Delicate balance part 1

As we head to the peak of the difficult weather here in the Mid-Atlantic, every decision can have consequences that we must live with for the rest of the summer. Making sure the greens are taken care of in every regard is our highest priority because they would not heal quickly from damage. Similarly, the rough, collars, and even Bermuda grass need monitored closely. At this time of year, it is a delicate balance making sure everything is in the best condition possible.

Footprints coming off #18 green,
through the approach.

Historically we have had a problem with goosegrass on the putting greens. Goosegrass has recently become one of the most difficult to control weeds of all. It is especially difficult to control on putting greens because of the sensitivity of the putting green turf. A new product came out several years ago that does a fantastic job of killing goosegrass. We tested and tested it for use on putting greens and it has shown to be very safe. In fact, we have been using it on greens now for 6 years. However, one of the drawbacks of this chemical is that it is also very toxic to Bermuda grass.

For most courses, with all cool season grasses, a chemical that kills goosegrass and injures Bermuda grass, would be a godsend. Two of the most troublesome weeds on a lot of courses, managed with one spray. But we don’t want to injure our Bermuda grass so we must apply the chemical with as little overlap into the Bermuda grass as possible. We can minimize the amount that touches the Bermuda grass, but some inevitably still does

Up close picture of the
bleached Bermuda grass

We spray the chemical at VERY low rates- .06 oz per acre. Put in terms that might be more relatable: we mix 6 mL, or about 1.25 teaspoons, in 225 gallons of water and those 225 gallons cover 3.75 acers of turf. At this low of a rate, it is safe for the greens, but still damaging to the goosegrass and Bermuda grass.

Bermuda grass is very difficult to kill- cold weather is about the only thing that can really keep it in check. Most herbicides will only set it back, including when we treat the greens for goosegrass. When the chemical does get on the Bermuda grass it turns it bleach white. Some of you may have noticed the white marks in #18 approach. These were made from me walking off the green after spraying for goosegrass. A small residue stuck to my feet and as I walked through the Bermuda grass approach, it was still concentrated enough to bleach the grass (Don’t worry- this only happened due to it being immediately after the spray was applied- chemicals are not sticking to everyone all day!) The Bermuda grass will grow out of this, it wasn’t a high enough rate to really injure the turf. But this is just one example of how fine of a line we are walking during the heat of the summer. Too much chemical or sprayed in the wrong place and thousands of square feet of Bermuda grass could be as white as these footprints.

In the end, we have developed a program and the goosegrass issue on putting greens has been reduced to an occasional nuisance. Nevertheless, we continue to treat for the weeds, so they don’t return to a bigger issue. In doing so, we balance between keeping the goosegrass out and making sure the Bermuda grass doesn’t turn white.

 

Happy 4^th of July

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

When parking your cart at a tee or green, please keep all 4 tires on the path.

This is the same etiquette reminder we posted in April, but after seeing carts all over the grass around tees and greens it felt like time for a reminder:

If you don't park your car like this in your
driveway, don't park your golf cart like this here. Thank you

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

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org