Irrigation project update

Two weeks ago we started the second half of holes #6 and 7 with the irrigation addition.  We used the same process by rolling up sod, trenching 24" deep, and installing the pipe and wires.

Sod rolled up, trenching lines

This section had very few rocks so it made it a lot easier to work in.

This section had approximately 8,000 ft of pipe and trench, 12,000 ft of wire, and 50 heads of varying sizes being added.

Laying out pipe for installation

Running wires

Lots of wires to keep track of

After everything was installed, back filling and sodding was going to be a huge process.  We were very fortunate to have many members come out on varying days and volunteer their time to help us with the labor intensive process.

Back filling, with many volunteers helping

Compacting the soil is something that is is very important.  My philosophy is, all the dirt that comes out of the trench or hole should go back in.  We have many sunken irrigation trenches on the golf course from the original installation, so we were sure to have proper compaction of our trenches.

Step 1 was to back fill 75% and then wheel pack it with the tractor.

75% of soil back filled

The first 75% is then wheel packed with tractor tires

Remaining 25% is back filled

And then compacted with a jumping jack

Lots of hands on shoveling for final clean-up and prepping for sod

The soil is left 3" high in a mound and the sod is laid on top

 Followed by an asphalt roller for the final compaction and it lays the sod and soil down flat to match the surroundings.

Here is sod that was laid from phase 1 two weeks ago.

With backfilling and sodding down to a final punch list.  It is time to start pulling wires to all the heads that will be staying in the ground.

Vibratory plow

Pulling wires

The small trench made by wire puller is then wheel packed and disappears.

All the irrigation lines have now been filled with water and everything is working electrically with the satellite.

Timing was very important on this project and we were under the gun, as we were getting pushed by mother nature with spring winds and sunny days in the 60's, made for a need to irrigate the greens on these two holes, water the sod, and soon run irrigation on the rest of the turf on these two holes.  Everything turned out good and this week we should have the final clean-up and small punch list items done.