Turf-Tec International, Tallahassee, Florida. USA (850) 580-4026

Turf-Tec International
How To Analyze Common Grass Problems on Golf Courses


Step 1:
Thin Turf - Disease - Leaf Lesions

Here are some common grass problems that occur on golf courses and ways for you to investigate them yourself.

THIN TURF, DISEASE OR LEAF LESIONS all need to be examined closely to determine what they are and also how they occurred. The correct diagnosis between leaf injury and disease can be very important to save turfgrass from large-scale loss. The best way to identify disease or leaf lesions is with a 45 Power Macroscope. This unit can be used directly on the turfgrass area to analyze the leaf blades for potential problems.  With the new Macroscope Computer Camera Attachment, you can also take disease pictures with the Macroscope and email them to pathologists to get an immediate diagnosis and prevent loss of turf.

When examining leaf lesions, also examine the quality of cut.  If the tip of the leaf blade is torn, your mowers may be in need of sharpening.  Remember, the cleaner the cut, the less stress that is inflicted on the grass plant and the healthier the grass plant.

If THIN TURF is detected, take a sample of the grass with the soil profile sampler and examine the grass and roots for injury.  The 25 power Macroscope can be placed directly on the open profile for a close examination of the soil and roots for injury and insect identification.  With the new Macroscope Computer Camera Attachment, you can also take insect pictures with the Macroscope and email them to entomologists to get an immediate diagnosis and prevent loss of turf.

Macroscope 45X Scope Macroscope 25X Scope
The Macroscope 45X Scope will allow close inspection of problems.  It is useful to see actual leaf blades and root hairs, also for turfgrass disease identification. Macroscope 25 power is excellent for insect identification.  It is useful to see actual turfgrass leaf blades and roots.

Macroscope 45X Scope - MACR45-1-L
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Macroscope 25X Scope - MACR25-1-L
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Step 2:
Analyzing the height of cut.

When you have examined the quality of cut with a Macroscope it is now time to test the actual height of cut.  The new Turf-Tec Height of cut gauge allows you to measure the grass cutting height directly on the turfgrass area.

The Grass Height Prism Gauge is made from solid glass and is designed to tell you the actual height of cut that the mower is making on the turfgrass area as well as the quality of cut and smoothness of the surface. 

Grass Height Prism Gauge includes solid glass prism in stainless steel frame.  Graduated lines are inscribed at 1/16th inch , 1/10th, 1/100th of an inch and 1 mm intervals and measures grass up to 1 5/8 inches or 40 millimeters tall. Unit comes in hard protective case.

Turf-Tec Height of Cut Prism
Turf-Tec Height of Cut Prism Gauge

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Step 3:
Thin Turf In Wear Areas

THIN TURF IN WEAR AREAS can be caused by many factors. Be sure to examine leaf blades closely to be sure disease is not present. A Penetrometer should also be used to find out if compaction has caused the area to be in decline. If Penetrometer readings are over 60%, then compaction is present. You may wish to use a Mascaro Profile Sampler to see how deep the compacted layer goes. Aerification is recommended. Also see Page 1 - Soil and Page 2- Water.

Turf-Tec Penetrometer
The Turf-Tec Penetrometer will give readings of compaction.  This can tell you when to aerify and also how the golf ball will bounce.

Turf-Tec Penetrometer - PN1-S
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Turf-Tec International

1471 Capital Circle NW, Suite # 13
Tallahassee, FL. 32303
Order Line (800) 258-7477
Phone (850) 580-4026
Fax (850) 580-4027

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