9 green drainage project

We mentioned our plan to add a new drain to the low end of #9 green several weeks ago. The project is now finished. Below is a recap of the project and some photos of the work.

We also completed the drain on #8 last week. This week we will be working on #15 and #4 and our expectation is those will be complete by mid-week.

There are several issues that cause #9 green to hold water and the low end of the complex to suffer: poor subsoil under the green; layer of sand on top of soil in the collar, traffic from golfers and machines in a tight area, and the presence of a “collar dam” to name a few.

A photo just as work began. The greens sod
has been cut and is being removed.

Preparing to trench.

The goal was to correct or improve as much of these issues as possible. While we did not remove all of the poor subsoil, we did cut a trench into it, insert pipe, and replace with sand that will allow water through much easier. The pipe will also give the water an exit from the profile.

Cleaning out the trench.

Pipe and gravel have now been added.
We use sand to fill the remainder of the
trench up to the level of the existing greens mix.

Layering can be one of the worst problems for turf. In fact, we suspect it to be partly responsible for some of the issues in the collars and green surrounds, though not the only culprit. We have a sand layer over the top of the native soil. This sand layer is relatively shallow, but inconsistent in depth. It is most prevalent nearest to the green due to sand being topdressed over, blown onto, or otherwise making it into the rough. The problem arises because roots and water tend to stay in whichever layer is on top.

An up close shot of layers at #9. The white/lighter soil is
the sand sitting on top of the soil.

Replacing the greens sod.

The drain is finished and the greens sod
has all been replaced. At this point we
were waiting for sod to finish the collar.

When it rains, the water stays in the sand layer and moves laterally until the sand is saturated, then it moves down. This is not too troublesome. However, we have problems when the sand gets dry because the roots are there too. Like water, plant roots do not like to push through layers. They can and will, but not if there is an easier path to growth. In this case, the sand layer is just such a path. But all the plant’s roots are in the layer that can get too hot and too dry. Even if the soil below has some moisture, the sand can dry out very quickly and the roots have very little chance of survival.

This sand layer also created what is generally called a “collar dam.” A collar dam is when the collar is higher than the green at the spot where water tries to flow off the surface. The water is blocked by the higher collar, flow stops, and the water puddles on the green. If the subsurface drainage is sufficient, the puddle will be gone within an hour or two after the rain stops. But if the drainage is poor, the water can sit for longer and kill the turf. This was also an issue faced by #9 green.

So, for #9, when we were preparing the site for sod, we removed the sand layer from the collar and surrounds that we were working on. Not only did this eliminate the layering issue in this spot, but the sand was also the source of the collar dam. It is now gone too. This alone should help this area tremendously.

Removing the collar sod.

The collar is prepped for sod. Looking closely you 
can see a small pile of excess sand. 
That is the material from the collar
dam.

Laying collar sod.

Complete.

We will work to heal the last thin spots on the green this fall. Once that is grown in, with the new drain, the area will have a much better chance of surviving the next “hottest summer on record” (which most likely will be next year!).

 

 

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. 

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