Weeks of Dec. 25th and Jan. 1

Happy 2024! The Ipswich Agronomy team has had a busy start to the year as we continue to cleanup debris and fallen trees from the previous storm. In addition, we are getting ready for the first snow storm of the year forecasted for this coming Sunday. Currently the area is projected to receive around 6-8 inches of snowfall. We generally tend to fall right along the line between larger and smaller expected snow amounts so we could end up with snow totals around 10 inches.

Fallen Tree Removal:

A few more of the fallen trees from the previous storm have been removed from the course. The pine behind the 14th green, pines from the right of 8, and one dead hardwood along the 9th tee have been removed. Logs have been stacked in the parking lot for removal from the property and brush staged to be chipped as part of our normal spring cleanup routine. The large damaged pine by the 13th green in addition to the remaining damaged pine on 8 will likely be scheduled for removal by a professional tree service.

Pine Behind the 14th Green:

Trunk hung up in other trees

Cavity had formed in center

After tree removal

Brush pile to be chipped

Right side of 8:

Snapped Pine

Before

After

Cavity revealed during cleanup

9th Tee:

This tree was stuck leaning into another tree and took some work to get onto the ground so it could be removed.

Despite completing a lot of cleanup following the storm we still have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us. This will be the agronomy teams focus when and if breaks in snow cover occur.

Rock Vegas Cleanup:

We refer to the large formation of rocks between the 14th and 15th hole as Rock Vegas. This area has been cleared of the brush growing behind and in front of the 15th purple tee. In addition a few dead trees were also cut down along with the accumulated leaves from this fall.

2nd and 3rd Hole Cleanup:

The storm a few weeks ago left the 2nd and 3rd holes a complete mess of sticks, pine cones, and pine needles. The fairways of these two holes have been cleared off and the debris blown into piles in the rough. These piles will be removed by carts and the stacked fallen limbs chipped at a later point. Below are some pictures during and after the blowing.

3rd Hole After

2nd Hole After

Granular Fungicide applied to tees

A granular fungicide was applied with rotary spreaders to tee surfaces. This application was done due to the recent unusually warm and wet weather for further protection for snow mold. Warmth and moisture are the two most contributing factors to fungicide breakdown. Tees and greens have now both received two applications to protect them through the winter months. As always turf will be monitored after any thaws and breaks in snow cover.

Other Completed Work:

• Work to various course accessories was continued

• Various office administrative work