Converting out of play areas to low maintenance care Cancel The title field is required!

1. Brandon Coulter

   

   0 posts
   
   7/7/2011 1:07 AM

   Due to budget cuts in labor this year, we were forced to eliminated 30 acres of rough from our 120 acre rough mowing schedule that does not come into direct play. Most of these areas back up to homeowners properties who are use to manicured turf right up to their yards - this year was a shock to most. I am curious if any of you had any similar issues of eliminating areas of mow due to budget constraints and what you did or plan to do to the areas you eliminated. I may need to convert these areas to an ultra low-maintenance waste area. Would appreciate any ideas, suggestions or experiences you had converting out of play areas into something decent looking without the need to care for it. Meadowgrasses are not an option for us due to fire restrictions.
   
   Appreciate any responses!
   Brandon Coulter
   GCS - Hidden Valley Lake GC
   California

   
   
   
   
2. Chris Cook

   

   0 posts
   
   7/7/2011 8:07 AM

   Brandon, we have over 70 acres of native areas and most of it backs up to homeowner property. We mow along the fence lines with a zero turn mower weekly. Having that 5 foot buffer along the property line seems to keep everyone happy. I rarely have anyone complain about having native areas outside their property.

   
   
   
   
3. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   7/7/2011 1:07 PM

   We have some "native" areas, but they are mostly well maintained Cordgrass, Muhly grass and Fackahatchee beds. They back right up to homeowners property. We have had our share of complaints like; "the grass is blocking my view of the golf course", "rodents hide in them", and my favorite, "it all looks like weeds to me". Although we aren't going to remove it, we do our best to keep it maintained by keeping weeds sprayed or pulled and mulch applied periodically. Sometimes that's all you can do.
   
   Also, here is a recent article of someone going through the same thing you are.
   
   http://www.dnj.com/article/20110606/NEWS01/106060313/Course-changes-rough-residents

   
   
   
   
4. Brandon Coulter

   

   0 posts
   
   7/7/2011 6:07 PM

   Appreciate the responses! The article was a good read Andrew! Word for word what I am dealing with with some homeowners. I would love to go native & leave the grass tall, I agree it enhances the beauty of the course. Unfortunately our city ordinance does not allow tall grass over 3" along homeowners homes during the summer months. Plan B?