Late summer into early fall is the best time to establish turf from seed in the Northeast. Whether you are repairing damage or planning a renovation, be sure to select a modern turf variety that is appropriate for your site, even if the seed costs a little more.
Is anthracnose your friend or your foe? It all depends on the turfgrass species that you are trying to promote on your putting greens.
As important as tees are, sometimes they can be a maintenance afterthought because so much focus is on fairways and greens.
This summer has been very similar to last summer, with hot and wet conditions causing a host of problems. These tips can help you manage common issues, but facilities should also plan for improvements that will help prevent these problems in the future.
The dog days of summer have arrived. For the next six to eight weeks, golf course superintendents in the Northeast have to be prepared to play defense when harsh summer weather makes it necessary. Check out a few tips on how to get your turf to the finish line.
Removing a ball from the cup with the flagstick in should not cause damage to the edges of the hole. Help golfers refine their technique on the practice green by using full-size flagsticks.
Golf courses recovering from winter injury are beginning to see a speck of light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. However, the road to recovery is not over yet for many.
Labor continues to be one of the biggest challenges in the golf course maintenance industry. Consider these options to help manage through the challenges.
Golfers and superintendents are always excited for spring to arrive, but patience is needed in several key areas to ensure the best possible golf season ahead.
Poa annua seedhead production on golf courses varies from year to year, and this spring seems to be particularly bad for seedhead emergence.
Spring weather brings relief and despair to golf courses as some see little or no winter injury while others must recover from extensive damage.
Hiring and retaining staff is one of the biggest challenges facing the golf industry. Let's look at some key data to see where golf ranks among other industries competing for the same workers.
Golf facilities are using various techniques to increase golfer enjoyment. USGA agronomists recently discussed some of the most popular ideas they have encountered during their travels.
Saturated conditions and partially thawed soils are making it challenging to complete projects and manage winter play. Patience is needed to avoid turf damage under these conditions.
As winter slowly gives way to spring, it is time to evaluate turf conditions and review management strategies.
Several changes were made to the Rules of Golf in 2019. Here are a few that are likely to impact most golf rounds and course maintenance.
Golf course superintendents often are asked what they do during winter. For some courses, what they don’t do could be even more important.
Use these tools to evaluate shade issues now. It might be too late by the time trees are full of leaves, especially if your course is prone to winter injury.
In the Northeast Region, turf covers can be invaluable tools for some golf courses and unnecessary for others. This update should help clear up any confusion.
Winter is on the way, so now is the time to work toward reducing the risk of winter injury on cool-season putting greens by implementing these practices.
Intermediate rough took it on the chin this year. While seed or sod can be used for recovery, now is a good time to consider if your golf course really needs this feature.
Short days, fall foliage and playoff baseball reminds us it is time to shift maintenance priorities and begin to prepare playing surfaces for the winter ahead.
Summer weather extremes disrupted golf calendars, caused numerous turf issues and resulted in maintenance budgets being exceeded. But could it have been worse?
Excessive rain and hot conditions have been costly for facilities throughout the Northeast. The costs of a wet summer don’t stop with closures and cart restrictions.
Heavy rain is neither fun for golfers or easy on maintenance staffs. Prevent future issues by addressing problem areas now.
A tired staff and tired grass are normal during the dog days of summer. Fortunately, there are some pretty simple ways to beat back the midsummer doldrums until short days and cool temperatures return.
Turf stress has quickly escalated and courses in the Northeast are feeling the effects. Learn how to avoid making mistakes that are magnified by stressful weather.
Summer has arrived! The quick transition from a wet and cool spring to hot summer conditions presents several challenges.
Unusual weather continues to be a main headline in the Northeast. The effects of a cool, wet and cloudy spring are manifest in unusual diseases and other plant health issues.
Agricultural spraying technology provides a practical solution for difficult-to-spray areas such as bunker banks and green surrounds.
Cool, wet weather has been frustrating for golfers, superintendents and allergy sufferers alike. While medication may provide relief from allergy symptoms, medicating turf with fertilizer will not improve conditions. These strategies are more productive.
