Concepts:
Topdressing, aeration, lawn, grass, wiregrass, soil, core, fertilize, overseeding, fescues, bluegrasses, turf, Johnson grass, seeds, perennials, spread, lawn weed killers.
Summary:
A reader asked John Arbogast, http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/gardening%5C29873.html and he gave him very good answers especially the topdressing procedure... clay soils become concrete-hard in hot, dry weather and thus become difficult for core aerator penetration, water the lawn two or three days prior to aeration.Q: The reader wants to know how he can improve on his soil and grass conditionI got rid of the clover and dandelions with lawn weed killers.However, one corner of the lot is solid Johnson grass, and wiregrass consumes 60 to 70 percent of the rest.I understand that you can't use lawn weed killers in new grass.A: Take soil tests now from the front and back yards, and work to bring the pH (acidity) to the range needed by turf species in this region 6.5 to 6.8.Also, right now, improve the soil quality with core aerification followed by spreading a thin layer of commercially produced topdressing product or a mixture of finely chopped peat moss and fine soil."Topdressing" is the turf term meaning to spread a thin layer of soil mix over a turf area to stimulate thatch decomposition and to smooth the surface.Since clay soils become concrete-hard in hot, dry weather and thus become difficult for core aerator penetration, water the lawn two or three days prior to aeration.1. Leave the aggressive wiregrass and Johnson grass, which are both perennials.Your goal in the next years will be to favor bluegrasses or fescues instead of those perennial invaders.In late summer, core aerate the soil and then overseed with 2 ½ pounds of bluegrass mix or 5 pounds of turf-type tall fescue per 1,000 square feet.Fertilize at the time of seeding with any high phosphorus lawn starter fertilizer, and water faithfully every few days as needed to get good establishment.Six weeks after this overseeding, fall fertilize the lawn with a high nitrogen turf-type fertilizer without week killer.Plan to core aerate and overseed every second late summer to keep bluegrasses and fescues predominant and thick so they will hopefully mask wiregrass and Johnson grass there.Convert your problem lawn and accept a brown lawn from late fall through mid spring by adding an improved common Bermda grass cultivated variety in late spring or early summer of 2006 to spread along with the existing wiregrass.Locate a seed source now becuase improved Bermuda grass is not commonly used in home lawns around here, but don't overseed your lawn until '06.Non-improved common Bermuda grass varieties produce seeds, but they make a very coarse appearing turf.
Topdressing applicator for Eastern Pennsylvania:http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
For more information and topdressing applicator in your area:http://www.topdressing.biz
For turf professionals:http://www.lawn-care-edu.com
Friday, August 19, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: Linear Aeration, Topdressing of Sportsfields are taking frontseat at the Georgia Parks, in Powder Springs, Georgia
On August 10, 2005 John Bentley,Earth and Turf the developer of many excellent topdressing and linear aeration equipment pieces and the editor of Topdressing.biz attended the field day at Georgia Parks and Rec. in Powder Springs Georgia. John Bentley was hosting the the Linear Aeration seminar. They actually were running the Linear Aerator on a field that has been topdressed with calcined clay. Ron Sattele Jr. from Athletic Turf Management gave an excellent talk on the benefits of Linear Aeration.
http://www.linearaeration.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.linearaeration.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.topdressing.biz
Topdressing.biz News: Linear Aeration, Topdressing of Sportsfields are taking frontseat at the Georgia Parks, in Powder Springs, Georgia
On August 10, 2005 John Bentley,Earth and Turf the developer many excellent topdressing and linear aeration equipment pieces and the editor of Topdressing.biz attended the field day at Georgia Parks and Rec. in Powder Springs Georgia. John Bentley was hosting the the Linear Aeration seminar. They actually were running the Linear Aerator on a field that has been topdressed with calcined clay. Ron Sattele Jr. from Athletic Turf Management gave an excellent talk on the benefits of Linear Aeration.
http://www.linearaeration.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.linearaeration.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.topdressing.biz
Linear Aeration, Topdressing of Sportsfields are taking frontseat at the Georgia Parks, in Powder Springs, Georgia
On August 10, 2005 John Bentley,Earth and Turf the developer many excellent topdressing and linear aeration equipment pieces and the editor of Topdressing.biz attended the field day at Georgia Parks and Rec. in Powder Springs Georgia. John Bentley was hosting the the Linear Aeration seminar. They actually were running the Linear Aerator on a field that has been topdressed with calcined clay. Ron Sattele Jr. from Athletic Turf Management gave an excellent talk on the benefits of Linear Aeration.
http://www.linearaeration.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.linearaeration.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.topdressing.biz
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: What is all that fuss about Soil Compactation? Part l
Some of the things you need to observe when using the Natural Lawn Care Procedure called topdressing:
- Traffic; frequency and intensity of use
- Weather conditions
- Season
- Normal Use causes for soil particles to be compacted together, reducing pore space and increasing soil density, especially in Clay soils.
These mechanical and environmental actions can drastically decrease air, water and nutrient intake of the soil. This in turn causes turf roots to struggle to fill their basic needs. As a result, turf quality declines and sports fields provide less cushioning for players which results in increased exposure to sports injuries.
Turf shows less stress tolerance and increased susceptibility to weed, disease and insect problems. Aeration and topdressing are good bets to combat compactation.
http://www.topdressing.biz
for a good topdressing applicator please contact:
http://www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
- Traffic; frequency and intensity of use
- Weather conditions
- Season
- Normal Use causes for soil particles to be compacted together, reducing pore space and increasing soil density, especially in Clay soils.
These mechanical and environmental actions can drastically decrease air, water and nutrient intake of the soil. This in turn causes turf roots to struggle to fill their basic needs. As a result, turf quality declines and sports fields provide less cushioning for players which results in increased exposure to sports injuries.
Turf shows less stress tolerance and increased susceptibility to weed, disease and insect problems. Aeration and topdressing are good bets to combat compactation.
http://www.topdressing.biz
for a good topdressing applicator please contact:
http://www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
Topdressing.biz News: Topdressing to the Rescue - An other Proof that Topdressing can help
Goldsboro News-Argus | Sports: Southern Wayne Country Club renovations near completion
http://www.newsargus.com/sports/archives/2005/07/22/southern_wayne_country_club_renovations_near_completion/index.shtml
Concepts:
topdressing, greens, Hunt, bermuda grass, renovations, Coastal Turf, Heath, competitors, golf, Tifdwarf, crew, facility, grasses, play, tearing.
Summary:
MOUNT OLIVE -- Tree-lined Bermuda grass fairways and small Bermuda greens make Southern Wayne Country Club's picturesque golf course unique.But the 6,200-yard course drew the ire of competitors during the final round of this year's Wayne County Men's Amateur.Southern Wayne golf pro Howard Hunt had heard the complaints many times.He also knew that to remain competitive with in-county courses Walnut Creek and Lane Tree, renovations were desperately needed.Hunt and course superintendent Scott Heath, a native of Mount Olive, discussed tearing up the greens and re-sprigging them with a better Bermuda grass.Coastal Turf brought in its own crew that hand-sprigged the new Champion Tifdwarf Bermuda grass onto the green."We're just trying to offer a better product through the golfing membership at Southern Wayne as well as area golfers who would like to come play," said Hunt."This renovation should allow us to have a really nice facility over the next few years.Verticutting and topdressing are needed to balance the aggressiveness of Tifdwarf, but its mat is the perfect base for overseeded winter grasses.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.newsargus.com/sports/archives/2005/07/22/southern_wayne_country_club_renovations_near_completion/index.shtml
Concepts:
topdressing, greens, Hunt, bermuda grass, renovations, Coastal Turf, Heath, competitors, golf, Tifdwarf, crew, facility, grasses, play, tearing.
