Poa: Friend Foe or Frenemy?
Are you familiar with terms like Poa and Bentgrass? Let's delve into the composition of the turf species at Morgan Creek's greens, and you might even pick up some Latin terminology along the way.
Poa Annua, or Annual Bluegrass, is a light green turf species that is often viewed as a nuisance on North American golf courses due to its pale color and vulnerability to temperature extremes. Although commonly referred to as 'poa', this term actually represents a genus encompassing around 570 grass species globally. Native to British Columbia, Poa Annua stubbornly persists and thrives, despite efforts to control its spread. Golf courses frequently train staff to remove small patches from the greens regularly, aiming to preserve a uniform turf color and consistency.
On the other hand, Bentgrass, particularly the Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), is the darker green, slightly blue-tinged turf preferred for its dense, lateral growth, making it ideal for golf. It thrives when mowed to very low heights and exhibits greater resistance to environmental stresses. Although beneficial for golf greens, its aggressive growth can be problematic in other areas, like the rough, leading to uneven turf surfaces. Bentgrass, especially the genetically modified varieties used in golf, undergoes extensive research to enhance its durability and ensure it provides an excellent playing surface.
The dilemma arises with the management of Poa annua, which inevitably infiltrates the greens of Western Canada over time. An example is the chipping green at our clubhouse's practice area, initially sown with Bentgrass but gradually invaded by Poa annua, creating a speckled look. The lighter patches indicate Poa annua, contrasting with the darker Bentgrass varieties. Despite efforts, completely removing Poa annua is a futile battle. Thus, we adapt our maintenance strategies to manage this reality, focusing on the health and appearance of the greens. Mature greens at our course predominantly consist of Poa annua, managed through specific mowing and fertilizing practices to minimize the appearance of different turf species. Poa annua demands intensive care, including frequent mowing, fertilizing, and specific watering needs. Over-seeding efforts primarily aim to reintroduce Bentgrass, yet it remains a continuous struggle.
The invasion of Poa Annua extends beyond greens, as seen in the wedding area's longer grassy sections. Adjustments in fertilizing and mowing practices can help blend the different turf types, or one could undertake the laborious task of manually removing and reseeding the affected areas.
