I’d like to update everyone where we are with the summer transition process. Last week we completed the herbicide application that will assist us in removing the winter rye grass. The areas sprayed were the tees, aprons, and fairways at the Vistas GC. The tees and aprons were sprayed at the Lakes GC. These areas are now in full transition mode. The rye grass is checking out while the Bermuda grass is gradually beginning to increase and spread. Our next step in this process is to do numerous fertilizer applications with a nitrogen rich fertilizer and irrigate heavier than normal to assist the Bermuda grass. We will fertilize with a liquid and granular nitrogen based fertilizer in the next few weeks to maximize growth. I apologize in advance for the wet conditions you may experience, particularly in the mornings but the extra water is absolutely necessary for this process to be successful. The extra water during summer transition is just as important as the extra water used during overseeding.  Without it the process will fail.

The million dollar question I get asked frequently is “When will transition be complete?” The answer completely depends on the weather. The warmer it is the faster the Bermuda grass moves and spreads.

Fortunately there will not be as much heavy watering or a big transition plan at the Lakes GC this year because we did not overseed the fairways there. This makes for great playing conditions in the spring and throughout the summer.

I will continue to update everyone on the transition process and any other of our GCM summer practices. With that been said, enjoy your summer and stay safe.

Sincerely
David Escobedo GCS