Pond Project #8

The pond project has all but wrapped up except for some seeding work around the edges of the pond where the excavator did some damage while prepping the pond.  The pond has been lined with clay to keep the water from leaching, and rock installed along the edge to aid in erosion control as well as improve the overall appearance of the pond.  The pond is now full of water and ready for your viewing pleasure!

Frost and Impacts To The Golf Course

With regards to frost, there is something very important that many golfers are not aware of. When we arrive at the course in the morning, it very well may be frost-free. Quite often frost develops as the sun begins to rise and can continue to develop into a heavier frost even after sunrise as the temperature tends to drop a bit. We do our best to update you with current course conditions as early and often as we can, but don't be surprised if the frost develops on the course while you are already on your way for your morning tee time.

Here are three general rules of thumb when it comes to predicting whether or not we will have frosty conditions:

• Frost typically occurs at temperatures of 34 degrees or lower; it does not have to reach 32 degrees as many believe.
• Clear skies increase the potential for frost; cloudy skies tend to "insulate" better, resulting in warmer air and surface temperatures.
• Wind also influences frost development. Windy conditions can prevent cold air from settling in, again resulting in warmer air and surface temperatures. That being said, if the wind temperature is below zero, it can be quite damaging to the turf.

There are other factors that determine whether or not frost will develop, but these three are the most accurate when it comes to predicting it.

I could go on and on explaining the damage caused from traffic on frosty turf, but I'll leave that to the USGA Green Section Record via this video."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRcE-gUVa3M&feature=youtu.be

Starting Over With Flower Beds On The Golf Course.

Since the fast paced aspect of the season has slowed some, we have focused on some of the detail work on the golf course and clubhouse landscaping.  We have taken the approach that, low maintenance plants aren't always the best looking for a given landscape.  We have transformed many beds at the clubhouse as well as #8 and #11 tee areas.  We have planted some attractive perennials and will be supplementing the open areas in each bed with some colorful annual flowers next Spring.  I believe these areas will be much improved for the remainder of this year and look phenomenal for next season.

Mike O'Neill, GCS