Heat Kills: Summertime and Turf Stress Club House Edition

Once air temperatures hit the 90s, cool season turfgrasses begin their yearly struggle with the ravages of heat: slow growth, thinning, and if temperatures are high enough—death. The turf at the greatest risk is on greens, where low mowing heights and heavy foot traffic are constant stressors for the turf. While bentgrass and annual bluegrass (poa) greens are most susceptible to heat damage, even bermudagrass greens can suffer from heat stress. Damage from heat can be significantly reduced through preventive…