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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-15-REC-minFrederick DeAngelis, Chairman Lisah Rhodes, Vice Chairman Sandra Shaw Ruixi Yuan Town of Lexington Recreation Committee Recreation Committee Minutes of Meeting of July 15, 2015 Tel: (781) 698 -4800 Fax: (781) 862 -2747 A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 5:45 p.m. at the Pine Meadows Golf Club, 255 Cedar Street, Lexington. Members Present: Lisah Rhodes, Sandra Shaw, and Ruixi Yuan Members Absent: Rick DeAngelis Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, Sheila Butts, Community Center Director, Chris Filadoro, Superintendent of Public Grounds, and Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation Others Present: Suzie Barry, Board of Selectmen liaison, and John Allen, Pine Meadows Golf Club Superintendent The Recreation Committee meeting officially began at 6:00 p.m. The meeting acted on the following items: 1. Update on Lincoln Park Light Feasibility (LUSC) No update was given as LUSC is currently waiting to receive a report from its consultant. LUSC will provide an update at the next Recreation Committee meeting. 2. Citizens and Other Boards Wendy Rudner is no longer a member of the Recreation Committee as her term has expired. Sandra Shaw nominated Lisah Rhodes to become vice chairman of the Recreation Committee and Ruixi Yuan seconded this nomination. The Recreation Committee voted 3 -0 to approve this nomination. 3. Golf Course Report and Tour • John Allen, Pine Meadows Golf Club Superintendent, reported to the Recreation Committee on the conditions at Pine Meadows, which are excellent. o Mr. Allen emphasized the wonderful relationship that New England Golf Corporation has with the Town of Lexington and this is evident by the condition of the golf course as well as the revenue it generates. New England Golf Corporation strives to provide a good product and fair pricing and the company has managed the day -to -day operations at Pine Meadows for the past 20 years. o Mr. Allen explained that a considerable amount of work goes into the course each year as work is done on the traps, bunkers, and tee boxes as well as the hole 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 2 locations being moved. Inside the clubhouse, the walls are painted every year and new carpet is installed every 5 -7 years. o Rounds played are up 1% as compared to the last fiscal year. o Members of the Recreation Committee briefly discussed the status of the course, its playability, course improvements, and the plans for future projects at the course. Mr. Allen indicated that the 5 -year capital plan at Pine Meadows contains recommendations for new equipment and golf course improvements and these recommendations are incorporated into the Recreation Committee's 5 -year capital budget. • Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation and Community Programs, and Mr. Allen told the Committee that New England Golf Corporation and the Recreation Department continue to follow the USGA recommendations, a copy of which was provided to Committee members at an earlier meeting and is attached. These recommendations include updating and refurbishing sand traps, dredging work on the ponds to keep them free of silt, and pump repairs and replacement. The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 237 of the Lexington Community Center. The July 15, 2015 meeting of the Recreation Committee adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peter Coleman Assistant Recreation Director The following documents /exhibits distributed at the meeting are attached: • USGA Turf Evaluation Report #(( „Roo, 111111.1, \ At' 01000101.11 01.11,11,111,111,111,111, 10000i, 1(0000010 ,00,..."1 ooloodholoo,,,,114,111„ 11 000011 00 I 010 111111111 --11111111 (11.1,111, loll. 11 111111111 ij Pine Meadows Golf Club Lexington, MA Visit Date: May 13, 2015 Present: Mr. John Allen, Jr., Vice President of Operations New England Golf Corporation Mr. Kyle Walsh, Assistant Superintendent Mr. William Harrison, President of New England Golf Corporation Mr. Chris Filadoro, Superintendent of Public Grounds Mr. James E. Skorulski, USGA United States Golf Association James E. Skorulski, Agronomist 1 Green Section 1 Northeast Region 1500 North Main Street 1 Palmer, MA 01069 1 413-283-2237 1 Fax: 413-283-7741 1 Email: iskorulskieusoa.orq SGA Green Section Mission: The USGA Green Section develops and disseminates sustainable management practices that produce better playing conditions for better golf. It was my pleasure to make a half day Course Consulting Service visit to Pine Meadows Golf Club on May 13, 2015. The following report is offered as a summary of the major points discussed during the visit. It was good to see that the golf course survived the winter season with minimal cold temperature injury. There were low lying pockets in fairways that were damaged but putting greens were in good condition to start the season. The damaged fairway areas were in the process of recovery with some areas being sodded while others seeded. Turf that was not damaged in winter was in strong agronomic condition and was benefiting from the drier weather conditions we have experienced in recent weeks. We used our time together to tour the golf course and review tree removal work that was done during the off season. We discussed many topics including the evolution of the soil management programs on greens, water management, tree work, fairway cultivation and a number of capital projects that need to be considered to further improve the golf course. The observations and discussions that occurred during