The golf season is just around the corner and will be here before we know it. This realization always hits me when we begin spraying our spring preemergent application on tees, fairways and rough. We had a productive first few days, 16 acres, but have been derailed by rain today and possibly tomorrow. This is common when spraying this time of year, so that's why we start this early in the season. Someone much wiser than me once told me that when it comes to preemergent herbicides: "You'd rather be a couple of weeks early than a day late." This is true because of the way in which preemergent herbicides work. Once the product is applied and watered in, it forms a barrier at the soil surface. As a new seedling emerges and breaks through the surface, the herbicide kicks in an kills the plant. Preemergent herbicides have little to no effect once target weeds have emerged.
As we work on this project over the next few weeks, periodically you'll notice foam laying around the course. The foam is dispensed by our spray unit and it tells us where we've been and where we still need to apply product. I know the foam can be distracting and make it difficult to find your ball, but this method improves accuracy and thus improves the ability of the herbicide to keep the golf course clean from weeds. You might also notice red paint lines, these are used by the agronomy staff to mark where we ran out of product and once reloaded, where we need to start back up.
Assuming we have more weather delays this month, we will likely be spraying most of January. Once complete, we will be ready to go for the 2013 golf season!
Does anyone do pre emergent in Surprise that you know of? Thank you.
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