The Heat is on! Keep Cool.

The past week has been very hot, humid and most likely it is going to get wet! Many of you know from our conversations on the golf course or on the putting green I prefer the playing conditions to be on the drier side of the continuum for both playability and plant health. We can always add water, but it is very difficult to take it away, unless there is adequate drainage. Saturated soil conditions reduce the amount of oxygen available to the root systems. Water, is also an excellent conductor of energy, when soil temperatures rise, the root systems begin to slough off and the plant becomes ineffiecnt at uptaking the necessary water and nutrients to survive.

Some of the tools that help us reduce stress to the plant in these challenging weather patterns include; careful monitoring of moisture in the rootzone with a moisture meter. The Grounds Staff utilizes moisture meters to determine how much water needs to be added during the course of the day based upon weather conditions and other factors. Moisture data is recorded both in the morning and afternoon with the form below and is disseminated to the staff.

 

Data is recorded using this form

Moisture Meter

The Grounds Staff on a hot day will be adding supplementary water to cool the plant, this will only take a couple minutes, please wait until they are finished before hitting you're approach shot to the green.

Some of the other practices/tools we employ to enhance turfgrass survival are:

• Applying plant protectants to all surfaces to reduce plant pathogens

• Use of "Turning boards" to reduce stress on collars

• "Venting" -placing a small .250" diameter hole about 2" into the surface allowing for increased oxygen exchange

• Fans- help circulate air, reducing canopy temperatures.

These are just a few of the key strategies we utilize to help enhance plant health. If you have anymore questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

 

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