Spring to Summer Turf Transition

One of the toughest tasks for landscape contractors is to have healthy and green summer turf. With Bermuda grass like so many things in life, preparation is key to the success of your summer turf. While many Property Managers and Communities understand the process of transition and scalping to ensure a great winter lawn, many do not accept or understand the importance of a transition period from a winter lawn to your summer turf. We are all willing to accept that a winter lawn could take 4-8 weeks to be established and healthy but not will accept this same type of time frame for Bermuda grass.

Here are a few things to consider to establish healthy summer turf.

• The transition typically occurs in May when soil temperatures consistently stay above 65 degrees. This can happen sooner when we have a warmer spring as we are having this year. This can also happen later for example, when a few years ago when we experienced cooler temperatures into the middle of June. While we loved the weather our summer turf did not and many landscape contractors struggled that year with their turf.
• The turf area should be aerated prior to the transition. Aeration is fundamental in allowing water and air to penetrate the Bermuda root zone.
• The most important part of this process is to reduce or eliminate competition for the Bermuda grass. By reducing the competitive winter rye, which has been designed to live longer than in the past, the soil temperatures can be increased and accelerate growth of the summer turf.

There are various ways to reduce or eliminate the winter rye from your lawn and it is best to discuss these processes with your community or site prior to initiation.

• Reduce the amount of water when the temperatures begin to rise to kill the winter rye. While this is an effective method it certainly does not help in getting water to the roots of your summer turf.
• Scalp the winter rye. Yes, the dreaded work scalp. By lowering the mower and cutting the winter turf down you increase the amount of sunlight that hits the soil to raise the temperature. Scalping does not need to be down to the ground as many contractors do in the fall, but enough to reduce the turf canopy.
• Kill off the winter rye by using chemical applications. Landscape contractors will select herbicides that will kill the winter rye but not affect the Bermuda.
• Once again the most important part of this process is to reduce or eliminate the competition. Once the winter rye has been killed by whatever process you and your contractor decide on, the turf will need to be dethatched. Dethatching the lawn area will not only remove dead rye but old or dead Bermuda grass which has a created a barrier to the soil not allowing air or water to penetrate.

By following these procedures, you have increased your chances for a healthy and disease free summer turf area. Contact Agave today to discuss how we can help in your success of having a healthy lawn.