our visit are provided in the following report. GREENS Soil Management I examined the root zone in many of the soil based greens, and the sand based 5th and 9th greens. I was very pleased with the soil moisture I observed at this early point in the season. Keeping the healthy turf drier encourages stronger and deeper rooting that will benefit the turf going into the summer season. I was also pleased with the physical condition of root zones in the majority of greens. The upper three inches of the root zone has been modified effectively with sand. That part of the profile is also homogenous for the most part with only a slight indication of a thatch layer. Core aeration practices can be modified based on the depth of soil modification observed. The most aggressive core aeration should be done in late summer or fail using the larger diameter 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch hollow tines set at a fairly close spacing. The soil cores would be removed and the holes backfilled with sand. Spring core aerification would be done with smaller 1/2 or 5/8 inch solid tines (as deeply as possible) and the surfaces topdressed following that operation. This should allow the surfaces to heal more quickly in the spring season while providing an opportunity to incorporate more sand down into the upper root zone. The only exception to this recommendation is No. 8 green. That green should continue to be core aerated with hollow tines in both fall and in spring to bring about a faster modification of the upper four inches of the soil profile. I also recommend completing the deep aerification with the Verti -Drain machine on all of the greens annually in late fall as has been done traditionally. The deeper aerification should improve internal drainage to a deeper depth. The topdressing programs for the greens are important for managing organic matter that accumulates in the upper root zone. The greens should be topdressed every three weeks until weather conditions become too stressful in mid - summer. The practice would MA. i Course CoV11suffi r1C,p ""nW r'vft :: Report Pap G be suspended until more moderate weather conditions return or withheld until late August or early September. If the greens are not topdressed regularly, organic matter levels will accumulate and will become excessive, forcing more aggressive hollow tine core aeration in the spring season. The current plan outlined above is contingent on a routine topdressing practice program. The need to return to hollow tine coring in spring may also become a reality if we find organic matter levels to be increasing and creating an unwanted layer condition. We will monitor organic matter levels closely during our visits. There was a significant amount of grass on the greens. It would be beneficial for playing conditions to verticut the greens in one or two directions in the upcoming weeks. This would be done in conjunction with a moderate sand topdressing. The other option is to drag the greens with the brush prior to mowing. The stiffer brush should help stand the turf more upright to obtain a tighter cut. The greens could be topdressed following the brushing and mowing. Reducing some of the grain will produce smoother surfaces and increase green speed slightly. Water Management I was pleased with the soil moisture content we observed in the soil based greens. The drier conditions created firm surfaces and healthy turf. I do recommend applying your wetting agent as soon as possible to help produce more uniform moisture conditions in the root zone. The wetting agent will also help overcome any water repellent soils that have developed with the drier weather we have experienced. The water management programs will have to be modified somewhat as we experience warmer air and soil temperatures and root systems begin to decline. I still do recommend deeper and less frequent irrigation if possible. Hand water greens (i.e. No. 5 and No. 9 greens) to prevent overwatering lower contours that are slower to drain. I realize that there are limitations to how much hand watering can be done with the limited staffing and heavy play that occurs. Hand water areas (back sections of No. 5 and No. 9 greens) that typically show moisture stress. The hand watering can be done in the morning following mowing to provide the additional water required in those areas. This should reduce the amount of syringing needed during the afternoon hours. Try to program the irrigation heads where possible with the block system to avoid over irrigating lower contours. Finally, a moisture meter would be an extremely helpful tool to program irrigation on the greens, tees and even some fairway areas. The moisture meter has become one of the more valuable golf course tools that has been developed in recent history. The Spectrum TDR 300 is probably the most popular unit in the field but other companies are developing similar technology that should be equally effective. Trees The tree removal work that was completed behind No. 8 green is good. The added sunlight will benefit the putting green and No. 9 tee. Removing a white pine from the back of No. 9 green is also beneficial for providing morning light to the green. An USGA0, 0 C 0 Lif 5 m; C c: 101 S 0101:0V1g Ser',,eu Report r' ye s; 3, additional white pine tree should be removed from that green complex to further increase sun exposure to the green in the morning hours. We will review all of the green sites again at our visit in the fall when the sun is at a lower angle in the sky. Additional recommendations for tree work will be provided at that point. TEES General Maintenance The tees survived the winter season in good