Glen Eagle Maintenance (1/14/26)

This week’s weather is shaping up to be a bit of a roller coaster. We started the week with warm temperatures, transition to slightly wetter conditions midweek, and then see a sharp cool-down to close out the week.

The recent stretch of warm, sunny weather has encouraged turf growth across the golf course. You may notice improved color and recovery as the grass has been responding well to these favorable conditions. However, that growth will slow considerably toward the end of the week. As temperatures drop, and early morning lows flirt with the upper 30s beginning Friday, turfgrass activity will naturally decline.

A forecasted quarter inch of rain early Thursday morning will be a welcomed boost for the course and landscape. While this rainfall will provide some short-term relief, there will still be visible dry areas throughout the golf course and common grounds. This is due to the overall lack of significant rainfall and our continued reduction in irrigation as we work to preserve available water for use in our lake system.

During this time of reduced irrigation and colder weather, while turf growth declines, it is very important to treat the course with the utmost care. That means, filling divots, repairing ball marks, keeping carts on paths (all 4 tires) near tees and greens and practice the 90 degree rule.

Here is an article on why we use the 90 degree rule. In the article, they suggest that it is used in times of turf stress, I believe the 90 degree rule should always be in effect and used every time it is particle to do so. After all, practice makes perfect.

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record/63/issue-14/the-ins-and-outs-of-the-90-degree-rule.html

Cold Weather and Frost Potential

One of my immediate concerns when temperatures are near or below 40 degrees is the potential for frost. It is rare but there are times when we get frost in our area of Naples. If frost does form, it can mean delays in play, and potential damage to plants.

The factor that I monitor most, leading up to cold temperatures is wind. Since we almost never get cold enough for frost to form due to temperature alone, I know if we have wind that frost won’t form.

One of the other factors that plays a large role in frost formation is the dew point. The dew point plays a major role in whether frost forms, how heavy it is, and how damaging it can be and is especially important for turf and landscape management.

Here is how it works

The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and moisture begins to condense. When air temperatures fall to the dew point, moisture in the air can condense as dew or, if temperatures are cold enough, frost.

How Dew Point Affects Frost Formation

1. Low Dew Point = Higher Frost Risk

• When the dew point is well below freezing (32°F), the air is very dry.
• As temperatures drop overnight, surfaces (grass, leaves, cart paths) cool rapidly.
• With little moisture in the air, heat escapes more quickly, increasing the likelihood of frost formation.

Friday’s dew point is forecasted to be 26 degrees so if dew point was the only factor for frost formation, we would be expecting frost on Friday.

2. High Dew Point = Lower Frost Risk

• A higher dew point means more moisture in the air.
• Moist air holds heat better and cools more slowly.
• As moisture condenses, it releases latent heat, which can limit how cold surfaces get, reducing frost severity or preventing frost altogether.

Not the conditions we expect on Friday.

3. Frost Without Freezing Air Temperatures

• Frost can form even when air temperatures are 36–38°F if:
  
• Dew point is low
• Skies are clear
• Winds are calm
• Turf surfaces can cool below freezing even if the thermometer doesn’t.

Practical Turf Management Takeaway

• Clear skies + calm winds + low dew point = high frost potential
• Monitoring dew point is often more important than just the forecasted low temperature when making decisions about:
  
• Frost delays
• Turf traffic
• Morning maintenance operations

In short, the lower the dew point, the greater the frost risk and severity. This is why some cold mornings produce heavy frost while others with similar air temperatures do not.

At this time, it looks like we could potentially have several factors (low temps, clear skies, low dew point) that would normally signal frost, however, if the prediction stays true, the wind coming out of the North should be strong enough to prevent frost. That is why I keep the closest eye on the wind forecast in cold weather here in SW Florida.

If you are playing golf or going to be outside Friday morning, bundle up and stay warm.

I look forward to seeing everyone on the course (under several jackets 😂), and as always, if you have any questions, flag me down or shoot me an email. I always enjoy talking turf!