Thursday, January 30, 2014
This winter has brought a lot of precipitation and cold temperatures. This morning was 5°F when we got to the shop. We have received a couple of good snowfalls that have stuck around and impacted not only the roads but our ability to work on the golf course. Our team has been busy with winter projects, refurbishing golf course amenities, tree work, winter weather cleanup, and preparing for the installation of 4 fans on the golf course.
The cold, wet weather can really take its toll on the turf in the long run. We have had 6 nights with lows below 10°F, over 11 inches of rain and 5 inches of snow since December 1, 2013. Extended low temperatures and saturated conditions can damage the bermudagrass tees, fairways, and roughs and lead to thin or dead areas of turf. This is called 'winter kill' and basically encompasses any damage to the warm season bermudagrass during the winter. This damage is intensified in poorly drained or shaded areas and really puts a premium on drainage installation and shade management. More information on winter kill can be found in the links below. The second link "Winter-Kill and Responding to it Now" really does a great job of defining the ways that turf can be injured and parameters influencing susceptibility.
USGA Regional Update: Darin Brevard, Winter Injury Fears
Dr. Bert McCarty and Dr. Grady Miller: Winter-kill and Responding to It Now
We routinely test different portions of the golf course to get an idea of potential damage heading into Spring. Unfortunately, we will not know the full extent of damage, if any, until the bermudagrass breaks dormancy. Once dormancy breaks, we can then begin the process of making any necessary repairs.
Following the renovation in 2007/08, the young turf was more susceptible to winter kill. Since then, the age and strength of our turf as well as shade management and drainage installations have contributed to less and less winter kill. Our team does everything in our power to reduce the soil moisture, traffic, and stress that contribute to damage during winter dormancy and will work quickly to repair any damage that may occur. The severe winter does not guarantee winter kill but cold, wet conditions are the major factors contributing to weak turf coming out of dormancy.
As always, we appreciate your patience during the winter delays and closures. We certainly cannot play golf when the course is covered in snow or frost. Only time will tell how the turf responds to the "polar vortex" this winter. In the mean time, lets all pray for an early spring.
Jordan Booth, CGCS
jbooth@willowoakscc.org
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| The first storm of the year brought 2" of snow and lasted for about 7 days due to low temperatures. |
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| The recent storm brought over 3" of snow with most of it lingering for 4-5 days. |
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| When we have been able to work, the staff has done great job of preparing for fan installations and performing tree work. Brian bit the bullet and got in the creek on 17 to help run conduit under the bridge. |
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| This is the only time that I can remember large portions of the river freezing over. My dog, Ginny has been able to walk across every pond and creek on the golf course. |
