damage that may not heal until next spring . Remember , there may be frost at the course even if there is none on your grass at home . If you are concerned about a possible delay , call the golf shop to check on conditions before heading out the door .
2 . Grass may be a little taller . At many golf courses , superintendents slightly raise mowing heights during fall to help grass generate and store energy for winter . Leaves are like solar panels , so more surface area means more energy for the plant . The extra leaf surface also helps to maintain good playability into the late fall and winter as turf growth slows or stops .
3 . Leaf cleanup is underway . Leaves are falling and maintenance staffs are working hard to keep playing surfaces clear . Unfortunately , it can be tough to keep up when tens of thousands of leaves may fall from a single tree . Try to be understanding if you encounter tree debris on a putting green or have difficulty finding a ball hidden under some leaves . Before your round , check to see if a local rule is in place that allows for a free drop if your ball is lost amongst fallen leaves .
4 . Traffic control is increasingly important . Managing traffic becomes especially important in the fall because grass is growing slower and has less ability to recover from damage . Don ’ t be surprised if a few more ropes or traffic signs appear on the courses you play ; they will help maintain good playing conditions until grass starts growing at full speed in the spring .
5 . Planting , painting or patience ? In areas where golf is played through the winter , some courses overseed certain playing surfaces with grasses that continue to grow during cool weather . Other facilities may use turf colorants instead of overseeding to reduce disruption , conserve resources and improve year-round playability . Some courses choose to do neither and simply accept what the grass naturally offers until spring arrives . The best approach depends on how busy a course is during fall and winter and the playability and aesthetics desired by golfers .
By :
Jake Valintino
Superintendent 13