Preperations for Course Closure

The golf season is coming to a close for the 2014 season and the maintenance staff will soon start preparing the course for winter.  After the hellacious winter of last year, Meadowbrook will be "put to bed" a bit differently this time around.  The main area of focus will be the greens, and the process is detailed in the list below.

1. Raising the Height of Cut- Greens have been raised from their original .120" to .180".  Turf with higher canopies seem to be able to fend off ice and winterkill damage better. 
2. Fungicide Applications- Pink and Gray Snow Mold are the prevalent diseases during this time of year, actually being able to thrive under snow cover.  Fungicide applications are made as late as possible to ensure the longest residual protection. 
3. Late Fall Aerification/Heavy Sand Topdressing- This isn't the most common of practices but we've seen excellent results in terms of amount of sand that can be applied and its winterkill prevention properties.  The staff buries the greens under approximately .20" of sand and then solid tine the surface.  A layer still exists after the aerficiation and channels of pure sand are now present to remove water away from the surface in the event of a mid-winter thaw. 
4. Potassium Application- Potassium strengthens cell walls and hardens off the plant before winter.  An application of 1lbs of K/M has been made on the green surfaces. 
5. Impermeable Winter Covers- A combination of bubble wrap and heavy duty impermeable tarps are used on 8 of the greens most prone to winter damage here at the club.  These have been almost bulletproof until last winter, when damage did occur. 
6. Evergreen Covers- The staff acquired these in the spring to aid in the recovery of the greens.  We now intend to use them as another form of winter protection on greens without the impermeable covers on them. 

A large portion of the winterkill from last season was due to an excessive amount of shade on the greens from surrounding trees.  The worst trees have been removed as the members may have noticed, however there are still shade issues that exist and the staff will be monitoring these areas closely over the winter months for ice formation and heavy snow layers. 

The tees will receive a similar treatment in terms of topdressing and aerification, a heavy layer followed with solid tining.  Snow mold applications are made on all low mowed turf (i.e. tees and fairways).  The pictures below show some of the processes.  We wish the membership a happy holiday season and to keep their fingers crossed for a milder winter.

Pink Snow Mold

3rd Green Impermeable Cover

Fairway Aerification

The staff will be taking advantage of the sunny and cool weather by aerifying fairways.  This task is completely weather dependent but the goal is to have all fairways completed by early next week (the week of the 28th).  After a very wet golfing season combined with compacted, heavy clay soils this practice is more important than ever.  Aerification relieves compaction, allows for more air exchange with the atmosphere and overall promotes root growth and plant vigor.  We ask for and appreciate the membership's patience during this time period, thank you.  Enjoy. 

Sunlight vs. Shade

With days being shorter, nights getting colder and some of the early turning trees showing color, it can only mean two things...Spartan domination of the Big Ten and Autumn is coming.  Fall heralds a multiple of changes to our environment but the biggest effecting turfgrass is sunlight. 
Sunlight is at a premium during the fall months and essential for turfgrass to develop enough hardiness to survive the winter.  Everything the plant does during this time of year is a preparation for winter.  Besides the path of the sun as it moves through the sky, the only detriment to light reaching the turf is shade from trees.  Even if the tree only shades for a couple hours it becomes significantly detrimental to turf due to the shortness of the day. 
On the other end of the spectrum, during the late winter and spring months, sunlight is again limited (but becoming more prevalent).  Shaded areas melt snow/ice slower and retain the amount and duration of frost in the soil profile.  This exposure to prolonged cold temperatures and ice build up is a leading factor in winterkill. 

Note the injured section is directly in the shape of the Spruce tree behind the 10th Green

Sunlight is also a factor mid-season.  Poa annua can handle shade better than bentgrass due to higher and more efficient photosynthetic rates but it does have a breaking point.  Not only does the tree canopy limit sunlight, but tree roots compete for the same moisture and nutrients that the turf requires.

Density loss on the 14th Fairway due to Maple Tree 

Trees do add majesty and beauty to a golf course.  They inspire and are key components in most ecosystems.  However, since golf is played on the ground, the needs of the turf should come first.

