As usual, loyal readers, we will start with some basics on the topic, then answer the question with proven action steps. Let’s start with a statement about water use in general. It is never appropriate to overwater; it costs more money and creates a series of new problems, not to mention the environmental impact. Now let’s move into the art and science of maximizing water management for your lawn/landscape.  

It is true all over the world that when we are getting adequate rainfall, no one thinks about maximizing the water use for their lawn or landscape, but when it stops raining and your green assets are in peril and drought restrictions are in place, you must transform into a skilled water manager in every sense of the word. Whether you have an in-ground automated irrigation system or you are still hand watering with a water hose with thumb or oscillating sprinkler, there are a few things you should know before opening the faucet and your wallet. 

Weather Forecasts, Actuals and Watering Decisions 

To water or not to water, that is the first question. We will deal with how much to water later (note the top 10 list). The weather forecast is never 100 percent accurate, but it must be included in your watering decisions. Get a good weather app for your phone (our favorites are AccuWeather, Radarscope and WeatherBug) or watch the local meteorologist each night on TV. Knowing there is a 90 percent chance of rain tomorrow should make you aware that you will likely not need to irrigate, or knowing that it’s a 10 percent chance of rain with 100-degree temperatures should make you increase your water accordingly. Now you see the water conundrum. You will learn to confirm whether it actually rained and how much it rained.  Have you ever noticed a business or homeowner’s automated irrigation system watering during a heavy rain? Make sure you incorporate weather forecasts and actuals into your watering decisions and processes. 

Action Steps: Get a weather forecast that you trust and install a rain gauge in your yard and use them. Note* the rain gauge should be installed 2-5 feet above the ground mounted on the side of a single post in an open area. The top of the rain gauge should extend several inches above the top of the mounting post. The mounting post should have a rounded, pointed or slanted top to avoid upward splash toward the rain gauge. Keep your own records to compare with online statistics to make the best water decisions possible. This alone will move you into the top 20 percent of water users.   

General Watering Guidelines

Once you have decided to water, knowing what time of day to water for maximum effectiveness is the next question to be answered. Watering in the morning (before 10 a.m.) is the best time for your lawn and/or garden; it’s cooler and winds tend to be calmer in the morning so water can soak into the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots before it can evaporate. Remember, we want to maximize our water use considering the fate of every drop applied. It is also important not to overwater. Water until the soil is fully saturated (Field Capacity); avoid large puddles or runoff. Know your soils and plants. Some require very little water, while others need quite a bit of water to be healthy. So knowing that cacti use less water than live oaks and that Bermuda turf is more drought-tolerant than Fescue turf is important information for the avid irrigator. 

Mulch Trees and Garden Beds: in addition to beautifying the landscape, mulch provides numerous services in the garden … from managing weeds to controlling soil erosion while also conserving water. 

It would not be an AVIDGOLFER Ask the Superintendent article without a top 10 list, so here is our top 10 tips to make the most of your water resources in your home lawn/landscape or garden.

Top 10 ways to maximize water use in your home lawn, landscape and garden

No. 10: Know what type of soil you have and its general makeup, fertility, pH etc. Soil test information available at (http://soiltesting.tamu.edu), Note that soil types hold moisture differently; clay holds moisture better than sand.   

No. 9: Know what plants/turf are present in your landscape and their basic water needs. For example, Fescue turf needs more water than Bermuda turf. Yucca uses less water than hollies. 

No. 8: Watch and track weather and its impact on watering and evapotranspiration, which is the sum of evaporation from the land and water surfaces plus transpiration from plant root absorption. This will help you calculate how much water to apply to replenish water store in your soil and plants. 

No. 7: Use the screwdriver test to see if your soil is properly hydrated. You should be able to easily push a 6” screwdriver into the ground of your lawn/garden; small moisture meters are available.

No. 6: Water deeply and infrequently to save water and encourage root depth; 2 or 3 deeper waterings per week are better than light watering every day. (See No. 1 for water recommendations)

No. 5: If you have an automated irrigation system, take a picture of the design blueprint or as-build (locations of sprinkler heads, valves, wire and controls location) with your cell phone so you can have easy access to this information. Do not wait to have a leak to find your water valves. 

No. 4: Inspect all of your watering devices and system regularly to ensure proper coverage and working order. Consider a professional inspection or irrigation audit annually or monthly during the summer.

No. 3: Raise the HOC (Height of Cut) for lawns during periods of drought or high temperature to improve the plants’ ability to react to the stresses. Remember to never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade when mowing.

No. 2: If you have a brown area in turf or a wilted branch on an ornamental plant that is not responding to watering, be sure to check for other causes such as fungi (phytophthora), chinch bugs, army worms or even buried construction debris can mimic drought stress symptoms. 

No. 1: Water appropriately. In general terms, your lawn needs 1” to 1.5” of water per week, even in the winter. If you get enough precipitation naturally, you’re all set. But if you do need to supplement or irrigate for extended periods, here is a simple way to water appropriately. Place several small containers (empty tuna cans work great) across the lawn or garden so that sprinkler water can fall naturally in them. Run your sprinkler until you get ½” in the cans. This usually takes about 20 minutes. So, by watering 20 minutes (enter your actual number) three times a week, you would be able to reach a weekly goal of 1.5” supplemental water. Adjust as needed for increased or decreased weekly totals or to adjust to our famous North Texas weather extremes.  

Water is a precious resource and must be managed and measured to be sure we are making the most of every drop. Professional water managers use a variety of technologies to achieve their goals, and so can you. Maximizing the effectiveness of your home watering program for your lawn or landscape is basically a mix of science, art and commitment to monitoring and managed results. 

To ensure that you are managing water resources appropriately, keep this article handy and practice the recommendations daily. It is also good to do your homework by attending local gardening and water-use classes or using a well-vetted internet search. By investing some time, you will save both money and water while achieving that sense of positivity that all avid gardeners aspire to. 

I hope that you found these tips useful and will share them with your friends. We all benefit from water conservation and management. Be sure to thank your golf course superintendent for all he does for you and your club. He is one of the most educated water users in the industry and is always willing to share his knowledge. Just ask the superintendent. 

Until next month avid golfers, play lots of golf … these are the longest daylight days of the year.  

The post Ask the Superintendent – Maximizing Water Usage appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

According to a recent Forbes article, “the so-called lock-in effect [those staying in their homes to avoid giving up their super low mortgage rate] is putting pressure on both sides of the market. There aren’t as many buyers looking for new digs and not as many sellers looking to move up or downsize if they get stuck with a mortgage rate more than twice as high as their old one.” Rather than give up a mortgage rate in the threes, homeowners are choosing to invest in the homes where they live, in many cases creating new living spaces like the ones they saw when they were looking for a different home. That means new kitchens, new home theaters, new man caves, and for a growing number of Starpower clients, spectacular new outdoor entertaining areas.

Evolution Meets Revolution

Where once pools were the one real highlight for outdoor entertaining, that is no longer the case. Pools are great. But today, thanks to the audio, video and appliance options at Starpower paired with the talent of our design and installation teams, we’re creating outdoor kitchens, outdoor viewing areas, outdoor gyms and personal outdoor retreats that are revolutionizing the way homeowners think about the outdoor parts of their home.

