tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29161415494528821172024-03-05T18:12:05.183-05:00Dominion Valley Turfgrass NewsA Behind the Scenes, In Depth Look, at Golf Course Maintenance!Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-90311558050087057392015-02-04T12:30:00.000-05:002015-02-04T12:30:33.343-05:00Bunker ImprovementHopefully you've been able to get out onto the course and enjoy yourselves in and around the snow days and freezing conditions. If you have, you might notice improvements to bunkers on holes 3, 7 and 14. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfo_-Op4HlZ0W18cA3Btndb318jjRcO8AchyphenhyphendkCwlqmyvkaHqNVa6EQ0nnLINzcZ1BIpClo57NY56c0K91mC4ZsVTgfrTsDA5j2z7782I3cvlQrb_mun4YWIRfgDR13FcpFBYGPhOpfEW/s1600/Bunker+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfo_-Op4HlZ0W18cA3Btndb318jjRcO8AchyphenhyphendkCwlqmyvkaHqNVa6EQ0nnLINzcZ1BIpClo57NY56c0K91mC4ZsVTgfrTsDA5j2z7782I3cvlQrb_mun4YWIRfgDR13FcpFBYGPhOpfEW/s1600/Bunker+1.png" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sodding #7 bunker face<br />
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We've lowered bunker faces and raised the elevation of the bunker bottom. This should allow for fairer lies in these areas moving forward. Over time, sand blasted from the bunkers raises the elevation of the bunker face; also, erosion from heavy rain lowers the floor of the bunker. These two factors create a deeper bunker face (with a greater depth of sand) which results in plugged lies.<br />
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Our efforts have resulted in lessening the depth of sand around the bunker edges so that balls are less likely to plug and more likely to roll to the floor of bunker -- resulting in a fairer shot to the green.<br />
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Until grass growing weather, the wooden supports around the bunkers will remain in place. As soon as the sod has had a chance to root, the supports will be removed and the bunkers will be ready for play!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9v3NvKo_Hf7FFQbDVe28z8xcu2q-H2QriEARASgygbQa81KZQz3DoUzsS81PI4xnTQgeYRYHbaDq0MBrcxZziuHAHYeLbJefahHtIy1ULMKlChIN9eZ_k7qFlcVPGb9F-bhXZQwwFKik/s1600/Bunker+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9v3NvKo_Hf7FFQbDVe28z8xcu2q-H2QriEARASgygbQa81KZQz3DoUzsS81PI4xnTQgeYRYHbaDq0MBrcxZziuHAHYeLbJefahHtIy1ULMKlChIN9eZ_k7qFlcVPGb9F-bhXZQwwFKik/s1600/Bunker+3.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hole #7 sodded.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hole #3 sodded<br />
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Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-42043128682151687222014-11-21T08:51:00.002-05:002014-11-21T08:52:56.161-05:00Around the Grounds in Late FallWe've experienced some fantastic golfing weather this fall. But this week Mother Nature delivered a blast of record-breaking cold to the area. Hopefully, this was just an isolated event and we'll have additional fair weather ahead before true winter settles in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6eN3vDlJf6S_0iDcFFQ1IYq5xknsvO7Ogh4qOQe3bjqIDCa1ONwWZPFLAV5aj_mlfVT-1NXG_18yrL9_kXTBCxwwaNk0JYjVdw498-EE8pcqq8fKthhj31xITK-tf0SFGgU4eSycGKBD/s1600/Irrigation+blowout+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6eN3vDlJf6S_0iDcFFQ1IYq5xknsvO7Ogh4qOQe3bjqIDCa1ONwWZPFLAV5aj_mlfVT-1NXG_18yrL9_kXTBCxwwaNk0JYjVdw498-EE8pcqq8fKthhj31xITK-tf0SFGgU4eSycGKBD/s1600/Irrigation+blowout+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An air compressor...</td></tr>
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Due to this week's Polar Vortex, your Maintenance Team moved up its timeline as it relates to winterizing the golf course. All comfort stations were winterized and the irrigation system was shut down. Ball washers, bubblers, waterfall features and fountains were winter-proofed and brought indoors were applicable. The weather is expected to moderate next week so we do plan on mowing all surfaces again at this time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j7c97irj-smo0B2LhUQoaqND1NgY_2QRLjoYuQ8UcVRPx3tZFa22ecLhATgMwtYfPi1ntIxWOclNZZZPTylre9zwOb4oHFJlLTGSIpFxJEibDTAk2VeWf09LIgwU1Mm8I5QBSkFm8O2Z/s1600/Irrigation+blowout+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j7c97irj-smo0B2LhUQoaqND1NgY_2QRLjoYuQ8UcVRPx3tZFa22ecLhATgMwtYfPi1ntIxWOclNZZZPTylre9zwOb4oHFJlLTGSIpFxJEibDTAk2VeWf09LIgwU1Mm8I5QBSkFm8O2Z/s1600/Irrigation+blowout+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...blowing out the lines.</td></tr>
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Besides routinemaintenance and leaf removal on the golf course this season, a critical cultural practice was also completed: a majority of next year's fertilizer was applied.<br />
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Some people are surprised to learn that most of the fertilizer applied to the golf course goes out in fall. In Northern Virginia, fall is the best time to feed the turf and prepare it for next season, We use an organic fertilizer that breaks down slowly and provides an even, steady feed over time.<br />
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Fall is also a great time to control perennial broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover. In fall, the weeds prepare for winter by pulling nutrients and starches from their leaves and into their roots. By doing this, they also draw herbicides into their root systems, thus more effectively killing the weed. Actively growing grass will quickly fill in the bare spots created after the weeds die.<br />
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Thatch management is another wonderful fall cultural practice. Thatch is a build-up of living and dead grass roots and stems between the soil and green grass blades. The amount of thatch may be checked by cutting three to four inches down into the turf with a shovel and lifting up a piece of sod. Thatch looks like a thick tangle of dark brown roots above the soil. If thatch is greater than 1/2 inch, the area should be core aerated or dethatched. In areas with a thatch layer over 3/4 inch thick you should aerate then top dress with a thin layer of soil or compost. Topdressing adds micro-organisms that help break down thatch.<br />
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Finally, fall is a great time to scratch and seed any thin areas. Newly seeded areas must have adequate moisture for seed germination and seedling growth. The seedbed and later seedling must be kept mois for six weeks.<br />
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Let's all hope for improved weather, followed by a mild winter. In this way, we'll al be able to get out and enjoy the golf course.<br />
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Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-29968390960569158692014-09-22T13:43:00.000-04:002014-09-23T11:33:43.686-04:00Driving Range Etiquette...Our Driving Range has re-opened after this summer's renovation. An improved short game area was constructed and the range tee was re-grassed to Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is much hardier than Bent grass in the summer months and will recover more quickly after use.<br />
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In order to maximize the practice space on the tee please adhere to the following protocol:<br />
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And avoid this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IPAQedlMjluJlI4QZsdtFKDwDvrQhZxUm-MhLfOjOLpL_hV-SLM2a91dcmG6m1ugYJ0G-8w9kyHji5m1PCishxxsgj_uGy610H9nul7kujhMY6pnIiq9s3DCmTelS7U6BPzb9cdRTTjm/s1600/divots+1+092214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IPAQedlMjluJlI4QZsdtFKDwDvrQhZxUm-MhLfOjOLpL_hV-SLM2a91dcmG6m1ugYJ0G-8w9kyHji5m1PCishxxsgj_uGy610H9nul7kujhMY6pnIiq9s3DCmTelS7U6BPzb9cdRTTjm/s1600/divots+1+092214.jpg" /></a></div>
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To see what the USGA has to say about Practice Tee etiquette, click <a href="http://www.usga.org/course_care/regional_updates/regional_reports/midcontinent/Does-Your-Divot-Pattern-Help-Or-Hurt-The-Golf-Course----September-2014/"> HERE.</a><br />
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<br />Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-19047962061900572022014-08-18T15:07:00.000-04:002014-08-18T15:07:27.739-04:00Improving consistency in the rough...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy_6-RHWhuTypwh6mPMMHZKxdtUXVgeBfYRwVctA4DjwsPSK4w5h0AcQBZAaz5bupEJ2Ub-4D4lG7TUFXUHoPcTESXmemMR-qjGYE9_GA3f84xD4TOrboaXW5NFd4r4W-UgZ5D7Rbe_TB/s1600/dead+bentgrass+rough+081914a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy_6-RHWhuTypwh6mPMMHZKxdtUXVgeBfYRwVctA4DjwsPSK4w5h0AcQBZAaz5bupEJ2Ub-4D4lG7TUFXUHoPcTESXmemMR-qjGYE9_GA3f84xD4TOrboaXW5NFd4r4W-UgZ5D7Rbe_TB/s1600/dead+bentgrass+rough+081914a.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selective removal of creeping bentgrass from a tee surround</td></tr>
