Native area mowing

Across the golf course, we have certain areas that we leave un-mowed through the season. We have been working to make those areas more “native grass areas” rather than “wild areas.” This year we tried a few new steps to get to the results we want. There was some success, but overall we did not achieve the look we hoped for. As we head into fall, we are starting to mow down these un-mowed areas as part of the small amount of regular maintenance that we do perform.

Native grass to the left of #18 tee

The native areas on our course were born to try and save resources- labor, time, fertilizer, etc. - and have accomplished that goal. You can read more about our concept of the native areas for Bretton Woods here. As we balance keeping the inputs minimal but still having an aesthetically pleasing product, each year we have to make adjustments and find creative ways to manage the native areas. Our plan for this upcoming fall is to get two separate cuts done on all of the native areas, which is double what we have done in the past.

In the next couple of weeks we will be mowing down the vegetation in the native areas. Then, towards the middle of November (weather permitting) we will try and get a second cut. We hope this second cut will be very damaging to any weeds that regrow after the first cut. By cutting the weeds a second time, especially while it is, or soon will be cold, any weeds that may try and live through winter will now be particularly susceptible to death instead. A second mowing in the late fall will also start us off in a better situation in the spring. We will be able cut again in the spring before too much growth has occurred and get an early handle on any new weed growth.

Native area between #16 and 17

While it is a slow process, mowing is the easiest way to manage the growth of the native areas. By adding in at least one additional cut, we hope that it will help save time down the road, as well as provide a better product going into next year.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes inside the bunkers when you are finished.

Note: Starting in November, through February, posts will be reduced to once per month. Thank you.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org