condition. It was good to see the changes that are being done with the front tee on the 9th hole. The tee is being reduced in size to create a more uniform tee deck. The sod that is taken from the tee is being used to patch damaged areas in the fairways. The sod that is taken from the perimeter of the tees can be replaced with Kentucky bluegrass. It would be beneficial to root prune around all of the tee boxes located near mature tree stands. We observed tree roots impacting the tee boxes on the 2nd hole at our fall visit last season and I suspect other tees are being impacted as well. The root pruning work can be completed on a contract basis or can be done with a power trencher if one can be made available. We examined No. 9 tee. The improved sun exposure should allow the turf there to grow more vigorously and recover more quickly from divoting. However, the upper tee box is still relatively small especially since only the right third of the tee is heavily used. Hopefully, the left half of the tee can be used more frequently when hole locations are placed on the right side of the green. Any opportunity to rest the right side of the tee will help the divots recover more effectively. The middle tee box on that hole is also going to be regrassed to improve its condition. Eventually, consideration may have to be given to expanding the upper tee box. This will lengthen an already difficult hole for average golfers, but the increased elevation will probably negate the extra distance. We can discuss this renovation project further at our fall visit. We also discussed building an additional forward tee box on the hole. The need to level the crowned surface of the par 3 4m tee and renovating other tees (i.e. No. 8 tee), expanding tees and adding additional forward tees has also been discussed at past CCS visits. We can discuss that work again during our fall visit. FAIRWAYS Thatch The thatch layer that is developing in the fairways was discussed at our fall visit. Excess thatch will leave the surfaces wet longer. It will also lead to more dollar spot disease and reduces the turf's vigor in the summer season. Thatch levels were highest in No. 1 fairway, where drainage is slow and bentgrass populations are higher. Core aerate No. USGA. li Caaa.ua se Con ;uu Iitua "o 3 aroQ P age 1 fairway and any fairways where thatch levels are higher in fall and in spring to remove twice the amount of thatch. Another option would be to double aerate the 1st fairway in the fall season to remove more of the thatch in that operation. Consideration can also be given to reducing nitrogen applications especially in the wetter portions of No. 1 fairway. There is a fine line with N fertility. It is important to keep the turf vigorous so as to help the turf resist and recover from dollar spot disease. However, I believe there will be a significant amount of N available to the turf as the soil temperatures become warmer in the summer. The N probably is retained in the organic matter in the root zone. It would be interesting to experiment with your N fertility programs this summer. It might be possible to reduce the granular applications to the fairway and to move to a soluble program to monitor how the turf responds. The N applications can always be increased if dollar spot activity becomes excessive. Trees I was pleased to see the tree removal work that has been done on the right side of the 3rd hole and left side of the 5th hole. We discussed removing an additional oak tree from the right side of No. 3 fairway in order to allow more sunlight to reach the rough area where it is now too shady to grow good turf. Several of the older oak trees might be thinned from that stand in order to allow more sun penetration. This should enable the staff to reestablish turf cover in this high play area. I also recommend removing a maple tree that is growing adjacent to the cart path on the left side of the 5th hole. Additional tree removal work was recommended for the right side of the 5th hole as well as the right side of the 7th hole, and other areas of the golf course. We will discuss the work in more detail at our fall visit. Reducing some of the smaller and Tess viable trees and the larger willow trees that are in decline will also reduce some of the maintenance requirement by decreasing trimming work and cleanup of debris. Removing the poor quality trees will also help to provide a cleaner look to the golf course and the better quality trees that will remain will become more predominant. Finally, it would be beneficial to root prune along the perimeter of all fairways that are aligned with mature trees. This would be done by using an outside contractor who has specialized trenching equipment or completing the work with a power trencher in- house. Root pruning will eliminate tree root competition in the rough area, leading to a healthier and more dense turf in the roughs. It will also help to remove some of the dangerous surface roots. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Tall-Grass Roughs We discussed the attempt to establish naturalized rough behind No. 8 green in place of the trees that were removed. The areas were seeded. It appears that the grasses on the bank are mostly fine fescue, which should be allowed to naturalize for the remaining summer. It can be cut in fall to a 4 -6 inch height. Native grasses such as little bluestem, MA wuu sA: „,moDi ����uti�u� u�aG . QR° p.u<:rn° and hair grass, and larger native grasses such as Indian grass and big bluestem, can also be planted in plugs in the areas behind the green to provide more definition. The plugs should be available from nurseries. Colonial Seed, Phone: (413) 355 -0200 sells plugs of several native grasses and can also review the areas to offer some planting suggestions. Myopia Hunt Club also has large populations of little bluestem that they would provide if desired. The native grasses can be established from seed but the establishment is very slow (2 -3 years) from a spring seeding. We also discussed allowing the hillside along the right side of the 9th tee complex to naturalize. The tall grasses would provide a nice view from the clubhouse area. We also discussed the option of adding a small tree planting to the area. I have enclosed a list of smaller size trees that could be utilized in this area. I will be happy to review specific tree species for the site at our upcoming visit. Capital Projects The following list of capital projects should be considered for the golf course. Many of the projects have been listed in past reports but are provided here in hopes that some capital investment can be provided for the golf course. • Rebuild and relocate No. 4 green • Rebuild No. 8 green • Deepen ditch or pipe water that exits the golf course on the 2nd hole and install drainage through the 2nd and 1st fairways • Eliminate or renovate greenside bunker on No. 5 green • Renovate rough areas on the right side of No. 3 fairway, right side of No. 5 green and right side of No. 6 tee and fairway • Level and renovate tees I realize this is an extensive list with projects that cannot be implemented in one or two seasons.The priorities can be determined by New England Golf Corporation and the Town of Lexington. I would recommend that No. 4 green be the top priority on the list. The greenside bunker on the 5th hole and the drainage on No. 2 fairways would also be considered higher priorities followed by programs to build and level tee boxes, improve No. 8 green, and renovate eroded rough areas. We discussed options for rebuilding No. 4 green during our visit. We also discussed the irrigation steps needed to improve the rough areas on the right side of the 3`d, 5th and 6th holes. The rough renovation work should be a less expensive project that will involve adding some additional irrigation sprinkler heads and tree work prior to renovating the surfaces. I have enclosed a list of golf course architects who might be considered for designing a new green on the 4th hole and possibly redesigning the green on the 8th hole. The existing greens can be replaced. We discussed relocating the green on the 4th hole to a better growing environment. We can discuss the details of the green construction project at our fall visit or should this project become a reality. We have discussed the greenside bunker on the 5th hole in many past visits. The existing bunker washes and the bank does not appear stable. It also creates a very 66a6'u GMs u 8 difficult hazard for golfers. The bunker can be converted into a grass swale or redesigned to provide two smaller and more shallow pot bunkers. I recommend working with a golf course architect in developing a new design grass swale or bunker complex. Finally, the drainage on the 2nd hole has been covered in many past reports. I still believe it would be a good idea to work with a drainage engineer who can determine grades and develop a plan that can be permitted and then oversee the work to make sure it is done properly. Kelly AMI, Inc., Phone: (514) 697 -1130, E -mail: kelly.ami @videotron.ca work with many challenging drainage projects in New England and across North America and would be excellent to evaluate the area, engineer a plan and oversee its implementation. CONCLUSION The Green Section appreciates your support of the Course Consultation Service and we encourage you to contact us if there are any questions regarding the information in this report or should questions arise during the season. We also encourage you to visit the USGA website http: / /www.usga.orq /course - care.html where additional information on turf management topics and regional updates can be found from across the country. I hope this report proves useful and best of luck for a successful season. Sincerely, James E. Skorulski, Agronomist Green Section, Northeast Region JES:jen Reprints: Renovations Can Make Your Course More "User Friendly' http: / /gsr.lib.msu.edu/ article /dowlinq- renovations- 5- 16- 14.pdf Identify Soil Moisture Status More Accurately Than Ever http: / /qsr. lib. msu. edu / article /moeller- identify- 4- 27- 12.pdf Enclosures: List of NE Golf Course Architects Potential Golf Tree Recommendations Renovations Can Make Your Cours• More "User Friendly" There are many small projects that may make your golf course more attractive to casual golfers. or many in the world of golf, the word renovation may as well be a four-letter word. Renovation has a negative connotation that registers with many people as inconvenience, expense, and even closure of the golf course. While one or more of these thoughts may be included in a project, smaller renovation projects can improve your facility with minimal cost and inconvenience. The number of golfers has declined across the world compared to the height of golf participation in 2005. The recent decline of golf has been attributed to economic downturn and a change in golfing pattems. statistics gathered by the National Golf Foundation indicate that 260,000 women took up the game of golf in 2013, but this number was offset by nearly 650,000 men who quit playing golf that same year. These numbers emphasize the importance of intro- ducing women to the game of golf. There are numerous reasons cited for the decline in the number of golfers. Aside from economic decline affecting disposable income, other