“There is no question Texans are looking for ways to spend more time outside,” said Starpower Director of Sales, Ryan Raven. “For most homeowners, patios used to be a bit of an afterthought. They were a place you could put a table and a few chairs to relax with family or friends for an hour or two on a nice day or night. But more and more, we’re completely transforming outdoor living spaces to be a place where homeowners can spend large parts of their days and nights. Due to the events of the last few years, we’re all spending more time at home than we used to. When you have a 65” or 75” flat screen, state-of-the-art audio, an outdoor kitchen framing a beautifully designed space with Smart Home technology, comfortable furniture, fans and heaters, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the outdoor areas of your home almost year around.”

The key to building an extraordinary outdoor living space is first imagining the space you’d most like to have. That starts with meeting Starpower’s award-winning design team. Our designers have an intimate knowledge of both interior and exterior design, as well as our audio and video technology and state-of-the-art appliances. Our team will meet you at your home, walk the outdoor space with you to learn what it is you’re wanting, discuss any budget or design parameters with you, and then work their magic to create a plan for complete transformation. 

Almost Anything is Possible

When you look at your patio and backyard, what luxury would you most like to add? An outdoor kitchen? A cozy viewing area with a fireplace? A relaxing, automated space with fully integrated tech where you can enjoy being outside while working from home? At Starpower, we’re creating those spaces for our clients year-round, and we can do the same for you. Just imagine …

An open entertainment area with a fireplace, a 75” 4K QLED TV, state-of-the-art sound, a stainless-steel wine fridge, and comfy, durable seating. 

An outdoor dream kitchen with a Viking gas grill, stainless-steel burners, custom countertops, and an outdoor pizza oven that would be the envy of Sicily.

An outdoor workout space with a giant weatherproof TV, calibrated speakers and both heaters and fans to facilitate year-round workouts.

A custom-built firepit area with an adjustable flame, cozy seating, custom audio and designer, heavy-duty furniture perfect for happy hours, dinners, parties, or simply sitting by the fire.

“When our clients dream about transforming their outdoor areas, I don’t think they realize how much time they will end up spending outside, loving their new space,” Raven said. “I never get tired of people stopping me to tell me how much they love the outdoor living spaces we built for them. That’s one of the greatest things about living in Texas – we can enjoy our outdoor spaces nine to 10 months out of the year. We can work outside, eat outside, cook and entertain outside. All it takes is having the vision to build the right space to support those activities. 

“At Starpower, we didn’t set out to become outdoor living specialists, but after serving thousands of clients, it’s an expertise we’ve developed. Whether we’re working with a space that’s 300 square feet or 3,000, I’m always amazed at what our design and install teams can do that helps improve the lifestyles of our clients.”

Gone are the days of having to carry a TV out to the patio, hanging a few Bluetooth speakers and wheeling over your grill. Starpower’s state-of-the-art audio, video and Smart Home technology is transforming the outside of the home, as much as it is the inside. 

Picture your back yard. Your patio. Your deck. The space you have to live and entertain. Now imagine how that space could be brought to life with new audio and video. At Starpower, we have every sized flat screen you can think of to fit any wall. Add to that a fully integrated, crystal-clear audio system that’s robust enough to rock an outdoor dinner party, or subtle enough for a quiet day by the pool, and you can start to feel what’s possible. Imagine an outdoor chef’s kitchen, ideal for any meal, or just having friends over for the game. The best part is, with the expertise of our installation team, we always tailor your system to match the décor of your home so your audio, video and appliances all but disappear into the design. And since everything is wired with Smart Home technology, you can control everything from the touch of a single keypad or smart phone. 

Real Luxury is Closer Than You Think

Whether it was a visit to other homes you considered buying, a peek at amazing outdoor spaces in magazines, or time with friends and family who may have just transformed their patio, back yard or pool deck, you’ve probably seen an outdoor living space you’d love to have and wondered, what if? Well at Starpower, we’re in the business of turning what-if dreams into reality. And there’s no reason to hold back. 

Often, people hesitate because they can’t do everything they want to do with their outdoor space all at the same time, but with Starpower that’s not a problem. We are as accustomed to doing full buildouts in phases as we are to tackling the entire project at one time. The key is getting started. 

“There is nothing we value more in this company than the relationships we build and maintain with our clients,” said Starpower CEO, David Pidgeon. “That’s what Starpower was built on and what will always drive everything we do. Our team is about transforming homes, adding well-earned luxury to our clients’ lives and elevating customer service to a level people will seek out again and again. Whether we’re working on the first project for a new client, or one for a friend we’ve worked with for decades, we’re about helping people live comfortably in the space they’ve always wanted. And with Starpower, they can.”

Summer is right around the corner. If you’ve ever entertained the thought of upgrading your outdoor living spaces, now is the perfect time to start. Join the thousands of Texans making the move outdoors and let Starpower bring your outdoor living dreams to life. 

The post Tech Talk – Moving the Party Outside appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

Now on the Tee

We will save general club etiquette (off the course) for another article so we will begin our etiquette for playability with the tee area. The first etiquette opportunity is please do not make unnecessary divots. Practice swings are air only especially if you are waiting to tee off on a par three, remind your entire group on this one as we have seen many practice swing full divots accidentally taken over the years and we always cringe. Another opportunity for player excellence on the teeing ground is to help the maintenance crew mow and maintain a clean tee by picking up all tees on the tee boxes (yours plus any abandoned/broken tees) and discard them in a trash can or the golf cart. This helps keep the grounds looking clutter free and reduces unnecessary damage to the tee mower reels etc. Grip it, rip it, and don’t forget to pick up your tee. 

Be Sure to Sand Divots in the Fairways, Tees and Roughs

Please use the sand provided on the golf cart to fill in all divots in the Fairways, Tees, and Roughs. This helps the turf grow back in and prevents other players’ golf balls from landing in a divot. The sand actually speeds the healing of the turf encouraging new shoot growth from the stolons and rhizomes while allowing for a more uniformed playing surface as soon as the sand is applied. Remember the last time you really hit a great drive and it landed in an unfilled divot. Pay it forward and always sand your divots. We have plenty of sand, so as you are filling your divot fill the divot even to the turf line and level it again, looking to fill the void created by the club head. Take extra time on par-3 tees as these take the most traffic and are generally iron shots. Our green committee chairman is famous for carrying extra sand bottles to help serve the membership. Be an example and never finish a round with a full sand bottle.

Rake Bunkers

The maintenance staff will rake the bunkers as part of the ongoing maintenance of the course but after they have moved on to other tasks for the day it becomes the players themselves that must maintain the standard. Please rake all bunkers after you have completed your shot. Smooth all footprints and such and leave the rake on the outside edge of the bunker or as the posted policy of the club dictates. Many clubs have a bunker rake policy as to whether it’s in or out of the bunker or if a marker has been placed in the ground to mark the preferred placement of the bunker rake. When in doubt look at the closest bunker and you will see the pattern. Does anyone remember playing golf just after the Covid – 19 protocols were in place (Summer 2020) with no bunker rakes at all? Those days are fortunately behind us and we now have the responsibility to leave the bunker as playable as possible. It’s 100% the responsibility of the player to rake the bunker back to the posted standard after a shot is played from these beach-like penalty areas. A quick tip from the sand man is to push sand up on steep slopes carefully and always exit on the low side raking your tracks out as you go. We could write another article about the sand art that we find in the bunkers some mornings.  

