IPM Programs: Don't forget about the Trees

We're always talking about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the turf we maintain, but what about the problems associated with our trees? Are there ways that both IPM programs can overlap so that woody plants are not managed in isolation from the other vegetative components on the golf course?
Read the Full Article Here

Golf Channel: Water Conservation

Read the Full Article Here

Rain Gardens - FYI

I'm trying to track down some more info about this specific project, but for now here is the press release and a quick excerpt:

Construction will begin in mid-September on a new garden that will capture stormwater runoff coming from downspouts and pavement around the clubhouse and pro shop at county-owned Saxon Woods Golf Course in Scarsdale. 
Plants and soil in this “rain garden” will filter out many of the pollutants commonly found in runoff before they enter water supplies.

The construction, scheduled to last about a week, is not expected to disrupt golf play or activities at the clubhouse and pro shop. The rain garden will be built in an area now partially covered by asphalt

pavement, which will be torn up to accommodate the garden.

Read the Full Article Here

Water Restrictions Through Permitting

In North-East and Central Florida the St. John's River Water Management District is responsible for managing water resources under the Water Resources Act. Recently amendments have been proposed to the current permitting rules, below is an excerpt explaining what will now be required by golf courses in the region.

According to the press release: As part of the proposed changes, applicants for ERPs for projects that include irrigated landscape, golf courses or recreational areas would be required to develop and implement a water conservation plan.
The water conservation plan would include a water conservation-based irrigation plan, which would:
* Require separate irrigation zones for turf and non-turf areas
* Limit the use of high volume irrigation to no more than 60 percent of the landscaped area on a residential or commercial lot
* Require measures to increase the efficiency of irrigation systems

Read the Full Article Here