2025 Winter Injury on Zoysia- Surviving the freeze

The winter of 2024–2025 delivered a few challenges for warm-season turfgrass in the transition zone, and Hyde Park Golf & Country Club—among the northernmost clubs utilizing Meyer Zoysiagrass—was not exempt. While Meyer remains the most cold-tolerant Zoysiagrass cultivar available, the combination of saturated soils, shaded areas, and prolonged cold events resulted in measurable turf loss in several locations.

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Scope and Pattern of Injury

Approximately 15,000 square feet of Zoysiagrass was injured out of 26 acres of fairways—about 1.3% of the total surface. Most of the damage occurred in low-lying areas with poor drainage, especially where water moved and concentrated through surface flow paths, leading to prolonged saturation, crown hydration, and freeze injury.

Fairway 8 experienced the most significant damage. It is the flattest fairway on the course, with numerous low-lying sections that trap water and drain poorly, making it highly susceptible to winter injury.

Low lying areas on the 8 fairway

Why Recovery Can Be Slow in Cincinnati

Zoysiagrass is a warm-season species that grows best when soil temperatures exceed 65°F. In Cincinnati, this threshold is typically reached in late May or early June, depending on seasonal weather. Until that point, the turf remains slow to grow. 

 This results in delayed spring recovery, especially in shaded or saturated areas. Without consistent warmth and sunlight, the grass is slow to resume active growth, which prolongs the impact of winter injury. This spring is shaping up to be unkind for Zoysiagrass recovery.

 

Steps Taken to Mitigate Winter Injury

We have  implemented a comprehensive strategy to reduce winter injury and improve long-term turf health.

1. Drainage Improvements

Current Restoration Scope (2025):

Fairway drainage is being installed on Holes 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 13, covering approximately 7 acres of Zoysiagrass in areas with repeated winter damage. Drainage is also being added to bentgrass approach areas throughout the course to enhance playability, firmness, and surface consistency at green entrances.

Yellow boxes delineate areas of new drainage in Zoysia 

Past Drainage Installations (Pre-Restoration):

Prior to the 2025 restoration, partial drainage systems were installed in select fairway areas of Holes 2, 9, 17, 18, and at the zoysia practice tee area. These additions were targeted toward historically saturated zones and completed through operational funding and in-house resources. These efforts provided early infrastructure support and informed broader drainage priorities.

Budget limitations within the restoration project prevent full drainage installation across all vulnerable areas. Prioritization is based on observed historical turf decline and water movement. 

2. Low Spot Leveling

While not yet complete, proactive grading has been performed in priority areas ahead of the restoration to reduce ponding and improve surface drainage wherever feasible. This will most likely occur post restoration.

3. Shade Management

Strategic tree removals have been implemented to improve winter sunlight access across shaded corridors. Shade remains a limiting factor on the 18th fairway, where reduced sun exposure continues to hinder spring warm-up and turf recovery.

4. Winter Traffic Management

Cart traffic is restricted during dormancy in sensitive zones during transistion to reduce compaction and protect weakened turf from added mechanical stress.

5. Nutrient and Growth Regulation Planning

Low-rate, slow-release nitrogen is used in the fall to support healthy dormancy transitions. Late-season PGR use is avoided to prevent interference with cold acclimation.

6. Spring Monitoring and Recovery Support

Turf management is guided by soil temperature thresholds, not just calendar dates. Damaged zones receive sodding and rerouted traffic to facilitate recovery.

7. Turfgrass Research Partnerships

Hyde Park continues to collaborate with Purdue University and Ohio State University on warm-season turf research and winter injury monitoring. Purdue will host the 2025 Midwest Warm-Season Turf Field Day, where Hyde Park will share field insights and outcomes with regional peers.

Aaron Patton- Purdue University 

Genetics vs. Site Conditions

Meyer Zoysiagrass remains the most cold-tolerant commercially available cultivar, but drainage, shade, and topography must also be managed to prevent winter injury. Genetics provide resilience, but site-specific conditions ultimately determine performance and remembering that Zoysia is a warm season grass that has been at Hyde Park since the early 80s and will continue to be susceptible winter injury due to genetics. 

Strategic Outlook

With less than 2% of fairway turf impacted, Hyde Park positioned for a slow recovery. The 2025 restoration addresses some of the critical needs, while past drainage work and ongoing site refinements support phased, long-term improvement. Though budget limitations require prioritization, the club’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, agronomic integrity, and research collaboration positions it at the forefront of warm-season turf management in the northern transition zone.

Thanks for your feedback and questions. email- grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Pat O'Brien,

Grounds Superintendent