As we have moved into December, we can tell you about our efforts to prepare golf course turf from winter snow and ice, cold extremes and drying winds. This week, snow mold fungicides were applied to greens, tees and fairways. These materials protect plants from two winter turf diseases that form with or without snow cover. The fungicide materials provide protection for the entire winter. Also included was a high dosage of nutrient iron, that will encourage the growth of deep turf roots well into winter months.
Scheduled for next week, the green dye used in previous years will be applied to greens. The dye is a dense waxy covering that protect greens from winter winds. The material's thick viscosity requires two complete and separate applications. Drying winter winds that blow on greens, without snow cover, can dry plants to the point of killing turf. The "Wintergreen" product we use insulates turf similar to fiber or cloth coverings you may have seen protecting greens at other northern courses.
Also this year, we will protect greens with a layer of topdressing sand left over from greens aeration. The sand must be used this year because we have no way to store this special "oven dried" sand during wet winter months. So, the leftover sand will give greens an extra layer of protection from the harshness of winter.
Finally, colder temperatures will arrive this week compared to the last few weeks of great golf weather. Depending on how much snow we receive tonight, we may be able to keep the greens open depending on conditions we see during the next few weeks. We will keep you posted!!!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Update
We completed the greens aeration project this week. We finished by aerating and heavily topdressing perimeter areas of greens that were extended a few years ago. These "green extensions" as we call them, are predominantly comprised of weaker grass Poa annua, and performed poorly during 2009. We believe that between the greens' three aeration processes and the additional one done to the extensions, greens will be much healthier in 2010.
We are very encouraged over how well greens have healed since their aeration during the last week or so. Greens that go into winter with no visible holes will help to aid my winter slumbers. Winter desiccation damage can be a springtime problem, especially on exposed greens with aeration scars.
We fertilized fairways and the driving range today. We continue to use less fertilizer to maintain fairways, which is safer for the environment and saves precious dollars. We use less fertilizer because with strong aeration programs in place, we continue to eliminate the thatch layer and also provide channels into soils for fertilizers to enter. A significant thatch layer acts as a barrier, similar to a sponge, preventing the healthy flow of rainfall, irrigation water and fertilizers into soil. With less thatch, a higher percentage of fertilizer enters soil as compared to a thatchy fairway where fertilizer particles get tied up and wasted.
Roughs will be fertilized during the next few weeks. The timing of this application will encourage turf to grow healthy roots instead of leaves that need to be mowed. Strongly rooted turf is more reliable turf and will perform better next spring and summer.
Tidbits......Our well contractor performed tests this week on the well that provides irrigation water. Results (unavailable at this time) will give us information on the condition of the pump and underground piping, as well as the well itself....Irrigation pipes are tentatively scheduled to have water removed from them (with compressed air) on November 23-25**....Snow mold fungicides will be applied around those dates as well to greens, tees and fairways....12.1 million gallons pumped during 2009, 7 million less than during 2008......We are lowering the level of water in ponds in preparation for winter....
**To blow out irrigation pipes with water, we usually rent a compressor in the 700-900 CFM range. If you have one to rent to us, please contact me. We prefer to keep the business within the Potowomut family!!
We are very encouraged over how well greens have healed since their aeration during the last week or so. Greens that go into winter with no visible holes will help to aid my winter slumbers. Winter desiccation damage can be a springtime problem, especially on exposed greens with aeration scars.
We fertilized fairways and the driving range today. We continue to use less fertilizer to maintain fairways, which is safer for the environment and saves precious dollars. We use less fertilizer because with strong aeration programs in place, we continue to eliminate the thatch layer and also provide channels into soils for fertilizers to enter. A significant thatch layer acts as a barrier, similar to a sponge, preventing the healthy flow of rainfall, irrigation water and fertilizers into soil. With less thatch, a higher percentage of fertilizer enters soil as compared to a thatchy fairway where fertilizer particles get tied up and wasted.
Roughs will be fertilized during the next few weeks. The timing of this application will encourage turf to grow healthy roots instead of leaves that need to be mowed. Strongly rooted turf is more reliable turf and will perform better next spring and summer.
