With the colder months mostly behind us, the odds of winter damage occurring on your putting greens continue to dwindle. Ice accumulation should be at a minimum in most locations thanks to recent warmer temperatures, but crown hydration and desiccation are still possible.
Desiccation
To combat desiccation, keep an eye on the higher portions of greens surfaces and the higher elevation greens on your property, particularly those that are sand-based and/or well-drained. As temperatures increase and the turf begins to break dormancy, these areas will have some water requirements. High and southern-facing exposed surfaces may begin to lose significant moisture as the winter winds continue over the next four to six weeks. Consider covering greens (or portions of greens) without snow cover if severe desiccation is possible. The addition of silt fencing around wind-prone, high-topography locations will also prevent the wind from drying out those greens or undulations.
Crown Hydration
Crown hydration is probably the most common (and most unpredictable) type of damage at this time of year, especially on Poa annua. Temperature swings, rainfall, drainage, fertility, and turfgrass biotypes all play a role in the occurrence of damage. Areas with poor drainage seem to be the most affected, along with Poa annua biotypes that are quick to break dormancy. Keep an eye on any areas that are holding water on your greens surfaces, especially old push-up greens without internal drainage and that are predominantly Poa annua. In some instances, sod cutting areas in a few collar locations that are trapping surface water (from years of topdressing build-up) can reduce damage. Then, you can simply replace the sod in the spring.
If you believe you may have winter damage in some areas, bring a plug or two inside and see if they recover in the warmer environment.
Agronomics, Patience, and Communication
Spring is around the corner. There will be warm days here and there. It is inevitable that the calls and texts will come. “When will the course be open?” “When will you mow the greens?” “When will you be rolling the greens?” It is still winter. Tailor your agronomics for a successful golf season, not a few nice days in February and/or early March that may end up being detrimental in the long run.
Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen early in the spring to push growth and break dormancy before you are certain cold weather is in the past. Rely on soil reports to guide your applications for the next six to eight weeks—or however long winter conditions persist in your area.. Let phosphorus, potassium, and your micro-nutrients fuel your turf early in the spring. Nitrogen will be in plentiful supply from Mother Nature as soil temperatures and microbial activity begin to increase.
Stand your ground on solid agronomics and practices. Communicate your course situation effectively and proactively over the next few weeks. Remind golfers that it is soil temperature that drives turfgrass growth, not air temperature. Defend what you are doing with science, not emotion. Most importantly, enjoy your last few weeks of winter!
