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1996, No. 3
ILLINOIS TURF STILL REELING FROM PAST WEATHER CONDITIONS
Waiting on the arrival of typical spring weather is testing the patience of many Illinois turf managers.
Although winter's fingers are loosening, it seems that we are still locked in its grip.
Many turf managers have stated that considerable turf is in need of assistance this spring.
Throughout Illinois these managers are reporting:
dead or damaged fall-seeded areas that were either planted too late or were unirrigated; poor turf rooting; dead Poa annua or perennial ryegrass, especially in areas where there was little or no snow cover; isolated patches of dead turf in shaded or thatchy areas; and very slow spring green-up.
Unfortunately, weather-related turf problems continued from last summer into the fall and winter.
An unseasonably dry autumn, coupled with early frost and winter storms, affected fall seedings.
Several periods of extremely cold weather, notably in areas without snow cover, when combined with stressed turf, resulted in winter-killed turf.
At present, many areas in Illinois are still experiencing below-average soil temperatures and soil moisture.
These conditions are slowing turf green up and growth.
Recommendations for Spring '96 Turf Care
To bring turf into shape this spring, several management activities can be used.
1. If possible, delay applications of preemergence annual grass herbicides until the turf's condition is assessed.
Preemergence annual grass herbicides, other than siduron (Tupersan), will inhibit germination in areas needing overseeding.
Furthermore, the use of most other preemergence annual grass herbicides may negatively affect root production of shallowly-rooted or weak turf.
2. Raise mowing heights this spring to encourage root development.
3. Delay cultivation activities until the turf is green and actively growing.
4. Reduce traffic where possible.
5. Many areas are abnormally dry; water turf as needed.
6. Avoid application of large amounts of water-soluble nitrogen that may produce abundant shoots at the expense of roots; it may be better for turf health to spoon-feed nitrogen fertilizers this spring.
7. To enhance germination in areas in need of turf cover, use vented covers or primed seed.
Be sure to remove covers as temperatures rise.
8. Once the turf has recovered, try to maintain its health by providing good growing conditions (e.g., reduce shade, soil compaction, and thatch; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization; mow as high as turf appearance and use will allow).
(TOM VOIGT, TOM FERMANIAN, AND BRUCE BRANHAM)
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