REVAMPING THE GREENS

Club Enhances Summer Play with Strategic Removal of Cool-Season Grasses

BY LOU SILVEIRA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

As we step into the late spring and summer months, the golf course maintenance department is gearing up for the warmer months ahead. Among the many tasks undertaken, one crucial practice is the targeted removal of cool-season grasses from Bermuda fairways and tees. This meticulous process elevates playing experiences while maintaining the aesthetics that golfers cherish.

Why the Focus on Cool Season Grasses?

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) has long been a staple on golf courses for its resilience, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in warmer climates. However, in regions where temperatures drop during the winter months, cool-season grasses such as ryegrass and fescue often encroach upon Bermuda fairways and tees. While these grasses provide temporary greenery during cooler seasons, their presence can disrupt the uniformity and playability of Bermuda grass when temperatures rise.

The Process of Spraying Out Cool Season Grasses

The process of spraying out cool-season grasses involves targeted applications of herbicides to selectively remove unwanted grass species while preserving the Bermuda turf. Golf course superintendents carefully assess the timing and type of herbicides to minimize harm to desirable grasses and surrounding vegetation. This precise approach minimizes disruption to play while promoting the health and vigor of Bermuda grass.

Timing is Key

The timing of spraying out cool-season grasses is crucial for optimal results. Golf course superintendents typically schedule herbicide applications during periods of active growth for Bermuda grass, which coincides with the transition from spring to summer. This timing allows Bermuda grass to capitalize on favorable conditions for rapid growth and recovery, outcompeting and replacing cool-season grasses.

Benefits for Fairways and Golfers Alike

• Consistency of Playing Surface: By eliminating competing grass species, golf course managers ensure a consistent playing surface across fairways, enhancing the overall quality of the golfing experience.

• Improved Turf Health: Removing cool-season grasses allows Bermuda grass to flourish without competition for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. This promotes healthier turf, better resistance to stressors, and faster recovery from wear and tear.

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Bermuda grass presents a lush, verdant appearance that complements the manicured look of golf courses. By eliminating patches of cool-season grasses, superintendents can maintain the visual appeal and uniformity that golfers expect.

• Environmental Sustainability: Targeted herbicide applications minimize the need for extensive mechanical cultivation, reducing soil disturbance and carbon emissions associated with turf management practices. Additionally, promoting the dominance of Bermuda grass can help conserve water resources by optimizing irrigation efficiency.

Looking Ahead

As we strive to provide exceptional playing conditions year-round, the practice of spraying out cool-season grasses in Bermuda fairways and tees emerges as a vital component of turf management strategies. By leveraging innovative techniques and environmentally responsible practices, we reach to uphold the standards of excellence that define the sport. Over the coming weeks you will notice a change in the appearance of the areas sprayed with the cool season poa annua and ryegrass taking on a yellowing look as they begin to die leading way to the Bermudagrass underneath. Recovery times may vary depending on the percentage of warm season Bermuda and cool season grass in any particular area. Those areas under shade of tree canopies for example, will have a higher population density of cool season turf varieties than that of Bermuda.

Until next month… Happy Golfing!