The unusual stretch of cold weather that swept through the southern part of the region injured a lot of warm-season turf. The long-term implications are still unknown because most areas have not been warm enough to provide conditions ideal for bermudagrass growth. Instead, many courses are left looking at patches, and in some cases large areas of brown turf and wondering if they’ll recover. While this can be an uncomfortable and anxious time, the best course of action right now is to wait it out.
Until warmer conditions develop, there is no certain way to tell how much dormant warm-season turf will recover and how much will need to be sodded or sprigged. As a general rule of thumb, bermudagrass begins to grow aggressively when the high and low temperatures for a day add up to more than 150. Sodding or sprigging before several consecutive days of optimal growth conditions may lead to more work than necessary and it will increase the risk for turf decline in the repaired areas. The sod may be green if it is laid now, but without warm temperatures it will be at a high risk for decline, especially in high-traffic areas.
While waiting for warmer temperatures to arrive, there are a few items to consider to promote a speedy recovery when conditions are right:
- Some preemergence herbicides – such as the commonly used DNAs – can impede root development. Altering weed control strategies may be necessary if sod or sprigs will be laid.
- If you have large areas where sod or sprigs may be needed, it is worth contacting sod farms to make sure sod or sprigs will be available. Furthermore, it may be worth using newer, cold-tolerant varieties to make the repairs.
If you would like to discuss recovery plans, herbicide options, modern grass varieties or simply need help communicating about how or why winter injury occurs, contact your regional USGA agronomist. We are here to help.
Central Region Agronomists:
Paul Jacobs, agronomist – pjacobs@usga.org
Zach Nicoludis, agronomist – znicoludis@usga.org