Next step for the Bermuda grass

Update: After this post was already written, and posted, we decided to delay the slicing process by 1 week. As always, the weather plays a huge role in what we do or don’t do, and the temperatures for this week don’t look as good as we would like, including an overnight low near 40. This is not conducive to Bermuda grass growth, so we decided to wait. The information below is still relevant, the work will just be done next week instead.

We finally had a full complement of good Bermuda grass weather- a warm day AND warm overnight. It was only one day, but it made a difference. The Bermuda grass is trending in the right direction now and we are on to the next step of our program: slicing. We will be working on slicing the fairways and approaches this week.

For several years now we have been using our large slit-seeder as a slicing tool for the Bermuda grass. We empty the hopper of any seed because we are only interested in the discs. Bermuda grass has growing points all along its roots, rhizomes, and stolons. If those structures are cut anywhere along their length, they can root and grow a new plant- like a sprig. However, for us, we aren’t purchasing sprigs, we are simply taking one existing plant, cutting it, and getting two plants. This process can help to fill in weak areas, as well as increase the overall density of any area because it creates two growing points and a new plant that will start to move laterally.

We have settled into this routine of slicing early in the season for one main reason. The Bermuda grass is always weak coming out of winter. Granted, some springs are stronger than others, but overall, the weakest time for the Bermuda grass is spring. So instead of being more aggressive and truly vertical mowing the Bermuda grass- which digs down into the canopy, cuts the growing tissue and removes excess organic material and thatch- we still perform the cutting part but not the material removal part. Especially in weaker than normal areas, vertical mowing can take out too much material, including ripping out the small amount of grass that may be trying to survive.

Slicing is a less stressful practice for the grass but still provides the benefit of cutting and encouraging new growth. It gives the Bermuda grass a nudge towards new growth, without hindering the weakest areas too much.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not climb up the steep face of the bunkers.

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