Last week definitely took its toll on the bermudagrass due to the cold temperatures. We had 4 days in a row that remained around 33 degrees during the night. The heavy frost each day caused the bermuda to turn brown in a matter of a few days.

For those who are unfamiliar with bermudagrass, it’s a warm-season grass that thrives in warmer weather and will stay green when temperatures stay above 55 degrees. Once the temperatures drop below this the plant will begin to go dormant. Yes dormant, not dead. The bermudagrass no longer has the capability to produce chlorophyll, which produces the dark green color in the leaf tissue. Once the soil temperatures return to above 55 the plant will begin to green up.

Currently, we are spraying the bermudagrass with a pigment in an effort to generate more heat. The green pigment will absorb more sunlight than just dormant bermudagrass resulting in warmer temperature within the turf’s canopy. This will result in a quicker transition back to an actively growing bermudagrass.

Regards,

Shane Roth
Director of Golf Course Operations
Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club