Week of Nov. 13th

 

This week we continued the weather pattern we have been stuck in: cold and frosty start to the week and way above average temperatures for the end of the week...with no rain.  It has been difficult to completely switch into winter mode but the team had a very productive week.  

The team started off the week brush cutting and topdressing greens.  We will continue incorporating sand into the greens canopy as the weather permits.  

Last week we started working on the tree master plan and continued this week.  The focus has been removing trees that pose safety concerns to golfers, buildings and other structures.

We took advantage of the extremely dry conditions and had our tree company come out to help us with some trees that were either too big for us or were next to power lines.  Carroll Tree removed the two huge willows that were severely compromised at the creek between 16 and 17 tee.  Also they removed a maple at the parking lot that was overhanging a power line.  The maple was descent-looking from the outside but, as you can see, there was nothing left in the middle of the tree.  

Lastly, I wanted to update you on the growing drought condition.  As you can see from the map the drought is increasing and getting worse.  In my 20 years of being a Superintendent I cannot remember having to water in the middle of November.  With less than an inch of rain in October and only .25" so far this month we are over 8 inches behind in rainfall which, heading into winter, can be a major concern.  Turf that is dry heading into dormancy can be affected by winter desiccation.  Watering now with irrigation will help keep the turf hydrated, but we will eventually need some help from Mother nature.  

Thanks for reading.