Now that the temperatures have dropped to consistent lows,
the Bermuda grass is dormant. Contrasting against the brown Bermuda grass are
the green weeds. The weeds are especially apparent on the tees.
Between 2 harsh winters affecting the Bermuda grass as well
as many tees being newly sodded, the weeds on the tees are the worst they have
been in several years. The winter weather weakened any grass that survived,
allowing weeds to infiltrate and establish. We elected not to treat for weeds
over last winter to reduce any possible chemical hindrance to the Bermuda
grass.
Although many herbicides are labeled safe to spray on
dormant Bermuda grass, all herbicides in general affect anything they are
applied to regardless. Plants that are “safe,” merely metabolize the active
ingredient better than other plants and are thus not damaged. However, not
killing a plant is one thing, but forcing a plant to metabolize a chemical when
the grass is already weak (from a tough winter) and not growing (dormancy) can
lead to slower recovery. This was the reasoning behind skipping this past
year’s application.
Now that we made it through a season much healthier, we will
resume limited spot treatments on tees to eradicate the weeds this winter. To
ensure the Bermuda grass is in its most dormant state, we will wait until later
in the winter to begin. Applications will be made with a backpack sprayer and
will only treat the weeds, rather than a broadcast spray that would hit target
and non-target surfaces. While this is certainly the slower of the two methods,
it will result in less chemical use as well as less stress on the Bermuda
grass.
The weeds on the tees are unsightly. We are aware of the
issue and will be implementing a recovery plan as soon as possible.
As a reminder, we are only posting once per month from November thru February.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Please don’t play on greens that are partially or completely
covered in snow.
Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve
course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course
etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
