U-3
BERMUDA SPECIFICATIONS:
U-3
Bermuda is a selection of common bermuda. It was originally
selected from test plots in Georgia because of its texture,
cold tolerance, durability and rapid spread. It has a
somewhat finer leaf texture and is more cold tolerant
than other turf-type common bermudas. It is the most popular
bermuda sod sold in Oklahoma and many other areas of the
Southwest. It is recommended for residential and commercial
landscapes, roadsides, golf courses, athletic fields and
provides excellent erosion control in problem areas.
SHADE
TOLERANCE:
Has high light requirement-requires full sunlight most
of day. Should not be used in shady areas.
HEAT/COLD TOLERANCE:
Has very good heat tolerance. More cold tolerant than
most turf type bermudas. See shaded portion of map below
for suggested areas of use.
DORMANCY:
Enters dormant stage in winter months. Stops growing when
temperatures drop below 50F for sustained period, turns
tan winter color. Requires 65F ground temperature for
significant growth.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Will tolerate sustained periods of drought if well established.
However, responds well to irrigation during dry conditions
if higher quality turfgrass desired. Should be kept moist
during sustained periods of extreme cold.
WEAR RESISTANCE-RECOVERY:
Forms dense, deep rooted turf when well maintained. Excellent
wear resistance and will withstand heavy traffic. Very
good injury recoveryspreads rapidly by rhizomes in warm
season.
RULES OF
THUMB MAINTENANCE:
The amount and frequency
of watering, mowing and fertilizing depends upon the desired
appearance of your turfgrass. Guidelines for maintenance
procedures are offered below as good rules of thumb to
follow on an as needed basis in maintaining healthy turfgrass
with an attractive appearance.
WATERING:
Apply 1/2" to 1" of water in a single application
about once per week during hot and dry conditions. To
promote a deep, durable root system; deep soaking water
applications are preferred over short and frequent shallow
water applications.
MOWING:
For a high quality appearance keep mowed height 314 to
2 inches. Mow regularly with a reel or rotary mower allowing
the clippings to remain. Irregular mowing practices may
result in high buildups of thatch, which will require
verticutting, mulching or removal. Suggested not to removing
more than 113 of the leaf growth during a single mowing.
FERTILIZING:
Apply 1/2 to 1 Ibs per 1000 SF of a full analysis fertilizer
containing nitrogen, phosphate and potassium; such as
28-13-13 in mid-April and 9-24-24 in midSeptember. To
maintain a deep green color, nitrogen may be applied monthly
at a rate of 1 Ib per 1000 SF May thru August. Suggest
obtaining a soil test for specific fertilizer requirements.
WEED
CONTROL:
Weed growth competes with turfgrass growth. Good maintenance
practices help eliminate weed problems. However, it may
be necessary even under the best of care, to apply herbicides
to maintain weed free turfgrass. Contact your local County
Extension agent or herbicide dealer for recommendations
for your type turfgrass.
Note: Due to varying
soil conditions and fluctuating weather patterns, it is
impossible to offer general maintenance guidelines that
an perfect for individual sites and situations. Please
contact your local O.S.U.
County Extension Offices or Easton
Sod Farms for specific questions.