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Dominion Valley CC was designed and built with the idea of utilizing bent grass for tees, greens and fairways; and bluegrass in roughs.Over time, bent grass has encroached into some of the rough areas. The Maintenance Team has begun treating roughs to remove existing bent grass. Then we will seed thin areas with bluegrass/tall fescue seed. The goal is to have more consistent roughs to play from next season, and beyond.Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-67723143824327344172014-08-12T13:43:00.000-04:002014-08-15T08:28:04.465-04:00Cicada Killer Wasps<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjmlvKderNVh9qXX5ClsHmklmWXuUo6o6K0qTvRGt6pR6CYoj4WjrjxgRMEznSyJfS6_9-wXYedC4vKA3n9jv8GO2YEhBsfUU20_n3a7LlKj8XgdSwzwF7FyHdqCYPIsD7nwRGk3cS12f/s1600/CKW+and+prey+081214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjmlvKderNVh9qXX5ClsHmklmWXuUo6o6K0qTvRGt6pR6CYoj4WjrjxgRMEznSyJfS6_9-wXYedC4vKA3n9jv8GO2YEhBsfUU20_n3a7LlKj8XgdSwzwF7FyHdqCYPIsD7nwRGk3cS12f/s1600/CKW+and+prey+081214.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cicada Killer Wasp and its prey</td></tr>
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In mid-to-late summer golfers may begin to encounter large wasps with distinctive bands of white and yellow on black bodies around tees, greens and bunker faces. The head and thorax are a rusty red and the wings are tinged with yellow. The body is about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. The wing span approaches three inches. Their large size and habit of buzzing around a person intimidates many.<br />
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The female wasps are equipped with a stinger and if seriously provoked can produce a sting. The females are territorial and will investigate any thing or anyone coming near their nest burrow. If a person stands still, the female will usually go on about her business.<br />
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When cicada killers first emerge, the males are very territorial and will fight with each other while establishing territories. Once females begin to emerge the males will make every attempt to defend their territory against any invader, including people. The males do not have a stinger and are harmless. However, they can intimidate anyone who is afraid of bees and wasps.<br />
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Cicada killers are solitary wasps. This means that each female has her own burrow. The burrows are dug in well drained sites. They prefer sandy or bare soils, but will also construct burrows in areas where the grass is kept very short. They can be a real problem on golf courses since greens and tees are typically constructed on a sand-based substrate. They can also become and issue around bunkers and bunker faces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcNnEjz1_a-gOSrLsaBN5CkDjafi_Gbv3wSgUsAfhbk2wRbjVc70rauVjRsNkKj74pAlFy2Ax2BGQD5aByZ0qJSN5bSHNdA5pwBa44F2FAQqix7KWnc9S8Lth_4oY0s2OvXp-XU7Og5pC/s1600/CKW1+072214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcNnEjz1_a-gOSrLsaBN5CkDjafi_Gbv3wSgUsAfhbk2wRbjVc70rauVjRsNkKj74pAlFy2Ax2BGQD5aByZ0qJSN5bSHNdA5pwBa44F2FAQqix7KWnc9S8Lth_4oY0s2OvXp-XU7Og5pC/s1600/CKW1+072214.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damage to a putting green</td></tr>
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Cicada killers hunt annual cicadas in trees. When a cicada is spotted, the wasp zooms in and attempts to sting the cicada. The cicada will utter a buzzing shriek until it becomes paralyzed. Once the cicada becomes motionless, the wasp will carry the cicada to a high point and attempt to fly back to her burrow. While larger wasps may be successful on the first attempt, smaller wasps may need to repeat the process several times.<br />
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Inside the burrow, the wasp places the cicada in a side chamber and lays an egg on it. The egg hatches, and the wasp larva feeds on the body fluids of the paralyzed cicada. Development is completed within two weeks and the wasp larva forms a cocoon. The winter is spent in the larval stage and pupates the following spring. Adult emergence coincides with the emergence of annual cicadas.<br />
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So, the best way to minimize damage to putting greens NEXT year is to aggressively treat burrows THIS year. Your Maintenance Team is out early every morning and throughout the day, scouting and treating any affected areas. If you happen across a burrow during your round of golf, contact the Pro Shop immediately and they'll direct the Maintenance Team to the area to treat it.<br />
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To see a video of a Cicada Killer Wasp digging a burrow click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tomdi65QPxs">HERE</a>.Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-91108260473490739732014-08-11T08:45:00.001-04:002014-08-11T08:45:53.252-04:00The Need for Speed<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>A challenge that Golf Course Superintendents face is to
achieve and maintain acceptable green speed while also maintaining healthy
turf. Balancing the needs of the golfer with the needs of the turfgrass plant
is an important aspect of any Superintendent’s job.</div>
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Golfers expect firm, fast greens. But what does it take to
achieve this standard? How do we prepare the turf? How do we measure green
speed? And, what might happen to a green if pushed too hard?<br />
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To measure green speed, Superintendents use a device called
a Stimpmeter. It’s an inclined plane designed to release a golf ball at a
consistent angle. In short, the distance a ball rolls is measured and averaged
to get a number, or “Stimp”.<br />
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The Stimpmeter was invented years
ago by a man named Edward Stimpson. The original purpose of the Stimpmeter was
to ensure that all the greens on a course were of relatively equal speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea was to give superintendents a way to
compare the speed of the 4<sup>th</sup> green with, say, the 13<sup>th</sup>
and take steps to equalize them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was a good idea.</div>
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But sometimes bad things happen to
good ideas.</div>
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Today, his simple tool, the
Stimpmeter, is often misused to compare the speed of greens from course to
course and unfortunately, to establish a benchmark of putting difficulty. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5uW8Q6LLFUkOZvkPWrvDzLhANkQ3isHEW_w6G9nf1xUMW0egtmwVNtvYG9K9uORnLMfIspaDATuVgkQ1EN1kGG_PwLdUJsR4z0tav-TyUOn6Zyn1CnIGxIr2U7BWZ4braQdfZ_XAVQ1E/s1600/stimpmeter+061114.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5uW8Q6LLFUkOZvkPWrvDzLhANkQ3isHEW_w6G9nf1xUMW0egtmwVNtvYG9K9uORnLMfIspaDATuVgkQ1EN1kGG_PwLdUJsR4z0tav-TyUOn6Zyn1CnIGxIr2U7BWZ4braQdfZ_XAVQ1E/s1600/stimpmeter+061114.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Stimpmeter in action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
From a competitive standpoint,
that’s OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the quest for faster
greens has consequences in terms of cost, environmental quality and the health
of greens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, speed can
kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s why:</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYjsdhnaebyJaTfNPyQ8W7wC-O2MwLt8R5y_1Bhe5ZMYl6UUwlyZGAHOhU5UjUJjA_uIo78cIl5OMOCTOaBX3flPj-88chRbXhnGwLMGHGInFAPVpXv8pO9_ivjkU00yIiq_vlGkXxRPt/s1600/stimpmeter1+061114.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYjsdhnaebyJaTfNPyQ8W7wC-O2MwLt8R5y_1Bhe5ZMYl6UUwlyZGAHOhU5UjUJjA_uIo78cIl5OMOCTOaBX3flPj-88chRbXhnGwLMGHGInFAPVpXv8pO9_ivjkU00yIiq_vlGkXxRPt/s1600/stimpmeter1+061114.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring to determine green speed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A healthy, vigorous green can be
maintained at a very short cutting height for short periods of time without
serious consequences if it’s been prepared properly and weather condition are
acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Courses hosting tournaments
often take months (and spend significant extra money) to bring greens up to an
ultrafast speed for PGA Tour players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For example, the greens at Augusta National or Oakmont may “stimp” up to
<st1:metricconverter productid="14 feet" w:st="on">14 feet</st1:metricconverter>
when properly prepared and dry.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
However, fast greens are extremely
fragile. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you compared them with human beings, it
would be fair to say that their immune systems are weakened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They become more susceptible to diseases and
pests, and may require more chemical treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weather can also quickly destroy the health
