Growing Pains

It seems that after a truly crazy start to the season, the weather looks to be bouncing back towards normal temperatures finally.  We are nearly 7° below normal temperatures for the month of April.  The cooler air temperatures has not allowed for the soil temperatures to rise and initiate plant growth.  Finally this week, we observed warmer day temperatures and more importantly mild low temperatures at night. This has boosted soil temperatures up above 50°And instantly we’re seeing responses from both cool season and warm season turf varieties. Our cool season Roughs have started growing and thickening . With more warmer temps forecasted next week we are expecting the roughs to start growing out of control.  Our cool season Bent grass putting greens have responded as well. After aeration was completed nearly 3 weeks ago,  greens have healed more in the past three days than they have in the prior two weeks.  Greens should be nearly 100% healed by this time next week. Look for greens to start rolling really smooth and getting back up to Bogey speed!

Aeration holes are growing in rapidly!

Warm season Zoysia grass tees, fairways and collars are finally showing some green this week.  Unfortunately as most areas are turning green, some areas are not responding and showing signs of possible winterkill.  In our Region warm season grass only thrives for 3 to 4 months out of the year. The other months consist of them going in and coming out of dormancy and hibernating through the winter. 

Going all the way back to last summer, we had a very enjoyable and mild August. While all of  this was pleasant for golf and cool season turf, Zoysia grass missed out on a typical summer month that usually produces high temperatures and humidity.  This turf variety lost a much needed opportunity to gain and store energy going into the fall. Then, the mild summer transitioned to a fall season dominated by drought.  The lack of rain stressed some plants while going into dormancy for the winter. Old man winter came a knocking and had many stretches of extreme cold weather and wind. During this time we had little or no snow cover. When extreme temperatures and conditions are present, a layer of snow is your friend. That layer of snow acts as a blanket and insulates the turf against harmful conditions.  Finally, The extended cold in April has kept Zoysia fairways, tees and collars dormant for an additional 3 to 4 weeks then normal. All of these factors and seasons combined is a perfect recipe for some turf grass desiccation. We will continue to assess damaged areas and will be laying sod as needed shortly. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

warm season vs. cool season turfgrass explination 

Areas of concern