Summary:
MOUNT OLIVE -- Tree-lined Bermuda grass fairways and small Bermuda greens make Southern Wayne Country Club's picturesque golf course unique.But the 6,200-yard course drew the ire of competitors during the final round of this year's Wayne County Men's Amateur.Southern Wayne golf pro Howard Hunt had heard the complaints many times.He also knew that to remain competitive with in-county courses Walnut Creek and Lane Tree, renovations were desperately needed.Hunt and course superintendent Scott Heath, a native of Mount Olive, discussed tearing up the greens and re-sprigging them with a better Bermuda grass.Coastal Turf brought in its own crew that hand-sprigged the new Champion Tifdwarf Bermuda grass onto the green."We're just trying to offer a better product through the golfing membership at Southern Wayne as well as area golfers who would like to come play," said Hunt."This renovation should allow us to have a really nice facility over the next few years.Verticutting and topdressing are needed to balance the aggressiveness of Tifdwarf, but its mat is the perfect base for overseeded winter grasses.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
Topdressing.biz News: Topdressing to the Rescue - An other Proof that Topdressing can help
Goldsboro News-Argus | Sports: Southern Wayne Country Club renovations near completion
http://www.newsargus.com/sports/archives/2005/07/22/southern_wayne_country_club_renovations_near_completion/index.shtml
Concepts:
topdressing, greens, Hunt, bermuda grass, renovations, Coastal Turf, Heath, competitors, golf, Tifdwarf, crew, facility, grasses, play, tearing.
Summary:
MOUNT OLIVE -- Tree-lined Bermuda grass fairways and small Bermuda greens make Southern Wayne Country Club's picturesque golf course unique.But the 6,200-yard course drew the ire of competitors during the final round of this year's Wayne County Men's Amateur.Southern Wayne golf pro Howard Hunt had heard the complaints many times.He also knew that to remain competitive with in-county courses Walnut Creek and Lane Tree, renovations were desperately needed.Hunt and course superintendent Scott Heath, a native of Mount Olive, discussed tearing up the greens and re-sprigging them with a better Bermuda grass.Coastal Turf brought in its own crew that hand-sprigged the new Champion Tifdwarf Bermuda grass onto the green."We're just trying to offer a better product through the golfing membership at Southern Wayne as well as area golfers who would like to come play," said Hunt."This renovation should allow us to have a really nice facility over the next few years.Verticutting and topdressing are needed to balance the aggressiveness of Tifdwarf, but its mat is the perfect base for overseeded winter grasses.
http://www.newsargus.com/sports/archives/2005/07/22/southern_wayne_country_club_renovations_near_completion/index.shtml
Concepts:
topdressing, greens, Hunt, bermuda grass, renovations, Coastal Turf, Heath, competitors, golf, Tifdwarf, crew, facility, grasses, play, tearing.
Summary:
MOUNT OLIVE -- Tree-lined Bermuda grass fairways and small Bermuda greens make Southern Wayne Country Club's picturesque golf course unique.But the 6,200-yard course drew the ire of competitors during the final round of this year's Wayne County Men's Amateur.Southern Wayne golf pro Howard Hunt had heard the complaints many times.He also knew that to remain competitive with in-county courses Walnut Creek and Lane Tree, renovations were desperately needed.Hunt and course superintendent Scott Heath, a native of Mount Olive, discussed tearing up the greens and re-sprigging them with a better Bermuda grass.Coastal Turf brought in its own crew that hand-sprigged the new Champion Tifdwarf Bermuda grass onto the green."We're just trying to offer a better product through the golfing membership at Southern Wayne as well as area golfers who would like to come play," said Hunt."This renovation should allow us to have a really nice facility over the next few years.Verticutting and topdressing are needed to balance the aggressiveness of Tifdwarf, but its mat is the perfect base for overseeded winter grasses.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Topdressing.biz News:Want to Learn More about Topdressing
Cybergolf National
http://www.cybergolf.com/state.asp?stateid=79&newsid=3169
Concepts:
golf, championship, golf courses, Kuhns, PGA, Baltusrol, volunteers, club, Golf Architect, game, bentgrass, ropes, Country, GCSAA, Superintendents.
Summary:
Championship venues are nothing new for the 25-year Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) member.His impressive resume includes stints at Ligonier (Pa.) Country Club, Laurel Valley Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club and now Baltusrol.How does the 2005 PGA Championship compare to the 1994 U.S. Open Championship he hosted at Oakmont?Inside the ropes, Kuhns will bring in 90 volunteers to assist his 60-person maintenance staff."The bentgrass/Poa mix (greens, tees, fairways) and the bluegrass (roughs) are cool season grasses that don't take too kindly to the heat and humidity of New Jersey in mid-August," Kuhns said.Kuhns instituted a program of aerating and topdressing greens, which combined with bentgrass overseeding, has converted the greens from a 10 percent bentgrass/90 percent Poa mix in 2000, to a 90-95 percent bentgrass today.Turf also improved due to a tree management program which allowed for better air movement and the sun exposure needed to maintain a healthy stand.Kuhns also re-established the challenge of Baltusrol's rough by sodding the areas from the edge of the fairway to the gallery ropes with a blend of thick Kentucky Bluegrass (80 percent) and ryegrass.Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide.From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 individual members in more than 72 countries.GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.cybergolf.com/state.asp?stateid=79&newsid=3169
Concepts:
golf, championship, golf courses, Kuhns, PGA, Baltusrol, volunteers, club, Golf Architect, game, bentgrass, ropes, Country, GCSAA, Superintendents.
Summary:
Championship venues are nothing new for the 25-year Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) member.His impressive resume includes stints at Ligonier (Pa.) Country Club, Laurel Valley Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club and now Baltusrol.How does the 2005 PGA Championship compare to the 1994 U.S. Open Championship he hosted at Oakmont?Inside the ropes, Kuhns will bring in 90 volunteers to assist his 60-person maintenance staff."The bentgrass/Poa mix (greens, tees, fairways) and the bluegrass (roughs) are cool season grasses that don't take too kindly to the heat and humidity of New Jersey in mid-August," Kuhns said.Kuhns instituted a program of aerating and topdressing greens, which combined with bentgrass overseeding, has converted the greens from a 10 percent bentgrass/90 percent Poa mix in 2000, to a 90-95 percent bentgrass today.Turf also improved due to a tree management program which allowed for better air movement and the sun exposure needed to maintain a healthy stand.Kuhns also re-established the challenge of Baltusrol's rough by sodding the areas from the edge of the fairway to the gallery ropes with a blend of thick Kentucky Bluegrass (80 percent) and ryegrass.Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide.From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 individual members in more than 72 countries.GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.
http://www.topdressing.biz
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: Another way to help our environment is to combine farm manure and landscape waste
PJStar.com - Journal Star News
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/062605/REG_B6Q2B4S0.017.shtml
Concepts:
compost, Walker, farmers, Sweet Earth, landscape waste, ISU, Illinois, manure, odors, agriculture, farm, urban, Journal Star, market, Dispositions.
Summary:
As urban communities continue to meld with farmland in Illinois, people from both settings are learning to coexist.Farmers are seeing businesses and homes sprout up near their crops, while city dwellers are noticing strange new odors drifting into their back yards."We are rapidly becoming urbanized across the state," Illinois State University animal science professor Paul Walker said.During the past several years, Walker's focus has been on composting urban landscape waste with manure to make an odorless fertilizer everyone can use.Walker said the idea for creating the compost that ISU now markets as Sweet Earth came from realizing livestock operations have problems with bad odors and municipalities have trouble discarding landscape waste.Researchers combine farm manure with city landscape waste to make odorless Sweet Earth
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/062605/REG_B6Q2B4S0.017.shtml
Concepts:
compost, Walker, farmers, Sweet Earth, landscape waste, ISU, Illinois, manure, odors, agriculture, farm, urban, Journal Star, market, Dispositions.
