Hand Watering Greens

Here is a nice video to supplement my previous post:



Its HOT out there!

Today we recorded our 6th straight day in the 90's.  As I type this Sunday at 5:50pm we are still at 89* with some storms headed our way.  Hopefully mother nature will give us some much needed relief.

We have had a watchful eye on the greens this week and throughout the weekend with extra staff on hand to make sure we can keep up on cooling the greens. 

Throughout the day we handwater the greens to cool the canopy temperatures and prevent the grass from wilting.  We are not looking to add any soil moisture at this time.  Our goal is to reduce the surface temperature of the green.  As you'll see in the pictures below we can reduce the temperature of the leaf surface 10-15 degrees with a light application of water over the surface. 

The greens have continued to perform well this summer with the exception of a few of our old greens where the larger populations of annual bluegrass reside.

Temperature in maintenance shop

Surface temperature of the green



Syringing Green



Temperature after Syringing

Leveling Irrigation Heads

During the construction of the new nine holes many of the irrigation lines and/or heads were not installed level.  Many of the pipe trenches are sunk and nearly all of the irrigation heads are either unlevel or tilted in the ground.  This causes many problems, aside from playability it also alters the throw of the irrigation.  A head that is unlevel or tilted in the ground will not acheive proper coverage.  This wastes water and provides poor coverage over the turf area.

We have begun leveling the heads and areas surrounding them.  We have started on 16 fairway and will work our way through 12,13, and 14 before heading to 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

Here are some photos showing the process:


Before: Note the head in the center




Approx 4-5" low

 

Head level, soil added to bring area around head to grade



Finished



 
 


Another Finished



Preparing for the Heat

As the heat of the summer continues to build we have been preparing for the heat and the stress that comes along with it.  We have switched out the rollers on our mowers from grooved to solid rollers.  The solid rollers allow less "penetration" into the turf canopy and essentially give us a little increase in the height of cut. This helps to reduce stress, particularly on the cleanup passes. This along with strict water management, venting/solid tine aerification of greens, and a sound chemical program will hopefully see us through the remaining dog days of summer.





Solid Roller

 



Solid vs. Grooved Roller

When venting the greens we use a tine called a Bayonet tine.  The look similar to a knife blade and leave very little surface disruption.  They allow vital air, water, and gas exchange throughout the summer months.  After rolling you can hardly tell we have done anything.  The picture below is after rolling.

 

Green after venting with Bayonet Tines



Bayonet Tines



Fairway Aerification

Last week we completed aerification of the fairways.  We took advantage of the rain we had last Friday, which allowed us to pull a 2-3" core.  While it causes a temporary inconvenience, aerification provides many lasting benefits to the turf:

Aerification:
Relieves compaction and loosens tight soils
Removes organic matter/thatch for a firmer surface
Allows channels for exchange of water and air

#3 Fairway in progress

Cores up close

Fairway After Clean-up

Welcome to Mt. Sterling Golf & CC Golf Course Maintenance Blog

Hello,
I put this blog together as an interactive way to relay information about maintenance practices and projects to our membership.  Check back often for updates on maintenance practices, projects, equipment, and other interesting topics.

Thanks for visiting,

Nick Auxier
Golf Course Superintendent