My day started off with a look out the window and no snow! By the time I had dressed and checked out the radar loop on the Environment Canada website it was snowing. On my way to work I almost hit a pedestrian who decided to cross the street without looking or thinking about an ice covered 109th street. No harm done.
I had planned to go out today, take some pictures of the golf course and then post them for all to see. It would be a bad joke to do it now. Aside from a lack of pictures I can report that conditions look very promising at present. We have 3 greens left to clear (the present snowfall not included) and the greens that are clear look good. The greens that have more annual bluegrass (Poa annua) than creeping bentgrass look blotchy and off color but that is normal. There are several different bio types of Poa across the surface of the greens and each type has its own distinctive color and look as they come out of dormancy in the spring. Eric brought in samples (plugs) to the greenhouse and after 24 hours or so they are growing quite well. The tee surfaces also look good and any fairway turf I can see looks ok as well. Unfortunately I can't see much. They are either covered in snow or underwater. If you have a home lawn you probably have a good dose of snow mold and maybe some mouse damage. At the golf course the mice had a field day. No pun intended. Many surrounds are chewed up and I think we will see some activity on some tees and greens as well.
Wherever we did not apply a fungicide there are some pretty dramatic examples of snow mold. We sprayed all the usual areas of the course as well as 1 or 2 passes of the rough around the greens. Next fall, weather, time and cost permitting I would like to expand the rough treatment to further protect the course for a better spring result. Conditions as they are this spring always validate our efforts to protect the turf from disease pressure. We aren't quite out of the woods yet though. We will be applying a spring fungicide as soon as we can get on the greens and hoping for seasonable weather and not a dramatic drop in temperatures. The turf (especially Poa) is very susceptible to a low tempertature setback during March and April.
We are hoping to have the parking lot (most of it anyway) cleaned up before the Easter weekend and the practice facilties open by then as well. The putting greens are almost a given but with today's weather the driving range has become a long shot. Maybe next week will be warm and sunny. We need good weather down in maintenance as well so that our city water line thaws out sooner than later. Scroll to the bottom for another picture. One other note. The ipod app will not display pictures so visit: http://www.wpeckham.blogspot.com/ or Google: "Royal Mayfair Turf Notes" to view any pictures. Thanks.
Until next time.
Wade
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Course Conditions Update
I know my previous blog stated that I would discuss double cutting but I changed my mind. March 30th was the first mild, sunny day in a long while. The melt is finally underway so I thought the membership would like an update as to what has transpired over the last few weeks. Some encouraging observations and one troubling concern. Don't worry. The problem isn't a turf related issue.
We began snowblowing a path around the golf course last week and should be finished by Friday. These paths allow us quick access to the greens and tees in order to keep a close eye on the snow/ice conditions. The snow pack is still deep and the turf is frozen underneath. This can change quickly depending on the weather. I'm not a big fan of clearing greens but this has been an unusual winter so it looks like we will begin blowing off the snow early next week. Our main concern once the snow is removed is keeping standing water off the surface of the greens to prevent a freeze thaw cycle that can kill turf at this time of year. Our other concern is being able to get on the greens with our sprayer to apply a spring fungicide to control disease. That all being said, any spot we have shovelled down to the surface looks promising. We did encounter ice where someone skiied across the large practice green in December. I'm sure it wasnt a member but probably someone unfamiliar with the course. If the track is damaged this spring we will know why and it will serve as a good example as to what early ice formation can do to turf.
Now the "troubling concern". One week ago our city water stopped flowing to the green house and our maintenance facility. After many phone calls, map reading and thawing attempts we have finally figured out the problem and its a big one. 11 years ago a 6 inch high density polethylene pipe was pushed in from the parking lot entrance area to the irrigation lake behind the shop. This line is "all weather" and our water supply tees off this line close to the maintenance facility. We thought this 1 inch feed line had froze. We were wrong. The type of winter we have experienced (very long and cold) coupled with the asphalt at the entrance to the club (the 6 inch line runs under the entrance) being exposed without an insulating snow cover has resulted in that line freezing. How do we know? We went into the irrigation pond control vault to test the water flow and there is no flow. That line should be fully pressurized as it is supposed to be below the frost line. Not this year. Before anyone says, "Call Epcor", forget it. They told us we are on our own as it is a private waterline. We have thought about steaming the line but the variables are to numerous to discuss here. For the time being we have Maureen and the greenhouse looked after. We have brought in bottled water for the shop and some portable outhouses for the staff. If it hasn't thawed out when we need irrigation water we will go through the procedure of pumping directly from the river into the pond. Old school. A 6 inch pump and lots of hoses (with notification to Parks and Rec of course). Hopefully the line thaws during April and the line isn't damaged. HDPE line is more durable than steel when it comes to ice.