Tidbits......Our well contractor performed tests this week on the well that provides irrigation water. Results (unavailable at this time) will give us information on the condition of the pump and underground piping, as well as the well itself....Irrigation pipes are tentatively scheduled to have water removed from them (with compressed air) on November 23-25**....Snow mold fungicides will be applied around those dates as well to greens, tees and fairways....12.1 million gallons pumped during 2009, 7 million less than during 2008......We are lowering the level of water in ponds in preparation for winter....
**To blow out irrigation pipes with water, we usually rent a compressor in the 700-900 CFM range. If you have one to rent to us, please contact me. We prefer to keep the business within the Potowomut family!!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Why So Much Sand??
After the aeration process, we remove soil cores with snow shovels. When we began turfgrass improvement programs a few years ago, our goals were to change greens' soils, not because our native soils were bad for golf, but because we know that growing greens' turf in sand provides the best possible conditions for golf and reliable turfgrass.
After greens are aerated we add 20 to 25 tons of United States Golf Association (USGA) tested and approved sand. The sand is dried in an oven and is worked into aeration holes as aggressively as possible without bruising and injuring turf.
The sand injection process adds another 15 tons of identical sand to the greens for a total of 35 to 40 tons each time we complete this process.
Research behind 100% sand greens was funded by the USGA and has become the accepted standard for new golf course construction since the 1970's. Properly built sand based greens drain excess water within the soil profile much faster than native soil greens. While a good native soil green may percolate water at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, sand based greens drain 12 inches of water per hour. Sand based greens also are firmer, provide uniform pore spaces for water and increased root mass, warm faster for better recovery in spring, accept a well played golf shot, are easier to irrigate, and can better withstand lower mowing heights.
I wrote earlier this season that Golf Course Superintendents prefer to have control when it comes to water. Greens grown in a sandy soil medium will drain water more efficiently. Greens that drain are better greens because we have more control of the amount of water in the soil profile.
The final step in our aeration program was the deep tine aerator. This machine aerated our greens to a depth of 10", as opposed to the other two methods that aerated to 4" and 7". Together with the added sands, all the 4 to 10" aeration channels that are created also help to drain excess water from the soil profile.
Why is there so much sand on the greens? The best method available to older golf courses like Potowomut that desire great modern greens is to aerate, remove cores and add sand! We are still "switching" soils the greens are grown in, from native soil to sands, with the goal of providing great reliable greens that are a joy to play golf on.
After greens are aerated we add 20 to 25 tons of United States Golf Association (USGA) tested and approved sand. The sand is dried in an oven and is worked into aeration holes as aggressively as possible without bruising and injuring turf.
The sand injection process adds another 15 tons of identical sand to the greens for a total of 35 to 40 tons each time we complete this process.
Research behind 100% sand greens was funded by the USGA and has become the accepted standard for new golf course construction since the 1970's. Properly built sand based greens drain excess water within the soil profile much faster than native soil greens. While a good native soil green may percolate water at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, sand based greens drain 12 inches of water per hour. Sand based greens also are firmer, provide uniform pore spaces for water and increased root mass, warm faster for better recovery in spring, accept a well played golf shot, are easier to irrigate, and can better withstand lower mowing heights.
I wrote earlier this season that Golf Course Superintendents prefer to have control when it comes to water. Greens grown in a sandy soil medium will drain water more efficiently. Greens that drain are better greens because we have more control of the amount of water in the soil profile.
The final step in our aeration program was the deep tine aerator. This machine aerated our greens to a depth of 10", as opposed to the other two methods that aerated to 4" and 7". Together with the added sands, all the 4 to 10" aeration channels that are created also help to drain excess water from the soil profile.
Why is there so much sand on the greens? The best method available to older golf courses like Potowomut that desire great modern greens is to aerate, remove cores and add sand! We are still "switching" soils the greens are grown in, from native soil to sands, with the goal of providing great reliable greens that are a joy to play golf on.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Aeration update many thanks.....(somewhat sappy)
Greens have been aerated twice, using conventional aeration and the dry ject method. The deep tine operation will be done this Thursday. To date, all has gone well as greens have withstood the mechanical and physical abuse.
