Seed Project

Over the next couple of weeks, you will see various areas of the golf course that have been scalped down and marked with irrigation flags to indicate areas that have been seeded with turf-type Tall Fescue.  The areas have been identified as a result of multiple factors:

• High traffic areas due to cart and foot traffic
• The disease of Summer Patch (which is common in our existing Kentucky Bluegrass)
• Areas that have thinned over the summer months that contained a high concentration of Annual Bluegrass (Poa)

The goal is to address the areas on a yearly basis and incorporate turf-type Tall Fescue, through the process listed below, for an improved playing surface and healthier stand of turf.  Tall Fescue is a strong cultivar to introduce because of it's heat/drought tolerance, ability to survive in a wide range of soil structures and it's resistance to common diseases in this region (including Summer Patch).   

The following pictures outline the process:

First step after identifying the area is to mow at a lower height (scalp) to produce a seed bed

 

We then used our Seeder in two directions, which cut slits 1/4 inch deep and drops the seeds into the grooves

 



End Result

 

It will take us close to two days to complete the process through out the course (mainly due to the 140 player outing today).  On Wednesday we will put down some starter fertilizer in all the areas to provide the needed nutrients for establishment.   We should start to see germination within 8-10 days, but with the projected temperatures....it could be faster!

 

You will see the Assistants and I, watering these areas over the next couple of weeks to promote establishment,  we ask for your patience and please try to avoid the outlined areas with your carts if at all possible.  Us working together will greatly improve the turnaround as we continue to build towards the future!

 

Thank you for your cooperation!