Winter Injury Concerns

With the wide swings in temperatures and no snow cover for most of the winter, I'm concerned whether Wanakah's greens will survive if temperatures plumet. After reaching daytime highs in the forties and many days with rain, should temperatures go down into the teens at night, the Bent/Poa turfgrass on greens could be history.

Greens Drainage

Winter drainage, low areas on several putting greens collect water because of poor surface slope and internal drainage. To help water move off and avoid heavy ice build up, sod is removed prior to our first snow fall. The dark channel absorbs the sunlight helping to melt snow and ice when temperatures rise.

Bunker Edging

Late fall is a great time of year to edge bunkers. Grass has stopped growing and every new edge done this fall will be fresh for the spring. By doing late edging the grounds staff is able to concentrate on spring clean-up and ready the course for play.

Tree Root Pruning

On Monday the last day of October the grounds staff is root pruning along side three Crimmson King Maples on the North side of the putting green. Pruning will help reduce drought conditions along the collar an into the putting surface. A 1/8 thick inch plastic barrier is set into place after a trench is cut 18 inches deep.

Wet Conditions

After a weekend of rain on October 15th and 16th, the course is slow to dry out. As the grounds staff travels the course they find many wet spots.

Tree removal

The Beech tree between #5 and #8 will be removed as well as the Pine tree directly behind the pump house on #14.

Topdressing Tees

Tees are an important part of the course. Topdressing tees with sand helps to firm the surface and dilute the thatch layer. Although we started topdressing tees in late summer we have 3 applications down and are seeing good results.