Believe it or not, as winter approaches, we still have one last chemical application to make on greens. Sometime between now and the end of the year is the window for which we are aiming to spray.
We have several components to this last application, covering
several different needs for the greens. We often combine chemistries that
accomplish different goals. Even during the season, when we spray, the tank
will contain multiple products that help protect the plants, aid water movement
through the soil, or any number of other things.
In this last spray we have three main goals:
1.
Protect the turf against possible disease over
the winter.
2.
Discourage the Poa annua on the greens
from producing seedheads.
3.
Aid in water movement during the winter.
Snow mold is a disease that affects turf over the winter.
There are two types, one which requires snow over and one that does not. In our
case, we are protecting against both, but particularly the type that occurs
under snow. Although lately, extended snow cover has been uncommon, we still
play it on the safe side because real damage can occur if left unprotected.
This product will last until at least very late winter and possibly early
spring.
In the last five years, new research has shown that applying
a growth regulator to Poa annua, or annual bluegrass, can greatly reduce
the amount of seedhead pressure that occurs in the spring. Since our greens are
predominantly annual bluegrass, this is a crucial component for us. Timing can vary,
sometime between Thanksgiving and the end of the year, is the best for this
last plant growth regulator application. Again, applying the product now will
last until March.
Finally, we will include a wetting agent in the upcoming
spray. Again, following new research, putting a wetting agent in applications
more frequently is better. We add the wetting agent into every single spray
that we apply to greens, and this final one for the year is no different.
During the winter, the wetting agent is important especially when the greens
get waterlogged from heavy rain or snow melt, and the sun is not strong enough
to evaporate the moisture. The wetting agent helps the water move down through
the soil profile. In conjunction with the deep
tine aeration completed last month, the wetting agent helps keep the
surface firmer and less spongy.
Although normal turf growth has slowed to a crawl, we still need
this last application on the greens. This application is critical to making
sure the greens work through winter and start next spring on the right foot.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please do not scrape snow or ice off the green to clear your
line for putting. Turf damage may occur.
Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve
course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course
etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:
Ball
Marks - How to properly repair
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
