Protecting their turf

Golf courses are valuable green spaces in many communities, and the sport is enjoyed by Canadians of all ages. We want our favourite course to be healthy, but this requires a lot of attention. Despite best efforts, sometimes golf courses are affected by pests. These can include turf diseases like dollar spot and snow mould, which affect normal growth of grass and can cause significant turf loss, according to experts. Turf insects feed on the grass and can inflict severe damage. Weeds are also a threat, because they compete with grass for moisture and affect the playability of a course.

To control pests, golf courses practice integrated pest management, using the right tool at the right time to treat an infestation. This includes pesticides, which are regulated by Health Canada to ensure they are safe and effective in controlling the pests they are designed to target. They help maintain healthy vegetation and playing surfaces, and also offer many environmental benefits.

Golf courses are often located in urbanized areas and can be valuable green spaces that help preserve habitats for wildlife and waterfowl. Data show that healthy turf and trees act as natural air conditioners by producing large amounts of oxygen, while removing carbon dioxide. Did you know that healthy turf grass can sequester almost 900 kilograms of carbon per hectare each year?