WINTER UPDATE

It's early March!! We are nearing the end of a New England winter complete with cold, storms to remember (or forget) and almost hurricane force winds! Unfortunately, winter isn't done as more cold and snow are forecast for later this week and beyond. However, I'd like to report on your golf course as of today.

Winter 2013 has been a very nice winter for turf. Ice formation that prevents soils from breathing is always our primary concern regarding turfgrass health and and as of today we have none. Additionally, there isn't enough winter left for new ice to form and cause damage. We are also clean of snow mold diseases today and we are confident turf will remain free of disease when golf begins later this month.

Storms have damaged a few trees on the golf course but overall damage is not severe. Cedar trees and pines have taken the largest hit from heavy snow immediately followed by severe winds. Most injured trees have been pruned from ground level and clean up and chipping will happen into later March. (Since we don't own a tree chipper, we save all that work for the week we borrow one.) The most important tree that damaged is the large cedar on the left side of #2, along the slight dogleg curve of the hole. The tree is still standing but she isn't pretty.

The unused scoreboard located at the practice green was also a storm casualty as numerous cedar trees fell onto it. It has been removed.

During winter we have removed dead pines along #3, #10 and at the 16th tee. Other trees have been removed to improve the health of turfgrass, especially along #13 to add much needed sunlight penetration and air movement for the fairway. A few trees have been removed on #5 in anticipation of the cartpath paving project that will be done this year.

We are planning a member golf course clean up day for Saturday, March 23rd. More information as plans develop.

See everyone very soon for much needed outdoor recreation!