “ Hi, Fred, How was the golf game last Saturday?” , say, “ Hi, Fred. I need a couple of quick answers if you have a minute.” conversations. invite Visitors can cause problems for managers, too. It is too difficult to determine in advance the importance of a visit, so managing visits involves many alternatives. Consider some of these options: fixed a. Have reception hours. This allows callers to know when you are available. It also gives your staff a fixed period of time when they can see you if they have problems. b. F ace your desk away from the door so that you are not interrupted by passersby. c. Meet the visitors outside your office. d. Confer standing up. e. At the outset, tell the visitor you only have a certain number of i minutes to give him. . . then adhere to that figure. f. Give the visitor your undivided : attention. Do not allow interruptions. g. Hold meetings social visits. occasional luncheon the pressure for to remove Uninterrupted think time allows the ! superintendent the time he needs for thoughtful planning. Some practices that may work for you include: a. Instituting a quiet hour at the start of the day. b. Coming to the shop early. c. Having a hideway known only to one staff member. Although interruption control and think can greatly a manager’s effectiveness, l . tool available. time scheduled improve there delegation of duties. is another . % THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF SLOW RELEASING TURF NUTRIENTS IN A SINGLE PRILL 32% NITROGEN PLUS 24% SULFUR = For over ten years research and development has been working on perfecting a form of nitrogen for turf that would: 1. Satisfy a large amount of grass' nutritional requirements. 2. Release uniformly from spring through late fall all of the nitrogen in one season. 3. Release in cool weather. 4. Not burn. 5. Not be dependent on soil temperature or bacteria. breezy days. 6. Not leach beyond the root zone. 7. Be free flowing and spread easily even on 8. Not cause nitrate accum ulation. 9. Not be adversely affected by soil pH. 10. Be a high concentration storage and freight costs. to elim inate NS56 releases in cool. dry. wet or hot weather as the grass needs it. Plus it supplies that very important secondary element now deficient in at least 29 states SULFUR NS56 Is available straight, 32-0-0-24, and in mixed uniform ly prilled products containing N-P-K plus all other necessary secondary and micronutrients. Please write us for your special offer and ask any questions you may have. introductory Yours f o r b e t t e r t u r f , Now after many tests, changes, experiments and trials we have the answer FDS FERTILIZERS 5324 W. Bloomfield Lake W. Bloomfield, Mi. 48033 Phone: (313) 681-9336 A Complete Line of Nursery Plant Material • SHRUBS • SHADE TREES • EVERGREENS • ORNAMENTAL TREES Bare root, Potted or B & B We Welcome the Opportunity To Bid on All Your Plant Needs The Cottage Gardens, Inc. S. Waverly and Bishop Rds. Just off 1*96; Logan St. Exit Lansing, Mich. 48910 Phone: 517/882 5728 Write for new complete wholesale catalog now available. base of trees, shrubs and flower beds, to hold in moisture. Coping with a Water Shortage Cont. surface area through which moisture is transpired, and under normal moisture conditions may result in stepped-up activity for d i s e a s e - p r o d u c i n g organisms, the benefits gained - mainly root extension - are most important. Raising the height of cut on a golf course green as little as 1/32 of an ^inch can have a significant effect on 'jthe ability of the green to tolerate stress from lack of moisture. Mow less frequently. The combina­ tion of reduced irrigation and fertiliza­ tion, higher height of cut and less ^frequent m o w i n g can induce “hardening” of the turfgrasses. Increase - frequency of spiking or cultivate temperatures are not if extreme - to trap moisture and hold it longer vicinity of the root system. the 5. Expand use o f mulch. Apply heavy layers of mulch - any organic debris - around the that’ s available in there are 6. Erect wind barriers, especially large expanses of where open spaces. L ess than 3 percent of water absorbed by a turfgrass plant is utilized by the plant. Most of it - the other 97 p e r c e n t into the atmosphere by transpiration. And the rate of transpiration will rise with an in wind speed, radiation or increase temperature in humidity. (Some of the same practices used the northern regions can be applied to reduce wind velocity.) r e d u c t i o n trap snow and by to is lost in seek 7. Aggressively additional sources of water. Among the several possibilities are wells and ponds, collections of marginal water and - the most abundant and most often wasted water supply - treated sewage effluent. There are many golf courses throughout the country successfully using recycled Continued on Next Page 17 Coping with a Water Shortage Cont. wastewater for irrigation. 