By Bob Vavrek, Senior Agronomist
October 19, 2004
In the upper Midwest, mid-October is a time to plan the end of season maintenance operations. Blowing out the irrigation lines and applying snow mold fungicides are standard operating procedures before winter. These are simple decisions, others, such as whether or not to cover greens, are more difficult.
The decision not to use covers is always second guessed when significant winterkill occurs. However, the performance of commonly used cover materials continues to be inconsistent from season to season. It remains to be seen whether or not new systems that utilize thin waterproof fabrics, insulating covers, or breathable/waterproof Gore-Tex type materials have the ability to protect turf over the wide ranges of conditions that cause winter injury.
On the other end of the spectrum, many superintendents simplify instead of complicate winter protection. Moderately heavy sand topdressing applied to greens following snow mold treatments will provide a fairly consistent level of protection from wind desiccation. Late fall sand topdressing has withstood the test of time and requires little additional labor when only skeleton crews can be found on many courses.
Make an extra effort to apply a uniform layer of sand and avoid aggressive brushing or matting operations across the green to minimize damage to semi-dormant turf. Ripples of excessive sand applications can impede the movement of water off greens during a thaw and increase the potential for crown hydration. Burying the green in sand can smother the turf. Modern topdressing equipment, however, is capable of applying a uniform application of sand when used properly.
An often overlooked benefit of late fall topdressing is the ability of the sand to dilute organic matter that is recycled into the upper soil profile when the turf begins to grow during early spring. Greens coming out of the winter are often too soft to accommodate topdressing equipment without rutting the turf. Consequently, late fall topdressing can be an important component of a sound organic matter management program for greens, especially relatively new sand based putting surfaces.
Learn more about topdressing, aeration, and managing excessive organic matter in the upper root zone of greens at the 2004 Wisconsin Turf Symposium held at the American Club in Kohler, WI on November 16th and 17th. Well known speakers, such as Dr. Bob Carrow, from the University of Georgia, Dr. Jim Murphy, from Rutgers University, Dr. Wayne Kussow, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Jim Moore from the USGA Green Section will be sharing their expertise regarding these topics. For more information contact Shelley Biro at sbiro@milorganite.org or 800-287-9645.
Source: Bob Vavrek, rvavrek@usga.org or 262-797-8743
