Turf
13 OCT 2023
After a week of more than perfect weather, Mother Nature sent us all the water we didn't get in September. In the space of 3 days, more than 75 millimetres fell over the long Thanksgiving weekend. All this water prevented us from doing our weekly grass-cutting, but with the much cooler temperatures, growth has slowed considerably. Which means fewer maintenance headaches.
There are only a few weeks left before winterization. A lot of work needs to be done. The irrigation systems for both courses will be purged immediately after Le Maitre closes, in the week of October 16. A compressor will push air and water out of the pipes to prevent freezing breakage this winter. Le Maître’s team will install sod on the forward tees at N012 -13, to finalize the project. This will be followed by a complete clean-up of both courses, with the cutting of fescue or wilder areas to prevent small shrubs or undesirable vegetation from growing next year. The greens will also be aerated in the next few weeks with the verti-drain. It's a cultural practice I'm particularly fond of, and one that gives good results.
WHAT IS VERTI-DRAIN?
Verti-drain is a type of aeration performed with specialized machinery behind a tractor. It works by using spikes of various diameters and lengths to create holes in the soil. These holes are generally between 8 and 12 inches deep. This reduces compaction and keeps the turf healthy by creating a deeper soil profile. It helps the turf drain better in wet weather. A compacted layer has been shown to develop below where traditional aeration takes place (2-3 inches). Deep-stem aeration can penetrate this layer. This practice ensures better water penetration, gas exchange and root growth.
Upcoming maintenance
- Purge irrigation systems
- Mowing of wild areas
- Installation of sod (Le Maitre)
- Winterization of snack house, course bathrooms, tennis courts, pool house and water dispensers
Marc-André Doré,
Course Superintendent