Drip lines...

The drip line of a tree is defined as where water would roll off the outer edges of the limbs. In theory, the root mass of a tree is approximately the width or diameter of that drip line. Trees and turfgrass compete for nutrients and moisture from the soil and sunlight from the sky.

The only wilted spot on the 12th fairway is under the tree's drip line at about 200 yards out. This picture helps validate the fact that trees and turf are in competition with each other.

Blue green algae...

Blue green algae is a common problem on newer bentgrass greens.

It is a discoloration in the plant due to what is believed to be a release of a toxin by the algae that causes the chlorotic look of the plant. It is not deadly but is merely unsightly.

You will notice it in the shaded areas of the greens mainly in the morning hours. Chemical controls are being applied to suppress the algae and mask the effects. Again, let it be known that it does not kill the plant.

What a difference a month makes...

Remember this past winter and early spring??? Three words best describe it: Cold, wet, and cold, or wait maybe that's just two words... Anyway, replacing that this late spring and early summer are: dry, hot, and dry! June was a very dry month here at the course, recording a mere seven tenths of an inch of rainfall.

This requires irrigation to be run almost constantly. We water to capacity at night and then hit hot spots throughout the day.

Occasionally, this will require golfers to dodge a little shower even when the sun is shining especially on those windy days. Please bare with is during this minor inconvenience! All in all, the course is holding up well.

Also, be aware that carts may need to be restricted to path only a few days to give the turf a break.