The images are from July, June, and May. Same desiccation happened last year. Though this year the desiccation has been far worse due I suspect to a change in our watering habits (higher volume and less frequent). There is a plastic vapor barrier encompassing the greens cavities that runs from the surface down beneath the gravel (USGA spec build). This barrier is marked by the hand tools inserted in the ground in the first picture. If you look closely, the Bermuda that has encroached over the barrier is yellowing quite a bit. I will* eliminate the fringe next year -- it's simply holding too much heat in the summer months (I do not by any means believe this is the primary contributing factor to the desiccation). *I cannot keep the edges of the greens wet enough on these high sides. They lose moisture so goddamn fast.**
I believe the primary issue is the vapor barrier. Has anyone else seen this type of damage in a green with a vapor barrier?
I am not committed to the vapor barrier being the issue and would love to hear any and all theories.
Thanks