Summary:
As urban communities continue to meld with farmland in Illinois, people from both settings are learning to coexist.Farmers are seeing businesses and homes sprout up near their crops, while city dwellers are noticing strange new odors drifting into their back yards."We are rapidly becoming urbanized across the state," Illinois State University animal science professor Paul Walker said.During the past several years, Walker's focus has been on composting urban landscape waste with manure to make an odorless fertilizer everyone can use.Walker said the idea for creating the compost that ISU now markets as Sweet Earth came from realizing livestock operations have problems with bad odors and municipalities have trouble discarding landscape waste.Researchers combine farm manure with city landscape waste to make odorless Sweet Earth
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
Monday, June 27, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: Another way to help our environment is to combine farm manure and landscape waste
PJStar.com - Journal Star News
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/062605/REG_B6Q2B4S0.017.shtml
Concepts:
compost, Walker, farmers, Sweet Earth, landscape waste, ISU, Illinois, manure, odors, agriculture, farm, urban, Journal Star, market, Dispositions.
Summary:
As urban communities continue to meld with farmland in Illinois, people from both settings are learning to coexist.Farmers are seeing businesses and homes sprout up near their crops, while city dwellers are noticing strange new odors drifting into their back yards."We are rapidly becoming urbanized across the state," Illinois State University animal science professor Paul Walker said.During the past several years, Walker's focus has been on composting urban landscape waste with manure to make an odorless fertilizer everyone can use.Walker said the idea for creating the compost that ISU now markets as Sweet Earth came from realizing livestock operations have problems with bad odors and municipalities have trouble discarding landscape waste.Researchers combine farm manure with city landscape waste to make odorless Sweet Earth
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
http://www.pjstar.com/stories/062605/REG_B6Q2B4S0.017.shtml
Concepts:
compost, Walker, farmers, Sweet Earth, landscape waste, ISU, Illinois, manure, odors, agriculture, farm, urban, Journal Star, market, Dispositions.
Summary:
As urban communities continue to meld with farmland in Illinois, people from both settings are learning to coexist.Farmers are seeing businesses and homes sprout up near their crops, while city dwellers are noticing strange new odors drifting into their back yards."We are rapidly becoming urbanized across the state," Illinois State University animal science professor Paul Walker said.During the past several years, Walker's focus has been on composting urban landscape waste with manure to make an odorless fertilizer everyone can use.Walker said the idea for creating the compost that ISU now markets as Sweet Earth came from realizing livestock operations have problems with bad odors and municipalities have trouble discarding landscape waste.Researchers combine farm manure with city landscape waste to make odorless Sweet Earth
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
Topdressing.biz News: Arena footing, Soil amendment topdressing, arena, playground material, "Arial" color="#0000FF"
For the poeple on the West Cost here is a good Topdressing SourceConcepts:
arena, arena footing, soil, topdressing, playground, crumb rubber, soil amendment, indoor, crumb rubber products, horse arenas, playground surface, riding arenas, equestrian arenas, playground equipment, lawn topdressing.
Summary:
We promote recycled crumb rubber products and compostable bags.Our crumb rubber products are made from waste tires and have all the metal removed.Our compostable bags are made from recycled plastics.Used on turfgrass to prevent grass wear from occuring.Mixed into the soil to reduce soil compaction and promote healthier roots.Used on jogging trails, playgrounds, climbing facilities, etc.Arena footing, Soil amendment topdressing, arena, playground material, 509-910-1430.We sell crumb rubber products for arena footing, arena footing, soil amendment and topdressing.Arena footing, horse arenas, crumb rubber, arena rubber footing, arena footing indoor sand, build dressage arena, construction of horse arena, soil amendment, topdressing soil, topdressing yard, clay soils, environmentally friendly, lawn topdressing, playground material, playground equipment, playground surface, riding arenas, equestrian arenas, indoor arena.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
arena, arena footing, soil, topdressing, playground, crumb rubber, soil amendment, indoor, crumb rubber products, horse arenas, playground surface, riding arenas, equestrian arenas, playground equipment, lawn topdressing.
Summary:
We promote recycled crumb rubber products and compostable bags.Our crumb rubber products are made from waste tires and have all the metal removed.Our compostable bags are made from recycled plastics.Used on turfgrass to prevent grass wear from occuring.Mixed into the soil to reduce soil compaction and promote healthier roots.Used on jogging trails, playgrounds, climbing facilities, etc.Arena footing, Soil amendment topdressing, arena, playground material, 509-910-1430.We sell crumb rubber products for arena footing, arena footing, soil amendment and topdressing.Arena footing, horse arenas, crumb rubber, arena rubber footing, arena footing indoor sand, build dressage arena, construction of horse arena, soil amendment, topdressing soil, topdressing yard, clay soils, environmentally friendly, lawn topdressing, playground material, playground equipment, playground surface, riding arenas, equestrian arenas, indoor arena.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: If you want to go the Natural way with your Lawn!
The Organic Garden: Give your water-addicted landscape a fix of compost mulchhttp://seattlepi.nwsource.com/nwgardens/226835_lovejoy04.html
Concepts:
gardening, compost mulch, water, plants, lawn, soil, watering, landscape, beds, spread, Seattle, whatever, drip, bare, roots.
Summary:
Every year, a few readers explain that their particular lawn (or garden or landscape) is somehow so different that smart watering techniques won't work.Overly watered lawns nearly always have very short roots (often less than an inch long) that are not capable of supporting turf on their own.The answer is not to pamper these slacker lawns but to slowly taper them off the excess water.Spread the mulch after a rain or after you have watered, then wet down the mulch (if necessary) to keep it from wicking moisture out of the soil.Tuck at least an inch of compost mulch wherever you see bare earth, and shove a bit under the skirts of your plants as well.If the beds are largely bare, with widely spaced plants, then spread compost mulch more deeply, using 2-3 inches at the drip line of each plant and reducing the layer to a mere half-inch at the base of each plant.If you are making a new garden, plant your plants, then install drip irrigation or soaker lines in simple patterns that deliver the coverage you need.A few readers have written to say that the worst offenders in terms of wasting water are public and private institutions.In the Seattle area, most Parks and Recreation departments as well as city and county grounds crews follow very careful guidelines and procedures for watering, as do such public places as the Seattle Center.One simple and effective way you can help to change the situation is to write a polite but specific letter to the president of whatever company owns or rents the building.A series of natural care brochures is available from the Green Gardening Program, sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.athleticfieldtech.com
http://www.linearaeration.com
Concepts:
gardening, compost mulch, water, plants, lawn, soil, watering, landscape, beds, spread, Seattle, whatever, drip, bare, roots.
Summary:
Every year, a few readers explain that their particular lawn (or garden or landscape) is somehow so different that smart watering techniques won't work.Overly watered lawns nearly always have very short roots (often less than an inch long) that are not capable of supporting turf on their own.The answer is not to pamper these slacker lawns but to slowly taper them off the excess water.Spread the mulch after a rain or after you have watered, then wet down the mulch (if necessary) to keep it from wicking moisture out of the soil.Tuck at least an inch of compost mulch wherever you see bare earth, and shove a bit under the skirts of your plants as well.If the beds are largely bare, with widely spaced plants, then spread compost mulch more deeply, using 2-3 inches at the drip line of each plant and reducing the layer to a mere half-inch at the base of each plant.If you are making a new garden, plant your plants, then install drip irrigation or soaker lines in simple patterns that deliver the coverage you need.A few readers have written to say that the worst offenders in terms of wasting water are public and private institutions.In the Seattle area, most Parks and Recreation departments as well as city and county grounds crews follow very careful guidelines and procedures for watering, as do such public places as the Seattle Center.One simple and effective way you can help to change the situation is to write a polite but specific letter to the president of whatever company owns or rents the building.A series of natural care brochures is available from the Green Gardening Program, sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://www.earthandturf.com
http://www.athleticfieldtech.com
http://www.linearaeration.com
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: The Over-35s genaration is an injury burden
The New Zealand Heraldhttp://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10123170Concepts:
sports, injuries, soccer, tendon, Zealanders, sports physician, injury, Ewens, Milne, straight, achilles tendon, fitness, ruptures, resilient, age.
