1. We identified the areas to be sodded and removed the dead turf.
2. After the sod was removed we utilized a laser level to map out the surface grade of the effected areas. These areas are notorious for holding water and was the main contributing factor to why the grass died. We regraded the areas to promote surface drainage. This was the most important step of the entire process to ensure the long term success of the greens. A big thanks to Frank Puccia at Irondequoit Country Club for letting us borrow his laser level!
3. Once the surface grade was established we started the meticulous process of laying the sod.
4. As the sections of sod were layed we hand tamped each peice and filled all the seams with topdressing sand. The sand will speed the healing process and help each piece to become one.
5. After the sod was installed we watered the sod heavily to wash in any surface debris. Soon after the sod was rolled in serveral directions to begin smoothing the surface.
6. Once the surface dryed we applied an extremely heavy layer of topdressing sand. The sand will be the key to smoothing the surface moving forward. Many more applications similar to this will be applied.
7. Here is a before and after of 1 green.
As the sod begins to root, we will be installing smaller round 2" plugs and larger hexagon plugs to some areas on these two greens. There are still several areas that are thin, but did not warrant sod. By installing these plugs, along with some seed and sand, it will help speed recovery. We will also be utilizing plugs on some of the other greens that were damaged such as 6,7 and 17. My hope is to have all the plugs installed in the next 7-10 days. Once we are finished with all the repair work we will reestablish the south practice green. My hope is to begin mowing the new sod at weeks end. We will follow that with more rolling, topdressing and aerations. It is going to take time for these areas to behave like the greens you are use to. Once the sod roots we can start talking about opening the greens for play. My hope is 2-3 weeks from today. I will keep you posted.
I want to thank you for your continued support and understanding. This has been a tough spring to say least. Nothing has gone as planned for anyone in the industry so far, including us. The mantra has been adapt and move forward. I feel we are doing that and taking things one day at a time. I want to leave you with some light reading. Here are a few links to some industry articles from the past few weeks.
USGA Regional Update:
Detroit Metro News:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140524/METRO08/305240018/Rough-time-Detroit-area-s-golf-courses
Turfnet Recovery Article:
Michigan State University
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