Fall fertilizer

Fall is a critical time of year for turfgrass. Some of the best root growth occurs in the fall as the plant prepares to survive the winter. To aid this physiological process as much as possible, we also fertilize almost all the cool season turf on the course at this time.

The top growth of the cool season turf has slowed dramatically now that we have had some seasonably cold weather. Mowing frequencies have decreased and clipping yield has dropped as well. However, this is not an indication that the plant has stopped growing. Under the soil, the plant is working hard to grow and develop its roots as much as possible, both to make up for lost ground during the summer, but also to prepare itself for the winter. This root enhancement takes a lot of energy.

To make sure the plant does not run out of energy for this critical process of root growth, now is the time we also provide another feeding to the plant. We fertilize nearly all the cool season turf: greens, surrounds, rough, and the soccer field. Since the temperatures are still warm, but not hot, and the soil temperatures are cool, but not cold, the plant will use most of the food right away. But the product we use also provides a steady stream of food for the plant over the next several weeks also, so that the plant has access to energy when it needs it.

Building strong roots now aids in winter survival, which is paramount. But another key to the fall fertilizer is that those strong roots built now will help give the plant a jump coming out of the cold in spring. Having plants that come out of winter strong helps them withstand the stress of summer and leads to healthy turf all season long.

 

 We will reduce down to one post per month starting in November. Thank you

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please stay off all grass surfaces during a frost delay.

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