Golf Course - Over Seeding

If you're struggling with shallow root depth on your greens, over-seeding with a new cultivar in your existing sward might be the solution. There's an old saying that "new grass roots deep," and this holds true because the new grass isn't limited by the established rooting habits of your current sward, which has adapted to a shallower depth—a pattern that can be difficult to overcome. 

When the new cultivar takes in the green it root deeper than your existing sward and reignite its the competitiveness for light air and water. It has been seen and proven extensively in Poa / Bent greens. This reignition of competitiveness will encourage your old grass to root deeper as well as driving new roots down with your new cultivar.

One of the most important considerations when over-seeding greens with a new cultivar is ensuring a proper color match with the existing grass. A mismatch in color can create an unsightly patchwork effect, with the new grass standing out and potentially forming clumps that resemble a camouflage pattern, detracting from the overall appearance of the greens.

After periods of extreme heat, greens often show clear signs of stress: thinning turf, patchy discoloration, and areas of significant damage can emerge. In these cases, drilling new seed into the damaged areas is an effective recovery strategy. The process of drilling not only creates a conducive environment for seed-to-soil contact but also helps incorporate the seed into the existing turf structure, promoting rapid germination and growth. This targeted approach accelerates the recovery process by quickly filling in bare or weakened spots with new, robust growth, thereby restoring the green's uniformity and density. By incorporating new cultivars into the mix, course managers not only rejuvenate the greens but also introduce grass varieties that are better adapted to current environmental conditions.

Over-seeding with new cultivars enhances the overall quality and resilience of the greens, ensuring they remain lush and consistent throughout the playing season. The integration of drilling for new seed after hot weather events specifically addresses areas that have suffered the most damage, leading to a more balanced and robust turf. This dual strategy not only mitigates the immediate visual and functional impacts of heat stress but also fortifies the turf against future environmental challenges. Over time, these practices result in reduced maintenance costs and less frequent need for intensive restorative treatments, as the greens become naturally more resistant to the stresses imposed by weather extremes.