Another round of snow

Friday morning we were literally digging our way out of our shop following the latest round of snow here in Westminster.  We haven't had a snow event this big for a couple years.  The snow is supposed to taper off this afternoon, but we are looking at around 16" so far.  The snow came just in time, as many of our south facing slopes were in need of moisture, and pressuring up our system appeared to be eminent.  We were fortunate to finish our irrigation installation on our new tees before the snow started, so when the snow does melt, we can focus on pressuring up our system and tidying up our new tees.  I may be getting a little ahead of myself, as it may take an entire week, just to get our cart path opened up.  The better part of next week will likely be spent cleaning up from this latest snow storm.  

Let it Snow

Another beautiful day here at Legacy Ridge GC, today it's beautiful only if you love free moisture in the form of snow.  Though we can't continue working on our new tees, it is most definitely a blessing to have this blanket of snow.  One because it will insulate our drained-but-not blown out irrigation system, and two the recent weather pattern has left the course thirsty for moisture. 

On days like today we have a pretty standard schedule consisting of snow removal and more snow removal.  In addition to plowing/clearing all of the paved areas around the golf course,

we maintain 5 miles of bike trails and bridges that connect the neighborhood to a large network of trails throughout the City of Westminster.  Depending on the timing of snow storms, we run through bike trails at least twice each day to make sure they are clean and haven't drifted over.  If you happen upon our gator, tractor, or truck plowing, the operator will stop and allow you to safely pass them by.  We would also ask that sledders, snowshoers or walkers please stay off of the golf course at all times.  Golf course features like bunkers, drain basins, and other hazards can be hidden under the snow, making it an unsafe option for snow day recreation.   

Course work

This morning we started the week off right by changing pin locations and mowing greens and collars.  This time of year, mowing is less about managing growth and geared more toward cleaning and smoothing the putting surface.  As long as the weather is warm, we will continue weekly mowing to keep our greens in shape for play.  In the coming weeks we will apply a heavy layer of  topdressing sand as cold weather sets in.  The sand serves as a blanket for the winter, protecting the crown or growing point of the bent grass (and poa) plant from winter desiccation.  Desiccation is a concern without snow cover, and to this point we haven't had much in the way of snow and have been irrigating fairly regularly.

Just as snow protects the plant from desiccation, too much snow cover can lead to snow mold, and for that we are planning our second preventative fungicide application this week.  For this application we will be applying Instrata and Rhapsody, which should carry us through February.  About a month ago we applied Spectro90 which we use for a short term preventative in case of big, early snowstorm.  That product has all but worn off, so as soon as the wind dies down we will put out the Instrata/Rhapsody combo that has worked nicely for us that last couple of years in preventing snow mold.  As winter sets in fully, we will discuss different forms of snow mold and hopefully continue answering the age-old question, "so what do you guys do in the winter".

First Snow

The course was in need of some natural precipitation, and last night we finally got it!  Rain began last night and turned to snow overnight.  We came in this morning to 3 or 4 inches of new snow on the ground with snow still falling.  The forecast is calling for around 8 inches total with this storm, so we the plows on and the shovels out for snow removal.  There is no better source of moisture than mother nature, as much as we strive for uniformity with our irrigation system, natural rainfall insures that every inch of the course receives ample moisture.  The downside to all of this wet snow is that most of our trees and shrubs haven't lost their leaves yet, so some fallen branches are pretty likely.  We will do our best to have the mess cleaned up by the time we reopen, assuming the weather cooperates.