Looking back and looking ahead
Its been a year since my first blog post. I hope this has been a worthwhile endeavor and you have been able to glean a little about the who's, what's and whys of golf course maintenance at LCC. I continually strive to work on my writing style and present you with a well crafted informational posts for both members and my peers. As always I encourage your questions or comments regarding our maintenance procedures and practices.
The maintenance season ended in November in our normal fashion. This included blowing out the irrigation system, applying snow mold protection to the greens and reorganizing the maintenance shop. All the equipment is winterized and the cutting units were taken off to be sharpened.
Its been an unusual winter with severe cold, snow, rain and fluctuations in temperatures. All of which can lead to turfgrass problems when the snow melts away in March. The formation of ice on putting greens can result in the plant suffocating and dying as evident a few years ago on four of our greens. This winter we did have some ice on the putting greens but thankfully it melted away. Compacted snow can lead to ice formation which is why I prefer cross country and sledders to stay of the greens!
Presently we have alot of snow with a foot forecasted for tomorrow. Snow cover acts as a natural blanket and will help insulate the turf from wind desiccation and fluctuating temperatures. I am hopeful that we will have a nice slow melt which will reduce the amount of ice formation on the putting greens and also reduce the chance of flooding.
The good news is that the sun feels stronger and the days are getting a little longer. In a months time I will be back down in the shop preparing for the upcoming season. Two important practices are planned for the coming year. Audubon certification is first and foremost our most important goal this season. I intend on submitting more paperwork this year as we work towards certification. A USGA agronomist is scheduled to make a visit in June. The last visit was 10 years ago and his recommendations are invaluable to our property.
Ill have another update in the next few weeks. Until then think spring!
The maintenance season ended in November in our normal fashion. This included blowing out the irrigation system, applying snow mold protection to the greens and reorganizing the maintenance shop. All the equipment is winterized and the cutting units were taken off to be sharpened.
Its been an unusual winter with severe cold, snow, rain and fluctuations in temperatures. All of which can lead to turfgrass problems when the snow melts away in March. The formation of ice on putting greens can result in the plant suffocating and dying as evident a few years ago on four of our greens. This winter we did have some ice on the putting greens but thankfully it melted away. Compacted snow can lead to ice formation which is why I prefer cross country and sledders to stay of the greens!
Presently we have alot of snow with a foot forecasted for tomorrow. Snow cover acts as a natural blanket and will help insulate the turf from wind desiccation and fluctuating temperatures. I am hopeful that we will have a nice slow melt which will reduce the amount of ice formation on the putting greens and also reduce the chance of flooding.
The good news is that the sun feels stronger and the days are getting a little longer. In a months time I will be back down in the shop preparing for the upcoming season. Two important practices are planned for the coming year. Audubon certification is first and foremost our most important goal this season. I intend on submitting more paperwork this year as we work towards certification. A USGA agronomist is scheduled to make a visit in June. The last visit was 10 years ago and his recommendations are invaluable to our property.
Ill have another update in the next few weeks. Until then think spring!
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