Repair All Ball Marks

Please repair ALL ball marks you see on the green as you walk onto the putting surface. Please use a divot tool or tee to cover up the ball mark with grass from around the edges. Never lift the center of the ball mark up as it damages the roots and will take longer to heal. Many clubs offer complimentary ball mark tools at the tee or in the clubhouse and post signage and/or display videos on how to properly repair a ball mark. If you are playing on Bentgrass greens in the summer be aware that they are generally softer as the moisture management required to keep the cool season grass alive during intense heat often means deeper and more numerous ball marks. Our greens committee once repaired more than 10,000 extra ball marks during the golf season as a committee goal. We dream of a day when there will be no need for repairing anyone else’s ball marks but until then we continue to educate as best we can. 

Follow Golf Cart Traffic Rules

The modern golf cart is amazing. Electric with lithium batteries, customized in 1,000 ways and with the club’s fleet carts logging more rounds of golf than ever that creates some issues when it comes to turf damage from cart traffic. Let’s start with the basics, please obey the general golf cart rules of the day, for example please use the 90-degree cart rule, Entry and Exit Stakes, or Cart Path Only (CPO) polices as posted by the club and enforced by the staff. It is an overwhelming consistency that clubs post that carts must remain on the path around all tees and greens and on all par 3 holes. It certainly has been at every club I have served, and yet the traffic wear patterns and personal verifications tell me that many members ignore the rules. This can be extremely damaging to turf especially during the transition months or periods of drought and heat. It is a simple fix though, follow the basic rules, watch out for wet spots, and avoid heavy traffic areas. Stay away from greens and tees with your carts. Watch for the beverage cart and try to pass by in wider areas of the cart path to protect cart path edges. When we call for CPO it is to protect the course’s green assets and ensure your safety. If everyone could see the situation through our eyes you would know that we want the operation back to normal as quickly as possible but not one minute too soon. Help us this golf season by being mindful of when and how you drive on the course.

Thank you for your time and attention.We hope that you play more golf than ever in 2023 and that our tips and insights will be of value to you and the game. We hope to see you on the course soon but until then keep reading Avidgolfer magazine and do not miss the annual May (Best) Flowers column next month.

The post Ask the Superintendent – Taking Care of Your Club appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

This month’s Ask the Superintendent question is “How can I be a good neighbor to the club if I live next to the golf course?” This is a big question and is as old as the first home built next to an active golf course. Mrs. Dobbs, my elementary school English teacher, might like to point out about now that it’s incorrect to say, “I live on the golf course.” It is correct to say, “I live next to the golf course.” It all depends on perspective. 

That said, let’s take a look at the ins and outs of being a good neighbor to your club and what the club can do to enhance your dream home overlooking the back nine. 

Opening the Course, Noise Complaints and Home Location

There will be times when the activity on the golf course will be in conflict with your normal activities around your home. This is never truer than early in the morning when the maintenance workers start preparing the course for the day and you are trying to sleep. The golf course maintenance staff will be several hours ahead of the posted first tee time, to make sure that the many things that must be done and verified before play can begin are completed within the club’s standards. This work begins at the maintenance barn and spreads quickly from the practice facilities, driving range and then onto the course, usually starting at the first hole. But then for improved productivity, greens or other features may be serviced in specific clusters that allow the work to done faster. For example, an operation may mow greens Nos. 1, 2, 17 then 18 as one mowing assignment because of the greens being located closer together rather than mowing in sequence. So, if you live on No. 17, you may think, “Why are they mowing so early? It’s the next to the last green.” Again, it all depends on perspective. 

Please know that we are not trying to make unnecessary noise and that we are using the quietest equipment available, including low decibel blowers, etc. We even measure the noise of our equipment, including fans placed on greens to better understand the impact our operation has on homeowners. That said, it is not uncommon for us to start at 4:30 a.m., especially if an early shotgun start is required. We are operating a business that requires extreme amounts of maintenance, and this maintenance is likely one of the biggest reasons why you bought your home. 

It is also one of the most popular complaints from homeowners to the club. “They were mowing before the sun came up!” Understanding the realities of the situation requires give and take, but the needs of the golf operation are the starting point of discussion. Early tee times are premium and mandate early start times for maintenance. If you have a complaint about the standard operating procedures of the club, reach out to club management or golf course superintendent in a professional manner and work together to understand the possibilities for accommodation.

After 37 years of talking with homeowners who live next to the golf course(s), the takeaway from this section that I feel is most important is that when you are looking to buy a home next to a course, make every effort to understand how your habits and activities align with maintenance and other activities of the club and pick a location that makes sense. This also applies to large-windowed homes on the slicing side of a short par 4.

Water Management, Trees and Leaves

The golf course maintenance staff will make every effort to water up to the established property line and not beyond. Note that water is expensive! Occasionally, a sprinkler may come out of adjustment and, while we inspect sprinklers regularly, trust me when I say we appreciate a note or an email if you see a water-related problem. Leaks or drainage issues are sometimes hard to spot, and if it is impacting your home, we want to fix the problem. It’s what we do best; managing the flow of water onto and through the property. What we ask in return is that you do the same. 

Many homeowners never adjust their irrigation systems and, as such, as we come out of hot, dry weather patterns, often the runoff water from homeowners over watering creates problems on the course. Be a good neighbor and keep an eye on how your property distributes and drains water. Irrigation allows us (homeowners and course managers) to protect green assets from drought, but it is drainage that protects green assets from flooding and the creation of stagnant anaerobic conditions. Remember that the over watering of mature landscapes often creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. Water is a critical and expensive resource. Let’s work together to use it wisely and share best management practices for the betterment of the community.   

Trees and leaves often create ownership issues. I am an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and have worked with dozens of homeowners’ associations, parks and golf courses over the years. For today’s purposes, we will stick to the basics. If the tree originates on your property, it’s your responsibility. Managing tree assets can be complex, but generally trees should be properly placed by maturity size, light and soil requirements, with proper and ongoing watering, fertilizing, pruning and pest management. Well-placed and managed trees are assets, not liabilities. 

When trees become dead, damaged or diseased (the 3 Ds), we must make decisions as to the safety and impact on property values and usability or safety. Note that the roots of most mature trees extend 30 percent farther than their above-ground branches, so it’s possible that a cottonwood or willow tree may be clogging drains with their roots quite a distance from their trunks. Questions always arise, such as should a tree be pruned, root pruned or removed, who owns the tree, who will pay for the work, who will coordinate the work? When in doubt, talk it out. 

We have had so many trees impacted by severe cold weather here in North Texas over the last few years, so much so that it’s causing a record number of removals or deep pruning. Many of these trees or clusters of trees start on the course property and extend into home sites or buffer areas that line the course. Be sure you work together to declare ownership and responsibility for tree-related situations. 

Leaves are another matter. Wind moves leaves naturally, and we seldom question, is this our leaf? However, if we intentionally blow leaves from the course onto your property, that should never happen. If it does, let us know. Conversely, we expect that you or your landscaper will not blow leaves or debris from your home onto the course. The golden rule applies here: treat others as you would want to be treated.