During the season, greens showed us signs that aggressive aeration was needed this fall. The signs we observed included persistent late season anthracnose presence, increased fairy ring disease that required three expensive applications of fungicides, and the hydrophobic situation (inability to accept water) during September. These three problems told us that conditions had changed and needed to be addressed. I believe that our greens aeration program, although disruptive to golfers, is the most important factor to insure great putting surfaces for next year. Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. Let me also add that I do not believe there is a better designed aeration program than ours!!
We plan to install three new irrigation heads behind the fifth green within the next few weeks. The project will be done in house by our crews. Since trees have been removed in this area, turfgrass quality has been poor partly because of the lack of irrigation. Another factor are the oak trees and their proficiency to steal water needed by turf. Ironically, this season this area did show improvement, but we believe better quality was related to increased rainfall seen during 2009.
We have many people to thank for our wonderful year. Thanks for the support from you, the wonderful members of Potowomut, including The Board of Governors, past and future!! Thanks to Shawn Campbell, Seth Force, Dan Post-Kennedy, Donna Euell, Deb West and all fellow staff members. Also, thanks to my hard working staff, including Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve Virgulak. Also thanks to Mechanic George Borges, Horticulturalist Dick McNamara, as well as Ron Conde, Ricardo Rangel, Chris Wynne, Kevin King, Efrain Blanco-Cruz, Scott Virgulak, Cliff Rice, Jon Navarro, Mike K., Mike Jolicour and Don Gulfoyle. You guys are the best crew I have had the pleasure to work with. Even though 2009 hasn't yet finished, I can't wait to begin working with you all again during 2010.
Also, I would be remiss not to thank and acknowledge the support of my wonderful family. Yes, I am boasting quite loudly when I tell you I have had many special days this year. Son Benjamin Shields was married to Laura Platino on July 11th, right after I was spoiled for my 50th birthday. Last week I witnessed son Zach Shields play his very first concerts to sold our audiences in Cambridge and Philadelphia after a successful launch of his band's CD. Also last week, daughter Alexandra Shields landed in Kenya to help build schools and teach AIDS awareness to vulnerable young girls, making this Dad quite proud. Daughter Zoe Gertner and I will continue our college search next week in Rhode Island as she prepares for the next chapters of her adulthood. Mom and Dad, brothers and sister Joan, and friend Barbara and her wonderful family...thanks to all!!
Thanks for bearing with me. One last thing, we will NOT thank the millions of leaves as they begin their annual migration from tree to ground next week.
During the season, greens showed us signs that aggressive aeration was needed this fall. The signs we observed included persistent late season anthracnose presence, increased fairy ring disease that required three expensive applications of fungicides, and the hydrophobic situation (inability to accept water) during September. These three problems told us that conditions had changed and needed to be addressed. I believe that our greens aeration program, although disruptive to golfers, is the most important factor to insure great putting surfaces for next year. Thanks to everyone for your patience and support. Let me also add that I do not believe there is a better designed aeration program than ours!!
We plan to install three new irrigation heads behind the fifth green within the next few weeks. The project will be done in house by our crews. Since trees have been removed in this area, turfgrass quality has been poor partly because of the lack of irrigation. Another factor are the oak trees and their proficiency to steal water needed by turf. Ironically, this season this area did show improvement, but we believe better quality was related to increased rainfall seen during 2009.
We have many people to thank for our wonderful year. Thanks for the support from you, the wonderful members of Potowomut, including The Board of Governors, past and future!! Thanks to Shawn Campbell, Seth Force, Dan Post-Kennedy, Donna Euell, Deb West and all fellow staff members. Also, thanks to my hard working staff, including Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve Virgulak. Also thanks to Mechanic George Borges, Horticulturalist Dick McNamara, as well as Ron Conde, Ricardo Rangel, Chris Wynne, Kevin King, Efrain Blanco-Cruz, Scott Virgulak, Cliff Rice, Jon Navarro, Mike K., Mike Jolicour and Don Gulfoyle. You guys are the best crew I have had the pleasure to work with. Even though 2009 hasn't yet finished, I can't wait to begin working with you all again during 2010.
