First cut of native areas

May is usually a great month for plants. Trees, flowers, grasses- even Bermuda grass- start really ramping up their growth. Additionally, the grasses in our low-maintenance, native areas start to fill out as well. Early May is when we start our maintenance in these native areas to prepare them for the season.

Just like most aspects of grounds maintenance at Bretton Woods, the native areas are managed on a program. That program has taken several years to develop to the level it is at now, and we likely are not done tweaking it, but at least right now, the native area process starts in May. As mentioned, everything starts to grow about as vigorously as it will all season in May. This makes it a good time to cut the tall grass down, including cutting back any weeds that have started. Waiting too much longer and the grass- and weeds- will get too tall and the mower will struggle to cut. Last week we worked through this first cut using our Ventrac tractor. It takes about 3 and half days to complete everything but it is a smooth process.

Mowing is the main part of our native-area maintenance program. Next, we’ll apply herbicide to control any broadleaf weeds. The grass will quickly rebound from this trim and mature nicely for the season, leaving the native areas ready for another summer.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please enter and exit all bunkers on the low side. While this may result in slightly more distance to rake, it will keep the sod on the face of the bunker from tearing. It is also much safer! 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