Fall Shade

I took these pictures today, October 26 at 10:30AM on the 5th and 6th greens. The shade in the fall is the worst on both of these greens with the 5th green at least receiving morning sunlight since we removed the trees along the houses but the 6th green receives no sunlight in the morning and only about 50% sunlight until after 11 AM.

5 Green at 10:30AM in October

6 Green at 10:30AM in October

From Dr. Danneberger at Ohio State
Managing bentgrass under golf course conditions is a challenge. Managing creeping bentgrass in
shade under the same conditions is frustrating and may be impossible. Shade not only influences the
amount of light available for plant photosynthesis but also affects light quality.

Plants absorb solar radiation as energy particles called photons. The energy of a photon depends on
the light wavelength from which it originated. Blue, green and red wavelengths provide energy for
photosynthesis. Far red wavelengths help manage plant responses to the environment. Light quality
refers to the proportions of particular wavelengths in the light environment. Changes in the
proportion of red and far red – and possibly blue – light trigger plant responses that affect plant
health.

In shade, a greater proportion of the light present is in blue and far-red wavelengths. These excesses
in blue and far-red light and a deficiency in red light cause turfgrass plants to produce thin, delicate
leaves and rapid, vertical shoot growth. These plants are usually more succulent and commonly
have a poor root system.

These circumstances and a decline in photosynthesis, combined with frequent low mowing and
nearly constant traffic, make it difficult to maintain healthy creeping bentgrass in golf course shade.
Thin, weakened leaves are easily to damage, but they regenerate slower than healthy plants. When
pressure is applied to succulent plants, cell membranes can rupture.

Turf in shade grows vertically faster, to compete with neighbour plants for light. This is a
disadvantage from an agronomical point of view. Because shoot growth is encouraged in shade,
root systems on shaded turf are shallow and sparse. Turf density is poor, and damaged areas are
slow to recover because stolon growth is poor.

Course Update

As of Saturday morning we are mowing greens at our normal height of cut and will begin using our brushes to work on the texture of the greens for the remainder of the fall season improving speed for our fall golf events. The cool nights and warm days have made the growth of the turf very strong and we are working to keep the rough in check with the recent flush of growth. Last week we had some gloomy days with a constant mist although very little measurable rain. The mist kept the surface of the turf wet and has created a large worm cast (mud) issue on the fairways which will get better with the current weather conditions. The casts from the worms smear over the turf as we mow creating muddy conditions and ruining our cutting reels on the mower. We are still in the moderate drought stage and no relief is in sight with very little rain forecasted for the next 10 days. October is a great month to plant trees and we took advantage planting 3 new trees this week, a Black Gum between 5 and 6 along with 2 Japanese maples around the 7th green complex donated by Mr. Turvey who grew them from saplings at his home. Mr. Turvey has a wealth of knowledge about trees especially Japanese Maples and his yard is close to being an arboretum, we thank Mr. Turvey for his donation and expertise.

USGA Update

Recent cooler temperatures have been a welcomed relief for turf managers, golfers and cool-season turf, which now is rebounding due to shorter days and cooler nights. However, turf recovery may take a while at some courses. It has been a difficult year and few courses escaped the season unscathed. Throughout the Northeast Region turf was damaged by drought, excessive moisture, disease and insects. Perhaps most noticeably, weed invasion at many courses hit an all-time high this year. As you review the season and evaluate what worked and what didn’t, consider the following:

• This year’s drought identified irrigation coverage problems at many courses. It has also proven that every course should have a drought emergency plan.

• Weed populations exploded as a result of temperature and moisture extremes throughout the Northeast Region. The best defense against weed invasion is to maintain dense, healthy turf. Unfortunately, the extreme conditions meant that few courses were able to maintain turf density this year. The resulting weed outbreaks helped replenish the bank of weed seed in the soil. It may take several years of intensive management to get weeds back under control.

• Annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, and bermudagrass can be desired species or difficult weed problems, depending on one’s perspective.

• Annual bluegrass struggled this year due to high temperatures and disease pressure.

• The high temperatures and abundant sunlight helped bermudagrass perform exceedingly well, which is excellent if it is your desired species. However, where bermudagrass is considered a weed, the favorable weather this year created more management challenges for the future.

• Bentgrass populations increased at many courses – a welcomed sight on many greens, tees and fairways. However, bentgrass populations also increased in roughs, where it is not desirable. Summer patch infections in Kentucky bluegrass opened the door for bentgrass populations to establish or spread. If summer patch caused significant issues, it may be time to switch to a turf-type tall fescue. Turf-type tall fescue is not a perfect species, but it handles warm soil temperatures and drought better than Kentucky bluegrass and it is not susceptible to summer patch. In the meantime, implement an aggressive bentgrass control program in any rough areas that have experienced bentgrass encroachment.

• Trees also suffer from drought. The effects of drought on tree populations will be felt for several years. Many trees already have failed and more will fail in the future as a result of this year’s drought. Young trees and trees with vascular problems caused by bacterial pathogens, insect damage, girdling roots or impaired root growth will be most affected. Evaluate options carefully:

• Weak trees that have been further stressed by drought may never recover – removal may be the best option.

• Not all failed trees should be replaced. Wait one full year before making a decision about replacing a tree. During that time, evaluate the loss and give golfers time to become accustomed to a more open environment.

• Beware of late season anthracnose outbreaks.

• Also, annual bluegrass weevil damage recently has been observed. While annual bluegrass weevil populations may not be high enough to warrant treatment, their presence may explain why anthracnose damage isn’t responding to fungicides.

Japanese maple at 8 tee

Play for Pink Flags

Fall Display Scarecrow wearing pink ribbon