Also, I would be remiss not to thank and acknowledge the support of my wonderful family. Yes, I am boasting quite loudly when I tell you I have had many special days this year. Son Benjamin Shields was married to Laura Platino on July 11th, right after I was spoiled for my 50th birthday. Last week I witnessed son Zach Shields play his very first concerts to sold our audiences in Cambridge and Philadelphia after a successful launch of his band's CD. Also last week, daughter Alexandra Shields landed in Kenya to help build schools and teach AIDS awareness to vulnerable young girls, making this Dad quite proud. Daughter Zoe Gertner and I will continue our college search next week in Rhode Island as she prepares for the next chapters of her adulthood. Mom and Dad, brothers and sister Joan, and friend Barbara and her wonderful family...thanks to all!!
Thanks for bearing with me. One last thing, we will NOT thank the millions of leaves as they begin their annual migration from tree to ground next week.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Organic pesticide, dyed greens, aerification preparation....
Fairways and tees were treated late this week with fungicides as disease "dollar spot" was seen on these areas. Dollar spot is caused by the fungi Schlerotinia homeocarpa, and is the disease most commonly seen in our climate from May until October. This year we have sprayed tees and fairways a record seven times for dollar spot. As we cover over 22 acres with each application, seven applications adds up to an expensive, yet important maintenance operation.
Fairways and tees are sprayed on a "curative" basis. This means that these areas are treated only after disease is seen. The other method is to treat on a "preventative" schedule. Prevention management is far more costly because it results in far more actual fungicide applications.
Greens have greatly improved since our last blog posting. They are accepting water again after wetting agent applications, and dry edges are healing. Steady rains Saturday (1.77") and last weekend have helped.
On Friday, we again treated for disease anthracnose on the greens. We used a new Canadian organic material, Civitas, that is environmentally friendly. For a reason I have yet to understand, a dark green dye component is required when spraying Civitas. Expect the greens to stay this odd color of green for a week or two.
We are in the process of preparing greens for three aeration processes that begin after October 13th. Heights of cut are being raised five thousandths of an inch a week, and greens were heavily fertilized Friday October 2nd. Our intent is to get greens growing very aggressively this week despite colder temperatures, so greens heal quickly after renovation. Our challenge is to promote turfgrass growth so aeration holes are not present during winter weather. Greens that haven't healed for winter are referred to as "open greens" and are more prone to excessive desiccation (drying) if we see a windy, snow-free winter.
We should note that forcing quick growth of greens' turfgrass is the opposite management philosophy we employ during the true golf season. During the season, we prepare the greens' surfaces for optimum playability and speed using daily low mowing and occasional double mowing, rolling, and little fertilizer use. Growth regulators are also used to slow and even stop grass growth. Desiring thick, lush growth on greens is new to us!!!
Enjoy your week, and go Sox, Pats, and Nittany Lions!!!
Fairways and tees are sprayed on a "curative" basis. This means that these areas are treated only after disease is seen. The other method is to treat on a "preventative" schedule. Prevention management is far more costly because it results in far more actual fungicide applications.
Greens have greatly improved since our last blog posting. They are accepting water again after wetting agent applications, and dry edges are healing. Steady rains Saturday (1.77") and last weekend have helped.
On Friday, we again treated for disease anthracnose on the greens. We used a new Canadian organic material, Civitas, that is environmentally friendly. For a reason I have yet to understand, a dark green dye component is required when spraying Civitas. Expect the greens to stay this odd color of green for a week or two.
We are in the process of preparing greens for three aeration processes that begin after October 13th. Heights of cut are being raised five thousandths of an inch a week, and greens were heavily fertilized Friday October 2nd. Our intent is to get greens growing very aggressively this week despite colder temperatures, so greens heal quickly after renovation. Our challenge is to promote turfgrass growth so aeration holes are not present during winter weather. Greens that haven't healed for winter are referred to as "open greens" and are more prone to excessive desiccation (drying) if we see a windy, snow-free winter.
