1st Spring Dead Spot application

As you read this, we are currently making our first Spring Dead Spot (SDS) chemical application. This is the most critical application we make all year on the Bermuda grass- and we won’t even know if it worked until April or May!

Research has shown that soil temperatures make the biggest impact on timing for this application. Temperatures must be below 70 degrees at least, and some of the most recent work shows that between 60-65 degrees is optimal. So, there is a general time of year- late September into October- when we typically make the application, but it is not a set calendar date.

This year’s applications are occurring slightly later than normal, partly to do with all the rain we had last week, but more importantly, because we had not reached the temperature threshold any earlier. We monitor our on-site temperatures with a soil thermometer every 3-5 days as we approach the historical application timing. There are also websites to check soil temperatures that we use. Putting all this information together and then marrying it to the weather and our golf schedule is the biggest challenge. Having the most important application of the season ready to be made, but juggling between rain, golf, and our regular maintenance can make it particularly stressful.

Last year, we also upgraded to the most highly recommended pesticides to treat SDS. For many years we used certain chemicals for two main reasons: 1. They were cheaper; with our acreage of Bermuda grass, a large volume of any material is needed and thus the price rises quickly. 2. There were very few, if any, other products that really provided any control for SDS. That has changed recently. Chemical companies have supplied several new chemistries that are providing much improved control for the fungus. The downside is that these new products come with a steeper price, however, after upgrading last year, the results were worth the price. This year, and going forward, we will stick with these newest materials because of the improvement in control provided.

The last key to a successful SDS program is water. The fungus lives in the thatch and soil- not in the plant. Any product we apply- the cheap or the expensive- is worthless if we do not water it down into the soil profile sufficiently. Recommendations are for at least 1/8” of water immediately after application. As we are driving the sprayer off the turf, the water is already started. It is very difficult to apply this much water through the irrigation system evenly, but the goal is to make sure the material does not remain at the surface.

Having healthy Bermuda grass in the summer relies very heavily on a strong Spring Dead Spot control program. We have made some changes in the last few years. Especially last year, we had great results from these changes, and we are continuing the process this year.

 

 

Starting in November, we will reduce new posts to once per month. Thank you

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please stay off all grass surfaces during a frost delay.

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