HOAs, Club Management and You ‑ Cooperation is the KEY 

I have eight different homeowner associations (HOAs) that touch our courses, and we have great relationships with them all. We work at being connected, solving problems, and since many of our members own homes in the developments, it works best when we all work together. We need each other in order to be successful, and that is our shared goal, the tie that binds us. There are times when we miscommunicate or drop the ball, or sometimes just new players come along and it takes some time to work through the daily issues, but we are all in it for the long term. Cooperation is key. 

You the homeowner/member are the most important piece of this complex puzzle. Your voice and active participation in the standing covenants and policies keep things moving properly. Serve on committees and boards, get to know the stakeholders from the HOA and the club. Invest your time and talents in the neighborhood. 

I spend a lot of my time talking to all of the stakeholders around our facility/community, and it helps that I know them and they know me. However, not every superintendent is as extraverted as I am, so getting to know your superintendent may take some effort. But it is a key to getting things done right and in a reasonable timeframe. We, as superintendents, are stretched at times, but we appreciate a kind request as opposed to an angry demand. I am sure you understand the difference. 

Final Thoughts

Living in a home that overlooks a golf course is often a life or at least lifestyle achievement/milestone, and we all want your experience to be as perfect as possible. Take some time to evaluate how you can be a better neighbor and how your club can be a better neighbor, and work toward a win- win relationship with all community stakeholders.

 Keep making golf, your club and neighborhood better by reading and supporting AVIDGOLFER magazine. Together we are improving the game of golf, one issue at a time. 

The post Ask the Superintendent – Golf Course Living appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

If your home course has ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens, then you saw the covers come out early and stay out through the freeze. Yes, a lot of landscape plants were damaged (again). You can see the Ligustrum, Indian Hawthorn and other plants dropping leaves and will likely require heavy pruning or replacement. We will have to wait a while to see if there will be significant turf damage, and we know that there is some more cold weather ahead. It is not unheard of for us to have frosts well into April. 

That said, after the deep freeze we saw temperatures reach 80 degrees and we were still on the dry side, which keeps us all checking moisture levels like it’s still summer. I point all this out to remind everyone that we often can get most things right when it comes to turf and ornamentals, and still Mother Nature throws us a curveball and we adjust, adapt and press on. All these weather swings have actually given us some pretty good golf days (wind aside). It would be an easy year to forget your spring/summer weed control. But not on my watch! 

So, to keep my promise to always feature some form of weed-control topic for our Ask the Superintendent question in February, this month’s question is, “How do I control the weeds in my lawn?” Step onto the course, avid golfers, and walk with me once again through the critical steps as we answer this most ardent and timely of questions … to set you on the path to a better home lawn, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. 

First Things First

Faithful readers of our column will remember as we covered the value of a home landscape last year, that one of the main components was a heathy, weed-free lawn. Focus for the time being on the weed-free. So, as we start the journey to a great lawn, it is important to know what type of turf grass you have in your lawn before you start developing a weed-control program. 

Common turf grass types in North Texas include Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, Saint Augustine, centipede grass and Fescue, to name a few. Each type of grass has different light, soil and fertility requirements, as well as growth and environmental factors, so knowing that you have picked the best-suited grass for your lawn’s environment is important. Healthy turf is the first step in controlling invasive weeds. A healthy base turf can suppress many weeds before they can establish themselves in the sward (turf stand). Assuming that you have the right grass in place, we will move on to defining what a weed is and how to control weeds that will eventually challenge your goal of a beautiful lawn. 

What is a Weed?

What exactly is a weed? For our purposes today, we will define a weed as a plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with desired/cultivated plants (lawn). Essentially, any plant that is growing where it is not wanted is a weed. So, Bermuda grass growing in a Saint Augustine lawn is considered a weed. 

In terms of lawn or turf weeds, they come in two basic groups: winter or cool-season weeds (henbit, chickweed and poa annua, or common meadow grass to our friends from the UK) and summer or warm-season weeds (goose grass, crabgrass and nutsedge). These weeds begin to germinate at different times of the year: the cool-season grasses in late summer/early September through October, and the warm-season grasses from mid-February through May. 

There are two basic approaches to weed control: physical and chemical. Physical weed control is pretty simple. You literally remove the weed physically. This is often impractical, depending on the number and establishment of the weed population, but it does work. Chemical weed control is achieved through the use of herbicides (an agent, usually chemical, used to kill plants). Herbicides also come in two primary groups, pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Pre-emergent herbicides are applied BEFORE (thus the urgency in the spring edition weed control article) the weed plant germinates, killing the plant just after seed germination before a root can establish in the soil. Post-emergent herbicide is applied to existing weeds and often require direct contact to be effective. There are a few pre-emergent herbicides that have some post-emergent characteristics, but by and large you will make the choice of herbicide based on the time germination of the weed. Post-emergent herbicides can also be selective (kill certain plants but will not harm others) and non-selective (will kill or damage most plants that contact the product).  

Timing is Everything!      

It is critical that a pre-emergent herbicide be applied properly and at the right time of year to be truly effective.  So now is the time to apply pre-emergent to control summer or warm-season weeds, starting in February and extending into March. We will not go into all the factors that affect weed seed germination; just know that pre-emergents are most effective if they are applied before the weed seed germinates. In fact, pre-emergent herbicides prevent the germination of weed seeds by inhibiting a key enzyme and should be applied spring and fall to provide year-round weed protection. It is important that the herbicide make good soil contact to be effective, so watering in the product is recommended. Most homeowners will likely choose a granular pre-emergent, which can be purchased from your local nursery or garden center. 

Two great products for pre-emergent weed control are Prodiamine (Barricade equivalent), which is the longest lasting and most economical due to lowest application rates; and Isoxaben (Gallery equivalent), which prevents a very large list of broadleaf weeds. There are others to choose from, and there is always ongoing turf research that brings us new and more effective products that are effective and environmentally safe. 

Once you have purchased your product, simply follow the instructions on the product label that is attached to the bag/container. If you have questions or want the latest tips on turf grass in Texas, the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension program can help either online or by phone. To improve your results, you may consider making a spilt application of the herbicide. This involves making two applications at 50 percent of the recommended product rate. This allows one application early in the season and a second several weeks later to offer a larger window of control without overapplying the active ingredient (AI) of the herbicide. 

A few pro tips include: the smaller the size of the fertilizer granule, generally the better the distribution and coverage. Make sure you apply the product in two opposite directions to avoid skips or tiger striping. Also be sure to check the percent AI (Active Ingredient) in the bag, as often the cheaper products have less actual herbicide in them. After all, we are actually buying weed control, not filler products.  

If you are making a granular pre-emergent herbicide application, here is a quick reminder of how to calibrate your rotary spreader.

How to Calibrate a Rotary Spreader

Determine the amount of fertilizer/product needed for 100 sq. ft. For example, the fertilizer bag weighs 50 lbs. and covers 10,000 square feet per the label recommendation.

Place this amount in the spreader.

Mark off the area. For a rotary spreader, use a 10-foot by 10-foot area (100 sq. ft.).

Apply using the suggested label setting to the test site.

Adjust the setting up or down based on the actual amount of fertilizer applied; if you covered the area completely with nothing left in the spreader, you are perfect! If you have product left in the hopper, increase the spreader setting. If you run out of product before the area is covered, then decrease the setting. Repeat this process until you find the correct setting. Take notes for future reference.

Complete the application for the rest of the lawn. 

