The Club at Sonterra Turf Maintenance: Course Update 11/19/11

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Course Update 11/19/11

Message from our Horticulturalist, Gary Tupa:

"The landscaping crew has completed its fall annual plant change out. Approximately 4000 4" plants consisting of Pansies, Dianthus, Cyclamen, and Alyssum, have been planted around the club. The crew begins by removing all summer annuals. Then the soil is tilled and a layer of new, highly organic soil is added. Organic granular fertilizer and insecticide is then applied. After the plants are installed the beds are topped off with a layer of living mulch, which contains composted organic matter. A liquid, organic, foliar fertilizer is then applied every two weeks. In April of the following year the whole process begins again with the installation of summer annuals."

Long time Sonterra employee Candalario "Benny" Gonzales tending to the new plants.

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WEST NILE UPDATE

Many members and residents have voiced concern over mosquitos potentially carrying West Nile Virus on or near the golf courses. As of last week all lakes an ponds on the North Course have been treated with a safe and effective larvicide. This product works by killing mosquito larvae before than can reach the adult stage. This product will definately aid in controlling moquitos on the course, and is effective for about 120 days. It will not eliminate mosquitos on the course. The best way to protect yourself from mosquitos and West Nile is to apply insect repellents containing "deet" anytime that you will be outdoors.

Drought Cart Traffic

There is no doubt that golf carts negatively impact course conditions. This is especially true when the grass is stressed from drought. Please try and abide by the following guidlines: 1. Follow cart signs, ropes, and stakes 2. Avoid driving in worn or thin areas 3. Don't take the same path that everyone else does 4. Try and pair up. - NO excuse for a foursome with four carts 5. Stay on the path as much as possible - Particulary around tees and greens Together we can make a big difference in course conditions by managing cart traffic.