8. Experiment with anti-trans- transpiration pirants. Although t e c h n i q u e s for had inhibiting reduction in mixed moisture transpiration might be accomplished with the use of chemicals, emulsions or films. results, loss some through have as Water, transport medium the plant. it does for all living things, performs many vital functions necessary to the life of turfgrass. It is the that carries nutrients It plays an in the photosynthetic essential process, m e t a b o l i c in hydrolysis and in thatch decomposition. Seeds cannot germinate without it. to role process, the water shortage subsides or water is delivered from alternate sources. If turfgrasses. turf must be replaced and it j appears likely water will be in short supply indefinitely, replace with more drought-resistant James Beard, in his book Turfgrass Science and Culture, gives the relative drought resistance of 22 turfgrasses. He rates Buffalograss, Bermudagrass, Zoysia- grass and Bahiagrass as “ excellent” and created wheatgrass, hard fescue, sheep fescue and red fescue frought1 resistant the poor-to-medium range - are the bluegrasses, ryegrasses and bentgrasses. “ good.” in fescue, as - L e ss tall Denied water indefinitely turfgrass, trees, - all vegetation - ultimately will die. But under sound management practices geared to water conservation, the life of plants on a golf course and other large turf areas can be extended, perhaps even sustained, until it rains, I know that you believe you under-, stand what you think I said, but, I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. Complete! That's our coverage and our products C o u n tr y C lu b Turf Products COUNTRY CLUB fertilizers are balanced to meet the total needs of growing grass. And our pest control products will solve your every problem. Precision sizing makes spreading fast and distribution even. COUNTRY CLUB products are designed for the professional and sold by your local distributor. Try them - you’ll know it’s truly the COMPLETE PRODUCT LINE Sold by: James L. Camp (219) 4 8 5 -6 8 2 8 18 ) i This Time For Sure CENTURY RAIN-AID IN EXPANSION MOVE You heard it before. A year ago, Century Rain-Aid’ s plans for moving into a new building were blocked by the former occupants. We’re the WATER MOVING SPECIALISTS ... and we’ll help you put it all together company access to customers replace operation To quote the old song - “ It’s better the second time around.” So, here we go again. Century Rain-Aid’ s new location in Madison Heights now gives the a metropolitan-east address to balance its west side office on Telegraph Road. This provides easier in the Oakland County and east of Woodward 'districts, and greatly broadens Century .Rain-Aid’ s local service capabilities in Michigan. Just 2 miles east of the 1-75 - 14 r Mile Road exit, Century Rain-Aid’ s | new building is at 31691 Dequindre, ■Madison Heights 48071. As of Decem- [ber 1, 1977, the new phone number ^will be (313) 588-2990. The Madison the Heights facility will present w a r e h o u s e in Berkley as well as serving as the main corporate office. The 10,000 sq. ft. structure is a modern 2-story building with complete display and warehouse accomodations on over an acre of land. A 40-car parking lot (provides easy ingress and egress for ^customers. * Says Ernie Hodas, Century Rain- Aids president - “ An innovation we customers will specially (*think our like individualized is (contractor sales area concept, designed to speed up service and save (time, customers will be channeled into riheir specialized departments 'through separate entrances. Stocks and |floor displays, as well as counter sales personnel, will be keyed to the individual needs of each group. We think service will prove popular with everyone.” the unique and this customized own Continued on Next Page An engineering staff to consult with you on irrigation systems design & specifications, and budget estimates. The largest selection & stock in the midwest: P IP E & F IT T IN G S : P V C •S e w e r & D ra in (C o rr.) P o ly e th y le n e •G a lv a n iz e d C o p p e r • A lu m in u m Pressure