Maintenance Updates (12/9/22)

Golf Course

The golf course continues to benefit from the above average temperatures that we have had well in to December. The Celebration Bermudagrass on our course is what we call a warm season turf. Most people think that warm season means the hotter the better but that is not necessarily the case. “Warm season” refers more to the areas of geography where it is grown than the temperatures it thrives in. Turf managers often refer to perfect temperatures for warm season turf as combined day and night temperatures who’s sum is between 140 and 150 degrees. When temperatures are in or near that range, the turf is not in semi-dormancy from cold temperatures and yet is not so hot that it has to slow down growth to protect it’s resources from what I describe as over stimulation.

Since our temperatures have been somewhere around 65 & 85 that puts us pretty much in the sweet spot for our warm season turf to thrive. These pictures are evidence of the turf being very happy and healthy. We will be able to compare these pictures to pictures taken early next year when temperatures typically drop causing growth and color production to slow down. For now we will enjoy these conditions while they last.

Pinestraw also went out this week which really dresses up the course and adds a nice detailed look. I didn’t get a chance to (or I should say didn’t think to) grab a picture of the straw on the course but am always impressed by how they high they stack the straw on the trailer when putting it out.

Pinestraw was one of the items that was delayed by Hurricane Ian. Another was the annual trimming of palm trees on the course and throughout the community. I was concerned that trimming might be delayed into the new year but I got the good news yesterday that we are schedule to have the palms trimmed starting next week.

Common Grounds

Common ground work slows a bit during the fall and winter as the optimal time for planting and re-landscaping areas is best during the spring and summer. Overall though the work done this year turned out very well and will keep us looking good throughout the winter season.

Facilities

While some of our project work has slowed for the season, we continue to work on our master and routine maintenance lists. We started the summer with a master list of over 287 items and while more items are added every day, we have worked thru 156 of the original items from that list and currently have 23 more in progress. 

One of the items we had on the list was to have the canopies at the pool replaced. Hurricane Ian pushed the canopies up the list quickly but also made it harder to get them done as companies have quoted us anywhere from 10 to 24 weeks to get the work completed. Wanted to pass the word that we are working on the canopies and will have them done just as soon as possible.

I look forward to seeing everyone on the course or in the facilities, and as always, if you have any questions, flag me down or shoot me an email. I always enjoy talking turf and facilities too!