One Last Thing

Weed control is an ongoing process of controls and actions that strengthen the base turf grass and eliminate invasive plants. It is February, so if you see mature weeds in your lawn, they are winter weeds (see paragraph three) and will not be killed by a pre-emergent herbicide applied now. Just remember that the spring pre-emergent application prevents summer weeds, and a fall pre-emergent application prevents winter weeds. I promise we will once again cover fall weed control in September/October. However, there are no 100-percent effective pre-emergent weed control products available, so using some physical removal and post-emergent herbicide applications are also required to be most effective. 

Be diligent, safe (follow the label instructions) and, as always, thank your golf course superintendent.      

The post Ask the Superintendent – The War on Weeds appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

Paul Earnest, a former Northern Texas PGA President, who spent 20 years as Director of Golf at the TPC Las Colinas Resort, was recently named the Director of Golf and Operations at PGA Frisco, a Texas native returning from his job in Houston which he couldn’t be more thrilled about.

“I have now worked in every major city in Texas from Austin to San Antonio, Dallas and Houston and to be returning to the new PGA Frisco facility at Fields Ranch is the culmination and capstone of an incredible Texas golf career.”, Earnest says. 

“There is nothing like it anywhere and I feel humbled, yet excited, to be able to watch it come together. We are excited to add to the rich history of Texas golf.”

Earnest, 58, grew up in Houston and played golf at the University of Texas with fellow Lone Star natives Irving’s Brandel Chamblee and Fort Worth’s Mark Brooks.

He began his golf professional career with seven years at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin, five years at Hyatt Hill Country in San Antonio, 20 at the Four Seasons Resort in Irving with the last five in Houston as the regional general manager of the Woodlands Country Club.

“Paul Earnest has an amazing skill set and we are so fortunate to work with him on this project,” said PGA of America Chief Membership Officer John Easterbrook, who began his career as a North Texas golf pro at Fossil Creek Golf Club.

“Paul is a Texas legend, he understands the state, understands the people, and knows everybody. He is absolutely perfect to come back here and take this job.”

Earnest agreed the chance to return to North Texas and work with the PGA of America as a 33-year PGA member in his home state was an offer too good to refuse.

“Everything I’ve done has been here in Texas. I’ve never worked a day outside the state. That probably did not hurt my resume.”

Another factor which impressed the PGA of America and Omni officials was his two decades of experience working with the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson Classic which was held at the Four Seasons Resort during his time there.

The Fields Ranch PGA Frisco courses are scheduled to host 26 PGA of America events including two PGA Championships and a widely expected Ryder Cup, among many others, but Earnest has expertise dealing with hundreds of PGA Tour pros during his time at the Byron Nelson as well as Champions Tour veterans during his Houston experience.

“The very first tournament we have here (The PGA Seniors Championship) in May, I will be dealing with players I know from the Champions Tour event at the Woodlands in Houston ever year.”

“I do think I have an advantage of what it takes in dealing with players during tournaments, fans, and volunteers, who all make up the event. I have a good feeling of the pace of the week and what it means to everybody involved.”

Fellow Texas native Blake Rowlings, the President of TRT Holding, the parent company of the Omni Resorts, said he was thrilled to have Earnest return to North Texas.

“He will be a tremendous asset to the property and will have an integral role in helping build the experience in the new home of modern American golf.”

“PGA Frisco presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the most all-encompassing destination in golf, and Paul Earnest is uniquely qualified to lead the way for our Golf Operations team and activate the dream,” added PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.

“In creating PGA Frisco, we aligned with world-class partners to design a first-of-its-kind golf laboratory, playground and commercial center. Paul’s extensive experience in golf industry executive management builds upon our vision of providing a truly innovative golf experience that will attract, excite and engage new golfers and fans from across the world.”

But just because he’s familiar from two decades of living in North Texas and overseeing operations at the Four Seasons Resort, which recently became a Ritz-Carlton, doesn’t mean he hasn’t seen the vast changes since his return.

“Wow, the growth here has been amazing,” Earnest said. “I remember when I was here (at the Four Seasons Resort) coming out to play Gentle Creek (in Prosper) was big doings and the highlight was seeing Deion (Sanders) house on the corner. Now the growth is everywhere. The end of the (North Dallas) Tollway then is now a business center and it just keeps going.”

Earnest said among his first order of business in his new job is hiring two golf professionals who will oversee the East and West courses, designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Wellington, respectively.

They will oversee the number of PGA of America professional and amateur tournaments, the public and Omni resort play along with the smaller membership component at the facility which will have its own clubhouse.

Among the golf offerings Earnest will interact with is the two world-class 18-hole championship golf courses, Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West and a state-of-the-art clubhouse; the Omni PGA Frisco Resort; the PGA District which features The Swing, a lighted 10-hole short course, The Dance Floor, a lighted 2-acre putting course and an expansive retail and entertainment district, including an outdoor area for concerts and events, and a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor golf-centered region; golf professional teaching area, the Home of the PGA of America and the Jerry J. Ransom Northern Texas PGA Golf House. 

“It’s just incredible what they have created out here with the Swing and the Dance Floor, the two golf courses, practice range, teaching area, just nothing else like it,” Earnest said. “I’m so privileged to be a part of this team and in some respects golf history in the making for North Texas.”

He’s replacing Texas native Jimmy Terry, who oversaw the golf project from its earliest stages before leaving this summer to undertake a private golf project in West Austin with Hanse as the architect.

“I stood on the first tee with Jimmy Terry at Barton Creek. I first met John Easterbook at the Hyatt Hill Country. I’ve kept up with them all these years and now I’m back here,” said Earnest, who was first contacted for the job this fall.

“Who better to run the golf project than a Texas native like Paul,” Easterbrook added. “I began my golf career in North Texas, left and finally came back again. Paul started here and never left. It’s perfect.”

The Return of the Native indeed.

The post Feature – Welcome Home, Paul! appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

Now on to this month’s pressing question from members/golfers and, it is, how and when do I winterize my lawn equipment?  Of course, with a focus on the star of lawn maintenance equipment, the lawn mower. Now is the time to give your mower (walking or riding) a little rest in North Texas after the leaf drop and now that the warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia and Saint Augustine have gone dormant. We will not be back on heavy mowing cycles on these grasses until spring (around April). Without further ado, let’s go through a few steps to safely winterize your lawn equipment. 

General Comments on Lawn Equipment Care and Winterizing 

It is clear that some of us are obsessed with growing, mowing and manicuring grass. This extends to all things connected to the art and science of turfgrass, and this article is written from the perspective that all this information is useful when quality turf is your goal and lawn equipment is essential. If you are just starting to see the joy of intensely managed turf and turf-maintenance machines (mowers, weed eaters, bowers etc.), take heart this information will still be valuable as you start your green journey or if you just want to get your money’s worth out of your current mower and other lawn-maintenance equipment. Your lawn mower has been a loyal and critical partner in your lawncare efforts (big or small) all season. so give it the attention it deserves. By spending just a little dedicated time prepping your mower for winter storage, you will most certainly ensure a happier reunion in the spring. Tip No. 1 for proper mower storage is to make sure that your owner’s manual is on hand for quick reference anytime you are working on your mower. If you have lost the original owner’s manual, take heart that the internet is the home to thousands of owner’s manuals that cover most models. 

