Upcoming aeration and tree work

We are in the midst of putting the course to bed for the winter. Our late season Bermuda grass program  is nearly complete. In addition, next week we will complete a deep tine aeration on the greens which is vital to their long-term health also. Following the aeration, we will also be starting our off-season tree work on the property.

Aerating turf is very rarely bad. Sometimes it can cause some collateral damage if the plant is weak, but still the opening of the surface is important. We try to achieve several different aeration events throughout the season, each with a different purpose and execution. Our upcoming deep tine aeration is our last disruption until spring, but the impacts can be observed all year long.

Initially the deep holes made during this aeration will serve to get oxygen deeper into the soil profile. Channels will be created for new roots to dive deeper down. But one of the most important aspects is that those same channels will provide avenues for winter moisture to move through the profile more easily. Especially when the soil is cold, and definitely when frozen, water cannot move downward as easily. Providing large, deep holes allows escape routes for the water over the winter and provides some flexibility for any freezing and thawing cycles.

Because the winter is a slow time for the course- less golfers, less maintenance- the deep tine holes stay relatively open. While they won’t be as visible at the surface, below ground they holes won’t close completely. As spring rolls around and the turf starts to grow vigorously again, roots will find these open holes that are plentiful in oxygen and grow deeper. Deeper roots increase access to nutrients, moisture, and provide a stronger system for the plant.  Using spring to increase root mass is defense against the onset of summer. It doesn’t make summer any easier for the turf, but it gives the plant all the tools and protection that we can before the stress of heat, humidity, and traffic are maxed out.

As for the tree work, we will continue to follow our tree program that has been in place for many years, which we will repost at the bottom of the page. Not only do we tackle dead trees, but we are also continually working to make sure that the existing trees and turf are working well together. Especially when it comes to the Bermuda grass, we must make sure that shade is not limiting the health of the turf. This plan has been ongoing for several years and we have made great strides because of this work- think back to the state of #5 fairway 2 years ago, before we removed the trees along the right side.

This year we will be removing pine trees at #1 tee, a sycamore at #1 green, and several trees around #10 green and #11 tee. These trees have all been identified as casting too much shade on the Bermuda grass and need to be removed for the turf to thrive. Specifically, the trees at #1 tee were singled out as causing issues for the white tee box when we had regional agronomist Steve McDonald out for site visit, which you can read about here.

However, our tree maintenance is not limited to the golf course. There are trees across the property, and they all need attention. We have dead trees to remove near Adventure Hill, near the soccer parking lot, hanging out across a tennis court, and along the entrance road.

The deep tine aeration is part of an overall cultural practice program for the greens. Taking the time to aerate deeper now has benefits that will be realized immediately but also all the way up until we perform the same aeration next November. And getting started on our tree work now, ensures that coming out of winter and starting the season, the turf is in prime position to thrive.

 

 

As a reminder, we are now reducing down to 1 post per month through February. Thank you

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be patient with our leaf cleanup process. Thank you.

 

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

Bretton Woods Tree and Turf Management

 

 

Background:

Bretton Woods Recreation Center is a valuable resource providing its members access to a natural

setting for the enjoyment of organized sports activities and other outdoor areas for less formal

recreation, such as picnics and camps. The natural setting located not far from a major urban area

is especially rare in these times of densely developed land, typical of metropolitan areas. With the

intention of continuing the tradition of giving members a respite from the hectic urban life in a cared for

but natural setting, members of the Golf Committee, the Grounds Superintendent and management

have formulated a tree and turf management policy as the foundation of a plan to ensure that natural setting through the ongoing care and cultivation of trees.

Objectives:

1.       Continue the Bretton Woods “low input” IPM approach through judicious planting and species selection.

2.       Promote safe recreation through diligent care and removal of hazardous branches and trees.

3.       Ensure a balance between trees and turf health.

Tree and Turf Care:

·         Routine inspection of trees will be performed by the Grounds Staff

·         Upon discovery of declining or stressed trees, the Golf Course Superintendent (GCS) will determine and

prioritize the need for Certified Arborist inspection and evaluate the need for care. Factors of safety, cost

and importance shall guide the evaluation, in this order.

·         Particular attention shall be given to girdling roots and properly cut to relieve pressure when discovered.

·         New tree planting locations will be carefully selected in order not to unnecessarily compete with turf health. Mulch around trees will help improve the tree health where possible; careful placement of trees will help reduce negative impacts to turf.

·         Assessments of existing trees and their impact to turf health and course conditions; pruning, removal of tree, or adjustment of turf are steps that may be taken on an ongoing basis.

·         Dense, thick foliage can make trees susceptible to wind damage. Pruning will be used to improve their life

expectancy and reduce risk.

·         Pruning and removing limbs on low branching species will benefit trees and turf.

·         Tree management best practices indicate that trees that have been damaged more than 1/3 should be priorities for consideration of removal because they pose safety hazards.

·         Limbs or trees posing a safety risk will be immediately remedied through pruning, removal, or bracing.

Planting:

·         The need for planting, species selection and location will be determined by the Green Committee, General

Manager and GCS.

·         Diversity is a goal of any planting plan at BWRC, however species appearing on the Maryland Department

of the Environment Noxious Weed List will not be planted on BWRC property.

·         Planting stock will be of 4” caliper or equivalent whenever possible, with exceptions made on an as

needed basis.