Golf Tees Weeds Pests and Disease Control

Earthworm casting on some, especially less sandy, tees can be a problem at certain times of the year when earthworms are typically active near the surface.

Dispersal by drag brushing, or similar action, will be required, especially prior to mowing.

If a sandy surface layer is gradually built up, then it will be much easier to disperse casts as these will dry quicker than soils with relatively high silt and clay contents present. The provision of shoe scrapers / brushes at the sides of tees will help golfers in removing accumulated soil from their soles.

Grubs might occasionally be a problem where they are present in high densities although small quantities will be more of a nuisance than a particular problem. Cultural and physical practices which ensure thatch is kept to a minimum and root depth and density is good will help to counter low to medium levels of grub infestation.

Weed control will most likely be for white clover or similar small leaved weeds, including daisy, although this latter weed should not be allowed to develop into clumps. Broad leaved weeds, such as plantain and dandelion, should not be allowed to become established on a tee, and just like on a green when these weeds are noticed in their juvenile stage they should be removed by hand. This process of observing for new weeds would typically be carried out at the same time as the moving of tee markers.

The application of a selective herbicide will need to carefully consider the extent of seeding which may have taken place on a tee, especially following any renovation works and as part of regular divoting, so as not to negatively impact on seed germination and establishment. Instead of spraying an entire tee, spot treatment may be more appropriate and effective, especially if weeds are in small, localised areas, although it may be more time consuming than using a boom sprayer on the whole tee.