The Last Mowing and Winter Equipment Cleanup  

It is important, after the last official mowing of the growing season, that you properly clean your mower and other lawn-maintenance equipment. For some, the last mowing will be earlier (essentially when the grass stops actively growing); and for others who use the bag attachment or mulching blades on their mowers to handle the fall leaf drop, it may be later in the season. Either way, properly cleaning your mower and attachments before storing them for the winter is the first step to success. Professional tip: before you start to wash your mower, remove the spark plug lead wire and tape it out of the way with electrical tape. Wash all of the grease and debris from the entire machine, using mild cleaner/degreaser and a pressure nozzle and hose. Be sure to wash under the deck and do not forget to inspect and clean the blades. When inspecting/washing the blades, think safety first. For walking mowers, gently turn the mower on its side to gain access and be careful not to touch the blades with your bare hands. Wear protective gloves or use a flathead screwdriver to remove debris. Larger mowers may require a jack and jack stand for access and safety. Make sure that the mower and all its parts are completely dry before storing. Make sure you have a dry, protected area that is well ventilated and provides safe storage for everything. Give other items, like weed eaters and hedge trimmers, a good cleaning, as well. Blowers may be used even in the winter, but while you are cleaning and inspecting the fleet make sure everything receives some TLC. It is important to never store gas-powered lawn equipment near a furnace, water heater or any appliance that has a pilot light. There are numerous lawn sheds that are affordable and easy to install. They also come in a variety of materials and sizes. Remember to store fuel cans separately from your equipment and in approved spill-proof containers and/or cabinets. Be sure to grease any fittings after the washing. The end goal for this task is that the lawn equipment should be clean and optimally operational when the process is complete. Don’t forget to add line to your weed eater.  

On Batteries and Fuel Stabilizers

If your lawn mower has a battery (riding lawn mowers etc.), it is always a good idea to remove the battery for winter storage. Be sure, once removed, to store the battery in a cool, dry and secure place away from gas cans, water heater or furnace. When disconnecting your battery, always disconnect the negative cable first and make sure to clean the battery with a cloth and use a wire brush or a battery terminal cleaner product to clean the battery terminals for storage. You could also take the extra step of coating the battery terminals with a terminal protection product; these are available at your local small-engines store or online.

If you are using gas-powered lawn equipment, then part of your ongoing responsibility is the safe storage of fuel. Only use federally approved fuel containers and storage cabinets. Sometimes, even the most diligent people forget that when we allow fuel to sit too long in our lawn equipment, we often have issues when we start up the equipment the next season. In fact, gas will begin to break down within the first 30 days. Yikes! The best way to handle this situation is to use a fuel stabilizer. Fuel stabilizers are added to your fuel and prevent the fuel from breaking down and clogging your equipment’s fuel system, and there are few things more frustrating than a mower that won’t start for that first spring mowing. I normally do not call out name brands for products, but for fuel storage or fuel stabilizers several of the major engine manufacturers recommend STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizers. So if you start looking for a product, that one has a proven track record. Add the stabilizer to your gas can, following package directions. And before you add fuel to your can, add fuel/mix to the equipment and be sure you run your equipment long enough to burn through any non-treated fuel. Fuel stabilizers keep fuel fresh for up to 24 months.  

Electric Equipment

If you have electric lawn equipment, the winter storage is a little easier, as the lack of gas as a fuel source makes things easier. Remember that part of the upfront cost of lithium battery-powered equipment is the fuel is essentially renewable, built in and made to store easily between uses. There are still washing and lubricant requirements, if you plan to let your electric lawn equipment sit idle for an extended period of time. However, no doubt that storing electric equipment for the winter is easier than storing gas-powered equipment. Think this through when it’s time for new equipment, electric verses gas.

Conclusions

Be sure that you take care of your lawn equipment properly when it’s time to winterize and store them for extended periods. Look ahead to next season and how glad you will be that the equipment is ready to go. 

Wishing you a safe and prosperous New Year … and keep aspiring to win Yard of the Month.

The post Ask the Superintendent – Tips to Get Ready for Spring appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

It’s not that the concept of Smart Home technology is new. Various concepts and iterations of Smart Home tech have been around since the 1960s. But while those applications were distant precursors that at best were hopeful and profoundly limited, today’s technology is fully integrating our homes at light speed, making them more efficient and more environmentally sound than ever before. Quite simply, Smart Home technology saves homeowners time and money. It cuts the cost of monthly utility bills, and it elevates the value of the homes that it’s in. Smart Home tech is hot! And nobody knows that better than our team at Starpower.

“Everybody’s talking about Smart Home technology and what it can do,” said Starpower CEO David Pidgeon. “We’ve been in the business of designing and installing Smart Home technology for decades, but we’ve never seen the level of acceptance and urgency that we’re seeing now. We’re past the early adopters. More and more, people are seeing the elegance and benefits of Smart Home tech in their friends’ homes, and now they’re wanting to incorporate it into their own. And rather than piecemealing the tech on their own, our customers are coming to us for a more comprehensive plan. 

“Where Starpower can really add value is planning and installing a fully integrated system that allows you to control your entire home. We can certainly deliver individual elements like doorbell cameras and digital thermostats and special lighting. But when the entire holistic system is able to work together, that’s when real transformation happens.” 

The Complete Smart Home

Every year, Smart Home automation continues to get better and, with it, our design and install team’s knowledge of the technology. At Starpower, we are committed to transforming homes and adding well-earned luxury to our clients’ lives, and when our customers come to us for expert recommendations on how to make their homes smarter, better and more efficient, that’s what we deliver. 

Locks and Security

For any homeowner, peace of mind is priceless. We’ve all left the house to run errands, or go on vacation, and wondered whether we left one of the doors unlocked. With Smart Home technology, that’s no longer a concern. And from a security standpoint, whether you’re at home or away, the security system we can build with cameras, lights and recorders will always allow you to monitor the entrances to your home and any intruders who may be approaching. If it’s someone you don’t know, there are ways to handle that. And if it’s your kids home from school, with the touch of a button on your phone, you can open the door and let them in.

Audio and Video

There is a luxurious elegance to fully integrating an audio and video system throughout your house. No more juggling half a dozen remote controls. No more issues with compatibility and uncooperative brands. With Starpower, we can put state-of-the-art audio and video in any and every room in your house with full, reliable control at the touch of a few buttons. The same is true for our custom-designed home theaters and outdoor entertainment spaces. 

Lighting 

With Starpower’s Smart Home system, you’ll never come home to a dark house again. Whether the lights are set to come on at a certain time, or you turn them on from a touch of your phone, your home will always be light and bright, even when you are gone for the evening or on vacation. And, of course, the opposite it true, as well. When you are home and want to move to more ambient lighting, your system can also dim the lights with the touch of a button. 

Blinds

Whether you simply want to lessen the light coming in your windows, or move to full blackout, remote-controlled blinds give you a refined and elegant way to control the lighting in any room. They also make your home incredibly efficient, drastically cutting down on the heat coming through your windows in the scorching Texas summers. 

Thermostat

Digital thermostats are the picture of ease and efficiency, giving you the freedom to adjust your home’s temperature from the car, your bed, or anywhere else you have your phone. You can also pre-program your temperature plan by time of day or night to maximize the efficiency of your system and cut down on utility bills.  

