By Golf Superintendent Ben Larsen
Are these sustained sub-zero temperatures harming or injuring the golf course?

USGA states, “winter injury is a very complex event because it is controlled by many variables that are not completely understood.” During these windy sub-zero temperatures, two turfgrass winter injuries can occur: low-temperature kill and desiccation. As of now, low-temperature kill is not a big concern because of our high population of bentgrass on our playing surfaces.  Bentgrass has a very high tolerance for low temperatures and can withstand this type of weather pattern. Desiccation is the drying of the plant due to the exposure of low temperatures, high winds, and no added precipitation. This past fall, just prior to the low temperatures and snow, we sprayed an anti-desiccant on all high exposed areas (i.e. #6 green, putting green).  An anti-desiccant is a coating that helps protect and lock in moisture on the bentgrass leaf blades and crown.  Along with the anti-desiccant, earlier this month, we experienced an inch of rain to help keep the soil and turf hydrated. Overall, the most important and natural element to minimizing and/or eliminating low-temperature kill and desiccation is snow.  Snow is the best insulator for the golf course; it protects from high winds, locks in warmth for the plant to survive and keeps the plants hydrated.  As of today, with 20”+ inches of snow, we are set up for the course to over winter nicely.