With winter weather reaching many parts of the British Isles this week, I thought I would write about the effects of frost and snow on natural turf facilities, particularly on golf courses. 

Many golf courses allow play on their greens during frosty conditions. Ideally no club should, but there clearly are some who unfortunately do. There can be multiple reasons for this including player pressure; no closed course policy; no temporary greens; a lack of understanding of what harm can occur to the turf from frost damage; or revenue needs.

Many club members expect to be able to play the greens all year round. Once they have booked a game, they expect to play whatever the weather. Many courses do not implement a closed course policy, or maybe just need to keep the course open for financial reasons.

Natural turf is especially prone to damage when it is frozen or when the ground is thawing. Normal practice is for a course to remain closed until the ground has completely thawed, which often occurs by mid-morning.

Frost damage on golf greens is a common concern, especially in the colder months, because frost can harm the grass, and playing on frosty greens can exacerbate this damage. Here’s a look at how frost impacts golf greens and what can be done to minimise damage:

Understanding frost damage

Frost forms when temperatures dip below freezing, causing moisture in and on grass blades to freeze.

Grass leaf blades are made up of water-filled cells. When frost forms, these cells can freeze and become brittle. Walking or playing on frozen grass compresses and ruptures these cells, which can lead to permanent damage.

Damaged grass cells can disrupt chlorophyll production, leading to brown patches. Since the grass is already growing slowly in cooler weather, any damage can take much longer to heal.

Visible signs of frost damage

Areas that receive a lot of foot traffic while frosty may turn brown or yellow as the grass begins to die off.

Repeated frost damage can kill grass in high-traffic areas, leading to bare or patchy spots on greens, which take time to reseed and recover.

Impact on playability

Damaged greens become uneven, impacting ball roll and overall playability. For golfers, this means slower, bumpier greens that are harder to predict and play smoothly on.

Preventive measures and best practices

The most common practice is to delay tee times until the frost melts, allowing the grass to thaw and regain flexibility.

Some golf courses provide temporary winter greens that are essentially a mowed-out area of the approach to accommodate a putting surface when frost and snow is affecting the real greens. 

Some courses use lightweight turf covers on greens to prevent frost formation, but this can be labour-intensive and may not be feasible for all facilities. During frost, avoid heavy maintenance tasks like mowing or rolling on greens, as these can increase the chances of turf injury.

Informing golfers about frost damage helps build understanding and patience during frost delays. Some courses post signs or use social media to explain why play is postponed on frosty mornings.

Recovery techniques for damaged greens

Light aeration and overseeding can help rejuvenate damaged areas, improving air and water flow in the soil and promoting new growth.

Lightly applying sand and a controlled-release fertiliser can stimulate grass recovery without over-stressing it.

Course managers can assess frost-prone areas and adjust play or maintenance schedules accordingly to limit damage.

Preventing frost damage on golf greens requires proactive management and patience from golfers, but these strategies help maintain healthy, playable greens throughout the colder seasons.

Snow can have both positive and negative effects on golf courses, particularly on greens, tees, and fairways. Snow cover can insulate turf from extreme winter temperatures, but under certain conditions, it can also contribute to various types of damage that require management and repair come spring.

Here’s an overview of snow damage on golf courses and ways to mitigate it:

Types of snow damage

Snow mold disease is one of the common types of damage caused by extended snow cover. There are two types of snow mold fungi that affect turfgrass:
Gray Snow Mold (Typhula spp.) requires prolonged snow cover and affects both bentgrass and Poa annua, particularly in greens and fairways.

Pink Snow Mold (Microdochium nivale): Can develop with or without snow cover if conditions are cool and moist.

In cases where snow compacts into ice or when rain followed by freezing temperatures forms ice layers, the turf beneath can suffer.

Ice can block oxygen flow to the grass, especially affecting sensitive turf types like Poa annua, leading to death of the plant.

When temperatures fluctuate, grass can absorb moisture, which then freezes, causing cell damage within the plant. This is most common in late winter when brief thaws are followed by re-freezing.

Heavy snow accumulation can compact under its own weight, causing pressure damage to grass blades and leading to soil compaction if it melts and refreezes multiple times.

Advantages of snow cover

Snow acts as a natural insulator, buffering turf from extreme temperature drops and cold winds that could otherwise cause desiccation (drying out) of exposed grass.

As snow melts in spring, it provides slow-release moisture that can help turf recover from winter dormancy.

