University of Massachusetts Amherst ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst Turf Bulletin Turf Program 1963 August 1963 M. A. McKenzie E. S. Pira Joseph A. Keohane A. Kacperska-Palacz Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/turf_bulletin Part of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Commons, and the Weed Science Commons McKenzie, M. A.; Pira, E. S.; Keohane, Joseph A.; and Kacperska-Palacz, A., "August 1963" (1963). Turf Bulletin. 7. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.umass.edu/turf_bulletin/7 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Turf Program at ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. It has been accepted for inclusion in Turf Bulletin by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Massacnusetts Turf and Lawn Grass Council INCORPORATED BETTER TURF THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (urf J6ulleti11 Vol. 2, No. 2 August, 1963 Shade Tree Laboratories Why Irrigate? M. A. McKenzie, Experiment Stat'ion, UMass. E. S. Pira, Assistant Prof. The Shade Tree Laboratories at the University Agricultural Engineering Dept. of Massachusetts occupy a building which was Univers·ity of Massachusetts completed in 1948 to provide facilities especially The question of whether supplemental irriga­ designed for the particular needs of basic and ap­ tion is needed in Massachusetts seems to plague plied research in shade tree problems. At that us especially after a period of drought ocurring time the current tree program had already been during the growing season. For example, the year in operation for 13 years in the Experiment Sta­ 1957; interest in supplemental irrigation reached tion with a major interest in the Dutch elm dis­ a peak. It was a banner year in irrigation system ease., Research now in p,rogress on this import~nt sales. The Extension Service at the University project centers about the genetics of the casual of Massachusetts was flooded with requests for fungus and the variable resistance to the disease information and programs on this subject. How­ within elm trees. Refinement of practical meas­ ever, during the 1958-1960 period, there was little E'es to restrict the spread of the disease is also need for supplemental irrigation and, consequent­ under progressive investigation in' cooperation ly, interest diminished only to be sorhewhat re­ with tree departments in the cities and towns. vived in 1961 and 1962. Pio:qeer research in shade tree management was The primary purpose of this article is to present star,ted late in the nineteenth century at the Mas- some data derived from a study of the "Meteor­ ---s-a-chusf ts Agricultural College, as the University ological Observations" records at the University of Mas achusetts was first known, and Bulletin of Massachusetts in Amherst. No. 17 entitled "Shade Trees" was published as First, checking the annual precipitation rate a comprehensive report by the Massachusetts over the past 65 years (1898-1962), it was found Agricultural Experiment Station in 1916. This that in 1938 a high of 59 inches of water fell as historic publication, long since out of ,print, in­ compared to a low of 30.68 inches in 1910. The corporated results of studies conducted over al­ mean or average for this period was 42.84 inches. most a quarter of a century. The years interven­ Now considering only those years having an an­ ing between then and now have brought challeng­ nual rainfall less than the annual mean, it was ing new diseases and insect pests of trees. Also, found that of the total 65 years' period 35 years now shade tree survival in competition with the or 53% fell in this category. Breaking this down ~ivilization co~plex and the population explosion still further, out of the 35 years, the number of is more complicated, even aside from considera­ years and inches of rainfall are shown in the fol­ tions of disease problems. The wide-open spaces lowing graph. have become popular recreation areas, golf greens 11 r--.....-------­ and parks, wherein soil about tree roots often be~ IOJ----+---+----I---- co¥,ies compact and relatively impervious to air and w_ater .. ..;\t the same tim~, a~ost universally, en 9 American cities and countryside ahke have become ~ SJ----+---+----1---­ mazes of "black top" and this relatively new enemy ~ 7 ____,_ ___._ __ _.._ __ of trees apparently re~rcts no limits. u.. 6 J----+---+----1---- F_aced with ~hes~ and other twentieth century 0 achievements, hke mcreased extension of overhead wires and highway construction, and reconstruc­ , tion of every conceivable type, shade tree manage­ ,ment faces new and accelerated demands. For­ tunately, the variety and adaptability of trees offer ample opportunities to discover proper bal­ ance and benefit from shade trees in almost all