Pretty exciting day today at Highlands CC; greens and approaches are being mowed for the first time this year. We are also spraying them with foliar nutrients in addition to a plant growth regulator that limits Poa annua seed head production. By eliminating the grass' ability to produce seed, keeps the greens smoother during the month of May. Also, it conserves a lot of energy for the Poa annua, which will allow the turf to better manage the stresses it's subject to through the season. For a plant of any kind to produce a flower and ultimately seed, takes a huge amount of energy from the plant. When it uses this energy in the spring, it can put the plant in a weakened state for a period of time afterwards.
Next Monday (11th) we'll be aerating greens, using 3/8" hollow tines on a very tight spacing. This necessary practice will ensure the greens remain healthy for this season and into the future. This will be the last cultural practice we do to the greens before the season starts. In terms of how fast they heal, is dependent solely on night and day temperatures. While fertilizer helps, turf growth is driven by air and soil temperatures. 70*F day temperatures and 50*F night temperatures are ideal for active cool season turfgrass growth.
Hap is delighted to be getting this work underway.