Pond Restoration

All ponds are in the process of dying.  Organic matter from weeds, algae and wildlife die and decompose at the bottom of ponds and form layers of sediment (muck).  The pond off the first fairway is a prime example of heavy sediment build-up.  The original depth was an average of 4-5" but now its closer to 2".  MCC has hired Sediment Removal Solutions (SRS) to bring their unique approach to pond cleansing and restoration. 

The commonly used method for pond restoration is dredging.  Dredging can only be done under dry condition and after the pond has been completely drained.  The drainage process kills the majority of plant and wildlife species within the body of water.  Mechanical dredging also poses a hazard to the landscape due to heavy equipment used during the process. 

SRS uses high-volume suction pumps placed in the bottom of the pond by two divers.  This removes the sediment along with any toxic gases and nutrients that have built up as well.  The material is pumped into a large silt container that will allow clean water to seep out while retaining the muck.  The silt containers are a geo-textile fabric that will break down over time.  The sediment is than allowed to dry and can be removed from the property or shaped into a berm or hill.  Ponds that are restored in this manner do not have to be cleaned again for another 10 years.

The entire process is clean, environmentally friendly and cheaper than the alternative method of dredging.  The members will be able to witness the restoration next week and if interested, stop and ask questions or visit the SRS link above. 

Sod, Sod and more Sod

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.

Homeowner Update; Fall Lawncare Tips

Michigan is finally seeing average fall temperatures and this ushers in an excellent time period for homeowners to focus on their lawns.  Autumn is an excellent time to establish, recover or just maintain your home lawn and here are several tips on how to accomplish this.

• Mowing Height: Many homeowners make the mistake of mowing their lawns too short.  A solid height range for home lawns is 2.5" to 4".  Kentucky Bluegrass, the main species in home lawns, is healthiest when within this range.
• Fertilization: If you only fertilize your lawn once a year, the fall is the best time to do it.  High rates of nitrogen and potassium will encourage lush growth and healthy turf while phosphorous is an essential element at establishment (see next bullet point). 
• Seeding: The summer of 2011 was one of the harshest on record and many lawns took a beating.  From August 15th to September 15th is the best time of year to seed over those lawn blemishes and start the recovery process.  Keep these guidelines in mind. 
• Buy only "Certified Seed".  All certified seed bags contain a minute amount of weed seed as compared to other bags which contain higher percentages. 
• Seed Rates: 2-4lbs per 1000 square feet
• Seeding after September 15th is risky, young plants do not winter well.
• Soil-to-seed contact is needed for the seed to imbibe water (and therefore germinate) so keeping the soil moist is necessary.
• Use a starter fertilizer.  Starter fertilizer is different from other products because it holds a 1:2:1 ratio of the essential elements.  They are high in phosphorous which is the limiting element in young plants with small root systems (Remember; fertilizer analysis stands for Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium)
• Herbicides are most effective on young plants so remember to NOT treat seeded areas of your lawn with these products.   

The range tee at MCC is currently closed for two weeks in order to help its recovery.  Besides fertilization and frequent irrigation, the crew has seeded it at a rate of 10lbs per 1000 square feet.  This is an exceptionally high amount but necessary due to the extensive damage that occurred over the summer months and to establish it as quickly as possible in order for members to practice.  Traffic is very damaging to seeds and young plants which is the reason we have closed the tee to golfers.



"A Tee Grows in Northville"

The range tee is one of the most used and visible areas on a golf course.  With the amount of traffic and heat in the months of July and August, range tees will sustain extensive damage by the end of summer.  As the members have probably noticed, our range tee definitely has seen better days. 

Over 30,000 square feet comprises the range tee with about seven different "lines" that can be used for members to hit off of.  The staff topdresses and seeds these lines with perennial rye grass and low-mow kentucky bluegrass after every usage (once a week) but it is difficult to see germination and growth in the peak months of summer. 

This all adds up to little recovery and a poor hitting surface.  

As fall draws closer we have closed the natural grass part of the range tee for two weeks.  The crew topdressed/seeded the tee in it's entirety and fertilized with high rates of phosphorous which is an essential nutrient, especially when establishing new turf.  All of this is not only an attempt to make the range more playable, but a preparation for winter.  As stated in a previous post, the healthier the turf going into winter the better chance of its recovery in the spring. 

