Don't Be Lulled Into a False Sense of Security

By Jim Baird, Agronomist
July 3, 2007

The Fourth of July usually marks the beginning of stressful summer weather and turf challenges in the Northeast. However, this year our region can count on a late arrival of that scenario or, at best, a continuation of the current pattern of brief periods of warm weather with alternating cold fronts. We could use one of those summers, especially after the last two.

Many golf courses have been on the dry side, which is far better than being too wet. Dry and firm conditions are good for the turf and for the game, so worry not about a brown area here or there during prolonged periods of dry weather. On the other hand, a greater frequency and size of brown areas may be an indication that it’s time to upgrade or perhaps replace the existing irrigation system. Overall, it is important to remember that the turfgrass plant loses more water during cool, sunny, breezy days with low humidity than during hot, humid days that are uncomfortable to golfers. Thus, syringing turf during the day will likely be necessary.

Over the past winter, it seemed as though more trees were removed from golf courses in our region than ever before. Playing surfaces receiving more sunlight and air movement are performing better than ever. On one hand, let this be a guiding example for the additional removal of unwanted or unneeded trees on your golf course. On the other hand, be careful not to subject areas that before were shaded or now have been recently infested with weaker, annual types of Poa annua to more than they can handle.

Minor anthracnose disease activity has been observed on annual bluegrass putting green turf on several golf courses. Areas receiving high traffic or re-infested with annual bluegrass following recent turf loss are common starting points for the disease. Now is not the time to allow the cool weather to cloud your judgment regarding green speed. While it may be possible to sneak in a light grooming, rolling, or topdressing event when temperatures subside, now is not the time to attempt significant gains in ball roll at the expense of both the shoot and root systems. In the unfortunate event of heavy rainfall followed by high temperatures, it is best to refrain from doing much else other than cleaning up the turf care facility.

We look forward to seeing you at the Rutgers and URI Field Days on July 31 and August 22, respectively.