Summary:
Latest figures show in the past 10 years, ACC has paid out more than $523 million in new and ongoing claims for sports-related injuries to people aged 35 and over.Last year alone, the figure was $66.7 million.The claims were for injuries from a wide number of sports, ranging from cricket, soccer and rugby to fishing, dancing and bowls.Last year, $1.4 million in claims was paid to over-35s for injuries from netball, $1.7 million from skiing, $1.8 million from soccer, and $2.3 million from rugby union.Sports Medicine New Zealand chairman Dr Chris Milne said New Zealand was seeing more injuries among older people as the population aged and a growing proportion of older people stayed active.Winter sports caused a large number of injuries, such as tendon ruptures, broken bones, dislocated joints and neck injuries, according to Dr Ewens.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://.www.linearaeration.com
sports, injuries, soccer, tendon, Zealanders, sports physician, injury, Ewens, Milne, straight, achilles tendon, fitness, ruptures, resilient, age.
Summary:
Latest figures show in the past 10 years, ACC has paid out more than $523 million in new and ongoing claims for sports-related injuries to people aged 35 and over.Last year alone, the figure was $66.7 million.The claims were for injuries from a wide number of sports, ranging from cricket, soccer and rugby to fishing, dancing and bowls.Last year, $1.4 million in claims was paid to over-35s for injuries from netball, $1.7 million from skiing, $1.8 million from soccer, and $2.3 million from rugby union.Sports Medicine New Zealand chairman Dr Chris Milne said New Zealand was seeing more injuries among older people as the population aged and a growing proportion of older people stayed active.Winter sports caused a large number of injuries, such as tendon ruptures, broken bones, dislocated joints and neck injuries, according to Dr Ewens.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://.www.linearaeration.com
Topdressing.biz News: The Over-35s genaration is an injury burden
The New Zealand Heraldhttp://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10123170Concepts:
sports, injuries, soccer, tendon, Zealanders, sports physician, injury, Ewens, Milne, straight, achilles tendon, fitness, ruptures, resilient, age.
Summary:
Latest figures show in the past 10 years, ACC has paid out more than $523 million in new and ongoing claims for sports-related injuries to people aged 35 and over.Last year alone, the figure was $66.7 million.The claims were for injuries from a wide number of sports, ranging from cricket, soccer and rugby to fishing, dancing and bowls.Last year, $1.4 million in claims was paid to over-35s for injuries from netball, $1.7 million from skiing, $1.8 million from soccer, and $2.3 million from rugby union.Sports Medicine New Zealand chairman Dr Chris Milne said New Zealand was seeing more injuries among older people as the population aged and a growing proportion of older people stayed active.Winter sports caused a large number of injuries, such as tendon ruptures, broken bones, dislocated joints and neck injuries, according to Dr Ewens.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://.www.linearaeration.com
sports, injuries, soccer, tendon, Zealanders, sports physician, injury, Ewens, Milne, straight, achilles tendon, fitness, ruptures, resilient, age.
Summary:
Latest figures show in the past 10 years, ACC has paid out more than $523 million in new and ongoing claims for sports-related injuries to people aged 35 and over.Last year alone, the figure was $66.7 million.The claims were for injuries from a wide number of sports, ranging from cricket, soccer and rugby to fishing, dancing and bowls.Last year, $1.4 million in claims was paid to over-35s for injuries from netball, $1.7 million from skiing, $1.8 million from soccer, and $2.3 million from rugby union.Sports Medicine New Zealand chairman Dr Chris Milne said New Zealand was seeing more injuries among older people as the population aged and a growing proportion of older people stayed active.Winter sports caused a large number of injuries, such as tendon ruptures, broken bones, dislocated joints and neck injuries, according to Dr Ewens.
http://www.topdressing.biz
http://.www.linearaeration.com
Friday, April 15, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: How to conserve water
Slow the flowhttp://www.oregonlive.com/gardencenter/oregonian/vern_nelson/index.ssf?/base/homes_gardens/111338628388020.xmlConcepts:
plant, water, Gardener, soil, crop, weeds, planting, hoses, fruit, edibles, beds, wind, moisture, irrigation, Vern Nelson.
Summary:
Gardening smart when water is at a premium requires a multipronged attack. For example, soaker hoses and drip irrigation lines release moisture slowly, curbing runoff and drift problems common with sprinklers.Irrigate early in the morning, if possible, so water has a chance to soak into the soil and be absorbed by plants before the day warms up and steals it.I water down the composted areas first, then sow cover crop seed, rake it in and tamp it down with the flat face of a steel rake.Cut the cover crop down when it's mature but still crisp, and leave it in place on the soil to mulch against weeds and moisture loss, and to stabilize soil temperature, or you can dig it in.To boost nitrogen in the beds, plant leguminous cover crops.When you do plant annual edibles, especially vegetables, plant them near the house or where they can be easily watered, such as near hose bibs.If your garden is swept by dry winds, put up porous fencing that winnows the wind, or choose a more sheltered site for planting.It's best to pick the immature fruit off a fruit tree for the first two or three years after planting so that the tree's energy goes to developing a strong root system.It's especially important to do this under drought conditions, as producing large, sweet fruit demands water and lots of plant energy.When soil is low on water, some plants are more prone to scorching, so shelter marginal plants along shade/sun interfaces with shade cloth or other screening material.
www.topdressing.biz
www.linearaeration.com
plant, water, Gardener, soil, crop, weeds, planting, hoses, fruit, edibles, beds, wind, moisture, irrigation, Vern Nelson.
Summary:
Gardening smart when water is at a premium requires a multipronged attack. For example, soaker hoses and drip irrigation lines release moisture slowly, curbing runoff and drift problems common with sprinklers.Irrigate early in the morning, if possible, so water has a chance to soak into the soil and be absorbed by plants before the day warms up and steals it.I water down the composted areas first, then sow cover crop seed, rake it in and tamp it down with the flat face of a steel rake.Cut the cover crop down when it's mature but still crisp, and leave it in place on the soil to mulch against weeds and moisture loss, and to stabilize soil temperature, or you can dig it in.To boost nitrogen in the beds, plant leguminous cover crops.When you do plant annual edibles, especially vegetables, plant them near the house or where they can be easily watered, such as near hose bibs.If your garden is swept by dry winds, put up porous fencing that winnows the wind, or choose a more sheltered site for planting.It's best to pick the immature fruit off a fruit tree for the first two or three years after planting so that the tree's energy goes to developing a strong root system.It's especially important to do this under drought conditions, as producing large, sweet fruit demands water and lots of plant energy.When soil is low on water, some plants are more prone to scorching, so shelter marginal plants along shade/sun interfaces with shade cloth or other screening material.
www.topdressing.biz
www.linearaeration.com
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Topdressin.biz News: In and Around the world of Compost
Pasadena Star-News - Opinionhttp://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stories/0,1413,206~11851~2792015,00.htmlConcepts:
sports, compost, Bill Bell, health, sell, drip, education, .
Summary:
GARDENERS and others who discover the joys of composting find that it can become an addiction.On foreign trips, unable to turn vegetable scraps and raked-up oak leaves into the magic of mulch, they become like the homesick American in the Lorrie Moore novel who says to her husband in a Parisian restaurant: "I miss recycling.'Adherents run from those with a single heap or backyard plastic bin in which they make their black gold to massive commercial operations that create, bag and sell compost as fertilizer in nurseries.All can tell you at least a little something about the invertebrates and microorganisms that chew things up and create a little steamy heat.About temperature curves and moisture content and calculating the proper ratio of materials.And then there's Altadenan Tim Dundon, who for over 20 years has been known as Zeke the Sheik, the rhyming king of the amateur compost world.Rather than a little pile that can be turned by a pitchfork, Dundon is the creator, the curator, the proud possessor of a mountain of the stuff and a subtropical garden atop it and in his yard."A weapon of mass creation' he calls the 40-foot-high hill that sits on land adjacent to his own, long owned by Mountain View Cemetery.Now the venerable cemetery, burial spot for many of the founding mothers and fathers of the region, has decided it needs to sell the lot it has allowed Dundon to use.That economic reality may spell the end of the line for Dundon.But his baby's been in a heap of trouble before.Fire and zoning violations caused the county to tsk-tsk.They use it to mulch and fertilize their own gardens.Because what else, to quote Zeke, so deftly "generates the power that makes a flower?'If Mountain View needs to sell, it needs to sell.Another of the excess plots the cemetery owns could be used for composting, or could be sold to allow this one to continue in its present use.Citizens could pool resources to buy the plot or a financial angel could buy it for Dundon and the good of the community.Anything is possible with Dr. Frankenvine and his Ladder of Matter.Here's hoping that one of Altadena's most beloved living landmarks doesn't bite the dust.
www.linearaeration.com
sports, compost, Bill Bell, health, sell, drip, education, .
