ARTICLE DISCUSSING WINTER DAMAGE ON GOLF COURSES

Even if you are not a big golfing enthusiast, you have to love the fact that those who love the sport are taking the time and spending the money to keep acres of land- landscaped and well maintained. Many Golf Course planners who enjoy the beauty of nature as much as they do Golf, are remaining Green in the process.



~ Dormant Seeding In the Fall Provides Greater
Insurance Against Winter Damage.
(c)Kevin Ross , 2001

There's been a lot of talk over the past several months concerning winter damage on golf courses. High-profile events, such as the 2001 US Senior Open at Salem Country Club in Massachusetts, (which sustained severe turf loss prior to the event),
has brought this issue front and center.

Winter damage is not a new phenomenon.
Many states throughout the northern United States and in large parts of Canada sustain turf loss every year. Each year, many superintendents experience the same agony that superintendent Yip Tyler did this year at Salem CC. However, the work done at Salem CC has spurred much thought on how to prepare your golf course for the dreaded winter months.

THE DORMANT SOLUTION

Dormant seeding is one technique that has not received much attention. A successful program of dormant seeding can produce spectacular results in the spring, and it is a great insurance policy in the event that any winter damage occurs.

Dormant seeding is done in the fall, after soil temperatures have declined sufficiently, so complete germination will not occur. However, soil temperatures must be sufficient for the initial stages of germination to occur.

The first step in the seed germination process is water absorption. In the second step, the seed undergoes a swelling, which initiates several biochemical and morphological events. This ultimately results in the development of a seedling turfgrass plant.

In dormant seeding, the seed undergoes the initial stages of germination during the late fall and early winter period before entering a frozen state throughoutthe winter. In this period, the enzyme and carbohydrate processes that occur during actual germination become dormant. Because the seed is partially germinated, it is four to six weeks ahead of a spring planted seed.

TIMING IS CRITICAL

I have used this technique successfully for over 15 years in the New England states and presently in Colorado. This work has primarily involved using bentgrass, but Ihave seen it work with all cool-season grasses. Depending on your region, the timing may change slightly.

Establishing test plots is the best way to determine the proper timing in your area. The easiest method can be achieved by using a hex plug cutter, removing the plugs, and using your standard divot/seed mix, seeding these plugs. During the time period you think might work best, you can seed one hole (plug) per day, over a 14 to 21 day period.

I have observed dormant seed germination as early as the first week in April when soil temperatures are in the high 30s to low 40s. This can catch some people by surprise and is a critical time period for the germinated seed because warm and windy spring periods can cause failure. Proper water management of these areas and close monitoring will spell success.

COST

Excluding the cost of fairway seeding,
a typical program with bentgrass for greens,
and divots on tees and fairways is about $2,500.
This is a small price to pay for an insurance policy which can
provide very large dividends in the spring.



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OUTDOOR GARDEN FURNITURE SOLAR GARDEN PRODUCTS

We can only hope that the cost of environmentally friendly items will start to come down soon. After years of being on the market, more efficient light bulbs are finally affordable. As more efficient solar or off-grid items come on the market the prices will start to become more affordable. We can only hope - I have got my eye on solar panel system for generating electricity.



Today's articles courtesy of :
Green Consumer Guide


Outdoor Garden Furniture

When looking for environmentally sound garden furniture, be certain to check the wood type used. Woods such as mahogany are best avoided. This type of wood is not ecologically ideal for garden furniture, and is also very expensive.

In many cases the furniture is marketed on the basis that it is environmentally friendly, however beware of false claims. Labels claim that the timber is taken from sustainable managed resources or from plantation timber.

False statements include;
"For every fallen tree, a new one is planted so no tropical rain forest need to be destroyed"

The reality could not be further from the truth. If the furniture does not have false claims then it is likely to have no labelling at all. If there is no proof of the source of the furniture, for example from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) then it is advisable not to buy. We recommend that you only purchase from timber endorsed by the FSC or a similarly respectable certification organization.





Solar Garden Products - Garden Tools

‘Reel’ lawnmowers are the most ecologically sound way to cut your lawn, as they don’t use any power source. Reel mowers also do a better job, which is why they are used by golf course groundsmen. They are virtually silent and maintenance free. The next best thing to using a reel lawnmower, is using an electric mower. These are small, light and don’t pollute.

Either type of lawnmower is a sound environmentally friendly investment.

Solar Garden Products

Solar radiation is an unlimited source of energy, and is a viable alternative to fossil fuel produced electricity. One use of solar powered energy which is rapidly increasing in popularity is garden lighting.

Solar powered garden lighting can be manually operated, or can come on automatically, and intensity (brightness) is also optional. This form of energy is free, and causes no carbon dioxide emissions, making it 100% environmentally friendly.

Contrary to popular belief, solar energy does not only work on sunny days! The energy is actually derived from solar radiation, which is present every day, all year round. Solar light units charge during the day, and run for around 8 to 12 hours when the sun goes down, pleasantly illuminating your garden.





~Greenjeans
it's not easy being green...