Q: Our putting greens were established with Penn G-2 creeping bentgrass in a semi-arid region of the West that typically has snow cover five months of the year. Would there be any advantage to overseeding Penn A-4 creeping bentgrass or another cultivar into the greens during aeration and topdressing operations to create a denser, more vigorous and heat- and cold-tolerant stand? (Utah)

A: Field observations generally suggest that interseeding of creeping bentgrass into an established stand of putting green turf is not very successful. Plant competition, traffic, daily mowing, irrigation regimes, and other routine maintenance practices to keep the greens in play are not conducive to seedling establishment. If the existing stand thins significantly, some success can be realized if adjustments are made to the maintenance programs that favor seedling establishment. Otherwise, regrassing via stripping and sodding or eliminating the existing turf with non-selective herbicide and planting a new cultivar are the best means to switch grasses.

A: You are correct about the impact of overcast skies on bermudagrass. These conditions can simulate shade and are just as detrimental to ultradwarf bermudagrass greens. Fall and winter months can impose extended periods of cloudy skies and moisture in the South, which simulates the same conditions as shade exposure to greens and will reduce vigor and increase incidence of disease and algae. It is essential to educate your Green Committee about the consequences of shade and low light conditions on your ultradwarf greens.

A: Absolutely. Course marking defines the boundaries of play, and if golfers expect to play according to The Rules of Golf, course marking is essential.