What a Difference

Two years ago(2007), the turf suffered from winter injury (bottom picture). This year, the complete opposite - healthy grass after the winter. Why the difference? Did we do anything differently? No! The only difference was Mother Nature. We have spoken to many experts and done extensive research on winter injury, but there really was nothing we could have done to prevent the turf from dying in the devastating winter of 2006-2007. We think we know the exact circumstances that killed the grass. In early March of 2007, we had 1-1/2 inches of rain and 50 degree temps. The plants came out of winter dormancy and picked up water. The temperature then plummeted to 3 degrees. The water within the winter-weakened plant then froze, forming ice crystals that punctured the cells of the plant. Despite the extensive damage, the crew was able to grow new grass and the courts opened on their usual schedule (in fine condition!).

Vertical Mowing

The crew has been hard at work on the grass courts. Using our mower with special cutting units on, we have been vertical mowing or verticutting. This removes dead organic matter that can build up from the prolific rooting and stems of the grass plants. Too much organic matter will make the courts soft and they will not drain well.

UMass Turf Club

Longwood had a visit from the UMass Amherst Turf Club. Their visit to Boston included coming to LCC and to The Country Club. The students were accompanied by the club's advisor and turfgrass professor - Michelle DaCosta.

New Tree

An American elm tree being planted in the LCC parking lot area. It is a true American elm (variety "Valley Forge") that has been bred to resist Dutch elm disease. For more information on this species, click on this postings title "New Tree."

Two Video Clips

Two video clips about the LCC grounds. The first by Ben Polimer answers the "What is Wilson doing" question from a previous blog entry. The second by Tim Burns talks about some dark green areas on the grass courts.

Spring Resurfacing

We cleaned off last year's clay court topdressing with house brooms and blowers. The crew then topdressed the 19 clay courts with 160,000 lbs. of new material. The process of carrying 80 lb. bags is tedious. For fun the crew often breaks the bags with 'wrestling moves'. Watch Andrew 'Power Bomb' a bag!