Controlling earthworm casts...

Jason Hooper, QClub, Quilchena, BC, Canada:

"Earthworm casts can be a big nuisance this time of year. These worm casts have negative effects on the playability and the overall aesthetics of the turf. They also effect the quality of cut if not removed directly ahead of the mowers. The earthworms are active all season long, but the casts they leave behind are more noticeable in the fall for a couple of reasons. First off, it seems as though the soft moist soil this time of year is ideal for them to tunnel in and out of, compared to the hard compacted soils of summer. More tunnels = more casts on the surface. Second, our mowing frequency is reduced this time of year due to slower growth rates and reduced staffing levels. Less mowing = more casts on the surface.

Interestingly though, there are other forces at work that seem to be contributing to the excessive worm casts. A recent USGA Green Section Record publication shed some light on this issue. Here is a quote from that article:

"During the past 20 years, however, the problem of excessive earthworm castings interfering with play on golf courses has become more serious and widespread. Why? Residues of old, highly persistent chemicals like chlordane, banned many years, are finally dissipating from soils and no longer suppressing earthworms. Earthworm-toxic soil insecticides, like diazinon, bendiocarb, and carbaryl, have been replaced by chemistries that are more selective."

We have recently completed a trial using an organic fertilizer to control earthworms. This fertilizer named Early Bird (I know, brilliant marketing) has provided us with excellent control of the earthworms resulting in an extremely significant reduction in worm casts. We are going to be treating all the tees this week and will continue to monitor the earthworm activity to see exactly how long we can achieve results with each application. Early Bird also provides nutrition to the turf while controlling the earthworms."

Visit Jason's blog at qgolfclub.blogspot.com.

Range Tee Divots (the right way)...

Joel Kachmarek, Tacoma Country and Golf Club, Lakewood, WA:

"The top image to the right is horrific enough to give me sleepless nights. Someone was hitting range balls in this area who clearly has had no instruction in the proper way to practice on the range tee. Hitting on natural grass all year long is a luxury that our membership cherishes, but if everyone wasted grass like this person, they would loose that privilege. You can see that this person took a full divot with each shot. Also, this person spread out his or her shots over such a large area that there is no room for the next person to practice because now that person will have to stand in divots or move to a different hitting station.

Now in the middle photo, you can see this person really knows how to practice. All of the divots are taken so that there is no wasted grass, and also now someone could easily walk up to this hitting station and find plenty of grass to use during their own practice session.

Personally, I think the best way to take divots is the bottom image. There is no wasted grass between divots, and the narrow strips of grass between the rows of divots helps the grass fill in, so recovery is faster."

Visit Joel's blog at www.tacomaturf.com/.

Half and half aerification...

Bryan Widmer, CGCS, Hilldale Golf Club, Streamwood, IL:

"Autumn is such a magical time to be around a golf course. The cruel summer heat is a thing of the past and we're still several months away (I hope!) from that first snowfall. It really is a perfect time to play golf and we don't even have to miss the football game... thanks to mobile TV.

"By only aerifying half of each green we're able to keep the cup location on the good (smooth) half for 2-3 weeks — the approximate time it takes for aerification holes to heal..."

Ok, here's what the grounds department is up to. This will be the fourth year in a row we've used the 'half green' aerification process, and because so many players have commented favorably.. there is no need to discontinue now!

By only aerifying half of each green we're able to keep the cup location on the good (smooth) half for 2-3 weeks — the approximate time it takes for aerification holes to heal), at which time we'll turn around and aerify the second half of each green and thus locate the cup/pin position on the healed up half. Please bear with us through the process and we'll do everything as quickly and thoroughly as possible with your satisfaction the driving influence.

Visit Bryan's blog at widmergolfsupt.wordpress.com

Red-tail Hawk...

Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS, Des Moines Golf & Country Club, West Des Moines, IA:

One of the benefits of working outside on a golf course is the abundance of wildlife and being able to watch some of these species in action. Since we have mowed down our no-mow areas the mice, rabbits and squirrels have a much harder time finding places to hide.

This adult red tail hawk has been on property for over 2 weeks now and he is putting on quite a show and is eating pretty well! Here is a photo I got of him yesterday. I was only 20' away from him when I took the photo. Beautiful bird."

Visit Rick's blog at dmgcc.blogspot.com