The unprecedented warm weather in March led to all sorts of plant anomalies, including early flowering in trees and shrubs, germination of annual grasses, and spring green-up of cool-season turf. Although perennial cool-season grasses are well equipped to withstand sudden and extreme temperature drops, new, succulent leaf tissues are susceptible to freezing and injury from frost. During the third week of March, nighttime low temperatures ranged from a balmy 45 to 56F. However, on March 26 and 27, night temperatures dropped to 26F, and were accompanied by a hard frost. A few days later, extension personnel in western PA began receiving calls about white patches and die back of turf. The injury appeared as tan leaf blades, dying back from the tips. Leaf blades were crinkled and dehydrated, imparting symptoms similar to fertilizer burn. Injured samples sent to my office last week included Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. Fortunately, this type of damage is temporary, and will usually disappear following one or two mowings.

Photos provided by Kirk Behrer