Pushing Bermuda

We are making progress with this ugly period called transition.  As we move towards a solid stand of bermudagrass, the cool season turf types need to fade away.  In some areas, we had no choice on keeping this grass as sodium, warm temperatures, and grub damage wiped out the ryegrass and poa annua in rapid fashion.  We are left with clumps of rye and shoots of bermuda and many, many bad lies.  Don't worry, we can fix it.

The pictures above are from some rough between a sand bunker and the fairway on the 11th hole.  In locations with good bermudagrass populations, we can fertilize, apply wetting agents, and work to lower the sodium.  The effect is shown in the closeup to the right.  The bermudagrass is filling in and is doing so quickly.

The fairways are progressing even faster with many approaching full coverage.  Stop wishing for cooler temperatures because these warm days and nights are the driving force of recovery.  Below, on the 18th fairway, the bermuda is closing in and the dark spots, mostly ryegrass, have nowhere to hide.  I'm excited about where we're heading and the thought of a full summer of 2013 with little "transition" to be had.