Converting Fescue rough to Bermuda Cancel The title field is required!

1. Stephen Johnson

   

   0 posts
   
   9/27/2012 7:09 AM

   After a hot dry summer my owner wants to know the cost for converting our Fescue rough to Bermuda. His perception is the cost savings from reduced water and fungicide inputs. My question is whether to seed, sprig, and in some areas sod. I believe Bermuda will survive here in SW MO, (I see it on other courses and ball fields in the area) but what will my establishment cost be. Any of you that have past experience with this thanks in advance for your comments.

   
   
   
   
2. Toby Burkhart

   

   0 posts
   
   9/27/2012 11:09 AM

   Hey Steve,
   
   From my experience dealing with seeded Bermuda with the grow in I did, I would steer clear of seeding.
   Although the Bermuda seed was quick to germinate it took forever to establish and we ended up with tons of washed areas. I would either sprig or sod although it may cost more to do now in the long run you are going to save in the labor that it will take to get the seed established. Our course is 90 percent Bermuda and has handled the winters really well so far. Recommendation on variety I would go with Patriot Bermuda out of Oklahoma very fast to establish and is very aggressive. I know Murder Rock and Branson Creek both have Patriot. The seed we used for the grow in was Yukon. I know Ty in Springfield has worked with Riviera quite a bit you might want to pick his brain also.
   
   Hope this helps
   
   Toby Burkhart
   Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club

   
   
   
   
3. Terry Smith

   

   0 posts
   
   9/28/2012 6:09 AM

   Steve,
   
   You might want to check with Dr. Mike Richardson at U of Ark.. They have done extensive research with both seeded and vegetative varieties and are in the same zone as yourself.
   
   Good Luck,