We are always up for different ideas and methods of improving conditions at HCC. Today we tested a method of amending the root zone of certain areas on greens. There is a process known as the Drill and Fill. This is a machine that through one step process drills deep holes, usually 3/4" thick and immediately fills the deep channel with sand. This is a very aggressive process to root zone amendment, however necessary in some greens. Today we tried a simpled down version of this process on our upper putting green. There is a perpetual wet spot on the south side of the green that was on our hit list. We first laid down a sheet of plywood with 3/4" holes drilled out ever 4" square. Then with an 18" long auger drill bit we drilled out the root zone material. Once that was cleaned up, we filled all of the holes with topdressing sand. Now, time will tell if the area firms and dries up. If so, we can then continue the process on the few remaining perpetually wet spots on greens (#2, #18, PG). Above is a picture of the finished product.
Last fall we utilized a “new to us” method of revitilization for our practice tee. Our contractor TDS, fraize mowed the surface of the tee to remove organic matter as well at to aid in leveling. The tee was then aerified and seeded to a new variety of creeping rye grass. We chose this type of turf grass as research shows rapid recovery and a low growth habit. We were able to get some great growth in the fall, but the tee is still not ready for traffic and full use. The plan is to utilize the mats until growth has filled in some of the voids etc. We will then begin to slowly set up hitting areas on the grass tee. For a while we will alternate between grass and the mats with a 50/50 ratio of use. Once the grass tee is established and is in adequate recovery mode, the practice areas will be back to normal. As always our membership’s patience is appreciated as we try to improve these areas for use.
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