Another round of slicing

This week we will start slicing the Bermuda grass. It is one of the cultural practices that we do regularly, including once already this year in May. Normally, come summer time, we switch to more aggressive verticutting. However, since this season has been focused on recovery we are erring on the side of caution.

Up-close view of material removed from verticutting

Verticutting the fairway is a lot like it sounds. Instead of the blades laying horizontal across the grass and cutting it, the blades dive vertically down into the canopy of the grass. The blades reach down and remove material up to ½” below the surface. This material, thatch, is deposited on the surface and blown off. Thatch can be a detriment to the health of the turf and it can reduce the playability of the fairways. Also, the cutting of the below-ground tissue can stimulate new growth in healthy Bermuda grass. But we have spent the better part of 2 months to get as much healthy turf as we can established on the fairways. We feel that removing material is counter-productive and may adversely affect our previous efforts.

Another view of verticutting

But, we do want to stimulate the new growth. So instead of verticutting, over the next two weeks we will be slicing  instead. Slicing is the very tame alternative to verticutting. Blades still reach down into the canopy of the turf, but do not remove any material. Below-ground tissue is still cut and oxygen is still given an avenue into the rootzone. It will be a much cleaner and less labor-intensive project as well, and come this time of year, we can use labor in other areas to get us through the toughest stretches. As mentioned, verticutting also removes thatch, which can be a problem for turfgrass, if left unchecked. However, we don’t currently have a thatch problem, nor are we trying to recover from a past thatch problem. Also, a thatch issue won’t develop in one season from skipping the more aggressive cultural practice.

Much less disruption from slicing

We still have a few more plans to continue to aid the Bermuda grass in recovering from the devastating winter and spring. Slicing is one such step in that process.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be aware and careful of new sod.

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

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org