Supper time

We are currently experiencing epic proportions of grub damage on the golf course.  The crows and skunks are feasting every night and the dry conditions have made it easy for them to rip up the turf in search of grubs. These areas will  be cleaned up and sodded when the time is appropriate.  Next year we will protect the tees, tee slopes, and green surrounds.

I protected the fairways and greens with grub control.  Other areas on the course were not treated.  The reason for this is I employ Integrated Pest Management on the golf course.  This is accurate record keeping of where pests are located on the property and targeted for the following year.   Historically we have not had a grub problem on tees and around greens which is why they have never been treated.  Every year I strive to use less plant protectants on the course since this is what is best for the environment.  In addition I also strive to use the least soil persistent and least toxic plant protectants.

High pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern in New England and we have received very little rain this fall.  The shorter days and cooler nights have dramatically reduced the need to water the golf course.  However, I am still watering the golf course albeit at much longer intervals.  A deep and infrequent water schedule encourages a deep root system.  Another tactic to encourage deep roots is to raise the height of cut on the greens which we just employed this past week. We will mow greens on a infrequent basis during the last two weeks of October then cease mowing the first week of November.

The greens are still rolling well and with highs in the mid 70s this coming week I hope to see you out in the fairways.
We had our annual staff appreciation day at Wyantenuck  CC in Great Barrington, Ma.  Thanks Fran Devlin for hosting us once again as we had a great day!

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