We should note that forcing quick growth of greens' turfgrass is the opposite management philosophy we employ during the true golf season. During the season, we prepare the greens' surfaces for optimum playability and speed using daily low mowing and occasional double mowing, rolling, and little fertilizer use. Growth regulators are also used to slow and even stop grass growth. Desiring thick, lush growth on greens is new to us!!!
Enjoy your week, and go Sox, Pats, and Nittany Lions!!!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Aeration, dry soils, Caddyshack and tidbits....
Aeration, anthracnose and lingering summer issues remain....
Fairway aeration is well over half done, and will continue until completed. Not all fairways have messy soil cores brought to the surface, due to equipment ruining rocky conditions. Fairways with rocky soil are aerated with a solid tine where we only poke a 3/4" round hole down four inches or so. Read below for a few reasons we aerate turfgrass. Thanks for everyone's patience!!
Anthracnose continues to injure a few greens in small areas. (Disease first appears as dime sized or smaller, yellowed damaged areas of turfgrass that can spread and kill turf overnight) Mostly greens 1 and 6 are affected. This disease is still present in late September despite 20 fungicide applications designed to combat this "scum, slime and menace to the golfing industry." Apologies for the (Caddyshack quote), but it's getting too late in the season to see this turf disease on greens day after day, despite its minor presence from my viewpoint. Colder temperatures and continued vigilance to its control should eliminate Anthacnose remnants very soon.
You may have noticed areas on a few greens' that have weakened during the last week or two, especially on a few outside edges. (1,3,8,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,PG) These weakened areas' soils are dry, despite adequate and sometimes excessive irrigation. We can explain the condition, and what we are doing now and in the future to re-wet the soils, and thus improve these turfgrass areas.
A few factors are involved here. Many greens' soils are now somewhat "hydrophobic," in that they are resisting wetting, they are repelling water from any source instead of accepting water, which we as turf managers obviously desire. Standing with my trusty hose attempting to add water to a few areas has been a bit frustrating the last week or two. Instead of disappearing into soil to be used by roots as is normal, irrigation water is puddling on some greens' surfaces, rendering them un-puttable (and strangely, still with dry soils.) Today, I watched a 2 minute irrigation cycle on the 2nd green form a river of water in the center of the green after only 60 seconds. No water was entering the green.
Typically, sandy soils have higher potential for being hydrophobic; and it is not a coincidence that the top few inches of Poto greens' soils are comprised of sand. (Despite hydrophobic soil conditions, sandy soils remain the preferred growing medium for golf turf, because of its excellent drainage and playability characteristics.)
We have applied wetting agent materials during the last week. These "soap like," waxy chemicals are designed to pull water into the soil profile, and the product we used works very well for our current situation. These applications have helped the hydrophobic situation but have yet to totally change conditions.
Other factors have contributed to the greens' inability to get water. Soils close to greens' surfaces have been compacted, or squeezed out by foot traffic, mowing and maintenance equipment, and even the awesome weight of 25" of rainfall we've seen since April 3rd. Compaction happens when the important air component of soil is removed, squeezed out by weight and pressure. A healthy soil is comprised of 50% soil particles, and 50% spaces for air, water and roots. Imagine a time lapse photo of our 18th green from April until today. The effect of golfers, equipment and water are factors that cause soil compaction. Over time, pore spaces disappear. To me anyway, its affects are impressive.
With less pore space available because of compaction, there is less room for the water to go within the soil, which limits the amount of water the greens can accept.
Of course, the above diatribe partly explains the need to frequently aerate greens, as scarring the surfaces of the greens helps to address the problems mentioned above. Aeration (planned this year for October 13th, until completed) will help to change persistent hydrophobic soils and improve soil compaction issues. Aeration also removes the organic thatch layer that acts as a barrier between plant and soil. Aerating creates channels to direct water to soil, thus eliminating hydrophobic conditions. Aeration also cures soil compaction issues by physically creating additional soil pore spaces.
Late this fall, our greens aeration program will consist of three different processes. First, we will aerate greens with our conventional 4" deep aeration equipment. Soil plugs will be removed with snow shovels and oven dried sand will be added to fill the holes. Secondly, we will aerate with a deep tine machine to a depth of 8", with pencil shaped tines. The deep machine will add more oxygen availability to soils and create deep pore spaces for water. Thirdly, we will use the sand injection aerators that inject sand into fine small holes using high pressure water. (5000 PSI) This third machine also helps to smooth the greens after the three processes. Upon completion, I believe this is the best aeration program designed for greens in our climate.
