Grass Clippings

This week has seen a break in the weather and no rain in the past week. This has been a welcome respite in an otherwise eccentric winter of weather. The clear nights have resulted in frosts and a ‘white out’ for most of this week. Despite gloriously bright days we still have to be careful not to damage the course and there have been days when, in true British-Rail fashion, we have had to state that it’s the ‘wrong type of frost’ for foot traffic.

I thought it might be useful to explain the different forms of frost and how they effect the grass plant …

Ground frost

A ground frost refers to the formation of ice on the ground when the surface has a temperature below the freezing point of water. During situations when the ground cools quicker than the air, a ground frost can occur without an air frost. A grass frost, an un-official type of ground frost that can occur when other surfaces – such as concrete or road surfaces – don’t experience a frost, due to their better ability at holding onto any warmth. It is possible for a grass frost to occur in late spring or even early summer when the risk of more wide-spread frosts has disappeared. Generally, we allow play on the greens with an air frost as the plant isn’t fully frozen from within or deep into the cell structures. The grass can rebound quite quickly from ground frosts with no serious consequences.

Air frost

An air frost occurs when the air temperature falls to or below the freezing point of water. An air frost is usually defined as the air temperature being below freezing point of water at a height of at least one metre above the ground. An air frost which is lower by several digits below zero, during the night, can penetrate into the cell’s structures of the grass plant, which if stepped on or driven over will burst the cell walls. These cells are therefore effectively dead and will yellow off due to the loss of chlorophyl in the plant. The turf will remain in a state of decline, with yellowed-out dead material until spring when it can resume growth. In severe cases, the grass will be permanently damaged by traffic injury if the growth point for the plant is damaged beyond repair.

Hoar frost

Hoar frost is composed of tiny ice crystals and is formed by the same process as dew, but when the temperature of the surface is below freezing point. The ‘feathery’ variety of hoar frost forms when the surface temperature reaches freezing point before dew begins to form on it. A ‘white’ frost, composed of more globular ice, occurs when the dew forms first, then subsequently freezes. The presence of fog tends to prevent the formation of hoar frost as it reduces the potential for radiational cooling of surfaces. A hoar frost is a form of occurrence that can damage the grass plant too due to the formation of the ice crystals around the plant, these will go deep into the leaf blades too. Once cells are damaged, within the plant the cells are not able to self-repair so eventually die.

Glaze and rime

Frost is sometimes confused with glaze or rime.

Rime is a rough white ice deposit which forms on vertical surfaces exposed to the wind. It is formed by supercooled water droplets of fog freezing on contact with a surface it drifts past.

Glaze can only form when supercooled rain or drizzle comes into contact with the ground, or non-supercooled liquid may produce glaze if the ground is well below 0 °C. Glaze is a clear ice deposit that can be mistaken for a wet surface and can be highly dangerous.

Fortunately frosts usually come in short cycles of weather fronts and do not persist for more than a few days consecutively eventually giving way to warmer weather that follows so normal play conditions can continue. Ensuring that damage to the play areas is limited is important as it will set back the course in spring when damaged turf will eventually start to heal with new growth. If extensive damage were to occur, then the only alternative would be to returf the areas or try to get seed to germinate in the dead areas which is not ideal prolonging the time the areas looking unfit for play.

Furry friend friendly walks at Wakehurst

Any Member who has a Kew access ticket and owns a dog will be happy to hear that for the first time, dogs and their owners can visit Wakehurst seven days a week through 10km of paths designated for dogs.

Director of Wakehurst Ed Ikin said: ‘At Wakehurst, we believe a stroll through our wild landscape forms a dog walk with a difference. With each visit, people walking their dogs will be contributing to Kew’s critical conservation work and pioneering science research undertaken to combat biodiversity loss.’  A brand-new part of the gardens will be opened especially for dog walkers to give their four-legged  friends the chance to go off-lead. Pups can roam free in an area complete with a fenced perimeter to keep them secure, overlooking the Millennium Seed Bank.  Designated areas of the gardens will remain dog-free, allowing space for school groups, and ensuring that Wakehurst remains an inclusive place for all visitors. The paths and areas for dogs form part of Wakehurst’s new Canine Code, developed to ensure all visitors can enjoy their day at the botanic  garden. This new policy only refers to Wakehurst and not to the Key Gardens site which remain dog free.

St Andrew’s Swilcan Bridge U Turn

St Andrews golf course has been forced to remove stonework from around the famous Swilcan Bridge after criticism from many, including Sir Nick Faldo. St Andrews has caved on changes that have been made recently, to try and limit the damage made by foot traffic around the bridge. Swilcan Bridge is more than 600 years old and an iconic landmark in golf. Though it was a solution to the surrounding grass becoming muddy with heavy foot traffic, the paved area has been scrutinised. It has been described by some as ‘a garden patio’ while others argue it isn’t in keeping with its historic surroundings. St Andrews released a statement last Sunday reassuring that no work was being done to the bridge itself. Other solutions it has trialled – including artificial turf and regular reseeding – have not been successful. It also noted that historically the bridge had a stone pathway leading towards it. By Monday morning, the St Andrews Trust had released another statement confirming that the stonework will be removed. The release read:

‘The stonework at the approach and exit of the bridge was identified as one possible long term solution, however while this installation would have provided some protection, in this instance we believe we are unable to create a look which is in keeping with its iconic setting and have taken the decision to remove it. We have also taken on feedback from many partners and stakeholders as well as the golfing public and we would like to thank everyone who has been in touch for their contribution to the issue. In the coming days our team will be reinstating the area with turf. We would like to thank golfers for their patience as we continue this work. In the meantime, we will continue to explore alternative options for a permanent solution and will work with all relevant partners, including Fife Council, and key stakeholders.’

Peter Bradburn, Course and Grounds Director