MSU Turf & Landscape Digest

Will my turf recover from recent flooding?

Kevin Frank, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences - July 1, 2021

Recent rainfall events caused flooding on golf courses, lawns and other turf areas. Depending on how long the turf was submerged and whether soil deposition occurred will determine whether turf survives.

Heavy rain across many portions of Michigan in the last week dropped over 5 inches locally. Turf near streams and rivers and low-lying areas was under feet of water at least temporarily. Unlike flooding during the spring, damage to turf during the summer can be significant. Factors that determine turf survival under water include turfgrass species, submergence duration, submergence depth, water temperature and light intensity.

Drive-by botany: Poison hemlock and perennial pea

Jeremy Jubenville and Isabel Branstrom, Michigan State University Extension - July 6, 2021

Has a patch of flowers ever caught your eye as you travelled down the road? It certainly happens to us all the time! As gardeners and naturalists, we're always interested increasing functional diversity in our gardens and landscapes, so we thought it would be fun to consider some of the roadside plants that we see every day. Each article in this series will feature two plant species that are currently blooming and frequently observed from the road. Our goal is to answer two simple questions:

What are they?

Would they make good garden plants?

Master Gardener College: Registration Open to All

June 23 | Betsy Braid

To expand the reach of the 2021 Master Gardener College, registration is open to gardening enthusiasts, beyond those who are recertified MSU Extension Master Gardeners® or Trainees. We invite anyone with a horticultural passion and love for plants and gardening to join us for this annual event as we focus on Fresh Gardening Visions! Please visit the 2021 Master Gardener College website for all the details regarding this three-day event and to sign up!

USGA Green Section

Five Proven Methods to Improve Moisture Uniformity

July 02, 2021

Distribution uniformity is the standard measure for irrigation system efficiency, but focusing on soil moisture uniformity is more impactful for superintendents that want firm conditions, healthy turf and efficient water use. Optimizing moisture uniformity requires a combination of irrigation techniques and cultural practices that help water penetrate the soil. The strategies detailed in this article are working well in extremely challenging irrigation settings, so they can almost certainly help improve moisture uniformity at your course.

Why Courses Topdress Greens

Regular topdressing is a key part of maintaining high-quality putting greens. While the sand may temporarily impact playability, the benefits are well worth some short-term disruption.

Fairways for the Future

Upgrading the fairways at Corning Country Club to an improved bentgrass variety has not always been an easy process...

Why The Rough Isn't Perfect

There are many reasons why golfers shouldn’t expect lush, uniform rough across the entire golf course – with cost, irrigation coverage and trees being a few of the key factors.

The Perfect Edge for Less

There are many devices used to protect the grass around the hole from errant white paint. Some work better than others and some are very expensive for the one purpose they serve.