Thats it for now. The double cutting topic should be up by Sunday.
Wade
We began snowblowing a path around the golf course last week and should be finished by Friday. These paths allow us quick access to the greens and tees in order to keep a close eye on the snow/ice conditions. The snow pack is still deep and the turf is frozen underneath. This can change quickly depending on the weather. I'm not a big fan of clearing greens but this has been an unusual winter so it looks like we will begin blowing off the snow early next week. Our main concern once the snow is removed is keeping standing water off the surface of the greens to prevent a freeze thaw cycle that can kill turf at this time of year. Our other concern is being able to get on the greens with our sprayer to apply a spring fungicide to control disease. That all being said, any spot we have shovelled down to the surface looks promising. We did encounter ice where someone skiied across the large practice green in December. I'm sure it wasnt a member but probably someone unfamiliar with the course. If the track is damaged this spring we will know why and it will serve as a good example as to what early ice formation can do to turf.
Now the "troubling concern". One week ago our city water stopped flowing to the green house and our maintenance facility. After many phone calls, map reading and thawing attempts we have finally figured out the problem and its a big one. 11 years ago a 6 inch high density polethylene pipe was pushed in from the parking lot entrance area to the irrigation lake behind the shop. This line is "all weather" and our water supply tees off this line close to the maintenance facility. We thought this 1 inch feed line had froze. We were wrong. The type of winter we have experienced (very long and cold) coupled with the asphalt at the entrance to the club (the 6 inch line runs under the entrance) being exposed without an insulating snow cover has resulted in that line freezing. How do we know? We went into the irrigation pond control vault to test the water flow and there is no flow. That line should be fully pressurized as it is supposed to be below the frost line. Not this year. Before anyone says, "Call Epcor", forget it. They told us we are on our own as it is a private waterline. We have thought about steaming the line but the variables are to numerous to discuss here. For the time being we have Maureen and the greenhouse looked after. We have brought in bottled water for the shop and some portable outhouses for the staff. If it hasn't thawed out when we need irrigation water we will go through the procedure of pumping directly from the river into the pond. Old school. A 6 inch pump and lots of hoses (with notification to Parks and Rec of course). Hopefully the line thaws during April and the line isn't damaged. HDPE line is more durable than steel when it comes to ice.
Thats it for now. The double cutting topic should be up by Sunday.
Wade
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thoughts From The CGSA Conference In Vancouver
Just returned from the Canadian Golf Superintendents Conference and Trade Show. Vancouver may have been cooler than normal but I saw green grass, water not ice, no winter boots and the odd crocus popping out of the ground.
Did a run/walk around Stanley Park. Oh my aching legs. Cross fit is slightly different than distance running. Save the comments. Didn't seem like an issue at the time. A lot less trees around the NW point since my last visit thanks to that vicious windstorm a few years back.
Looked at some new equipment at the trade show. Saw the new leaf/debris sweeper we will be purchasing in the spring. Aside from our Toro Rake-O-Vac the other sweepers we own will not be used on the property anymore. From what I saw in the fall everytime they went out damaged turf was almost a given. I think we have enough repairs to deal with as it is. Some new innovations in rough mowers and pump station replacement were in my view as well.
The seminars were informative and some will be beneficial to our plans for the course in the near future. No boring details here though. Although one seminar dealt with managing greens of a Poa/Bentgrass mix. Basically different times of the season require different mangement strategies in order to "get the most" out of each turf type. No huge surprise but some new thoughts and ideas were discussed.
One last comment. When you get an industry such as ours together in one location you hear some interesting comments, tales and rumors. You also find time to relax and socialize with colleagues and sales reps. All valuable (aside from the rumors that is) in my humble opinion. Well worth the investment in professional development and I'm thankful the Royal Mayfair supports our attendance at national conferences and regional seminars.
