Green Aeration Program

In June and again in August, the greens are aerated with ¼” hollow tines. Many may think we “spike” the greens but we do actually pull a small plug. This is a smaller sized tine versus the late fall aeration.

The purpose of these summer aerations is to vent the greens for air and water exchange and to alleviate surface compaction during the summer months.  With the small size tines used for the process, it is not intended the holes be filled in as they are perfect for germinating bentgrass seed.

                                                         
                                        Bentgrass seedlings coming up in aerification holes

The healing time for these "light aerifications is minimal and no sand is added during the process. A verticutting process replaces a light topdressing. The verticuttiing chops up the small plugs and also brings up sand from previous topdressings. We then seed and water the greens to wash the seed (and sand) back into the holes. In 7-10 the holes will be almost (if not) closed up.

 

The summer green aerations help to insure the best, most consistent green conditions during the heat of the golf season.  Please do not confuse these aerifications with the late fall (more intensive and slower healing) green aerification.

Fall Green Aerification

The fall green aerification is more intense than what takes place during the summer months.  Larger holes are made to remove more thatch and more sand is applied to completely fill the holes (to provide a firm putting surface, better drainage and dilute the thatch layer).  Chances are the holes will not be healed going into winter.  This is fine and will help the greens during the winter and spring thaws, limiting ice and winter damage. A dormant seeding will be made to expedite the recovery of the greens (as they come out of the winter next spring). This type of aerification cannot be accomplished in as short a time as the summer aerifications.  In good weather we expect to finish three to four greens per day.  A temporary green is set up adjacent to the green(s) that are being worked on during play.

                             

                           

      

Aerating our greens with the small tines twice a year and once with the large tines in late fall minimizes excessive thatch development. The U.S.G.A. Green Section endorses this program.

Erick B. Holm, C.G.C.S.

Update - Tree Removal along Firetown Road

They have started removing the trees along the first hole. Hopefully the weather won't be too extreme so they can finish before the weekend.

Widening of fairways 7, 8 and 11

Remember when???  Notice the old fairway contour on # 8 versus the new.



Gradually lowering the height of cut from to fairway height took about eight weeks.

Tree Removal along Firetown Road

Early this spring we received a flyer from CL&P in the mail. Here's some of page one and two.

     

Unfortunately, the majority of the white pines along Firetown Road fit the criteria for removal. After marking most of the pines for removal, CL&P's hired tree care professional came to me to discuss the situation. Along with most of the large white pines, other trees that were marked were two large Oaks just outside the clubhouse adjacent to the main parking lot and the service entrance, and a few miscellaneous maples not yet fully grown. Fortunately, he was sympathetic to the aesthetics of the grounds and said he would like to discuss each well established tree that was marked so we could choose to remove only the trees that were a "high risk".  Besides location, the growth habit and general health of each tree was considered. After complete review we were able to save about 50% of the trees marked to be removed, including the large Oaks. Several of the large pines that are being removed are in decline and are a serious risk (even to the golfer). So why not let them take care of them?  The remaining pines should fill in over the next few years but frankly some of the voids will have to be replanted per their instructions below.