Bermuda grass observations

We have finally had some spring like weather and golf has started back up after a long winter. Also enduring the long winter was the Bermuda grass. At this time of year, we like to provide a quick update on what we see happening with dormancy break thus far.

This past winter was colder and snowier than any of the most recent years. Right now, we guess that we are approximately 2-3 weeks behind last year’s pace. March of 2024 started warmer than normal and never really quit. This year, we have had two nights in the low 20’s in March, which isn’t uncommon, but still different than the past few years, and these cold temperatures very much dictate how early the Bermuda grass can green up. Because of this temperature regime, it is too early to say how much winter damage may have occurred because so little growth has started in the Bermuda grass. However, most indications are that the Bermuda grass survived the winter well and is poised for a good start.

Here are a few indicators that we use:

·         Soil temperature- very little happens if the soil is too cold. This year, the soil was frozen for a good chunk of time over the winter and that kind of cold takes a long time to warm up.

·         Air temperatures- of course, the Bermuda grass needs warmer weather. But what it really needs is warmer nights. If the nighttime temperatures are consistently dropping down into the low 30’s, the Bermuda grass will be very slow to wake up.

·         Visual inspection- we visually inspect the Bermuda grass in multiple ways.

o   First, we look at the dormant color of the grass: areas that are straw colored generally indicate healthier tissue underneath. Areas that are dark brown or black and thin or have a water-soaked appearance are much more concerning. These areas are locations where water may have puddled and then froze and caused direct damage to the tissue. Right now, we only have one very small area that looks unhealthy, and most of the troubled areas from past winters look average to above average for this time of year.

o   As we start to have a few warmer days, we will also look for new green tissue. Early on, you must kneel and open the dormant canopy to find green stems and young leaves, which have been present for a couple of weeks. After this last round of warmth, we are now starting to see green leaves just emerging at the surface. We no longer must dig to find the live tissue, which is very positive. One of the first spots that new leaves emerge is #12 fairway, and this year is no different. But we have been able to locate new tissue in many other fairways also.

Again, these are very early observations. We have a long way to go, and we will undoubtedly have some Bermuda grass repair work to handle. Located where we are and dealing with the climate that we have, Bermuda grass is stretched to the edge of its tolerances. But we prepared the turf as best we could for the winter, and we are checking daily to be sure we are on track.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please don't start off 10 tee without permission from the Golf Pro Shop.

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