Reel to Reel

Fall is here and the sudden change in temperature certainly backs that up.  We finished verticutting fairways yesterday.  This fall we removed over 216 cubic yards of organic matter (36 Wiedenmann loads).  This is in line with our last three verticut applications.  Since fall of 2020,  when we purchased the Wiedenmann, we have removed over 700 cubic yards of organic matter (117 Wiedenmann loads).  This is a large contributing factor to why the fairways have performed so well over the last few years.  Removal of organic matter increases water infiltration into the soil profile firming up the playing surfaces. Mike verticutting #12 fairway #18 fairway after clean-up Nelly, the border collie we contract out to help with geese harassment, is back on property. Nelly on #7 We talk a lot about tree competition, most of the time we are referring to competition between tree and turf roots.  Below is a photo of an irrigation head and casing we had to replac...

If I could sum of this year's golf course conditions in one word, it would be "consistent".  I'm extremely pleased with the firm and fast conditions we have been able to produce.  Greens and fairways have played really well.  Mother Nature has cooperated with much drier conditions, almost too dry, as we are in a drought currently.  Year-to-date, we have received 11" less rain, compared to last year during the same period. It seems that we operate in weather extremes nowadays.  Prior to this morning's rain, our last significant rainfall was 8/21/22 when we received .38" of rain.  The turf is certainly showing signs of drought and heat stress.  Poa annua is the primary grass on the majority of our playing surfaces.  Poa annua is neither heat nor drought tolerant.  It is a shallow-rooted plant, usually less than an inch.  With roots that short, it needs to be nurtured throughout the year.  Hand-watering several times a day is the norm ...