Golf Course Maintenance Update: Spring Snow Removal 2020

(April 8, 2020) Golf course maintenance staff monitors the turf conditions throughout the winter months.  In December we were removing an ice layer that had formed on some greens after the initial snowfall of late November.  After very little snow through most of January and February, we were spot watering some areas such as bunker faces and south facing slopes.  An open winter can be worse for turf than a heavy winter, because the turf is exposed more to drying winds and cold temperatures, instead of being well insulated by a snow cover.  If allowed to get too dry, the crown (the growing point) of the plant can die from desiccation. And then with the heavier snows of March, we were clearing cart paths for access to the greens so we could snow blow the greens to start preparing them for the season.  Because of all these efforts, the greens on both courses look very good coming out of winter.

We are in the process now of applying black mulch to heavy snow areas to help expedite snow melting.  We have also started the process of cleaning the courses of all the winter debris, such as pine cones and tree branches that litter the courses.  Mowing is anticipated to start within the next week.  

We'll post the annual Spring Maintenance Update that lists all the projects and improvements completed during the offseason in May. 

Jeff Clouthier, CGCS
Grounds Superintendent

ice on champ

snow removal
Ice on Championship Course #14 green (Jan.24)

Snow removal on Mountain Course practice green (Mar.17)

champ april 10

Mostly sunny and green fairway (Apr. 10)