The offseason provides an opportune time to complete projects that are highly disruptive to play. Outside of the normal offseason projects like tree maintenance and installing drainage, addressing issues like “washboarding” may be on the priority list. Washboarding is a wavy pattern in the turf that can impact course appearance and playability – especially if a golfer’s ball finds its way into one of the low points of a ripple.
This issue tends to be more pronounced on slopes in the rough and in areas where mowing is performed in the same direction repeatedly. Mower operating speed and higher organic matter levels can also play a role in the development of washboarding. Mowing units tend to bounce more at higher speeds and once they start bouncing it can create a repeating pattern of highs and lows in the turf. Softer conditions created by higher organic matter levels also increase the likelihood of undulations developing.
Planning to reduce the operating speed of rough mowers and changing mowing directions are the simplest adjustments to make for next season. However, both could impact operational efficiency and changing the mowing direction may not be an option in some areas due to the size of the rough mowers and the golf course design.
Performing cultural management practices like core aeration and vertical mowing can help reduce washboarding. Using a targeted approach where the issue is most severe can help make the best use of your time. You may have to perform these practices multiple times to achieve the end goal. It can also be advantageous to roll or use another method to further smooth the treated areas when there is adequate moisture in the rootzone, but slope severity can limit which practices can be performed where. Provided the weather cooperates, late winter or early spring are opportune times to take more-aggressive steps to reduce washboarding.
In severe situations or if immediate results are required, resodding is the best option but it comes with a higher cost. The offseason can be a suitable time to resod high-profile areas if the weather cooperates. If this strategy is chosen, it is important to have a plan in place to reduce the risk of future washboarding.
Washboarding can also occur on fairways and tees, where it typically results from mowing in a half-and-half pattern repeatedly. Reversing the pattern and mowing side to side every week or two can help reduce the issue. Washboarding could also be a sign that organic matter levels are elevated and adjustments to the cultural management program are needed. For more information on how to troubleshoot washboarding and other issues, reach out to your regional USGA agronomist.
Central Region Agronomists:
Zach Nicoludis, regional director – znicoludis@usga.org
Tom Gould, agronomist – tgould@usga.org