By now, you have definitely seen a spray rig or two driving by on a green, tee, or fairway.  You may have even suggested to your playing partner about what that big machine contains and maybe they can come spray my lawn when they’re done.  Well, I can certainly explain the application process, but I cannot guarantee that I will be by your house to spray your lawn anytime soon.  Even though we have made a few applications to the greens, last week was the first application for the tees, approaches, and fairways.  We also made an application to the rough on all of the par 3’s.  There is certainly a little bit of science involved when writing the ingredients for these applications and many factors that a turf professional must consider before application.

There are two types of applications; a pesticide application and a fertilizer application.  Often, they are both done at the same time through a liquid spray.  Sometimes they are applied through a granular application.  Both ways are effective and we help ensure healthy, disease-free turf throughout the season.  Factors such as temperature (especially night temperatures), moisture or humidity, precipitation, sunlight, and most important, time of year help contribute to the type of application and what product to apply.  The first few applications are usually the most important because they help set the ground barrier against certain insects, crabgrass, and cool-weather fungal pathogens.  Pests that we have treated for so far include crabgrass, annual bluegrass weevil, cool season pythium, leaf spot, dollar spot, and of course the application of fertilizer and nutrients in either a granular or liquid form. 

Not all areas of the course are treated the same either.  Greens obviously take first priority.  We monitor the greens as closely as we can for disease or insect pressure everyday.  They are usually treated  every 10 – 14 days depending on the factors listed above.  Tees and fairways are next on the list and they are treated every 21 – 28 days.  Rough and bunker surrounds are usually only treated a few times throughout the season with a fertilizer and crabgrass control.  Most applications are made as preventative, but on occasion the pathogen or pest may break through and a curative application is needed.  For questions on products used please feel free to contact me.  See you on the course!