Green and Tee Aerification

On April 30th we began aerifying greens. I've listed the many steps below to help you understand what goes into this process from start to finish.

1. One week prior .6 of a pound of quick release nitrogen is applied. This is key as it will encourage growth when the process begin.
2. Greens were verticut 1/16" deep 2 directions following up and down the same pass.
3. Following they were aerified on a 1.6" x 2" spacing using a .480 i.d. tine.
4. Plugs are then pushed into piles and removed.
5. Greens are rolled 2 directions to help firm the surface.
6. Prior to topdressing granular forms of calcium, potassium and minor elements are applied.
7. Greens are then buried under a blanket of sand (approx.52 tons) and allowed to dry.
8. A drag brush is used to sift the dry sand into the holes.
9. Following the drag brush we will use backpack blowers to scatter the heavier areas.
10. They are then rolled 2 more times.

If we are not delayed by weather it usually take about 3 days to complete. Following the completion the greens are allowed to sit 5-7 days before they are mowed for the first time. Generally the height starts out at.125 of an inch the first few times they are mowed. Once the sand begins to get incorporated into the canopy we will begin lowering the heights down to our goal of .095 - .105.

During our closed time tees were aerified and topdressed as well. Below are several pictures of the process.



Aerifying #2

Healthy White Roots

Following Clean Up Process

Heavy Topdressing Prior To Brushing

Aerifying #14 Tee





Spring Pre-Emerge/Fertilizer

On Tues. 4/3 Harrell's applied our spring pre-emerge/fertilizer. The mix was a 33-0-9 which contained Ronstar (pre-emerge), 2.5lbs. of nitrogen (2lbs.of which is controlled release) and .75lbs. of potassium. It was applied to 120 acres at the rate of 333lbs. per acre then watered in. This will protect us against weed germination and provide the necessary nutrients through the summer. Here are a couple of pictures of the spreader truck in action on #6.

New Pavement

A portion of the access road  behind #14 green has been paved using asphalt. The surrounding area was then sodded using 6 pallets of zoysia. Below are before and after pics.

Looking towards the green (before)

Looking away from the green (after)

GIS

Last week I attended the golf industry show in Las Vegas. This conference offers many education opportunities and showcases many of the manufactures in our industry in a trade show event.

Day one and two consisted of 16 hrs. of continuing education.My first seminar (Expanding the Boundaries of Ultradwarf Bermudagrasses in the Upper South and Transition Zones) talked about the challenges of maintaining ultradwarf greens.Topics of discussion were aerification, pest control, topdressing, covering and painting. My second seminar (Greens Aerification and Water Management by the Numbers ) focused in depth on successful aerification programs and the use of wetting agent to maintain proper moisture in the greens profile.

Day three and four was the trade show event. During this time I had the opportunity to visit with many manufactures and see the latest in technology.

Attending the GIS allows me to maintain my class A status as a golf course superintendent through continuing education and keep up with the ever changing industry.

#13 Project Update

The project that began in the middle of  December is nearly complete. Once the pipe was installed (mid Dec.) the weather worked against us in the way of frequent rains. Since the last week of January we have installed 24 pallets of sod and many landscaping plants. As of this morning there is a few detail items left to take care of.

This project would not have gone as smooth without the cooperation of the Lager's. Thank you for your patience and understanding.



Taken from the home owners lawn during the big dig

Same view but of the finished product

A portion of the finished area in the rough



Greens

Due to the low temperture being at or below 22 degrees, greens will be covered this morning and remain covered until Mon. The tempertures that are used are at http://www.abc3340.com/. Below is a couple pics of #9 during the process.



 



Drainage Update #13

Last week the work site was graded and 20 of the 23 pallets of sod needed were installed. Our goal this week is to finish the sod, apply pre-emerge and roll the entire area.

The second piece of the puzzle involves the homeowners lawn where the failed drainage pipe was removed. We have developed a punch list of items to be done over the next couple of weeks including sod,pinestraw and rock work to name a few.We have also been working closely with the owners to ensure they are satisfied with the end product.




Sod installation on 2/1