Reg. V a lv e s * E le c . V alve s Pressure & F lo w S w itch es C o n tro lle rs P U M P S & P U M P IN G S T A T IO N S EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISED DISTRIBUTOR RAINBIRD NELSON SAFE-T-LAWN/MOODY nTtTTnTT]MM WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS 3890 W. 11 Mile Rd., Berkley, Mich. 48072 (313) 543-7730 22159 Telegraph, Southfield, Mich. 48075 (313) 358-2992 341 Lively Blvd., Elk Grove Vill., III. 60007 (312) 640-6660 19 Century Rain-Aid will its Southfield location at 22159 Telegraph Road, including all present facilities i at that address. retain is a in firm names C e n t u r y Rain-Aid franchised distributors long- established the underground sprinkler and irrigation field, serving for such as well-known as Rain-Bird, Safe-T-Lawn, Moody, Nelson, Imperial, It operates a stocking and others. in Elk Grove Village, warehouse Illinois, that geographic It is also a d i s t r i b u t o r for area. irrigation equipment and agricultural supplies, with 4 sales and service offices covering the Michigan, Illinois, and northern Indiana area. serve to Keep your water hazards the way you designed them. Stop erosion and rodent burrows with Foster steel sheet piling. F o ste r sh e e t p ilin g , in stre a m and h a za rd b a nks, s to p s d e s tru c tiv e ro d e n t b u rro w s , h a lts c o s tly so il e ro s io n and s im p lifie s m a in te n a n c e . F or m o re in fo rm a tio n on F o ste r sh e e t p ilin g , c o n ta c t y o u r n e a re s t L. B. F o ste r o ffic e , lis te d in th e Yellow Pages u n d e r “ P ilin g .” FOSTER L.B.FOSTER COMPANY TEDMULCAHEY JOINS WILKIE TURF EQUIPMENT COMPANY To keep pace with rising Irrigation and Turf volume business Wilkie Turf Equipment Company to) announce that Edward F . Mulcahey has joined the firm July 18, 1977 as Marketing Manager, Turf and Irrigation Products. is pleased “ Ted” Prior to joining Wilkie Turf Equip­ represented ment Company, 0 M SCOTT in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan from July, 1971 to July, 1976. From July, 1976 to July,1 1977 he was Regional Manager (Central' Region) is a[ graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B S Degree in Agronomy. * Charles Kemp, who has been with Wilkie Turf Equipment Company since1 1973, has been named M a n a g e r t) Irrigation Department. for 0 M SCOTT. He Kurt Kraly, who has represented* Wilkie Turf Equipment Company in Turf Equipment sales has been pro-i moted to Manager, Golf Course andl Irrigation Contractor Sales. ________________________ Being smart is when you believe only h a l f of what you h e a r , and brilliance is when you know what half, Andy Porter 20 & ENGINEERED RAIN A N Y QUESTIONS ON W IN TE R IZIN G ? W interizing tim e is here. Before that firs t hard freeze h its , w e’d like to remind you to take a moment now to plan your shutdown and w in te riz in g program. Your SISCO salesm an is equipped to answer any questions you may have and provide any m aterial or parts you may need. C a ll him and ask about his F a ll clo se-o ut s p e c ia ls , and save $$. J-M irrigation systems save water, time and money SiSi J o h n s - M a n v i l l e Write or call direct E N G I N E E R E D RA IN Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Co. A division of A.J. Miller Inc. 1316 No. Campbell Rd. Royal Oak, Mi. 48067 Phone (313) 398-2233 Chicago Sales Office/Warehouse 1738 Armitage Court, Addison, III. 60101 (313) 629-7730 WILLIAM SMITH, FORMER RED RUN GOLF CLUB SUPERINTENDENT, PASSES AWAY IN CALIFORNIA William Smith, former superintendent at Red Run Golf Club, passed away October 20, 1977 at age 85. Willie Smith, as we all knew him, was superintendent at Red Run for 44 years. Retired in 1962, Mr. Smith moved to San Diego, California. A charter member of the National Golf Course S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s of America and the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association, Willie helped organize the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association in 1925, as Director, Secretary- and Treasurer, and Vice- President. P r e s i d e n t served He has two sons, William of San Diego, California, and Peter of Royal Oak, Michigan. FAIRWAY ROUGH GREENS & TZeftaOUtty PICKUP & DELIVERY CALL COLLECT FOR FREE ESTIMATE JESSEN ’S in c . OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT 3365 Highland Rd. (M-59)-Highland Milford, Michigan 48042 (313) 887-1500 21 ■ LARRY VETTER JOINS NORTHRUP KING COMPANY recently Northrup King Co., Minneapolis, Minnesota, the; appointment of Larry G. Vetter as Manager, Professional Turf Products) Division. announced in the turfgrass Vetter was most r e c e n t l y an Instructor in Turf and Golf Course!