Flowers have arrived…and we’re waiting….

Traditionally, most of the annuals are planted during the week of the IPGA event.  However, we must wait until next week when the forecast looks a little more promising.

It’s hard to believe but yes, that is a picture of fallen snow taken the morning of May 16^th.  We’ve received 3+” of rain this week.  To top it off we get snow and lows in the 30’s!  We need some sunshine. All of our flowers have arrived (see below).  We plan to have all the beds planted and topped with mushroom compost by the end of next week (weather permitting). 

You would be wise to cover all your plants tonight and tomorrow due to the low temperatures.  If you have already planted them, I recommend that you cover them with plastic sheathing.  

May 2, 2014 Scouting Report

May 2, 2014 Scouting Report Hurry up and wait is about the only way to describe the current situation for many courses. Frustration has set in with the climate as the cold, wet, cloudy weather is good for nothing except spending time worrying about it at the bar. Many superintendents who responded to the recent survey sent out by CDGA and MAGCS indicated the most consistent reason as to why they did not have damage was purely down to the fact that they have a strong creeping bentgrass stand on their putting surfaces. I think they might even feel a little bit guilty - if not, they certainly are extremely grateful! Germination has been slow and while covers will help to warm soils they do very little as far as making an immediate putting surface. Moisture has arrived in a somewhat more consistent manner although there were instances of heavy hail occurring this week in the western suburbs of Chicago. Staying the course and remembering it is somewhat out of your control in regards to climate will help to reign in the frustration somewhat. Take solace in knowing that many people are in the same situation, trying to get back to optimal conditions as soon as reasonably possible and that once soil temperatures get to >55°F consistently we will all feel some relief. Many superintendents understand now what they have and I think the fear of loss has now been overcome with determination to beat the damage with the hope that there is some form of spring prior to the return of summer - roots have begun to make an appearance downward but it doesn't seem like they are sprinting as of yet. Courses have aerified and some are looking close to recovered while others just need some heat. Time is all that is required - which unfortunately is not there in abundance. If the forecast holds for next week with temperatures possibly reaching the 70's and if we are lucky a warm rain then help can be considered to be on the way! Click here to view the May 2, 2014 Scouting Report As always if you have a question or query please do not hesitate to ask and you can call or email. Ed Nangle PhD Director of Turfgrass Programs Chicago District Golf Association Office: (630) 685-2307 Cell: (630) 423-1925 www.cdgaturf.org Follow us on Twitter @TurfResearch

Weather...weather...weather!!!

Mother Nature has definitely been the most delineating issue for the grounds maintenance department at Kemper Lakes.  Golf courses have had a difficult time recovering from this past winter.  Luckily for us, our major issues have been getting bluegrass sod (finishing up last year’s projects) and completing the practice facility bunker.  Currently, soil temperatures are about 45 degrees; once they climb to 55, the grass will really start to fill in and we will be working hard to keep up with the growth. 

Below are the steps involved in reconstructing the bunker for the practice facility:

Step 1- Remove all existing sand in the bunker

Step 2- Sod cut all of the bluegrass sod and remove the accumulated sand on the bunker face.

Step 3- Cut the bunker edge and prep for sod

Step 4- Add drainage

Step 5- Sod bluegrass around the edges of the bunker

The wet weather has prevented us from finishing the liner and adding sand to the bunker.  With drier weather we should be able finish the bunker in a couple of days.

Sod availability has been our biggest issue to finish the rest of the sod work throughout the golf course.

The bunker will be ready for play when the bluegrass sod has established - approximately 2-3 weeks.