ICE

As it stands, this winter has given us a few circumstances that we can do little about. Although this is my 7th winter in Colorado Springs, there haven't been two that have been similar. I've learned that there are two constants in these months, cold and wind. Unfortunately, once we get into spring, all the preventative measures taken in the fall turn into reactive practices. While the golf course staff continues to monitor the ice levels on the course, our main focus will always tend to focus on our putting green surfaces. Having 30 greens to consume our time, getting around to clearing snow and ice from tees and fairways has proven to be an impossible task. Like any other living thing, turfgrass requires a few staples of life. Whether it be the warm months of summer, or the harsh winter season, air circulation and water are two things a plant must have to survive. One of the major types of turf damage comes in the form of ice accumulation and can cause terror to golf courses in the Rocky Mountain region. As mentioned before, Poa can usually survive short periods under ice while bentgrass has an easier time surviving longer periods of snow and ice cover. At times, it is vital that we remove this layer to allow our greens to breath. Pictured above, is Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Steve Blais spreading the humates to the green. You will also notice how these small, dark granules attract heat from the sun to melt the snow and create 'breathing tubes' for the greens beneath.