of an ultrafast green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>High temperatures
and lack of moisture (or too much moisture) in the air or in the soil can be
deadly to greens that are maintained at very short cutting heights.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Turfgrass root systems play an important role in the turf’s
ability to withstand stress. Healthier, deeper roots translate into better
stress tolerance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as it turns out,
the quality of a putting green at the surface is really dependant upon what is
going on below the surface. In order for grass to grow at 1/10-inch height of
cut or less, it needs deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good
soil, they get oxygen from the tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and
sand particles.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Over time, the traffic from mowing equipment and golfer’s
feet tend to compact the soil. When the soil becomes compacted, the air pockets
on which the roots depend are crushed and the roots are, essentially, left
gasping for air. Without oxygen, the grass will become weaker and eventually
die.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air
space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting. In most cases it’s done by
removing ½-inch cores from compacted soil, allowing for an infusion of air,
water and nutrients. The spaces are then filled with sand “topdressing” that
helps the soil retain air space. This is the typical, twice-a-year aerification
that golfers have come to know and dislike since it is so disruptive. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQc7-WqN7nOaXAfs-g34S72-uiqU4Gr5OKC3lIPWBEY1HLxpUstqkcZ_9UIBGPmxlhTLeacQxBeF6iebiXqDXH2VFN9DYtiX4fvn0Pig2Vg-ZbQQJ_jiP59awTaJIiFJXAwoPCSF1Z7DN/s1600/tines+061214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQc7-WqN7nOaXAfs-g34S72-uiqU4Gr5OKC3lIPWBEY1HLxpUstqkcZ_9UIBGPmxlhTLeacQxBeF6iebiXqDXH2VFN9DYtiX4fvn0Pig2Vg-ZbQQJ_jiP59awTaJIiFJXAwoPCSF1Z7DN/s1600/tines+061214.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a coring tine, a needle tine and a deep needle tine<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But other aerifications take place throughout the year that
don’t impact play but do play a critical role in growing and maintaining deep,
healthy roots. In early winter and again in early spring, for example, a solid,
deep-tine aerification is ideal for opening a channel down to the deepest level
of the green. This process allows the plant to grow the longest possible roots
at a time of the year when it is able and wanting to gain root mass. And since
no cores are removed and the holes are so small in diameter, most golfers
aren’t even aware that a cultural practice occurred. Later in the heat of late
spring or summer, small needle tines are used to ventilate the green and allow
for a gas exchange between the rootzone and the atmosphere. This is a critical
cultural practice because as the soil temperature increases, the
micro-organisms present in the soil become more active and consume more oxygen
as a part of their life cycle; and just like animals breathing in and out, micro-organisms
also release carbon dioxide as they consume oxygen. It is this gas, the carbon
dioxide, that needs to be vented to the atmosphere or root mass will decline. Even
worse for fine turf, if there isn’t enough oxygen present in the soil for
micro-organisms to use, they’ll use sulfur instead to complete their life cycle
and release hydrogen sulfide gas in the process, which is deadly to turf grass
roots.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So, a lot of cultural work, below the surface, goes into maintaining
firm, fast greens. Your Maintenance Team is constantly evolving techniques and
procedures that maximize playability while minimizing surface disruption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our approach for the future must always be to
improve the underground environment in which the root systems exist so that we
can then provide the best possible above ground playing conditions. If we continue
to care for the rootzone--the part of the green we DON’T see—it will in turn
take care of that part of the green that we DO see, and continue to allow us
the opportunity to provide firm, fast greens.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
When it comes to putting greens… Out of sight should never
be out of mind.</div>
</div>
</span>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-20453303518158772842014-07-22T08:44:00.000-04:002014-07-22T08:44:21.604-04:00Handwatering for Healthier Turf<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
<span class="text18">As the summer sun beats down upon us and the temperatures
rise, water management on the golf course becomes even more critical. But even
in this day of computer controlled automatic irrigation systems; sometimes the
only way to put out just the right amount of water is by using an old-fashioned
garden hose: handwatering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or
not, handwatering is still the best way to place a specific quantity of water
on a specific area of turf. All it takes is a practiced eye, a soil probe, a
hose, nozzle and, of course, a water source.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text18">There are many reasons for modern day handwatering. The main
one might be to compensate for design limitations in the irrigation system.
Other reasons include water conservation, soil textural differences, syringing
to cool the grass plant and elevation changes on the course. The most important
end result however, is it makes possible consistent quality putting surfaces. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QDh97NEEtoUmUrTbDrmfv95903mwEHhNs4Q2-6iyNks_19bSlP4ERYvhPoNBNzB7RbdSxbaA865eyxWlXdTr6Las5U9iaG-H_vbGdBw1e_QD9vkAw08VtBHfREgRs0bTMWhrMTw9Y2K4/s1600/Handwater+1+071114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QDh97NEEtoUmUrTbDrmfv95903mwEHhNs4Q2-6iyNks_19bSlP4ERYvhPoNBNzB7RbdSxbaA865eyxWlXdTr6Las5U9iaG-H_vbGdBw1e_QD9vkAw08VtBHfREgRs0bTMWhrMTw9Y2K4/s1600/Handwater+1+071114.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixajst3mj34_DjnetwE8L0MCUTVNEMY1nW6I54sqDY8Fj6xq5pKTTjCILUtgXQFFoiMwxt5-Mnnl_kUAnOs5yoi6JJYcBH_zZGfshf6qkBPYsiR14ZJtsC_J7njHuh2dl5iPHw2WkSQaIf/s1600/Handwater+2+071114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixajst3mj34_DjnetwE8L0MCUTVNEMY1nW6I54sqDY8Fj6xq5pKTTjCILUtgXQFFoiMwxt5-Mnnl_kUAnOs5yoi6JJYcBH_zZGfshf6qkBPYsiR14ZJtsC_J7njHuh2dl5iPHw2WkSQaIf/s1600/Handwater+2+071114.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span class="text18"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Some of the reasons for handwatering deserve closer scrutiny. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
<br />
<span class="text18"><b>Poor Sprinkler Coverage:</b> The design of an irrigation
system has its limitation. Sprinkler heads can’t always be perfectly placed
since that placement might require them to be in a bunker, or on a green or
tee. Even with the best design, changes in elevation, and the distance the
sprinkler heads are from the pump station will affect water pressure and
performance.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text18"><b>Soil Texture Differences:</b> Areas of the golf course
have different textured soils. To avoid overwatering one area we sometimes have
to underwater an adjacent area. We must compensate, therefore, by handwatering
the areas that do not receive enough water. Also, some of our soils take water
so slowly we must water them until runoff occurs, then come back and water them
again 30 to 60 minutes later. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text18"><b>Water Conservation:</b> The course collects irrigation
water primarily from rainfall run off and stores it in ponds for later use.
There are also wells that can be run to assist with pond refill. But in the end
the course will run short of water if it doesn’t rain for an extended time.
Before that happens we’ll reduce the use of overhead sprinklers and rely more on
handwatering to stretch out the use of the resource.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text18"><b>To Cool Grass Plants That Are Under Stress:</b> Many
times during the summer, high temperature, hours of intense sunlight and wind
combine to dry out turf to the point that it literally wilts. So, we rely on
experienced staff members who can recognize the condition and can take
corrective action. Remember, we are only cooling off the leaf tissue at this
point, not wetting the soil. Technically, this is called syringing. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text18"><b>To Keep Consistent Putting Greens:</b> This might be the
most important reason for handwatering. Our goal is to provide the best putting
surfaces possible. We want surfaces that are smooth, true, of consistent speed,
and that will hold a properly struck golf shot. Even the best-designed
irrigation system will not produce a green with uniform moisture content throughout.
After an irrigation cycle, one area of the green will always be wetter than another.
