What wonders a little water will achieve on bermuda grass. They finally put some down on the local course, and the bermuda sprang to life. We almost have fairways again!
When I coached baseball at a private high school, I became the groundskeeper, too. I knew how to take care of the basics, but needed to learn more about turf. I searched the internet, and found a couple of free subscriptions to sports turf management magazines. I also spent a lot of time asking questions of the experts at seed and fertilizer distributors. I’m still no expert, but I know more than most people about the subject.
One key ingredient to a healthy turf is a deep root zone. Bermuda is one grass that will choke out weeds if given the strength. Unfortunately, our course manager doesn’t like expense, and will cut anywhere he can. Not watering serves his purpose two ways: He pays a smaller water bill and has to cut the grass less. In his eyes, it’s a win-win situation.
The course was refurbished two years ago at great expense. They put down Tif bermuda on the greens and fairways, but never established a good root zone. And there still isn’t one. It requires deep watering, not just a simple wetting-down.
It’s troubling because the course has an excellent layout, and could be one of the premier courses in South Texas. Instead, we play on some really nice grass intermingled with Saint Augustine, Johnson Grass, and dandelions. We all complain, and nothing changes.
Too bad. Potential going to waste has always bothered me.
Glad to know you are an able student of turf. I will be forwarding my questions on grass management periodically, in my quest for the “Yard of the Month”.
[those who have never been in the military may lose a little of this comment by not having ever lived on a military base, where “Yard of the Month” was a crowing achievement.]
Comment by Wallace-Midland, Texas — June 13, 2004 @ 1:58 pm
Duh!? You would trust your lawn to me!?
Comment by Bunker — June 13, 2004 @ 3:36 pm