Finally, we despise greens aeration almost as much as you do. At the same time, it is our only method available of cultivating soil, and the most important cultural tool to guarantee wonderful greens for the 2010 season. Again, thanks for everyone's patience and understanding!!
Tidbits......11,500,000 gallons of irrigation water have been applied so far this season. This is far less than the 18,000,000+ we pumped last year......Hyperoides weevils were able to munch on the 18th approach for a week or two before they were controlled. Turf damage was evident. Usually a late June or early July pest, the second or third generation of these small grubs caused the damage, which is rare. 2010 control programs will continue insecticide applications well into August......We have re-applied through Coastal Management to extend the three year permit for proposed berm work on 17........Irrigation system is in excellent shape as Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve get more proficient diagnosing and repairing problems.......As mentioned earlier in the year, after selling a few pieces of older, unused equipment during winter 2009, we were able to purchase two pieces of the most modern reel grinding equipment available. An unbelievable deal for us!! (2002 original purchase price was close to $40,000 by Newport National) Quality of cut will improve drastically as we begin using both machines over the winter......
Fairway aeration is well over half done, and will continue until completed. Not all fairways have messy soil cores brought to the surface, due to equipment ruining rocky conditions. Fairways with rocky soil are aerated with a solid tine where we only poke a 3/4" round hole down four inches or so. Read below for a few reasons we aerate turfgrass. Thanks for everyone's patience!!
Anthracnose continues to injure a few greens in small areas. (Disease first appears as dime sized or smaller, yellowed damaged areas of turfgrass that can spread and kill turf overnight) Mostly greens 1 and 6 are affected. This disease is still present in late September despite 20 fungicide applications designed to combat this "scum, slime and menace to the golfing industry." Apologies for the (Caddyshack quote), but it's getting too late in the season to see this turf disease on greens day after day, despite its minor presence from my viewpoint. Colder temperatures and continued vigilance to its control should eliminate Anthacnose remnants very soon.
You may have noticed areas on a few greens' that have weakened during the last week or two, especially on a few outside edges. (1,3,8,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,PG) These weakened areas' soils are dry, despite adequate and sometimes excessive irrigation. We can explain the condition, and what we are doing now and in the future to re-wet the soils, and thus improve these turfgrass areas.
A few factors are involved here. Many greens' soils are now somewhat "hydrophobic," in that they are resisting wetting, they are repelling water from any source instead of accepting water, which we as turf managers obviously desire. Standing with my trusty hose attempting to add water to a few areas has been a bit frustrating the last week or two. Instead of disappearing into soil to be used by roots as is normal, irrigation water is puddling on some greens' surfaces, rendering them un-puttable (and strangely, still with dry soils.) Today, I watched a 2 minute irrigation cycle on the 2nd green form a river of water in the center of the green after only 60 seconds. No water was entering the green.
Typically, sandy soils have higher potential for being hydrophobic; and it is not a coincidence that the top few inches of Poto greens' soils are comprised of sand. (Despite hydrophobic soil conditions, sandy soils remain the preferred growing medium for golf turf, because of its excellent drainage and playability characteristics.)
We have applied wetting agent materials during the last week. These "soap like," waxy chemicals are designed to pull water into the soil profile, and the product we used works very well for our current situation. These applications have helped the hydrophobic situation but have yet to totally change conditions.
Other factors have contributed to the greens' inability to get water. Soils close to greens' surfaces have been compacted, or squeezed out by foot traffic, mowing and maintenance equipment, and even the awesome weight of 25" of rainfall we've seen since April 3rd. Compaction happens when the important air component of soil is removed, squeezed out by weight and pressure. A healthy soil is comprised of 50% soil particles, and 50% spaces for air, water and roots. Imagine a time lapse photo of our 18th green from April until today. The effect of golfers, equipment and water are factors that cause soil compaction. Over time, pore spaces disappear. To me anyway, its affects are impressive.
