And the Beat Goes On

Even though I was away last week on vacation "The Beat Goes On" at BCC in the Grounds and Greens Department.  Mild temperatures continue to be relevant allowing us to continue with on course tasks.  Most importantly it has allowed us to wrap up some important projects needing completed.  I need to acknowledge the staff for their hard work and their ability to continue pushing forward when the "boss" is away.  It is a great comfort to know that we have very trustworthy, dedicated staff that always push along.
Tasks we've been working on:

• Pond bank on 18 is now complete
• This again, was in conjunction with the clubhouse renovation.  Due to the increased amount of impermeable surface we needed more water reclamation, and the pond between 10 and 18 is where that water drains to.  We've basically raised the grade along 18 to eliminate the risk of overflowing water that would affect Brierhill Rd, east of the property.  I think after doing this project and seeing how well it went we will be investigating doing more of this in-house work on the rest of this pond along with others on the course.
• Topdressing
• We've been working over the last few weeks on our winter topdressing.  This is a layer of sand place on the greens, approaches, and tees.  This final topdressing serves a multiple number of purposes from greens health to protection. 
•  Topdressing is a common practice that occurs throughout the season to help increase sand to the profile which results in a better growing medium for bentgrass as well as aid in drainage.  Doing a heavier application at this time helps us incorporate a greater amount of sand at a shorter interval.  Over winter, rain and other elements will help filter this sand into the turf canopy.  In spring the turf will basically grow up through the sand while we utilized some aerification and brushing to incorporate the remainder.  Final task will be rolling and then ready to mow and play on come spring.  All this together helps create a more firm and smooth putting surface.
• Topdressing like this will also help protect the turf throughout the winter.  Insulation of the crown (the center of the plants life) from winter elements will help preserve the plant for a healthy beginning to spring.  Included here is a great article from Bob Vavrek helping explain this practice: http://www.usga.org/course_care/regional_updates/regional_reports/northcentral/There-Is-No-Time-Like-The-Present---October-2010/

• Buckthorn Removal
• This is something we've slowly worked on over the last few years.  Mixed emotions are involved in such a task as some members are tied to the "screen" the buckthorn creates while others believe it is an "eyesore". 
• Buckthorn is classified as a weed, it is a plant that is very invasive and hard to eradicate once established.  It's basis for establishment is basically from birds eating berries from other existing plants and transporting seeds through bird excrement or basically dropping seed from their mouth.  The plants then become established basically as areas aren't maintained and the woody plant can grow larger and larger. 
• As I stated, buckthorn is invasive.  It will take over and area and propagate rapidly.  Once it takes over and area it has the ability to basically choke out existing plants as well as completely diminish any chance for turfgrass growth.
• We've discussed some areas in the latest Grounds Committee meeting and we have decided to remove buckthorn that has taken over between the 7th green and 8th tee as well as between the 11th green and 12th tee.  Once the buckthorn is removed we will be looking to replace some of the "screen" with some more aesthetically appealing plants otherwise we will be completely grassing over and bringing the areas into play as they are currently unplayable. 

Buckthorn removed to the back right of the 7th green.

Another photo of the area between 7 green and 8 tee.  Not only will this become more appealing to the eye, but this will help with turfgrass health on the 8th tee.