Bermuda grass weed control

Winter weed control in dormant Bermuda grass is one of the key tasks we must complete over the winter. We have been working on killing the weeds over the last week and will finish this week.

When the Bermuda grass is dormant it is not competing to keep weeds out like it does when it is actively growing. Opportunistic weeds like Poa annua, clover, and many others, take advantage of this weak time for the Bermuda grass and invade. We work all season to keep the number of weeds that encroach on the Bermuda grass to a minimum.

Our first defense is growing healthy Bermuda grass. If the Bermuda grass is dense, and growing vigorously during the season then there are fewer thin or bare areas for weeds to establish. Our goal for the season is to grow the best Bermuda grass turf we can- this is what we, and the golfers expect. But the second aspect of this goal is that it helps prevent weeds and provides the best dormant turf for the off-season.

Next, we also apply a pre-emergent herbicide to the Bermuda grass in late summer/early fall. This material is applied before the Bermuda grass is dormant, but right when the most weed seeds are ready to start germinating. By applying this product, we are aiming to prevent weeds from even establishing themselves. The chemical creates a barrier along the soil surface and wither prevents the weeds from emerging from the soil or prevents them from sending roots down. This tactic provides a great level of control and without it, the weed pressure would be much higher.

Lastly, we spray any breakthrough weeds during the winter using a non-selective herbicide. Since the Bermuda grass is dormant, it is unaffected by the herbicide, and we can spray right over top. If all of our previous steps were completed correctly and the timing was right, there are not a lot of weeds to spray in the winter. Usually, we can make just spot applications rather than a broadcast application across all the Bermuda grass.

While the calendar is nearing the turn to spring, we are still working on our winter maintenance. But judging by the way the weather has stayed cold throughout spring the last several years, we still have time to get our work done.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be careful not to damage the lip of the cup when retrieving your ball after putting out.

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

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org