Another concern this time of year is crown hydration. When warm days occur during late winter, poa annua will begin taking up water. If a rapid freeze occurs after a couple of these warm days, the potential for crown hydration is a serious threat.
Once the plant becomes active and starts hydrating mid-winter, it is highly susceptible to crown hydration. A rapid freeze will cause ice crystals to form inside the plant. Ice crystals that form in the crown (the growing point of the plant) can rupture and lead to plant death. Poa annua is the most susceptible plant in our geography to this type of injury. Poa annua breaks dormancy earlier than other species. Bentgrass remains dormant for a longer period, so crown hydration is not much of an issue.
If you suspect crown hydration has occurred to your turf, take a sample and bring it inside the shop. If the sample starts to green up and grow, your turf is likely out of danger. If the turf does not green up, damage has likely occurred and you will need to begin strategizing a recovery program. Foliar-Pak fertilizers along with Holganix, will help aid in the recovery of your turf. Overseeding with Barenbrug yellow jacket coated seed will give you the highest possibility of establishing new turf. For more expertise on crown hydration and the programs and products used to treat it, reach out to your local sales representative.
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