winter green maintainence

[Mark Johnson]

question for the superintendant types out there:

in northern states where there is significant cold/snow, what is the logic behind the decision over whether to cover/not cover the greens in the winter.   After taking to our super yesterday, he said its about 60/40 around in favor or covering and he took pride in not having to cover ours?

thanks

[Stewart Naugler]

For me it depends on if you have bentgrass or poa annua greens. Bentgrass survives the winter much better than poa annua. Clubs that do have mostly poa greens cover them in the winter to protect against winter damage caused by rapid exposure to cold temperatures, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, desiccation, freeze-thaw cycles, extended snow cover, ice encasement, and disease. In my opinion, covers can be effective tools for protecting greens against freezing temperatures, ice encasement, and desiccation injury. Not using the proper cover can lead to toxic gas build up and/or anoxic conditions. Under anoxic conditions (lack of oxygen), the plant will run out of energy and eventually die. Therefore, covers can be extremely effective tools if the right materials are used (Crystal Downs).

[Ben Sims]

Mark,

Some supers will use a very dark or even black topdressing in lieu of the covers.  At least this is something that is discussed in my classes.

[Stewart Naugler]

Ben- I know a few superintendents that use the black topdressing method. The topdressing protects the crown of the plant and the black color attracts heat which helps melt ice accumulation.

[Mark Johnson]

Thanks guys.  We are all bent grass up here.   good to know that not covering them is a good option.

[Steve Okula]

Mark,

Some supers will use a very dark or even black topdressing in lieu of the covers.  At least this is something that is discussed in my classes.

Ben,

I tried to warn you not to go into this business, but you didn't listen.

You'll be sooorrrreeee.

[Anthony_Nysse]

Mark,

Some supers will use a very dark or even black topdressing in lieu of the covers.  At least this is something that is discussed in my classes.

Ben,

I tried to warn you not to go into this business, but you didn't listen.



You'll be sooorrrreeee.

Ben,
  The cream always rises to the top. If your hearts desire is to work on golf course maintenance, follow it. Do not worry about what others think. I'm sure you weighed you options prior to getting into school,  but you cant push away the desires of your heart. Good Luck

[Ben Sims]

Steve and Anthony,

I am committed to doing something with golf courses one day, just don't know what yet.  I've got some time to figure out my talents and ambitions.  But hey, if it doesn't work out, my fail back plan of flying jets isn't too shabby.

I appreciate the concern of both parties though.  Thanks guys.

[Adam Clayman]

Several years ago Golfweek had an article stating that covering greens with a tarp, increases the potential for Poa to infiltrate. I suspect the tarp creates a better medium for the Poa to grow. Corey Crandall uses mil-organite and sand to top dress his greens here in Western Nebraska. Elton Nolde, at Bayside, heavily top dressed with sand this year, and, the results show no desiccation for the first time in many years. Also, the greens at Bayside are putting perfectly after having only been dragged once, about 10 days ago.   The different approaches is also attributable to the facts that Bayside closes down, while Corey stays open. After 6 years of living here there has not been a winter where golf was not possible. Last year was the weakest with snow cover for most of the time, but we did start playing again around mid-Feb.

I suppose it boils down to a cost analysis. Those covers can't be cheap and precludes any golf being played unless temp pins are put in. Which reminds me of a course in Bollingbrook that use to use buckets as holes in the winter. I recall it as being great fun for the few rounds one can get in, in the Chicaoland area.