The Art of Syringing Greens

Syringing is a practice used by all golf courses in the heat of summer.  When temperatures spike above 80 degrees, all cool-season turfgrasses (i.e. annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass) are in danger of heat stress.  The turf will wilt and if temperatures stay hot enough, it will eventually die.  Superintendents have few weapons against heat but the most effective is syringing.

Greens are the most susceptible to high temperatures because of the low mowing height.  With so little biomass the plant cannot sustain the heavy injury that turf at higher mowing heights can withstand.  Also, with the reduced canopy, the soil is more exposed to the atmosphere and can heat up and dry out quicker (putting roots in danger as well).  High temperatures can damage many important tissues and functions within the turf.  The plant has natural defenses towards these events but a green is an unnatural setting.  At this point the maintenance crew has to step in. 

Syringing implies a light application of water to the green surface in its entirety.  It is not an adequate amount of H2O to sustain plant life, but more of an effort to reduce soil and plant tissue temperatures.  Timing is a key factor in deciding when to syringe.   At points during the day when temperatures rise is often when the golfer will see the crew syringing (late morning and mid-afternoon).  This simple yet important process has saved, and will save, numerous greens.  We apologize for the inconvenience it may cause, but know that we would not do it if it were not important.