Fall Cultural Practices

Over the next months temperatures will drop, the days will become shorter, birds will start heading south and the Michigan State Spartans will begin their domination of the Big Ten.  These changes in weather will also bring changes in our maintenance practices.  

Right around September, most courses see a reduction in staff members (college students returning to school or seasonal employees leaving).  With a smaller staff certain practices are no longer feasible.  For instance, walk-mowing greens can no longer be accomplished because it takes 5-6 people that are needed elsewhere.   

While autumn colors are beautiful, they are a herald of leaves dropping.  Rotary mowers will be converted into mulchers and several weeks will be dedicated to the removal, mulching and cleaning of the leaf debris that will litter the course.  However the staff at MCC does a good job of keeping greens and fairways playable throughout the fall.
Because of the lower temperatures our pesticide spray schedule changes as well.  Fungal disease are most active during the months of summer and only a few are present in the fall.  With this reduction in disease pressure we can apply less pesticides to the golf course.  Without the majority of fungal diseases, 90 degrees days and extreme humidity's the turf plant will have an optimum environment for growth and we hope to see an increase in root length and shoot density. 
Even though fall is not quite here yet, turf managers are already planning for winter.  Sunlight is key during this period because it has a major influence on plant growth.  A healthy turf system has the best potential to survive the snowy months and everything we do during the fall will be geared to having the healthiest plant possible at the end of it.   This is a drastic difference from the mindset of summer in which superintendents management practices are based on just getting through the day. 

We hope you enjoy and utilize the best time of year for golf. 

Poa Annua Root Systems

Poa annua's Achilles heel has always been its shallow roots.  This year has been particularly hard on the root system due to the record setting amount of rain we had in the spring (constant saturation of the soil depletes oxygen levels which allows for little root growth).  Spring is the optimum time for turf growth, and the plants need to develop a deep enough system to survive the summer months.  Contrary to the heavy precipitation we received in April and May, this summer has seen precious little rain events and many days breaching 90 degrees.  This all adds up to a stressed out plant. 



Fairway Profile Sample

As we enter the end of summer, the plants themselves have a significantly reduced root system and will need to be maintained carefully.  Our irrigation has to be frequent and light, in order to keep the shallow .25"-.5"  rootzone moist.  This will interfere with play, in respects to softer playing surfaces and sprinkler head syringing, and we hope the golfers will bear with us through this difficult time.  Along with being an annoyance to members, the constant moisture in the soil allows for higher diseases pressure in regards to fungal pathogens.  Pythium and anthracnose are two diseases that can cause significant turf loss and thrive in saturated conditions.  To combat outbreaks, we will have to remain diligent with our fungicide applications. 

Disease outbreaks are only one of the problems we face when dealing with shallow root systems.  Traffic (or wear on the plants) becomes a major concern, especially at the end of summer with busy tee-sheets.  Carts and even walkers can significantly damage fairways, tee's and greens.  To avoid putting excess stress on the turf we have raised the height of cut on fairways (from .5" to .7").  In addition, fairways 5, the bottom of 12 and the hill on 14 are being mowed with triplexes.  The lighter weight of these machines should save us additional wear and tear on these highly susceptible areas. 
On average the weather begins to turn in turfs favor towards the end of August.  If we can get by the next couple weeks, the cooler temperatures of Fall will allow us to perform maintenance practices that will encourage root growth.  Aerification is a great way to introduce air into the root zone and we should see a substantial root increase.  Fall is also an excellent time to grow grass and we plan to overseed damaged areas on fairways with Pennlinks Bentgrass.  The coming weeks will definetly be a test of our irrigation and cultural practices but cooler temperatures and heads will prevail. 

The 2011 Men's Invitational



Willie Park Jr. (1864-1925)

 Welcome to Meadowbrook Country Club and the 2011 Men's Invitational!  

The staff has worked hard all summer (through high temperatures, untimely downpours and high winds) and we are proud to present the finished product.  The original 6 holes of MCC were designed by Willie Park Jr. and in order to honor his commitment to the game of golf, the winners will be awarded a sculpture of his likeness.  Over 125 acres are here for your enjoyment so respect the smooth greens, take in the beautiful views, and as always, remember to stay pin high.