As the golf course rounds into form and our members enjoy the firm, spring conditions, we continue to plan for our biggest project of the season... the eradication of common Bermudagrass within our fairways. Aside from our planning, we want to increase our communication so that our members understand: (1) expectations; (2) methodology; (3) timing and (4) final outcome. So, as we approach 9 weeks from the first herbicide application, please visit this blog for regular updates.
1. What to expect: On or around July 10th, we will surgically apply herbicide to all of the common bermudagrass within our fairways. Within 7 days of this application, you will notice sporadic areas of "burnt" turf. The herbicides that we will apply are non-selective, so any turf within the spray boundaries will perish. In total, we have mapped 2.3 acres of infestation throughout our 32 acres of fairways. Throughout July and August, areas affected by the herbicides will be treated as optional, ground-under-repair. And while this is a very exciting improvement project, several of our fairways will be significantly impacted. However, most of this impact will involve aesthetics and not the playability of the fairway.
(An example of Herbicide kill from 2019)
2. Methodology: This past winter, while the Bermuda was dormant and very visible, we used a drone to photograph the fairways. Those photos were then uploaded into specific software that allowed us to draw boundaries around the Bermuda. That software then integrates with our sprayer software and we are able to tell our sprayers where to spray.
After 4 applications (mid-July, August 1, mid-August, September 1) the Bermuda will be killed past the point of return. On Monday, September 4th, in concert with our contractor, Landscapes Unlimited, we will strip all of the dead turf and replace with new, bent grass sod. By the time the golf course reopens in mid-September, all of the affected areas will be sodded and establishing. Aside from lingering sod seams, the golf course will look very nice when the membership returns in September.
3. Timing: From mid-July through our closure in late August, members will see the sprayed areas as they play the golf course. From mid-September through October 1, the sodded areas will be beautiful, but apparent. As the sod matures through October, the golf course will be aesthetically pleasing and playing very well.
4. Final Outcome: Once we execute this project, Kinloch will have uniform, pristine fairways. Although the current infestation only accounts for 7% of our fairway surfaces, the Bermuda must be eradicated. Using non-selective herbicides and sod is the very best strategy to achieve this objective. We are sensitive to the aesthetic issues that we will face in July and August, but the final outcome will be well worth the discomfort.
As always, if you would like further explanation or more specific details, feel free to email or call with your questions and/or concerns.
