Seeding and tree work

This past week we started our Bermuda grass seeding efforts. We could not repair all the damage with sod this year, so as discussed, our next step was to seed the bad areas. Looking ahead, we also have tree work upcoming.

Seeded area on #3

While the damage this season was much less severe than last year, there was much work still to be done to get the fairways to the condition we all expect. Sod was the first step. Now comes the seeding of areas that we were not able to sod. Each hole has a varying degree of damage, with 5,11,15 being the worst.

Another seed spot on #3

First, we used our tractor mounted aerator to put holes in the spots prior to seeding. This will allow for water movement, air infiltration, as well as to help break up our pre-emergent herbicide layer. Next, we put down a mix of sand and compost in the bad areas. If the spot was very low, and water puddled in that location, then more of the sand mix was added to raise the entire profile. If it was relatively level, then a smaller amount of sand was added. Seed was spread over top of the sand, gently raked in until mixed, and then the entire area was compacted.

Once finished, we placed a small stake to signify the location. While we will need to be gentle with these new seedlings as they progress, we are not making any drastic cart or play rules. The areas are too small and spread out to have an effective cart rule and making entire holes cart path only is extreme. If we were seeding an entire fairway or close to it, that would change the dynamic, but for now we will manage as we have been. Please be aware of the seed and avoid it if possible.

On a slightly related note, we will also finally be getting to the tree work that has been scheduled since the beginning of the year. Wet conditions, and then conflicting schedules have prevented us from starting sooner. But, on Monday we will begin removal of some dead trees on the course. First, several dead trees behind 17 green, near the road coming from the maintenance facility will be taken down.

Trees behind 17 green to be removed

Tree to the right of 15 green slated
for removal

Then, the large tree to the right of 15 green as well as the large tree on the right side of 15 fairway, about 250 yards from the green will both be removed. These trees are dying and still show substantial damage from Derecho.

Also, the tree to the right side of 15 fairway plays a significant role in the poor condition of the Bermuda grass in its shadow. And, as part of our tree program, this was selected as a high priority for replacement due to its importance in playing #15. So, this spring we planted a new maple nearby.

If time and weather allow, tree work would proceed to the rough between 3 and 15. Then possibly to between 12 and 13. Dead and dying trees will continue to be our priority in this phase.

Tree to the right of 15 fairway to taken down

This shot shows the Bermuda grass damage
that is related to the shade from this tree

We continue to push forward and try to make things better, no matter the current state. Thank you for your patience.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please obey all signs on the course. Cart exit posts, “No carts” signs, “Please keep off” signs, “Ground under repair” signs, and others are there for the benefit of the turf and to help keep the course in the best condition possible.

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

Other areas

One of the unique things about Bretton Woods, is the size of the property and the many things happening here. Not only on the golf course, but also tennis, soccer, the pool, clubhouse, the general open spaces, and the Adventure program. The Grounds department lends support and maintenance to all these areas. This past week illustrated this perfectly.

First, there were 2 different irrigation leaks at tennis. The irrigation pipe across the property is old and leaks arise. In this case, two old repairs were the culprits and we had to quickly get the pipes recharged and ready for the clay courts.

Next, we had a large soccer tournament on June 8^th. This was the postponed IMF Multi-Sport day tournament that had been rained out in the fall. The weather finally cooperated this time around. The Grounds department erected a tent for the lunch buffet. We made sure the soccer fields were in excellent condition. And, several hours were spent painting the appropriate field lines for the 7 vs. 7 tournament.

Following the tournament, the tent was moved to the patio at the clubhouse for two outside events, including Father’s Day. This was a bit tricky in the wind, but we got it done.

The adventure hill has been a great addition to Bretton Woods. One access point is straight up the hill near the tennis parking lot. Unfortunately, the hill is quite steep, and it has been slowly eroding with all the rain we have endured the last year and a half. This week we were able to place some crusher run on the road to help stabilize it and prevent further runoff.

Luckily, we had just enough extra stone to create an easier turning area for carts headed to the alternate tee on #2. Now, when leaving #1 green and going to #2 tee, carts no longer have such a sharp (nearly impossible) turn to make. We cut out the corner and tied the two cart paths together.

