Why Do You Use Covers?

Turf covers are one of the key elements the NSCC golf course maintenance staff is utilizing to remediate the winter damage which can be found throughout the golf course. While the temporary covers are certainly neither aesthetically pleasing nor conducive to play, they are a great tool when combatting cool spring weather. In the Spring, especially at NSCC with its close proximity to Lake Michigan, cool temperatures are prevalent and can severely hinder turfgrass establishment. Most cool season turf grasses germinate when soil temperatures are a minimum of 55 degrees for 7 to 10 days. By using the turf covers, we are able to maintain warmer soil temperatures by trapping the heat underneath the covers. In addition to insulating the turf, the covers also aid in retaining soil moisture which is also required for turfgrass establishment. The covers provide an excellent microenvironmet for seed germination and seedling growth. The use of the covers provides an average 90-95% seed germination as apposed to 60-65% when left uncovered. Once the juvenile plants have matured and the frosty nights have ended, the covers will be removed. Please avoid walking on any covered areas. Walking on these areas with golf shoes can cause the covers to tear. Ball retrievers will be placed at the largest covered areas to allow for golfers to recover their balls. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.