Dr Colin Mumford looks at that rarest of winter weather, snow, and the affect it can have on playing surfaces


IT’S SNOW JOKE C


hristmas has come and gone, but winter still remains, or at least it should have if I’ve written this article in time for the February/March issue of Pitchcare; if you’re reading this in April, think of this as more of a review article instead. Anyway, winter, what can I write about winter? How about something that doesn’t occur too often south of Scotch Corner these days, due, in part, to the fickleness of global warming. (Note my first buzz word. Laurence has asked me to include at least five buzz words, so that this article appears to be up to date, contemporary, modern and of the time). So, what could it be? Why, snow of course!! Suffice to say, things that aren’t too good to turf can happen beneath a blanket of snow, such as disease and die back.


In a previous article I referred to Donald Rumsfeld’s theory of unknown knowns. This article, on the other hand, is a known known, as I know it is not an exhaustive, complete or full account of the vagaries that can befall a sports surface when snow is present. This is mainly because what becomes an issue for one playing surface is not necessarily a problem on another. Alternatively, another interpretation of my known known is that it’s a subtle disclaimer for holes in my knowledge, or a blatant excuse for not researching the subject properly.


58 Pros and Cons


What are the pros and cons of snow? It depends. I know, this is the sort of wishy- washy answer that a polished “consultant” gives you; a subtle blend of vague titbit knowledge and overt smugness, all rolled into one, as they know you can’t disagree with their answer; an answer that is annoyingly right. Because “it depends,” for instance, on the seasonality of the sport; is the sport played all year round, is it a summer sport, or is it a winter sport? A heavy snowfall of the type


experienced in a large part of the UK (a good inch or two that lasts for 24 to 48 hours) isn’t too bad on a surface that experiences all year round play, such as a golf course, as it (in theory) closes the course to play, therefore reducing some of the wear and tear inflicted on it through play. Or at least it should, there’s always someone who wants to play, regardless of the conditions. Obviously, summer sports aren’t played in the depths of winter, so minimising wear and tear isn’t an issue. Snowfall can cause problems, however, on all year round and summer only surfaces if it interferes with any renovation work that has either just begun or recently completed, or if it delays work scheduled for later in the season. Snow on a winter sports surface can be more detrimental, unless of


Overseas, where predictable snowfall


for prolonged periods can occur, appropriate steps are taken to prepare the turfgrass for the conditions it is expected to experience. These steps include the use of covers, and applying various lotions and potions (fungicides) like some sort of pseudo inoculation, something that is often referred to as a “preventative spray” by many in the UK. This gives me the opportunity to get on my soap box and have a little rant. In the UK there is absolutely no need for a preventative spray if you are maintaining a healthy sward by carrying out the correct cultural practices. It’s like taking an aspirin to avoid a headache you might never get. It’s a complete waste of valuable resources (time, labour, money) and isn’t particularly environmentally friendly. Many would argue that it’s being proactive rather than reactive, and I know the adage that prevention is better than cure is quite correct, but


course your facility is a ski slope, where snow is considered quite useful. From an economical perspective, snowfall on a winter sports surface can result in a closed facility, which means cancelled fixtures and, in turn, a loss of vital revenue. Then there is the potential for outbreaks of disease, such as Pink Snow Mould (Microdochium nivale) which can be devastating to the turf, as it is already in a weakened state during the winter months.


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