We accomplished all these things on top of our regular maintenance of the golf course. We enjoy the variety that Bretton Woods presents.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please obey all signs on the course. Cart exit posts, “No carts” signs, “Please keep off” signs, 

“Ground under repair” signs, and others are there for the benefit of the turf and to help keep the course in the best condition possible.

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

Sod review and next steps

The sod worked that was discussed last week was completed this past Friday. 1.5 truckloads, 15,000 square feet, of sod was laid on holes 1, 8, 11, 17, and 18.

On #1, we replaced the areas in the fairway that were about 80 yards out from the green. 3 small spots in the approach, just short of the front green bunker, were also fixed. #8 repairs consisted of the long, narrow strips along the cart path about 200 yards off the tee and several pockets about 150 yards from the green. #11 had 1 high priority area to be repaired in the approach. Holes 17 and 18 had the most extensive work completed. With each bad area on both holes being repaired and any low areas being leveled off with sand.

We do have a very small amount of sod leftover from the project. It was too small to continue to have the contractors drive around the course and put in tiny pieces. It was also too small to tackle any large trouble areas that remained. Therefore, we laid the sod out at the shop and we will be taking pieces of it to replace several other high profile, but small, areas. These areas include: #6 approach, #7 approach, #9 approach, and #15 approach. Once those are complete, we will take the remainder and finish bad areas on #3 and 4 fairways.

We selected #3 and 4 fairways over other areas for a couple of reasons. First, the remaining damage on those holes is small and we expect to finish all of it, thereby completing repair on those holes. If we took the small remaining sod and worked on #15, we would finish a few bad areas, but they would hardly be noticeable because of the glaring bad areas that would remain. Secondly, #3 and 4 were the best candidates because of the location of the damage. On both holes, the damage is on slopes that water flows heavily down during rain. Not only does this water erode the soil underneath, but it also would be especially difficult to get seed to establish in these areas, more so than in some other damaged areas on other holes.

After all the sod is exhausted, we will shift to the next step of the recovery process: seeding. Starting as soon as we can, we will aerate the bad areas, level off any low spots with sand, and then seed into the sand and soil. Last year we had mixed results seeding Bermuda grass in the bad areas, but we made some adjustments and will continue to work to improve the situation.

While it was necessary to repair the areas we did, we also know that there are plenty of other bad spots that still remain. We did as much as we could and used the sod in the most efficient way possible. Having these areas fixed, especially 17 and 18 will help tremendously, but it will also make other holes, like #15, seem even worse now in comparison. However, we are not stopping our work to improve conditions in the fairways.

Although the scope of work this year is nothing compared to last year, we are as dissatisfied with the Bermuda grass conditions as anyone. We will continue to work through the year to make each day better than the last. Thank you for your patience.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please obey all signs on the course. Cart exit posts, “No carts” signs, “Please keep off” signs, “Ground under repair” signs, and others are there for the benefit of the turf and to help keep the course in the best condition possible.

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

Sod update

We will be starting our Bermuda grass sod work this week. As of now, we are scheduled to begin work on Thursday, weather dependent.

We will be contracting this work as we have before in order for our staff to continue their regular duties. The contractors also have the more specialized equipment and are much faster.

Our initial goal is to replace 10,000 square feet, 1 full truck, of Bermuda grass on holes 1, 11, 17, 18. Here you can read our post from earlier in the year discussing some of the issues as well as reasoning behind the areas selected for repair.

Those initial areas have already shrunk so far this season. There is a possibility that this truck load of sod extends further than anticipated. If that is the case, depending on the amount left, we will begin repair on other areas, possibly on 8 or 11 or 15.

We have sand on site and ready for raising low areas, where water sat and contributed to the Bermuda grass death. We will also aerate the damaged areas prior to laying the new sod to help rooting and water infiltration.

Compared to last year, this will be a minor inconvenience. However, care will have to be taken to give this new grass a healthy start. Thank you for your patience.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please obey all signs on the course. Cart exit posts, “No carts” signs, “Please keep off” signs, “Ground under repair” signs, and others are there for the benefit of the turf and to help keep the course in the best condition possible.

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