The end of March brought us some beneficial rain bringing our season total to date 43.03 inches. The total for March was 3.91 inches. 1.5 inches of the rain in March came over a 6-day period allowing it to infiltrate the soil. Hopefully we will see some more in April before the summer arid season. The third above average rainfall season has definitely facilitated the germination of broadleaf weeds such as clover and dandelions. The staff will be prioritizing our weed abatement programs over the next few weeks.
As you have noticed the two new forward tees on #3 & #15 are close to completion. Once #15 is finished we will start leveling existing tees as time permits throughout the facility.
Monday we aggressively verti-cut the putting surfaces and used small needle tines to aerate the collars of the greens to relieve compaction. Verti-cutting is a process where vertical mowing blades remove thatch at the top of the surface to thin out growing material to firm up and smooth out the playing surfaces. This process is performed monthly and will typically be performed on a Monday.
Another project you have noticed is the removal of foundation plantings around the Golf Shop and Cart Storage area that became too large for the space. In the picture below, you see the site after removal. In the near future we will replant in desired areas.
We also had our aquatic contractor spend two days on Pond C (near 10 tee) physically removing submerged and floating aquatic weeds. In the picture below you see a large portion of the material they removed.
As we stated in the April Newsletter, we will perform putting surface organic material removal (aeration) April 15th -17th. In the upcoming week we plan to aerate the teeing surfaces and continue aerating and seeding areas in the rough to improve coverage. Now that the weather is more conducive to certain projects, I will start updating the blog more often.
Yours in turf,
Stacy L. Wallace, Class A Golf Course Superintendent
Sonoma Agronomy 