Bi-Weekly Fairway Verticutting Has Begun

On June 4^th the Golf Course Maintenance Department began its bi-weekly verticutting process to the fairways (Figure 1).  Verticutting is the process of mowing into the face of the turf, or “3-Dimensional” mowing of the turf, using vertically rotating blades which are used to remove excessive thatch and grain.  This process enhances the playing surface by encouraging vertical growth, increasing firmness, removing organic matter, and opening the canopy to allow for more sand topdressing. 

Figure 1. Steven, our intern from The University of Georgia, verticuts #18 fairway. 

Traditional mowing equipment, such as mowers used on a daily basis, cut in a horizontal direction which helps manage the top growth of the plant. Verticutting blades operate differently by slicing down through the canopy removing lateral growth, thus causing the remaining plant to grow more erect which reduces grain (Figure 2).

Figure 2. An example of verticutting blades that are used to cut "3-Dimensionally" into the turf canopy.

Figure 3. Results of the light fairway verticutting before the excess bio mass has been blown away and mowed.

The amount of lateral growth removed will depend on the depth of the blades in relation to the turf canopy.  If the goal is to remove a large amount of organic matter, the blades will be set to cut more aggressively below the canopy in order to pull more organic matter out.

   

Similar to our greens verticutting, our bi-weekly fairway program aims to verticut shallower and more frequently. This process will allow us to verticut more frequently without causing large amounts of stress on the turftgrass.  This will enhance playability by increasing firmness (due to less organic matter) and allow the golf ball to sit more on top of the canopy.  Verticutting will also boost disease resistance of the turf by reducing the thatch content of the turf, where many pathogens reside.

It is Getting Hot, Time to Irrigate

We are now entering the heat of the summer when greens need the most water. Normally putting greens receive most of the its water needs during morning maintenance. However, there are some days when greens require supplemental afternoon irrigation during the hottest period of the day.

Below is a United States Golf Association (USGA) video on why we irrigate in the afternoon, several techniques employed to irrigate a green and proper golfer etiquette during times of afternoon handwatering.

Why Are There White Dots Around The Edges of the Greens?

The golf maintenance department paints white dots around the greens to preserve the outer boundaries of the putting greens. These dots help guide our greens mowers around the edges of the greens to prevent expansion of the green or encroachment of the rough. This practice is also utilized around the edges of fairways and approaches to preserve crisp edges. 

Photo 1. Brooks Riddle, assistant superintendent, is seen here using the tool that paints dots to outline the edge of our greens and collars.

Photo 2. Finished product after the painting of dots is complete.

Photo 3. The dots allow the greens mowers to preserve the edge of the green.

Warmer Than Normal Spring

The weather at The Ford Plantation from January to June has proven to be one of warmth and periods of heavy rains.

We have experienced warmer monthly temperatures compared to the 30 year average by 2-9 degrees (Figure1).  In the world of growing grass these are substantial numbers. Higher temperatures caused the golf course to green up quicker and allowed us to begin managing the turf earlier than normal.

Figure 1. Temperatures have been substantially higher this spring bringing us out of dormancy much quicker than in years past (For larger image click on graph).