Rough grass growth rate

We are in the midst of a stretch of weather that is nearly perfect for cool season grass growth. Noticeable growth in one day and clippings everywhere are sure signs of grass that is rapidly growing. We have increased our frequency of cut and are working on clipping management, but it will take some time for the growth rate to slow.

The last couple of weeks has been warm, but not too hot (minus the 1 weekend that as far above normal); good moisture but not too wet; and cool overnight, but not too cold. These are the ingredients that the rough need to grow. Sometimes we have 1 or 2 of the factors, but right now we have all 3 and the growth rate is a result of this. It is likely that some of you have seen your home lawns explode in growth over this stretch as well. The growth will taper off, but right now it can be a struggle to keep up.

We can’t cut every bit of grass on the course every day. We would need a person for every machine we own, plus guys to do the non-grass cutting jobs. This doesn’t work for several reasons: first is the labor cost, but as important, the wear and tear on the grass would be too much. It would suffer by the middle of the summer and likely die by the end of summer. So, we must space our mowing times out. But when the grass gets into stretches like it has been over the last two weeks, we do increase our frequency of mowing some. Increasing the times we mow per week keeps the grass at a manageable height both for our work and for golfers. Cutting more often also reduces the clippings because less grass is being cut off with each mowing.

Though it may seem like it, we are not suddenly mowing at a higher height of cut either. The grass really is just growing that much per day. Chopping off that much grass each time leaves clippings. Increasing the times, we cut can reduce it, but most of the time there are clumps regardless. For this we send out blowers to clean up afterwards. A few passes around each green with our tow behind blowers and the surrounds are clean.

Unfortunately, we don’t get the opportunity to mow the rough when it is dry and the clippings can just fall into the canopy. However, we are still doing what we can to minimize the mess and stay on top of the situation.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please remember to remove any bunker sand that may be stuck to your spikes before walking on the greens.

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