So adding water selectively to the drier areas allows us to maximize
playability without sacrificing plant health. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text18">Occasionally, we will treat dry spots with wetting agents to
aid water penetration. We might also spike areas with small aerifier tines to
help the water penetrate and keep our greens as uniformly consistent as
possible. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text18">When we handwater, we are careful not to apply so much water
it lies on the green for longer than one minute. It just so happens that the
time of day we must be out handwatering coincides with the time of day our golf
course tends to be the busiest, and we do not want to interfere with play any
more than necessary. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="text18"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="text18"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">To hear what the USGA has to say about handwatering click
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iWMqGMTud0"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
<br />
<span class="text18">The bottom line is that to have consistent, playable greens,
you must consider handwatering to be a routine part of putting green
maintenance. For the best possible putting greens, it's an art worth
perfecting.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-87809698784089654062014-04-10T07:44:00.001-04:002014-04-10T07:47:45.122-04:00Hazard Stakes TLC...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK1IX2Zh_6g80uox_ZFVElSHEQJ_qxw4sni9JF2EmN1mL9_wNqRQJnaNBqA4MdXVkRcdMAlQ8Gq4ZcCDLcMzEukgCuIzrMAhzACEZEXWpicdt34QwCEBpIfsIA0iMu-S-mrxUamsWylV6/s1600/Hazard2+030614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUK1IX2Zh_6g80uox_ZFVElSHEQJ_qxw4sni9JF2EmN1mL9_wNqRQJnaNBqA4MdXVkRcdMAlQ8Gq4ZcCDLcMzEukgCuIzrMAhzACEZEXWpicdt34QwCEBpIfsIA0iMu-S-mrxUamsWylV6/s1600/Hazard2+030614.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a jointer/planer to renew a hazard stake<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Not too long ago the course was covered in snow and frozen solid. Temperatures had remained below average for weeks; storms had moved through the area leaving accumulations of ice and snow behind... Yet, despite these challenges, your Maintenance Team remained productive.<br />
<br />
The highest priority for the Team during winter storms was to keep the club open. They were out early, shoveling the sidewalks and parking lots--ensuring these areas were passable and safe. Next, they checked the course for damage.<br />
<br />
After spending the morning out in the cold, there were plenty of "indoor" projects to keep the Team busy. Above, Bernie is using a woodworking jointer to plane an old hazard stake. Over time, the color of the stakes can fade but by removing a bit of material the stake can be returned to "good as new" condition.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIwM56DOTDyTIXGR2OSNXWhXuGpvb882G_1pVCVosnga5k-j61ArGP-L32nSc3owQiapcyRyVlKaYqcYH6lEq7qNrm4fBxtUJcV7kZ9LsTQwB0ZUHF0FZ1tOEPysfvPc-ucHLa3PTlDNJ/s1600/Hazard1+030614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIwM56DOTDyTIXGR2OSNXWhXuGpvb882G_1pVCVosnga5k-j61ArGP-L32nSc3owQiapcyRyVlKaYqcYH6lEq7qNrm4fBxtUJcV7kZ9LsTQwB0ZUHF0FZ1tOEPysfvPc-ucHLa3PTlDNJ/s1600/Hazard1+030614.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and After<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We're glad that Mother Nature has relented and afforded us the opportunity to get back out on the course to complete our winter "outdoor" projects. But rest assured that, no matter what the weather, your Maintenance Team has a plan to remain productive and work toward the betterment of your golf course.<br />
Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-87797641669085060272014-04-07T09:57:00.000-04:002014-04-07T09:57:47.809-04:00Golf Cart Access....The goal of directing golf cart traffic is to maintain pace of play while avoiding a concentration of traffic in any one area. Invariably, some portions of the course receive more than their fair share of traffic. Over the winter we've been installing stone pavers in the highest traffic areas to more permanently address chronically worn areas. But we've also developed a gate system we hope will further disperse traffic while maintaining pace of play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcPJpyhWATHV8MzwcWHz0WlCJ31vhUefHGjUgmDkuDqTqdvO1n4W9Wa9hA0WeNhO-SJ8bmP8rsTF8QB-5i64w6MdMbVYTGYO_9_IBKkYlBID5mBo2cUJzMsjRIu6hXNLF1MeSuv38OM84/s1600/gate+photo+1+031914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcPJpyhWATHV8MzwcWHz0WlCJ31vhUefHGjUgmDkuDqTqdvO1n4W9Wa9hA0WeNhO-SJ8bmP8rsTF8QB-5i64w6MdMbVYTGYO_9_IBKkYlBID5mBo2cUJzMsjRIu6hXNLF1MeSuv38OM84/s1600/gate+photo+1+031914.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Gate Post Construction</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The poor weather experienced over the last few weeks has allowed the Maintenance Team the opportunity to design and build a new golf cart access system. We now have green and red posts on selected holes. On days that carts are permitted to leave the cart paths, we'll be using a system slightly different from the 90 degree rule. Now, after hitting your tee shot and moving toward the landing area to play your next shot, there will be green posts near the cart path. Remain on the cart path until you reach the green posts, then you may leave the path, drive to your ball and play your next shot. Later on, when you approach the green there will be red posts. We ask that all golf carts return to the cart path before passing the red posts.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Maintenance Team will move the posts daily, or as required, to avoid excessive wear.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3F3suOziozgByTAgphKWWxbRBKxrf_MMdQz-rmo1UOrOrdrTKf8DqVSshiRfiercEAafFHvM79UxRv5e0eFIF4N6kNUjfa97dbJFf_-_4iwaaWd-2oNs-6eFXOFVRFX0rDCYblbHSxlf/s1600/Green+Gate+1+032814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3F3suOziozgByTAgphKWWxbRBKxrf_MMdQz-rmo1UOrOrdrTKf8DqVSshiRfiercEAafFHvM79UxRv5e0eFIF4N6kNUjfa97dbJFf_-_4iwaaWd-2oNs-6eFXOFVRFX0rDCYblbHSxlf/s1600/Green+Gate+1+032814.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Posts: Leave cart path anytime after this point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts8ecsJLpmcWkVZs5_aEjQtqFWmn8NGYTYARd6NVPC9umNLoxVpikGuyKLCSEaLb2TAlcbXnGBmPh2FYc5I1h4LMvfHwYbluYftPOBSiEE0XlWd-A_sKiGVnOBvCNCmS71DFC24hWHUYs/s1600/red+gate+1+032814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhts8ecsJLpmcWkVZs5_aEjQtqFWmn8NGYTYARd6NVPC9umNLoxVpikGuyKLCSEaLb2TAlcbXnGBmPh2FYc5I1h4LMvfHwYbluYftPOBSiEE0XlWd-A_sKiGVnOBvCNCmS71DFC24hWHUYs/s1600/red+gate+1+032814.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Posts: Return to path before passing this point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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<br />
<h2 align="center" style="margin: 0.83em 0in; text-align: center;">
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span> </h2>
<div style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
course is covered in snow and frozen solid. Temperatures have remained well
below average the entire week. Storms have moved through the area leaving
accumulations of ice and snow in their wake… Yet, despite these challenges,
your Maintenance Team has remained productive this week.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
highest priority for the Team during weather events is keeping the club open.
You’ll see the Maintenance Team out early, shoveling the sidewalks and parking
lots—making certain those areas are safe and passable. Next we’ll check the
course to be certain no major issues have arisen.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After
spending the morning out in the cold, there is plenty of “indoor” work to keep
the Team busy. Above, Hernan is blending divot mix. He’s using a cement mixer
to make a <st1:metricconverter productid="100 pound" w:st="on">100 pound</st1:metricconverter>
batch. He blends sand, fertilizer, wetting agent, seed and green dye together.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0.83em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Over
the winter, the Team will blend about 20 tons of divot mix. All of the
containers that hold the divot mix were constructed at the Maintenance
Facility; each bin holds one ton of divot mix---which is the rated capacity of
our front-end loader tractor. This ensures the process for moving and storing
divot mix is as efficient as it can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkbVi8v1qePpP9zs1lomLh079ST95GzNjWkEevkkYDQnc_-QERmycKYpZs0aVuHMt-A9SR6kEPeoQtRvRHaKoiblxCXIdNTN-Tx15nITcdln4aGEGVIU7Ty564GtG-SyFZRMxnAYnNxiw/s1600/divot+mix+011614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-24313612521914849172014-01-24T10:03:00.000-05:002014-01-24T10:03:30.300-05:00Winter Projects...
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The verdict is in and the decision is unanimous: Mother
Nature won the battle this week. According to local news reports, our area
experienced the coldest weather in the last twenty years. The course was
covered in snow and frozen solid.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
That doesn’t mean the Maintenance Team was unproductive
however. There are always projects for our multi-talented staff to complete.