Summary:
GARDENERS and others who discover the joys of composting find that it can become an addiction.On foreign trips, unable to turn vegetable scraps and raked-up oak leaves into the magic of mulch, they become like the homesick American in the Lorrie Moore novel who says to her husband in a Parisian restaurant: "I miss recycling.'Adherents run from those with a single heap or backyard plastic bin in which they make their black gold to massive commercial operations that create, bag and sell compost as fertilizer in nurseries.All can tell you at least a little something about the invertebrates and microorganisms that chew things up and create a little steamy heat.About temperature curves and moisture content and calculating the proper ratio of materials.And then there's Altadenan Tim Dundon, who for over 20 years has been known as Zeke the Sheik, the rhyming king of the amateur compost world.Rather than a little pile that can be turned by a pitchfork, Dundon is the creator, the curator, the proud possessor of a mountain of the stuff and a subtropical garden atop it and in his yard."A weapon of mass creation' he calls the 40-foot-high hill that sits on land adjacent to his own, long owned by Mountain View Cemetery.Now the venerable cemetery, burial spot for many of the founding mothers and fathers of the region, has decided it needs to sell the lot it has allowed Dundon to use.That economic reality may spell the end of the line for Dundon.But his baby's been in a heap of trouble before.Fire and zoning violations caused the county to tsk-tsk.They use it to mulch and fertilize their own gardens.Because what else, to quote Zeke, so deftly "generates the power that makes a flower?'If Mountain View needs to sell, it needs to sell.Another of the excess plots the cemetery owns could be used for composting, or could be sold to allow this one to continue in its present use.Citizens could pool resources to buy the plot or a financial angel could buy it for Dundon and the good of the community.Anything is possible with Dr. Frankenvine and his Ladder of Matter.Here's hoping that one of Altadena's most beloved living landmarks doesn't bite the dust.
www.linearaeration.com
Monday, March 21, 2005
Machine-Shop-Online.com News: Machine Shop Education in CT
Summary:
When David Calabrese needs to hire an employee at his Naugatuck shop, he makes his first call to Mike Cooper.Cooper heads the Waterbury Adult Education Technical Training Center, a manufacturing training center that's found jobs for about 90 percent of its nearly 700 graduates.Calabrese is the current president of Manufacturing Alliance Service Corp. that oversees the center, but he's also president of Cole Screw Machine Inc., which turns out precision products for a host of industries.So far, Calabrese figures he's hired at least five employees from the program, which not only aims to give students basic manufacturing skills, but employment skills they'll need to keep their jobs."The program runs on the pretext that they're going to train people to be employees as well as give them job skills," Calabrese said."That's the advantage to me as an employer.It is an exciting time for the center's supporters, said Frank Johnson, executive director of the Waterbury-based Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut, or MAC."I really can't stress how important it is to manufacturers to have a resource to ramp up very quickly and deliver what manufacturers need, which is trained employees," Johnson said.It's particularly crucial in Connecticut, where manufacturing accounts for a larger percentage of employment than the nation as a whole, and even more so in Greater Waterbury, where manufacturing directly accounts for about 16 percent of the jobs and indirectly for about one-third of all jobs.Now quartered in 17,000 square feet of space at 74 Mattatuck Heights, the center expects to move this summer into the renovated 22,000-square-foot Interstate Lane complex.Plans call for office, classroom and training space, plus a 40-seat video conference center available for training, "distance-learning" and other uses by area manufacturers, manufacturing groups and education-related organizations.Waterbury's Adult Education Department currently covers the center's $120,000 annual rent and funding for instructional salaries, while area manufacturers have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in monetary and in-kind donations of materials, equipment and time.Moving to the new building not only eliminates the rent payments, but allows those managing the center to stop thinking about finding a permanent home and focus on its core mission of training.Founded in 1996, the center offers classroom and hands-on training on the setup, operation and maintenance of precision manufacturing equipment such as screw machines and eyelet presses.It offers training for entry-level employees, current workers looking to upgrade skills and apprentice programs.It was the first school in the country credentialed in training standards set by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills, or NIMS, and also customizes training for an individual firms or groups of companies.Training on the 10-week entry-level program begins with classroom sessions covering blueprint reading and integrated math -- skills crucial in just about any manufacturing position -- then moves to hands-on training.That means first learning basic skills in the center's tool room, then moving onto the shop floor, for work on eyelet and screw machines, two of Greater Waterbury's core manufacturing technologies.Waterbury residents Jason Carter and Reggie Griffin graduated Friday from the program.
Businesshttp://www.rep-am.com/story.php?id=18610
www.machine-shop-online.com
When David Calabrese needs to hire an employee at his Naugatuck shop, he makes his first call to Mike Cooper.Cooper heads the Waterbury Adult Education Technical Training Center, a manufacturing training center that's found jobs for about 90 percent of its nearly 700 graduates.Calabrese is the current president of Manufacturing Alliance Service Corp. that oversees the center, but he's also president of Cole Screw Machine Inc., which turns out precision products for a host of industries.So far, Calabrese figures he's hired at least five employees from the program, which not only aims to give students basic manufacturing skills, but employment skills they'll need to keep their jobs."The program runs on the pretext that they're going to train people to be employees as well as give them job skills," Calabrese said."That's the advantage to me as an employer.It is an exciting time for the center's supporters, said Frank Johnson, executive director of the Waterbury-based Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut, or MAC."I really can't stress how important it is to manufacturers to have a resource to ramp up very quickly and deliver what manufacturers need, which is trained employees," Johnson said.It's particularly crucial in Connecticut, where manufacturing accounts for a larger percentage of employment than the nation as a whole, and even more so in Greater Waterbury, where manufacturing directly accounts for about 16 percent of the jobs and indirectly for about one-third of all jobs.Now quartered in 17,000 square feet of space at 74 Mattatuck Heights, the center expects to move this summer into the renovated 22,000-square-foot Interstate Lane complex.Plans call for office, classroom and training space, plus a 40-seat video conference center available for training, "distance-learning" and other uses by area manufacturers, manufacturing groups and education-related organizations.Waterbury's Adult Education Department currently covers the center's $120,000 annual rent and funding for instructional salaries, while area manufacturers have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in monetary and in-kind donations of materials, equipment and time.Moving to the new building not only eliminates the rent payments, but allows those managing the center to stop thinking about finding a permanent home and focus on its core mission of training.Founded in 1996, the center offers classroom and hands-on training on the setup, operation and maintenance of precision manufacturing equipment such as screw machines and eyelet presses.It offers training for entry-level employees, current workers looking to upgrade skills and apprentice programs.It was the first school in the country credentialed in training standards set by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills, or NIMS, and also customizes training for an individual firms or groups of companies.Training on the 10-week entry-level program begins with classroom sessions covering blueprint reading and integrated math -- skills crucial in just about any manufacturing position -- then moves to hands-on training.That means first learning basic skills in the center's tool room, then moving onto the shop floor, for work on eyelet and screw machines, two of Greater Waterbury's core manufacturing technologies.Waterbury residents Jason Carter and Reggie Griffin graduated Friday from the program.
