Calling it a day

As I took a final spin around the property last Friday I started to feel good again.  The property is actually starting to look like a golf course.  Last week we were able to start maintaining the property in a somewhat "normal" fashion. We have mowed the tees and approaches for the final time.  We were able to mow rough on the property with the exception of the 8th.  I hope to mow the rough for one final time on the 8th hole this week.  Also, this week we will finally mow out the fairways. They have finally firmed up enough to mow without damaging the playing surface.

We are putting the greens to bed this week.  The constant rain we endured the last six weeks postponed our September greens aeration.  This week the greens are dry enough to perform a disruptive cultural practice.  We will perform a deep vertical mowing to remove as much thatch as possible.

Thatch removal is a key component of healthy greens.  Fertilizers, soil/water percolation, and fungicides all perform better with a low percentage of thatch in the upper root zone.  Another important aspect of thatch management is the greens will be less prone to winter damage.  Furthermore, incorporating sand into the upper root zone firms the playing surface and creates a better playing surface.  The downside to this procedure is that if you play the greens they will be bumpy and slow.

We have this week to get as many greens done as we can.  Next week is our last week of work so we will be busy preparing winterizing all our equipment.  We will also strive to keep the course clean of leaves as time and labor allows us to do so.

The irrigation system is getting blown out today.  The end is near and this season just like any other went by too fast.

Thanks for reading and following along this year.  I'm looking forward to the 2019 season as i hope you are.

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