Bermuda grass sod

Thus far, the Bermuda grass has been off to an above average start. We wrote a more in-depth post regarding the Bermuda grass a few weeks ago, which you can read here. However, nothing is perfect, so last week we removed a few spots of poorly performing Bermuda grass and replaced them with new sod.

Bermuda grass is not in its ideal growing environment this far north. It has adapted well and does a great job, especially in our situation. But, even in a spring when the overall Bermuda grass health is above average, there are still areas where we can improve. Although we can’t always lay new sod as early in the season as we would like, new sod is still the fastest, easiest way to repair poor areas of Bermuda grass.

It is a fact that growing Bermuda grass this far north guarantees that some sod work will need to be done every year. Some years the damage and amount of sod needed is demoralizing- read about 2018 here. Other years, we need very little sod at all. This year is a year of needing very little sod and being able to focus on repairing some areas that have been neglected in other years because of the extensive need for sod across the property.

We ordered 3 pallets of sod- 1 of which was entirely for the pool- and completed the replacement of spots on holes 1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 16, and 17 and soccer. While that is a long list of holes needing sod, in most cases each hole needed only several pieces. And in most cases the spots we repaired are right along cart paths and in low impact areas. We used the most sod on #7 to repair shaded areas along the cart path down the left side. On holes 11 and 13, we did spots on the blue and black tees. #17 was the only hole with sod in the fairway that is in play. Luckily, the spots are very small and based on experience, the sod heals very quickly and will play normal in a short time.

Every year is different, and the Bermuda grass responds differently each spring. But we are happy with the progress we have made this year and how healthy the fairway turf is. We know some sod work will be required every year, but it was great to have so little to do this year.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

We appreciate everyone’s effort to fill divots on tees and fairways. Please remember to smooth the sand after filling the divot. Do not leave a pile because it damages the cutting units on our mowers.

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