Best Practices for Managing Golf Course Grass in High Traffic Areas

Every golf course has areas that see more action than others. Tee boxes take repeated hits from clubs and lots of foot traffic. Cart paths carry the weight of vehicles every day. And the grass around the putting greens and water hazards gets worn down by players approaching, chipping, and putting.

It’s your job to keep these busy spots looking good and playing smoothly despite all that wear and tear. But you don’t have to handle it alone. At Kenney Machinery, we’ve spent decades helping golf courses just like yours tackle these challenges. We know what works, and we’re here to share our best golf course maintenance tips in this guide. Let’s get started.

Understanding High-Traffic Areas

The high-traffic zones on your golf course face the most wear and tear, making them the toughest areas to maintain. These challenges often show up in specific areas like tee boxes, putting greens, and cart paths.

• Heavy foot traffic: Constant walking over areas like tee boxes and greens can compact the soil, blocking water and nutrients from reaching the roots. Without proper nourishment, the grass weakens and becomes more susceptible to disease.
• Wear and tear: Repeated impacts from golf clubs, balls, and foot traffic can physically damage the grass. Over time, this causes thinning, bare patches, and even erosion.
• Frequent mowing: Putting greens often need more frequent mowing to maintain a smooth playing surface. However, mowing too often can stress the golf course turf, making it more vulnerable to disease and pests.

Environmental factors like sun, wind, and extreme temperatures can make managing busy areas even tougher. The harsh conditions can dry out the grass and slow its recovery, adding to the challenge of keeping the turf healthy.

A Quick Note on Cool and Warm Season Grasses

Picking the right natural grass types for high-traffic areas is important for keeping your turf in good shape. Warm-season grass like Zoysia and Bermuda grass stand up well to lots of foot traffic and do great in hot weather, making them a solid choice for areas that get a lot of wear.

In cooler climates, cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass and Ryegrass look great but may need extra attention to handle heavy use. Some might be tempted to go the synthetic golf greens route, but nothing beats the real deal.

No matter which type of grass you choose, though, proper care is what really keeps it strong and healthy. Let’s explore how to best care for your Kentucky bluegrass, Zoysia grass, and everything in between.

Proper Mowing Practices

Regular mowing is a must for maintaining healthy warm and cool season grasses on your golf course. It’s not just about keeping things tidy, though. Proper mowing encourages stronger grass growth, prevents problems like thatch buildup, and ensures an excellent playing experience for golfers.   

The mowing height and frequency make a big difference in high-traffic areas. Aim to keep the grass 2.5 to 3 inches tall in these busy spots. At this height, the grass has enough leaf surface to photosynthesize effectively while still standing up to wear and tear.  

As for how often you mow, it depends on how fast your cool and warm season grass grows. During peak growing seasons, you might need to mow every two to three days to maintain the ideal height. In cooler months, you can usually mow less often. The key is never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade height in a single mowing session.

Here are a few more mowing tips:

• Use lighter equipment: Use walk-behind greens mowers to reduce soil compaction in high-traffic areas.
• Alternate mowing patterns: Change your mowing direction each time to prevent wear patterns and encourage upright growth, especially for grass with a fine texture.
• Raise mower height in stress periods: During hot, dry spells, raise your mower blade slightly to reduce stress on the grass.
• Avoid mowing wet grass: Wait until the grass is dry to mow. Cutting wet turf can lead to clumping and uneven cuts.

Additionally, always keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges more prone to disease and water loss. Sharp blades not only cut cleanly but also reduce fuel usage, save time, and minimize wear and tear on your mower.

It’s generally recommended to sharpen your blades after every 20 to 25 hours of use. During the growing season, you might sharpen the blades every few weeks to keep them in top condition.  

Fertilization and Nutrient Management

Fertilizing your turf helps it stay strong and recover from all the foot traffic and activity. Each feeding gives your grass the nutrients it needs to handle the busy days and bounce back fast.

When choosing a fertilizer, opt for a blend high in nitrogen to promote growth. These spots also benefit from some phosphorus to strengthen the roots and potassium to help with disease resistance. But how do you know what’s in the bag? It’s simpler than you might think.

On fertilizer bags, look for three numbers showing the amount of (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in that order. For example, a bag marked 16-4-8 contains 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 8% potassium. For areas with a lot of activity, this 4-1-2 ratio is a good bet.

Timing matters, too. Apply fertilizer in early spring to jumpstart growth, lightly in summer to maintain health, and again in fall to prepare for winter dormancy. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer at the start of each season to provide a steady nutrient supply.

Before you start feeding, get your soil tested. Too much fertilizer can pollute nearby waterways, build up harmful salts in the soil, and make grass more vulnerable to pests and disease. It’s better to apply the right amount more often than to overdo it at once.

Irrigation and Water Management

Good water management keeps your course playable and looking its best. Getting it right can mean the difference between resilient turf and weak grass that can’t withstand constant wear and tear.

In busy areas, precision watering pays off. Micro-irrigation or drip systems are excellent because they put water right where it’s needed, cutting down on waste. You could also use sprinklers, but make sure they’re adjusted properly. Otherwise, they might create accidental water hazards.