Businesshttp://www.rep-am.com/story.php?id=18610
www.machine-shop-online.com
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Mulch-it-now.com News: What will that do to our Mulch price?
Landfill changes mulching operation to avoid fines
Summary:
Department of Environmental Protection inspectors found dust on homes in Stuart West last year.PALM CITY --- A new plan to minimize dust and debris from a mulching operation at the Martin County landfill could help the county avoid punitive action by the state Department of Environmental Protection.But a resident of the nearby Stuart West community questioned whether the measures would be enough.Pat Yancey, the county's solid waste administrator, said the first step is to move the operation farther from nearby homes.The DEP warned the county it was violating its permit and issued a 'notice of violation' Nov. 23 after inspectors found dust on homes in Stuart West that was blown there from the mulching operation.Before the new measures were proposed, the county said it would keep the mulch piles wet and shut down the machinery when winds were higher than 20 mph.Inspectors who visited the facility Dec. 9 said the county was complying with its permit and doing what it must to contain the mulching operation --- but the new measures are needed to help the county avoid further DEP action.John Born, vice president of the Stuart West Homeowners Association, said the new measures might go a long way toward minimizing the problem, but there's no way to tell until they're in place.
www.mulch-it-now.com
Summary:
Department of Environmental Protection inspectors found dust on homes in Stuart West last year.PALM CITY --- A new plan to minimize dust and debris from a mulching operation at the Martin County landfill could help the county avoid punitive action by the state Department of Environmental Protection.But a resident of the nearby Stuart West community questioned whether the measures would be enough.Pat Yancey, the county's solid waste administrator, said the first step is to move the operation farther from nearby homes.The DEP warned the county it was violating its permit and issued a 'notice of violation' Nov. 23 after inspectors found dust on homes in Stuart West that was blown there from the mulching operation.Before the new measures were proposed, the county said it would keep the mulch piles wet and shut down the machinery when winds were higher than 20 mph.Inspectors who visited the facility Dec. 9 said the county was complying with its permit and doing what it must to contain the mulching operation --- but the new measures are needed to help the county avoid further DEP action.John Born, vice president of the Stuart West Homeowners Association, said the new measures might go a long way toward minimizing the problem, but there's no way to tell until they're in place.
www.mulch-it-now.com
Topdressing.biz News: Could we have too Much Organic Material on our Lawn?
The short answer as my collegue out west states in her article could be .... but let's read on.
Summary:
Can you have too much organic matter in your soil?In the spring, we often add organic matter as a side dressing to established beds, incorporating it lightly around trees and shrubs.In an established bed or for top dressing an established lawn, add only one-quarter inch at a time and allow the plants to grow up through the new media.For new gardens or for areas that do not have underlying roots from shrubs and trees, consider breaking up that hardpan.Last year when I was putting in my landscape, we were able to break up the soil to a depth of 18 inches.The city of Boulder wants to help you save water while adding more beauty and interest to your yard.Take advantage of this program, Zero in on Xeriscape if you live in East Boulder, Table Mesa and Martin acres.Noxious weeds are those plants for which selling or dissemination is forbidden by law through the Colorado Department of Agriculture's plant industry division.The city and county of Boulder have written several grants, so we hope to be directly delivering information about myrtle spurge to you.Dormant oil may be petroleum-based or more eco-friendly vegetable-based, and while it's on the certified organic list of acceptable products, be sure to read and follow all label instructions.Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in Boulder County provides unbiased, research-based information about consumer and family issues, horticulture, natural resources, agriculture and 4-H youth development.
The Daily Camera: Home And Garden
http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/home_and_garden/article/0,1713,BDC_2475_3629475,00.html
www.topdressing.biz
Summary:
Can you have too much organic matter in your soil?In the spring, we often add organic matter as a side dressing to established beds, incorporating it lightly around trees and shrubs.In an established bed or for top dressing an established lawn, add only one-quarter inch at a time and allow the plants to grow up through the new media.For new gardens or for areas that do not have underlying roots from shrubs and trees, consider breaking up that hardpan.Last year when I was putting in my landscape, we were able to break up the soil to a depth of 18 inches.The city of Boulder wants to help you save water while adding more beauty and interest to your yard.Take advantage of this program, Zero in on Xeriscape if you live in East Boulder, Table Mesa and Martin acres.Noxious weeds are those plants for which selling or dissemination is forbidden by law through the Colorado Department of Agriculture's plant industry division.The city and county of Boulder have written several grants, so we hope to be directly delivering information about myrtle spurge to you.Dormant oil may be petroleum-based or more eco-friendly vegetable-based, and while it's on the certified organic list of acceptable products, be sure to read and follow all label instructions.Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in Boulder County provides unbiased, research-based information about consumer and family issues, horticulture, natural resources, agriculture and 4-H youth development.
The Daily Camera: Home And Garden
http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/home_and_garden/article/0,1713,BDC_2475_3629475,00.html
www.topdressing.biz
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: How to Turn your Yard Waste into Compost!
Pauls Valley Daily Democrathttp://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/articles/2005/03/11/news See Summary below
This summary is brought to you by Topdressing.biz and in our opinion makes very good sense in the pursuit of natural and organic lawns and gardens.
Yard trimmings and grass clippings can make up 15 to 25 percent of a community's waste.The costs of collecting and transporting yard waste may be a considerable portion of a community's waste management budget.These costs may be reduced if communities practiced backyard yard waste composting.Yard wastes, especially grass clippings, are usually high in nutrient content.When yard waste is composted, bacteria use air and water to break down plant materials into nutrient-rich compost.These nutrients can be beneficial to soils, plants, and trees in the yard when applied as mulch or a soil amendment.Compost systems can be simple and slow as a heap or pile, which is turned occasionally during the year.A more structured and complex system requires containers, more turning, and produces finished compost in a few months.In compost piles, water is added to green and brown vegetation layers.Compost can loosen clay soils, help sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients, and retain soil moisture when used as a mulch.Compost is a natural dark brown humus-rich material formed from the decomposition or breakdown of organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetation, vegetable food scraps, and twigs.Organic materials are placed in alternating green and brown layers in a container, bin, or pile.The time of completion will vary according to the type and amount of materials used, the climate, the size and type of bin or pile used, and the amount of aeration or turning of the pile.To recycle natural materials, reduce amount of chemical fertilizer used, reduce amount of material going to landfills, reduce landfill tipping fees for individuals or communities, and prolong landfill life.You may view this entire fact sheet (F-1744) by visiting the Garvin County Extension web site at http://countyext.okstate.edu/garvin and clicking on the Fact Sheet link located on our home page.
www.topdressing.biz
This summary is brought to you by Topdressing.biz and in our opinion makes very good sense in the pursuit of natural and organic lawns and gardens.
Yard trimmings and grass clippings can make up 15 to 25 percent of a community's waste.The costs of collecting and transporting yard waste may be a considerable portion of a community's waste management budget.These costs may be reduced if communities practiced backyard yard waste composting.Yard wastes, especially grass clippings, are usually high in nutrient content.When yard waste is composted, bacteria use air and water to break down plant materials into nutrient-rich compost.These nutrients can be beneficial to soils, plants, and trees in the yard when applied as mulch or a soil amendment.Compost systems can be simple and slow as a heap or pile, which is turned occasionally during the year.A more structured and complex system requires containers, more turning, and produces finished compost in a few months.In compost piles, water is added to green and brown vegetation layers.Compost can loosen clay soils, help sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients, and retain soil moisture when used as a mulch.Compost is a natural dark brown humus-rich material formed from the decomposition or breakdown of organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetation, vegetable food scraps, and twigs.Organic materials are placed in alternating green and brown layers in a container, bin, or pile.The time of completion will vary according to the type and amount of materials used, the climate, the size and type of bin or pile used, and the amount of aeration or turning of the pile.To recycle natural materials, reduce amount of chemical fertilizer used, reduce amount of material going to landfills, reduce landfill tipping fees for individuals or communities, and prolong landfill life.You may view this entire fact sheet (F-1744) by visiting the Garvin County Extension web site at http://countyext.okstate.edu/garvin and clicking on the Fact Sheet link located on our home page.
www.topdressing.biz
Topdressing.biz News: How to Turn your Yard Waste into Compost!
