The greens received a spray of soluble Iron (Fe) and were pro-cored with 8mm solid tines, this work was followed up with a light top dressing and rolling.
The pictures below show the various stages of work on the 16th hole fairway bunkers.
The picture shows the shaping of the banks and positioning of a new drain through the middle of one of the bunkers.
When the shaping is completed the banks are firmed and raked to prepare them for turfing .
Greenkeepers Jack Hosker and Chris Lewis did a great job in getting the bunkers ready for turfing.
The turf we use on the faces of the bunkers is a hard wearing type called Rhizomatous Tall Fescue.
This turf is ideal for bunker work because of its ability to develop deep roots.We feel that it offers great visual characteristics through its dense leaf blade and colour.
When the shaping and turfing is complete we add the sand and allow it to settle.
To obtain better firmness in the base of the bunkers a wacker plate will be used. It is hoped that this will reduce any balls from plugging.
We will put the bunkers under Ground Under Repair until the turf is fully rooted and stable.
Aeration work
It is critical that the soil structure is regularly aerated to reduce compaction, thatch build up, and to help develop a healthy root system, this practice also allows the movement of water through the soil profile to access the drainage systems.
The picture shows our soil reliever aerating the greens at a depth of 300 mm
Tree Management
Throughout the winter period the green staff have crown lifted and thinned out trees that have been diseased or damaged, also trees that have grown too close together restricting their growth and shape
It will allow healthier species of trees to develop, enable better air flow and sun light penetration and will create firmer, drier ground conditions
This shows the decay inside the cavity of a silver birch, notice the minimal healthy wood around its edge
From a distance this tree looked reasonably solid, it was only after a visual inspection that characteristic fungi and disease was noticed showing the signs of decay.
At the time of writing this blog we are experiencing an unseasonable cold spell with minimal growth, lets hope that spring is not too far away.
In my next blog in April I will hope to tell you about our busy programme of top dressing the greens,and tees, applying wetting agents, fertiliser applications,scarifying fairways and our ornithology programme.
Terry Wharton Head Greenkeeper 12 March 2013