Course Update; August 2014

The last weeks in July and the beginning of August have been great for all aspects of the golf course.  Relatively cool days have made golfing enjoyable and provided the staff with opportunities to push green speed, detail the course and keep up with mowing requirements.  After the spring and winter, the weather has been a blessing. 
The injured greens from the past winter seem to be getting less and less susceptible to the damage done by golfer traffic.  The 15th and 17th green, the worst greens coming out of winter, are handling the greater play demands very well.  The Men's Invitational did put the new bentgrass to the test but it stayed true and has recovered.  On the subject of the Invitational, the staff received many compliments from members about course conditions and would like to extend it's own gratitude towards the membership in terms of their patience and understanding in this most trying of years. 
A new practice has been performed on the greens over the past weeks and the staff has been very pleased with the results.  Brush Kits were installed on the walk behind green mowers in order to achieve a truer surface.  The brushes "lift" the turf up and the resulting cut removes more grass.  This practice of standing the turf up also removes more thatch within the turf canopy.  With less potential for thatch, the need for topdressing decreases (decreases, not stops) resulting in less surface disruption. 
The seasonally cool weather has left the golf course extremely GREEN.  Rarely do all the areas of the course show this type of color in late July and early August.  Ample rainfall has also attributed to this. 
One of the largest storm events in recent history hit the Detroit area on Monday, August 13th.  Meadowbrook received 2.4 inches of rain which was actually lucky.  A number of other areas received +4 inches of rainfall.  Nonetheless, the 2.4 inches here cancelled a Monday outing, closed the course until 12:00 the next day, washed out bunkers and effectively stopped all mowing practices except greens for two days.  While rare, Meadowbrook has received large amounts of rain like this in the past, particularly in the last 5-6 years.  The following slideshow depicts just what a heavy rain does to the course. 

Course Update; July 2014

Summer is in full swing and the maintenance staff is pleased to see the course being utilized more and more.  Untimely and heavy rain events have definitely made this season difficult for golf but we appreciate the membership's determination to come out and play.  While on the subject of weather, the average precipitation amounts for the months of April through June is 9.65" historically for the Northville area.  During this same period, Meadowbrook has received 13" of rain, approaching a 50% increase.  For a course with poor draining soils, this is in no way beneficial in regards to rounds, green speed, etc.  But the show must go on as they say and the staff is bound and determined to provide the best golf course possible on a daily basis. 

Injured greens from this past winter have been a major deterrent when trying to provide quality conditions day in and day out.  While great strides have been made on these putting surfaces since the end of winter, they are still in a very precarious state.  Juvenile plants just do not have the tolerance for foot traffic that mature turf does.  It is evident on the 15th and 17th green after a heavy play day.  The new bentgrass is beaten down, off color and overall very weak.  Even though these greens appear in better condition, especially relative to late April, they are still very susceptible.  The staff will constantly be monitoring injured greens throughout the course of the season to ensure their continued use (nobody wants to go back to temporaries).  It has been said multiple times but the best way the membership can help out is making the proper footwear choice.  Non-aggressive spikes are a must if damaged greens are to remain open all season. 

Another major concern of the staff regarding greens is consistency.  With young plants, our normal mowing height of .120" cannot be achieved.  We have raised the height of cut to .130" on all greens, in order to give the juvenile plants a better shot at making it through the summer.  The 15th and 17th green can only sustain a cutting height of .140", another reason for raising the cutting height on other greens (similar cutting heights=similar putting conditions). 

Besides the greens, the rest of the course seems to be fighting off the effects of this past winter.  Tees have returned to acceptable agronomic health and the few spots on fairways that have not recovered are in the process of being sodded.  Once again, we appreciate the memberships patience in this most trying of years and hope to see you out on the course.  Enjoy. 

New Flags

Members have probably noticed the new flags while out enjoying a round of golf.  They feature a checkered pattern and the silhouette of Willie Park Jr., the architect for the original 6 holes that Meadowbrook CC started with back in 1916.  The color scheme denotes the same pin position except the solid white flag is now a green checkered flag. 

Green Recovery; Comparison Photos II

Where we stand as of May 29th, 2014.  Enjoy

Traffic on Recovering Greens

Germination and young plants have been observed on all injured areas of closed greens.  While mother nature is still not playing ball, we would appreciate the memberships help when these living carpets are reopened. 
Young plants are particularly susceptible to traffic or wear.  Despite the necessary cultural practices that we perform, the only other traffic that a green will receive is from golfers putting on them.  While we cannot eliminate putting from the game, golf shoe selection we can influence.  The staff would greatly appreciate if the membership could pick a non-aggressive type shoe if buying a new pair.  Here is an example...

Aggressive spikes, such as the "Black Widow", can easily tear non-established turf from the ground.  Here is an example...

If members could refrain from these types of spikes, it would be very beneficial to the injured greens once they are reopened.  Thank you.

Green Recovery; Comparison Photos

To better illustrate the recovery process, the following slideshow gives a great comparison as to where we stand now as opposed to a month ago. 

