TURF NEWS FROM THE NORTH
Spring 2008

I just wanted to update everyone and let you know, contrary to popular belief, the buffalograss we planted last year is alive and well! We were very happy with the first year establishment and this year will see even more improvement in the stand. Remember, it is a WARM SEASON grass that goes completely dormant in the winter. It will always green up later and loose color earlier than the surrounding bluegrass. This spring, being especially cool, it was slower greening up than usual.

The green clumps and strips you see are cool season grass's, perennial ryegrass and bluegrass primarily, that were not killed initially. We will continue to spray them to get a more pure stand of buffalo. About a week ago we re-seeded the bare area that did not get established last season. We also fertilized to help it fill in. Once the buffalograss gets growing, in a month or so, we will fertilize again.

This season we will mow the buffalograss areas on fairly regular schedule, at about 4 inches, to help with weed control. Eventually, as the stand matures we plan to back off the mowing schedule and let it achieve a more natural look. When we are past the seed germination stage we will also reduce the watering considerably which will help with weed control as well as save water.

As a side note the area behind #5 green was planted with wildflowers. Wildflowers are very difficult to get looking good as weeds are always a problem. Many of the weed control products available you can't use because they will kill the wildflowers as well. It also take a couple of seasons to establish the perennials so don't expect to much the first season. We may have to mow it the first year to help with weed control so that will mow off some of the flowers too.

Hope this answers a few questions. Call or e-mail me with any questions you may have.

Scott D. Robbins, CGCS
Certified Golf Course Superintendent

Office: 970-226-0615
e-mail: srobbins@ptarmigancc.com