As temperatures continue to plummet through the fall and winter months, so does the likelihood of frost delays. During these conditions damage can occur from equipment and foot traffic. As winter continues, lets take a look at the reason these delays are necessary.
Frost occurs when turfgrass plants re-radiate heat (exothermic reaction) and lose heat to the atmosphere. If plant temperatures are cooler than the air, moisture from the atmosphere will form on the leaf blade. When the leaf temperatures drop below freezing this moisture becomes frost. However, it is not uncommon to see frost even if temperatures are in the mid thirties.
Frost typically forms in early morning before sunrise. This is because the plant has been re-radiating energy through the night and will be coolest at daybreak. It may continue to form past daybreak due to the low light angles not hitting the leaf blade.
Once frost has formed, equipment and foot traffic will rupture the plant cells. This unsightly damage can last into spring or until new leafs replace them. The golf course maintenance staff constantly monitors the frost and strives to get you on the golf course as quickly as possible.
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| Frost on cool season turf Check out this informative video from the USGA |
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