Click Here<\/a>\u00a0to see May 2019 weather.\u00a0With a mean temperature of 8.9 and an average max high of about 14.5, this year is considerably colder than average. In 2018 the mean was 11.6 and the average max high was almost 20 degrees.\u00a0In terms of propagating Bent grass (Agrostis Stolenifera), the important factor is the mean. The mean temp directly affects the soil temperature, and seed germination is directly related to that metric.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn general terms: Colder soils, less germination, warmer soils more germination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other factors included; seeding rate, moisture levels, seed species, depth of seed, seed to soil contact and some biological stuff that can get pretty dry as conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Germination is referred to as a “catch”, and a good catch is where a larger portion of seed has germinated. The more boxes checked in the list of environment conditions as mentioned, the more germination we will see.\u00a0Obviously this year some elements are missing to create the conditions for a large catch, with the consistent soil temperatures being the main detractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the tools in our toolbox to help with the process are germination tarps.\u00a0These are plastic permeable tarps that allow water and gas exchange, while creating a green house effect above the turf. The tarps certainly do improve the daytime temperatures but do little to retain warmth during the night. As the air temps drop off at night the soil temps follow, reducing the consistency of temperatures necessary for a good catch.\u00a0At this point we have stopped using the tarps. As temperatures get into the 20’s they can cause excessive heat and in effect “boil” the seedlings and the existing grass. For the most part we used the tarps from the onset of seeding, but continued use might set us back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We began seeding the greens in late April, anticipating that the temperatures would be typical spring in the East Coast.\u00a0Germination usually occurs within 7 to ten days, however I expected a longer time frame due to the lower temperature.\u00a0There was little germination.\u00a0 By mid May I decide to reseed, taking the approach that by increasing the seed population we would improve our catch.\u00a0Between the marginally warmer temps and the tarp use the germination was triggered but still not happy with the results we seeded again this week.\u00a0To date we have applied about 250 lbs of seed to the weak areas on the greens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news in that while there is some seed loss, as temperatures improve there will be more and more seed germinating.\u00a0This week seems to be the turning point, and I am encouraged by the changes from Sunday to today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is five green today at 1 pm (June 1, 2019). If you zoom in you can see many small seedling beginning to sprout. At this stage they are very tender.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe temporary greens will remain in place until the turf on greens has recovered enough to withstand the stress of the play.\u00a0I expect as things warm up, we will see improvement very quickly. Please feel free to take a look at the greens as your playing, but mind the seeded areas and watch out for sprinklers, they are running about every two hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNumber eight green, watch out for the irrigation!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere are some comparison photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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16 Green May 2, 2019<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
16 Green June 1 2019<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Here is number one fairway, May 2, 2019. Christian and Conner are seeding the weak areas on the fairways using walk behind seeders. Although time consuming, it is much more accurate. To date we have used about 2600 pounds of bluegrass seed over approximately 14 acres.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Number One Fairway, June 2, 2019.\u00a0Note the germination beginning in aeration holes and the green hue.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe fairways are beginning to recover as the seed germinates and the fertilizer starts to release.\u00a0Due to the amount of watering and the tenderness of the seedlings carts will be restricted to the cart paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are working hard to return the golf course to the conditions that our clients are used to.\u00a0Please be patient and we will get there. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On Monday, June 3rd, the golf course will open with 9 temporary greens, they are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 16, and 17. As a superintendent, one of the most depressing things you are forced to do is cut a temporary pin.\u00a0We take pride in offering the best conditions possible to our clients […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":725,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
End of May Update | West Hills Golf | Fredericton<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n