Green Edge Seeding, and Dark Green Greens are Coming

GREEN EDGE SEEDING

After two relatively tame summers during 2008 and 2009, the summer of 2010 will be remembered by turf managers. Heat, and humidity have been relentless and have taken their toll on turf. Some areas of the country have seen excessive rainfall which has the affect of cooking turfgrass. Golf courses, especially in the Midwest and through the Washington DC to Boston corridor have been under severe stress since June. We have heard of golf courses that closed during the last few weeks so crews can re-establish turfgrass on severely injured sites. My heart goes out to fellow Superintendents, their staffs and frustrated members who have been affected by severe weather and damaged turf.

While we remain in decent shape, green edges have been damaged by nematodes. When heat and humidity are increased, biological activity also increases. This activity takes the form of insect population booms, higher incidence (and damage) caused by numerous turfgrass diseases, and a spike in nematode populations. Add to the equation the presence of weak Poa annua turf, weakening root systems, and being trampled by mowers, maintenance workers and happy golfers desiring fast green speeds, and you may begin to see how turf can be negatively impacted.

Next week, we will seed damaged green edges with creeping bentgrass seed using a specialized seeder. With these areas weakened, there will be less competition for new seedlings after they germinate, increasing the likelihood of a successful seed catch. Also, grass seed germinates fastest when soil temperatures are warm; they won't be any warmer after the temperatures we have seen the last thirty days or so. This process is non invasive to golfers, yet the benefits of increasing populations of creeping bentgrass to green edges will hopefully be seen next year.

Establishing creeping bentgrass plants is the best method available to eliminate damage from nematodes. Nematodes prefer weak Poa annua plants that heavily populate the green edges that were damaged this season. Changing the grass type present will help these areas to be stronger in the future.

DARK GREEN GREENS

During the next day or two, we will apply the environmentally friendly material Civitas to our greens to fight potentially devastating turf disease anthracnose. This application takes the place of a pesticide application. As a part of this application, a heavy green colorant is added according to manufacturer's (and Environmental Protection Agency) direction. Therefore, greens will have a dark green look for four to seven days after the application.

POND LEVEL

We have maintained higher water levels in our irrigation pond this season. Knowing in advance (thanks to the Meteorologist to Golf Course Superintendents Mr. Stevens) that 2010 was going to be a warmer summer than average, efficient water management became an important goal. In a 24 hour period during an extended hot and dry spell, we use 250,000 to 280,000 gallons of water. During the same 24 hours, the well that provides water to the pond provides around 180,000 gallons. As you can see, water deficits occur because irrigation use can exceed our supply. Town water is available to us if our supply becomes low, but at significant cost. Therefore, we have tried to hold as much water as possible this summer, to keep us from tapping into expensive Warwick water. Also, we have been able to enjoy the enterprising koi fish explore a new food source this summer.....the rough on 17!!

Tidbits.....July 2010 will be the warmest July at Potowomut since 2005, with high temperatures averaging 87.49 degrees since June 24th...We may also break our record for plant water loss in July because of the heat.....We have used 9.5 million gallons for irrigation to date, double the amount we used last year to date....

Please thank my wonderful crew for a job well done, they are excellent!!