* Maintenance at Anoka Area Vocational Technical Institute in Anoka, Minnei sota. He h a s o v e r 15 y e a r s of experience field including 11 years as Golf Course! Superintendent and Superintendent of Grounds for Minikahda Club, Minnea­ polis; four years as Assistant GoW Course Superintendent for Park Land Country Club, Muscatine, Iowa and one year as the owner and operator of a, commercial and home lawn maintenance, company. Vetter has a B.S. degree in horti-! culture and turfgrass management from; Iowa State University where he re­ ceived the Top Turfgrass Senior in 1965. He was assigned to Award Iowa State University’ s turfgrass research program during 1965. Vetter' also in business administration from State University of Iowa in 1962. earned a degree A member of the Golf C o u r s e Superintendents Association, Vetter served as Director of the Minnesota* G.C.S.A. in 1970-71, Vice President in 1972 and President in 1973-74. He ^ has a guest speaker several G.C.S.A. con-1 fere nee s. also participated for as Northrup King’ s Professional Turf Products Division markets improved; varieties of turfgrass seed for pro-| fessional users. Everyone can give pleasure in some1 way. One person may do it by coming into a room and another by leaving. 22 Fungicides 3 336 Turf Fungicide A broad spectrum systemic fungicide that prevents and controls all six major turf diseases. The newest B rom osanTurf Fungicide broad spectrum systemic fungicide for those persistent trouble areas. A combination contact and S p ectro systemic which controls dollar spot, copper spot, brown patch, and leaf spot. • Caddy • PMAS (10% ) •C ad-Trete • S p o trete Herbicides MCPP MCPP Plus 2 ,4 ‘ D M ethar 8 0 M ethar 3 0 AMA Plus 2,4-D AMA (Super Methar) Specialties All Wet Clear Spray Tru-Green G rass-G reenzit iM HlEfifiV CHEmKHL •G ranular Turf Fungicide C O R P O R A T I O N 1049 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ 08873 ________________ (201) 247-8000______________ TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 DON’T EVEN THINK OF BUYING........................ GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES WITHOUT CALLING 291-1200 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 690 0 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 Heavier Duty Construction 'Straight-Thru" 2-Stage Design 5 HP, 20" Cut; 7 HP, 24" Cut; 8 HP, 28" Cut You get m ore for your m oney with a BOB-CAT ...the snow throw er for the man w ho recognizes real quality. It’s built to bust the toughest bliz­ zards in your area, includ ing those hard-to-handle wet spring storm s. All m odels have dependable w interized Briggs c§ Stratton engines with “ Easy-Spin” starting. A m ore efficient “S traight-Thru" 2-stage design lifts and throw s snow 30 ft. or m ore in a 180° arc. The safety torque clutch elim inates shear pins if any object jam s the feeder blades. Extra heavy duty construction is used throughout; all unpainted parts are corrosion-protected with heavy cadm ium plating. A “Low Tone" m uffler and solid trans­ m ission com bine to keep noise levels low. “ Touch and Go Safety C ontrols" assure easy operation. Let us show you these ‘‘Tuff Cats v-r o r LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 520 W. 11 M ILE ROAD R O YAL OAK, MICH. 48068 T E L E P H O N E : (313) 398-3636 23 the articulated, 4-wheel drive truck that goes everywhere 4-W HEEL DRIVE TRUCK Powered by a 16 HP engine, the UV4 features a rugged torque converter trans­ mission with 2 forward speeds, plus reverse, along with powerful hydraulic brakes. The box handles items 5 feet long and 4 feet wide. The tailgate hinges at the top and bottom for your choice of loading and dumping (dumping is done hydraulically with the flip of a lever). Test drive the UV4 for yourself. Have W.F. Miller arrange a demonstration on your obstacle course. And have 2000 pounds of something handy to take along for the ride. Four 500-pound canaries ought to do it. W.F. Miller Equipment Company TE LE P H O N E : (313) 647-7700 1593 S. WOODWARD A VE. BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 "A/Batch of Green” 31823 U T IC A ROAD FR A SER , M IC H IG A N 48026 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - SERIALS EAST LANSING, MICH. 4 8 0 2 3