Reel to Reel

It has been a busy week of leaf clean up.  With over 1.4" of rain and winds in excess of 20 mph, the leaves have been dropping at a rapid pace. We sent out our full complement of blowers and mulchers this week to try and keep pace with the falling leaves. Although we put a great dent in the leaf clean up, there are still a ton of leaves left in the trees. I read an interesting fun fact about oak tress this week.  A mature oak tree is estimated to produce 250,000 leaves a year.  I believe it, considering the time we spend each fall blowing and mulching. blowing leaves on #2 fairway mulching in the rough on #7 blowing #7 fairway  mulching leaves in the rough on #6

With October upon us, much of our attention will be focused on plant health in preparation for winter.  Although we have no control over the winter weather, we can control what we do for the plants now to put them in the best position to succeed.  Our preparation this year has not dramatically changed from years past.  We will continue to be proactive in maintenance practices that promote plant health.  A healthy plant is the best defense against inclement weather. Our plan this fall has included: Aerification - this increases pore space, increases water infiltration, and provides an area for increased rooting. Raised Mowing Heights - a slight raise in the height of cut allows for increased leaf blade surface, which aids in increased photosynthetic activity. Fertility - sun angles in autumn are reduced, which decrease photosynthesis.  In our weekly sprays we supplement the plants...