Appliances

As Smart Home technology continues to improve, so too is the integration of better, smarter, more efficient appliances. From stylish refrigerators and ovens to super smart microwaves and coffee makers, our team stands ready to fully integrate today’s cutting-edge appliances into your Smart Home kitchen, den, theater or outdoor entertainment area. 

Smarter Homes Takes a Smarter Team

Today’s Smart Home networks require sophistication to meet the needs of multiple connected devices, audio and video distribution matrices, and multiple home automation features. Quality home networking hardware offers Wi-Fi strength and customized features tailored to your particular needs, and Starpower will complete any required programming to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment, expert advice and service. High-functioning, fully integrated systems start with outstanding equipment, but they also require a highly seasoned design and installation team with both the technical prowess and the customer service required to create the kinds of systems we create at Starpower. 

“As the CEO of Starpower, I’m thrilled that our clients choose to work with our team time and time and time again, and when I ask them why, they usually give me a similar response: we provide a level of world-class customer service they just don’t get anywhere else,” said Pidgeon. “When I talk to our customers about their smart homes, or the outdoor entertainment spaces we built for them, or their home theaters, they rarely lead with comments about the equipment itself. Don’t get me wrong. They love their projectors, and their screens, speakers and appliances. But what they really love is the exceptional customer service our design and installation teams provide. We love what we do, and our clients see that. 

“At Starpower, we are committed to transforming homes and adding well-earned luxury to our clients’ lives. I’m proud to say we deliver on that promise every day.”

If you’ve considered upgrading different rooms in your home to include more Smart Home technology, or if you’re ready for a complete transformation, make 2023 your year to get smarter. At Starpower, we welcome the opportunity to consult with you, answer any questions, and search for ways we can help add luxury and efficiency to your home and your life. Call us or visit one our showrooms and let’s get started. 

The post Tech Talk – The Perfect High Tech Home appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

Now I know what you are probably thinking: why is the golf course superintendent giving us advice on holiday decorations, even if they are plant-based? I covered this topic a few years ago, but it seems that, at least around our club, there is a need for a refresher with a few new twists. I would also offer, as a bit of topic, credentialing that I have worked both as a florist and an interior plantscapes manager. More importantly, we did grow Christmas trees on our family farm in Indian Creek, Georgia. So I know a thing or two about holiday decorating and using your outdoor landscaping to craft some festive holiday decorations. So, this month’s Ask the Superintendent question is, “what are some holiday decorating tips for plants and greenery?”

Poinsettias 

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) make great accent plants for the holidays and come in white, pink and the traditional red. Keep them watered properly and they will last from Halloween till New Year’s (some brave souls keep them year-round). 

Here are some tips to take poinsettias from good to great. First, make sure that you are getting your poinsettias from a quality supplier and that they are in good health and disease-free. Note, also, that poinsettias are tropical, and they hate cold weather, so any exposure to cold weather is damaging and you should avoid placing them near doors, windows or other drafts that may damage the foliage. Be sure to inspect the plant thoroughly, especially under the leaves. 

Poinsettias look great when placed in clusters, especially if you mix the colors, but this can make watering difficult.  We tend to over water the outside plants and under water the interior or middle plants. Watering is key, so even though you may get busy, and your placement may make it hard to water each plant properly, remember that poinsettias do best when they stay evenly watered. Drought stress can quickly wilt the foliage, and the foliage is the star of the show. Watering every other day or so, depending on temperature and size of the plant, is recommended and you may want to invest in a hand-held moisture meter to keep tabs on the moisture level in the pots. 

My grandmother was famous for her poinsettias, and she would often say that poinsettias bring extra joy to the holidays. I hope that you will use these poinsettia tips to bring an extra measure of joy to your family this holiday season. 

Wreaths and Greenery

Over the years, I have often found our F&B staff borrowing holly limbs and cedar boughs for center pieces and wreaths. There is something to the smell of fresh-cut flowers and greenery, especially during the holidays. 

So let’s start with a few basic tips on making wreaths, centerpieces and other holiday fare from items found in the landscape. First, be safe. Use proper pruning shears/saws to cut holly branches, etc. Watch your fingers and make good clean cuts to allow the plant to heal properly. Be sure not to disfigure your trees or shrubbery.

Second, remember to check anything that you bring into the house for unwanted passengers. Aphids, beetles, ants and mites are often hidden deep into stems and leaves and will become quite active once inside the warmth of your home or office. Inspect gathered plant materials closely: shake, wash or blow carefully to make sure your spectacular centerpiece doesn’t start moving about the table. 

Lastly, watch for potential fire hazards; dried stems and leaves and the open flame of a holiday candle can be a dangerous combination. It was a hot, dry summer so check the moisture and viability of your cuttings. Be diligent in your preparations and let your creativity guide you to make perfect holiday memories. 

O Christmas Tree!

Now on to the star of the show, the Christmas tree. In an effort to be fair, synthetic trees have many advantages, such as cost, safety and reusability. That said, the smell of a freshly cut cedar, spruce, fir or pine connects most of us to the holidays of yesteryear, and that is a powerful thing. 

So our focus will be on things that will help you choose, maintain and dispose of your “live” Christmas tree. There are so many tips for this one; the best way to cover the topic is to arrange them in order from selection to recycling. Here are some trade secrets for your MVCT (Most Valuable Christmas Tree) of 2022. 

Whenever possible, get the freshest cut trees. Visiting a Christmas tree farm and cutting it yourself is a fun way to do this. A Google search will quickly show multiple options around North Texas.

Bring a few items for the tree-buying process, such as a tape measure to make sure the tree is the right height and width for your space: 10-foot trees are a problem for 8-foot ceilings. Rope/string to secure the tree is also helpful in transporting your tree safely.  

If you are buying a tree from a precut tree vendor, be sure to run your hand firmly down several branches. If more than a few needles come off in your hand, keep looking. You can also do the traditional shake the whole tree to make sure the needles are still secure.

If something comes up and you cannot address setting up the tree properly, store the tree outside in a bucket of water to buy some time before bringing it in doors. 

If you buy a precut tree, be sure to make a fresh cut (about an inch will do) before placing it in the tree stand. This will help the tree absorb water. Sap will start filling the cut in just a few hours, so a fresh cut helps move water up the tree.

Fill your tree stand with water as quickly as possible … the sooner, the better. Definitely within 24 hours and monitor the water level daily. Note that clean water is really all you need. The addition of soda or other items to the water is a great theory, but generally good old H2O works best, and try to get a stand with at least a one-gallon capacity or larger, depending on the size of the tree. 

Secure the tree as needed (cats and other pets may test your skills in the area). Social media is full of Christmas tree fails, so do not be afraid to use string or rope to secure the tree.

Try to position the tree away from heat vents, fire places, radiators and windows that get direct sunlight. Try to keep the room cooler than normal once you set up the tree. If you can, turn down the thermostat, or close or partly close the room’s heat vents. This slows down the tree from drying out as fast

Decorate and enjoy the season. Be sure to bring in as many family/friend experts as possible into this process.

When the holidays end, carefully remove all decorations from the tree and drain the water from the holder. Check with your city or other sanitation services for recommended tree pick-up or recycling opportunities. Usually, a quick visit to their website or phone call will provide all of the information that you need.

