Seed head control test

Every year we strive to get better at each and every aspect of our maintenance practices on the golf course, and the entire Bretton Woods property. Our seed head control program is key to getting the season off to a good start and allowing the grass to be as healthy as it can heading into the summer months. This year, to gauge the effectiveness of our control program, we left a check plot on the chipping green.

Left side of white hash line is treated, right side untreated.

This area on the chipping green has not received a single seed head chemical control application yet this year. Our idea for this test was two-fold. First, we wanted to make sure that what we were doing was truly an effective way to manage seed heads. Are the chemicals we are using doing what they are supposed to do? Could we be using less, or different chemicals? While we were confident that our program was correct, because we had not observed the seed heads that we would have expected, we still used a control area to confirm our thoughts. Secondly, we thought this could be a strong visual aid for the membership to see what conditions could be like without the chemical control we implement. Not only would the putting surface be bumpy and inconsistent, but the health of the plants would suffer.

The proof of the success of our program is plainly visible at the chipping green. The chemicals we are using are doing exactly as they are supposed to, and the turf is responding just as we expected. This is not to say that we cannot still learn, make adjustments, and improve our program; but, we are on the right track and our program is built on a solid base.

Up-close picture of many, many seed heads.

The pictures included in this post provide a decent representation of the difference between the untreated side (right) and the treated side (left). However, to really see the difference, we invite you to take a look at the chipping green yourselves the next time you are over there. We have painted a line separating the two areas. Seeing it in person will give a much better understanding to the difference the chemicals make.

Even closer view of individual seed heads.

Once you have looked, if you have any other questions or thoughts, flag one of us down while you are on the course or send an email and we can continue the discussion

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

When you splash bunker sand onto the green after your shot, please brush away any large piles or clumps that may have ended up on the green.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org