The weather in July has been good to us. The return of some rain and cooler temperatures has been very beneficial for the turf. At this time we are verticutting the fairways and around the greens. This process consists of using vertical cutting blades set approximately ¼” into the top of the turf.

April showers bring May flowers, but not this year. As you are aware, we are in the midst of another drought. I notice a lot of home owners have the habit of watering frequently.

Growing greens is not a matter of growin and mowin.  We as turf grass managers have to contend with the weather, conditions, opinions, airflow, types of grass, profiles of greens (soil make-up), previous maintenance practices, fungus, weeds, too much water, not enough water, too hot, not hot enough, ball marks, new diseases which have not been properly identified, etc., etc.  This is not an excuse but a small example of reality.

This month I will try to explain the relationship of air and soil temperatures on the development and survival of bent grass roots.