With summer nearing, it’s a good time to plan how you’ll protect the turfgrass on your golf course in the heat. High temperatures and humidity are challenges superintendents navigate every year. Here are some solutions to help.
Maintaining your irrigation system is one of the most important ways to protect the turfgrass on your golf course this summer. Whenever you see a heatwave or dry spell in the forecast, it’s a good time to inspect the irrigation system. Misalignments and malfunctioning heads happen—and they can be disastrous in the summer months. Typically, your bunkers, fairway edges, banks of the greens, and rough areas are where you’ll see a problem first if the irrigation system isn’t working correctly.
Another way to prepare for summer is to simply help your turf become as healthy as possible in the spring. Doing so sets it up for success and saves you from some summer stress yourself. Aeration, fertilization, preventative fungicide applications, and soil testing are all helpful practices.
Lastly, mow carefully once summer hits. During hot and humid conditions, it’s a good idea to adjust your mowing height by 1/64 to 1/32 of an inch. You may even skip a mowing or two if your greens seem distressed. More mowing may only intensify the turf’s problems during the summer heat.
These cultural practices are a good start for a successful summer at your golf course. As always, reach out to your sales representative with any questions as you prepare for the months ahead.