Next blog topic: "Greens Mowing and Double Cutting"
Did a run/walk around Stanley Park. Oh my aching legs. Cross fit is slightly different than distance running. Save the comments. Didn't seem like an issue at the time. A lot less trees around the NW point since my last visit thanks to that vicious windstorm a few years back.
Looked at some new equipment at the trade show. Saw the new leaf/debris sweeper we will be purchasing in the spring. Aside from our Toro Rake-O-Vac the other sweepers we own will not be used on the property anymore. From what I saw in the fall everytime they went out damaged turf was almost a given. I think we have enough repairs to deal with as it is. Some new innovations in rough mowers and pump station replacement were in my view as well.
The seminars were informative and some will be beneficial to our plans for the course in the near future. No boring details here though. Although one seminar dealt with managing greens of a Poa/Bentgrass mix. Basically different times of the season require different mangement strategies in order to "get the most" out of each turf type. No huge surprise but some new thoughts and ideas were discussed.
One last comment. When you get an industry such as ours together in one location you hear some interesting comments, tales and rumors. You also find time to relax and socialize with colleagues and sales reps. All valuable (aside from the rumors that is) in my humble opinion. Well worth the investment in professional development and I'm thankful the Royal Mayfair supports our attendance at national conferences and regional seminars.
Next blog topic: "Greens Mowing and Double Cutting"
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Is A Pesticide Bylaw In Our Future?
As promised I have a brief report and some thoughts of my own regarding the initial discussions of a city wide pesticide bylaw. On February 23rd the Transportation and Public Works Committee reviewed a report that explored the feasibility of restricting or eliminating public and private lawn and garden pesticides in Edmonton. Without going into great detail the committee then heard from the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (an arm of Health Canada) and the Pesticide Management Branch of Alberta Environment. The science of study and approval was explained by the PMRA and the process of pesticide management in our province was then detailed to the audience and city councillors in attendance.
The next phase of the meeting allowed 20 individual speakers (both private citizens and representatives from industry groups) exactly 5 minutes to air their thoughts. This issue seems to be split down the middle as the pro vs. anti was about 50/50. No surprise there. Several of the speakers spoke well of the issue and stressed the reliance on sound scientific research and continued safe use of pesticides to ensure a quality of life that we are accustomed to. Of course the discussion became emotional, on both sides, which served no positive purpose in my mind. Statistics were misinterpreted, research was debunked and budget figures were brushed aside as falllacy. Even those against a ban on pesticides did themselves no favours by going "over the top". Perhaps some of you watched Global News that night and caught one speaker discussing cancer and another telling City Council to stay out of his backyard unless invited in for a BBQ. It was, all in all, an enlightening experience for myself. To see grass roots democracy in action was an eye opener for me but it also exposed the grind that politics is especially when dealing with concerned, taxpaying citizens.
What I would like the membership to consider as we move forward is that "golf is a business that prides itself on working with nature to provide natural beauty and an excellent playing experience for its clients", public or private. We as superintendents are tasked with providing the well groomed turf you demand. At the same time we need all the tools that can be safely utilized and applied in a short season interrupted by a hostile "off season" environment. Pesticides are an important tool to meet the requirements you demand. We use them judiciously and safely. Your safety as well as our own is paramount. By the way. Did you know that 98% of herbicides (weed control products) are applied to food crops in various growth stages? I didn't. In order to feed a growing world, pesticides assist in huge increases in crop production.
My final comment. The golf industry did not speak to the issue at this meeting. An association of all concerned golf industry parties in Alberta will be brought together soon. The plan is to come prepared with a well thought out, science based response prepared by the Association when and if the pesticide issue arises again. This will mirror the same situation that ocurred in Calgary in 2008 when a "Proposal to Phase Out the Use of Cosmetic Pesticides" was attempted and susequently not adopted. It is my hope the Royal Mayfair Golf Club membership will support our efforts and lend assistance if required. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above or just want to discuss the pesticide issue with me feel free to do so.
I will keep you updated as time goes on. Anyone seen spring hanging around?
