Native Mowing

We are beginning the process of mowing all of our native areas today. Depending on weather and schedule we hope to have it completed in two weeks. Cleaning up after mowing takes longer then the actual mowing. Therefore there may be some areas with debris while playing. Rest assured the clean-up crew will be there shortly to clean it up!

Verticutting, Seed Growth and Divot Mix

We are almost complete with aerifying and topdressing tees. Some of the tees will be topdressed with sand in the next day or so. Verticutting is an important practice but when not done on a regular basis can be pretty disruptive as this picture shows.

However a closer look shows a lot of green tissue which is still alive.

With some topdressing sand these areas will recover quickly and look better then before.

Am pleased with the seed germination we are seeing on all areas of the golf course.

Especially in the aerification holes where the seedlings have the best chance to be protected in the holes while emerging.

Finally, the weather has cooled enough that we are reintroducing seed into our divot mix. As can be seen in this photo bentgrass seed is very, very small and takes 2-3 weeks to germinate.

Weekly Schedule for August 26-September 1, 2013

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Aerify and verticut tees
-Aerify and seed areas throughout the course that are thin and need turf

Root Pruning and Seed in Divot Mix

On Monday we were able to do some root pruning behind #11 and #17 greens. What we do is make a 4-6 inch wide trench about 10-12 inches deep below the drip line of the trees. This will cut the roots without affecting tree health but at the same time remove the competition with the turf for water and nutrients.

Here's a picture from behind #11 green.

 

Upon closer inspection you can see the amount of roots that were entering into the green itself.

Once the roots are removed the trench is backfilled and seeded.

Also, wanted to answer a question that I was recently asked about seed in the divot mix. We do add seed to the divot mix in the Spring and Fall. During the Summer we do not because it is too hot for the seed to properly germinate and grow. We do ask that divots are filled as the creeping bentgrass will move laterally to fill the divot itself. Albeit it slowly.

Weekly Schedule for August 19-25, 2013

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Aerify, seed and topdress collars and greens perimeters
-Aerify, seed and topdress select tees
-Rotary mow bunker surrounds and slopes
-Aerify and seed weak areas in roughs

Seedlings

We are getting some excellent seedling germination on #11 green where we aerified, seeded and topdressed.

Expect to see more seedlings emerge in fairways, tees and roughs as well in the next few weeks.

Weekly Schedule for August 12-18, 2013

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Topdress new sod with sand in fairways and tees
-Seed intermediate cut and roughs