Well we have had snow and ice cover on select areas of the course since the middle of December. So it is time to start taking of the snow and ice. Most of these areas are northern exposures or areas shaded from trees. The reason we have to take off the snow and ice is because over time the turf builds up gases under the ice layer, particularly carbon dioxide. If the ice is not removed we will have turf loss. Every grass has different tolerances for ice but a good rule of thumb is after 60-75 days of cover you can see damage. We first work on the greens and then move to fairways. Over the last few years we have had success with a black sand product that we use on the greens. All the other areas or in native soils we use Metro Grow a compost product. Now that the days are getting longer and the sun is shifting in the sky these areas are now receiving more sun light. With the black sand and the Metro Grow being darker the heat from the sun is absorbed in the areas where the product was applied. Much like wearing a dark shirt in the middle of winter you feel the heat from the sun being absorbed by the darker color. Over time the heat from the sun is slowly melting the snow and ice. Leaving you with clear turf.
#3 green Mountain course Tuesday February 2nd after black sand was applied
1-2 inches of ice cover.
#3 green Mountain course Friday 9am February 5th
Average day time temp's in the 40's and partly cloudy to sunny sky's
No ice cover. It only took 3 full days to melt the ice.
#12 fairway Tuesday February 2nd after Metro grow was applied
3-4 inches of ice cover
#12 fairway Valley course Friday 9am February 5th
Average day time temp's in the 40's and partly cloudy to sunny sky's
1/2 to 1 inch ice cover and still melting
