Vertical mowing of playing surfaces is a very good way to ensure the best conditions possible. We verticut greens in the spring and fall and complete the process on the Bermuda grass in the summer. This week we are starting the fairways.
Last
year was the first time in several years that we were able to complete a
full fairway vertical mowing program. Weak turf, new turf, or both prevented us
from aggressively thinning the Bermuda grass. But the turf was ready last year,
and we are in an even better position this year.
Vertical mowing cuts down into the plant and soil as opposed
to cutting across the surface. For grasses like Bermuda grass which have
stolons and rhizomes- which are horizontal stems that grow on or just below the
surface- cutting vertically can encourage new, fresh growth. Also, by cutting
and removing some of the stem tissue, it opens the canopy and revitalizes the
existing turf.
Verticutting the fairways is a time consuming and aggressive
procedure. We have a large acreage of fairways, and the machine is only 5 feet
wide, meaning lots of passes up and down to cover all that space. The process
also produces lots of debris which must be cleaned off the fairways. After the
vertical mowing we will drag the fairways to knock any good soil back down to
the surface, and to help break apart the stems that have been cut. Then we will
blow as much loose material off the as possible. Then we mow the fairways to
cut all the stragglers that are tufted up. Lastly, we will blow again to clean
off the clippings from the regular mowing.
Although it will take 7-10 days for the fairways to heal
from the verticutting, taking one step back leads to two steps forward. The fairways
will be in better condition and better health after this work than they are
prior.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please don’t stand in one place for an extended period to
practice putting. Your footprints can be worn into the green.
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
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