reasons players leave the game include time, difficulty, and lack of playing partners. These three reasons tie into a common theme: Golf courses are just too difficult. Golf is supposed to be enjoyable. For the vast majority of core golfers, the game is fun. For those we should target to increase participation, i.e., new players, women, children, and seniors, difficult golf courses and bet- ter players can be intimidating. Course officials can help address these con- cerns by making the golf course user friendly to improve the golf experience for a wider range of players. ,> • ' 134 aiketa32; Increasing the size of your practice facility and providing a variety of shot options is a great was to increase player satisfaction. Providing adequate space in a more forgiving setting ensures everyone has the opportunity to practice shots they may encounter on the course Income 3tIng s into your pr ic lity prom', an all year-round surface to hit from. Installing mats is a great way to disperse traffic and accommodate large volumes of play during the busiest time of the golf season. 2O14 by by United Stales Golf Association. All rights reserved. Plea!-;a see Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications. Subscribe to the USGA Green Section Record Page 1 Green Section Record Vol. 52 (10) May 16, 2014 TGIF Record Number 241050 For— ° `_ ' 1 1 In ch fort to attract new players to your taciiny, , `,Jlling chipping areas around greens provides design consider converting areas of rough to fairway turf atures and variability for recovery shots. For many pia; ,'s, success - closer to the teeing grounds. Doing so increases the fully hitting a delicate wedge shot onto a green is difficult. If chipping chance players of all skill levels will reach the fairway. areas are present, players have options that were once unavailable. ways were often converted to rough to further increase the challenge. The goal of these changes was to attract the low- handicap golfer. Unfortunately, there just aren't that many skilled golfers with single -digit handicaps to attract when compared to the number of casual, high- handicap golfers. In recent years, many courses have added forward tees to provide new golfers with a better opportunity to reach fairways, thereby increasing their enjoyment of the golf course as they learn the game. The addition of forward tees does not have to be expensive, and they can make the game more enjoyable for the players who need to use them. Courses that are too difficult often have narrow fairways and an exces- sive number of bunkers and/or water hazards that inadvertently affect the high- handicap golfer and slow play. Too often the intended landing zone widens slightly to accept a well -struck golf shot, but the fairway ler:.rding to the landing area is narrow. The result is an inadtvert:antly difficult landing zone. Evaluate the width of fairways relative to the intended landing zone for golfers of different skill levels. Increasing fair- way width in landing zones for less - skilled golfers is not an expensive proposition, but this simple change can help the average golfer. The same is often true of bunker placement. Sand bunkers are often the most difficult hazards to recover from for the average golfer. On older and classic golf courses, fairway bunkers are often in positions where better players simply hit over them. However, these bunkers inordinately penalize the less- skilled player who is least prepared to play from them. Sometimes the onus is on the golfer to play from the proper set of tees, but relocating or removing bunkers that penalize less - skilled golfers just makes sense. A few steep, over - your -head bunkers are fun, but numerous difficult bunkers on every hole may discourage new players and force them to play else- where rather than draw them to your facility. Bunker design and location should coincide with golfer skill. Deep, difficult fairway bunkers ;we :appropri- ate if set at distances where they affect only the best players, not if they often penalize the high - handicap golfer. Evaluate bunkers that affect players who hit shorter distances. If they are difficult to play from, consider softening the bunkers or removing them altogether. A j; +od way to add design features to your course and give players of various skill levels different shot options is the installation of chipping areas around green complexes. These areas are ©2014 by United States Golf Association. All rights reserved. Please see Policies for the Reuse of USGA Green Section Publications. Subscnbe to the USGA Green Section Record Page 3 typically mowed out from the green at fairway height. Rather than having to delicately use a wedge to lift the ball quickly from the rough and stop abruptly on the putting surface, chipping areas can provide players with different options. Rather than delicate wedge shots, golfers may be able to roll the ball up to the green from chipping areas with a putter, hybrid club, or iron. Better golfers can still use the flop shot if they feel com- fortable, but chipping areas uivc, the average golfer more options. Renovations do not necessarily mean great inconvenience to the golfers or great expense. Rather, there are many small projects that may make your golf course more attractive to casual golfers without affecting the challenge for better players. Evaluate the golf course objectively for players of differ- ent skill levels. The goal is to grow the game, not necessarily make it easier. However, new players need options to improve their skills. More and more golf courses are looking at strategies to make their courses attractive and enjoyable to golfers