Final greens application

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

Golf Cart tips

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org