october | Stow Acres Turf

October 1, 2013
by Jason VanBuskirk Leave a comment

Pin Placements…

Many of you have been questioning the position of some of the pin placements over the last few weeks. Well, the answer is, we like to make it tough! Just kidding…The real reason that some of the pin placements have been in obscure spots is to give the majority of the green a break from repeated foot traffic. Yes, we have finished aeration, and the greens have returned to normal or better condition, but to keep them that way you will see pins being placed on the outskirts of the greens, or on ridges and hills; areas that you don’t normally see a pin. September and October are perfect months for healing turf, so, why not give some of the usual areas a much-needed break from the long golf season? I apologize for three putts and missed greens. Normal pin positions will return soon! See you on the course!

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-Jason VanBuskirk, Superintendent

October 31, 2012
by Jason VanBuskirk Leave a comment

Hurricane #Sandy…

I heard on the news last night that there were over 18 million tweets about the latest hurricane to pass through the eastern seaboard. It was used so much to get information out, that some pictures that were being posted were even fake or reused from another weather event that already happened. People had a desperate need to be “the one” to post that insanely intense picture of devastation.

Well, at Stow Acres, we also used twitter to get information out about the course even though our shop was without power fortunately for only 18 hours. Our twitter handle, @stowacresturf, keeps the public and members informed quickly and easily about the course conditions. If you follow us, then you saw yesterday that we were closed. We received 2.6″ of rain from Sandy. We also lost 3 trees in the storm and fortunately about 90% of our leaves as well. We were VERY lucky. Both courses at Stow drain extremely well, even allowing us to mow greens and fairways on the North course today. We had 7 staff members all armed with blowing equipment and chainsaws yesterday for 9 hours diligently cleaning the North course in order. We got through hole 14 and plan to complete the North today and move over to the South course to begin the cleaning process over there. The North is open for play today and allowing carts. Please drive carefully, as we received another 0.7″ last night from the continuing out skirts of Sandy. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation during the cleanup from Hurricane Sandy. I hope everyone reading this is safe and healthy after the storm passed through.

-Jason VanBuskirk, Superintendent

October 9, 2012
by Jason VanBuskirk Leave a comment

Frost delays will be here soon…

Frost delay is a term that will become common as the season starts nearing to an end. These delays can sometimes be brief, but can also last as long as 3-4 hours depending on how quick and warm the atmosphere gets. Frost is something that can be very damaging to grass especially when it is driven on or it sees a lot of traffic. Frost forms even when temperatures are not necessarily at 32F. If the sky is clear at night or early in the morning, a process called radiational cooling takes place. This is when the earth loses heat and moisture trying to balance the earth’s energy. Through evapotranspiration, the plant also loses moisture to the atmosphere. If the temperature is cool enough, the cells inside the plant tissue start to freeze. If the plant is walked or driven on, the cells can burst and potentially kill the plant. This is why black tracks are typically seen in late Fall going across a fairway, tee, or even sometimes, a green. Thanks to the GCSAA for this published article. Please click on the link for more information, GCSAA Frost Delay Announcement

I understand that frost delays can be very frustrating, especially if you typically play early in the morning. However, I ask for your patience and cooperation during these delays. It is definitely for the health and playability of the turf. We aggressively monitor the conditions and allow carts and traffic to resume on the turf as quickly as possible. Thanks for your understanding! See you on the course!