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Instead of being concerned
with removing snow from the
first event to the last, consider
developing a removal strategy
that targets ice duration and
snowmelt that could lead to
crown hydration freeze injury.
For example, if ice forms and
is in place for greater than
30 days, I would definitely
make attempts to remove. For
crown hydration freeze injury,
consider removing snow in late
February/early March prior to
anticipated snowmelt.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
The key to preventing or
reducing the incidence of crown
hydration freeze injury is good
drainage. For putting greens
that lack adequate surface
drainage, consideration may
even be given to recontouring
greens that are annual victims
of crown hydration injury.
Less dramatic measures
include cutting cup cutter-sized
holes in poorly draining areas
and filling the cores with gravel
or sand to try and move the
water away from the surface.
Another more common tactic
is to cut sod strips from greens
to facilitate water movement
off the greens once snowmelt
begins.
CULTURAL PRACTICES –
LET IT GROW!
Fall is prime time for cultural
