Summer preview

As we end May and start looking towards summer, the Grounds department eases into our maintenance routine and prepares to play defense against the weather.

The springtime is usually great weather for the cool season turf: greens and rough. It maintains nice dark green color, grows vigorously and is relatively stress-free. Many of our cultural practices are concentrated during this time of year. We aggressively verticut the greens, which uses a vertical blade to rip down into the turf canopy and remove thatch. We aerate and seed rough. And we try to mow the rough more often because of its increased growth rate.

Though the calendar flipping to June 1^st is not a guarantee of warmer weather (it is 49 degrees right now!), in general it is a good point to start transitioning to summer maintenance. For the cool season grass that means less aggressive treatment. We stop verticutting the greens during the summer because the aggressive nature of the process is too stressful when combined with the heat and humidity of the season. Instead, we start our needle-tine aeration program. Though we will not start until next week, we must plan ahead to give the turf every opportunity to survive the summer stress.

As the temperature climbs the rough also starts to slow its growth, especially if we get into a dry pattern. Though it takes a very dry stretch to reduce our rough mowing frequency significantly, it may be possible to slightly lessen the frequency. Regardless, we can at least keep up with the growth rate and occasionally get ahead. Instead of excessive growth between cuts, the turf has grown only enough to warrant another cut. This makes for a cleaner cut and reduces clippings left lying about. It is also easier on the plant when we are cutting less of it off at a time.

While the Bermuda grass is just about to hit its stride, the cool season turf is settling in to battle Mother Nature. We are doing our best to set the turf up for success.

Enjoy your Memorial Day.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes inside the bunker once you are finished.

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

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org