A consistent snow layer helps shield turf from temperature fluctuations that can cause freeze-thaw damage.

Preventive measures against snow damage

Applying preventative fungicides in late autumn fall can help protect against snow mold. Fungicides specifically for gray and pink snow mold are commonly applied to greens, fairways, and other high-traffic areas.

Good drainage helps prevent standing water that could freeze, and managing snow piles around greens and fairways minimises risk of ice build-up. Some courses even remove snow intentionally in early spring to promote faster thawing and drying of turf.

Protective covers are sometimes used on greens to insulate turf from both snow and ice damage. These covers reduce snow mold risk and prevent compaction from heavy snow.

Managing and repairing snow damage in spring

In cases of snow mold or ice damage, aeration and overseeding can help re-establish turf in affected areas. This approach improves soil aeration and promotes recovery by allowing new grass to grow.

Light applications of sand topdressing and balanced fertilisers encourage regrowth in damaged areas.

After thawing, light rolling helps level any frost heaving that may have occurred during winter and improves surface smoothness on greens.

For areas with active snow mold patches, a fungicide treatment may be necessary in early spring to prevent further spread as temperatures rise.
Informing golfers about the risks associated with snow damage, delayed spring opening, or turf recovery strategies helps build understanding and patience.

Regular monitoring of turf conditions throughout winter and early spring helps course managers / greenkeepers make timely decisions, like whether to remove snow from greens or apply additional treatments for snow mold.

Snow damage management on golf courses involves a combination of preventive care and active intervention. With proper preparation, monitoring, and repair practices, course managers can help golf courses emerge from winter in good shape, ready for the golf season ahead.

Boss ORV has announced their appointment as UK and Ireland distributors for Aodes Off-Road Vehicles.

Established over thirty years ago and headquartered in Shandong, China, Aodes is a multinational brand sold in more than 100 countries. The company opened an R&D and distribution centre in California, USA in 2012. In 2021 they introduced the Pathcross ATV Series featuring V-Twin engines in 525cc, 650cc, and 1000cc displacements. The appointment of Boss was finalised at the EICMA exhibition in Milan. 

“We are very excited to have a new ATV/Quad in our product portfolio," said BOSS ORV MD Phil Everett. “The wait has been worth it, as we have finally found a really high quality and price competitive product to suit our challenging market. This range will fit perfectly with our current products. We will announce more details over the coming weeks.”

The Pathcross ATV will be on show for the first time on the Boss ORV stand at the LAMMA agricultural show in January 2025.

An ethereal image of life at Ipswich Golf Club has seen talented amateur photographer and greenkeeper Joe Simpson announced as the winner of the annual BIGGA Photographic Competition for the third time.

This image by Joe Simpson of Ipswich GC was selected as the Overall winner

Joe’s image was chosen by the judging panel as the overall winner with the results of social media voting also taken into account. The stunning shot shows greenkeeper Pete Dunnett mowing the 5th fairway of the Purdis Heath Course as the autumn sun breaks through the morning fog.

Joe, who took up photography 10 years ago and also won the competition in 2020 and 2022, said: “I honestly can’t believe that I’ve won the competition three times. The standard of the photo entries grow year-on-year, so it’s become incredibly competitive, which makes winning for a third time even more special.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt when it comes to photography is that you don’t always need the perfect weather conditions to get your best shot. For this reason, I take photos throughout all four seasons at various times of the day, so I have a diverse selection to choose from for the competition.”

Kevin Irving of Carlisle GC won the Landscape category

Sponsored by Syngenta, BIGGA’s annual photographic competition is a celebration of the wonderful golfing landscape and the role greenkeepers play in shaping it for golfers and the wider public to enjoy. Twelve images have been selected for the annual BIGGA calendar and winners also chosen in the categories of Greenkeeping, Landscape and Wildlife.

• Landscape: Kevin Irving, greenkeeper, Carlisle Golf Club
• Greenkeeping: David Ball, greenkeeper, Thetford Golf Club
• Wildlife: Craig Sinclair, greenkeeper, Camberley Heath Golf Club

You can view all 12 images selected to form the BIGGA Calendar 2025 on the BIGGA website.

As overall competition winner, Joe has won a DJI Mini 2 SE Drone and a framed print of his image, to be presented at the BIGGA Celebration on the opening evening of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition in January 2025.

