I'd like to take this opportunity to review, as well as update the progress of a few of the topics I've discussed in previous postings. Right off the bat, lets talk about geese. We all know that their
presence as well as the
presents they leave behind are very much a nuisance. Without the ability to use agricultural fireworks, we've had to revert to some techniques we've used in the past. In conjunction with physically chasing them off, we've placed white trash bags on wooden stakes and posted them around the ponds. The white bags are suppose to replicate swans and discourage the geese from landing. Although it's not 100% effective, it can keep some of them away. Also, we've placed a flashing construction light out on the bank on #3 north. It has been said that the flashing light will disrupt their sleep pattern and they will seek shelter elsewhere. It's not proven but we'll see how it works.
In other news, the trimming of the photinia has been finished on the south and we continue to trim the photinia on the north. Our hazard stake replacement and blackberry removal projects are progressing and we've also began to trim the roses around property in preparation for the growing season. If anyone has any other questions related to the golf course, we're always happy to answer them. Have a great week and tee it up while the suns still out!
We were scheduled to topdress both courses on Monday and Tuesday but the rainy weather of the winter makes it virtually impossible to drag in the sand. Our topdressing schedule is planned months in advance and while we will occasionally get a nice window to apply sand, that's not usually the case. We had a lot of luck this past season with opening up the greens and getting oxygen down into the root zone and felt like this would be an ideal time to use that concept, but during the winter. During the growing season we use 1/4 inch hollow tines and pull a core out of the greens, but, since wet sand doesn't clean-up well, we equipped our aerifiers with 1/4 inch solid tines, which don't pull a core. Besides the benefit of increasing gas exchange in the root zone, this process also aids in water percolation through the greens profile. We don't feel that playability was affected and overall we've been very pleased with the results. In the future, we will look to continue this practice when applicable. 
In other news, the extremely wet conditions this week have prevented us from doing any mowing so we had some time to dive into a drain project. We tackled the fairway and approach area on #8 South from the left fairway bunker towards the green. I think that some of the best benefits from this drain line will be seen during the summer months. We will be able to put an adequate amount of water down to keep the area lush and green in the heat of the summer, yet still have a firm enough landing so that some of us shorter hitters have a chance of getting home in two. We'd like to hear any suggestions you might have on areas that could benefit from improved drainage so we can add them to our list and tackle the most problematic areas first. Have a great rest of the week and weekend!