This week, for example, the team sanded and re-painted many of our tee markers.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
Before and After</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hopefully we'll see improvement in the weather next week and the staff will again be able to get out on the course to change cups, roll greens and work on other winter “outdoor” projects. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Rest assured however that, whatever the weather, the Maintenance
Team, always has a plan to remain productive and work toward the betterment of
your golf course.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-83340988678088199292014-01-16T09:34:00.000-05:002014-01-24T10:06:53.463-05:00Cartpath improvement.<h2>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9TMTOz2121XaOPMiOQUPIq1Ugk_BbHUglRLpQNTKZXeTWYamlmfpqAYV5Muh21X3eY4e0TlehO_Ddq3sLKewcHrFmxKVceRPBjM7VpBMrs_sWig6GlJad5oZlqqKlJIr9qzmf81yBroC/s1600/6+green+cartpath+010814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9TMTOz2121XaOPMiOQUPIq1Ugk_BbHUglRLpQNTKZXeTWYamlmfpqAYV5Muh21X3eY4e0TlehO_Ddq3sLKewcHrFmxKVceRPBjM7VpBMrs_sWig6GlJad5oZlqqKlJIr9qzmf81yBroC/s1600/6+green+cartpath+010814.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dominion Valley has an excellent cart path system. It forms a continuous trail around the course that is eight feet wide and widens to ten feet at all tee and green complexes. In a perfect world, every part of the course--including the turf adjacent the cart paths--would receive equal use and wear and tear would be distributed accordingly. Invariably however, some areas nearest the paths receive more than their fair share of use and require extra attention from the maintenance team.<br />
<br />
Where carts enter and exit to the fairway, or near the greens, for example, turf alongside the path can suffer. Historically, we've stripped and sodded these areas in the off-season. This year however, we're trying something new: we've purchased cobblestone pavers and are placing them in some of the high-traffic areas.<br />
<br />
The process is straight-forward: The area to be covered is marked and excavated; a base of crushed stone is added and compacted; and the cobblestones are installed and top-dressed with stone dust.<br />
<br />
When completed, damage to high-traffic areas should be less noticeable and the look of the course should be more pleasing.Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-56546788964855472442014-01-14T15:44:00.000-05:002014-01-21T12:32:22.466-05:00Tee it Forward...<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#6 Tee</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate and allows us the
opportunity to get out and enjoy the golf course this winter. If so, it’s
important to remember that the grass has stopped growing until spring. This
means that any damage to the course will remain until spring when growing
conditions will again allow for recovery.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
With this thought in mind, we’ve decided to move the tee
markers forward on the tee boxes for the winter and leave them there. This will
confine wear and tear to the front of the tee box and protect the majority of
the teeing areas.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the spring, we’ll develop a plan to get the tee fronts
back into shape. Most likely, we’ll need to strip and sod some forward areas;
but some combination of fertilizer, seed, sod and good growing weather is
really all that will be needed.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So, until spring… Get out and enjoy the course.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-72381497220919598672012-04-23T11:27:00.001-04:002012-04-23T11:29:10.206-04:00Golf Course Superintendent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHaVheGc68GJm0OnJB7up7mW4lQSF_g_fc8OnGA8kp-uy6nr8B0jXKQzgLMP1Tk_gm4XDMK5c3a6CKH_ulOwHgsVFlkHQuSMvmBSCQH8RuZ8-CH-ljeOhpJpTtRl9VnDvp86jB-1kTkS7/s1600/GCS+poster+042312.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHaVheGc68GJm0OnJB7up7mW4lQSF_g_fc8OnGA8kp-uy6nr8B0jXKQzgLMP1Tk_gm4XDMK5c3a6CKH_ulOwHgsVFlkHQuSMvmBSCQH8RuZ8-CH-ljeOhpJpTtRl9VnDvp86jB-1kTkS7/s400/GCS+poster+042312.png" width="400" /></a></div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-9876562519807433152012-03-05T14:55:00.001-05:002012-03-05T15:31:05.125-05:00It's Cultural: Verticutting Fairways<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXY62rKlSz4-RIm1n67bFCbKylC4mWSdqXrUTOF3gRxQsYLU8sh5yyluL1tIZo_Cmcpl1XWON4Kd-Qlfhx8AHrkRiyeB79Iuu0ykI_F_mK4mnms0ZD-AS4rdoinUqi7uClwcuK6Y9iNfV/s1600/verticutblades.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXY62rKlSz4-RIm1n67bFCbKylC4mWSdqXrUTOF3gRxQsYLU8sh5yyluL1tIZo_Cmcpl1XWON4Kd-Qlfhx8AHrkRiyeB79Iuu0ykI_F_mK4mnms0ZD-AS4rdoinUqi7uClwcuK6Y9iNfV/s200/verticutblades.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verticut blades</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Verticutting or vertical-mowing is a cultural practice that uses a series of vertical blades to slice into the soil surface(or just above) to cut lateral leaf tissue and reduce organic matter. The removal of this material provides a faster playing surface, makes the plant stand upright for a better cut/lie and allows water to better penetrate the soil. Over time, an over accumulation of organic material(otherwise known as thatch) can be detrimental to playing conditions and plant health. A single verticutting can reduce the organic matter by up to 15%, making this simple non-invasive practice a valuable tool in maintaining quality turgrass.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3Ali3ZHLTJehfMs4WfsokevhtUpg4vKstUXDMLjie-Tssh0J8J5Krf0ZItE4faPOttd0eakKLsU4n6B3j8RkjkJWxwK-EQyCt9ox_pGb6AEbwKh0SuwtdL6GOuUIp3ykJ3MTkIWD2L0q/s1600/verticutturf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3Ali3ZHLTJehfMs4WfsokevhtUpg4vKstUXDMLjie-Tssh0J8J5Krf0ZItE4faPOttd0eakKLsU4n6B3j8RkjkJWxwK-EQyCt9ox_pGb6AEbwKh0SuwtdL6GOuUIp3ykJ3MTkIWD2L0q/s320/verticutturf.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">As with all the cultural practices we preform, timing is extremely important. Weather dictates how aggressive we can be while verticutting. Typically, the spring and the fall are ideal for verticutting into the soil. During periods of extreme heat and humidity; grooming(just into the canopy of the plant) is the best choice. Grooming is used to get the plant upright for a better cut, thin the canopy and remove old growth; not for thatch removal. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Please let us know if you have any questions about verticutting or any other post on our site. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMLWkeU_KpUffsph0Qy7YsLsERNnvCH37_tgfCwiNQG3BKxuauATT6HKRkLFl5KPZcwWbOECYrcuvPCnN6sdBh2ciOHPi92iBg4gib6XilbOYmB8jS8lh3WjldtPFVKBzbHh3KFD9toWV/s1600/thatch_350wby300h.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMLWkeU_KpUffsph0Qy7YsLsERNnvCH37_tgfCwiNQG3BKxuauATT6HKRkLFl5KPZcwWbOECYrcuvPCnN6sdBh2ciOHPi92iBg4gib6XilbOYmB8jS8lh3WjldtPFVKBzbHh3KFD9toWV/s320/thatch_350wby300h.gif" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #1c1c1c; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-47012731053224011402012-02-29T15:22:00.002-05:002012-02-29T16:21:52.102-05:00Bunker Renovation: #3 Regency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2nR-k3Vm3V0wHfQcAgcvaN6VndbmNWjZHugeeRPsn85hN_Tr5YkrmeJcoLwuwpGephZwcA_p6VfvZffXqxij7T5h8kFKQNAPKyK3xYtqIxAPE3HMvEjr34VIGW_PpFRdmkVtw4oyBOM8/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2nR-k3Vm3V0wHfQcAgcvaN6VndbmNWjZHugeeRPsn85hN_Tr5YkrmeJcoLwuwpGephZwcA_p6VfvZffXqxij7T5h8kFKQNAPKyK3xYtqIxAPE3HMvEjr34VIGW_PpFRdmkVtw4oyBOM8/s200/photo+(2).JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Without question, the third hole on Regency has one the most talked about bunkers on the golf course; the rear green-side bunker. With the steep slope behind the green and poor visibility from the tee, the playability was far from "par-fect". We decided it was finally time for a renovation. There are many options available when renovating or constructing a bunker and it's important to select one that fits the course. In this particular situation the bunker was getting a tremendous amount of surface water from the surrounding slopes. With that, we inspected the areas around the bunker and looked for options to redirect the surface water. One big improvement would be the addition of a curb on the cart path. The curb would connect two existing sections and extend it to the bottom of the hill behind the green. We hope to add this curbing very soon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPGS6pbiWMct2ym8LXEwPQ5jKX39aJgrGU4FtIKbatW-qvUp6-rfl3c20JCooxSuEUDhHUCIIGBFjdMQVANG8T6mtBpVWuLx3B1Tr2xW-D83992ZwE2O9BOX1L2iCQHHYK64tgOIUME5_/s1600/photo+(3)+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPGS6pbiWMct2ym8LXEwPQ5jKX39aJgrGU4FtIKbatW-qvUp6-rfl3c20JCooxSuEUDhHUCIIGBFjdMQVANG8T6mtBpVWuLx3B1Tr2xW-D83992ZwE2O9BOX1L2iCQHHYK64tgOIUME5_/s200/photo+(3)+-+Copy.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>In the bunker, the old sand and drainage was removed. The outflow pipe had to be inspected to ensure excess water would flow out of the bunker. This portion of the project is very important, if any problems exist, they must be addressed before progressing. In our case the pipe was functioning perfectly, so its on to the next step. <br />
