With springtime almost among us, the lush grass wants to come out of hibernation and shake off its winter slumber. During this time, course maintenance crews are working hard to prepare for the coming busy season. Course superintendents have many springtime tasks that need attention. Some golden rules apply to preparing the lawn for spring.
Do Not Over Water
As temperatures rise and days become longer, many people assume that grass needs more water. However, that typically is not the case, and going easier on the irrigation will allow the roots to dig for water. This will strengthen the grass as the root systems are deeper and healthier. Be careful with the springtime watering to create a turf that will do much better if it faces real drought conditions later in the summer, and doing so will also save you money.
Punch Holes
Aerification, known as punch holes, will open passageways that are needed to transfer nutrients through the root zone in the grass. It is advised to punch every spring and fall. This is helpful for just about every turf, especially if it is compacted on a lawn that endures heavy use.
Get a Soil Test
Obviously, you want the turf to look lush and green but do not only focus on aesthetics. You want to pay attention to what is happening underground (i.e. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus levels) to help you achieve healthy grass for the long term. Each nutrient provides its unique function, and it is important to keep them in balance. You can do this by conducting soil tests on your course. These kits will give you the essential but crucial insights that will make all the difference.
Careful Fertilization
There is not a one-size-fits-all guideline when it comes to fertilizer. It is a common misbelief that every turf needs fertilizer regularly. They may think it is just that time of year again, or since they are watering and mowing, they might as well be fertilizing. Yes, the lawn might need to be fed, but it might not. It is essential to understand your turf’s needs, the microclimates, and what is going on in the soil. It is also crucial to get the irrigation right. The amount of watering has to be right for the fertilizing to be beneficial. You can stay educated by speaking with experts at a local lawn care store. If you need to fertilize, start with small amounts to then assess how the lawn responds.
What the Soil’s Temperature Means
Even though the springtime air may be warm and feel nice, that doesn’t mean that the soil is good. The soil temperature is extremely impactful on the health of the turf and will determine how much water, fertilizer, and mowing are needed. Often, roots may not begin growing until the soil temperature reaches around 55 degrees. This is true for weeds as well. When the mercury gets to that threshold in the ground, then it is time to start mowing and use pre-emergent herbicides to help keep weeds at bay. There is no way to control soil temperatures so allow them to be your guide. Don’t worry about sticking to a strict turf maintenance schedule, as it depends on what is happening with your soil. Sometimes things don’t work out even when you have done everything right. T2green Insurance is a wise investment to protect your assets in a time of need.
Overseed Bare Patches
After a long winter, it is common for a lawn to have some bald patches. To cover these, you may want to overseed. Spring is the best time to overseed for cool-season grasses. Before doing so, check the soil temperature and the weather forecast. If a freeze might be coming any time soon, wait to start growing new grass.
About T2 Green Insurance
T2Green Insurance provides the best customized and comprehensive protection for your club, resort, or golf management business. Our niche expertise and sole focus is ensuring this class, while our industry professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional results so that you can feel confident with your coverage. T2Green offers specialized coverage options that are unique in the industry. With our exclusive program unlike anything else on the market, you can feel peace of mind with protection that is tailored to your club’s unique needs. T2Green is driven by innovation and responsiveness in both coverage solutions and customer service. We understand the challenges that are presented in varying locations and seasons to write policies for clubs from coast to coast and everywhere in between so you can operate with confidence, no matter what conditions arise. Reach us at 844-223-9005 with any questions or so we can begin tailoring a package that works best for your club.
