TurfNet "Tips and Tricks" Video...

Recently, while in the Seattle/Tacoma area, I had the opportunity to visit with Joel Kachmarek, Golf Course Superintendent at Tacoma Country and Golf Club in Lakewood, Washington. Joel is a very smart and progressive superintendent full of great ideas. One of those ideas, is the use of ski racks to attach watering hoses for easy dragging behind a vehicle. So good in fact, and despite some Seattle weather, I produced a TurfNet.com video for their "Tips and Tricks". Take a look...

TO VIEW CLICK here 

Snowpack.....You Just Never Know?

The latest snow-water equivalency graphs show that you just never know in Colorado. Vail Mountain SWE is down to just 15% of normal, while just on the other side of the hill, Copper Mountain is sitting at 116% of normal. This is vey unusual considering the proximity of these two areas. Hopefully the recent snowfall will help everyone add to these figures, before more runoff resumes.

TOCA Awards

Recently I received an award from the Turf and Ornamental Communications Association (TOCA) at their annual conference in Tampa Bay, Florida. The award recognized my video work at the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club as part of the TurfNet.com team. I must say, I'm certainly honored to win this award and to be part of the TurfNet team. I would like to thank our Toro distributor, L.L. Johnson in Denver, Colorado, Club Car Corporation, and TurfNet.com for their sponsorship. Also, a special thanks to Hazeltine NGC superintendent, Chris Tritabaugh and his entire staff for be such gracious hosts! You can read the entire article here

Milorganite and Spring Green-up...

Each spring I'm always amazed at the spring green up results from using Milorganite as a late-fall fertilization application. I used Milorganite for over 30+ years during my superintendent career and its always was one of the top fertilizers in my arsenal. Although a natural organic, research has shown that approximately 15-20% of the nitrogen applied in the fall is mineralized and available to the plant at the onset of growth in the spring. That nitrogen availability along with the iron content just makes for great results in the spring. Below are some photos highlighting the spring "green up" and some research clips on the nitrogen mineralization.

Research dating back to the early 1970's by Dr. Richard Skogley,
at the University of Rhode Island.

Research by Dr. Wayne Kussow, University of Wisconsin.

TurfNetTV - Latest Video is Live

My latest video for TurfNetTV is live on TurfNet.com. In this latest video, "Ross and Rossi" I chat with Frank Rossi. He and I do a little ranting together on spring conditions and what to expect going forward in 2017. I alway enjoy a little ranting with Frank and this video is no different. Enjoy!

To view click here

WinField Academy "Lunch and Learns" headed to Seattle Area

The WinField Academy Tour bus will make two stops in mid-May in the Seattle area. One in Lakewood, WA at Tacoma Golf and Country Club on May 16th and the another at Cablea's in Tulalip, WA on May 17th. I'm really excited to be involved with these educational events. A few years back, I spoke at the Washington Turf Conference and the turnout of 200+ superintendents to listen to my talk was fantastic. I had a great time at that conference and look forward to meeting some of those same superintendents again. The best thing of all it's free, thanks to WinField United for giving back to the industry.

A New Tree Species in Colorado?

A new tree species has emerged in Colorado over the past five years. That tree, named by me, has a Latin name: Cellus Toweris Fakeus, common name: Cell Tower Fake Tree. That's right, this is no real tree. This is a cell tower, acting as a conifer tree. I must admit, in the past five years or so since I first noticed these trees, they have become really good at decorating them. It might be fake, but for many developments it's much better than an ugly tower. The one in the photo is in Glenwood Springs, CO next to Ironbridge Country Club and certainly serves the purpose.

Cellus Toweris Fakeus

Snow-Water Equivalency Below Normal...

One thing is certain about Colorado, weather conditions can change rapidly. Sitting in my new home office a few months ago looking out the window and watching it snow almost daily made me think of big snowpack and plenty of water. Suddenly, a few months later, how times have changed! A few months ago snow-water equivalentcy hovered around 150%, yesterday's reading came in at 59%. Ouch, that is some dip. Let's hope some spring moisture comes along.

The rapid rise in yellow, followed by the sharp decline in green.

TurfNet TV - New Video is Live

In my latest TurfNetTV video I explain an outside filler pipe which I came up with to eliminate any spills inside the pump station facility. Keeping the delivery driver outside. To view click here

Elk Damage this Season...

This spring I have been asked many times why there is so much Elk damage to trees in many housing areas. I believe it mostly occurred during late January to early February when snowfall hit hard and fast. This left very little food in the higher elevations and Elk herds migrated quickly to lower elevations for food, which brought them in contact with housing developments. One thing is certain when it comes to an Elk herd migrating through your property, nothing is safe! When these animal are hungry and looking for food, watch out.
 

Common sight this year in my backyard.

Aspen trees, as usual, suffer the worst of the damage.

Nothing is safe. Here the ends of this Spruce tree are chewed above the netting, which extends to 6 feet high. Elk have a 6'-7' reach, which makes protecting trees very difficult.