Having A Heat Wave

The dry summer of 2015 keeps on rolling.  The last few days have been a relief and a chance to catch our breath and see many areas recover from the stress of this heat wave.  I’ve been asked by many members how we handle the high heat and long days. 

As temperature and/or humidity rise adding more water doesn’t make all our worries go away.  Increased moisture compounds the problems of the heat.   Grass doesn’t need additional water because the temperature goes up, it needs adequate moisture.  Excessive moisture in periods of high humidity increases the probability for disease which directly effects turf quality. 

You will see us using a tool called a TDR or moisture meter to gather information needed to determine adequate moisture.  It combines what we see with a specific data point to more uniform surface. It works by measuring the volume of water between the probes you see at the bottom of the instrument. 

TDR

At the push of a button an electric pulse is delivered between the probes.  Water conducts electricity; volume is calculated by converting the time it takes into a percentage.  Our target range on greens in between 16 and 22 percent. (16% - 22%).   

 

All twenty-two greens are checked each morning to determine an average and identify areas that need more water and areas that need no extra water.  Areas below the target are watered with a hose to correct the deficiency. 

Hand-watering is necessary to maintain a firm golf course.  I heard a great quote recently, “golf is played on a surface, not on color.  It is our job (Superintendent) to prepare a surface.”  The combination of proper overhead irrigation at night and hand watering during the day gives us the best opportunity to accomplish our goals.  Hand watering to correct deficiencies and treat hot-spots puts the water in places that need it.  Excessive use of overhead irrigation results in wet soils and soft surfaces that decrease turf quality and the playability goal of firm and fast. 

 

 

Direct High Temperature Kill

What causes those tires tracks?

Those tire marks are from golf carts.  This damage is the same result of driving across grass that is frosty.  The cell within the plant is so hot that the added stress of the cart driving across it, ruptures the cells within the grass, killing the tissue.  The plant will grow out of this damage if their has been no damage to the crown(the point from which grass grows).   

 

In this photo you can see where the tread pattern of the tire saved the grass it didn't make contact with, hence the straight line.