Pauls Valley Daily Democrathttp://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/articles/2005/03/11/news See Summary below
This summary is brought to you by Topdressing.biz and in our opinion makes very good sense in the pursuit of natural and organic lawns and gardens.
Yard trimmings and grass clippings can make up 15 to 25 percent of a community's waste.The costs of collecting and transporting yard waste may be a considerable portion of a community's waste management budget.These costs may be reduced if communities practiced backyard yard waste composting.Yard wastes, especially grass clippings, are usually high in nutrient content.When yard waste is composted, bacteria use air and water to break down plant materials into nutrient-rich compost.These nutrients can be beneficial to soils, plants, and trees in the yard when applied as mulch or a soil amendment.Compost systems can be simple and slow as a heap or pile, which is turned occasionally during the year.A more structured and complex system requires containers, more turning, and produces finished compost in a few months.In compost piles, water is added to green and brown vegetation layers.Compost can loosen clay soils, help sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients, and retain soil moisture when used as a mulch.Compost is a natural dark brown humus-rich material formed from the decomposition or breakdown of organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetation, vegetable food scraps, and twigs.Organic materials are placed in alternating green and brown layers in a container, bin, or pile.The time of completion will vary according to the type and amount of materials used, the climate, the size and type of bin or pile used, and the amount of aeration or turning of the pile.To recycle natural materials, reduce amount of chemical fertilizer used, reduce amount of material going to landfills, reduce landfill tipping fees for individuals or communities, and prolong landfill life.You may view this entire fact sheet (F-1744) by visiting the Garvin County Extension web site at http://countyext.okstate.edu/garvin and clicking on the Fact Sheet link located on our home page.
www.topdressing.biz
This summary is brought to you by Topdressing.biz and in our opinion makes very good sense in the pursuit of natural and organic lawns and gardens.
Yard trimmings and grass clippings can make up 15 to 25 percent of a community's waste.The costs of collecting and transporting yard waste may be a considerable portion of a community's waste management budget.These costs may be reduced if communities practiced backyard yard waste composting.Yard wastes, especially grass clippings, are usually high in nutrient content.When yard waste is composted, bacteria use air and water to break down plant materials into nutrient-rich compost.These nutrients can be beneficial to soils, plants, and trees in the yard when applied as mulch or a soil amendment.Compost systems can be simple and slow as a heap or pile, which is turned occasionally during the year.A more structured and complex system requires containers, more turning, and produces finished compost in a few months.In compost piles, water is added to green and brown vegetation layers.Compost can loosen clay soils, help sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients, and retain soil moisture when used as a mulch.Compost is a natural dark brown humus-rich material formed from the decomposition or breakdown of organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetation, vegetable food scraps, and twigs.Organic materials are placed in alternating green and brown layers in a container, bin, or pile.The time of completion will vary according to the type and amount of materials used, the climate, the size and type of bin or pile used, and the amount of aeration or turning of the pile.To recycle natural materials, reduce amount of chemical fertilizer used, reduce amount of material going to landfills, reduce landfill tipping fees for individuals or communities, and prolong landfill life.You may view this entire fact sheet (F-1744) by visiting the Garvin County Extension web site at http://countyext.okstate.edu/garvin and clicking on the Fact Sheet link located on our home page.
www.topdressing.biz
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Do-it-now-landscaping.com News: Prune Flowering Trees
Source: National Gardening Association and Arca Max Publishing
Remove energy-stealing root suckers from the base of crabapple, plum, and cherry trees in spring, as they appear. Cut as close to the ground as possible. Source: National Gardening Association Remove energy-stealing root suckers from the base of crabapple, plum, and cherry trees in spring, as they appear. Cut as close to the ground as possible.
Brought to you by: www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
and www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
Remove energy-stealing root suckers from the base of crabapple, plum, and cherry trees in spring, as they appear. Cut as close to the ground as possible. Source: National Gardening Association Remove energy-stealing root suckers from the base of crabapple, plum, and cherry trees in spring, as they appear. Cut as close to the ground as possible.
Brought to you by: www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
and www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
Topdressing.biz News:Effect of Crumb Rubber Topdressing on Athletic Fields
Effect of Crumb Rubber Topdressing on Athletic Fields 1999
According to:D.K. Tompkins, J.B. Ross and D. L. Moroz
"The use of crumb rubber improved turf resiliency and had no impact on turf quality, water infiltration or water content. However, there was a reduction in grass clipping yield and an increase in the tissue zinc concentration associated with the use of crumb rubber. The increase in zinc concentration, must be monitored over time, and may be a more serious problem on the repeat application treatments.
Wear tolerance will be monitored in the spring of 2000."
For the full summary please go to: http://ptrc.oldscollege.ab.ca/1999_ar/TRATH_2000m.htm
Brought to you by:Topdressing News. March 2005; www.topdressing.biz and
www.linearaeration.com
According to:D.K. Tompkins, J.B. Ross and D. L. Moroz
"The use of crumb rubber improved turf resiliency and had no impact on turf quality, water infiltration or water content. However, there was a reduction in grass clipping yield and an increase in the tissue zinc concentration associated with the use of crumb rubber. The increase in zinc concentration, must be monitored over time, and may be a more serious problem on the repeat application treatments.
Wear tolerance will be monitored in the spring of 2000."
For the full summary please go to: http://ptrc.oldscollege.ab.ca/1999_ar/TRATH_2000m.htm
Brought to you by:Topdressing News. March 2005; www.topdressing.biz and
www.linearaeration.com
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Topdressing.biz News: The Compost Story part l
According to Susan J. Harlow, in COMPOST, the non availability of landfills and the ever increasing tonnage of yard waste are stimulating some of use to use compost. She points out that one can use compost for flower potting mix, and planting trees and shrubs. But more and more golf course superintendents and athletic field managers are beginning to use compost on their turf.
Harlow cautions not to go out in your yard and start to just put your compost on your lawn. Tomorrow we will investigate what expertise and the time element to produce proper mulch is needed.
This topdressing News is brought to you by: www.topdressing.biz
Harlow cautions not to go out in your yard and start to just put your compost on your lawn. Tomorrow we will investigate what expertise and the time element to produce proper mulch is needed.
This topdressing News is brought to you by: www.topdressing.biz
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Topdressing News March 2005: What is Topdressing?
What is topdressing?
Sandman states:"Topdressing is the application a blended soil mixture over the surface of turf grass. Mostly used on warm weather turf grasses such as bermuda, centipede and zoysia. Cool season turf grass, such as fescue, can also benefit from topdressing.
Sandman Sandman America, Inc. - 483 Bill Watkins Road - Hoschton - GA - 30548http://www.sandmantopdressing.com/TopdressingServices.htm
This News Blitz has been brought to you by www.topdressing.biz
For a well qualified Topdressing specialist please contact us:sales@topdressing.biz
For Topdressing Equipment, please check out this manufacturer:http://www.earthandturf.com
Sandman states:"Topdressing is the application a blended soil mixture over the surface of turf grass. Mostly used on warm weather turf grasses such as bermuda, centipede and zoysia. Cool season turf grass, such as fescue, can also benefit from topdressing.
