TURF TALK/Nov

The last two days here have been great and it was nice to see many members out taking advantage of the nice weather. We were also out trying to take advantage of it, by doing a few tasks that would be impossible to do once the weather takes a turn for the worse.

One of the main jobs we wanted to work on the most before the “Polar Vortex” was to continue to apply the broadleaf herbicides to the rough. The last two days were very productive, we are now up to 44 acres that are treated. Again, the goal was approximately 50 to 60 acres, so you can see that we are close. We would like to work on this a little more this fall since this is the better time to control these plants, but obviously weather will decide that. If we have to finish up in the spring, we will. Even though control is more optimum in the fall, we have to remember that when we are trying to cover as much area as this you sometimes have to fit it in when you can.

Late last week much more progress has taken place on #11 bunker. The drainage is complete, the sand contaminated banks have been tore down, and the new banks are being built. After the rest of the soil is in place and tamped in on the banks, we are ready for sod and sand. Obviously weather will also play a factor here of when this is complete.

Since the weather is dictating how fast we can work on these projects, we will turn our focus to other projects such as finishing up winterizing the irrigation pump house and working on a few on course irrigation projects. When the system is not being used is a great time to make these repairs.

After a long season, it is also time to start some much-needed maintenance to equipment. Little by little as we quit using some of these pieces, we will tear them down replacing bed knives, grinding reels, and making necessary repairs.

Another project that we will work on now and throughout the winter is Ash Tree removals. I know tree removals can be a touchy subject, but I think everyone knows this needs to be done and it is very evident as you go through the property. Besides a very select few, we don’t even have many ash trees that even produce leaves anymore. The more we keep these dead trees standing the more dangerous they become for members, employees, and the person standing under the tree to remove them, namely me! Like it or not these removals need to continue.

Lets hope the good weather makes a comeback yet this season. We still have the Cross Country to get in. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at jhoyle@oakhurstgc.com.

Golf Course Superintendent
John Hoyle