Pushing Roots

With summer just around the corner we have been doing a lot of work on the greens to prepare them for the stresses of warmer weather. Last months vertidrain helps to relieve compaction for improved water infiltration and deeper rooting. We are addressing particularly problematic areas with a micro-tine aerification as yet another beneficial cultural practice.

We have also recently bumped our fertilizer rates to try to push some roots as well. Routine spiking and grooming is taking place weekly to increase air movement in the upper soil profile. All of these practices are essential, as we want plant health to be at an optimum level for early May (12th & 13th) when we will be aerifying. If you notice the greens are rolling a bit slower, it is all part of the plan.........

Spring Cultural Practices

Thatch reduction

This week we started our Spring cultural practices on the fairways. Our goal is to reduce thatch, alleviate compaction and provide an ideal environment for the seed that follows. The process has many moving parts and is as follows: 1. Verticut 2-3 directions to reduce thatch. 2. Blow and collect clippings. 3. Aerify to reduce compaction. 4. Allow the aerification plugs to dry (1 hour). 5. Verticut, drag and mow to breakup the plugs. 6. Seed 7. Solid tine aerify to punch-in the seed. 8. Drag-in the seed.



Aerifying to reduce compaction



As you can imagine, the going is a bit slow. To keep the process moving as smooth as possible we will be closing whatever hole we happen to be working on at that time. Hopefully, this does not create too much of an inconvenience.

Springtime mowing

The Spring is always a busy time on the golf course. As soil temperatures are warming, the grass begins to jump, requiring an increase in mowing frequency. Our mowing schedule is seasonal to coincide with the rate of growth we are seeing in the field. Our spring/summer schedule has us mowing greens on a daily basis, all other short grass areas (tees, collars, fairways & approaches) three times a week and the rough twice. Native areas will be cut every 2-3 weeks depending on the growth. Mondays are always a great day for cultural practices, fertilizing, project work, etc. as we are often closed. This Monday is no exception as we are planning to spike, lightly topdress and fertilize greens with calcium. We will also work to complete the single rail fence next to the cart path on #10. And finally, we will be spraying fairways on the front nine to slow the rate of growth, as we will begin aerification and seeding by mid week. Fairway seeding will continue over the next few weeks until complete.