Week of May 2nd - applications and sod prep
- matthewbehl
- May 6, 2022
- 2 min read
This week we took advantage of a slower rainy day to prepare the old cart path turnaround by the 14th green for sod and expanded the project to include some weak turf adjacent to the old path. After the old sod was cut out, loam was added and tilled into the existing soil. This area is now ready for sod.
We are also renovating an area to the left of the 15th green. This section was formerly dense brush and could be a frustrating golf ball magnet. We cut it down in the winter of 20/21 and have sprayed it to keep any growth down. We are now removing any remaining roots and vines to prepare it for seeding. A scattering of large rocks means that some of the area will be tall fescue grass, but smaller rocks will be removed so we can add some more maintained turf to the green surround as well.
Also this week preventative applications were made to greens, tees, and fairways for control of Annual Bluegrass Weevil.
While ABW can do substantial damage to closely mown turf, the damage often does not manifest until mid-summer. An Integrated Pest Management approach tells us that well-timed preventative applications are critical for achieving the best control of this pest. For ABW, biological indicators are a great help. Adults returning to turf from overwintering are targeted just after forsythia bloom (during the half green/half gold stage). In a few weeks, early instar larva will be targeted using rhododendron bloom as the biological indicator.
These preventative applications offer the best possible control with a minimum use of pesticides. Waiting until damage is apparent from later instar larva means using higher rates of pesticide for less control. For more information on Integrated Pest Management at the ICC, see our blog post and linked BMP guide: https://www.ipswichcountryclubgcm.net/post/ipswich-best-management-practices
Our new cart traffic signs have finally arrived from backorder and have replaced the old green signs. Please exit the fairways at a 90 degree angle from these signs, that allows us to vary traffic and wear by occasionally moving the signs forward or back as needed.
