More rain but a busy week for Turfgrass
Our main priority this week after Senior Member Member was to poke solid tine holes in all the bermuda short grass on both courses. This is only a once a year event, mainly because of time. These extra holes will help water infiltrate a little faster and promote new root growth with the bermuda.
In addition to the tractor aerator we had 5 walk behind machines helping do tees and approaches as well as larger fairway areas. The guys persisted through the rain on Wednesday to get all 85 acres of short grass punched.
Next up was getting our summer pre-emergent herbicide application down on not just the short grass but the entire property, about 200 acres. We start with two different herbicides close to the green and then work our way out wall to wall from there. This application was watered in nicely with the rain and should protect us for 3-4 months against crab and goosegrass.
The compost is out across most of the rough on both courses as well. The rain has knocked down the smell so we are off and growing. This compost has helped us tremendously over the years in the rough. Compost not only improves aeration and drainage in the soil but it boosts root growth and helps feed microorganisms which keep nutrients cycling through the soil system properly. When defending against cart traffic, mower traffic and especially trees, this application is imperative for a healthy turf.
Speaking of healthy turf we started making our way down 13 Manakin this week with new sod, as well as a few other small areas. One more truck load will show up early next week to finish up here on 13.
The work over on 16 Manakin is in Mother Natures hands now. We shaped the mud up into a mound and pulled up the straw bales. Chewings fescue and some weeping love grass seed were hydroseeded on the mound Thursday. With any luck we'll see some grass germinating in a weeks time.
Thankfully the sun is back out after another inch of rain this week. Friday will be a big mow day as we get ready for a busy three day weekend. A few dry days in a row will be nice to see if these two courses can shape up a little more after a hefty week of agronomic practices. Enjoy the cool weather while you can!