On The Defense

Up until now summer had been a real treat.  That treat quickly turned into a threat a week ago.  The oven turned on and was set high for trying to bake out some turf.  Limited rain has us depending heavily on our irrigation system.  Some areas of the course are showing signs of stress.  Next weeks weather is looking like the oven may turn up a notch to broil.  

We have to be proactive and make decisions based on plant health.  Strategies for battling summer stress will help us to fight another day.  Mowing heights on putting greens go up slightly.  This allows for more surface area of the leaf to be available to produce more energy for the plant.  The more stress caused to the plant the more energy is used.  There are a number of other things that help too.  Alternating rolling and mowing, utilizing lighter walk behind mowers and less frequent top dressing avoiding abrasion to leaf blades.

Putting greens will be a little slower during summer heat, but will still be smooth and true.  Thanks for your understanding while we battle the elements.

Our mechanic, Tom Grelle, continually checks, adjusts and sharpens our mowers to deliver a clean cut.  Dull mowers tear leaf blades which take longer to heal and cause more stress.