UPI Field Maintenance Updates

UPI Monthly Maintenance Updates (2020)

October, 2020

To think that this is the final report of 2020 is astounding!

On October 6 the team from Mountainview headed to the fields to do the final application of fertilizer. A fall formula was used (4-14-27) in order to strengthen the roots in ensure plant health through the cold months ahead. The fertilizer also had low nitrogen which discourages shoot growth that can damage the turf going into winter.

As the days and nights continued to cool, the mowers went over all the fields for a final time on October 8.  The colder temperatures make for a slower growing plant. Cutting off shoot growth in older months would actually encourage growth and instead we would like to see it conserve energy at this time.

Finally, on October 14, the irrigation was winterized and closed for the season.

We know that this was not the season that any of us imagined. However, at Mountainview we are thankful to you for trusting in us for your turf needs yet again and for a wonderful 2020 season despite the circumstances. We look forward to the continued relationship in 2021.

September, 2020 

The heat of summer is over, but September blessed us with great growing conditions.

On September 8, a full walk through of the fields was done by a Mountainview Turf expert. Once the heat of the summer is over, we wanted to assess the fields and see how it faired out. We noticed some area’s that were affected by the drought that will be addressed next Spring. However, the compaction was noticeable manageable this year as there were no large tournaments.

With the cooler evenings, on September 16 the irrigation was powered off. The lines are still available for water if need be but the weather has been favorable and looks continue in the same fashion throughout the rest of the month.

As mentioned above, September is typically one of the best growing months of the summer. That is why the mowing continued 2-3 times a week to keep up the growing speed of the turf. As the colder weather begins, the growth will slow down and the plant reserves it energy for dormancy for winter.

August, 2020

While the heat of summer continued into August, the cooler air in the evenings gives us realization that Fall is just around the corner.

The summer application of Fertilizer was completed on July 31^st. The nutrients from this application will feed the plant slowly for the remainder of the summer until the last application this Fall.

On August 11, an inspection of the fields took place to assess any damage from the drought period. The irrigation was also inspected, and water application rates changed to reflect what is needed. As the weather continues to change, so does the irrigation needs. It is beneficial for both plant and environment to just give it the water that is needed.

On August 24, a crew removed large limbs from a tree that had been damaged in a storm. The area was cleaned up and any danger from potential limbs falling was assessed and remedied.

The fields in August were mowed 2-3 times a week depending on weather. It is ideal growing conditions towards the end of the month for turf growth. Therefore, the mowing had to be monitored to ensure no over growth.

July, 2020

It has been a busy month at the Ultimate fields in Manotick Station as the irrigation repairs continued. It was multiple days every week of July in order to install the new pump, configure the system and figure out the electrical! It was then discovered on July 30 that there was a deep well leak that was undetected as the irrigation system had been down. In order for the irrigation system to function properly, the deep well will be repaired. Thankfully, the system is up and running now and prepared to enhance the turf health for the remainder of the season.

On July 29 the summer application of fertilizer was applied. This is later than normal as it is the sole application this summer and fertilizer should never be applied at 30 degree (+) weather. An application made during that kind of heat can stress the plant and burn the leaf.

We are did cut back the mowing to 1 time per week to try and aide in the dryness. Now with the irrigation system running and the new nutrients from the most recent fertilizer application, the fields are being mowed twice a week.

June, 2020

Besides it being an interesting year facing everyone with Covid-19, the lack of rain water has also made things difficult and conditions dry at the fields in Manotick Station.

The focus of this month was the irrigation pump. It was discovered that a new pump was needed after the current 15 year old one was beyond repair. This required digging up a portion of the pipe underground to replace the “Z” pipe and waiting for the new pump and specially manufactured seal.

From June 19 to June 26, multiple people and crews from Mountainview worked on this project in order to get the system up and running again. This included a license electrician to re-wire some older wires, excavator, pump building and system priming.

The fields are currently being mowed only once a week and as needed. With these dry conditions and the lack of irrigation, the turf is not growing as quickly as normal as it conserves its energy to be able to survive.

We have instructed our on the road turf specialist Todd Russell to do weekly visits to measure moisture levels and turf temperatures to ensure that the grass stays safe during these warm times without irrigation to help.

May, 2020

From our family to yours, we at Mountainview would hope that you are staying safe and healthy in all that is happening to the world. To say that 2020 is an unusual year, would be an understatement. However, our commitment to OCUA and ensuring a safe and healthy playing surface remains a priority for us. We look forward to working on the fields so that when you are able to play, they will be ready!

On May 21, the fields were walking and irrigation was inspected. There were issues with the water pump and the repairs are still on going.                                                                               

On May 22, the tractor and mowers were delivered to the fields.

Between a cold front and a heat wave, the fields have seen all sorts of conditions this May! Despite all of these, the grass is growing and the first mowing took place on May 27.

There was a large branch that had fallen onto field number 14. It was removed before it could cause any damage to the grass on May 27.

On May 28^th a spring fertilizer was applied. This formula of 22-4-8 will help the grass growth after the long winter months.

The fields overall are looking very good and are currently being mowed 2-3 times a week.