Audio Blog: Combatting Summer Stress on Golf Courses
Keeping turfgrass healthy during the sweltering summer heat can be a challenge, especially on the golf…
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If you were not able to get all your seed jobs completed, we now need to weigh the option of dormant seeding. Keep in mind that the seeds won’t germinate until the soil warms in the coming spring. Generally, you want soil temps 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Assuming snow is not on the ground, one could continue through the winter.
Moisture is also needed. Ideally, we will receive snow to provide moisture and cover during the depths of winter. With irrigation systems, for the most part, being winterized by now, getting water to the seeded ground before it freezes solid could be a task that just is not going to happen. If you can get some water to it, and if you remain dry, do so. This would be good for your new grass, which is up, and was planted in the last couple of months. This is also great for trees and shrubs.
Starter fertilizer applications can be delayed until near the time of germination next spring.
For weed control next spring, we have options. Corteva’s Defendor, which can be applied in late fall or early spring when temperatures are still cool, does not have seeding restrictions. FMC’s Quicksilver (carfentrazone) can be used 7 days after the grass emerges for broadleaf control. ArmorTech Trione (mesotrione) and BASF Pylex (topramezone) can be implemented 28 days following seed emergence for control of many broadleaf weeds and annual grasses. They work post-emergently as well as provide some pre-emergence control. Other excellent options contain the active ingredient quinclorac. These products include BASF’s Drive XLR8 and Nufarm’s Q-Ball. Herbicides, such as prodiamine or dithiopyr, are not recommended for use on dormant seeded areas next spring.
Dormant seeding is not a deadlock to succeed. However, there are situations where it is a viable alternative to seeding cool-season grass in the spring.