Frank Beckmann podcast with Dr. Kevin Frank of Michigan State University

Dr. Kevin Frank and Frank Beckmann had a very interesting talk on the radio recently regarding the state of the golf courses in the Metro-Detroit area.  The following video has that podcast along with a slideshow depicting the conditions here at Meadowbrook CC.  Enjoy. 



Homeowners Lawn Care Update

Tri-Turf, a distributor of chemicals, seed and various lawn care products located in Farmington Hills is again offering a spring time sale on seasonal fertilizers and pesticides.  As usual, if the members mention Meadowbrook CC they will receive a $1 off a bag.  After a grisly winter like the one we just endured, getting your lawn as healthy as possible before summer is important for it's survival, let alone the aesthetics.  Enjoy.

Green Recovery

The 15th green did not handle the winter well.  Similar in condition is the 17th green, with over 80% of the green surface dead or in a very precarious condition.  Several other greens sustained injury in the 25-70% range.  Even some of the covered greens show signs of injury but this was namely due to trees that shade the green surface and do not allow snow or ice to thaw. 
The recovery process will be trying and the crew has their work cut out for them and unfortunately for golfers, the use of temporary greens will be necessary to allow the greens to recuperate.  Recovery from a winter like this is a slow process, and one that is detailed below. 

1. Verticutting- Developing a good seed bed is key for seed germination, and the crew aggressively verticut the damaged greens.  Seed to soil contact is necessary for germination.

    2. Seeding- Creeping bentgrass seed is applied at a heavy rate.  Some of this seed is expected to
        fill in these damaged areas but poa annua seed already present in the green will do the same.

    3.  Aerifying- Not a typical aerification, but a light one intended to push the seed into further
         contact with the soil. 

     4.  Rolling- Once again, just another way to ensure more seed to soil contact with the added
          benefit of smoothing the green. 

      5.  Fertilization- A fertilizer application is made to provide adequate fertility for damaged plants
           and seedlings alike.

    
      6.  Irrigation- Seed needs water to germinate and granular fertilizer has to be watered in so the
           irrigation system is already being utilized. 

After all this, the greens are recovered with tarps to trap heat and warm the soil.  The weather is starting to turn favorably for golf during the day but night temperatures still fall close or below freezing.  Young and damaged plants do not tolerate these low temperatures well making the covers necessary.  Luckily, these covers are permeable to sunlight and water so they do not have to be removed each day. 

Areas on fairways and tees suffered injury as well and the focus will swing to these areas soon, but greens have to be the priority.  The blog will continue to be utilized to keep the membership as updated as possible in regards to the recovery of these greens so please stay tuned. 

Ice Damage and the Potential for Winterkill II

All over the Midwest, the question on every superintendent's mind seems to be, "what conditions will my greens be in coming out of winter?"  One can speculate all they want but there is a way to at least predict the amount of turf loss when the snow thaws and temperatures warm.  Pulling plugs from dormant greens and bringing them inside to break dormancy is a useful procedure used by superintendents for decades to see what they will be dealing with in the spring. 
Of the 20 putting surfaces at MCC, 8 are covered with the combination of bubble wrap and heavy tarps.  These covers have been, for the most part, completely successful in eliminating winterkill from these greens.  Notably, these greens have been the most problematic in the past and need this extra protection even during the average winter. The remaining 12 greens were sampled for turf recovery.  Two cores were taken from each green, in areas prone to winter damage (based on past experience).  The depth of the cores varied despite trying to keep them at a consistent two inches.  A grow lamp was utilized as well, set for a 12 hour cycle. 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 6

As the pictures depict, the majority of the plugs show recovery and growth after only 6 days.  Weakened and dead plugs consistently had over 2 inches of dense ice formation, leading the crew to believe that these conditions are conducive to winterkill, obviously over extended periods of time.   The following table shows all the data collected from the greens during this process.  Depth of ice cover was an average taken from both sites of samples on each green but a special note was made if one of the plugs was underneath +2" of ice. 

While these sample results are promising, it is important to note that the greens are still under ice cover, and the potential for turf death only increases every day they are under ice.  Also of concern are the cold temperatures predicted into April.  Crown hydration and ice formation are still a real concern with the amount of water that could potentially sit on the green surface.  To limit the amount of water settling on these susceptible plants, the crew is removing the snow from all uncovered greens but even this presents the possibility of damage (weight on the green surface can crush the ice into the plant leaf blades and crown).  That being said, the dangers posed by crown hydration are greater than the risks associated with snow removal. In conclusion, while the majority of the plugs survived, it is important to remember that this isn't completely representative of what will happen in the spring.   We are not out of the woods yet by any means so please keep those fingers crossed and send the course some positive vibes.  Enjoy. 

