FROST vs FREEZE

Frost delays are always some of the biggest inconveniences and troubles for a golf course during the winter months. I‘d like to try to give a better prospective on why we call frost delays, and perhaps the name itself is part of the problem. The damage that we are trying to avoid during “cold weather delays” is the cells inside the grass plant rupturing. When temperatures are below 32 degrees, the cells inside of the grass plant freeze. External force on the turfgrass during freezing temperatures, such as foot traffic or cart traffic will rupture the cells and cause damage to the leaf blades.

Visible frost is not necessary for damage to occur in the leaf blades of turf grass. Although visible frost is a sign that the turfgrass has reached freezing temperatures at ground level. Keep in mind golf courses have micro climates, and temperature forecasts in generalized areas do not necessarily reflect what we are seeing on the golf course. I’m going to attach a couple articles to help give a better understanding of why we do what we do when it comes to winter start time delays. Thanks for taking the time to read the information.

https://www.gcmonline.com/course/environment/news/ice-golf-turf-effects

https://www.gcsaa.org/docs/default-source/winter-resources-2014/the-big-chill.pdf