David Ball of Thetford won the Greenkeeping category

Each of the category winners receives a £150 Love2Shop voucher.

Karl Hansell, BIGGA Head of Communications and Content, said: “As the days darken and the year draws to a close, our annual photographic competition is a stunning reminder of the beautiful environment that greenkeepers are privileged to work in every day. Joe Simpson is an exceptional photographer and his winning image sparks the imagination with its rays of sunlight coming down from the heavens onto a greenkeeper who is hard at work, preparing the course for another morning’s play.

Craig Sinclair of Camberley Heath won the Wildlife category

“Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted on social media. Thanks also to our valued sponsors at Syngenta.”

Kubota marked a significant milestone of 50 years in Europe, by hosting an exclusive event themed “It’s All About People” at PortAventura in Spain recently.

Attendees outside PortAventura convention centre

The event welcomed over 900 attendees, including dealers, distributors, partners, international media and employees.
 
The event offered a chance for celebration, networking and insights into Kubota's future. Attendees were introduced to new additions to the manufacturer's portfolio, including the launch of the M7004 tractor and a limited-edition anniversary model, of which only 50 units will be produced. A unique "1 of 1" edition was also unveiled signed by Jean Alesi, the special guest of the evening.

Conference session

From a groundcare perspective, also unveiled was an upcoming 44hp front centre collect machine. Additionally, building on the success of the EK1 series across Europe, a hydrostatic version is set to increase the entry-level compact tractor range.

The event also highlighted the company's commitment to future technologies, such as automation and connectivity. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of the KFAST, a self-propelled sprayer developed for autonomous spraying solutions in orchards and vineyards alongside a M7 and a L1 Series tractor, equipped with an autonomous kit from AGC (Agreenculture), designed to address industry challenges such as labour shortages.

The evening concluded with entertainment at the PortAventura Park, featuring light shows, live music.

Although autumn leaves look pretty, they can be a headache for greenkeepers and grounds care workers, creating hours of additional maintenance - from blowing and sweeping leaf fall to collecting and storing.

If a golf course, school, sports field, or park already owns a Snake mower, the leaf mulch kit offers a cost-effective and labour-saving solution for effortlessly dealing with falling leaves while also enhancing the health and appearance of the turf.

The kit is easy to install in less than 60 minutes and can be fitted and removed as and when required. It’s retrofittable to existing Snake S1 and S2 models and compatible with Standard Trimax LazerBlades. The mulch kit is robust enough to handle pine cones and small branches and will produce a fine mulch finish, adding organic matter to soil for increased soil health. 

Woolley Park Golf Club have been using Trimax mowers since 1995, previously owning a Stealth, Pegasus and now a Snake. When they posted on their social media about issues with leaf fall, Trimax came to the rescue, offering them a demonstration of the Snake mulch kit. 

“What a job it’s done!  It’s been out in the worst conditions – a very damp, sticky day - and it’s performed excellently.  Once we get out there in better conditions for a dry cut, it’s going to turn those leaves to dust!” - John Rowbottom, head greenkeeper.

Watch the video to see just how well the mulch kit performed at Woolley Park Golf Club. 

For more information about the Trimax Snake Mulch Kit or to book a demo, visit the Trimax website.

TIME TO COME TOGETHER

A GREAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

ATTENDING TRADE SHOWS IS IMPORTANT

AUTUMN COLOUR ON SHOW

AUTUMN DISEASE PRESSURES

THE TRUE VALUE OF PARKS

PITCH SATURATION

INVEST TO SURVIVE

A POSITIVE GROUNDSFEST

AUTUMN LAWN RENOVATION TIPS

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?

BATTLE OF THE ROBOTS

HEDGE FUND

CONTROLLING WEEDS

LETTING THE GRASS GROW . . .

ENHANCING THE CAREERS OF TURF PROFESSIONALS

RISE OF THE ROBOTS

WE ALL KNOW IT'S SUMMER . .

DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS

FACILITIES MUST RECOGNISE & REWARD TURF PROFESSIONALS

AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE

A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR OUR PROFESSION

IN-DEPTH WORK REQUIRED

A SAD DECLINE

WHAT MAKES A PERFECT LAWN?

WE MUST NOT BE THE CREATORS OF OUR OWN DOWNFALL

RENOVATIONS ON TOUR

A WORRYING TIME FOR PARKS

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONDITIONS

STILL DELIVERING QUALITY GREEN SPACES

WATCH OUT!

