Post Aerification

One week after aerification, we were mowing the greens (at a higher height of cut) and picking up minimal sand.  Although many golfers complain about the sand, it is the key to a smooth, firm surface.  The Bentgrass will grow through the sand layer in week two and by week three, the current concerns will be forgotten.  


The surface will not be back to it's exceptional condition for about five weeks, weather dependent.  Next season, we scheduled to core aerify the second week in April.  The day length will be longer and the weather should be warmer and more conducive to re-establishment.  Additional light topdressings will be required to perfect and smooth the surface for the remaining forty seven weeks of the season.

One Week Post Aerification & Topdressing

Five weeks after Aerification & Sanding- back to exceptional conditioning

Putting Green Tree Root Pruning

The photos below illustrate the roots present and encroaching into the Practice Putting green.  With the removal of the Sycamores, additional severing of the roots via root pruning, and stump grinding complete, the undersized putting surface will be better capable of handling the high volumes of traffic.  The turfgrass will now have adequate sunlight, air movement, and lack of root competition for water and nutrients.  By eliminating these compounding stresses and correcting the irrigation layout, the Bentgrass will sustain density and discourage poa annua establishment.

Root Pruning Time Again

Every two years we prune the roots of trees that reside within close proximity to greens.  The tree roots compete with the high profile turf for water and nutrients.  Since tree removal is a sensitive and emotional issue, it is necessary to utilize alternative measures to limit their impact on the turfgrass.

Green Waste Stockpiling

The volume of tree debris that is generated from storm clean-up, annual pruning, strategic/dead tree removal is hard to accurately quantify.  This green waste is gathered and stockpiled throughout the season within the "Nursery Area" (located between Hole #16 and Hole #18).  The debris will eventually be ground into wood chips via a large Tub Grinder and recycled.  The stockpile requires monthly management throughout the year and when it expands to a point where it presents a fire concern to the overhead lines that provide power to our well motor, it must be consolidated and compacted.  This past month, we rented an excavator with a thumb for a day to perform the consolidation work.  Fifteen months worth of collected material was addressed in four hours.  I was pleased with the results and optimistic that by building the pile vertically we can prolong the time between grinding.  Tub grinding can be a costly expense, but with the volume we generate, it is much more economical than filling and hauling off 30 yard dumpsters.

Spring 2011 Flowers