Everyone knows frost must clear off the grass before play can begin, but few people know why. Frost on the grass blades tells us that the water inside the leaves is frozen.
Remember that water is 85-90% of the plant tissue. When this water is frozen, traffic on the turf causes the ice crystals in the cells to puncture through the cell walls, killing the plant tissue. Little damage is done to the crowns or roots if only a light frost appears; however, when the frost is heavy, cell disruption may occur at the crown, thus killing the entire plant. Frost damage symptoms include white to light tan leaves where traffic has passed.
The simplest approach is to avoid traffic until the frost melts. The maintenance staff works hand in hand with the Proshop to determine starting times daily. Our goal is to get players on the course as soon as possible and still provide great playing conditions. We understand that these delays can be frustrating, but please bear in mind the maintenance staff has the golf courses best interest in mind.
Kyle Macdonald, GCS, Class A
ValleyCrest Golf Maintenance
St. Ives Country Club
kmacdonald@valleycrest.com
St. Ives Country Club 