of all skill levels, and some of the projects discussed above can potentially be part of the process. is an agronomist in the USGA Green Section's Mid - Atlantic Region. Green Section Record Vol. 52 (10) May 16, 2014 Identify Soil Moisture Status More Accurately Than Ever Before! Properly utilized, moisture meters and sensors can improve water conservation and provide healthier turf for better golf. 17411.111' 2 0.411. „.ovogifiatWAIL • Moisture meters provide an objective value of soil moisture that can help conserve water and save money while improving playability and turf health. hat if I told you there are tools that could help you conserve water, save money, improve golf playability, and promote healthier turf? Accurate and cost-effective port- able moisture meters and in-ground wireless moisture sensors are those very tools. Superintendent testimonials nclude "eliminates the guesswork involved in a crucial management practice," "helps us dial in our manage- ment better than ever before: and "every superintendent should have this tool" Sounds too good to be true, right? It's notl Determining the amount of moisture in the soil is not easy, even with years of experience managing golf turf. If it is unknown exactly how much moisture is in the soil, it is not likely that water is ITGIF Record Number 203331 always going to be applied accurately. Oftentimes referred to as an "art," traditional practices for evaluating soil moisture rely on visual cues from the turf and feeling the soil. For some, these techniques have worked in the past, but they remain very subjective and thus have inherent flaws. For instance, the soil looks and feels dry, but how dry is it? Can the turf survive Green Section Record Vol. 50 (9) April 27, 2012 Page 1 111111.11111 -,-901.11N111111111001111000000 NON O1 11u1N11111.11110000001011101,1160 61111d 000000000100000��������� 0'..(01114 1111 rouloolaii iii11(::(}*11111"i OM�� A!though moisture metors have been used primarily on puWng greens, their use is expanding to approaches, fairways, and tees to aid in moisture evaluation and irrigation decision making. also translates into significant cost savings. Irrigation pumping expenses and costs fox purchasing water add up quickly over an entire year. Conside the same situation: a fairway irrigation cycle reduced by one or two minutes could save thousands of dollars over the season if irrigation water is purchased from a municipality and significantiy more in arld parts of the country (GCSAA Environmental Survey Data, 2008). In addition to improvements in water conservation, the use of rnoisture meters and sensors can offer huge playabihty and agronomic benefits. It is common knowledge that under- and over-watered solis can have serious impacts on golf conditions and turf health. Saturated soils create soft conditions, result in poor rooting, incite disease, and promote physiological stress to the turf, especially when combined with high airtemperatures. Conversely, under-imgated soil will not support tiealthy turf if conditions persist long enough, especially ifthe species is intolerant of drought. Thus, finding the balance between soils that are too wet and too dry and applying the appropriate amount of irrigation will continue to be a challenge for golf course superintendents unless soll moisture can be more accurately quantified. Soll moisture meters and sensors certainly help identify that balance. Moisture meters can also be used oo training tools for the hand- watering orewbneneunetboommm amount of water is being applied by dlfferent staif members. With all the benefits that maisture meters and sensors offer, it is not surprising that their populanty has exploded over the past two years. Although there are several different manufacturers of moisture meters and sensors, most determine soil moisture in the same fashion, through Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), which measures an electric signal within the volume of soil between the rods and converts it into volumetnc water con- tent. tent. This technology can accurately predict volumetric water content in a wide range of mineral soils, ranging from sand-based putting green root- zones through high-clay-content fairways. Whereas the technologies for meas-uring soll moisture may be similar, there is a difference between moisture meters and moisture sensors. Portabre moisture meters (e.g., Spectrum FieId Scout, Campbell Hydrosense 11) are the most popular among supenntendents because they are reasonably priced (most models between $5OO and $1.2O0 and allow for quick moisture measurements in any Iocation across the golf course. In-ground wireless moisture sensors (e.g., Toro Turfguard, UgMo) are a more advanced option for evaluating soil moisture status but are not as popular as portable units. The higher initial costs with in-grourid moisture sensors (cost based on the number of sensors installed) is likely the reason these units are not used as frequently as portable meters. However, in-ground moisture sensors provide automated data collection and storage, display trends over time and often collect other data such as soil temperature and salt Ievels. Deciding between portable moisture meters and in-ground moisture sensors depends on your specific needs. Tracking salt Ievels is especially important in the arid South- wmmt.wheneoa|t|ave|oconquiuh|y elevate above damage thresholds in the summer. Turf injury from high salt concentrations is also important for those inigahng with effluent water and! or poor-quality irrlgatlon water. Facilities that receive ample rainfall or are fortu- nate to have good water quality often pay Iittle attention to