situations. (Continued on Page 6) 30-31.99 32-33.99 34-35.99 36-37.99 38-39.99 40-41.99 42-42.84 ANNUAL INCHES OF RAINFALL (Continued on l'age 4J TURF BULLETIN 2 Secretary-Treasurer: 51 Fenwood Road, Notice To All Members Longmeadow 6, Mass. · The Turf Bulletin, which is paid for, and pub­ Coordinator: Prof. Joseph Troll, UMass lished by the Massachusetts Turf and Lawn Gra~~ Editor: Joseph A. Keohane, UMass Council, is devoted to the dissemination of researcli and educational articles in the field of fine turf. In addition, as prescribed by the Council's consti­ tution, the Turf Bulletin is devoted to stimulating further research in turf. Furthermore, the Turf Those Who Serve: Bulletin, with help from the members and officers of the Council, intends to carry out the purposes · All too frequently, in most organizations, the for which the Massachusetts Turf and Lawn Grass person who receiv_es the fewest accol~des for the Council was founded, and that is the fostering and most time-consummg of elected posts is the secre­ aiding of fine turf research in Massachusetts. The tary. Here, in the Council, we have a man who results obtained from our endeavors will not only not only serves as secretary but also as the treas­ aid the Council members, but will also aid every urer. In his dual role, Leon St. Pierre deserves citizen of Massachusetts and any others interest­ whatever praise we can bestow upon him. Leon ed in fine turf. The Turf Bulletin is your news was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, some 39 media in fine turf - with your continued coopera­ years ago. Since that time he has worked dili­ tion our publication will become one of the finest gently to attain his present position as a leading in the nation. golf course superintendent and as Secretary­ Treasurer of the MT&LGC. The contributors of articles to the Turf Bulr letin are not paid for their time and energies Leon was a graduate of the Worcester school but give freely in order that you as members of system, attended the Worcester State Teachers the Council might be benefited and become more College, and the Westfield State Teachers College. aware of what is new in turf, which in turn bene­ However, World War II came along and Leon an­ fits you. Help further turf research by keeping an swered the call. As a member of the U. S. Army active Turf Bulletin available. he served with distinction in a unique branch of the Army, the 10th Mountain Division, an outfit The editorial staff is always open to suggestions that served our country well during its tortuous by the membership; perhaps there is some phase cliff-to-cliff campaign in Italy. of the fine turf you would like to have us discuss in future Bulletins. Send suggestions to the editor, After his return to civilian life, Leon had aspira- Joseph A. ~eohane, c/o The Agronomy Depart­ ------ __tions ...oL.b.eing,_a _, mpr.tician,_JmL he.....changed his ment,St-wkbridge-HaJ~ssaoh\i mind and decided to grow turf from the topside setts, Amherst. Keep Massachusetts first in turf, instead. Fortune and good luck are made, not help us to help you - we at the University will given, and in Leon's case this was true. He de­ do our part - will you? __/ / cided eventually that working on a golf course is what would best suit him. His first job was a.t Tatnuck C.C., Worcester, and from there he moved on to become the superintendent of the Oxford C.C., Chicopee. With a wealth of know.:.how tucked EXCERP.TS of letter received from Prof. R. E. away and a keen perception of good maintenance Blaser, Turf Division V.P.I. "We started in a practices, it was not long before he became recog­ nized as the man who could get a job done - a small way with a 9-hole course which will soon be real good job. That is why today we find Leon enlarged to an 18-hole course. We were very for­ as superintendent of one of the classiest courses tunate in having people interested in developing in the state - the Longmeadow C.C., Long­ fine turf help us. Our public relations department meadow. saw the need for student and faculty enjoyment, : Not only is Leon an active member and officer and we knew a need existed for research pur­ of the MT&LGC, but he is an active member of the National Association and also the 1st V. President poses ....." of the New England Association. As if this was not enough, Leon has been appointed Chairman of the Conservation Commission of Longmeadow - a most active organization devoted to keeping U. S. SPENDING ON LAWNS IS NEAR 2 BIL­ Longmeadow and Massachusetts beautiful. Many, LION A YEAR __,..;.;: To make the grass greener on many times Leon is called upon to be the guest lecturer for organizations that show an interest their side of the fence, Americans are spending in planning and keeping for our children the nearly $2,000,000,000 a year.