Sandman Sandman America, Inc. - 483 Bill Watkins Road - Hoschton - GA - 30548http://www.sandmantopdressing.com/TopdressingServices.htm
This News Blitz has been brought to you by www.topdressing.biz
For a well qualified Topdressing specialist please contact us:sales@topdressing.biz
For Topdressing Equipment, please check out this manufacturer:http://www.earthandturf.com
Topdressing Information For the Golf Course Professional
Topdressing Golf Greens
Authors Skogley, C. R.; Rossi, Frank Journal Title URI Turfgrass Research Review Date No. 18, 1987, p. (1-3) Pub. Info Kingston, RI: Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service, Univ. of Rhode Island. Call No. SB 433 .A1 U54
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modtt/11447001.html
For search purposes here are the keywords:
Golf greens; Sand topdressings; agrees palest; agrees canine; Golf greens; Sand particle size; Quality evaluation; Color; Thatch accumulation; aerobic
This information is posted here by www.topdressing.biz
if you need any help with your topdressing chores please contact us for a well qualified topdressing specialist in your area:sales@topdressing.biz>
Authors Skogley, C. R.; Rossi, Frank Journal Title URI Turfgrass Research Review Date No. 18, 1987, p. (1-3) Pub. Info Kingston, RI: Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service, Univ. of Rhode Island. Call No. SB 433 .A1 U54
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modtt/11447001.html
For search purposes here are the keywords:
Golf greens; Sand topdressings; agrees palest; agrees canine; Golf greens; Sand particle size; Quality evaluation; Color; Thatch accumulation; aerobic
This information is posted here by www.topdressing.biz
if you need any help with your topdressing chores please contact us for a well qualified topdressing specialist in your area:sales@topdressing.biz>
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Topdressing wet material can be a problem!
Topdressing wet materials can be a problem for many topdressers but because of Earth & Turf's open design and multi-directional expeller system spreading we can spread a variety of materials wet or dry.
for more information please contact the following sources:
www.topdressing.biz
www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
for equipment information please contact the manufacturer:
www.earthandturf.com
for more information please contact the following sources:
www.topdressing.biz
www.do-it-now-landscaping.com
www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
for equipment information please contact the manufacturer:
www.earthandturf.com
Monday, February 14, 2005
Topdressing Special
Practise Natural Lawn care and be good to your lawn and your waterways topdress your lawn this spring and obtain a 25%discount by signing up with one of our installers.
www.do-it-now-landscaping.com or www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
sponsored by: www.topdressing.biz
www.do-it-now-landscaping.com or www.i-cut-large-lawns.com
sponsored by: www.topdressing.biz
Looking for a topdresser see www.EarthandTurf.com
Here is what Bob Broom, of RKB Enterprises, Inc.said:"Try Earth&Turf, 888-693-2638, or www.earthandturf.com. They manufacture a spreader which can be towed behind a small lawn tractor, the hopper's narrow design allows it to pass through narrow openings".
posted by www.topdressing.biz
posted by www.topdressing.biz
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Origin or History of Topdressing
Jonathan S. Jennings, CGCS, Chicago Golf Club, Wheaton, Il, USA in his pdf publication: http://www.lib.msu.edu/tic/mtc2002/025.pdf; and Garry Burchfield in Ground Maintenance, June1, 2000, in his article Topdressing gaining favor with LCOshttp://bg.grounds-mag.com/ar/grounds_maintenance_topdressing_gaining_favor/ site
They both mention the venerable greens keeper, Tom Morris,of early St. Andrews days was a pioneer in the use of topdressing for golf greens.
Jennings goes on that the development of topdressing applications first took hold on golf courses by using sand and seeding South German bentgrass. His article goes through better than a century citing different publications and and successful applications of topdressing on golf courses. For the full story please download his excellent expose.
Burchfield in his article indicates that the practice of topdressing has moved into the area of residential and commercial natural, organic lawn care. He further states that many different organic substances are being added to the soil.
We agree with Burchfield about the benefit to topdress with compost. The benefits are innumerable. To get the History and Use on Topdressing please read his article.
We at www.topdressing.biz salute these two gentlemen for their diligent research and whish them all the best in the pursuit of further topdressing stories.
They both mention the venerable greens keeper, Tom Morris,of early St. Andrews days was a pioneer in the use of topdressing for golf greens.
Jennings goes on that the development of topdressing applications first took hold on golf courses by using sand and seeding South German bentgrass. His article goes through better than a century citing different publications and and successful applications of topdressing on golf courses. For the full story please download his excellent expose.
Burchfield in his article indicates that the practice of topdressing has moved into the area of residential and commercial natural, organic lawn care. He further states that many different organic substances are being added to the soil.
We agree with Burchfield about the benefit to topdress with compost. The benefits are innumerable. To get the History and Use on Topdressing please read his article.
We at www.topdressing.biz salute these two gentlemen for their diligent research and whish them all the best in the pursuit of further topdressing stories.
Topdressing and Aerating
Topdressing and aeration of turf areas or lawns is environmentally the most responsible action to take in order to keep your lawn soft, lush, safe, healthy and green.
Topdressing is the ultimate in natural lawn care and helps with the grass is greener next door complex. This organic lawn care process is achieved by topdressing the turf area with organic substances such as compost, top soil, humus etc.
Topdressing will increase nutrition uptake of the plants, balance moisture content of soil, alleviate compactation, enhance root development, reduce sports injuries on playing surfaces for humans.
Topdressing will aide in reducing animal lameness in horses and racing dogs.Aeration will aide to oxygenate the soil. Topdressing can help leveling, repair turf and lawn areas.
For more information Please contact info@topdressing.biz
Topdressing is the ultimate in natural lawn care and helps with the grass is greener next door complex. This organic lawn care process is achieved by topdressing the turf area with organic substances such as compost, top soil, humus etc.
Topdressing will increase nutrition uptake of the plants, balance moisture content of soil, alleviate compactation, enhance root development, reduce sports injuries on playing surfaces for humans.
Topdressing will aide in reducing animal lameness in horses and racing dogs.Aeration will aide to oxygenate the soil. Topdressing can help leveling, repair turf and lawn areas.
For more information Please contact info@topdressing.biz
Monday, February 07, 2005
The Procedure and Benefits of Topdressing
Improve, repair the soil and turf the natural way with:
- Aeration, Core, Linear Aeration, Vertical Aeration, Aerification
- Adding Topdressing Materials such as :
- Compost, Humus, Sand, Topsoil, Peat Moss, Mulch etc
- Topdressing will help to level small indentations and uneven ground
- Grass renovation
-Soding (laying new grass tiles)
- Seeding
- Overseeding
- Slit-seeding
-If grass seed is necessary only the best choice for your soil and local conditions is used.
-To maintain the newly topdressed area or property a full natural organic lawn service program can be added.
-The natural lawn service program must take into consideration the environmental impact of using whenever possible organic materials such as humus and compost. The compost/humus consist mostly of leaves, and other organic and garden materials.
-Topdressing will also control the thatch. If the thatch is a problem, a dethatching sessions can be scheduled during the topdressing procedure.
Home Owners: For your Natural, Organic Lawn Care needs please contact info@topdressing.biz for the nearest Topdressing Lawn Care Specialist.
opportu
If you are in the Natural Lawn Care business, please write to opportunity@topdressing.biz
For other information please visit http://www.topdressing.biz
- Aeration, Core, Linear Aeration, Vertical Aeration, Aerification
- Adding Topdressing Materials such as :
- Compost, Humus, Sand, Topsoil, Peat Moss, Mulch etc
- Topdressing will help to level small indentations and uneven ground
- Grass renovation
-Soding (laying new grass tiles)
- Seeding
- Overseeding
- Slit-seeding
-If grass seed is necessary only the best choice for your soil and local conditions is used.
-To maintain the newly topdressed area or property a full natural organic lawn service program can be added.
-The natural lawn service program must take into consideration the environmental impact of using whenever possible organic materials such as humus and compost. The compost/humus consist mostly of leaves, and other organic and garden materials.
-Topdressing will also control the thatch. If the thatch is a problem, a dethatching sessions can be scheduled during the topdressing procedure.
Home Owners: For your Natural, Organic Lawn Care needs please contact info@topdressing.biz for the nearest Topdressing Lawn Care Specialist.
opportu
If you are in the Natural Lawn Care business, please write to opportunity@topdressing.biz
For other information please visit http://www.topdressing.biz
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)