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Not only was this bunker one of the most problematic, but it's the smallest on the course. The existing single section of drain pipe in the bunker floor would've been sufficient, but we added a small section towards the top to slow water flow to the base of the bunker. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPWXlIVSelZxmLNiRft4KsgAxfe5q4-av6WlmEO2BF1S-o59O6S1O8i6d1uCH3t6SRZLZxq4KoGJRCCGFd1vZ4JDRWaHTR3x1Gq8HJNrueVQXroKK48vp-1oct3QkTNrDD9Bu64pHj6Xq/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPWXlIVSelZxmLNiRft4KsgAxfe5q4-av6WlmEO2BF1S-o59O6S1O8i6d1uCH3t6SRZLZxq4KoGJRCCGFd1vZ4JDRWaHTR3x1Gq8HJNrueVQXroKK48vp-1oct3QkTNrDD9Bu64pHj6Xq/s200/photo+(5).JPG" width="149" /></a></div>With the drainage complete, it was time to address the bunker floor. We graded the base and added a product called "Sand daM". This product is designed to prevent sand particle movement in bunkers from rainfall and irrigation. It's made from non-biodegradable polyester and synthetic binders from 3/4" to 1". The idea was to prevent as many washouts as possible and eliminate at least one source of sand contamination. This porous mat will also prevent rocks and other debris from migrating up into the sand. The addition of the Sand daM will make a big difference in the long term maintenance and aesthetics of the bunker.<br />
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It was then topped off with six inches of sand and is ready for play. Please let us know if you have any questions about this bunker or any other post on the site. Enjoy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a1YBkLuzIzaM5gAoLqw9DinSOCNgd3XJXAXV6JPEaIwdxRNutUioxGxrpwZ4eki_jyJ9sS3ATSu59BtVVf1ymKLFWc1v6uMGntikVKQYVtJmw2A2Tj9WfDYxv4I14UfzK7iUD7TU94Ss/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a1YBkLuzIzaM5gAoLqw9DinSOCNgd3XJXAXV6JPEaIwdxRNutUioxGxrpwZ4eki_jyJ9sS3ATSu59BtVVf1ymKLFWc1v6uMGntikVKQYVtJmw2A2Tj9WfDYxv4I14UfzK7iUD7TU94Ss/s400/photo+(7).JPG" width="297" /></a></div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-69127047860576537362012-02-09T11:04:00.002-05:002012-02-09T12:28:50.864-05:00The USGA on Winter PlayAs winter continues, so does the unseasonably warm temperatures and opportunities to hit the golf course. Are there risks associated with increased play during the winter months? That's a tough question to answer and it can only be determined by local conditions. The USGA and Darin S. Bevard explain some of those factors below.<br />
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<strong>Bonus Golf: Take Note of the Risks</strong><br />
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<strong>By Darin S. Bevard, senior agronomist, Mid-Atlantic Region<br />
January 31, 2012</strong><br />
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<tr> <td><img border="1" src="http://www.usga.org/uploadedImages/USGAHome/course_care/regional_updates/regional_reports/midatlantic/DSB%20MA%20Regnl%20%20Green.jpg" /></td> <td width="10"></td></tr>
<tr> <td class="caption"><imagecaption> <i>While some light snow has fallen at times and reminded us that it is winter, milder than normal temperatures have been the rule. Nicer weather has allowed for more golf than usual to be played during the winter months, but there may be consequences in the spring.</i> <br />
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For the past several weeks there have been many opportunities for golfers to get out and enjoy the weather, and their favorite golf course. With the extreme wet conditions of late summer/early fall, this bonus golf has been great for the golfers, and has helped the bottom lines of many golf courses. The mild weather has also rekindled the debate over winter play and the potential agronomic downside of excess traffic, especially on greens.<br />
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In the last couple of years, frequent snowfall and cold temperatures have rendered the winter play conversation a moot point. This winter we have been blessed with plenty of days to play golf, and golfers who want to play. The result - the back and forth debate over whether greens should be open or closed. There is no right or wrong answer to this question because of the different needs of individual golf facilities and the different weather conditions. <br />
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Common sense dictates that winter play is bad for grass, especially greens. Extra traffic under often marginal conditions causes wear. The difficulty is quantifying the cost of this damage from the perspective of impacts on in-season playing quality in addition to the cost to repair damage that may (or may not) occur with winter play. <br />
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Some golf courses simply close completely or close their greens during the winter. If this is an option for your facility, great. Even if only a few greens that are already difficult to manage in season could be closed, the reduction in winter wear will be beneficial. If your course chooses to play golf during the winter, decisions on playability of the golf course should be made on a daily basis. If it is too wet or the greens are partially frozen, the risk for damage is greater. The worst case scenario is thawed conditions at the immediate surface and frozen conditions one or two inches below the surface. The bottom line is, you must weigh the pros and cons for your individual situation and act accordingly. <br />
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If there are any questions on winter play, give us a call. We will be happy to visit with you about this issue and provide information that may help with a tough decision. <br />
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With the relatively warm weather, there are agronomic concerns too. On <i>Poa annua</i> greens, isolated areas of active anthracnose<i>Poa annua</i> has even hardened-off sufficiently to tolerate low temperatures. Warm temperatures reduce hardening in <i>Poa annua</i>, making the grass more susceptible to winterkill. Without snow cover, the grass has less insulation from sudden drops in temperature, which is the primary cause of crown hydration, especially in grass that is not sufficiently hardened. Time will tell, but this is a cause for concern in the northern tier of the region. Enjoy some bonus golf when the opportunity arises, but realize there are still concerns from winter traffic and Mother Nature.Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-39778475093079184602012-01-18T13:34:00.005-05:002012-02-10T14:46:45.405-05:00A Throne: Fit for a King<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlAVCIMmnHHHS46yTmaPXHqoaYa2jREsxdbe6MfVOWb0YUUpxejUiJd7YLRVOwEHts4hta6q_XzAKbnw5GTV0dLbFkiq1rlaD1Utta7BA2bdJZUNM-GU9x-0TlJSFFfOYDSh0SRH3wcpk/s1600/14_Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlAVCIMmnHHHS46yTmaPXHqoaYa2jREsxdbe6MfVOWb0YUUpxejUiJd7YLRVOwEHts4hta6q_XzAKbnw5GTV0dLbFkiq1rlaD1Utta7BA2bdJZUNM-GU9x-0TlJSFFfOYDSh0SRH3wcpk/s320/14_Before.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
Before</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UXShaV0tGudMnNSapKwEsUgMUfZsDWseTVJfQSIuMlSA0BsPH-gws4BWlmWo4fdA_9PBl7bHOD90pcoq_bDGi2KWOORJ6Uo6iyD4wQUpkWMfojzVQALsGRhgrxKKysCw-BbmArPC4Bib/s1600/4Bath_After_ladies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UXShaV0tGudMnNSapKwEsUgMUfZsDWseTVJfQSIuMlSA0BsPH-gws4BWlmWo4fdA_9PBl7bHOD90pcoq_bDGi2KWOORJ6Uo6iyD4wQUpkWMfojzVQALsGRhgrxKKysCw-BbmArPC4Bib/s320/4Bath_After_ladies.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you've ever visited a restroom on the golf course, then there's a chance an HGTV remodeling show has come to mind and how a few changes might not be a bad idea. Well, the updating is underway! Fresh paint, new vanities, wainscoting and a lot of hard work is transforming our restrooms to original condition. The project started this summer and Dominion Valley is complete. The Regency is now underway and will be completed by the end of February. <br />
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We would like to express our sincere thanks to Bernie Cole for executing the project. He is doing a tremendous job and his continued attention to detail is remarkable. <br />
