Why We Avoid Trafficking Frosty Turf

 It’s pretty apparent spring is here and this year’s golf season has gotten off to a cool and wet start. Frost delays are a certainty in spring and although we are rapidly approaching the end of the frost season it is not uncommon for frost potential to linger into May. I get the impression that not a lot is understood about frost and its effect on turf so I hope the information below sheds some light on the subject.

Turfgrass relies on its elasticity to withstand wear and tear from the mechanical stresses of cart and golfer traffic. When the leaf blade is frozen, the turfgrass becomes rigid and its ability to withstand mechanical stress is compromised. Cold temperatures can lead to the formation of ice crystals within the intercellular spaces of the leaf blade. These intercellular spaces are essentially the voids that exist between the plants cells.

When mechanical pressure is placed on the leaf blade, the sharp edges of these ice crystals pierce the plants cell walls resulting in cell collapse. Imagine what happens when you pierce a water balloon with a needle. This is essentially what happens when ice crystals protrude a cell wall. Once the plant loses the rigidity provided by the cells turgor, or hydraulic pressure, the plant will collapse. This is the primary reason we delay play on the golf course until we are frost free. It is not because we want more time to enjoy our morning coffee, although that would be nice.

It is important to note that temperatures do not have to drop to 32°F to experience frost. Also, keep in mind that a golf course has a number of different micro-climates, and warmer temperatures, around, let’s say, a clubhouse doesn’t guarantee the rest of the course is in the clear. We have found 5 - 8 degree differences in areas on our course and I am sure this is the case with a number of facilities.

No one likes frost delays. It puts pressure on the pro shop staff, prevents the grounds crew from prepping the course, and it throws off the golfer’s schedule. Unfortunately, though, it is a reality so please be patient and understand it is out of our control. The facility will have you on the course as soon as Mother Nature allows.

Frost damage from cart traffic

Frost damage from foot traffic

 An Important Note: In this industry there are numerous thought’s, ideas, process’, principal’s, etc.… when it comes to managing a golf facility. Please remember that what I say here only pertains to me and my approach. I don’t ever want to speak on behalf of anyone but myself. I will never comment on another’s facility and nothing you read here should ever be perceived as a commentary on what someone else is or is not doing. My articles are not arguments for what is the right or wrong way to do something. They are simply an explanation of why I do what I do (and what I do is far from perfect).