Wade
The next phase of the meeting allowed 20 individual speakers (both private citizens and representatives from industry groups) exactly 5 minutes to air their thoughts. This issue seems to be split down the middle as the pro vs. anti was about 50/50. No surprise there. Several of the speakers spoke well of the issue and stressed the reliance on sound scientific research and continued safe use of pesticides to ensure a quality of life that we are accustomed to. Of course the discussion became emotional, on both sides, which served no positive purpose in my mind. Statistics were misinterpreted, research was debunked and budget figures were brushed aside as falllacy. Even those against a ban on pesticides did themselves no favours by going "over the top". Perhaps some of you watched Global News that night and caught one speaker discussing cancer and another telling City Council to stay out of his backyard unless invited in for a BBQ. It was, all in all, an enlightening experience for myself. To see grass roots democracy in action was an eye opener for me but it also exposed the grind that politics is especially when dealing with concerned, taxpaying citizens.
What I would like the membership to consider as we move forward is that "golf is a business that prides itself on working with nature to provide natural beauty and an excellent playing experience for its clients", public or private. We as superintendents are tasked with providing the well groomed turf you demand. At the same time we need all the tools that can be safely utilized and applied in a short season interrupted by a hostile "off season" environment. Pesticides are an important tool to meet the requirements you demand. We use them judiciously and safely. Your safety as well as our own is paramount. By the way. Did you know that 98% of herbicides (weed control products) are applied to food crops in various growth stages? I didn't. In order to feed a growing world, pesticides assist in huge increases in crop production.
My final comment. The golf industry did not speak to the issue at this meeting. An association of all concerned golf industry parties in Alberta will be brought together soon. The plan is to come prepared with a well thought out, science based response prepared by the Association when and if the pesticide issue arises again. This will mirror the same situation that ocurred in Calgary in 2008 when a "Proposal to Phase Out the Use of Cosmetic Pesticides" was attempted and susequently not adopted. It is my hope the Royal Mayfair Golf Club membership will support our efforts and lend assistance if required. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above or just want to discuss the pesticide issue with me feel free to do so.
I will keep you updated as time goes on. Anyone seen spring hanging around?
Wade
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What I've Learned After 20 Years As A Superintendent
What have I learned after 20 years? The first lesson I'm going to talk about took 19 years to really sink in. It is: "Watch what you say and really watch what you put onto the internet". Last summer I stirred up the pot with a local columnist in defense of my profession. Long story short, sometimes a phone call is the best method of discussing a topic. I hope the membership at the Royal Mayfair will feel comfortable to do that with me when necessary. I can take the good with the bad (as most superintendents can).
The second lesson I've learned is: "The weather can lay waste to the best laid plans". We all realize a thunderstorm or a drought can affect the condition of a golf course but in this part of North America winter is the great equalizer. The first time your course suffers from ice damage or disease you begin to question everything you do. This was the first real acid test of my career . Of all the adversity a superintendent is faced with I think dead greens top the list. How you react and recover is a lesson in itself. Again, to make a long story short. Been there. Done that.
The third lesson: "To find a balance between profession and family is paramount". The demands for time that come with being a golf course superintendent are very high but even more so for that six months of intense work that comes with a short golf season. Something has to give and that usually means less leisure time. Having kids reinforces this. Summer holidays? Difficult. A spouse who is also a superintendent? A whole topic in itself. I know, we all make choices in life. Even so we adapt although it took a few years to figure out how to develop some kind of balance. We're very fortunate to be able to lean on each other when it seems there is not enough time to complete anything. My family knows that this summer is going to be a stressful one.
The fourth lesson: "No matter what I do on the golf course someone isn't going to like it". This one can drive you crazy. It doesn't matter what golf course you work at. Public or private. One owner or hundreds (read that as shareholder). You accomplish tasks that you truly believe raises maintenance to another level or you embark on a path that will lead to a better club in the future but there is always a certain percentage that will not be pleased. My goal is to try and keep that group in the low percentages. I was once told by a very wise person that I wasn't unique. It didn't matter what profession you were in. Its the same everywhere so I shouldn't feel special. His point. Quit whining and do your best. Gulp.
