Memories of the 2014 Winter Provides Knowledge

After such a rough start to the 2014 golf season due to the ice damage created by Mother Nature's harsh winter hand, we have taken that knowledge gained to try an prevent such damage in the future.  While there was no magic bullets created or sure fire agronomic techniques developed with so many weather variables; there was some solid information gained that we have implemented prior to the past two winters.

Multiple heavy sand topdressings as we begin to close greens for the season

Topdressing will provide protection to the crown of the plant to help fight against the issues that the cold weather can create such as crown hydration, wind desiccation, and ice damage.  I wish I could say it prevents these issues but that just isn't the case.

One of the most valuable things learned from the experience two winters ago was to shorten the window of time the fine turfgrass is under ice.  With our fine turf having a high population of Poa that time window is somewhere in the 30-60 days (highly variable) that the fine turf can withstand ice encasement.  While the turfgrass plants are not actively growing, they are still living plants that need gas exchange.  Ice encasement doesn't allow the gas to escape thus causing a sufficating affect.

Snow and ice removal with the warmer temperatures to eliminate the ice formed prior to the new year

With the warmer temperatures projected to last thru Saturday (and ahead of another winter storm), we were able to put ourselves in the best position possible to eliminate the ice and ultimately shorten that time window.

Success or failure will be unknown for the time being with the Spring giving us the verdict but we have done the right things based on the knowledge gained from the wrath of previous winters.

The hope and effort is all about the golf course and providing a great start to the 2016 golf season and the beautiful vistas that the course provides.  Happy Year!