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