The fifth lesson: "Remember who you work for". Basically I remind myself constantly that even though the golf course is "my canvas" it doesn't belong to me. I have worked for 1 owner, 10 owners and many shareholders over the years. I am fortunate they have had the trust in me to look after their investment. Even though the course isn't mine I will treat it like it is. I want the best conditions that all the variables can deliver. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like but we will get there.
The sixth lesson: "I have more to learn in the future".
I could go on and on but the five I have discussed always seem to rise up and demand someone (myself) take notice. Until next time.
The second lesson I've learned is: "The weather can lay waste to the best laid plans". We all realize a thunderstorm or a drought can affect the condition of a golf course but in this part of North America winter is the great equalizer. The first time your course suffers from ice damage or disease you begin to question everything you do. This was the first real acid test of my career . Of all the adversity a superintendent is faced with I think dead greens top the list. How you react and recover is a lesson in itself. Again, to make a long story short. Been there. Done that.
The third lesson: "To find a balance between profession and family is paramount". The demands for time that come with being a golf course superintendent are very high but even more so for that six months of intense work that comes with a short golf season. Something has to give and that usually means less leisure time. Having kids reinforces this. Summer holidays? Difficult. A spouse who is also a superintendent? A whole topic in itself. I know, we all make choices in life. Even so we adapt although it took a few years to figure out how to develop some kind of balance. We're very fortunate to be able to lean on each other when it seems there is not enough time to complete anything. My family knows that this summer is going to be a stressful one.
The fourth lesson: "No matter what I do on the golf course someone isn't going to like it". This one can drive you crazy. It doesn't matter what golf course you work at. Public or private. One owner or hundreds (read that as shareholder). You accomplish tasks that you truly believe raises maintenance to another level or you embark on a path that will lead to a better club in the future but there is always a certain percentage that will not be pleased. My goal is to try and keep that group in the low percentages. I was once told by a very wise person that I wasn't unique. It didn't matter what profession you were in. Its the same everywhere so I shouldn't feel special. His point. Quit whining and do your best. Gulp.
The fifth lesson: "Remember who you work for". Basically I remind myself constantly that even though the golf course is "my canvas" it doesn't belong to me. I have worked for 1 owner, 10 owners and many shareholders over the years. I am fortunate they have had the trust in me to look after their investment. Even though the course isn't mine I will treat it like it is. I want the best conditions that all the variables can deliver. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like but we will get there.
The sixth lesson: "I have more to learn in the future".
I could go on and on but the five I have discussed always seem to rise up and demand someone (myself) take notice. Until next time.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
My Thoughts On Cartpaths
I couldn't come up with a catchy heading for what appears to be a touchy subject at the Royal Mayfair so my apologies for the bland title. The subject matter on the other hand promises to be anything but boring. Keep in mind the following are just thoughts based on my experience at other clubs, conversations with architects, fellow superintendents and golfers.
Since arriving at the club and getting hints of a proposal to change the cartpaths I have made a point to look at the background of any picture that has to do with a golf course or a specific golf hole. These pictures are from courses all over the world. Public and private. Low end to high end. Old and new. While we all look at green grass (or not) I'm also looking at cartpaths. Are they concrete, asphalt, gravel or some other hardscape material (paving stone for example)? The overwhelming choice seems to be asphalt or concrete. Why? Lets break it down. But first I will state that the best cartpath you have is one you don't notice. Either it is strategically placed or so well constructed it is merely an afterthought to the playability of the hole.
Paved/asphalt paths allow the continued use of power carts during inclement weather. Around here that usually means rain but it can also aid a course during drought. Paved paths tend to keep carts cleaner throughout the round. Paved paths allow the installation of concrete curbing to keep carts off turf next to tee complexes and green sites. These zones are 2 areas at the Royal Mayfair that show considerable wear and tear if there isn't a row of railroad ties nearby. Paved paths mean less labour allocated to upkeep. Gravel paths are very labour intensive to keep smooth and they tend to get dusty at times. That labour can then be shifted to another area of the course that is more important to your round of golf.
