By M.L. Rose
Frost
Frost is a form of ice and can only survive at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below. But that doesn’t mean the measured air temperature must be 32 or below for frost to form on a surface. Green grass, for example, absorbs sunlight and heat during the day, then loses heat when the sun goes down, so the grass’s temperature may be lower than the surrounding air temperature. This temperature differential causes moisture to condense on the grass during the night. If the temperature of the grass then falls below freezing, the moisture may crystallize into frost. This can occur even when the nearby air temperature is in the upper 30s, particularly when the air is calm.
When and Where Frost Occurs
Frost may occur overnight, but it often forms at sunrise, before the temperature begins to rise. Frost formation on grass is possible in any location in which the blades’ temperature falls to 32 or below, including warm-weather states such as Florida, California and Arizona. For example, overnight frost may form on an Arizona course on days when the high temperature reaches 70.
Damage to Grass
Frost itself doesn’t damage grass in the way that it may damage other growing things, such as citrus fruit. However, golfers walking on frosty turf may harm the grass quite badly. Because the grass on putting greens is cut so low, around 1/8 inch, it is particularly vulnerable to damage when it’s covered by frost. When a golfer walks on frost-covered grass it is more likely than normal to break and suffer ruptured cell walls.
Delayed Impact
The damage caused by walking on frost-covered grass may take two to three
days to appear. By that time the damaged blades may turn purple or black,
eventually fading to a very light brown. If the plant’s growing point is
undamaged, however, the grass should regenerate. If the growing point is
damaged, the plant may die. Additionally, weaker grass, even if it doesn’t die,
may be more susceptible to disease and weed formation.
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