Monday work--Lots o Mulch

To continue the rundown of Monday's busy schedule, this installment is all about turf reduction.  There are many out-of-play locations at Bernardo Heights CC that have always been turf.  Since turf is expensive to maintain and irrigate, we are trying to reduce some turf that is not necessary.

Mulch is extremely easy to come by as tree companies want to avoid costly disposal expenses.  We have a deal with a local outfit and receive frequent deliveries of chipping debris.  The material is a mix of leaves, pine needles, and wood chips and is naturally dark brown.  We broadcast the mulch at a depth of 6 inches which performs excellent to keep out weeds and grasses.

Our recent efforts include a wooded area between the first tee and the driving range and two large perimeter areas next to the 6th and 7th tees (pictured left and below).  So far, we've only chosen areas that are well off the beaten path.  If your ball happens to enter the mulch, take your medicine and play it as it lies.  That is your penalty for a very poor shot.

We will continue to identify other areas that do not require turf and may look better with some mulch, pine straw, ground cover, decomposed granite, or native grasses.  There are many more choices than 2 inch grass and multiple textures and colors will add to the beauty of the golf course.