Deep tine and collar sod

We have had another busy stretch of work. The weather cooperated perfectly to complete our deep tine aeration as well as complete some sod work on the collars.

It may seem late in the season to be performing an aggressive aerification of the turf, but this is a critical practice for the health of the greens. Just as the name implies, deep tine aeration penetrates much deeper into the soil profile than the other aeration events that we perform. Reaching down 5-7” inches, this aeration is perfect for heading into winter. Plant growth is just strong enough to send roots down these deep channels. Strong deep roots grown now, will only help during the stress of the summer. Also, the depth of the aeration creates a place for water to drain down through the profile. Water from rain or melting snow will have an avenue to escape the surface, which will keep the surface from staying saturated for too long. Not only is this better for winter time golf, it is also much better for the plant.

We were also able to complete some collar sod work on holes 6-13 and the chipping green. 3 years ago we renovated all of the collars on the entire course. The old collars were not a consistent type of turf and struggled mightily in the heat of the summer. The new collars perform much better, but Bermuda grass especially still encroaches. This is the goal of these smaller sod projects that we have done the last two years: punching out spots of Bermuda grass and redefining the collars, especially across the front where the collar meets the approach. Last year we finished the putting green and holes 1-5, and so we picked up from there this year. The goal will be to finish next year and likely start back over at that point. This will be an ongoing program that we will stick to.

Both the green aeration and the sod work have been virtually uninterrupted by weather concerns. These were important steps to complete before heading into winter and everything went very smoothly.

 

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not scrape snow or ice off the green to clear your line for putting. Turf damage may occur.

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

Golf Cart tips

 

 

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org