The big melt and your turfgrass

Kevin Frank<frankk@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences - February 14, 2011

Shoveling snow from poorly draining areas to help water quickly escape from greens could reduce the risk of winterkill injury.

There was significant snow melting last weekend and it will continue throughout the week with high temperatures expected in the low 40's to near 50. Currently, the night time lows are forecast to be near or above freezing almost every night (except tonight), which should help the water keep moving and minimize ice formation.

As the snow melts, do whatever you can to facilitate water movement off putting greens to prevent overnight freezing and ice formation. Shoveling snow from poorly draining areas or shoveling channels or paths to help water quickly escape from greens could reduce the risk of winterkill injury. Melting snow and overnight freezing and ice formation is one of the times of highest risk for crown hydration winterkill injury on Poa annua putting greens.

Additional information on winterkill injury of turfgrass can be found at www.turf.msu.edu/winterkill-of-turfgrass.

A path is shoveled to let water drain and
reduce the risk of winterkill injury.

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