Verticutting Greens

We have started the verticutting of the greens process and additionally the spiking as well. The verticutting will start thinning out the Poa Triv and allowing the bermudagrass to fill in while the spiking of the greens is mainly to allow for air movement and compaction relief from all of the rolling we have done in the season. Currently, both processes will be done once per week; however, starting in May the verticutting will be increased to twice per week. We still for now will continue the once per week topdressing which in May will decrease to every other week. In addition starting May 1st we will be stopping the walk mowing of the greens and will be starting the triplex units.

Just to get you as the members ready but starting in May we will dry down the golf course slightly to start stressing the ryegrass thus allowing the bermudagrass to grow in without as much competition. Later in May we will be chemically killing the remaining ryegrass in the fairways and approaches to give the bermuda at least 100 days to recover and be ready for next season's overseed. This process at first is UGLY; however, with verticutting and fertilization (provded that Mother Nature plays ball) the effect will be minimized as much as possible. That being said the ryegrass still will not look very good (brown) because it has been killed.

These processes are necessary evils at heavily overseeded golf courses which basically grow in two types of turf twice per year. Basically, here in the Valley we have two golf course grow-ins per year while most around the nation just have to maintain one type of turf.