Endless Summer 2019
Mother Nature finally heard the cries of “uncle” from those managing cool-season turfgrasses across Tennessee and beyond.
Cooler temperatures have allowed turfgrass managers across the state a much-needed opportunity to breathe a sigh of relief after what can only be described as an “endless summer.” A review of climatic data certainly highlights the “endless summer” conditions that affected those managing turf on golf courses and residential lawns across Tennessee. Simply put, there was effectively no difference in average daily air temperature during the months of July, August, and September 2019 (Figure 1). Those who jokingly referred to August as having 60 days this season were, in fact, entirely correct.
Implications for Golf Courses
Golf course superintendents managing creeping bentgrass greens felt the effects of “endless summer” this season. The prolonged period of elevated temperature lengthened the duration of summer stress on these surfaces. In the transition zone, climatic conditions typically allow creeping bentgrass to recover from summer stress and begin producing new root growth in September. Instead, surfaces this season were challenged with an extended period of summer stress during a month when they are typically at their weakest.
To quote the late Jim Valvano, adjustments were made to “survive and advance” — practices such as the use of cooling fans, alternating mowing and rolling, and scouting for wilt continued well into September. At some courses, adjustments to aerification programs were made, as well. Clearly, the hard work put forth by so many superintendents and their staff paid off.
Autumn temperatures now not only provide superintendents and their teams much needed relief, but also an opportunity to determine how to be optimally prepared should “endless summer” return in 2020. Do maintenance budgets need to be adjusted to ensure extra resources are available for managing an additional month of stress? How will staff schedules be adjusted to manage another “endless summer” without leading to employee burnout? Remember,
“A goal, without a plan, is just a wish.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
Implications for Lawn Care
Lawn care professionals managing tall fescue felt the effects of “endless summer” during 2019. Heat (and drought) stress was evident on many tall fescue lawns across the state with several properties suffering areas of turf loss.
Stress on tall fescue lawns in the summer is not atypical in Tennessee. Lawn care professionals annually aerate and overseed tall fescue lawns to improve overall quality for the following season. Many aim to complete this process during the time period of September 15th - October 15th. The “endless summer” of 2019 shifted that window with many lawn care professionals delaying the start of establishment work well into October.
Similar to golf course superintendents, lawn care professionals should be thinking about how to plan for the potential return of another “endless summer” in 2020. Is the new aeration and overseeding window for tall fescue lawns October 15th - November 15th? If so, how will businesses that employ a “rounds” system to manage properties make adjustments to account for this?
