End of April Bermuda update

Since Bermuda grass takes up the greatest acreage of playing surfaces on our property, it is always a hot topic in the spring- when will it green up? How bad was Spring dead spot (SDS)? Are there winter kill areas that need sod? We begin spring with these same questions and work hard to get the Bermuda grass ready as soon as possible. So, the following is an update on the status of the Bermuda grass, as well as our upcoming strategies for a successful summer.

The Bermuda grass started its initial dormancy break back in early March. Two very cold nights- 23 degrees and 25 degrees- back-to-back, stunted any progress made and put the Bermuda grass in a holding pattern. Green-up commenced again in early April, and we have been off to the races ever since. Nearly all the tissue looks healthy across the course. Our Spring dead spot chemical control last fall seems to have been good. Although the winter was wet, we drained enough so the plants were not saturated, and the little bits of snow we did receive came at opportune times to help insulate against harsh cold. All in all, we have started the season with above average Bermuda grass health.

Last week, we completed our application of post-emergent herbicide to kill any remaining weeds in the Bermuda grass. This chemical kills cool-season grasses and
broadleaf weeds, but the Bermuda grass and other warm-season grasses can metabolize the active ingredient and are unharmed. Those weeds will die out over the next couple of weeks and the Bermuda grass will be able to grow unencumbered by competition.

Next, is our annual compost application, which starts today. Compost provides a very slowly available food source for the Bermuda grass, but it has two other more important benefits. First, it also provides a food source for soil microbes. These microbes are what keep the soil well-balanced and healthy, but they also eat pathogenic fungi in the soil, including the fungus that causes Spring dead spot. So, keeping the microbes happy and healthy is critical. The second important benefit from compost is that it helps to improve our soil texture and structure. Although our fairway soils are good, they are slightly higher in clay than ideal, which is partly why we had some drainage issues in the past. However, compost helps to break apart the heavy clay and increases pore space for air and water within the soil. Strong soil leads to strong plants, and the compost we have been adding for many years is building stronger soil for us.

Our third goal in the coming weeks is to slice the Bermuda grass. Again, this is something we have been accomplishing for several years in a row and we are happy with the results. We slice down into the Bermuda grass, cutting its growing points. End encouraging new, lateral growth. This aids in filling in any gaps that are still present from winter, as well as increasing the density of the existing turf.

Over the next several weeks, the work we do to the Bermuda grass will help set the turf up for a successful summer. With cooperation from the weather, the Bermuda grass should be healthy and ready for the season.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes inside the bunker once you are finished.

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