Whatever your method, water deeply, but only when needed. Use a soil moisture probe to know when it’s time to water. Don’t just stick to a set schedule. With this approach, you’ll promote deep root growth, making your grass more drought-resistant and better able to handle foot traffic.

Keep an eye out for signs of overwatering. If you see water running off or pooling, you’re likely giving too much. Or you might have poor drainage in that area, requiring regrading or the installation of additional drains.  

Aeration and Thatching Control

You know those high-traffic areas on your course that seem to get harder and harder as the season goes on? That’s soil compaction at work, and it’s not doing your grass any favors. Thankfully, aeration can help.

Aeration breaks up that compacted soil, letting air, water, and nutrients reach the roots more easily. Your grass will thank you by growing a deep root system, which means better stress and drought tolerance. Plus, aeration can help reduce thatch buildup—that layer of dead grass and roots that can suffocate your turf if it gets too thick.

Speaking of thatch, it’s not all bad in small amounts. But let it build up too much, and you’re in for trouble. Thick thatch can block water and nutrients from reaching the soil, give pests a cozy place to hide, and even stifle new growth.

So, how do you keep thatch under control? Core aeration is a great start. You can also try vertical cutting or dethatching, but be careful not to damage the grass. Regular mowing and proper fertilization can help, too.

Pest and Disease Control

High-traffic areas on golf courses are prime real estate for pests and diseases. The grass is already stressed from all that foot traffic, making it more vulnerable to unwanted visitors.

Common troublemakers include chinch bugs and white grubs that munch on grass roots and mole crickets that tunnel through your turf. Then, there are diseases like dollar spot and pythium root rot that can turn your green into a patchwork of brown.

The good news? You can fight back. Start with good maintenance practices. Regular mowing, proper fertilization, and smart watering go a long way in keeping your turf healthy and resistant. Avoid overwatering and keep thatch under control—pests and diseases love that damp, decaying environment.

When choosing grass varieties, look for ones known to resist common pests and diseases in your area. Also, keep a close eye on your turf. Regular inspections can catch problems early before they become major headaches.

If you spot trouble, start with the least toxic options first. For example, if you notice signs of grubs, try introducing beneficial nematodes to your soil. For fungal diseases like dollar spot, adjust your watering schedule to avoid prolonged leaf wetness. Water early in the morning so your grass can dry during the day.

Sometimes, though, you might need to call in the pros. If an infestation is severe, if you can’t figure out what’s causing the problem, or if your own efforts aren’t cutting it, don’t hesitate to get expert help.

Equipment Selection and Maintenance

Let’s talk about your tools of the trade. When it comes to high-traffic areas, you need equipment that can take a beating and keep on working.

For mowing, consider a zero-turn or riding mower designed for heavy use. These workhorses can handle the constant mowing your busy areas need. Regarding aeration, a core aerator or vertical cutter will be your best friend for keeping the soil loose and thatch under control.

Don’t skimp on your fertilizer spreader. A good one ensures even distribution, which means healthier grass and less waste. For watering, look for an irrigation system you can easily adjust to meet the specific needs of your high-traffic zones.

Remember, the right equipment is an investment. It might cost more upfront, but quality gear will save you time and money in the long run.

Keeping your equipment in top shape is just as important as choosing the right tools. Here’s what you need to do:

• Clean your equipment: After each use, clean off any dirt and debris. Doing so helps prevent buildup that can reduce efficiency and cause damage over time.
• Lubricate moving parts: Keep moving parts well-lubricated to ensure smooth operation and protect them from wear and tear.
• Conduct routine inspections: Regularly check your equipment for any signs of wear or damage. Catching problems early can help avoid costly repairs.
• Sharpen your blades: Maintain sharp cutting blades. Sharp blades ensure clean cuts, which are better for the health of the grass and more efficient for the equipment.

With these care practices, you can keep your lawn care equipment performing well year after year.

When operating your equipment, make safety a top priority. Ensure that everyone who operates the equipment is trained and aware of how to use it safely. Wear the right gear, such as protective eyewear, gloves, and ear protection. Always check your equipment for problems before you start it up.

Moreover, follow all safety regulations. They’re there to keep you and your team safe. And never, ever operate equipment if you’re under the influence. Powerful machines demand your full attention.

Ready to Ensure Your Course Stands Up to Heavy Traffic?

We’ve covered a lot of ground here, from watering and fertilizing to pest control and equipment maintenance. The key takeaway? High-traffic areas need extra TLC to stay in top shape.

Remember, it’s all about consistency. Water deeply but not too often. Fertilize wisely. Watch for pests and diseases. And don’t forget to aerate and control thatch. Your equipment is your partner in this—choose it wisely and maintain it well.

It might seem like a lot, but your efforts will pay off. You’ll see it in the resilience of your turf, the satisfaction of your players, and maybe even in your water bill.

Need help putting these tips into action? That’s what we’re here for. At Kenney Machinery, we’ve been helping golf course managers and maintenance crews for decades. Whether you need advice on choosing the right equipment or want to explore new maintenance strategies for your golf facilities, we’re just a call away. Contact us today!