Welcome to our February blog, it contains a summary of the work that has taken place throughout the month.
The weather enabled us to Vertidrain the greens and tees, with contractors Mallinsons coming in to vertidrain the fairways.
However the last ten days of the month as seen significant rainfall which stopped us from cutting and shaping the course.
The greens received their monthly spray of soluble iron and are holding up well.
The rate of growth on the greens has been minimal throughout the month as you would expect at this time of the year. To achieve good ball roll on the greens in February we've rolled them with the Turf Iron achieving good results.
To get the benefits of using the turf iron at this time of the year the rolling needs to be followed up with a regular programme of aeration to reduce any surface tension in the turf.
Tree Maintenance
February has seen the greens team working in the woodland copses, thinning out areas. This practice of tree management is recognised by the forestry commission.
Our aim is to allow the trees to develop with good shape with adequate space between them.This will allow air and sunlight to penetrate through the trees on to the course enabling the ground to become firm and dry.
It is so important that we get the balance right in creating the correct growing environment in and around the various woodland areas on the course.
Heavily planted copses in a southerly position will greatly reduce the drainage qualities of the surrounding areas.This is due to the reduced air and sunlight penetration through the trees,leaving the areas around the copses constantly wet and difficult to maintain.
Trees planted close to land drains will reduce the draining qualities, the tree roots follow the drains in periods of dry weather in search for moisture,and over a period of time the drains will be blocked.
We aim to manage the trees on the course in a appropriate way with guidance from the Sports Turf Research Institute and the estates tree surgeons.
Edging up bunkers
We've started edging up the bunkers giving them great shape and reducing any overhangs on them.
The depth of sand is checked and over the next few weeks levels will be corrected going in to the start of the season.
The bunkers on the 13th hole are draining well, the bunker mat is reducing any wash down from the bunker face, this stops the sand from getting discoloured and losing its qualities.
We will follow up this work with regular tilling and raking to keep the sand loose.
In March we will start to edge up the paths around the course and shale them.
Fertiliser will be applied to greens and tees (weather permitting) aeration will continue and the mowers may come out.
The work programme is being cranked up ready for spring. Lets hope for some good weather.
Terry Wharton Head Greenkeeper