THE VALUE OF SPRING RENOVATIONS

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

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View all of 2018's blogs here

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Genista lydia

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BERBERIS THUNBERGII
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PHOTINA RED ROBIN
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DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
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SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
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SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
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CHANGING CLIMATE
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SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
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SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
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TIME FOR ACTION
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THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
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WE CAN ALL DO MORE
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MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
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MY SALTEX
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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
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TIME TO COME TOGETHER
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THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
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ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
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STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
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A PREMIUM PRODUCT
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A DAY AT THE RACES
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OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
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LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
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OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
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A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
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AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
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GETTING BACK TOGETHER
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GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
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WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
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A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
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PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

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A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
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HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
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COMPRESSED AERATION
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PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
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STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
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A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
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A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
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A BTME OUTDOORS?
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PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
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CRICKET LOAM
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A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
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TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
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AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

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THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
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At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
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HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
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CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
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UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
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MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
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ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
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WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
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SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
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STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
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THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

I was amazed to recently find out that one of my neighbours is an avid collector of vintage push mowers.

Whilst walking my dogs around the neighbourhood I am always on the lookout for some interesting photos. Generally I look for weeds, pests and diseases, or for plants and trees that would make a good photograph for TurfPro. I also look out for any good landscaping features and the state of some lawns. 

It is surprising how different people’s front lawns can be in terms of presentation and quality, especially at different times of the year.

These lawns can vary from exceptionally well kept and presented, to decidedly unkempt. For me being a turf professional I have, of course, always been drawn to a well-kept lawn.

A well stripped and presented lawn stands out, often providing the garden with a focal point to admire.

There is one local lawn that always catches my eye. A small, simple rectangle, it is always tidy and well-kept and I have in the past taken photos of it. The other day I managed to speak to the homeowner who had just finished mowing the lawn, commenting to him how good his lawns is.

We got chatting and I discovered why he was so driven to have a quality lawn.

It all started when Rob Bain, the homeowner, was looking to buy a new small, electric small to cut his lawn. After reading a few reviews, he noticed that one reviewer was not impressed with a particular new mower and wished he still had kept his old Ransomes Ajax 5 push mower. 

Intrigued by that statement, Rob decided to investigate finding out more about these mowers and ended up buying one off eBay. Being a bit of a hands-on repair enthusiast, he soon got it up and running and uses it to maintain his lawn. 

He mows the lawn as often as the weather allows. Mowing every day is not unusual, weather permitting. 

He prefers to have his grass a little longer, maybe an inch in height but not all of his mowers are able to leave a cutting height of an inch or just above so he will set those mowers to their maximum height of cut. 

Since the purchase of the Ajax 5 mower, Rob has caught the collecting bug and now has ten hand push mowers. 

He says, there are a few more mowers that he would like to get, but the storage space he has is limited, so for now he will have to be content with his current collection. 

He meets up with fellow collectors, being a member of The Old Lawnmower Club which has an annual meeting in Milton Keynes. There are other events also where the club has a presence to exhibit old lawnmowers.  

His mowers have mainly been acquired from online sales sites, auction houses (including a great Qualcast Super Panther from an auction house in Blyth, Northumberland) and The Old Lawnmower Club has an auction at their annual meeting in Milton Keynes so that can be a good source of old mowers. Members also advertise mowers they are happy to sell in the club magazine Grassbox or on the club's website sales/wants area. 

Prices for these old mowers can vary. He once picked up a Webb Witch for 99p. It all depends on how rare the machine is; how much you want the mower; does it have a grassbox?; does it need a lot of work to get it in a usable condition? Apart from one, all  of his mowers they have cost between £20 and £70. The exception being the Qualcast Super Panther which was in excellent used condition, came in its original box along with the original paperwork and spanner and cost him  £95. 

Rob keeps the mowers well maintained and will call on specialist repairers for more complex issues.

I was particularly interested in the JP Maxees MK 111 mower, a 1971 model that is essentially a cassette mower, with the ability to change cutting sets - definitely the forerunner of the popular Dennis FT cassette mowers we use today. It was certainly an eye opener listening to Rob talk about the mowers he owns and what it means to him in terms of being able to keep his lawn looking so immaculate. 

He does get a lot if of interest when local people see him mowing the lawn with any one of his eleven pre 1970s mowers.