01 02 03 Hendersonville Country Club Golf Course and Grounds Department: Winterkill knows no socioeconomic boundaries 04 05 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33

Winterkill knows no socioeconomic boundaries

34
Since my last blog entry, the most frequent subject of discussion still revolves around the winter damage to our bermudagrass fairways and approaches.  It should be, and it's nice to know that the membership cares enough about their Club, and the turf, to desire knowledge of a "plan."  We now have a plan, in large part to having ideal weather for the past 10 days and witnessing the turf's response to it.  There are back stories to the direction we are moving, but we'll stick to why you are reading this post.

Our first priority is the collars and approaches.  Starting this week, May 11th, we will identify and take inventory of turf that needs replacement.  Marking paint will be used, so you'll see the areas being replaced.  The following week, May 18th, work will begin removing the existing turf, prepping, and laying new sod.  This process is planned to continue for two to three weeks, depending on the total amount needing replacement.  Our goal is to have this phase completed by June 5.
While the collars and approaches show defined areas needing replacement, the fairways are behaving a bit differently.   Large areas, previously void of any green, are now showing signs of life.  I feel there is still room for improvement and prior to making any decisions, our staff is going to push them along, encouraging additional recovery.  By the end of May/beginning of June, a decision will be made.  The recovery method will consist of sprigging and/or sod.  (The vegetative material of bermudagrass contains rhizomes and stolons, two growth points of the plant.  When harvested the material is referred to as sprigs.)  The sprigs will be broadcast planted, "cut" into the soil to ensure good plant to soil contact, and watered.  This process could also take two to three weeks to complete.
If all goes according to plan, all areas will be sodded and/or sprigged by June 26. From that point on, we'll be growing in the new turf.  A big portion of this summers mission will be to grow some great turf, new and existing.

On a side note, we're not alone in experiencing turf loss this spring.  Throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and northern Georgia numerous golf courses, of every financial level, are dealing with turf loss.  Fortunately, were fairing better than a lot of other Clubs I have spoken with or read  about.


5 fwy April 24

5 fwy May 8

8 approach April 24

8 approach May 8

9 fairway April 24

9 fairway May 8

Labels: , ,

35 36 37 38