Slowly but surely, we’re making headway.
I’m sure you’ve all seen some action around the community on the part of the Landscape Committee and may be wondering what is going on. So, let me fill you in.
You may recall that a couple of weeks ago we explained that we had arranged for a visit from a representative from the UGA Extension for Cherokee County to check out some of the issues that we had been having and make suggestions to ameliorate the situation. Well, he came to visit twice and no only did he walk the whole area on his first visit but came back a week later to take numerous soil samples for analyses. We have received those results and are awaiting to hear from him with an interpretation of the data and suggestions of the specific changes to be implemented. That should happen within a week (he’s been on a well deserved vacation).
We will be scheduling the herbicide (weed killer), fungicide and fertilizer application within the next two weeks. The company doing the job has advised that the only precaution is to keep off and keep pets off the lawn surfaces for four hours after application. Discretion being the better part of valor, it won’t hurt to wait a bit longer than the four hours suggested. As soon as we have an exact date, we’ll let you know.
In the meantime, we have increased the rate of irrigation by 25% thereby providing more water to the Bermuda grass and other plantings as well, Even though we have had much welcome rain in the last couple of days (and more is expected over the next week) we were and still are in a drought. It’s amazing how, after an irrigation cycle, a day or so later, the lawns look much “happier”.
Because of the drought, it was also suggested that we increase the length (height) of the grass. And we have implemented that idea. These changes will continue to be in effect until weather conditions improve.
Just to keep us on our toes we encountered a problem with a stuck solenoid valve which created a brief but spectacular leak that forced us to turn off the irrigation system completely for a couple of days. That issue has also been addressed and is resolved. Gratefully, we had rain a couple of times to compensate for turning off the system.
The next phase will be to verify the various irrigation zones, location of the sprinkler heads and the actual scheduled times and how long to run. We’ll get those dates to you the time approaches.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to address them the Board ([email protected]) or to the Landscape Committee. Alternately, drop them off in the suggestion box at the Clubhouse.
For the Landscape Committee,
Len Sanchez