Course Update 1/30/20

After finishing the tree work on Lakes 6 we moved to Lakes 5 left of the green.  This area had become overgrown with jaggers, honeysuckle, sumac, and black cherry, and obstructed the bunkers and surrounding rough as viewed from the fairway.  The dense canopy from all the vegetation also created thin, weak turf due to a lack of sunlight and airflow.

We finished earlier than anticipated on #5 so we spent an afternoon removing brush that had grown back on Lakes 4 in the hazard left of the tees.  It's only been two years since we last worked in this area, but it doesn't take long for the vegetation to rebound.  The purpose for keeping the brush knocked down is to prevent any obstructed views of the fairway.  The tee boxes closer to the fairway and lower in elevation were most affected by the brush.

The tedious process of removing the underbrush is necessary to access and remove the larger trees.

This was taken standing on the 100 yard marker in Lakes 5 fairway.  Notice how much the two large cherry trees left of the bunkers obstruct the view.

#5 after removing the trees.

Removing brush on Lakes 4 left of the tees to improve the view of the fairway.

#4 after removing the brush.

Course Update 1/29/20

In addition to our regular activities this time of year which include equipment repairs, refurbishing course amenities, snow & ice removal, and continuing education, we've been able to tackle some projects on the course.  So far our time has been evenly split between edging bunkers and tree work.  Colder days are the ideal time for tree work since the ground is firmer and/or partially frozen.  It's easier for the staff and equipment to maneuver without causing major damage.  Days with temps well above freezing we've been edging bunkers and moving sand in preparation for the upcoming season.  Our goal is to have all the bunkers edged by April 1st.

Establishing a fresh edge on Lakes 9 greenside bunkers.

Finished product after cleanup and moving sand.

Tree work on Lakes 6 right of the green.

We cleared the treeline back 15-20' to allow for more sunlight and airflow.  This area stayed shaded most of the day and never dried out.

After completing tree work to the right of Lakes 6 green we moved to the left side.

10 trees were removed to the left of the green to allow for more sunlight and airflow.  These trees blocked most of the morning light and this will noticeably improve the turf both on the green and the surrounding rough.  Once the stumps are ground the area will be prepped for seed and maintained as regular rough.