While the grass plant needs water to survive, too much of a good thing can be deadly, especially when heavy rain is followed by high temperatures. Perfect conditions for Pythium and Melting Out, turf diseases that are fairly unusual in our semi-arid climate, but active under conditions we have experienced the last week and a half. Humidity levels have dropped back down to more normal levels, so the threat of these diseases has slowed at the moment. Hopefully it will remain that way.
We will start with our remedies by aerating these areas with 1/4" solid-tines to open the soil up and allow oxygen into the profile. "Venting" is a popular practice in wetter regions of the country where moisture is never lacking and temperatures reach the 100's. Many courses employ this method on a biweekly basis to minimize summer decline on greens, tees, and fairways. Hopefully it will prove successful in bringing back some of our water logged low areas on the course. If need be we will reseed these areas and try to get them back in shape quickly. Your patience is appreciated.
