Fall Bermuda grass preparations

We have been fortunate that the last several years have been some of the strongest Bermuda grass seasons we have ever seen. The Bermuda grass has been healthy and strong from April 1^st and that is a testament to the work we do at this time of year. Believe it or not, September and October are the two most critical months for ensuring healthy Bermuda grass the next season.

Air temperatures, soil temperatures, and day length all start to drop quickly in September. These are all triggers telling the Bermuda grass that it is time to prepare for cold and dormancy. Growth slows, the leaf color changes, and the plant starts to store carbohydrates for the winter rather than using its energy for aggressive top growth.

Knowing this, we try to give the plant as many vital sugars as possible at this time. We don’t want the Bermuda grass lacking for any nutrition as it prepares for the cold. In a similar vein, the plant also needs adequate water to move these nutrients throughout its roots and shoots. So, with these two ideas combined, over the next several weeks we will apply 2 different seaweed extract products and 2 different wetting agents to aid in carbohydrate storage and soil water retention.

The plant is also more susceptible to attack at this time too because it is not growing as vigorously. And this is precisely when the pathogen that causes Spring Dead Spot (SDS) infiltrates the Bermuda grass plant. Even though the symptoms don’t appear until the spring, the damage is caused now and into the early part of the winter. The pathogen is especially keyed in to soil temperatures and has a very specific range when it is most active. So, we start monitoring soil temperatures September 1^st and when we hit the threshold temperature, we make our applications.

Lastly, in response to the slowing growth, we adjust our mowing frequency also. We mow less not only because the plant is just not physically growing as much, but also because mowing is stressful and we want minimize stress as possible. The height at which we mow the Bermuda grass also changes. We raise our height of cut because the more leaf tissue that the plant has, the much better chance of winter survival it has.

Even though the Bermuda grass season is winding down, we are no less vigilant in our program. Properly caring for the Bermuda grass now is what helps set up a good season the following year.

 

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do no practice on the course. Taking extra shots leads to unnecessary divots and ball marks. Thank you

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