Hot Tips for This Summer

Issue: 

Rising soil temperatures and rapid root loss of bentgrass and Poa annua.

Solution: 

Routinely performing minimally disruptive aeration every three weeks throughout the summer is effective in safeguarding turf health and minimizing root loss during periods of heat stress.  Using small diameter solid tines of 5/16" diameter or less (i.e. needle tines), slicing or water injection create open channels that increase oxygen content in the root zone while also slightly reducing soil temperatures (since dry soils have a lower heating potential than wet soils).

Links: 

Burning The Candle At Both Ends 

Issue: 

The on-going drought will affect golf course roughs and trees both in the short- and long- term.

Solution: 

Water bags should be used to for key trees. Even with all of the first aid efforts, a tree could be die up to five years after a drought. Set sprinklers in key areas.  Keep golf carts on paths or in the fairways to minimize damage.