It’s freeze-and-thaw season in many parts of the U.S. right now, and that is not something any superintendent is excited about. As we move closer to spring, the days get longer and frozen mornings can turn into relatively mild afternoons. This results in variable temperatures that affect soil stability, turf health and playing conditions.
When the top layer of the profile, including the turf canopy, thaws while the soil underneath remains frozen solid, the surface acts like a rug on a hardwood floor. Foot or vehicle traffic can easily cause the soft surface to slide, shift and ripple over the frozen subsoil. This physically disrupts the surface and may sever roots, which is a problem anywhere on the course but especially on the greens. There can be lasting battle scars from normal play during winter, but the injury sustained during an afternoon thaw cycle, and the time to heal after, can be significantly worse. It does not require abrupt changes in direction, an aggressive gait, or irresponsible behavior of any kind to cause serious accidental damage during these freeze-and-thaw cycles.
The damage can visibly present itself in a number of ways. Depending on the severity, you may be aware immediately and can make surface repairs and monitor accordingly. Other times, the damage goes unseen and waits to present a nasty surprise in spring. The cooler temperatures and decreased photosynthetic activity hide any flaws in the root system until turf resumes growth.
Pressure can be intense from golfers to open the course on uncharacteristically warm winter days. Everyone is eager to get back out there any chance they can get and courses are glad to have the extra revenue. But just a few groups of golfers will take hundreds, if not thousands, of steps on and around the greens during a normal round of 18 holes, and any shifting or sliding of the soft surface may leave lasting irregularities or injured turf. Protecting your putting surfaces on these high-risk days is vital. After all, spring days, sunshine, full tee sheets and high expectations are right around the corner.
West Region Agronomists:
Brian Whitlark, regional director – bwhitlark@usga.org
Ross Niewola, agronomist - rniewola@usga.org