Late winter update/EAB confirmation
The golf course overwintered well but I would like to see some snow still on the grounds this time of year. The Poa annua on the greens are starting to break dormancy which is disconcerting with a low of 11 degrees forecasted this weekend. When Poa annua starts to metabolize then is subjugated to very cold temperatures it can kill the plant. If we do suffer some damage it presents a perfect opportunity to promote the preferred plant of bentgrass in the greens.
The staff reports back to work in three weeks and we will start cleaning up the course and prepare it for opening day. Typically, we open Mid April which is all very weather dependent. The course received plenty of rain this winter which will help recharge the groundwater after last seasons horrific drought. There is nothing unusual to report regarding the grounds and we have our typical spring cleanup. The good news is I feel the frost is not very deep which will help expedite the clean up process and the opening of the course.
Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed on the property. A number of ash trees on the north side of the upper parking lot have infested with the borer. The bark on the ash trees have a "blonding" appearance caused by woodpeckers looking for the larvae. These trees along with some down at the maintenance barn will have to be removed. If you have ash trees on your property it is a good idea to scout for the signs of EAB damage.
On the topic of trees the sugar maple on the 5th hole is slated for removal. It succumbed to disease and has been in a slow decline the last few years. A river birch will also be removed on the east side of the 6th green. The river birch tree is stealing valuable morning sunshine from the green. Increasing sunlight will keep the green healthy and provide better air circulation. We plan to plant some attractive native shrubs as a replacement in between the 5th tee and 6th green as a replacement.
Next week I will attend the Northeast Regional Turfgrass Foundation conference and trade show in Providence. Its a great opportunity to attend turfgrass seminars and network with my peers. Spring is near and so is the start of the 2017 golf season. Im looking forward to the start of the new season!
The staff reports back to work in three weeks and we will start cleaning up the course and prepare it for opening day. Typically, we open Mid April which is all very weather dependent. The course received plenty of rain this winter which will help recharge the groundwater after last seasons horrific drought. There is nothing unusual to report regarding the grounds and we have our typical spring cleanup. The good news is I feel the frost is not very deep which will help expedite the clean up process and the opening of the course.
Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed on the property. A number of ash trees on the north side of the upper parking lot have infested with the borer. The bark on the ash trees have a "blonding" appearance caused by woodpeckers looking for the larvae. These trees along with some down at the maintenance barn will have to be removed. If you have ash trees on your property it is a good idea to scout for the signs of EAB damage.
On the topic of trees the sugar maple on the 5th hole is slated for removal. It succumbed to disease and has been in a slow decline the last few years. A river birch will also be removed on the east side of the 6th green. The river birch tree is stealing valuable morning sunshine from the green. Increasing sunlight will keep the green healthy and provide better air circulation. We plan to plant some attractive native shrubs as a replacement in between the 5th tee and 6th green as a replacement.
Next week I will attend the Northeast Regional Turfgrass Foundation conference and trade show in Providence. Its a great opportunity to attend turfgrass seminars and network with my peers. Spring is near and so is the start of the 2017 golf season. Im looking forward to the start of the new season!
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