Turf
05 JUL 2024
We've finally reached the time when we apply our grub treatments. This insect can do a lot of damage to our lawn. Grubs feed on the roots, weakening the lawn and making it much more fragile. With almost no roots left, turf can't absorb the water and nutrients it needs to stay healthy or simply survive. Often, we may think that the ground is under dry stress and that we'd be inclined to water. But irrigation is not the problem.
Most visual damage is caused by grubs, but indirectly. Several pests feed on this insect. They turn over large patches of turf, happily picking up infested areas, creating a lot of work for our maintenance crews. And as long as there are insects in the soil, we'll never be able to clean up the mess effectively, because the next night they'll be back to give us more work.
Last year, we did a good job of preventing this larva from multiplying. We'll have a few more years of treatment to reduce their population. Application of the treatment is not 100% effective. Insects evolve and adapt to the insecticide. The few that survive give rise to generations that are also a little more resistant. It's the same problem with turf diseases. We have to rotate chemical groups to attack them in different ways. This way, the insect or disease doesn't have time to adapt.
Once the treatments are over, we can finally repair the damage.
Our young special projects team has already started work on the bunkers. The addition of white sand in the bunker on # 1 at the back of the green and drainage work in the bunker at the front of the # 18 green. Other greenside bunkers will be added to this list as the summer progresses.
As you may have noticed, the courses have become home to some plants that can cause you a lot of trouble if you are unfortunate enough to come into contact with them. Thank you to the members who alerted us. As soon as we were informed, we took the necessary measures to announce and avoid these areas. Let me tell you about one of these plants:
Wild Parsnip
This invasive plant originated in Europe and Asia. It was probably brought to North America by European settlers, who cultivated it for its edible root.
The height of wild parsnip ranges from 0.5 m to 1.5 m. Leaves are arranged in pairs, with highly toothed leaflets growing opposite each other on the stem, and a diamond-shaped leaflet at the tip. The yellowish-green flowers form umbrella-shaped clusters 10 to 20 cm wide. At the end of the season, they turn into round, brown seeds.
Contact with wild parsnip sap, followed by exposure to light, can cause a phototoxic skin reaction similar to burns.
If you come into contact with the skin or clothing, avoid exposure to light, wash the affected area thoroughly with cold water and soap, then rinse with plenty of water. In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes.
How to get rid of wild parsnips
The best way is to pull it out by removing as much of the taproot as possible with a round shovel, spade or long-handled knife.
You'll then need to follow up regularly to remove any regrowth. You can also cover the infested area with geotextile fabric after cutting the roots and stems to prevent regrowth.
As mentioned above, contact with this plant can cause burns and skin irritation. It is very important to protect all parts of your body, including your face and eyes. Once you've harvested the plant, wash your clothes, gloves and tools inside out.
Don't hesitate to let us know if you spot this type of dangerous plant.
Have a great week of golf.
Upcoming maintenance
- Bunker improvements
- Grub treatment
- Divot repairs in fairways
Marc-André Doré
Golf Course superintendent