 

Snow removal on the 16th Green

Snow removal on the 12th Green

Snow removal on the practice putting green required the use of the tractor

Continuing Education

On the 26th of February, the assistant superintendents attended the Spring Management Meeting put on by the MiGCSA at the Inn at St. Johns.  The meeting boasted lectures on various topics and a chance to network and discuss current events and problems faced by other maintenance crew's around the Detroit area.  Topics discussed include:

• Research updates concerning the myths and misconceptions about the fungal disease Pythium
• The use of blogs and other social media software as tools for communications with customers or members
• Methods to achieve success in the interview process
• Techniques for making pesticide applications more efficient and effective
• Ice formation and the potential for winter kill (the hot topic of the meeting)
• Administrative announcements having to do with the different turf organizations present in Michigan

While everyone at these education conferences have completed their schooling, none have finished learning.  The turf industry, like other industries, constantly changes due to economic climates, changing weather patterns and environmental issues to name just a few factors.  New technologies, chemistries and cultural practices are being researched and developed every year and to stay current, these educational meetings are necessary.  The Michigan Golf Course Superintendent Association and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation not only provide funding for research but create a knowledgeable network for superintendents to utilize.  The crew at MCC would like to thank the MiGCSA and the MTF for it's continued commitment to turf managers across the state.  Enjoy. 

What Lies Beneath?

Pulled from the blog Turf Tips and Clippings at www.msuturf.blogspot.com




Dr. Kevin W. Frank

Associate Professor & Extension Turfgrass Specialist

Michigan State University

Some might remember 'What Lies Beneath' as the title of a horror movie but currently ice is a real life potential horror for golf course superintendents worried about winterkill. 

Weather Scenario

The winter of 2013-2014 will be remembered for many years to come. The first significant event was the ice storm of Dec. 21-22 that knocked out power for thousands and coated everything, included exposed turf, with a perfect coating of ice. 

Tall fescue encased in ice.

Most turf areas were covered with snow prior to the icing event and as the rain percolated through the snow it formed a very porous, crusty ice-snow layer.  This type of ice-snow layer is not a concern for turfgrass as it is porous and allows for gas exchange from the turf/soil interface to the atmosphere.

  

Two inch porous snow-ice layer + 1 in. snow on top.

Five days after the ice storm (Dec. 27) temperatures at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center (HTRC) warmed to 38 °F and were accompanied by 0.15 in. of rain. On Dec. 28 and 29 temperatures were above 40 °F.  The warm temperatures resulted in melting and I believe this is when the first ice layer formed.  On Dec. 30 temperatures dropped and we all learned what a Polar Vortex meant as day time high temperatures were in the single digits and nighttime lows were well below 0 °F.  The Vortex combined with a foot or more of snow closed MSU for Jan. 6 and 7 but by Friday Jan. 10 the HTRC recorded a daytime high temperature of 38 °F and by Jan. 13 the high temperature was 44 °F.  This resulted in another melting event and another ice forming event as temperatures in the day melted snow and nighttime temperatures refroze any remaining water.   Some superintendents that were clearing snow from putting greens throughout the winter may have been successful at removing any ice that existed or formed during these melts.  However, depending on available labor and equipment many superintendents are not able to constantly remove snow during the winter so ice formation is inevitable. Since the melting ended on Jan. 13-14 the temperatures have been well below the point where any further melting would occur.  Not every green at the HTRC is covered in ice but at least one poorly draining Poa annua putting green is now covered in a 1-2 inch ice sheet.  I believe this ice sheet initially formed during the Dec. 28-29 melt so as of today (Jan. 29) the Poa has been under ice for 31 days.   

Two inch ice sheet on Poa annua green at HTRC.

Ice Sheets

In Michigan especially for Poa annua greens, crown hydration and subsequent refreezing are often the primary culprits of winterkill. However, this year ice sheets are a cause for concern.  In the 1960’s James B Beard conducted research at MSU on survival of creeping bentgrass and Poa annua under ice sheets.  Creeping bentgrass survived 120 days of ice cover without significant injury while annual bluegrass was killed somewhere between 75 and 90 days of ice cover. More recently Darrell Tompkins conducted research at the Prairie Turfgrass Research Center in Canada that suggested Poa annua greens could be damaged in as few as 45 days under ice.  The primary cause of death to turfgrass under ice sheets is most likely from toxic gas accumulation under the ice sheet from soil and turfgrass respiration.  The day estimates for turf survival are just that, estimates, use them as a guide but know that they are not absolutes.

Remove Ice?

