150 RULE

 So what is the 150 rule? 

Add the nighttime and daytime temperatures together and what do you get? 

The ideal growing combined temperature is 150 degrees, with this ideal combined temperature number you get results in the growth of turf. When the combined temperatures add up below this 150 rule the grass is either in a dormant stage or growing at slow pace. The same will generally occur when temperature reach the 100 to 105 degree during the summer months.

 Here's some examples of March 2014;

Week 1-average low 51 degrees average high 66 degrees =117 degrees

Week 2-average low 62 degrees average high  71 degrees = 133 degrees

Week 3-average low 64 degrees average high 73 degrees = 137 degrees

Week 4-average low 69 degrees average high 79 degrees = 148 degrees

April 2014

Week 1-average low 52 degrees average high 66 degrees = 118 degrees

(2 morning were in lower 40's-ouch)

Week 2-average low-61 degrees average high 74 degrees = 135 degrees

Forecast for Week 3 

Average low-51 degrees average high 68 degrees = 119 degrees

So far no combined average temperatures have reached the 150 degree rule of thumb. Yes there has been a day here or there, but overall temperatures are well below where we need them to adequately maintain a good stance of turf.

Everybody hang in there before long we will be wishing for some cooler weather to come in and cool things down.

Thanks

Willy Plowman

Golf Course Superintendent