Fall Maintenance Overview for Turf

 

Here is a sneak peak at a future Piper Article (Grass Clippings):

As the season shift from the “heat” of summer to the crispness of fall, the landscape undergoes significant changes, especially in regions where cool season turfgrasses grow, like Highlands CC. This transition period marks a crucial time for golf course maintenance, as the maintenance practices implemented during the fall can have a profound impact on the health, resilience, and aesthetic appeal of these grasses the following year. Understanding the significance of fall maintenance for cool season turfgrasses is essential for golfers.  I’ll talk about the reasons why fall maintenance is critical, focusing on preparation for winter dormancy, disease prevention, weed control, and overall turf health.

Cool season turfgrasses, including Creeping Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Ryegrass, typically thrive in the cooler months of the year. As temperatures begin to drop in the fall, these grasses prepare for dormancy, a natural process that allows them to survive our cold winter conditions.  Even though cool season grasses don’t go completely dormant and turn brown like their warm season counterparts that you’re used to (Bermudagrass, for example), they still enter a dormant period where growth stops.  Fall maintenance practices, such as aeration and inner seeding, play a pivotal role in ensuring that the turf is healthy enough to withstand winter stresses. Aeration, which involves removing soil cores from the playing surfaces, alleviates compaction, enhances root development and improves nutrient absorption.  In addition, the removal of organic matter and the incorporation of sand ensures your putting surfaces will be smooth and firm come spring.  This process not only prepares the turfgrass for dormancy but also sets the stage for vigorous growth in the spring when temperatures rise. Furthermore, overseeding with high-quality seed, like we do in fairways, can fill thin areas and ensure dense stands of turf, which is more resilient to winter damage.  Not only that, but we are slowing transitioning to more upright growing varieties of Bentgrass compared to the old common varieties found in many of our fairways.

 Another critical aspect of fall maintenance is disease prevention. Cool season grasses are susceptible to a range of diseases, particularly when transitioning from summer to fall. For example, diseases such as brown patch and dollar spot thrive in warm, humid conditions but can also linger if the turf is not properly maintained. Implementing a fall maintenance regimen that includes proper fertilization and mowing practices can significantly reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the fall provides essential nutrients that support the grass during dormancy while minimizing the risk of excessive growth that can lead to fungal diseases. Additionally, slightly raising the mowing heights ensures the turf is able to produce more of its own food by way of photosynthesis.  This allows the grass to store carbohydrates that lead to a faster spring green up.

Fall is also an opportune time to control weeds, which can compete with cool season turfgrasses for resources. Perennial weeds, such as dandelions and clover, often take advantage of the cooler temperatures and increased moisture to establish themselves in the rough.  Healthy turf, that has undergone aeration and inner-seeding is better equipped to outcompete weeds, thus reducing their prevalence in the following growing season. By managing weeds effectively in the fall, Superintendents can ensure that their golf courses remain relatively weed free the following year.  There is no better weed control program than healthy, dense turf!

 Ultimately, the cumulative effect of fall maintenance practices leads to improved overall turf health. A well-maintained golf course is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it is much better from a playability standpoint.  Fall is the perfect time to assess and improve soil health through soil testing, which tells us the necessary amendments to pH levels and nutrient content. By addressing soil deficiencies in the fall, golf course superintendents can create an optimal growing environment for turf, ensuring they emerge healthy and vigorous in the spring.

 Fall maintenance is critical for cool season turfgrasses for several reasons. It prepares the turf for winter dormancy, mitigates disease risks, controls weeds, and enhances overall turf health for the following year. By implementing a comprehensive fall maintenance plan, we can set the stage for your golf course, that not only survives the winter but thrives in the growing season that follows.

2025 was a phenomenal year for many reasons at Highlands CC and one that my team and me are really proud of!  2026 will be even better!  As I say continuously, one thing that makes us better is hearing your opinions!  I hope you never hesitate to contact me if there is something we can do to make your experience at HCC even better!  That’s exactly why we are here.