Vertical Mowing

Some pictures from the last couple of days. The terrace and grass courts 1-6 were verticut three times each and the thatch was picked up and composted. This is even more aggressive and earlier in the season than our verticutting last year - it should produce healthier and firmer courts throughout the year.

New Grounds Employee

Meet new grounds employee, Henry Burns. His first day of work was last week. He was assisted by his mom, Holly.

Irrigation

Each spring the irrigation on all the clay courts must be checked and adjusted. After the winter, sprinkler heads may be broken or or out of alignment. An improperly adjusted head, in the confines of a tennis court will leave a court too wet or dry and inhibit proper maintenance. All of our clay courts are irrigated each night by automatic sprinkler and then by hand in the morning and afternoon.

Today Tim and Nate adjusted clay courts 9-14.

Clay Courts

We finished the renovation of two clay courts (the last of 19). Charlie describes the use of our homemade spreading sticks that we use for applying the topdressing.

Fast Food

Grounds crew fast food expert and connoisseur, Neil Johnson, discusses the new KFC Double Down Sandwich. Additional commentary from Nate Salmore.

Assistant Groundsman Movies

More Early Spring

Green grass, late spring tulips and plum trees all way ahead of their typical growing schedule.

Spring 2010

With the unusually warm and wet weather this spring, most plants are flowering early. This includes the bulbs, trees and shrubs and Poa annua grass. Growth regulators are applied to the grass (see May 9, 2009 blog entry for details) to inhibit flowering and this year the grass plants are 1-2 weeks ahead of their normal flowering time. Pictured is Deputy Groundsman, Tim Burns, applying the growth regulators and a little nitrogen.

Opening Day is Coming

Getting ready for opening day. The grass is greening up. The flowers are blooming. The clay courts are spread with topdressing and are ready for new lines. New water service from Route 9 being installed. A very busy week!