It’s been a spell since my last blog post—not due to a lack of information, but rather a lack of website management skills on my end. Thankfully, I finally had a chance to meet with my website developer and get a tutorial. With that behind me, I’m hopeful my posts will become more regular moving forward.
We had a great spring for root growth at most of my consulting clients’ courses. The cool weather, paired with timely deep-soaking rains, created ideal conditions for developing a strong root system—an important part of pre-stressing your turf ahead of summer. My own lawn is a great example: no irrigation run to date, and I’m seeing a much more even drying pattern compared to previous years. Simply put, smart irrigation management in the spring sets the stage for success through the summer.
That said, the cool conditions haven’t been without their downsides. Extended cool soil temperatures have triggered Take-All Patch in several untreated areas—especially on bentgrass fairways. It’s a reminder that even favorable weather can bring challenges.
Adult insect flights are just beginning as I write this in early July. Both European Chafer and Japanese Beetle adults have been spotted on the move. When it comes time to treat for insects, there are several things you can do to improve both the efficacy and efficiency of your applications. Haughn Turf can help you get the most out of these increasingly important treatments, especially as grub pressure continues to rise.
I’ve also been busy troubleshooting several electrical irrigation issues lately. If you’re using a decoder system in the Maritimes and need your system mapped, a new installation, or a troubleshooting session to make sure everything’s working when it counts, I’ve got you covered. From lightning strikes and damaged wires to complete system failures—I’ve diagnosed and repaired it all.
As we head into the toughest 30–45 days of the year for turf managers in Atlantic Canada, don’t forget that help is just a phone call away. Whether you need a fresh set of eyes, a break from the daily grind, or just a few good laughs, bringing me in can do wonders for you and your crew.
