Product News

Grigg Bros. offers ZeroPhos fertilizer

Grigg Brothers Foliar Fertilizers has unveiled ZeroPhos, a phosphorus-free granular fertilizer that provides three-season feeding and improved visual appearance while mitigating phosphate impact.

"Some states have become increasingly concerned with phosphate impact, although with our products we do not use synthetically or chemically derived phosphate material," said Gary Grigg, vice president. "But that doesn’t get around the fact that some states are worried about phosphates working their way into the water table, streams, lakes or soils. To deal with those concerns, we took our popular 7-7-7 product, called 7-Iron, removed the phosphates and have re-introduced it as ZeroPhos, a 7-0-14 formulation.

"We continue to offer 7-Iron, and it’s a great product. But we see the introduction of ZeroPhos as another useful tool for turf managers."

This latest innovation from Grigg Brothers is a multi-purpose plant food and starter fertilizer, a pre-plant and soil-conditioning product specially designed for effective use in spring and fall, even the heat of summer.

The formulation contains micronutrients specially formulated with sucrates, or sugars, which are absorbed much more quickly than those in traditional lawn fertilizers. It is especially effective when applied in conjunction with aerification, as it increases recovery time. Contact www.griggbros.com, or call 888-246-8873.

GCBAA expands construction costs guide

The Golf Course Builders Association of America, has more than doubled the number of line items for its 2008 construction and renovation costs guide.

The new guide will feature average prices for more than 50 line items.  Some of the new items in the guide include tee boxes, greens, bunkers, irrigation, grading, grassing, cart paths and drainage.

"The GCBAA periodically surveys its builder members to determine average prices on some of the more popular items for renovating or building a golf course," said Paul Foley, executive director. "The guide also takes into account regional differences based on environmental considerations--this level of detail provides users with a fairly accurate estimation. The guide is an excellent tool to use in developing a general budget for a project."

The guide is available on a CD-ROM and features information in six reports. The reports provide separated information on four regions of the continental United States. The data in each report is both Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat compatible.

Copies can be purchased by calling 402-476-4444 or by visiting http://www.gcbaa.org. The guide includes a copy of the 2008 GCBAA member directory.  The cost is $50 for members and $100 for non-members.

King Innovations adds waterproof connection housing

King Innovation has introduced its newest addition to the DryConn Connector family, the DBG with SmartGel.

Designed to house push-in, twist-on, or split-bolt connectors, it is a solution to waterproofing connections in two-wire/decoder irrigation systems.

Filled with SmartGel, a non-toxic sealant that is waterproof and corrosion proof, it can hold and protect three different connectors using the same housing. It also eliminates the need for messy, difficult to use grease tubes, heat shrinks, primer, tapes and epoxy packs with its one piece housing.

The company has also introduced a new and improved tote tray organizer designed to help contractors store and organize supplies.

The oversized design allows for maximum capacity so contractors can carry everything they need, without the worry of spilling. Now contractors can easily transport glue, tools, and other supplies to and from job sites with ease. Contact http://www.kinginnovation.com.

Turf Pride offers new automatic spin grinder

Turf Pride's new Power Edge ll reel sharpener will be on display for the first time in the U.S. at the Golf Industry Show, Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, in Orlando. The all new grinder incorporates the patent-pending linear grinding concept first introduced in the Power Edge series of reel sharpeners from Turf Pride.

"Linear grinding produces a sharp cutting edge on the reel blades without the impact of spin grinding typical in automatic reel sharpeners," said Don Cotton, president. "The reel turns at a slow 1-2 RPM as the grinding stone automatically travels across the blades from one end of the reel assembly to the other. The process continues until a sharp edge is produced on each reel blade."

Other features include all pneumatic operation, eliminating electronics, micro switches, and circuit boards as well as the risk of electric shock. The company says it is priced to make it possible for facilities on limited budgets to own and operate their own reel sharpener. Saving the costs associated with out-sourcing reel sharpening is just one benefit. Other benefits include better agronomy practices. No need to put off timely top dressing, aerification, verti-cutting, etc. when in-house reel sharpening will keep the reel units cutting at maximum effectiveness and efficiencies.

The PowerEdge ll will sharpen most professional reel mowers completely intact, including walk behind models. More information and contact at www.turfprideusa.com.

PGMS to Hold Regional Seminar in Dallas

The Professional Grounds Management Society will host its Regional Grounds Management Seminar & Site Visitation in Dallas March 6-7.

The two day event will include four education seminars taught by local green industry experts focusing on timely grounds management topics such as maintaining LEED landscapes, safely managing arbor care professionals, incorporating organic fertilizers into  management operations and more.

Also on the agenda are behind-the-scene tours of some of Dallas’ most respected grounds management programs including the PGMS Green Star Award recipient Southern Methodist University and Dallas Arboretum. These site tours will provide the professional with an exclusive look at best grounds management practices in the field. The tours and classroom activities will be complimented by several unique networking opportunities with fellow grounds managers from all around the country.

Having taken place in other areas such as Phoenix, Delaware and North Carolina this series of seminars is designed to provide grounds managers with the hard-to-find opportunity to gain knowledge, ask questions, and network with others about challenges and issues specific to their profession. Contact http://www.pgms.org/2008regionaltexas.htm.