With less pore space available because of compaction, there is less room for the water to go within the soil, which limits the amount of water the greens can accept.
Of course, the above diatribe partly explains the need to frequently aerate greens, as scarring the surfaces of the greens helps to address the problems mentioned above. Aeration (planned this year for October 13th, until completed) will help to change persistent hydrophobic soils and improve soil compaction issues. Aeration also removes the organic thatch layer that acts as a barrier between plant and soil. Aerating creates channels to direct water to soil, thus eliminating hydrophobic conditions. Aeration also cures soil compaction issues by physically creating additional soil pore spaces.
Late this fall, our greens aeration program will consist of three different processes. First, we will aerate greens with our conventional 4" deep aeration equipment. Soil plugs will be removed with snow shovels and oven dried sand will be added to fill the holes. Secondly, we will aerate with a deep tine machine to a depth of 8", with pencil shaped tines. The deep machine will add more oxygen availability to soils and create deep pore spaces for water. Thirdly, we will use the sand injection aerators that inject sand into fine small holes using high pressure water. (5000 PSI) This third machine also helps to smooth the greens after the three processes. Upon completion, I believe this is the best aeration program designed for greens in our climate.
Finally, we despise greens aeration almost as much as you do. At the same time, it is our only method available of cultivating soil, and the most important cultural tool to guarantee wonderful greens for the 2010 season. Again, thanks for everyone's patience and understanding!!
Tidbits......11,500,000 gallons of irrigation water have been applied so far this season. This is far less than the 18,000,000+ we pumped last year......Hyperoides weevils were able to munch on the 18th approach for a week or two before they were controlled. Turf damage was evident. Usually a late June or early July pest, the second or third generation of these small grubs caused the damage, which is rare. 2010 control programs will continue insecticide applications well into August......We have re-applied through Coastal Management to extend the three year permit for proposed berm work on 17........Irrigation system is in excellent shape as Assistant Superintendents Dan and Steve get more proficient diagnosing and repairing problems.......As mentioned earlier in the year, after selling a few pieces of older, unused equipment during winter 2009, we were able to purchase two pieces of the most modern reel grinding equipment available. An unbelievable deal for us!! (2002 original purchase price was close to $40,000 by Newport National) Quality of cut will improve drastically as we begin using both machines over the winter......
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Summer reflections
I beg your apologies for the extended time since my last post.
The summer of 2009 finally arrived in August, and proved to be a challenging month for both your golf course and our staff. The combination of typical summer heat and humidity proved to be quite stressful for plants because of low August rainfall, combined with a prolonged battle against different diseases present because of earlier wet conditions. Two near misses from potentially damaging Hurricanes Bill and Danny added to our anxiety a bit late in the month. Sincere thanks to Meteorologist and Potowomut member Herb Stevens for many daily updates relating to both storms, as well as his valuable weekly updates throughout the year that he sends us at no charge.
All turf areas have performed quite well during the season to date. We worked this year to increase green speed and consistency, along with improved mowing practices for better fairways. Also, growth regulation programs continue to be fine tuned for Potowomut; greens and fairways were improved due to these programs as well. Roughs continue to improve because applied fertilizers work more efficiently due to our established liming programs. I would be remiss however, if we didn't mention that rough improvement was also due to ample rainfall that fell during May, June and July.
LINES ON FAIRWAYS
On fairways 15-18, you may have seen a 4" to 6" band of turf that appears in long lines up and down those fairways. (See picture below) This was caused by a single nozzle from the fairway sprayer that was spraying too much chemical in an incorrect pattern. The growth regulator herbicide that caused the damage is applied in very small amounts; this over-application actually removed the Poa annua (Annual Bluegrass) from these bands. What we are seeing is darker green colored ryegrass now dominated these areas, with no lighter colored annual bluegrass present. Potowomut fairways are comprised of many different grass species including perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrasses, and fescues. We did catch problem after applying a single tank of the material. I expect these lines will not stand out as much during the future as the annual bluegrass will again invade these areas.
