This-N-That
A Little Field Science
Reno, Nev.--With small budgets, re-sodding bare areas may not be an option. You can try overseeding, but often with the use demands on fields, the seed doesn’t have much of a chance to survive to become a mature stand of grass.
Don Dunivan of Western Turf & Hardscapes suggests aerating both the bare spots on the field as well as areas that do have a good stand, then collecting the cores before they dry up. Spread the freshly harvested plugs on the bare spots and use a roller to get them into the ground and ensure good contact with the soil. Then topdress with a good double-mix material and keep the areas as wet as possible until the roots start to develop, just like new sod or seed. Apply 15-15-15 or 6-20-20 fertilizer to help promote good rooting.
Dunivan says this can be done almost any time of the year if rainfall or water is available, since roots grow more during cooler months. Water as you would with new seed; the plugs will root the same way as sod.
This method ensures that the “sod” matches the grass on the rest of the field and will save money and time. It is effective for both cool- and warm-season grasses.
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Reminiscing And Relating
Ron,
I wanted to thank you for sharing your essays they have made me think back, reflect, and appreciate what I have, thanks
Thanks,
Chris Fiore
Business Development
Pioneer Athletics
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The “Nutty” Club
Hilarious … I was laughing through every paragraph … I may be going nuts too (Random Thoughts by Ron Ciancutti, March 2010).
Keep up the great work Ron!
Cheryl Plankey
Parks, Recreation & Forestry
West Bend, Wis.
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Grinning From Green Focus
I have just gone through the February issue of PRB and I have to say, I was quite impressed! Although I usually enjoy your publication, I found this issue extra-special.
It seemed like there was a distinctly "green" focus to this issue, which is always fantastic to see. Thank you for offering such important information!
Monique Nelson
Sales & Marketing Manager
Flexible Solutions
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Out Of The Woods
I was sad to read about disc-golf in the woods (A Disc-Golf Course in the Woods, March 2010). I have been working on a project to remove that sport from a beautiful wooded area which is no longer beautiful. The discs have injured the trees and the golfers go wherever they need to in order to retrieve their hard-sided discs.
The results I have witnessed have been horrible--eroded stream banks, and paths created where there used to be woodland flowers. Please tell your readers that disc golf doesn’t belong in the woods, it belongs in open parks that are not as fragile.
Dr. Karen I. Shragg
Director, Wood Lake Nature Center
Richfield, Minn.
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Field Notes
Crystal Fountains’ designer Robert Mikula presents 1.5 CEU accredited online course on Lighting Water: Effects and Design Considerations. For more information, visit www.crystalfountains.com/Accredited.aspx.
Calypso Waterpark--Canada’s largest theme waterpark--is set to open on June 7, 2010. Offering something for everyone, the park is located twenty minutes from Ottawa, Ontario and is packed with signature attractions from WhiteWater West. For more information, visit www.whitewaterwest.com.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products has been named vendor of the year by the American Hotel Register, the largest national supplier of hospitality products. .This is the third consecutive year that American Hotel Register Company has honored Rubbermaid with this title.
Landscape Structures Inc. has become a corporate sponsor of Autism Speaks. As part of the initiative, the company will make a donation to support the research and advocacy programs of Autism Speaks, participate in 11 Walk Now for Autism Speaks events, and promote awareness of autism spectrum disorders.
K&K Insurance Group, Inc. has reduced rates by up to 60 percent for certain amateur sports tournaments and events. The program is available for U.S.-based amateur sports events with up to 2,500 participants or 7,500 spectators. For more information, visit www.sportsinsurance-kk.com.
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10 Cleaning Tips … For Vacuum Cleaners
Chicago, Ill.--The following list, prepared by Jolynn Kennedy, marketing manager for Tornado Industries, offers advice to keep vacuums in tip-top shape year-round:
1. Change the filter bag when it is half-full to improve the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.
2. Remove, inspect, and clean the brush roll (beater bar). If there are signs of wear, replace it. Remove hair, lint and other items entangled on the roll.
3. Unscrew the cap on either end of the brush roll (if applicable) and remove any debris inside.
4. Make sure the brush roll spins freely. If not, lubricate the bearings if possible.
5. Check the belt for signs of wear--it should be taut. Typically, the belt should last about six months in commercial cleaning.
6. Remove any debris that may have accumulated in the machine’s air passages.
7. With the brush roll removed, look for cracks, unevenness, or worn spots on the interior casing of the vacuum cleaner. These could be signs of problems down the road.
8. Clean or replace filters, including HEPA filters, per manufacturers’ recommendations.
9. Wipe the outer casing of the vacuum cleaner; this helps prevent dust and contaminants from becoming airborne and clean equipment looks more professional.
10. Inspect cords and plugs. Some jansan service departments report repairing/replacing cords and plugs as the number one vacuum cleaner repair problem.
“A final tip is to have the vacuum cleaner checked every year,” says Kennedy. “This [can] prevent a small issue from becoming a big problem.”
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Calendar
June
23-26 The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Annual Snow & Ice Symposium, Providence, R.I.--Rhode Island Convention Center; www.sima.org.
July-August
30-3 Florida Recreation and Park Association, Orlando, Fl.—Caribe Royale Resort; www.web.frpa.org