Aerification Update

Greens seem to be recovering quickly from the recent aerification.  With favorable weather and healthy greens, we were able to move up our first mowing one day ahead of schedule.  Typically we are waiting for the sand to settle and the grass to grow a little before the first cut.  With 80 degree temps in March, this process moves a little quicker!

First Mowing on #3 Green.

We will continue to work the mowing heights back down, along with frequent rolling to get the greens back to the desired speed and firmness.  By early next week we should be healed up and back to normal.  Aerifying early is always somewhat risky due to the threat of cool weather.  With the current conditions, we could not have timed it better.

If you haven't been out to the course lately, you'll be surprised with how quickly the golf course has transitioned out of winter.  The cool season rough is expected to green up quickly, especially with a little rain.  However, I've never seen the Zoysia react the way it has this year.  I would guess that we are about 3 weeks ahead of schedule with the Zoysia.  Let's hope for no late spring frost!

#1 Fairway (looks like June 1st!)

Aerification in Pictures

Finished our first day of aerification today.  Below are pictures of the process from start to finish.

Step 1:  Verticut for thatch removal.

Step 2:  Mow to clean up excess debris.

Step 3:  Aerify using a 5/8" hollow tine.

Close up of plugs.

Step 4:  Clean Up.

Step 5:  Add amendments (Gypsum and Potassium).

Step 6:  Topdress.

Step 7:  Drag sand to fill holes.

Didn't Expect to See This!

Last night's rain brought with it a mix of snow and ice (or possibly hail).  We ended up getting around a 1/4" of rain, looks like there could be more on the way.

Lawn Care Tips

 
Every spring I get a few questions regarding home lawn care.  I thought the blog would be a good way to get some basic information out there that you may be looking for.  Below is a list of the most common questions.

Spring seeding:  although fall will always be the best time to seed, if your yard is still a little thin after last summers unforgiving weather, now is the time to put some seed down.  I prefer the early "dormant" seeding, as this allows you to still get a preemergent out before the summer weeds hit.  Renting a verti-seeder from one of the local rental stores is the best way to go.

Irrigation:  for those of you on a well, you have more flexibility on when to fire up the system.  At this point,there shouldn't be any issues with anything freezing underground.  If you are on city water, you run the risk of freezing up your above ground back flow preventer if you turn on too soon.  If you feel you need to water, pull a hose for the next month.  Mid to late April is usually a safe bet for turning on your system.

Preemergent:  if you are seeding this spring, it is best to wait as long as possible before this application is made.  The 2nd-3rd week of April is about as long as you want to wait.  If you did not seed, early to mid April is a safe bet.  A combination product that includes fertilizer is a good way to go, however, the bulk of your fertilizer should be applied in the fall (assuming Fescue is  your desired turf).

Grub Control:  for our area, July 1st is a good target for this application.  Apply too soon, and you run the risk of losing effectiveness in late summer.  Wait too long and you will fight grubs all summer.

Fungicides:  typically, I would not recommend fungicide applications for your home lawn.  Judicious irrigation practices, along with properly timed preemergent, grub control, and fertilizer applications should lead to a healthy yard.  You may see some Brown Patch later in the summer, but typically this should recover as we head into fall.  If you feel you need to apply fungicides, first identify the disease and find a product designed for the control.  The safer bet is to hire a trust worthy lawn service to address the problem.

Hope this helps!  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Spring Aerification

You will see it in the calendar, but I wanted to go ahead and post our dates for aerification.  This spring we will aerify greens on March 26-27-28.  As always, we will keep one nine open for play during the process.

Also during the month of March we will be aerifying the rough.  The course will remain open during this process, with minimal impact on the playability of the course.