Soil temperatures during recent TAS visits in South Florida have been in the mid- to high 70’s, which means sustained bermudagrass growth and recovery is occurring. Some cultural management programs to reduce thatch accumulation are implemented at this time of year in South Florida, particularly on putting greens. Light vertical mowing and sand topdressing occur on a more frequent basis and plant growth regulator treatments are increasing as well. Soil temperatures are not quite as high in Central to North Florida yet, but similar cultural practices will soon begin in these areas as soil temperatures continue to rise.

Overseeded putting greens are beginning to transition back to the base bermudagrass as increased heat and humidity weaken cool season grasses. Bermudagrass requires ample sunlight for proper growth and recovery, and light vertical mowing thins the overseeding canopy and increases sunlight penetration to the base bermudagrass. Generally, light verticutting on a weekly basis should be implemented as soil temperatures increase above 70^o F. Also, fertilizers with quick-release nitrogen, like ammonium sulfate, can be applied weekly at a rate of 0.3 to 0.5 lb nitrogen/1000 ft² to push the bermudagrass and improve turf density during spring transition.

Dry spots are common nuisances, as most of the region has received less than 2-inches of rainfall so far this year. Increased water loss from turf (evapotranspiration) and increased salt accumulation are causing more brown spots on golf courses throughout the region. Wetting agents help to some extent, but must be applied routinely on a preventative basis to impact turf quality. For the most part, these dry spots are only aesthetic blemishes, and as long as the putting greens and teeing grounds are properly irrigated, fairways and roughs can be maintained with less irrigation. Turf quality will improve substantially as afternoon showers resume in June and the rainfall flushes salts and reduces localized dry spots.

Overseeded playing surfaces are particularly sensitive to drying at this time of year

The most widespread complaint from golfers over the winter play season is from tight fairway lies and decreased definition between fairways and roughs. This is due to increased cart traffic over bermudagrass turf that is not actively growing, causing the turf to become beat down. A program that has worked well at several courses throughout the region has been implementing a revolving "resting hole" program on each nine holes, where one hole/week is deemed cart path only. I have heard several success stories from courses about how turf recovered each week on the rested holes. It is difficult to believe golf carts have a major impact on turf quality until you compare the difference of worn out turf and turf that does not receive cart traffic (e.g. par three holes). I encourage you to try such a program at your course next season.

Source: Todd Lowe, tlowe@usga.org or 941-828-2625