Aerification Update

The Aerification process will start on Monday February 27^th, 2012. We will start by punching holes in the “clean up laps” or “edges”. This will consist of making 1 pass (48 inches wide) around the inside edge of the green followed by cleanup, fertilization and topdressing.

The main reason we have decided to go a week in advance on the edges is for turf quality. When you aerify into the “clean up lap” and the holes are not filled with sand there is always a chance for turf damage. Once the holes are filled with sand the turf becomes stable and can handle the second pass. This will also allow us to focus on some of our trouble spots (mound #17, walk on #6 and mound #5) and add any soil conditioners or amendments that will help promote better root development.  The following Monday March 5^th we will continue the aerification with the “middles” of the greens. We have already increased our fertilization program to help ensure a reasonable recovery. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

If you have any questions email

Kyle Macdonald

kmacdonald@valleycrest.com

Aerification is right around the corner

(Everyone thinks the Superintendent is Evil for even mentioning the word AERIFICATION)

This spring we have one major aerification scheduled for March 6^th and 7th, a few supplemental small solid tine aerifications through the summer and the DryJect after Mens Member-Guest. The solid tine aerifications and DryJect will have minimal disruption on ball roll and speed but will be an extra step toward healthy greens. Aggressive aerifications will cause less disruption on the course during the peak season while still achieving proper maintenance practices. The biggest question during this time is “How long until the greens are good?” That is a difficult question to answer because dealing with nature has a lot to do with temperatures.  We will be aggressive with fertilizer to help speed recovery and to promote health. If the greens are healthy going into the aerification phase and the temperatures are favorable, they should recover in a few weeks.  Just remember if you skip or skim on aerification you will pay the price in June, July and August. These are small interruptions that will pay off come spring and summer. We will have a lot more information and photos as we start this Springs Aerification.

Thanks,

Kyle Macdonald

(Below is an example of Aerification holes)

Time to prune Crape Myrtles

A staple of Landscaping in Georgia is the Crape Myrtle, this tree flowers in the summer and has a unique exterior (bark). This plant can be used either as tree form or shrub form. At St Ives we have the Crape's mainly as tree form, which requires pruning to keep the proper shape. Pruning back crapemyrtles in late winter promotes lush new growth in the spring. Flowers are produced on current season's growth so flowers develop even after such severe pruning. Now is the time to prune back your Crape's if you have them in your landscape.