Rough around greens

Many of you have asked about the condition of the rough surrounding the greens. In some places it is thin and patchy, other places there are only weeds, and still even other places there is very little cover at all. I can assure you that this problem is on my radar and is being addressed from several directions.

First, due to the weather and timing of other agronomic practices, seed was not able to be put down around the greens this spring. To prevent more weeds from encroaching, a pre-emergent herbicide needed to be applied. Unfortunately, this herbicide will also prevent grass seed from germinating and maturing. Therefore, so as to not waste seed, I chose to not seed now, but I will seed extensively in the fall. By waiting until fall, air and soil temperatures are most conducive to grass seed germination. Also, the pre-emergent herbicide applied in the spring will have worn off and will no longer inhibit the seed. Finally, with a new seeder purchased this spring, and thorough aerating of the green surrounds, we will see an increase in turf quality.

Next, fertilizer has been applied in the rough around the greens to encourage the existing grass to thicken up. While this will not help areas that are bare, since there is no grass for the fertilizer to help, it will be a benefit everywhere that the current turf is located.  Close monitoring of the health of the surrounds will allow for additional applications of fertilizer throughout the spring and early summer. Once summer hits, the health and nutrition of the plant will be strong enough to carry it through the heat. Additionally, fungicides may be applied to help protect the turf as well.

Lastly, post-emergent, selective herbicides will be used around the greens as well. This particular chemical will target broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, chickweed and other common weeds. The benefit to this product is that it does not harm the turf. Therefore, after application, all that will remain is the healthy stand of turf grass and no weeds.

While this process may not show the most immediate effects, there will be some short-term improvements and long-term success will be better. I, like all of you, am impatient when it comes to making and seeing improvements to the course. However, I know that hurrying to improve the quality around the greens by over seeding now would only be wasteful, forcing it all to be done again in the fall.

 See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org