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Please enjoy your new facilities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPBPJdftAUS8o2Qzbwpkp-X1hCeNFhknPZV_aTM76ZyY1xBDEXhN7avxT-po3kjuEXeXbwxy-movyVc8X7zqKQNIGDWfTBzWdhNRuSC8UzJdAm1PXvWc-seBSrsme15Tj6AXD3GvJLMsW/s1600/4Bath_After_mens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPBPJdftAUS8o2Qzbwpkp-X1hCeNFhknPZV_aTM76ZyY1xBDEXhN7avxT-po3kjuEXeXbwxy-movyVc8X7zqKQNIGDWfTBzWdhNRuSC8UzJdAm1PXvWc-seBSrsme15Tj6AXD3GvJLMsW/s320/4Bath_After_mens.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPpHdCxzPZXG2XgL99jrjxtIdu4gZgNigGU6F4ecxaCyKhPkv9Tt0446gqrX-b9P3EALekRswWl9tOAyUhUK8_bqUzYA7GfZi3xMopZ-tn50cdfZiCBPeunsXOBhushyphenhyphentVAqU1n0463zl/s1600/Bernie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPpHdCxzPZXG2XgL99jrjxtIdu4gZgNigGU6F4ecxaCyKhPkv9Tt0446gqrX-b9P3EALekRswWl9tOAyUhUK8_bqUzYA7GfZi3xMopZ-tn50cdfZiCBPeunsXOBhushyphenhyphentVAqU1n0463zl/s320/Bernie.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernie Cole</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-33432722853670040132012-01-10T13:56:00.006-05:002012-02-17T13:38:09.213-05:00DVCC goes Green........er<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1zFujDYLsRiVIF-IuxdFBxw2dafXmkDvz0ogyOThE7_uzXV_Rd364Hm1tK6W9Rs7yV9_YRCNpOn_nuAgrc_0Xq2R-H6qrutcNB_-8biWjJhWAAcFVqigsrPbos__5m0NsPPp6YVGmEM5/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1zFujDYLsRiVIF-IuxdFBxw2dafXmkDvz0ogyOThE7_uzXV_Rd364Hm1tK6W9Rs7yV9_YRCNpOn_nuAgrc_0Xq2R-H6qrutcNB_-8biWjJhWAAcFVqigsrPbos__5m0NsPPp6YVGmEM5/s320/snow.jpg" width="239" /></a>Dominion Valley is a proud member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, created and administered by Audubon International. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through research, education and conservation assistance. Under its program we are striving to implement best management practices in environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, water quality management, and community outreach and education. Our goal is to have our efforts in environmental stewardship recognized by becoming certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.<br />
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Currently, we are working on environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management portions of the program. Look for a post on bird nest houses in the near future. <br />
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If you have any questions please feel free to contact us!Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-70365751697895382542012-01-06T11:20:00.001-05:002012-01-06T11:26:55.072-05:00#18 DrainageRecently, we completed some much needed drainage projects on hole eighteen. As stated in the previous posts, similar projects will continue through the winter. The goal is simple, remove surface and subsurface water from areas that remain wet. Commonly, the best approach is to create a trench, add pipe, gravel, catch basins(if needed), regrade and sod. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkSGQKN4Y4nTQvTvwfP5ymQ5xsC-xE4HjVe231xCcNTeIyxYNShxxhRvuXQicmc5SyFRV2XP_jVTEc_EjOFp0JQ9Y1QocVV_3U5bpi9bSmmOcchAPS3vaVLtPmXF38FZ6FHhGHotJ2Tb9/s1600/trenching18-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkSGQKN4Y4nTQvTvwfP5ymQ5xsC-xE4HjVe231xCcNTeIyxYNShxxhRvuXQicmc5SyFRV2XP_jVTEc_EjOFp0JQ9Y1QocVV_3U5bpi9bSmmOcchAPS3vaVLtPmXF38FZ6FHhGHotJ2Tb9/s400/trenching18-2.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett Neville and Fred Philipp trench near #18 approach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHp0QZE1fk0Z8UfId2QF_nrQB7v7zgzO3HdzoC9LEhHn5Tj68T24Gc1aCzQCRjV-dUbdqtrd3iPlAgcTEM8BmKdUGrDCzT8YqEV-dSaMlj8nQx9aTj9F5LKUnKdLTztdRZ1Dz6HKWg7vk/s1600/box18-open.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHp0QZE1fk0Z8UfId2QF_nrQB7v7zgzO3HdzoC9LEhHn5Tj68T24Gc1aCzQCRjV-dUbdqtrd3iPlAgcTEM8BmKdUGrDCzT8YqEV-dSaMlj8nQx9aTj9F5LKUnKdLTztdRZ1Dz6HKWg7vk/s400/box18-open.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A catch basin is added to collect surface water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0u-wrP1emyPRjBf5DC_Sgvr5kPMo6Uqca981CP0zHfU9bqx_FjbHtvkiWrsDJERUN-Uz8wxDXSclcyZPoi2cweNhozkhzK3QqPBYhNsKJu0Zfxuq2NitF3x6KmIRcqJMfBguzL0nUafb/s1600/18boxdone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0u-wrP1emyPRjBf5DC_Sgvr5kPMo6Uqca981CP0zHfU9bqx_FjbHtvkiWrsDJERUN-Uz8wxDXSclcyZPoi2cweNhozkhzK3QqPBYhNsKJu0Zfxuq2NitF3x6KmIRcqJMfBguzL0nUafb/s400/18boxdone.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The catch basin installed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJhZV0XKj4fYMqW5HYAeU5uI_yov6mEY9coIxv1Jfn6pVMjSE5dVSvQhIrLVKFTpRRqOEOaccnzRzewbZSZnFCXUmbuYTlvJ82KOvPSflP9b30gTH6s3NqU2WfXikqZXEdC5D1sMj1VNx/s1600/18-2ndfwy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJhZV0XKj4fYMqW5HYAeU5uI_yov6mEY9coIxv1Jfn6pVMjSE5dVSvQhIrLVKFTpRRqOEOaccnzRzewbZSZnFCXUmbuYTlvJ82KOvPSflP9b30gTH6s3NqU2WfXikqZXEdC5D1sMj1VNx/s320/18-2ndfwy.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drainage on the 2nd fairway on hole 18.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-36622950510625827262011-12-13T11:29:00.002-05:002011-12-21T16:11:42.940-05:00"Practices" makes perfect<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">Two important cultural practices were completed recently on the greens. First, a deep-tine aerification was performed in late November(see post on deep tine aerification). Second, topdressing with coarse sand was completed in early December. The result will help to provide firmer, more consistent greens for the 2012 season.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">A deep tine aerification differs from a typical one in that the tines penetrate into the green deeper (10-12 inches versus 3-4 inches.) As a refresher, turfgrass roots will develop no deeper than the level of sustainable oxygen in the soil. Over time, a layer can develop at the three-to-four inch depth making it harder for a gas exchange to take place between the deeper layers of the soil and the atmosphere. The end result could be shallower rooting of turf which could ultimately affect playability. The deep-tine aerification, therefore, is critical to minimizing or preventing any undesirable layering from occurring.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3gD0bUjpfXguN7gkY5FkGfRtTTgz9ENQ8X8AC3KrDMxSNyYrcR39yTIr6gFCwpD10YSYMuIz39FKH2WFt6GG_bEBaJMnjLyDgtAPO0D7P8w4ZE502R6MsgoEmBtMiNC1fgCwDpd1gIY/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3gD0bUjpfXguN7gkY5FkGfRtTTgz9ENQ8X8AC3KrDMxSNyYrcR39yTIr6gFCwpD10YSYMuIz39FKH2WFt6GG_bEBaJMnjLyDgtAPO0D7P8w4ZE502R6MsgoEmBtMiNC1fgCwDpd1gIY/s320/photo1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Sand topdressing was completed soon after the deep-tine aerification. In this case, the goal of topdressing wasn’t necessarily to fill the aerification holes with sand. In this case, topdressing was aimed more at opening up or diluting the layer of organic material that inevitably builds up in the upper levels of the greens. For the record, we used about two tons of sand per green. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">It’s important to realize that not all topdressing is the same. Particle size, shape and hardness, are important aspects to consider when selecting the best topdressing for an application. We are fortunate to have access to hard quartz silica sands in this area which are quite durable. Correct particle sizing is critical when selecting topdressing. The general rule is never to topdress with a smaller particle size than the green was constructed with. Over time finer sand will tend to clog the green and make it more difficult for water and air to percolate down into the root zone. Therefore, the greens were topdressed with a coarse material.</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">The difficulty of topdressing with coarser sand however, is that it doesn’t work its way into the green’s canopy as efficiently as a finer material would. During the growing season, when we are mowing every day, this is an issue since the mowers tend to pick up and remove the sand long before it enters the canopy and begins doing its job. Since we’re not mowing the greens at this time of the year, we decided to topdress now and allow the material time to gradually work its way into the canopy. When we mow again next season, the topdressing will have incorporated and will prove beneficial for years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end result will be firmer, healthier and more consistent greens next season.