Sorry for the long absence from this blog, we have been extremely busy doing many projects on the course and in the condo/townhome areas. The seemingly never ending rain this year has emphasized the need for additional drainage.
New drainage was installed on holes #1,#7, #9, #15,#16 and #17. We have more to do on holes #3, #8 and #9 when we get the opportunity.
We also remedied some severe erosion issues as well.
We recently had an ice storm that pushed trees to their flexibility limits. The weight of the ice buildup was too much for some trees and they snapped. Others refused to break under the weight to live another day.
We have just winterized the irrigation system to prevent any freezing and breakage of piping and sprinkler heads over the winter. Water is first drained from the system and then a large air compressor is used to physically push any remaining water out through the sprinkler heads.
Crews are now spending their time blowing and mulching leaves on the golf course and in the condo’s as well as tackling a few projects.
AERATION !
It’s a busy time of year for our golf maintenance staff. We are doing our fall aerating of fairways, tees and greens. Aeration is one of the most important cultural practices that we can do to keep our golf course healthy. After many months of compaction from cart traffic and mowing equipment the only way to correct it is aeration.
Making millions of little holes in the soil profile restores the ability of the grass plant to breathe freely again. Grass is a living thing and needs carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange (photosynthesis) just like you and I need oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange (respiration) to survive.
This week we took out our greens aerator and poked some holes in the collars. This is done once a month to aid in keeping our collars healthy. Collars receive a tremendous amount of stress from foot traffic, greens mowers and greens rollers. Poking holes relieves compaction and opens up the soil so it can breathe again.
We really had to hustle to get all of our May projects completed, thankfully the rain was infrequent allowing us to get a lot done. The road repairs are finished and all roads freshly striped, the new cart parking lot at the Yacht Club is complete, the tennis courts are ready for play and the beach renovation is finished and ready to be enjoyed.
It is feeling a lot like spring, finally! We had our 2018 opening day on April 12th and then the snowstorm hit. We had to close the course and wait for the 6″ of heavy wet snow to melt away. So, here we go, we are once again open for golf. Everything except the rough has been mowed at least twice and the golf course is slowly turning green again. Our staff is working hard playing catch up because the extended winter has us 2 weeks behind our normal schedule.
The tribute tree program was started in 2012 to give members an opportunity to establish a living tribute for a lost loved one. Since that time the program has evolved broadening the program to memorialize families, siblings and friendships that have grown over many years together at Abbey Springs.
We do our best to accommodate the planting of your tribute tree in a place of your choosing. We have locations available on the golf course, yacht club, clubhouse or common areas throughout the condominiums and townhomes.
The cost is dependent on the type and size of the tree to be planted, but typically is between $300 – $600 dollars. Common native varieties available are Oaks, Maple, Elm, Beech, Linden/Basswood and Hackberry.
A 3”x 4” memorial plaque will be attached to your tree identifying the person(s) it has been ded
icated too. The wording is specified by you and can be simple or may include a favorite phrase or verse. To request more information or arrange for a tribute tree to be planted please contact Andy Kronwall at 262-275-6113 ext. 228 andykronwall@abbeysprings.org
We try and provide as many opportunities for winter fun as reasonably possible. One of the activities is using the 17th hole for a sledding hill. Under the right conditions a sledding enthusiast can enjoy a 300-yard ride dropping 100 feet in elevation. It is a thrilling ride for sure. We monitor snow conditions on the hill and will open and close the hill as necessary. We monitor snow conditions to protect the turf, it is your responsibility to use the hill at your own risk. Without adequate snow cover turf can cause a sled to stop suddenly and send the former occupant tumbling down the hill possibly causing injury. There is no greater fun as a child than sledding, as long as it is done safely.
Our staff is working hard preparing the golf course and grounds for its long winters nap. The greens have been aerated and the irrigation system blown out. This week we are applying plant protectants to the greens, tees and fairways and will then put up the stakes and ropes around greens. The last day or two for our seasonal staff will be spent blowing and cleaning up leaves on the course and in the condo’s.
ASGC Turf 