Fescue Review

Last season a mixture of grasses, predominantly fescues were planted in areas of the golf course for a few reasons. The reasons all added up to requiring less inputs in maintenance which would save on dollars and resources such as fuel and irrigation water.

Reaching sustainability goals can have its hurdles. We have some mixed reviews so far this season and let me explain what is going on.

Year two of a new seed program is important for seed head production with grasses. This is the year plants can mature and become a stronger. However, the challenges we were faced with this season has put a kink in that plan.

At the beginning of the season the staff and the greens committee were pressed to identify areas that could be cut for irrigation due to the lack of water availability.

The fescue areas were on top of the list because they are out of the way of play. Some areas thrived more than others. The areas between 7 tee and 14 green for example looks incredible. The reason this area does so well is because it sits along a waterway and enjoys a slightly cooler climate. The area also benefits from a lot of shade from the cottonwoods. The mature plants provide a nice color contrast and give the course some definition. We are also finding some other environmental benefits to not mowing this area as we found new growth from the cottonwood trees. One of these old cottonwoods is getting close to the end of its life cycle and needs to be removed. However, there are a number of new trees beginning to sprout. One of them is already close to five feet tall after one season.

Don't get me wrong, not all of the fescue areas are in great shape. The lack of moisture and extreme heat contribute to the sophomore slump. This season we have experimented with a few other varieties of native grasses to incorporate into the fescue/natural areas around the course. Wheatgrasses have shown excellent results with drought resistance and aesthetics. Wheatgrasses are commonly found in fields and unmaintained areas of Colorado and the Front Range. This fall we will be re-seeding some of the weak areas of fescue to work toward maintaining a better stand of native areas on the course to ensure our goal of sustainability, aesthetic value and playability on the property.