The 2024 season ended on an extremely dry note in the Northeast, with record-setting drought in some locations. The effects of a drought on grass and a golf course have been discussed at length, but what sometimes gets lost in the conversation is how last season’s issues can linger into the following season if nothing corrective happens.
This spring is a good example of that. By comparing soil moisture data from this time last year to this year, it’s easy to see how dry the region is. Again, we understand how drought affects grass. Now think about everything that happens in the spring to get the course ready. Many courses are probably aerating soon, if they haven’t already. Many others are continuing work on projects involving sod or seed. Water is necessary for grass to grow, and whether it is used to help promote growth to close aeration holes, water-in fertilizer or preemergence herbicides, or water sod and seed, a reliable water source now is important. If you have the ability to charge your irrigation system, I would do so as quickly as possible. Even with rain, the soils in many parts of the Northeast need supplemental water to bring back sufficient moisture levels to sustain turf health.
