Bermuda sod and emergency tree work

It was a busy week last week. We started on Bermuda grass sod and had to do some emergency tree work as well.

First, this blog entry may be posted a little later in the day than usual- we are still working through an internet outage in the Grounds department. The recent storm on Friday afternoon knocked power out to the entire property and seems to have fried a couple of components at the shop.

The damaged tree on 17

Funnily enough, the storm didn’t cause too much damage to the course- lots of debris and a few small limbs fell. However, that same morning, well before the storm, a large section of the big pine tree on the left of #17 fairway broke off and fell. After clearing the cart path to at least allow access, we inspected the remainder of the tree and saw that the wound was very deep into the center of the trunk. We felt it was warranted to have our tree contractor inspect the tree for safety and to recommend whether the entire tree needed to be removed. Our contractor strongly recommended the tree be removed for safety reasons because the missing limb had left a scar that reached well past 50 percent through the trunk and the remaining part of the tree was leaning heavily in the direction of the missing limb. Luckily for us, the tree crew had a small job that was nearly finished that same morning and they were able to make it to our property and remove the tree that same day.

Prepped sod location

We were also able to get started on Bermuda grass sod this past week. For lots of the same reasons that our Bermuda grass struggled this spring- very dry, much cooler than normal, cloudy, etc., the sod company’s Bermuda grass struggled also and it delayed delivery of material. But we received 4 pallets last week and were able to repair spots on 1 fairway and 1 approach, 2 approach, 3 approach, 9 approach, 15 approach, 16 approach, and 18 fairway. We have 4 more pallets coming this week and we should wrap up all the remaining worst areas. We will also continue to plug in small pieces in various locations across the course through the rest of the season. And, in a few very specific locations, we will be transitioning the existing Bermuda grass to rough grass in the fall, so we won’t be repairing those places at all.

New sod being installed

One spot completed

The last 3 weeks have finally been a conducive Bermuda grass environment. We will continue to strive to improve everyday and hopefully we don’t have any more random tree work to tackle.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

After filling your divot with sand, either on a tee or fairway, please smooth the sand pile out so our mowers don’t cut through the sand.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org