Tree work behind #8 Green

This week we were able to get back at some tree work on the golf course. Years ago there was a trend in golf that is referred to as backstopping. This is were blockades of trees were planted behind green sites to frame or define the site. There is a couple of issues with this practice, first and foremost these "screens" block air movement and sunlight from reaching playing surfaces. Secondly, they detract from the natural beauty of both the architecture and property. Typically coniferous trees were used for this task as they grow and fill in quickly. Behind our 8th green we have removed a screened planting of leaning, deteriorating cedars to open up the area. In the first picture you can see the cedars prior to removal, in the second you can see the more natural and open look and feel of the green site. Between the 8th green and the 12th tee we have now exposed three Maples that were hidden from view by the cedars. Once we are able to work the ground on the golf course we will be stripping, prepping and re sodding the area to improve both aesthetics and playability.

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Finish Grading on #2 & #12 Tees

With the great weather that we have had the last two days, we were able to get the tees shaped and all of the tee mix out to the tees. In this picture here, Derek Vergeer (our contractor) is finish grading #2 Tee to be ready for sod. Unfortunately the forecast is for rain the next couple of days and could hold us up for a bit. We are doing out best to complete these projects in a timely manner, of course with this blog we will keep you updated.

Greens Cultural Management Practices Schedule

The fall is a great time to perform a number of necessary cultural practices. Our goal is to amend the upper portion of the greens surface with enough sand to help insulate the crown through the winter as well as removing and diluting organic matter. Below you will find a schedule of cultural practices that we aim to complete before the covers go on and the snow flies!!! Wednesday, Sept. 30th- Light topdressing followed by a Cocoa matt Tuesday, Wednesday October 13/14-Course Closure full core aeration with heavy topdressing. October 19th- Light topdressing followed by a Cocoa matt October 26th- Light topdressing followed by a Cocoa matt November 2nd- Light topdressing followed by a Cocoa matt November 9th- Deep Verticut, followed by a sufficient topdressing. November 16th- Post Course Closure, Heavy topdressing followed by Deep tine aeration. Of course this is all in hope that the weather cooperates...happy fall!

Golf Course Update

As our season slowly comes to a end our department has been working away at year end projects. We installed drainage in a few areas of the practice range and short game area. These areas were perpetually wet and caused turf and aesthetic issues. We have also been chipping away at the bunkers on #17, smoothing out the faces and recreating the grass edges. These bunkers suffered some severe frost heaving in the faces during the winter after they were built. Our team has removed a number of trees and brush from around our maintenance facility to allow some expansion of our operation. We are working away at clearing space to install aggregate bins and sufficient staff parking. This will also allow delivery trucks and semi's to access our facility without any issues. We are also removing the fallen trees and brush from the woodlot on the right side of #16 fairway. This is a challenging area to work as it is a peat bog and remains wet even in the hottest and driest of summers (like 2010)...

HIGHLAND CC GROUNDS

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