Unseasonably cool temperatures and a lack of turf growth have prompted uncertainty about how turf will respond to the fast-approaching summer and warmer weather. These management considerations are particularly important.
Spring cultivation is an important part of preparing playing surfaces for the upcoming season. However, if the weather is not conducive and turf is not actively growing, some adjustments might be necessary.
The patterns of damage left behind by winter may not be familiar but make no mistake, cold temperature injury has once again impacted golf courses in the Northeast. Although there are many unknowns still, these observations seem to indicate that it could have been worse.
Playing conditions look good on your television, but it will be a while before they arrive at golf courses in the Northeast. Dormant turf and uneven growth are the norm this year, and a barrage of late-winter storms littered debris across most golf courses.
Abnormally warm temperatures across the Northeast remind us that spring is near. If conditions allow, now is a great time to consider performing these tasks to get a head start and set the stage for a great season.
Winter golf really helps build excitement for the upcoming season; but beware, it could cause long-lasting turf damage during certain conditions. Prevent damage to playing surfaces by considering these factors before allowing late-winter play.
Some superintendents are rightly concerned about turf conditions and it’s only the midpoint of the winter season. Here’s an up-to-date recap of this winter’s erratic weather pattern and its possible implications on turf conditions.
Some like to make New Year's resolutions, some don't. Jimmy Buffet resolved never to make another one, but here are a few ideas to get you going just in case.
With improved cold tolerance, some new varieties of bermudagrass are being used farther north than ever before. But the lack of winter color can be objectionable to some. Fortunately, turf colorants present an affordable alternative to overseeding.
The importance of continuing education cannot be overstated. Learning new techniques and staying abreast with the latest in technological advances will help everyone more effectively perform their job.
Winter is fast approaching and keeping putting greens free of standing water will help turf survive harsh winter weather. Consider these popular strategies to improve your odds experiencing an injury-free winter.
A golf course superintendent’s checklist of things to do never ends. As the days get shorter now is the time to make sure putting green turf is ready for winter. Here is a checklist of items to consider before snow begins to fall.
Modifying soil-based putting greens can provide significant, long-lasting benefits. Make sure to consider these deep root zone-modification options when deciding which is best for your particular needs.
Preparing for winter is critical to reduce the risk of winter injury. In spite of recent warm weather and excellent playing conditions, consider implementing these practices now to prepare warm-season grasses for winter.
As we race toward fall, the cool nighttime temperatures and warm, sunny days are creating ideal growing conditions for cool-season turfgrass. Are you taking full advantage of the optimal weather conditions?
Budget submissions are right around the corner for many golf facilities. As superintendents and decision-makers work through this process, reflecting on these three considerations may benefit next season.
With one month of summer left, many courses are preparing for aeration. Remember, while August aeration provides many benefits, it also carries some risks. Here are a few tips to help summer aeration go smoothly.
After last year's major drought in the Northeast Region, you might expect this year’s plentiful rain to be welcomed by all. However, frequent rain provides its own set of challenges.
Managing naturalized roughs can be difficult. If managing weeds in naturalized roughs is becoming too costly, it may be time to consider trying one of these mechanical methods to meet your goals.
Dark, stormy weather can make for a wet, soggy golf course and the dangerous risk of lightning. Debunking some of these common lightning fallacies will help keep you safe on the golf course this summer.
Good playing conditions throughout the Northeast are leading to increased rounds and happy golfers. Just be sure to keep an eye out for pest damage, after this week's warm temperatures it may become more evident.
April showers have become May showers and cool-season roughs are growing like weeds. But the cool weather is just the calm before the storm. Be prepared, the next wave of summer challenges is just around the corner.
Promoting plant health in spring makes summer stress more manageable. Managing annual bluegrass weevil populations and limiting wear on creeping bentgrass during cool temperatures will help keep turf healthy leading into summer.
Spring dead spot outbreaks are becoming more severe and widespread in the Northeast Region. A combination of cultural and chemical controls is necessary to reduce infection and turf damage.
Even though most golf facilities in the Northeast Region are enjoying a good spring, some are beginning to see unusual damage patterns resulting from a unique winter.