soil salt Ievels. Portable meters that measure soil moisture, salt Ievels, and soil tempera- ture ture simultaneously do not exist at this time, but there are portable salt and soil temperature meters that can be used as successfufly as in-ground sensors. Portable moisture meters have gained the most interest this past year, 50 the remairider of this article will focus on their use. S INI P0 BLE NI 0 II !IPT REM.ETERS Using moisture meters to aid in irriga- tion pmgrommingis relatively easy, bu there are keys to success that need to be considered. Rrst, moisture meters need to be directly compared with visual inspection ofthe soll, surface wilt, and response to irrigation inputs for a Iength of time before scheduling Green Section Record Vol. 50 (9) April 27, 2012 Page 3 { detailed Microsoft Excel file that displays soil moisture trends easily. Todd's goal is to bring the moisture content in alt the greens to between 19.5 percent and 22 percent moisture each moming. Based on historical data collected at Ridgewood C.C., this is the range of soil moisture in the moming that ensures the turf has adequate water to survive the day without the need to add water. As the day continues, staif members scout for surface wilt and hand-syringe to cool the turf as needed, but water is not applied to the soil until the foliowing early morning hours. Daily measurements are recorded in the moming and again in the afternoon before programming the irrigation system to determine moisture loss and replacement needs. Conversely, other superintendents have had success with taking rninimal notes Distributing the information to employees who will be applying iniga- tion tion based on the data from the mois- ture meter can be as simple or complex as you choose, as well. For instance, puthng greens can be divided into quadrants (or even smaller sections), and a detaiied graph showing the percent volumetric water conterit for each quadrant in each green can be easily created with software made available from the manufacturer of certain moisture meters. At Sunning- dale Country Club in Scarsdale, N.Y., supenntendent Sean Cain takes a different approach, using a system he modeled after learning about the unique hand-watering program used at The Ford Plantation Goif Club in Savannah, Ga. Here, moisture and firmness are rated on an alphabetica (A-D) and numerical (1-5) scale, respectively, with the subsequent values dictating the amount of water appiied to the green. Sean has a member of his staif obtain moisture measurements that then are translated RU 5 0LF |K8P�{ ,A[{)y*5 Often overlooked with the frequent use of moisture meters is their impact on the Rules of Golf. If the rods are inserted or removed frorn the turf too aggressiveiy or at an angle, they can leave a small tuft, similar to tufts caused by golf spikes. The Rules of Goif allow for repair of bali marks but not tufts created by spike marks under Ru|o164c. Golfers may easiiy confuse rnoisture meter tufts with spike marks, so the employees using the moisture meter should lightly tamp down any tufts that rnay be created when checking the green to avoid ruling issues and frustrated golfers. r )11( I �') Determining soil moisture status and applying irrigation will always be a balance of art and science. However, the subjectivity that previously existed with assessing soii moisture can be greatly reduced with moisture meters and sensors. The proper use of these tools will help promote water conservation, irrigation cost savings, and betterturffor golf. Stiil sound too good to be true? The Rules of Golf allow for repair of ball marks but not tufts created by spike marks. Tufts created by moisture meters can look very similar to spike marks, so the operator should gently tamp down any tufts created when checking soi! moisture to avoid any confusioo onto a color-coded drawing for each green on the course. If the percen moisture is> 18 percent, the quadrant is colored blue and not hand-watered. A vaiue between 12 percent and 16 percent is colored yellow, indicating to the hand-watering crew that the quad- rant should receive a small amount of water. A reading < 12 percent is red, indicating that the quadrant should receive a moderate amount of water. These simple coior-coded drawings are one example of how the moisture data can be quickly distributed to lmprove the accuracy of applylng irrigation. There are many ways to use moisture meter data to your benefit. Choose the method tha works best for you, and once you find 8 system that works, be as consistent as possibie to avoid confusion and errors L�TER ATtf RE TED GCSAA, 2009. Golf Course Environ- menta|Pnz8kaVb.2.VVaterunaand conservation practices on U.S. goif courses. http:&wwvxaifgorg/pnograms/ BFQ_GCEp_Summary_VoL2.pd[ ADAM MOELLER is an agronomist in the Norlheast Region visiting golf courses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ontario. Green Section Record Vol. 50 (9) April 27, 2012 Page 5 NORTHEAST GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS* Mungeam Cornish Golf Design Inc. Contact: Mark Mungeam 195 SW Main St. Douglas, MA 01516 T: 508-476-5630 F: 508-873-0103 E-mail: infoAmcaolfdesiqn.com Website: www.mcciolfdesiqn.com DMK Golf Design Inc (US Office) Contact: David Mc Lay Kidd 2755 NW Crossing Dr., Suite 225 E-mail: dmk(a.dmkoolfdesion.com Website: www.dmkpolfdesicm.com Forse Design, Inc. Contact: Mr. Ron Forse 89 Sutton Avenue Ext. Hopwood, PA 15445 T: 724-438-1727 F: 724-438-0404 E-mail: forsedes1verizon.net Website: www.forsedesion.net Hanse Golf Course Design, Inc. 9 Tiburon Lane Malvern, PA 19355 Phone: 610-651-2977 Fax: 610-651-2982 E-mail: contactAhanseqotfdesion.com