Great weather?

 This past week's mild weather was, to say the least, quite unusual for our region.  The end of October usually brings us crisp, cool conditions, with low humidity.  While many players may have enjoyed being able to continue wearing shorts, the daily prolonged fog was certainly a challenge for anyone teeing off before noon.

There's a fairway out there somewhere...

So, what's the downside to this weather from a grass-growing perspective?  Well, typically by the end of October most of the turf diseases we treat for are no longer an issue.  However, the mild nighttime temperatures and constant leaf moisture are conducive to the development of Dollar Spot disease.  While widespread damage is unlikely, as turf growth slows now, any pitting from the disease may linger.

Dollar Spot has remained active due to warm, wet conditions.

We may finish October with only a single frost event, and are still seeing insect activity.  We really need some cold temperatures to put the bugs to bed for the year.

Still seeing plenty of insect activity on the greens.

This weather has also put a "damp-er" on our rough aerification.  When we pull plugs, we expect them to dry, not become wetter from all of the moisture in the air.  

Certainly none of these things could be labeled as devastating, but it once again shows that weather is our ruler.  While we may start with a good game plan, the need to make game time changes will always exist.