ARTICLE DISCUSSING WINTER DAMAGE ON GOLF COURSES

Even if you are not a big golfing enthusiast, you have to love the fact that those who love the sport are taking the time and spending the money to keep acres of land- landscaped and well maintained. Many Golf Course planners who enjoy the beauty of nature as much as they do Golf, are remaining Green in the process.



~ Dormant Seeding In the Fall Provides Greater
Insurance Against Winter Damage.
(c)Kevin Ross , 2001

There's been a lot of talk over the past several months concerning winter damage on golf courses. High-profile events, such as the 2001 US Senior Open at Salem Country Club in Massachusetts, (which sustained severe turf loss prior to the event),
has brought this issue front and center.

Winter damage is not a new phenomenon.
Many states throughout the northern United States and in large parts of Canada sustain turf loss every year. Each year, many superintendents experience the same agony that superintendent Yip Tyler did this year at Salem CC. However, the work done at Salem CC has spurred much thought on how to prepare your golf course for the dreaded winter months.

THE DORMANT SOLUTION

Dormant seeding is one technique that has not received much attention. A successful program of dormant seeding can produce spectacular results in the spring, and it is a great insurance policy in the event that any winter damage occurs.

Dormant seeding is done in the fall, after soil temperatures have declined sufficiently, so complete germination will not occur. However, soil temperatures must be sufficient for the initial stages of germination to occur.

The first step in the seed germination process is water absorption. In the second step, the seed undergoes a swelling, which initiates several biochemical and morphological events. This ultimately results in the development of a seedling turfgrass plant.

In dormant seeding, the seed undergoes the initial stages of germination during the late fall and early winter period before entering a frozen state throughoutthe winter. In this period, the enzyme and carbohydrate processes that occur during actual germination become dormant. Because the seed is partially germinated, it is four to six weeks ahead of a spring planted seed.

TIMING IS CRITICAL

I have used this technique successfully for over 15 years in the New England states and presently in Colorado. This work has primarily involved using bentgrass, but Ihave seen it work with all cool-season grasses. Depending on your region, the timing may change slightly.

Establishing test plots is the best way to determine the proper timing in your area. The easiest method can be achieved by using a hex plug cutter, removing the plugs, and using your standard divot/seed mix, seeding these plugs. During the time period you think might work best, you can seed one hole (plug) per day, over a 14 to 21 day period.

I have observed dormant seed germination as early as the first week in April when soil temperatures are in the high 30s to low 40s. This can catch some people by surprise and is a critical time period for the germinated seed because warm and windy spring periods can cause failure. Proper water management of these areas and close monitoring will spell success.

COST

Excluding the cost of fairway seeding,
a typical program with bentgrass for greens,
and divots on tees and fairways is about $2,500.
This is a small price to pay for an insurance policy which can
provide very large dividends in the spring.



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