Turf Tips
TURF TIPS
Frequently asked questions from the avid Golfer to the Golf Course Superintendent
Q. Why are you Aerifying?
A. Aerifying is one of the most important cultural practices performed on a golf course. Although the process is slightly disruptive, it relieves compaction from traffic, promotes healthy root growth, and improves the overall health and vigor of the turf grass plants.
Q. Why are you topdressing?
A. Topdressing is a thin application of sand applied to ball rolling and teeing areas. Topdressing is a very important cultural practice that reduces thatch, improves ball roll, and promotes both a consistent growing medium and playing conditions.
Q. Why are you spraying?
A. Spraying is always used as a “last resort”. At times weather conditions and disease pressures can become overwhelming for young turfgrass mowed at .125 of an inch to sustain on their own accord. Chemicals must be used
Q. What are you spraying?
A. Riverstone Golf Club has an Integrated Pest Management Plan in place to reduce the amount of chemicals used on the golf course. We only use environmentally safe products registered by Health Canada and The Ministry of Environment.
Q. Why is it necessary to water during the day?
A. On extremely hot days during July and August, it may be necessary to “cool down” turfgrass plants under stress. Syringing may also be required to water in fertilizers, or remove early morning dew. The removal of dew will result in less disease pressure, and is an integral part of our Integrated Pest Management Program.
Q. How fast are your greens?
A. We maintain our ball speed at a stimp meter reading of 8-9 (Spring Time) and improve to 9-10 as we move into the warmer growing season. The weather dictates the height of cut of our putting greens and that’s in direct correlation with green speed.
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