Once again, I would like to bring attention to winter damage concerns for golf courses, as the extreme March freeze this week could certainly have caused problems. The cold and wind are major combining factors for low temperature kill and winter desiccation.
The USGA Green Section has scheduled a winter weather webcast for Friday, March 14 at 12:00 PM Central Daylight Time. During the webcast, USGA agronomists will highlight issues concerning winter damage on both warm and cool season grasses and offer tips to quantifying damage and recovery methods. The webcast will provide an excellent opportunity to educate your course officials. To register for this webcast please click here.
Now is the time to schedule early spring disease and weed control applications. Fairy ring control applications should be made when soil temperatures consistently reach 50°F to 55°F. Additionally, tracking GDD (growing degree days) for Poa annua seedhead suppression normally begins at the end of February in more moderate winters. Historically, warm up begins quickly after a late spring freeze.
Invoicing for USGA’s Course Consulting Service (CCS), formerly Turf Advisory Service (TAS), was sent out via email in the Mid-Continent Region. Please advise Karen at kwhite@usga.org or me if you did not receive this information.
If you would like more information regarding a visit from the USGA’s Course Consulting Service and how we can help your facility with drought, water quality or other management issues, please contact us at (972) 899-2462 or (budwhite@usga.org). Early payment (before May 15) to the USGA can save you $500.
I look forward to being of service to you and your course.
Source: Bud White (budwhite@usga.org)
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service
Contact the Green Section Staff