The kentucky bluegrass surrounding the greens and bunkers has seen a major infestation of annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass. When these two species are allowed to grow over an 1" in height, they become very thatchy and extremely difficult to play from. To alleviate this situation, the crew is stripping the turf surrounding several greens and replacing it with kentucky bluegrass sod.
This is a labor intensive process that requires the entire crew, in order to eliminate unnecessary disruption of play. First, the existing turf has to be cut, stripped, rolled and removed off-site. After, the bare ground is aerificated to provide a better rooting surface for the new sod. Because they are the hardest areas to grow grass, the bunker faces and immediate surrounds are laid with large sod pieces to limit moisture loss. Finally the rest of the sod is placed, heavily watered and roped off.
It is very important that traffic is kept to a minimum on the new sod to encourage rooting and prevent damage. The sod has been marked as "grounds under repair" and drop zones have been set up. If a ball lands in one of these areas please utilize the drop zone. The successful completion of this project will yield a better hitting surface and aesthetically pleasing green complex.
I really like what you have going here. Lots of information on a lot of subjects that I find interesting. I would like to tweet your blog and will be back again soon.
ReplyDeleteBest Sod.