It has been a tough growing season, but this is not so unusual in the mid-Atlantic. A cold, windy and wet spring slowed green-up, and for some, was associated with major losses of bermudagrass cover. Hot and dry conditions were followed by deluges of rain, which...

Click to read Dr. Pete's Turf Tips: First Heat Wave Leaves Behind A Lot of Damage and Other Emerging Turf Problems: Part 1

April started with an unusual snow storm, followed by incessant high winds and average air temperatures mostly 5-10oF below average.  Longer days with some sun promoted enough growing degree days to stimulate weeds to grow and become...

Timing is everything when it comes to weeds. For most golf courses in our area, there has been way below average play due to lousy weather.  The bottom line has bottomed-out and cash flow is a problem. Some golf courses found enough of a window to...

Dormant seeding is fraught with problems and dormant fertilization is largely restricted by law in Maryland, Delaware and surrounding states. Dormant seeding is defined as seeding in late fall after soil temperatures have become too cold to allow for germination. The...

Rust (several Puccinia spp.) mostly is a problem in Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, some zoysiagrass cultivars, and is a growing problem in tall fescue. Rusts are especially damaging to turfs grown in shaded environments.  If there is an extended period...

Spring dead spot (SDS) is the most damaging fungal disease of bermudagrass turf.  This disease is caused by three root pathogens, but Ophiosphaerella korrae is the most common causal agent in the mid-Atlantic. These pathogens attack in soil on roots, stolons...