The 2016 season was difficult for golf courses in the Northeast, but these five successful and affordable strategies were the common denominators among facilities that maintained healthy turfgrass last summer.
Cold weather has temporarily put spring on hold, so turf growth and the development of pests will be difficult to predict. What does all this mean for golf courses throughout the Northeast Region?
Warm weather is good for golf, but late-winter warm spells can also cause management issues. Making these management decisions now can affect playing conditions for months to come.
Applying a nonselective herbicide to dormant bermudagrass is an effective weed-management strategy. Making preemergence herbicide applications will offer another layer of security.
Meek and mild January temperatures provided a winter reset for many in the Northeast, but here’s why experienced turf managers know to keep their guard up in the weeks ahead.
Labor shortages and budget constraints force superintendents to do more with less; so here’s a creative way to improve efficiency and ensure important agronomic tasks can be performed.
Are you looking for information on all topics Course Care? The information is at your fingertips; all you need to do is click, read and share. Check out these valuable USGA resources.
While prolonged hot temperatures stressed cool-season turf this summer, cold-tolerant bermudagrass playing surfaces offered these benefits.
Recent work at the Prairie Turfgrass Research Centre at Olds College offers insight into the impacts of fall fertility on annual bluegrass winter hardiness.
Late-season warming trends have been a real treat for golfers. However, balancing fall projects with leaf cleanup, frost delays and reduced staffing can be quite tricky for golf course superintendents.
Fall has finally arrived in the Northeast. Take some time to catch your breath but don't lose sight of the quickly approaching winter; preparing now can reduce the threat of winter injury.
From severe weed infestation to tree damage, consider the long-term effects that this year’s drought will have on golf courses throughout the Northeast Region.
A change in the weather is desperately needed to help golf facilities recover from a difficult season. The bright side of a bad year is the opportunity to evaluate your facility and make necessary improvements that will reduce the likelihood of similar issues in the future.
Drought, heat and humidity continue to take their toll on Northeast golf courses.
Hot summer conditions prompted maintenance adjustments at many facilities. Taking the time to evaluate how effective these changes were can be useful for next season.
Hot weather has many golf courses playing defense by implementing maintenance practices that favor turf health over playing conditions.
The Fourth of July often signals the onslaught of serious heat. Here are several things to think about as the stress of summer arrives.
Dry conditions in the north and frequent thunderstorms in the south are creating very different challenges for superintendents in the Northeast Region as summer hits high gear.
The magic of Oakmont's green comes from the grasses, which are shining for the 2016 U.S. Open Championship
Golf conditions have been good at most courses in the Northeast Region, but a lack of rain and the mysterious absence of annual bluegrass weevils have superintendents wondering what is to come this summer.
Flying insects are a nuisance during rounds of golf and outside dining, so many golf courses are searching for environmentally and economically sustainable solutions for controlling these nuisance pests. Bats may be the answer.
Struggling with Poa annua seedheads and worried about annual bluegrass weevils? Read this Regional Update to learn more about strategies for dealing with these perplexing problems.
While the wacky spring weather may be problematic to some, it has given both golfers and golf course superintendents some valuable time alone on the golf course.
Pesticides remain an important tool for maintaining golf courses. Using the Environmental Impact Quotient helps managers calculate and compare the environmental impacts of the products they use to maintain golf courses.
Does the early spring weather have you eager to dust off your golf clubs? While the recent warm weather is great for an early season round of golf, it also can be burdensome for the superintendent at your course.
Spring is on the way, but so are snow mold and Poa annua. What should you do if these problems develop at your course? The Northeast Region agronomists have some insights as winter yields to spring.
Shade can affect turfgrass health your round and has the potential to greatly reduce the playing quality of any turf surface. Fortunately, evaluating turf root systems is a great way to quantify the severe impacts of shade.
The growing season will be upon us before we know it. Before your work load gets too heavy, consider creating low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plantings to further improve your local environment.
Temperature fluctuations and open conditions are making for a white-knuckle ride this winter.
Identifying the factors that impact course conditions through a performance review will help identify where improvements are needed to meet playability targets.
While the unusually warm weather has been great for golf, it could be complicating winter preparations—especially where warm-season grasses are being grown adjacent to cool-season playing surfaces.
