Depending upon the weather, we anticipate covering the Greens sometime after November 15th, prior to snowfall. When we do that, we will cut temporary cups on the course for those who wish to enjoy some late fall golf. The main benefits associated with covering Greens for the winter is to protect the plant from direct exposure to the elements and to aid in Spring green up by providing an layer of insulation over the surface. This layer will help prevent two main winter killers, winter desiccation and low temperature kill. Winter desiccation is a result of moisture loss from the plant to the atmosphere, with no opportunity to replenish it. This will occur on exposed windy sites and areas without snowcover.
The cover will act as an artificial barrier buffering the wind. Low temperature kill will occur when the plant is subjected to a rapid drop in temperature following a warming cycle. This is usually evident in January when the plant will accidentally break dormancy in response to warm weather. The plants cells will literally explode as the fluid inside refreezes with the extreme temperature drop.
Thank You,
Grant Davey
Golf Course Superintendent
