We are due to complete as much turf renovation work as we can this year. This is due to several situations and events of 2018 having a detrimental effect on the turf surfaces. Hopefully, we can keep on top of our busy work schedule and restore some quality to the playing surface for 2020. This work will involve plenty of aeration and top-dressing and is vital if we are to relieve compaction and reduce thatch. Our plans are:
· Week Commencing 2
nd
September – Greens
· Week Commencing 9
th
& 16
th
September – Tees
· Week commencing 23
rd
September – Green surrounds
· Weeks commencing 30
th
September & 7
th
October – Fairways (including approaches to greens
· Week commencing 21
st
October – Greens (A less invasive process using an aeration machine called Air2G2 (see photo )
We are also trying to lower the impact of casting worms during the winter by spraying iron across the course. This helps acidify the soil which the worms are not too keen on. Sand also helps break down any worm casts. There are no products on the market to combat casting worms successfully, although we will be looking into several potential deterrents. Likewise the products used in the past to combat grubs in the greens soil has also been banned so we will have issues with birds pecking at the turf in order to get to leatherjackets (crane fly larvae) which feed on grass roots.
I hope this gives you an idea of what we would like to achieve this year, and hope both the weather and machinery play ball.
