Winter Blanket

We have been covered by snow for two weeks now. This blanket has been able to provide benefit to the health of the turfgrass.
The first benefit is moisture to the rootzone. A slow melt prevents dessication of the plant. The second benefit is the blanket effect of the turf. It prevents large fluctuations in temperature to the turfgrass plant.

Last month I blogged about soil sensors that were installed on two of the greens on the course. They measure temperature, moisture and salinity. These sensors provide us real time information. Since the snow has been on the ground, the temperatures have been quite steady in the upper 20's and low 30's. Turf plants experience greater stress during frequent freeze/thaw cycles. Dessication and the need for water is greater when uncovered. When providing winter water, turf managers have to be careful to not create ice. Prolonged periods of ice can suffocate the plant and result in death.

Snow molds can also develop over prolonged snow cover. However in my experience, the more the plants can harden off and enter dormancy equals less mold. Fortunately, temperatures were low enough prior to the snowfall and most of the course did enter dormancy. Plants use carbohydrates and natural defenses to fight these soil borne pathogens. Since the greens area a much shorter grass and are subject to greater stress, they need assistance to fight against this winter disease. The greens were treated for snow mold three days before the storm came through. The products used will allow protection through the winter months.