Applying an Anti- Desiccant in winter Cancel The title field is required!

1. Darren Graf

   

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   10/22/2015 9:10 AM

   Does anybody use an anti desiccant on their greens? I never have used one, but being new to a course that has had severe ice damage I am thinking about using as much protection as I can. In preparation we have deep tined all greens (first time for these greens ever), aerated at the tightest spacing with 5/8 coring tines and loaded the greens with topdressing. Normally I would spray my snow mold application as late as possible then just wait for winter to pass. This year instead of covers on the greens I am considering some Transfilm or some other type of anti desiccant. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
   Thaks

   
   
   
   
2. John Faber

   

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   10/22/2015 12:10 PM

   I've used Transfilm for the past 6 years at my course located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. We are very prone to high winds and temperature swings from -10C to +20C in a very short time frame.
   I put it down at 8oz/1000 right before my final heavy topdress and then tarps. In my opinion it has certainly eased our hand watering pressure during the winter months.

   
   
   
   
3. Kyle Rausch

   

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   10/22/2015 1:10 PM

   Darren, I don't think an anti-desiccant will help solve any ice problems. An anti-desiccant is beneficial when the turf stays bare and open all winter. I would check the areas that had the ice problems and make sure they have proper drainage and try to repair any that didn't first.

   
   
   
   
4. Matt Dutkiewicz

   

   0 posts
   
   10/22/2015 2:10 PM

   I have used an anti-desiccant the last 3 winters. Used Transfilm once, and Aqualock twice. I dont think it will do anything for ice, but, in case there is a lack of snow cover, it will help prevent some damage to exposed turf. We haven't had a lack of snow cover in the last 3 years, so I guess technically it was not needed, however with everyone calling for a "la nina" type Winter, this would be a good time to use it in my area.