Despite an exceptionally long golf season, it seems hard to believe that it's already November. The days are getting noticeably shorter, and the weather has certainly been very fall-like this week. The trees have lost their leaves earlier than normal, and one has to suspect that the drought played a role in their expedited fall. There are still a few oaks, shagbark hickories, and silver maples that aren't quite leafless, but they are definitely the exceptions. Last week, we blew quite the pile of leaves to the road along hole 15, and tomorrow, these will be removed with the greatly-appreciated assistance of Shorewood Hills.
 |
| A snapshot of the leaf berm along 15. |
Aside from a little bit of mowing and leaf cleanup, the frosty mornings have allowed us to get caught up on work around the shop, and we have also begun pulling soil samples from the course. Every five years, soil is collected from each green, tee, and fairway for nutrient analysis. Ten samples that measure 3/4" diameter by 4" long are randomly collected from each of these areas, mixed together, and placed in sampling bags that are provided by the UW-Madison Soil and Plant Analysis Lab. The lab will then test the samples for pH, percent organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium. We can then use the results to make any necessary adjustments to our fertility and overall management plans.
 |
| Chris pulling a sample from 13 tee. |
Moving forward, we will likely be winterizing the irrigation system and applying snow mold fungicides over the next two weeks. Course supplies will slowly migrate from the course into the shop, and the perennial beds will be pruned. With consistently cold nights, mowings are few and far between, but sunny afternoons are still great for getting in a round.
No comments:
Post a Comment