Drainage Installation Continues...

#2 fairway at Greystone is the perfect example of what we refer to as an area having "micro-climates."  On one area of the fairway closest to the approach to the green, we have one of the driest areas on the golf course.  Several factors contribute to this dry micro-climate such as the slope of the fairway, soil type, wind flow and absence of trees.  This area of the fairway is managed as a dry micro-climate.  Some of the strategies we employ in this dry area are deep watering using wetting agents, constant aerification to create channels in the soils for water penetration, and frequent syringing of the turf during periods of heat stress.



 

Conversely, the tee-side portion of #2 fairway experiences a wetter micro climate.  The first 75 yards of this fairway are flat, tree-lined, shaded and sitting on a heavier, clay soil.  In order to manage this type of micro-climate, we employ management conducive to providing a healthy growing environment, with consideration to this climate. 

 One of the long-term strategies that we are beginning to employ in some of our wetter micro-climates is the installation of internal drain systems.

 

By removing the heavy, clay soils and installing gravel, perforated pipe and a sandy growing medium over trenches, we can begin to remove excess water from these areas.

Some of our goals are to provide playability, healthy turf, an aesthetically-pleasing vistas and access to the golf course.  Installation of drain systems like this one on #2 fairway will help us to achieve those goals for our customers. 

 

 

 

We are working to complete this system as I am writing this blog and are expecting to be complete by the end of the day on Friday.  Next week we will be moving the operation to #6 fairway.