Winterkill can be a significant issue for golf courses in the Southeast, particularly after a winter like this one, which has seen sudden temperature swings, extended cold periods and/or prolonged ice and snow cover. As spring approaches, early evaluation of turfgrass conditions is critical. Identifying damage quickly allows superintendents to act decisively and minimize disruption to playability and overall course presentation. Early inspections should focus on:
- Low-lying areas where water and ice tend to accumulate
- Exposed or windy sites that are prone to desiccation
- Shaded areas that experience prolonged ice cover
- Locations with cold-sensitive turf varieties, particularly older bermudagrass cultivars
Now that ice and snow have melted and warmer temperatures are returning, conducting a thorough visual inspection should be a priority. Look for discoloration – e.g., brown, gray or straw-colored turf – thinning stands, bare areas or places where greenup is delayed compared to surrounding turf. These are common indicators of winter injury.
If there are areas where turf damage is uncertain, perform a simple plug test. Remove small plugs from affected areas, ensuring the crown and rootzone are included. Place the plugs indoors in a warm, well-lit environment, water lightly and monitor for 7-10 days. New growth indicates the turf is alive, while no growth suggests winterkill.
If damage is confirmed, assess the scope and prioritize repairs. Map affected areas and estimate the percentage of turf loss. If budget, time and/or sod availability are an issue, greens, collars and high-traffic areas should be at the top of the list for repairs. Match recovery efforts to the severity of the injury. If the damage is mild, increase fertility to encourage recovery and be patient for warmer weather. Areas with moderate damage will benefit from aeration and topdressing along with supplemental fertility, but they may not need regrassing if golfers can be patient with the healing process. In cases where damage is widespread or severe, sodding or sprigging may be the only option for recovery.
Monitoring and limiting cart and equipment traffic should be part of the recovery plan for any damaged area to prevent further stress on weakened turf. Clear communication with golfers is equally important. Explain the extent of the damage, outline the recovery plan and provide realistic timelines. Transparency reinforces confidence and sets appropriate expectations. Remind everyone that in many parts of the Southeast, consistently good recovery weather for warm-season grasses doesn’t arrive for a couple of months.
While winterkill cannot always be prevented, improving drainage, using protective covers during extreme cold, selecting cold-tolerant turf varieties, and closely monitoring weather patterns can help reduce future risk. As we start to warm up from a tough winter, early assessment and prompt action remain the keys to addressing any turf loss and minimizing the impact of winter injury on the spring playing season.
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Jordan Booth, Ph.D., senior director, USGA Course Consulting Service – jbooth@usga.org
Chris Hartwiger, director, Agronomy – chartwiger@usga.org
Chris Neff, agronomist – cneff@usga.org
Mitch Leininger, agronomist - mleininger@usga.org