Oil and Water, Superman and Lex Luthor, Morning Shade and Putting Greens. They just don't mix. Not only does morning shade prevent photosynthesis and in turn growth, it also keeps the leaf surface of the grass cooler and prevents frost from burning off on cold winter mornings. This morning, while most of the greens were clear of frost by 9:15, #2 and #7 were still holding on to a good amount due to shade from nearby trees. The back of #2 green is shaded until 10:15 in the winter and the entire seventh green stays shaded most of the day. Not only is this unfavorable for frost lifting, but it encourages wet conditions that have hampered the bermuda grass around #7 ever since construction.
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| Can you see the defined line of frost directly beneath the shadow of this tree? |
Afternoon shade can benefit the plant and putting green in the summer by helping to cool off the putting surface so it is a difficult line to walk. The angle of the sun also plays a huge part in shade issues in the winter. Trees play a wonderful role in golf and our environment but they also play a role in frost delays. Today will be a beautiful day so make sure you squeeze in a few holes or at least a pyramid of range balls.
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| While the pine trees between #2 and #18 create a nice buffer they also shade the back of #2 green and prolong frost delays. |
