Topdressing

Deep Tine Aerification

 Aerification vs. Mother Nature

Aerification of Collars

Fairway Circle Cutting

                                                                         







The trials and tribulations of competing for time on the golf course with Mother Nature.  She has decided to open up the skies each of the last three days at the most inopportune time.  The current tally is 3.4 inches all coming in the one o'clock hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The good news is we are on schedule to complete the majority of the work through the weekend, with a little cooperation from "you know who".  This should give us time next week to clean up and heal up.

A great deal off work was accomplished since my last post.  The first video shows the process of topdressing the greens.  This fresh greens mix will fill the holes left by aerification and dilute the organic matter that forms throughout the year.  This same program is being applied to the tees.  I included a clip of the tractors equipped with the Deep Tine aerifiers.  This is another first at Stonebridge.  The benefits of this application is the depth of these tines(8 inches) provide increased control over our soil profile.   Our standard aerification is limited to 3-5 inches.  This will lead to a stronger more resilient  turf.  We are taking a more aggressive approach to aerifying the collars with the goal of improving the surface drainage off the greens.  The final video shows the practice of circle cutting.  Following aerification and dethatching the turf stands up the the point where circle cutting will help reduce grain.  It can be a dizzying task, but well worth it.

Once again, I have to recognize the efforts of my staff.  They have adapted to the changing conditions and exceeded my expectations.  They will all be here through the weekend to "fight the good fight".  Maybe we can win a few rounds against our formidable foe.

Roughs Aerification

Greens Aerification

Fairway Aerification

 A quick update of the early proceedings of our first course closure.  The videos included in this post reflect a glimpse of the work being accomplished in the first few days.

Aerification of the roughs were completed Wednesday morning.

The putting surface  received a verti-cutting, aerification and core removal on Tuesday.  The topdressing of the greens was halted by 1.5 inches of rain on Wednesday afternoon.  The rain is a welcome sight but the timing is not always advantageous.  We will completed the topdressing on Thursday in preparation for our Deep Tine aerification on Friday morning.

The one project I am most excited about, is the fairway aerification.  This is the first time this machine is being employed on a wide scales basis. The one inch tines will provide superior compaction relief and the increased porosity will enhance the root system.  The end result will be a stronger more stress resistant turf.  With good weather and no mechanical issue this process will take at least five days to complete.  

Tee Verti cutting

The tees will be following the same program as the greens - verti-cut, aerify and topdress.  I posted this video of the tee verti-cutting to show the "rooster tail" of thatch being removed from the turf.      This is a favorite of every superintendent that is           maintaining Bermuda grass. 

     This is my first attempt with video presentation,           not quite Oscar worthy but it is a start.   Stay             tuned for more updates.                                                                                                                                                                   

Plugs on Putting Green

Dry area #18

Preparing for the Summer Madness

This time of year we tend to focus on the activities that will enhance our Summer Maintenance program.  Our first goal is to remove any and all encroachment onto the putting surfaces.  This includes edging the greens and plugging the contaminated areas with fresh turf from the Nursery Green. Two other major efforts are thatch control and weed management.  Thatch is controlled by vertical mowing and topdressing.  The vertical blades sever the the lateral growth and the sand dilutes the organic material that produces thatch.  This is followed by an aggressive aerification program that helps provide a consistent soil profile throughout our putting surfaces.  The weed management program started with our Pre-emergent application in early Spring.  This prevented most weeds from germinating.  The follow up plan is to hand pull or spot spray the remaining weeds.  A clean course is paramount for aerification.  

As most of you have noticed, the golf course is starting to show signs of the hot and dry weather.  Isolated dry areas are being treated with hand watering and wetting agent.  This will allow the soil to hold more moisture for the plant.  Our lake levels are maintaining and I do not expect any harsh water restrictions.  We will manage these areas until Mother Nature decides it is time to start the "Rainy Season".

As a quick reminder, the golf course will be closed from May 27th until June 6th.  This extended closing will provide great conditions for our re-opening date of Saturday, June 7th.  Thank you for your patience as we transform the golf course into "Our little slice of Heaven".

Vertical Mowing to remove thatch