Unfortunately, I do not have a crystal ball. If I did, I’m sure it would tell us that last weekend’s rapid decline in temperatures injured warm-season grasses throughout the South Central U.S. Two out of the previous three winters (2021 and 2023) had similar weather patterns and considerable damage resulted. In some areas this week, temperatures dropped nearly 60 degrees in two days, approached single digits and stayed below freezing for three days. The wind didn’t disappoint either.
Bermudagrass greens are extremely sensitive to these conditions. Any greens that were left uncovered during the recent deep freeze will be highly susceptible to winter injury. New bermudagrass greens planted late in the season and greens that were damaged last year and had a short recovery window are especially vulnerable because they haven’t had much time to establish and develop a carbohydrate-rich root system to help survive winter. Just because a green reached full coverage by the end of the season doesn’t mean the turf had time to develop a healthy and robust root system. The turf on exposed areas, north-facing slopes, shaded areas and soils with high sand content will also be worth keeping an eye on this spring as we evaluate the severity of winter injury.
The impact of recent severe weather events remains to be seen, and we will continue to hope for the best as we approach spring and warmer temperatures. That said, if another freeze event is forecast this winter, be sure to get bermudagrass greens covered. If you still don’t have covers after the severe winter weather over the past few years, there’s no better time than now to get them ordered.
Central Region Agronomists:
Zach Nicoludis, regional director – znicoludis@usga.org
Paul Jacobs, agronomist – pjacobs@usga.org