AERATION
As August departs, and with it the severe weather that stresses turfgrass, we immediately begin to prepare golf surfaces for next season. To legally assist the turf get as tough as a well trained athlete, we begin aeration programs. Aeration returns needed oxygen to soils, helps to relieve compaction and removes a thatch layer that slows or stops water, fertilizers and pesticides from entering. We will complete tees, green collars and approaches during the month, and will begin fairways during September as well. On some fairways we will pull a soil core, on fairways where rocky soils are present, we will only poke a hole with a solid tine to save our equipment.
As Shawn mentioned in an email last week, greens will be aerated beginning October 13th. We are planning on aerating with three methods between that date and October 23rd. The three methods are conventional aeration with a 5/8" tine, deep tine and sand injection aeration. We perform one operation, while contractors get the other two done for us. Greens need each of these programs this fall so they can perform as we expect them to during 2010.
PARKING LOT
On Wednesday, September 9th, a contractor will apply a asphalt based material to fill cracks in our parking lot. They will arrive early during the day and try to get parking areas closest to the clubhouse completed. However, we may need to direct some members to park in unconventional areas (maintenance shop, 10th rough, areas near the big rock on 13) so we may efficiently get the work done. We will be there to direct you that morning. Thanks for understanding!!
The summer of 2009 finally arrived in August, and proved to be a challenging month for both your golf course and our staff. The combination of typical summer heat and humidity proved to be quite stressful for plants because of low August rainfall, combined with a prolonged battle against different diseases present because of earlier wet conditions. Two near misses from potentially damaging Hurricanes Bill and Danny added to our anxiety a bit late in the month. Sincere thanks to Meteorologist and Potowomut member Herb Stevens for many daily updates relating to both storms, as well as his valuable weekly updates throughout the year that he sends us at no charge.
All turf areas have performed quite well during the season to date. We worked this year to increase green speed and consistency, along with improved mowing practices for better fairways. Also, growth regulation programs continue to be fine tuned for Potowomut; greens and fairways were improved due to these programs as well. Roughs continue to improve because applied fertilizers work more efficiently due to our established liming programs. I would be remiss however, if we didn't mention that rough improvement was also due to ample rainfall that fell during May, June and July.
LINES ON FAIRWAYS
On fairways 15-18, you may have seen a 4" to 6" band of turf that appears in long lines up and down those fairways. (See picture below) This was caused by a single nozzle from the fairway sprayer that was spraying too much chemical in an incorrect pattern. The growth regulator herbicide that caused the damage is applied in very small amounts; this over-application actually removed the Poa annua (Annual Bluegrass) from these bands. What we are seeing is darker green colored ryegrass now dominated these areas, with no lighter colored annual bluegrass present. Potowomut fairways are comprised of many different grass species including perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, colonial bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrasses, and fescues. We did catch problem after applying a single tank of the material. I expect these lines will not stand out as much during the future as the annual bluegrass will again invade these areas.
AERATION
As August departs, and with it the severe weather that stresses turfgrass, we immediately begin to prepare golf surfaces for next season. To legally assist the turf get as tough as a well trained athlete, we begin aeration programs. Aeration returns needed oxygen to soils, helps to relieve compaction and removes a thatch layer that slows or stops water, fertilizers and pesticides from entering. We will complete tees, green collars and approaches during the month, and will begin fairways during September as well. On some fairways we will pull a soil core, on fairways where rocky soils are present, we will only poke a hole with a solid tine to save our equipment.
As Shawn mentioned in an email last week, greens will be aerated beginning October 13th. We are planning on aerating with three methods between that date and October 23rd. The three methods are conventional aeration with a 5/8" tine, deep tine and sand injection aeration. We perform one operation, while contractors get the other two done for us. Greens need each of these programs this fall so they can perform as we expect them to during 2010.
PARKING LOT
On Wednesday, September 9th, a contractor will apply a asphalt based material to fill cracks in our parking lot. They will arrive early during the day and try to get parking areas closest to the clubhouse completed. However, we may need to direct some members to park in unconventional areas (maintenance shop, 10th rough, areas near the big rock on 13) so we may efficiently get the work done. We will be there to direct you that morning. Thanks for understanding!!
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