Aeration Complete....Finally

New topdresser attachment provided excellent sand distribution

Yesterday we were able to complete aeration of our greens after the date was pushed back twice as result of the tumultuous weather we've been having this fall. The process went very well and we were able to incorporate quite a bit of sand back into our soil profile. An extremely hot summer such as the one we experienced here in the Tidewater this year is a great reminder of the importance of this procedure. Maintaining turf at a low mowing height like we do on our greens can shorten the root system and put stress on the turf. One of the most important factors in the survival of these roots during the heat of the summer is having a growing medium that allows enough pore space for both water and oxygen. The large particle size of sand creates ample pore space that not only helps the health of our greens, but also creates a more firm and playable surface for golfers. This is why an aggressive aeration regiment is so important here in Chesapeake, VA.

The large holes and tight spacing seen above is very aggressive. This may cause grow in to take a bit longer, but will greatly benefit our greens in the long run. The warmer temperatures forecast over the next week may help with the grow-in process. We also fertilize before and after aeration to push for faster recovery.

Hurricane Matthew

Unfortunately Hurricane Matthew made it a bit further North than was originally forecast. We are unsure of exact rain totals, but based on other local estimates we received somewhere between 13 and 14 inches of rain. This was all the more devastating due to the 12 inches we received only ten days prior. As a result aeration will once again be moved back to Tuesday October 25th and Wednesday October 26th. Tomorrow, Tuesday the 11th, we should have the Front 9 available for golf. The Back 9 will be closed so that our cleanup efforts can continue, and the water blocking passage on #11 cart path has time to recede. 

Anyone who drove in a car this weekend is well aware of the impact this storm had on the entire area. Here are pictures of some of the impacts that Matthew had on Greenbrier CC. We will be working diligently through the week to get things back to normal.