Whether or not to attempt ice removal is a difficult decision for golf course superintendents.  The decision to remove ice can be based on several factors including: turf sampling, duration of ice cover, current and future temperatures, ability to remove water following melting from the green, and labor.

1. Sampling – Bob Vavrek from the USGA recently posted a great YouTube video http://tinyurl.com/k9mbfjc on how to sample greens under ice to assess survival.  An important point that Bob makes is that there is variability in sampling and just because your sample comes out alive doesn’t mean all areas on the green will survive – same can be said if your sample is dead.   

2. Duration of ice cover – as discussed in the previous section, estimates of days of ice cover causing death vary from 45-90 for Poa annua and 120 days for creeping bentgrass.  At this point I’m less concerned for creeping bentgrass surfaces as I’d expect significant melting before we reach a 120 day threshold as this would be well into April.  Poa annua is less certain as at the HTRC we will approach 45 days under ice cover by mid-February.  Check your calendar and start counting. 

 

Ice sheet at HTRC, 31 days and counting.

3. Temperatures – our 10 day forecast does not look good for trying to remove ice as day time high temperatures are forecast in the teens to low 20's with nighttime lows in the single digits.  Part of the concern with removing ice is exposing the turf to cold air temperatures after being insulated with snow and ice since mid-December.  In the past, some superintendents have removed ice and then recovered the greens with snow to provide insulation against cold temperatures. 

4. Physical ice removal – physical ice removal includes practices to fracture the ice with impact (hammers, chisels, aerifiers, slicers) and then remove the fractured ice sheet with shovels, tractors, or skid steers.  I recommend avoiding direct impact with tools such as hammers to less impact concentrated equipment such as slicers and aerifiers.  There’s always some risk associated with impact related ice removal but the alternative of leaving ice in place and rolling the dice on survival is also risky. 

 

Damage from a hammer used to crack ice.

5. Melting ice – there are many different products that have been used to melt ice including black sand, dark colored natural organic fertilizers, and synthetic fertilizers.  The key to any melting strategy is to be able to remove the water from the green following melting so it doesn’t refreeze and form another ice sheet. We will be testing products to melt ice at the HTRC in cooperation with researchers from the Univ. of Minnesota in the coming weeks.     

6. Labor – if you’re going to remove ice you need help.  Ice removal is not a 1-person job. If your golf course has 18 greens covered in ice even with several employees this is not a one day job. 

No Guarantees

Unfortunately there are no guarantees with respect to winterkill and whether or not ice is removed.  The days under ice cover for survival are estimates from research and conditions from course to course and even within the same course vary thereby effecting how long turf can survive under ice.  It’s already been a long hard winter and let’s all hope our turf survives so it’s not a long hard spring reestablishing grass. 

Ice Formation and the Potential for Winter Damage

Thirty-nine inches of snow have fallen in the Detroit area so far this season which is double the normal amount.  While this makes tree removals and pruning difficult, it doesn't pose that much of a threat from an agronomic standpoint.  Of real concern is the 1" of rain Northville received two weeks ago.  When this precipitation reached the ground after working through the snow layer and temperatures dropped below freezing (which occurred two days after the rain) ice was observed on the surface of the greens. 
This type of weather can lead to winter damage on greens, usually in two different ways (specific to MCC, winter damage in general can occur in a variety of ways).  The first of these poses a very serious threat because of our grass type.  Poa annua can and will break dormancy at the first sign of higher temperatures.  Breaking dormancy mid-winter is dangerous, plants will uptake water and when the inevitable freeze occurs, this moisture will freeze within the plant, forming ice crystals that will puncture cell walls and membranes and result in plant death.  Readers might be familiar with this process already, known as crown hydration.
The other way winter damage is suspected to occur at MCC is by ice build-up on the green surface.  If ice forms thick and dense enough it can create an impermeable layer to gases.  Turf can than be susceptible to anoxia (unlikely, dormant plants need minimal oxygen) or the accumulation of toxic gases given off by cold weather fungi and bacteria. 



Ice on the 17th green appears to be porous, hopefully allowing for air movement

Thicker ice forming on the 15th green

 

Minimal ice formation on the practice putting green

 

 

Winter damage, and the ways it occurs, is problematic to research.  Particularly in Michigan where cold season weather can vary so much.  Poa annua can survive under dense ice cover but not indefinitely (approximately 60 days according to Dr. James Beard of Michigan State University, 1964).  In comparison, creeping bentgrass can survive much longer under these same conditions.  We appreciate any winter sport enjoying members to please not cross greens or tees when at MCC and all members to keep their fingers crossed for minimal winter damage when the snow clears.  Stay warm and enjoy.