Upcoming Bermuda grass plans

The cold weather (and 2 especially cold nights) have really disrupted the green-up of the Bermuda grass. Nevertheless, the Bermuda was off to a good start and has only been delayed not reversed. So, several key agronomic practices for the Bermuda grass will take place in the next few weeks.

The spring had been kind to the Bermuda grass up until 4/17. We had an overnight low of 28 degrees. It was a shock to the tender, new growth. Some of the fairways turned almost completely brown again. While this will not kill the Bermuda grass, it certainly set its progress back a couple of weeks. On top of that, we also had two more cold overnights, one of 32 degrees and one of 34 degrees. Simultaneously, the daytime highs have only been in the mid to upper 50’s.

The Bermuda grass will bounce back and based on the conditions before the cold snap, it looks as though it weathered the winter very well. In order to aid its progress and improve its health, we will be making our annual spring compost application this week. We have been doing this for several years now and have finally settled on a winning combination of timing and product. The product we use is fine enough to fall into the canopy, but not dust that just blows away. We have also had great luck with making a light application in the spring and then a slightly heavier application in the late summer.

The compost will give a boost to the Bermuda grass in the near and long term. It will help warm the top layer of soil slightly, which any warmth for the Bermuda grass is a plus. It will give a small, quick boost of fertility. But the overall point of the compost is to aid in reduction of spring dead spot, the most devastating disease for our Bermuda grass, and all indications are that the compost is having a very beneficial effect. So far this season, we are seeing the fewest patches of spring dead spot of any of the last several years.

In the next few weeks, we will also slice the Bermuda grass. Again, this is another practice we have been doing for several years (2015; 2017; 2019). The results have continued to impress. It is a minimally disruptive way to indicate to the Bermuda grass that it is time to get going! With our slow-release fertilizer already in place, the new growth will have all the food it needs. Getting a little warmth and rain from Mother Nature (or irrigation from us!) and the Bermuda grass will be set up for a good summer.

The cold weather was a hurdle for the Bermuda grass, but not a roadblock. A few inputs and practices from us and the turf will be ready for the season.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

In addition to repairing your own ball mark on every green, please repair at least one other as well.

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:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org