Are paved paths without problems? No. Tree roots can cause heaving over time. Keep in mind though that those same roots will heave a paving stone path as well. Also, pavement doesn't look as nice as a concrete or paving stone surface but it is just a "path". Asphalt used to be a problem when we all had steel spikes in our golf shoes but that's a non issue now. Do you get the occasional bad bounce off a hard surface path when you hit a poor shot? Yes but remember that bad bounce was the result of a "bad" shot.
Here at the Royal Mayfair it has to be asked just how much of the cartpath system, as it exists, would result in a bad bounce from a good or slightly poor shot? 10%? Food for thought.
Lets assume the club decides to hard surface most of the cartpaths. Preparation of the base is basically the same process/cost for asphalt, concrete or paving stone. That variable can then be put aside when deciding what option to proceed with. The laying down of an asphalt surface is much quicker than a paving stone option especially on a very long path or one with corners and gradual turns and in my experience there aren't too many straight paths on a golf course! Concrete curbing (the exposed aggregate style is very common) can be laid down on both asphalt and paving stone but I have not seen it on stone work. Apparently it has been done at Pinebrook Golf and CC in Calgary. My last point concerns cost. I don't have exact figures on hand but knowing what a similar path at Highlands GC cost to pave compared to the paving stone path on #6 the paving option is considerably less expensive. The exposed aggregate concrete curbing used at Highlands (and most other courses) was taller in height and much more pleasing to the eye as well. Remember, just my opinion but.......
I think that is enough said for now other than I believe asphalt paths are probably the most economical and proven option to dramatically improving the aesthetics of our paths and adjoining turf areas at the Royal Mayfair. There will always be polar opposites regarding this issue but I would like to get a feel for what the majority of the membership feels about all of the above. Until next time, Merry Christmas.
Since arriving at the club and getting hints of a proposal to change the cartpaths I have made a point to look at the background of any picture that has to do with a golf course or a specific golf hole. These pictures are from courses all over the world. Public and private. Low end to high end. Old and new. While we all look at green grass (or not) I'm also looking at cartpaths. Are they concrete, asphalt, gravel or some other hardscape material (paving stone for example)? The overwhelming choice seems to be asphalt or concrete. Why? Lets break it down. But first I will state that the best cartpath you have is one you don't notice. Either it is strategically placed or so well constructed it is merely an afterthought to the playability of the hole.
Paved/asphalt paths allow the continued use of power carts during inclement weather. Around here that usually means rain but it can also aid a course during drought. Paved paths tend to keep carts cleaner throughout the round. Paved paths allow the installation of concrete curbing to keep carts off turf next to tee complexes and green sites. These zones are 2 areas at the Royal Mayfair that show considerable wear and tear if there isn't a row of railroad ties nearby. Paved paths mean less labour allocated to upkeep. Gravel paths are very labour intensive to keep smooth and they tend to get dusty at times. That labour can then be shifted to another area of the course that is more important to your round of golf.
Are paved paths without problems? No. Tree roots can cause heaving over time. Keep in mind though that those same roots will heave a paving stone path as well. Also, pavement doesn't look as nice as a concrete or paving stone surface but it is just a "path". Asphalt used to be a problem when we all had steel spikes in our golf shoes but that's a non issue now. Do you get the occasional bad bounce off a hard surface path when you hit a poor shot? Yes but remember that bad bounce was the result of a "bad" shot.
Here at the Royal Mayfair it has to be asked just how much of the cartpath system, as it exists, would result in a bad bounce from a good or slightly poor shot? 10%? Food for thought.
Lets assume the club decides to hard surface most of the cartpaths. Preparation of the base is basically the same process/cost for asphalt, concrete or paving stone. That variable can then be put aside when deciding what option to proceed with. The laying down of an asphalt surface is much quicker than a paving stone option especially on a very long path or one with corners and gradual turns and in my experience there aren't too many straight paths on a golf course! Concrete curbing (the exposed aggregate style is very common) can be laid down on both asphalt and paving stone but I have not seen it on stone work. Apparently it has been done at Pinebrook Golf and CC in Calgary. My last point concerns cost. I don't have exact figures on hand but knowing what a similar path at Highlands GC cost to pave compared to the paving stone path on #6 the paving option is considerably less expensive. The exposed aggregate concrete curbing used at Highlands (and most other courses) was taller in height and much more pleasing to the eye as well. Remember, just my opinion but.......
