... and Other Green Maintenance Experiences

BLBC members may have observed an unusual, dark, and mossy patch in the northeast corner of the green. A few weeks ago, we aerated the area and applied a light dose of seed and sand to level the section and introduce new grass. The outer perimeter responded favorably, but the interior of the section appeared to deteriorate further.

In consultation with Jose, we decided to perform surgical intervention on the green to remove and replace the affected area with bent grass from the nursery. Jose provided and sharpened a specialized tool resembling a cheese slicer, which enabled the removal of rolls of sod approximately 5 feet long and 10 inches wide from the nursery. The same process was employed in the impacted area on the green.

Upon removing the mossy patch from the green, we discovered a lump of dirt containing a redwood tree root. The root had a diameter of approximately 3 inches and was situated just below the green’s surface. Its removal was necessary. Jose collaborated with us to saw the root into two sections and extract it from beneath the mossy patch.

Subsequent steps involved the placement and leveling of sand, followed by the rolling out of the sod harvested from the nursery to patch the affected area. Light watering was applied to saturate the sand beneath, which will be continued for the next few days. The nursery area was also filled with plugs, sand, and seed to restore the removed section. We remain optimistic that the removal of the root and the installation of the new bent grass sod will yield positive results. In the interim, please exercise caution when bowling in the affected area.

The ongoing maintenance of the green presents a continuous learning experience. In late July, the Greenskeeper team identified an error message on the sprinkler timer and promptly notified Jose. After thorough research with Jose, we determined that the sprinkler head in front of the clubhouse was malfunctioning, causing excessive dry patches of grass. Fortunately, Jose possesses the expertise and willingness to repair various equipment, including replacing the sprinkler control solenoid. Janie promptly volunteered to assist by excavating 18 inches of sand from the ditch to expose and disconnect the existing sprinkler, enabling its removal and replacement. We celebrated the successful restoration of the sprinkler’s functionality, and water once again nourished the green.

Addendum: Jose and the Greenkeepers provided a further update: With the hollow tining done about three weeks or so ago that helped level the spot across the front of the clubhouse and now today with the solid tining the water will go down and support strong bent grass roots!

Jose pointed out that there was nary a puddle in that location after sprinkler ran 15 minutes. The puddling in that area is why we did the hollow tining in the first place! Now along with the solid tining today water is able to go where it needs to.