Storm Damage

The high winds that accompanied the storm did some damage to some trees and limbs.  2 trees that fell were both tagged for removal by the Insurance Arborist.  Luckily they did no extra damage to any healthy trees surrounding them.  This reinforces the need to continue removal of these dead/damaged trees.  Removal now while the crew has time is much better than the tree falling in season, and will prevent additional damage to priority trees.

Wed Feb 27

During the horrible weather yesterday the crew room was cleaned, and put fresh coat of paint on the walls.  This area is being converted to the Morning Meeting area.  Job/task boards have been ordered for this wall.

The Long Island Golf Course Superintendent Association (LIGCSA) had their Spring Seminar at Bethpage State Park on Wednesday.  This is a great time to catch up and network with other superintendents in the area.  The main reason was the great lineup of speakers.  

Dr. Stacey Bonos, Rutgers University

Better grass selection for our golf course.  Especially roughs and low maintenance areas. 

David Doherty, ISTRC

Testing soil properties of our greens.  ISTRC has been done here at Rockville in the past.

Steven McDonald M.S.

Great speech on common disease and problems of Poa Annua putting greens.

Dave Oatis, USGA

Tree management programs and learning from past mistakes when planting new trees.  Gave great recommendations about new plantings and planning for the future.

Bob Farren, Pinehurst

Restoration and sustainability of Pinehurst No. 2

Tuesday, Feb 26

 Greens, approaches, and tees were topdressed today. The rain expected tonight should wash it in nicely.  

After topdressing the greens were verti-drained.   This process is venting the soil and breaking up the hard crust layer(4" deep in our greens).  The tines were set to penetrate just below (5")  this layer to help shatter it as much as possible. 

 

On top of cleaning up the course we are also trying to get the shop cleaned and organized.  A common sight were these squirrel nests constructed from tires and insulation.  All of these were found on the shelving inside the shop.  

Stump grinder in Action 

Leftovers from a ground stump.

Tree Removal Update

Chipping and cleanup going on today

 

 

We are currently still removing trees tagged for removal.  There are also many trees damaged on the course that were not tagged by the insurance company's arborist. We have also removed these trees as we make our way throughout the course.

 

 

These are all perfect examples of trees that need to be removed, but were not tagged by the arborist.

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Many have been hollow just like this stump.

Winter Work

The course weathered winter storm Nemo well.  Not much of the snow is left after the last few warm days and rain.  This has caused the course to be very wet and sloppy and has kept us inside to catch up on a great deal of our winter maintenance.

Touching up and rebuilding ballwashers

GIS Day 3

Trade show began today.

Also took a half day class on Management of Fescues for "Native" Rough Areas

GIS Day 2

Today is another full day class on Greens Aerification and Water Management by the Numbers. 

Golf Industry Show Day 1

Day 1 itinerary was an 8 hour class on Advanced Stress Management Practices for Cool Season Turf