Winter poses unique challenges for maintaining turf health, whether you’re a commercial landscaper managing sprawling greens or a home gardener nurturing your backyard lawn. Among these challenges, the debate around frost delays has been heating up in the landscaping world. Does frost truly harm turf, or is it just a misunderstood winter phenomenon? Recent research funded by the Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA) and Oregon State University sheds light on this frosty conundrum, offering practical tips for turf care during the cold months.
Turf Tips: Understanding Frosty Risks
1. Foot Traffic: Not Always Harmful
If you’re dealing with annual bluegrass putting greens, here’s some good news: foot traffic during frost doesn’t seem to reduce turf quality significantly. While the satisfying crunch of frosty grass beneath your boots might make you wince, the research suggests minimal damage for this specific type of turf.
Important Note: This finding is specific to annual bluegrass. Other grasses, like creeping bentgrass and ryegrass, may respond differently to foot traffic during frosty conditions.
- Cart Traffic: A Turf No-No
Rolling out carts on frosty fairways is where things get tricky. Regardless of whether the turf is creeping bentgrass, ryegrass, or bluegrass, repeated cart traffic during frosty mornings can degrade turf quality significantly. Morning soil temperatures below freezing exacerbate the issue, leaving lasting damage.
Recommendation: Keep carts off frosty turf whenever possible to preserve the quality and longevity of your greens.
- Rolling Greens: Timing Is Key
While rolling greens can enhance smoothness and playability, timing is critical. The study revealed that rolling annual bluegrass greens during frost led to reduced turf quality, especially when soil temperatures were below 32°F in the morning.
Tip: Delay rolling until later in the day when frost has melted and soil temperatures have risen, minimizing potential damage.
Why Soil Temperature Matters Most
After examining various factors like air temperature, moisture levels, and frost presence, researchers concluded that morning soil temperature is the most reliable predictor of turf injury. Turf damage becomes significantly more likely when soil temperatures dip below 32°F, particularly with cart traffic or rolling.
Pro Tip: Invest in a soil thermometer and make it part of your morning routine. A quick soil temperature check can save your turf from unnecessary harm.
For the Golfers: Why Frost Delays Matter
Frost delays may feel like an inconvenience, but they play a crucial role in protecting the greens. Allowing traffic on frosty turf leads to visible damage, slower recovery, and lingering effects that extend far beyond a cold morning. For golf course superintendents, balancing play schedules with turf preservation is a constant challenge, but protecting turf during frost ultimately ensures a healthier course for the long run.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next in Frost Research?
The research isn’t stopping here. Ongoing studies are set to continue through 2025, diving deeper into the effects of frost on various grass types and traffic patterns. Next on the research agenda? Examining how foot traffic affects creeping bentgrass and perennial ryegrass.
With these insights, landscapers, superintendents, and home gardeners can look forward to better strategies for keeping their greens lush and healthy—no matter the season.
Whether you’re managing a commercial property or simply love your backyard lawn, understanding how frost impacts turf is key to navigating winter challenges. By monitoring soil temperatures and adjusting traffic patterns accordingly, you can keep your greens in top shape—even during the chilliest months.