Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Hawk on #15

Keeping the muskrat population under control.

What happens when you have 2.5" of rain in 30 minutes?

Every Bunker on the course was washed out.
Thanks for Your patience as they are repaired.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Some info for the home lawns:

Dry Conditions & Turf Dormancy

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Date: 
July 13, 2012
Subject: 
Dry Conditions & Turf Dormancy
Category: 
Agronomy
Wilting broadleaf plantainThe last few weeks have been characterized for the most part by picture-perfect summer weather.  While this has been welcome for outdoor recreation, lawns are feeling the effects of yet another warm and dry period for this growing season. Here in the Northeast, we can at least be thankful that thus far we have been spared much of the searing heat experienced by other areas of the country.  According to the National Climatic Data Center, the continental United States has experienced the warmest consecutive 12 month period since record keeping started in 1895, and the first six months of 2012 is the also the warmest January-June stretch on record.
The warm weather has made the recent lack of rainfall in the region very apparent, as the consistent evaporative demand has pushed turf areas on many sites in the direction of dormancy. Current soil temperatures in warmer parts of the state have risen into the 70s and even low 80s F, indicating that root systems in these areas are likely suffering. The latest precipitation has come only by way of widely scattered thunderstorms, and several observations reveal even irrigated sites that seem challenged to keep up.  Wilting of weeds such as white clover and broadleaf plantain has been noted on exposed sites in the heat of the day (see photo above right). This is a great time to assess the performance of irrigation systems, as the turf will quickly tell the story of any issues with coverage or output.
Responsible irrigation is the rule these days on high-value turf. When circumstances permit, however, dormancy of well-established and otherwise healthy turf can lead to savings of time, labor and management resources if approached properly. If dormancy is allowable, remember these important points for managing dormant turf:
  • If you opt for dormancy, commit to it. Avoid irrigation unless adequate and consistent evapotranspiration (ET) replacement can be achieved.  Irregular and insufficient irrigation during dormancy can actually further deplete valuable carbohydrate reserves and negatively impact later recovery. If dormancy persists for an extended period (perhaps 45+ days depending on turf species, soil, etc), however, reduced recovery can be expected.
  • Restrict traffic on dormant turf to the lowest possible level.  The turfgrass shoots that die back when dormancy progresses are not able to adequately cushion and protect the critical meristems that will ultimately facilitate re-growth and recovery.
  • Mow only when absolutely necessary.  If a mowing event is needed, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day (this benefits the turf as well as the operator).
  • Monitor carefully for pest problems, especially chinchbugs and weed encroachment. Pest damage will not be readily apparent during dormancy and affected areas may not recover when moisture returns. If control is warranted, rely on spot treatments when possible instead of blanket applications to reduce undue stress on the turf.
  • Even under favorable circumstances, extended dormancy may not result in 100% recovery when conditions moderate.  It is prudent to allow turf to enter dormancy with realistic expectations and plan ahead for the possibility of overseeding or targeted fertilization later in the season to achieve acceptable recovery.