With cool air and shorter days it is evident that fall has arrived. While the brilliant fall foliage is aesthetically pleasing, it also should serve as a reminder to begin implementing some of these practices to prepare for winter.
Courses throughout the region are preparing for winter. Whether you are looking to avoid winter injury or trying to deter hungry mammalian pests searching for grubs, this week's Regional Update provides simple solutions to common problems as winter approaches.
Plant leave are the original solar panels with the amazing ability to absorb the sun's energy which is then used for growth and other functions. Like the solar panels we use to produce electricity, plant leaves require maximum light absorption for optimal photosynthesis.
Whether you are dealing with drought-stressed turf, struggling with weeds in your rough, or preparing bermudagrass for winter, this week’s regional update will provide you with helpful tips for a successful fall, winter and future golf season.
While weather extremes can make maintaining healthy turf challenging, they also can serve as valuable diagnostic tools. Taking advantage of weather extremes can help identify infrastructure weaknesses and areas for future improvement.
Recently, the amount of organic matter in putting greens has been causing concern at some golf courses. Surprisingly, the problem is not what you would probably expect and may be related to this year’s unusual weather.
As the dog days of summer come to an end, remember to consider the stresses that have affected turf root systems at your course. Reduced root depth and density can necessitate a change in water management and cultural programs like aeration.
Summer has arrived and the warm, wet weather is posing challenges for turf managers in the Northeast Region. Whether you are struggling with disease pressure or managing recently established turf in areas recovering from winter injury, this week’s update offers helpful tips for success this summer.
From wet weather to contaminated fungicide recalls, superintendents throughout the region have been facing a variety of challenges that are out of their control. Be patient as maintenance staffs work diligently to improve conditions.
Does recent winter injury have you questioning whether transitioning to bermudagrass was the right decision for your course? This week’s regional update offers a few things to consider before transitioning back to cool-season turf.
Spring has sprung and whether you are struggling to keep up with rapidly growing rough, adjusting to the drier-than-normal conditions in the northern portion of the region, or starting to experience annual bluegrass weevil damage, this week’s regional update offers helpful advice.
As cold-tolerant cultivars of bermudagrass increase in popularity throughout the region, resist the urge to treat bermudagrass like bentgrass. Aggressive, new management practices can help bermudagrass recover as spring temperatures increase.
The true severity of last winter is being realized throughout the region, and golf courses with winter injury are not alone. This week’s regional update provides answers to some FAQs about winter injury and may help you prevent future winter injury.
Whether your course is recovering from winter damage, applying preemergence herbicides or preparing for annual bluegrass weevils, this week’s regional update will help you prepare for another successful golf season.
Spring has officially arrived in the Northeast Region, and golf course superintendents are working hard to get their courses ready for the season. Learn more about superintendent’s concerns and what’s happening at golf courses near you by watching the videos in this week’s regional update.
Snow and ice finally is receding from courses throughout the region. While some winter damage has been observed, the overall extent is yet to be seen. This regional update can help you prepare for turf recovery in the event that winter injury is revealed as the snow and ice melts.
Last month, snow blanketed much of the Northeast Region and while snow pack can insulate turf from cold temperatures, continuous ice cover for protracted periods of time can be detrimental. If you're concerned about snow and ice cover on your greens, assess your winter-injury risk with help from this week's regional update.
Courses are struggling with a variety of challenges ranging from heavy snow and developing ice layers to eager winter golfers. Learning how to use social media outlets can improve your communication skills and keep golfers informed of current events.
Whether you are concerned about snow and ice buildup on putting greens or managing eager golfers willing to play during the winter,this update provides useful information to ensure that the quality of your playing surfaces is not compromised this spring.
Have you ever wondered what golf course superintendents do during winter? The answer may surprise you. From accomplishing large projects to improving professionally, seldom is winter idle time for golf course superintendents.
Winter in the Northeast is seldom easy and never predictable. If recent winter weather has left your playing surfaces covered in slush or ice, this week's regional update will help you assess the risk for winter injury. It also provides information on upcoming educational conferences where you can learn more.