Turf Talk
By: Geoff Sheffield, Golf Course Superintendent
Invasive plant management at Highland Pacific Golf is an ongoing annual process. We have several species that we are aggressively trying to keep in check for the esthetic value and health of our course.
- The Scotch Broom is in flower now. This is the best time to try to stop it from growing as all of its energy is in flowering.
- Himalayan black berry grows all over the pond edges, rock outcropping and gravel road areas. This plant can take over a complete area very fast, as in the pictures of Highland #4 tee, Highland #5 split rail fence along the pond.
It makes for a good area for the wild life to hide and nest, so we need to choose where to remove it from. Our decision on whether to keep the black berry is based on whether it affects play and if it adds to the aesthetic value of the property.
- Spurge Laurel ( Daphne laureola) is on the Canadian Poisonous Plants Information system. This plant is growing in the out of play areas and requires special techniques to remove or to stop growing which usually requires chemicals.
- Poison-hemlock is one of the largest threats to the natural ecosystems in Saanich. The district asks all private landowners to do their best at removing as much as possible. This plant is on the pond edge at Highland #4 near the Purple martin boxes.
Earlier this year we purchased a mulcher attachment for our mini excavator to help combat these plants. I was able to get out last week and start on Highland #3 going forward, these pictures show before and after. We are doing our best to get out to the Pacific side next week.
This should help you find those errant balls and help us with the invasive plant management control.
Please contact me with any questions at geoff@highlandpacificgolf.com.
