Second SDS application

Managing Bermuda grass in the transition zone requires specific measures to ensure healthy turf. Today we are making our second Spring Dead Spot application which is one of these steps that we must take for the Bermuda grass to thrive.

A few posts back, we discussed our Spring Dead Spot (SDS) program. Soil temperatures are a major factor in the timing of the application, and two applications are always best. We monitor the soil closely for the first spray, but once the first application is down, then it is just a matter of waiting the appropriate time for the second application.

Research recommends waiting 21-28 days between the two applications, closer to 21 days when the air and soil temperatures start to drop more rapidly after the first application. But the interval can be stretched closer to the 28-day timeframe when the temperature change is more gradual. At the time of our first spray, and shortly after, the weather stayed warm, to slightly above average. But in the last couple of weeks, it has dropped more dramatically, with several mornings in the low 30’s. Accordingly this has triggered a faster drop in the soil temperatures also, so the time has come for the second application.

Waiting longer than the 28-day recommendation is also a problem. The temperatures can get too cold and the fungus that causes SDS will no longer be active. Meaning any pesticide application made at that point will have very minimal effect on the pathogen and be nearly useless. And fitting in the second application around frost and possibly more frequent rain events becomes more difficult the longer we wait also. So, with all of this in mind, we know this is our best window for making the application.

It is stressful having such a small, specific window to hit for these applications. And it is made even more so by the fact that we won’t know the efficacy of our spray until at least 6 months from now, possibly more. But following the best practices and knowing from past experiences that we are on the right track gives us confidence to move forward.

 

We will be reducing down to 1 post per month starting in November. Thank you

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please rake your entire disturbance within the bunker, including all of your footprints, not just the area from where you hit.

 

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