Aerification Day One Recap

Day one of spring aerification was a productive one despite the weather.  The snow covered greens caused a small delay in progress, however the maintenance staff was still able to get through most of the greens today.  The first step in the process was to uncover the greens.  Equipped with snow shovels, we were able to quickly remove all the snow cover from the green surface and surrounding areas.

The next step in the process was to deep tine the greens.  This involved poking a half inch hole every 5 inches to a depth of 7 inches.  This process allows for extended root development throughout the spring growing months.

Directly after the deep tine, core aerifiers were used to remove organic material and thatch from the soil.  3/8ths inch holes were poked to a depth of almost 2 inches.  The cores were then carefully removed from the green surface.

Stay tuned for more updates this week on the aerification progress.

Big Putter Sinkhole

On March 20th, while preparing the golf course for daily play, a small sinkhole was discovered by the maintenance staff on the large practice green.  While not nearly as severe as those sinkholes that made the news recently in Florida and Illinois, it still presented a tripping hazard for golfers crossing the green.

The area was roped off with caution tape and work began immediately.  Very carefully, the turf was removed and set aside.  The rootzone layer was then removed and saved, along with the gravel layer underneath.  What remained was a hole in the subsoil surface.

After digging down to the subsoil, it was discovered that the problem was an old tree stump that had decomposed over time.  With constant foot and equipment traffic, the area sunk and caused a visible depression in the green surface.  The maintenance staff was able to remove the decomposed material, which extended down 36 inches on the main trunk with an additional 6-10 inches roots extending from the sides.

The area was then backfilled and leveled with the existing subsoil grade.  The gravel layer was then replaced, followed by the rootzone mix. In the end, the turf was replaced and leveled, allowing a great putting surface for the next day's golfers.

First Plants in the New Garden

With the warmer weather over the last week, the Kinloch staff has been able to begin moving plants from the greenhouse to the new garden beds.  The 8 inch raised beds will provide ample room for root growth while still allowing for water drainage.  We look forward to filling each bed and providing fresh fruit and vegetables over the coming year.

In the photo below, horticulturist Benson Marshall is planting broccoli.

Garden Fence Update

Below are a few photos showing the progress of the fence surrounding the new garden.  Hopefully we can complete all ground work tomorrow before the snow arrives.  Stay tuned for more updates.

Fence Construction Begins

The Kinloch maintenance staff has begun work on the fence surrounding the new garden.  This fence will be constructed of welded wire and will keep animals from entering the garden.  The fence extends 8 feet up to deter rabbits, dear, and any other hungry animal.  In addition, the fence will continue 2 feet below the soil surface.  This will deter burrowing animals such as groundhogs from entering the garden.  Below is a photo of the first wall of the fence being constructed.