The winter of 2013-2014 will go down in the history books as one of the worst winters in southeast Michigan. The record snow fall, extended periods of ice cover, and bitter cold temperatures took their toll on golf courses in the area. Unprecedented winter injury has been documented throughout the area.
Poa annua, the predominate grass species on putting surfaces, is not a very winter hardy grass. This lack of cold hardiness makes it extremely susceptible to winter damage.
Since most of the snow and ice has finally melted, I have been able to get a good look at the greens. As expected after a winter like we have experienced, I'm seeing some winter injury on greens. Most of the injury is tan in color and in random patterns. Mother Nature seems to have done a good job identifying the weaker Poa annua plants on our property. Until temperatures moderate and the plants break dormancy, I will not know how much or the full extent of the damage.
Greens #5, #10 and #17 are displaying significant injury in spots. As air and soil temperatures warm, I will have a better assessment of the injury and what steps we will take in the recovery process.
Over the next week, I will be covering the areas of concern with covers. The covers are specially designed for turfgrass and vented to allow air, water and sunlight penetration. The covers will help warm and moderate soil temperatures. As the soil temperatures warm, we will be able to better assess how the turf is doing.
Although the calendar says it is April 3, the plants are lagging about two weeks behind schedule. That trend looks to continue as several meteorologists are predicting below average temperatures for April. I have opted to cover the injured areas to help mitigate a cooler spring and to help speed up the recovery process.
Poa annua, the predominate grass species on putting surfaces, is not a very winter hardy grass. This lack of cold hardiness makes it extremely susceptible to winter damage.
Since most of the snow and ice has finally melted, I have been able to get a good look at the greens. As expected after a winter like we have experienced, I'm seeing some winter injury on greens. Most of the injury is tan in color and in random patterns. Mother Nature seems to have done a good job identifying the weaker Poa annua plants on our property. Until temperatures moderate and the plants break dormancy, I will not know how much or the full extent of the damage.
Greens #5, #10 and #17 are displaying significant injury in spots. As air and soil temperatures warm, I will have a better assessment of the injury and what steps we will take in the recovery process.
Over the next week, I will be covering the areas of concern with covers. The covers are specially designed for turfgrass and vented to allow air, water and sunlight penetration. The covers will help warm and moderate soil temperatures. As the soil temperatures warm, we will be able to better assess how the turf is doing.
Although the calendar says it is April 3, the plants are lagging about two weeks behind schedule. That trend looks to continue as several meteorologists are predicting below average temperatures for April. I have opted to cover the injured areas to help mitigate a cooler spring and to help speed up the recovery process.