Aeration Update And Other Topics

It was warm and very dry all summer so it stands to reason that as soon as we began the long, time consuming task of fairway aeration that it would begin to rain and not really letup. To make matters a little more difficult it doesn't dry up quickly at this time of year. I guess on the other hand the moisture is sorely needed in the Edmonton area. We have finished aeration and topdressing on fairways 11, 12 and 13. Hopefully the work can resume tomorrow. On a more positive note Turf care did manage to get all the tee surfaces cored and topdressed last week when fairway aeration had to be suspended. Another reminder that greens will be aerated on October 5th and 6th.

The silvery thread moss that is on the greens in various locations has been treated with "Quicksilver" in August and mid September. It is a difficult weed to eradicate so more applications of this selective herbicide will be applied next season. In combination with our topdressing program, a review of our nutrient levels on the greens and hopefully less watering requirements next season, we should be able to drastically reduce the presence of this troublesome organism. It isn't really noticeable to the untrained eye until it is sprayed then it turns black as the chemical takes action. The turf has already begun to reappear in these spots and we are also spiking and overseeding now to aid in recovery.

Dew worms have seemed to come out of nowhere after the dry summer and recent rains. Their castings as they come to the surface leave small dirt mounds that get flattened by the mowers and interfere with turf growth. They aren't a problem on our sand based greens as the sand irritates their skin. However the approaches and fairways are heavier clay loam soils and the worms have flourished. We waited long enough but have now had to treat the approaches with an insecticide (spraying chemicals was a last resort) to knock the worms back. More applications will be necessary and likely also required on certain fairways in the future.

Course Notes

• The holding tank for the washroom on #14 will be installed by  S.A.C. Septic Solutions in the next 2 weeks.
• James Allen Construction is in the process of obtaining the timbers for the building itself and will begin construction of the washroom in the near future. It will match the facility on #6. Landscaping work will occur next spring.
• The steps on #1 tee will be reset later in October when it isn't as busy on the golf course.
• We were going to wait on the paving stone work at the washroom on #17 but have decided to get started this fall and finish up next May.
• Over the next few weeks cart path entrances and exits will be resodded as needed. This will be a never ending process due to the our tight and limited power cart access issue. 

 

Fairway Core Aeration Update

Turf Care will begin fairway core aeration, cleanup and topdressing on Monday, September 14th. This procedure is necessary in order to keep modifying the root zone under the turf. It is not anywhere near what is required to keep maintaining high quality fairways especially during extremes in weather, be it drought or periods of excessive rainfall. This season has been a struggle for us even if you haven't noticed. Our cultural programs and the monthly light fairway sand applications we've  been performing for the past two seasons are only a start to what we hope will be much better conditions in a few years.

This is a tedious, long process that will take the better part of 5 to 10 days to finish. Nice dry weather will shorten the work. Rainfall and even cloudy cool weather will mean delays and unfortunately some messy conditions at times. There will be muddy shoes, pull cart wheels and dirty power carts to contend with if it gets too wet. Afterwards approximately 300 metric tonnes of sand will be spread on the fairways so expect some "different" conditions out there for the remainder of the golf season (no different than last September).

We are committed to removing excess thatch and changing our root zone from a heavier clay type to more of a sand based surface. Why? Better drainage, smoother surfaces and a healthier growth environment for the type of turf on our fairways. The same philosophy we live by for the greens, tees and approaches.

First step is core aeration.

We'll use the greens aerator to core the small area around sprinklers which is in dire need of aeration as evidenced by the dry summer. These areas have typically been neglected as the big aerator cannot get too close or potential sprinkler damage can and does occur.

2 sweepers will be used to remove the heavy soil cores. We want as much soil as possible removed and replaced with sand so that the profile modification can continue.

300 metric tonnes of sand is here for the topdressing that will follow cleanup.

• There may be some damage to the turf at times. Have no fear. Turf Care will deal with it.
• It will be muddy early in the day (and if it rains) so delays are to be expected at times.
• The tractors will not be stopping so we need everyone to get along out there. Exercise caution and patience please.
• Lets hope for some pleasant weather.



Fall Preparations

A busy August is over and preparations for winter have begun: at least procedures and changes you as members might notice. Our cultural practices and efforts to maintain high quality, healthy turf have been ongoing throughout the season. This is critical as we approach October.


Beginning today the height of cut on greens has been raised by 10% and further increases will occur as the weeks pass. The mowing schedules across the board have been modified to reflect a lower growth potential as the days get shorter and the nights cool off. Fairways, tees and approaches will be mowed less frequently and greens may be rolled instead of cut depending on daily events and the weather.


Of course it is time to consider aeration dates as well. We have vented greens monthly and September will be no different. However on October 5th and 6th the greens will be cored, heavily topdressed and noticeably bumpy for the remainder of the golf season. Nine holes will be closed each day as we work on the greens. Our philosophy is to give the membership the longest run of quality putting surfaces starting from mid May (when the holes have healed from the previous fall aeration) until the end of September.


Fairway aeration will begin on September 14th. This is a long arduous process that will require a week of continuous work assuming the weather cooperates. Wet weather will only lead to a huge mess. The topdressing that follows will be considerably heavier than our light summer applications. We have many more seasons of work (and hopefully an updated, modern irrigation system in the near future) in order to improve the root zone under the fairway turf. It is obvious after the hot, dry summer that our soil conditions are less than ideal out on the fairways (and rough for that matter). Tees and approaches will be aerated following the fairway work.


On the project list:

• We will begin the construction of the new washroom at 14 tee in the next week.
• There is some tree work to undertake that will open up the sides of the par 3 tee decks. Maples and spruce have encroached over the years and with our smaller tee surfaces we need that area along the sides back.
• On #9 we have surveyed many golfers that play from the gold tees and from those conversations we will be removing several large branches high on the right side. NO Poplars are being removed.
• The large stumps in the tree line to the left of 2 green have been removed and the area will be shaped and seeded.
• The steps at #1 blue and white will be reset to match the gold tee.
• The Turf Hound mats at the driving range will be evaluated for wear and tear and be replaced as need be over the winter.

The leaves are turning and falling sooner than usual. The drought this summer is partly to blame but it is September. The blowers and sweepers will be on the course daily so please have patience with the Turf Care staff as these machines are loud and bulky. They may not notice you for a few minutes so lets keep everyone safe out there.


Enjoy September and what is typically a very pleasant month to play golf in the Edmonton area.