A different type of aeration

For once, when we speak of aeration, it's not going to be discussing tine size and organic matter dilution in the soil.  No, in this case we're talking about raising oxygen levels in a water body.  

Over the past several years, the aquatic weed growth in the lake at #5 green has become an increasing issue.  Testing has shown low oxygen levels in the water.  To date, the solution to this problem has been increased chemical applications to control the plant growth.

Instead of continuing down this path, we have installed an aeration system to improve water quality.  The system for the five acre lake consists of a compressor inside the pump station, and close to 4000' of tubing throughout the lake.

Don't expect to see a big splash and lots of surface disruption with this system.  The idea is to increase oxygen levels in the water, not on the surface.

This investment will allow us to reduce the chemical inputs and maintain a water body which is both aesthetically pleasing, as well as one that provides a healthy environment for all of its inhabitants.

The classic question...

Without fail, every year we are asked this question:  What do you do in the winter?  

The answer typically involves project work, wetlands pruning, and at least some snow removal.  However, this year's answer is definitely different.  As we've said, the greens are receiving maintenance at least once each week, and as you can see below, the fairways actually got trimmed in mid-February.  

While we remain prepared for snow removal, it just might not happen this year... 

Lack o' winter

It's certainly more typical to see us shoveling snow than shoveling aerification plugs in February, however there has been nothing typical about this year's winter.  Look no further than the short grass--this past week, the greens were mown once, and rolled twice.

This unusually warm weather has provided an opportunity to aerify much of the sod which was installed last fall.  While we often think of our equipment getting a break for several months during the winter, that has not been the case this year.  Whether it's our aerifier (as shown below), or mowers, the beat goes on.

During periods such as this, members often ask what kind of impact these weather patterns will have on the course going forward.  Without question,  a good deal of the activity of flora and fauna is temperature-driven.  Fortunately, temperature spikes this time of year typically do not seem to have a major effect on the long-term conditions of the turf.