Burn on 2 Green

This weekend we noticed this funny pattern on the 2nd green and it really had us stumped for a few hours. Then it hit us, this is the result of someone applying bug spray as they settled in to watch the fireworks show. The same result can occur from a sprayable sunscreen, especially when the turf is stressed.

So I turned to twitter this week to see if many other Superintendents around the country have seen this before. Overwhelmingly, yes. Why? These products contain alcohol and when applied on the short grass, it has a tendency to burn the plant. It is doubtful that the plants will die unless they are severely stressed, but it can become unsightly for a little while. We are noticing some improvements to this area already.