Sample Schedule - Approximate Dates

SPRING 

If anticipating bermuda seeding, DO NOT apply crabgrass preemergence herbicide in spring. However, if sprigging, it is safe to apply Ronstar (oxadiazon) for crabgrass control. 

• Soil Test each fairway, then apply approximately 50# N/Acre and the recommended phosphorous, potassium and lime. 
• Contour fairways and stake fairway outline for easier spraying. 
• Purchase seed (Riviera or Savannah) OR contract for sprigs (Quickstand or Midlawn).

JUNE 1 

• Apply 2 - 4 quarts/Acre of RoundUp Quick Pro Herbicide to kill ryegrass

JUNE 3 

• Aerate fairways with hollow-tine aerifier; holes made on 2-3 inch centers. May require several passes with fairway type aerifier.

JUNE 4 

• Close course for play and begin establishment. Row plant Sprigs at 600 to 800 bushels/Acre. Immediately follow with soaking irrigation. Keep VERY wet for approximately 2 weeks and until dead-looking sprigs begin to green up. On hot sunny days, 2 or 3 daily irrigations may be required for surface sprig survival. OR Seed bermuda. Broadcast approximately 20 lbs/Acre of seed, then slit (no-till) seed about 20 lbs/Acre. (The vertical blades on the slit-seeder will groove the soil surface and break up the aerifier plugs.)  
• If using coated seed, double the above seed rate. 
• Drag fairways with heavy chain drag or mat, before watering, to work as much seed as possible into the dead/dying canopy. 
• Irrigate sufficiently to keep surface moist for quick germination. Germination should occur within 5 to 14 days. 

JUNE 18

• For sprigged fairways, allow to dry out enough to not cause ruts when fertilizing or mowing. Begin nitrogen (N) applications using urea (46-0-0) or ammonium nitrate (34-0-0). Apply 50 lbs actual N per acre every one to three weeks. As bermuda cover approaches 90%, stop N applications to allow bermuda to harden off before cold weather. 
• For seeded fairways, wait until most seed has germinated before reducing irrigation frequency. Apply nitrogen (N) as suggested above, every 2 to 3 weeks until seedlings start to mature, and stolons begin to develop and fill in the canopy. As bermuda cover approaches 90%, stop N applications to allow bermuda to harden off before cold weather. 

JUNE 20

• If crabgrass begins to cover over the new bermudagrass, spray MSMA at about 1 lb ai/Acre if new grass is only a few days old, or at 2 lbs ai/Acre if new grass is growing and is 2-3 weeks old. Repeat with 2 lbs ai/Acre after 7 to 10 days. Additional MSMA repeats may be necessary in July or early August. Most broadleaf weeds will also be controlled with MSMA. If broadleaf weeds do survive, consider applying a herbicide such as Trimec Classic. 

JUNE 30 

• As some of the new bermuda grows above approximately 1 inch high, begin mowing at approximately one inch; because of nitrogen forced growth, a mowing frequency of 2 to 3 times per week may be required. 

JULY 15 

• When bermuda coverage reaches 75%, if absolutely necessary, open course for limited play. Keep carts in roughs until 100% covered, and preferably until green-up the following spring. 

SEPT 1 

• Raise height to 1.5 inches or higher. Additional mowing may not be needed. 

OCT - DEC 

• DO NOT overseed with perennial ryegrass the first fall following establishment. This is especially true if using seeded bermuda, or if less than 100% bermuda coverage is achieved. Apply approximately 80 lbs of K2O per Acre (130 lbs/Acre of muriate of potash, 0-0-60).