The last few years have been tough in many ways, and now more than ever it is important to be in the present and live your best life. Club life is meant to enhance all things that are social, and the holiday season brings out the best of the best. 

I hope these tips will help you have the best holiday yet. Thank you again for being an avid reader of our “Ask the Superintendent” column … remember, we never run out of answers. Until next year, play golf as the weather allows … and do not forget to thank your golf course superintendent.

The post Ask the Superintendent – ‘Tis the Season! appeared first on AvidGolfer Magazine.

This month’s question has bounced around the club for quite a while, and it has a lot to do with the housing market in North Texas. Many people ask me this heartfelt question: what is the real value of a home landscape … and how can I increase my property value with landscaping? Holding many green industry certifications and licenses has given me a unique perspective on the value and maintenance requirements of landscapes, both residential and commercial, but for this month’s query, let’s explore the real value of residential or home landscapes.

Real Estate Values and Landscape 

Let’s talk generally about how landscapes and gardens impact the value of your home. We will break down some elements of a quality home landscape later, but let’s look at the general percentages and estimated values as determined by leading real estate and landscape experts. A quick Google search on “can landscape increase real estate values?” will yield literally hundreds of responses, and every one of them will confirm that a quality landscape will indeed raise the value of the property. The actual value estimates range from five percent to 20 percent, depending on who vets the number. 

A trusted source is the American Society of Landscape Architects, who confirm that homeowners can increase their home value by up to 20 percent by adding beautiful, functional and sustainable landscaping to their property. A few local real estate experts gave me a more modest five percent number. In my experience, the average is around 12 percent, given location and other positive factors that an investment in a quality, functional and aesthetically pleasing landscape will increase the value of your home and decrease the time required to sell, should you place it on the market. The key is to avoid mistakes and create a space that achieves a few landscape goals, such as privacy and overall beauty. 

Now that we have shown you the potential value to keep reading, let’s dig a little deeper into what works and what does not work when it comes to impacting your property’s value through landscaping.  

Mistakes that Decrease Home Values 

There are many ways to make mistakes when you start a new landscape project, especially when the goal is to add value to your property. I would say securing a landscape architect or designer with proven success in your area is a great first step. However, if you are a committed DIYer (Do-It-Yourselfer), take heart; it is not impossible to find the road to a better, more valuable landscape on your own. 

Let’s start with some Landscape Don’ts. These will not be shocking, but as you drive around North Texas examples are everywhere that will confirm these tips. Apologies if this hits too close to your current home. 

The first landscape value killer is weeds (any plant growing out of place) or overgrown plantings. A landscape should be maintained properly, and nothing says out of control like an overgrown hedge and a lawn full of weeds. 

Next on the list of don’ts is poor drainage. Your property should not hold unwanted water but should be able to drain a rain event relatively quickly and certainly no more than a few hours for the water to pass through your property. Standing water is also a mosquito breeding ground, as well, so even with North Texas heavier clay soils drainage and surface water movement are keys to a valuable landscape. 

Severe slopes are another killer to landscape values, so consider grading, terracing or retaining walls for a redesign and leveling of the site. Be aware that North Texas soils are tough on retaining walls and fences. Too many plants and/or poor plant placement (large plants in a small place) is another mistake that turns potential buyers away and drives home values down. Lack of or broken irrigation, especially in hot, dry climates (like North Texas) can be a red flag for obvious reasons. If you cannot keep your landscape alive or the level of maintenance required for your landscape is too high, your landscape can shift from asset to liability. 

Lastly, rotting or failing decks or cracked driveways or patios are a huge negative and must be addressed. This also applies to anything that requires painting. These items should be maintained to a high level of appearance and function. There are a few other honorable mentions in the landscape mistake category, such as poor exterior lighting, too much lawn art and the legendary overuse of concrete, stones or synthetic turf. 

The list of don’ts can easily become a to-do list, so I think by now you are ready to move on to the things that actually do add value to your landscape. Let’s take a walk through the garden of possibility, shall we?

Landscape Should Add Beauty, Function and Value

The first thing a landscape expert and a real estate agent will agree upon when it comes to a valuable home landscape is that it must be simple, functional and beautiful. With just a little guidance, you should be able to choose wisely on basic landscape decisions, whether you are a novice or seasoned home landscaper. 

First, get the site right. Handle drainage issues, severe slopes, entry points and repair or replace damage to basic hardscapes (sidewalks, driveways, decks and patios), cracks or heaving/settling must be addressed. Be sure to note sun/shade areas or anything that will impact the growing environment of your plantings. Healthy plants are the byproduct of a proper environment. 

Next, set a priority for selecting primary or foundation trees and shrubbery. All home landscapes should feature these key plantings, and they should be designed to enhance the buildings and property in size (maturity height and width) and texture. Generally, home buyers want to see large deciduous trees (maples, cottonwood, elms), along with evergreen trees (pines, live oak, cedar) with 3’ to 5’ well-formed foundation shrubbery (dwarf yaupon or other hollies, ligustrum and boxwood) with colorful accents of annual plants (vinca, begonia and zinnia in summer and pansies, viola and dusty miller in the winter) that are healthy and well maintained. 

Landscape plantings, as a rule. are done in odd numbers (1,3,5,7 etc.) and should be planted as to allow them to fill but not overgrow the intended space. It is also important to dig the right size hole when planting shrubs and trees. For shrubs, the hole should be roughly two times the size of the container the shrub is growing in, and for trees the rule of thumb is three to four times the size of the container or root ball. We are assuming that your soil is healthy and well drained. but if you are not sure about soil quality and health, then taking a soil test to identify amendments needed and fertility strategies is very valuable. For information on taking a soil sample, go to http://soiltesting.tamu.edu. Pots and/or raised beds are great options if your soil is an issue, while adding another element to your landscape.

Landscape ROI, Trends and Covid-19 impacts

Return on investments for landscape projects vary. But remember we stated that landscapes can add five to 20 percent more value to your home, so on a $300,000 home that could mean between a $15,000 to $60,000 increase in value. So budget your projects accordingly. 

The increased equity only partially explains the recent trends in the growth of landscape enhancements. The other very recent factor is that since the Covid-19 pandemic, people have spent much more time at home and wanted to craft personal spaces that add a new meaning to what it’s like to home quarantine. The landscape industry has since seen record growth and expanded its list of offered projects and services. Some of the latest trends include outdoor kitchen areas that feature brick pizza ovens and elaborate fire pits; pools, spas and water features, including koi ponds and other exotic elements. Intricate outdoor lighting has transformed traditionally day areas into nighttime spectaculars. 

Gardens for organic food production and pollinator habitat have also become popular. Environmental elements throughout the landscape, including habitat plantings, rain barrels and nest boxes, are suddenly very popular. My personal home garden produces blueberries, strawberries, figs, sage, oregano, basil, peppers, tomatoes, okra, mint, lavender and lemon grass, and my bird house is occupied by a pair of eastern bluebirds. 

There really is no limit to how creative or sensible you can get with your landscape or outdoor spaces. Just remember to check local ordinances and plan your budgets closely to ensure your assumptions are reasonable and your outcomes add value to your property.  

I hope that you found this information useful and timely. Thank you all for being loyal readers, and I hope that you will take advantage of the great fall weather, have a safe and joyous holiday season and, of course, play lots of golf. 

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