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Winter injury of turfgrass can occur by various mechanisms, but restoring a solid stand of turf and good playing quality as quickly as possible are the main objectives of the turf manager.
Recovery is largely dependent on weather, but using the most efficient fertilizer technology available today with Grigg Brothers® products will expedite the process. An integrated approach is usually required, and a good fertility plan is fundamental to optimizing recovery. The Grigg Brothers agronomic team recommends the following guidelines:
* Where injury is severe, close the greens (or damaged portion) and direct play to temporary greens. Traffic will compromise recovery significantly and delay restoring acceptable playing quality.
* Raise the height of cut and equip mowers with smooth out-front rollers to reduce stress and wear injury to existing/new plants. Smooth rollers make the mowers much less aggressive than grooved or spiral rollers. Mow as infrequently as possible.
* An application of colored (black) topdressing sand at a rate of 200 - 400 lbs of sand per 1,000 FT2 may help warm the soil for seed germination and an increased rate of growth.
* Permeable turf covers can also be used to stimulate warmer soils and accelerated growth. Be sure to monitor disease pressure under covers.
Apply Grigg Brothers® Proven Foliars™:
- Nutra Green™ 5-10-5............................................. 6 fl. oz. per 1,000 FT2
- Gary's Green Ultra® 13-2-3.................................... 6-9 fl. oz. per 1,000 FT2
OR REPLACE Gary's Green Ultra® with
- Gary's Green® 18-3-4.............................................. 6 fl. oz. per 1,000 FT2
- Ultraplex®.................................................................. 3 fl. oz. per 1,000 FT2
Every 7 days to stimulate growth and recovery. Continue this regime until recovery is complete. Foliar fertilizers will be most effective anytime soils are cool and plants are damaged as compared with granular or soluble fertilizers. Proven Foliar™ products are safest for use on the grass and will be most readily absorbed and utilized by the turf plants.
* Foliar applied phosphorous will stimulate root growth and recovery. Phosphorous is critical to energy transfer within the plant, and important when establishing new turf and promoting recovery from any form of damage. Consider adding:
o P-K Plus® 3-7-18 +14% phosphite.................... 6 fl. oz. per 1,000 FT2
to the above mix to add phosphite for enhanced production of antioxidants, and added nutrition for vigorous recovery.
* When temperatures favor growth, verticut and spike to stimulate germination of annual bluegrass and/or prepare a seedbed for creeping bentgrass. Overseed lightly (1/2 - 1 lbs per 1,000 FT2) with creeping bentgrass to assist with recovery.
Applying GreenSpec™ granular fertilizer after topdressing and again 14 days later will stimulate germination, establishment, and recovery as soils warm and grass resumes good growth:
* 7-7-7 Seven Iron™ 5-8 lbs per 1,000 FT2 (0.3-0.5 lbs N)
Damage not that severe? Just need a quick Spring Green-up? Click Here
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