We are spending a considerable amount of time on the 2nd green plugging some of the weak areas of turf. For the last 15 years, you've heard me talk about the challenges of growing grass in extensive shade like we do on a number of our greens at Highlands CC. For the most part, we do a fine job of it. However, there are times when Mother Nature throws so many curve balls in a given year that there isn't much we can do to reverse a state of decline. When we attempt to maintain grass in the shade, we are essentially living on the edge. I think it is safe to assume that we've all lost a house plant because it wasn't getting enough sunlight. Like all plants, grass is no different.
When grass grows in the shade, it takes on many differences compared to grass growing in sun. These differences make it more prone to diseases and other damage. The chart above lists some of those differences. Golf is a game played on grass and while trees can make a positive impact on a golf course, golfers need to determine what the priority should be...nice trees or nice turf. Unfortunately, trees will always out-compete grass and the two won't live in harmony.
