What a Difference

Two years ago(2007), the turf suffered from winter injury (bottom picture). This year, the complete opposite - healthy grass after the winter. Why the difference? Did we do anything differently? No! The only difference was Mother Nature. We have spoken to many experts and done extensive research on winter injury, but there really was nothing we could have done to prevent the turf from dying in the devastating winter of 2006-2007. We think we know the exact circumstances that killed the grass. In early March of 2007, we had 1-1/2 inches of rain and 50 degree temps. The plants came out of winter dormancy and picked up water. The temperature then plummeted to 3 degrees. The water within the winter-weakened plant then froze, forming ice crystals that punctured the cells of the plant. Despite the extensive damage, the crew was able to grow new grass and the courts opened on their usual schedule (in fine condition!).