I think that is enough said for now other than I believe asphalt paths are probably the most economical and proven option to dramatically improving the aesthetics of our paths and adjoining turf areas at the Royal Mayfair. There will always be polar opposites regarding this issue but I would like to get a feel for what the majority of the membership feels about all of the above. Until next time, Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Cross Country Skiing Do's And Dont's
The following is a very short list of do's and dont's. Do enjoy your time on the course. Don't ski across greens and tees. Please. Yes the putting green counts as a green. Maybe it wasn't a member who skii'd across it earlier this week. Now you are asking, "Why not?"or, "How come we can ski across fairways and the rough and not the greens or tees?" Good question.
Here's the answer based on my experience. Basically ice eventually kills all turf if it covers it long enough. If that is good enough for you great. If not read on. Compressed snow has its insulating value severely reduced. If further accumulations of snow do not cover ski tracks, for example, ice can form whenever warm weather arrives. Add this variable to the type of turf under the snow or ice and this is when real problems can arise. The two types of turfgrass on our greens and tees each have their own tolerance to how long they can survive under an ice layer. I won't go into how long as research has shown it can vary greatly depending on mutiple factors. Suffice to say bentgrass can survive much longer than Poa annua (annual bluegrass). The problem here is that both species are present on our greens and tees. The greens and tees are also cut very short so it is much easier for ice to form around the crown of each plant. The crown is very important being the focal point of all turfgrass growth. Kill the crown, kill the plant no questions asked. The turf on the fairways (more reslient to our winter issues) can withstand much longer periods of ice cover and even thicker ice. To a point. Ski tracks usually are not a problem as the turf is cut higher on the fairways and it takes a lot more ice to encase the plant. However, mid winter thaws can create pools of ice on the fairways that will leave dead grass in the spring.
I'd ask you to just trust me on the above but we hardly know each other. You can research this on your own or talk to others about it. Remember that skating rink your mom or dad made for you in the backyard when you were younger? If they got lucky and flooded it when all conditions were in favour of the lawn it might be okay in the spring. More often than not the lawn didn't look so good in May. So instead of hoping things will turn out for the good this spring lets mitigate the chance of ice forming on our putting and teeing surfaces by doing our best to stay off them. Your help is greatly appreciated as Mother Nature likes to give us all the ice we can handle sometimes.
In closing, we have the track making equipment in place. All we need now is more snow (and some practice) and you should then have some pretty good trails to glide along this winter.
Here's the answer based on my experience. Basically ice eventually kills all turf if it covers it long enough. If that is good enough for you great. If not read on. Compressed snow has its insulating value severely reduced. If further accumulations of snow do not cover ski tracks, for example, ice can form whenever warm weather arrives. Add this variable to the type of turf under the snow or ice and this is when real problems can arise. The two types of turfgrass on our greens and tees each have their own tolerance to how long they can survive under an ice layer. I won't go into how long as research has shown it can vary greatly depending on mutiple factors. Suffice to say bentgrass can survive much longer than Poa annua (annual bluegrass). The problem here is that both species are present on our greens and tees. The greens and tees are also cut very short so it is much easier for ice to form around the crown of each plant. The crown is very important being the focal point of all turfgrass growth. Kill the crown, kill the plant no questions asked. The turf on the fairways (more reslient to our winter issues) can withstand much longer periods of ice cover and even thicker ice. To a point. Ski tracks usually are not a problem as the turf is cut higher on the fairways and it takes a lot more ice to encase the plant. However, mid winter thaws can create pools of ice on the fairways that will leave dead grass in the spring.
I'd ask you to just trust me on the above but we hardly know each other. You can research this on your own or talk to others about it. Remember that skating rink your mom or dad made for you in the backyard when you were younger? If they got lucky and flooded it when all conditions were in favour of the lawn it might be okay in the spring. More often than not the lawn didn't look so good in May. So instead of hoping things will turn out for the good this spring lets mitigate the chance of ice forming on our putting and teeing surfaces by doing our best to stay off them. Your help is greatly appreciated as Mother Nature likes to give us all the ice we can handle sometimes.
In closing, we have the track making equipment in place. All we need now is more snow (and some practice) and you should then have some pretty good trails to glide along this winter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)