Blowing snow, melting ice
Those managing golf courses in Northern climes understand the concerns brought upon by ice. There is no better antidote to ice than bentgrass. Studies have shown bentgrass can typically last anywhere from 90-120 days under ice cover, while Poa annua may only last 30 days.
The ice cover you see below exists on our putting surfaces. My observations and discussions with colleagues lead us to believe this ice has only been around since Valentine’s Day-well within the survival window for bentgrass and potentially the opposite window for Poa.
By the time we reach March, the sun’s rays have gained enough strength to melt ice, even on days when the temperatures are below freezing. We have take advantage of the March sun when we have ice on the greens. Using our track-steer mounted snowblower, our team blows snow off the putting surfaces, exposing the ice to the sun, quickly melting it.
The photos below were taken by assistant superintendent, Chad Blank and show the greens post snow removal. Within 36 hours, the ice was melted.