Website: www.hanseqolfdesign.com Howard Maurer Design Group Contact: Mr. Howard Maurer PO Box 127 Hopedale, MA 01747 T: 508-478-9684 F: 508-473-5697 E-mail: hmaurerAkersur.net The Northeast Golf Company Contact: Robert McNeil - GC Architect 118 Beauchamp Drive Saunderstown, RI 02874 T: 401-667-4994 (RI) F: 401-667-4995 Red Bank, New Jersey T: 732-747-1888 (NJ) Email: desianAnortheastoolfcompanv.com (or) rmcneil(&mortheastaotfcompanv.com Website: www.northeastoolfcompanv.com 2/12/13 The RBA Group, Inc. Mr. Matthew Condon, Assist. GC Designer 7 Campus Drive, Suite 300 Parsippany, NJ 07054 T: 973-946-5600 F: 973-984-5421 E-mail: mcondonArbaciroup.com inforrnationrbaqroup.com Web site: www.rbaciroup.com Renaissance Golf Design, Inc. Contact: Mr. Tom Doak Mr. Bruce Hepner*** 530 E. Eighth St. Traverse City, MI 49686 T: 231-941-7499 F: 231-941-2114 E-mail: renaissanceqolfe.aol.com Website: htto://wvvw.renaissanceqotf.com/ (formerly: vvww.doakciolf.com) Hepner Golf Design LLC ***Mr. Bruce A. Hepner, Owner / Designer 559 West Long Lake Road Traverse City, Michigan 49685 T: 231-649-6255 Email: heonerciolMaol.com Rulewich & Fleury Golf Design The Roger Rulewich Group Contact: Mr. Roger Rulewich 160 Purple Meadow Road PO Box 474 Bemardston, MA 01337 T: 413-648-9303 / 800-465-3668 F: 413-648-0211 E-mail: kevinrulewich.com Website: www.rrulewich.com • The USGA does NOT endorse suppliers, contractors, laboratories, etc This listing Is for Informational purposes only Page 1 of 2 POTENTIAL GOLF TREE RECOMMENDATIONS There will always be a n: : • to consider new tree plantings to replace poorer quality trees or trees that are damaged from storms. The following table provides some tree species that can be considered for future use on the golf course. LARGE SIZE TREES Common Name Red maple Sugar maple Bittemut hickory Shagbark hickory European beech Thom less honey locust Kentucky coffeetree Black walnut Tulip tree Cucumber tree Dawn redwood White oak Scarlet oak Shingle oak Pin oak Willow oak Northern red oak Shumard oak Common bald cypress Llttleleaf linden Silver linden American elm Sterling American elm MODERATE SIZE TREES Common Name Freeman maple Miyabei maple Red maple Sugar maple River birch American hophombeam European hombeam Common hackberry Yellowwood Persimmon Black tupelo Medium Persian parrotia Sargent cherry Gallery pear Swamp white oak Chinkapin oak Korean mountain ash Swedish mountain ash Oak-leaf mountain ash Crimean linden SMALL SIZE TREES Common Name Amur maple Trident maple Hedge Maple Tatarian maple Painted maple Serviceberry Eastem redbud White fringetree Pagoda do. ..c1 Scientific Name Acer rubrum Acer saccharum C: • cordiformls C ovate Fagus sylvatica Gleditsla triacanthos Gymnocladus dbicus Juglans nigra Lirbdendron tulipifera Magnolia acuminate Metasequoia glyptostroboides Quercus alba Quercus coccinea Quercus imbricaria Quercus palustri Quercus phellos Quercus rubra Quercus shumardii Taxodium distichum Mb cordate Tilia tomentosa Ulmus americana Ulus americana Scientific Namq Acer x freemanil Acer miyabei Acer rubrum Acer saccharum Refute nigra Ostrya viginiana Carpinus betulus Colds occidentalis Cladrastis kentukea Diospyros virginiana Nyssa sylvatica Parrotla persica Prunus sargentii Pyrus calleryana Querus bicolor Quercus muehlenbergii Sorbus alnifolia Sorbus intermedia Sorbus hybrid Tilia x euchlora Scientifi c Name Acer glnnala Acer buergeranum Acer campestre Acer lataricum Acer truncatum Amelanchier Canadensis Cercis canadensis Chionanthus virgInicus Cornus alternifolia Zone(s). 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 5 3 4 4 or 5 4 6 3 5 4 5 5 3 3 Zone(s) 4 4-5 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 5 4 5 5 H ht Additional Information Cultivar differences Bowhall, Autumn Flame, Red Sunset tolerate wet conditions 50-100 Cultivar differences to heat stress, scorch, leaf hoppers. Cultivars Adirondak, Arrowhead, Redpointe, good branch structure Difficult to find Difficult to find in a nursery Multiple cuttivars Avoid cultivar Sunburst (Suncole and Rubylace) Use male 35-60' >50' >60' 70' 40-70' 50-70' >60' 70-90' 70' 70-100' >60' 60-70' 40-60' or larger 70' 60' 80' 70' 60' 70' 50-70' 80' 80' !I. 1 Good fall color Gulliver Chancellor Cultivar resistant to Japanese beetle, Satin Shadow, Sterling Cultivars° Valley Forge, Princeton, Liberty. Disease resistance Dutch elm, Elm yellows. Resistant cultivars Valley Forge, New Harmony Additional Information 45-70' Cultivars Cross Sugar and Red 35-45' 35-60' 25' 40-50' 30-50' 40' 40-60' 30-50' 40' 30-60' 30' 40-50' 30-50' Cultivars Autumn Flame, Bowhall, Red Sunset, October Glory Tolerate wet feet Smaller cultivars Apollo and Sugarcane May be difficult to find, fragrant summer flowers May be difficult to find, good fall color, fruiting Different transplant B+B, <22' caliper best Minimal pest concerns, a multi-season interest Storm damage! Cultivars Aristocrat and Fauriel wider branch angles, more resistant to fireblight 4 50-60' or larger 5 30-50' 4 30-40' 5-6 30' More pest tolerant than European mountain ash 4 30' Decent pest tolerance, wildlife value 4 40-60' Zone(s) Height Additional Information 3A 15-25' Durable, good fall color but could be Invasive 6 20-25' 3 20' Cultivars Embers, Mozzart, Beethoven good fall color and durable 3 15-20' 5 20-30 3 20' Cultivar Autumn brilliance (tree form), can be found as shrub or in tree form, good wildlife planting and spring flower 4-5 30' Depending on seed source, Cultivars "Northern Strain or "Minnesota Strain' 3 15-20' Interesting flowering tree, durable 3 15-20' Durable dog species, fall color, alternate leaf dogwood C 0151reprintslitemracormnencb lions2111 5 dm