Tree removal on the course this winter

We have decided to remove some trees on hole number 6, just across the bridge. These large trees were affecting golfers that were forced to layup in the rough area across the pond. After the stump grinding this spring, we will do some work to improve the rough. We also decided to take down a large maple tree by #5 gold tee. This particular tree didn't effect playability, but it did in fact impede morning sunlight, which is the most important sunlight the turf needs. The first photo shows the 3 trees in the rough area across the pond on hole 6 where some people have to hit to. The second and third picture show the maple tree by the gold tee on hole 5 that was felled and a look from the tee with tree removed.

Posting again to this blog

I have taken a break from this blog for several reasons, but since then members have asked and missed reading about course updates and all the practices that go into maintaining Metamora Golf and Country Club. I will start posting updates to keep everyone that reads it informed. Look for future posts in the days ahead.

Thatch accumulation and reducing fertility needs

Thatch is organic material that forms between the grass blades and soil surface. Thatch consists of living and dead plant material. Contrary to popular belief grass clippings do not increase thatch production, instead clippings add a light amount of fertility back into the surface. Thatch is a good thing in the right amount. Thatch buffers high air temperatures, and protects the root zone. Thatch allows for a divot to be removed when striking a ball. Side note; that divot should be put back more often than reaching for the soil and seed mixture attached to your cart or in the buckets on the par 3 tees. However, to much thatch can be a bad thing. To much thatch can hold water, harbor insects and diseases. There are several reasons thatch can become to dense or thick. Over fertilizing is the biggest factor in thatch production. Neglecting cultural practices like aeration can also play a role in developing to much thatch. Several years ago, Metamora had to much thatch in the fairways and something had to be done. We do aerate twice a year, but with solid tines, we weren't really removing it. I said the heck with it, I will let it break down naturally and let it feed the grass at the same time. For the past several seasons I have continued to lower the fertility levels especially in the form of Nitrogen to help reduce it. This year I decided to omit any Nitrogen inputs to the fairways all together. In doing this the fairways have never been better in my opinion. They were healthier, required less water, wetting agents and fertilizers.

Tree Removal on Hole 10

Sun path with trees removed

Some of you have noticed we have removed quite a few trees around the 10th green in the past year. This was not just a random selection just to cut down trees. The trees were chosen with careful consideration and strategy. The reason was to give the 10th green much needed morning sunlight, more air circulation and to promote Creeping Bentgrass. Morning sunlight is the most critical sunlight to golf course putting surfaces. During the shoulder seasons when frost delays are common, tree removal will allow you to get on the course a bit sooner too. With the help of an app on my Phone, this app allowed me to view the path of the sun at any time. The pictures below will help explain this.

Nematodes: a Real and Invisible Threat

Nematodes are worm like micro-organisms that live in the soil; some even spend a large portion of their life cycle inside plant roots. There are many species that are beneficial, but there are many that are harmful. These non-beneficial types are called plant parasitic Nematodes. Plant parasitic Nematodes feed on turf grass roots, and they can expose weakened plants and more susceptible plants to other problems (including diseases). To my knowledge, Nematodes haven't gotten much professional consideration in Michigan; nonetheless, due to several factors, Nematologists feel the population is on the rise. Some experts believe the mild winters we have had in recent years have caused the population to increase; others argue that certain preventative chemicals used on golf courses years ago had a direct effect on Nematode proliferation. Another factor: the more topdressing golf courses are doing (Nematodes thrive in sand), the more these "critters" increase.

In light of these findings I decided to test all of the greens on the property to get a baseline of the amount and types of Nematodes we have so that each winter I can identify which populations are declining or rising.  Plus: before jumping to the decision to treat, it is important to get some baseline information so we have something to compare to year in year out; also, there are a couple of products available to control Nematodes, so it's important to have some objective data and criteria to narrow down our choices. Unfortunately, the Nematode threat is real, but so is the research which we can use to combat the threat.  I will keep you informed if any action is required. Below are a couple of pictures of a plant parasitic Nematode known as a Ring Nematode.

Viewed at 100X

Viewed at 400X