latitude 36 bermudagrass
TRANSCRIPT
- One of the top performers in the 2007-2015 NTEP national bermudagrass trials, conducted with support from the USGA
- Fine textured and have excellent winter hardiness along with outstanding turfgrass color, density and divot recovery rate.
- Grass is adapted on sites for a wide range of mowing heights 0.25 inches to 1.25 inches
- Heat and cold tolerant, good shade tolerance, excellent drought tolerance, salt tolerant
- Improved resistance to Spring Dead Spot, offers high traffic tolerance and exceptional visual appeal
- Fall color retention and spring green up have been rated very good
NTEP National Bermudagrass TrialsSummary
NTEP National Bermudagrass TrialsMinimal winterkill in comparison to leading bermudagrass cultivars
Where it will grow
Pros + Performs better in wet, warm and humid weather patterns compared to Creeping bentgrass, Poa annua or Perennial ryegrass
+ Requires less water = firmer playing conditions, better ball roll- Less dependent on irrigation system during summer months
+ Aggressive and dense growth habit = tighter lies, faster divot recovery, improved uniformity, increased turf density
+ Aeration procedures can be completed in August timeframe without significant injury
Latitude 36 BermudagrassPlayability Summary
Cons - Performs worse in wet, cold patterns compared to Creeping bentgrass, Poa annua or Perennial
ryegrass (months November-March) due to dormancy
- Limit winter cart traffic in December, January, February- Potential winterkill issues in heavily shaded areas
Latitude 36 BermudagrassPlayability Summary
Sports Fields- Baltimore Ravens – Baltimore, Maryland- Philadelphia Eagles – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- Washington Redskins – Landover, Maryland- University of Maryland Soccer Complex – College Park, Maryland
Fairways- Mt. Vernon Country Club – Alexandria, Virginia- Belmont Country Club – Ashburn, Virginia- Compass Pointe Golf Club – Pasadena, Maryland- Talbot Country Club – Easton, Maryland- Oak Creek Golf Club – Upper Marlboro, Maryland- Springfield Country Club – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- Queenstown Harbour Golf Club – Queenstown, Maryland
Tee areas/Practice range facilities- Columbia Country Club – Rockville, Maryland- Baywood Greens – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware- Bidermann Golf Club – Wilmington, Delaware- Merion Golf Club – Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Local facilities that are using Latitude 36
Latitude 36 Bermudagrass Fairway Programs (Years 1 and 2 of establishment)Fungicides - $30,413.76Insecticides - $4,817.50Herbicides – $7,723.47Fertilizer - $7,500.00Wetting Agent - $8,437.00Growth Regulators - $2,118.00
Total - $64,621.73
Cost Comparison – Fertilizers, ChemicalsAnnual expense for routine maintenance programs
Creeping bentgrass Fairway ProgramsFungicides - $73,319.00Insecticides - $17,897.50Herbicides – $7,723.47Fertilizer - $15,112.00Wetting Agent - $10,137.00Growth Regulators - $5,648.00
Total - $130,836.97
• Does not include reduced water usage and/or labor for hand-watering • Does not include reduced fuel usage as mowing programs will be limited in the months of
March, April, October, November• Reduced costs addressing damage due to environmental stress, summer heat stress and
insects• Reduced energy or pumping requirements for irrigation system
Economically and environmentally responsible – Latitude 36
• Based on annual maintenance reductions, we would be able to address other important course improvements – tree work, bunkers, irrigation advancements, equipment, cart path repairs, drainage
• The cost differences of chemicals and fertilizers by converting to bermudagrass is projected to be at least $66,215.24 in the first year.
• Establishment costs associated with Latitude 36 bermudagrass will be ($91,000)for 26 acres of fairways for 18-holes.
• There is a better probability for season long success with improved course conditions, return on investment in the first two years, ability to withstand consistently hot and humid summers
• In the shoulder months of March, April, October, November when staffing is cut, we would be able to address other areas of golf course such as leaf cleanup, projects, tree removal, etc. more efficiently and effectively due to lack of mowing
Establishment Costs and Timetable- $3,500 per acre including labor, sprigs, mobilization- 6 to 8 week period- Sprigs must remain extremely wet for the first 7 to 10 days until they are rooted- Fertilize roughly 5 pounds of nitrogen over a 5-week period
- Two options: - Option 1: Sprig into existing turf for a gradual conversion, regulate existing turf stand so bermudagrass can gradually take over
- May require an additional sprigging application- Would have to keep carts off fairways, but play would be allowed after a 2-week period- Fairway would still require consistent and heavy irrigation to keep sprigs wet until established - Creeping bentgrass/Poa annua/Perennial ryegrass is going to decline from July to August, so the bermudagrass will have opportunity to establish- May not be 100-percent bermudagrass until year 2 or 3- If began on June 19th, I believe we would close this hole for at least 2 weeks to give the bermudagrass a chance to establish without play
- Option 2: Round up and kill off existing turf stand, immediately sprig into soil (in my opinion, the better of two options)- Close golf hole for a 6-8 week period- Fairway would be 100-converted to bermudagrass- If began on June 19th, I believe we would be re-opening golf holes by September 3 for Stroke Play
Establishment TimetableOption 2
First day of sprigging 10 days after sprigging
30 days after sprigging 50 days after sprigging
Establishment TimetableOption 2
#9 Fairway #10 Fairway
96,425 square feet 72,613 square feet 2.21 acres 1.66 acres $7,735.00 $5,834.37
References
Jim McHenryOakwood Sod Farm410-896-4009
Darin BevardUSGA610-558-9066
Elliott DowlingUSGA Agronomist610-558-9066
Steve McDonaldAgronomic Consultant610-633-1878