</div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-80260965721591587762011-11-22T14:30:00.009-05:002011-12-21T16:15:02.722-05:00#15 Drainage<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The first question most people ask the golf maintenance industry is, “what do you do in the winter months”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that’s a great question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As mowing activities slow and the growing season comes to an end, operations shift to tasks such as drainage. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The true definition of drainage </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, the fifteenth hole next to the cart path received a bit of both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The turf was removed along with accumulated sediment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Photo #1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, four inch pipe was installed to pick up any subsurface water, in conjunction with catch basins to collect excess water flow from the cart path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trenches were then filled with stone, allowing water to travel into the pipe. (Photo #2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire area was graded and smoothed to prepare for sod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Photo #3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area now has sod and is ready for play! (Photo #4) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are similar areas that will be addressed as the winter continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We’d like to hear from you, leave your comments about this blog below. </span> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ae9yG2ULwXV7TcCj4pEWlO2jS0adfbD_4pIWdS5Cw_fUx1HbwIPVs6cBZd_7qlDhT_ubmuCT21ZYtFEd_jt0BkdLhfgwwTn5cf7zvstiO2Vgek90awIGc8ahAlO6wOiM2kA-0xvnF_JU/s1600/IMG00044-20111116-0846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ae9yG2ULwXV7TcCj4pEWlO2jS0adfbD_4pIWdS5Cw_fUx1HbwIPVs6cBZd_7qlDhT_ubmuCT21ZYtFEd_jt0BkdLhfgwwTn5cf7zvstiO2Vgek90awIGc8ahAlO6wOiM2kA-0xvnF_JU/s320/IMG00044-20111116-0846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3VYXeg71PcznkS-Rl_RUe4Va9TSmgE4xgpPDYw32U7qPWpyOuk0ieB5N4qknhophYEnsCL77AQcGTmITbMyxDkf-dpRaoMCyFuqE2k7eb0_11bh7bXf8DIr1eFz5ceiDHS3skqMcUxLL/s1600/IMG00049-20111117-1459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3VYXeg71PcznkS-Rl_RUe4Va9TSmgE4xgpPDYw32U7qPWpyOuk0ieB5N4qknhophYEnsCL77AQcGTmITbMyxDkf-dpRaoMCyFuqE2k7eb0_11bh7bXf8DIr1eFz5ceiDHS3skqMcUxLL/s320/IMG00049-20111117-1459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-52131633726012790302011-11-21T22:02:00.013-05:002012-01-09T14:02:40.705-05:00Deep Tine Aerification: The tines are changing.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5sMP8WpajF535hyphenhyphenJSSJMzsNJOaC_BFlY_iUgyw6Syvi98gXRXe31V6_0jDiNdB95uvvpTlG2sKLCDCBkNNcQ0krt14AsTGZ9-SkzhmZxnyty2TfKVruZgYGKbYzaA6dzalN2y2-8dWie/s1600/Deeptineholes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5sMP8WpajF535hyphenhyphenJSSJMzsNJOaC_BFlY_iUgyw6Syvi98gXRXe31V6_0jDiNdB95uvvpTlG2sKLCDCBkNNcQ0krt14AsTGZ9-SkzhmZxnyty2TfKVruZgYGKbYzaA6dzalN2y2-8dWie/s320/Deeptineholes.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>The sun is shinning, the birds are singing and you have just reached the first green in regulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you approach the green your ball is only six feet away from the pin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, you see those little holes and think “why do they have to punch holes in the greens?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The key reasons are to allow oxygen to the roots, relieve soil compaction and remove excess thatch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be done a variety of ways and to varying depths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most common approach typically occurs in the top four inches of the soil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This area is important because most of the root system and thatch can be found there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, years of punching holes to the same depth can create potential problems, a “plow layer”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The term plow layer originated from farmers who plowed their fields to the same depth each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time a hard pan (non permeable) layer was created which proved deadly to many crops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same principal can be applied to the golf course green from years of aeration to the same depth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This problem is addressed using a specialty deep tine aerifier that can punch holes up to twelve inches deep. By varying the depth of the aerification hole such layers can be avoided. Thus, allowing water to pass through the soil profile and deeper roots. The excess water can then enter the subsurface drainage systems located under each green. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The greens are being deep tined this week and should be finished by Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are using a solid tine, which will cause a minimal surface disturbance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greens will be rolled upon completion to smooth any uneven areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Thanks for your continued support!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE838e-OKF8wtAN5sPdo-tVeRhIue_SIJ7Nbd3WfiQiccKV0DgpgcTepgx3lX6V_LjS6cMdaIOXls-Zu8DhE3F-j00Is6CAQdEXAsWNqCv1id97pgeRvkQDh-vm0HmlGOaOePiwCS0C9_/s1600/Deep+Tine+P.G.%252520DVCC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVE838e-OKF8wtAN5sPdo-tVeRhIue_SIJ7Nbd3WfiQiccKV0DgpgcTepgx3lX6V_LjS6cMdaIOXls-Zu8DhE3F-j00Is6CAQdEXAsWNqCv1id97pgeRvkQDh-vm0HmlGOaOePiwCS0C9_/s400/Deep+Tine+P.G.%252520DVCC" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assistant Superintendent Adam Rice deep tines greens.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvHrt_4DZTCj2bxA-cK_-wcrMPNG6KLzIt1WHpyCsabDwFSe_wgkX5gnnN_1Zxj1kq6EVG-EDkB1qqIwj-08Z_OaFRbQb-IlFb346EyzkmnX-Nu8NXX55QcYDn0QbO4atMsnmYWfJnM36/s1600/Tine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvHrt_4DZTCj2bxA-cK_-wcrMPNG6KLzIt1WHpyCsabDwFSe_wgkX5gnnN_1Zxj1kq6EVG-EDkB1qqIwj-08Z_OaFRbQb-IlFb346EyzkmnX-Nu8NXX55QcYDn0QbO4atMsnmYWfJnM36/s400/Tine.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2916141549452882117.post-12575316729299231642011-11-21T10:01:00.006-05:002011-11-27T08:11:42.484-05:00Frost: The Cold Facts<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">As temperatures continue to plummet through the fall and winter months, so does the likelihood of frost delays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During these conditions damage can occur from equipment and foot traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As winter continues, lets take a look at the reason these delays are necessary. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Frost occurs when <span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">turfgrass plants re-radiate heat (exothermic reaction) and lose heat to the atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If plant temperatures are cooler than the air, moisture from the atmosphere will form on the leaf blade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the leaf temperatures drop below freezing this moisture becomes frost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is not uncommon to see frost even if temperatures are in the mid thirties.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="background: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frost typically forms in early morning before sunrise. This is because the plant has been re-radiating energy through the night and will be coolest at daybreak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may continue to form past daybreak due to the low light angles not hitting the leaf blade. </span></div><div style="background: white;"><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Once frost has formed, equipment and foot traffic will rupture the plant cells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This unsightly damage can last into spring or until new leafs replace them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The golf course maintenance staff constantly monitors the frost and strives to get you on the golf course as quickly as possible. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on cool season turf<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lL82i-ZMQPY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out this informative video from the USGA</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Raymond T. Nash, CGCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14422993179099009409noreply@blogger.com0