Summer overseeding with creeping bentgrass seed at Dunblane New GC
Germinal golf grass expert Stuart Tait travelled to Dunblane New Golf Club where he met with course manager Wes Saunders to discuss summer overseeding with creeping bentgrass seed.
When overseeding his golf course, Wes explains that the long-term plan is to convert the sward from Poa annua to creeping bentgrass. His other aims are: “To use fewer fertilisers, less water and fewer chemicals to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable by using more manageable species such as creeping bent.”
In terms of frequency, Wes overseeds three times per year at four to five grams per square metre. “I am trying to gain an overall overseeding rate of 100-120 kg per hectare per annum. I seed the greens in March/April, July/August and then again in October.”
Overseeding in summer
Although Wes overseeds in different seasons, summer overseeding remains his preferred strategy. “Environmental factors play their part. Soil temperature, air temperature and dry weather in this part of Scotland mean that July/August is the best time for me to overseed and gain positive results. I feel that these factors give me the highest percentage of germination.”
Having tended to Dunblane New Golf Club for nearly seven years, Wes was able to reveal that overseeding used to take place just once a year. However, his mentality has wisely evolved in the face of new challenges.
“Factors have changed, including the proactiveness to want to seed more often to introduce better species. Along with the fact that I have strived to reduce my chemical budget and use this saving to overseed more frequently.”
Combatting Poa annua
Ultimately, Wes wants “to improve the quality and density of the sward on the greens and combat against Poa annua.”
His desire appears to be driven by the recognition that fungicide supplies in the industry are falling and that stronger grass species are needed.
“There is reduced fungicide availability and efficacy to use against diseases. So, I wish to encourage bentgrass as it is a more tolerant species to disease, drought and lower inputs generally.”
007 creeping bentgrass seed
After previously using Germinal’s Forefront Greens mix, Wes has chosen to focus on 007 creeping bentgrass seed for a few important reasons. “I chose to move forward with 007 bentgrass as it will naturally grow and outcompete Poa annua long-term while filling in any disease scarring from the winter months. I like its disease tolerance and hot/cold weather tolerance. I feel this species suits my management techniques and expertise.”
Golf course overseeding methods
Speaking of techniques, Wes also discussed his golf course overseeding methods with Stuart. “We have pot seeded using a shallow Procore tine and drop seeded after scarifying. But I feel this doesn’t always gain the best results.”
Instead, Wes prefers to use a Vredo seeder when overseeding his golf greens in summer and autumn. “I believe this gets the best results and percentage of germination,” Wes explains.
Having rented a Vredo in the past, the plan is for the course to invest in their own seeder and then overseed as much as they can, when they can.
Why proactive seeding works
“Due to the reduction of chemical interventions available on the market now and in the future, I feel I need to be managing greens with species that are resistant to diseases, especially fusarium.
“Any fungal activity is the real problem with Poa annua, whereas 007 creeping bentgrass is less susceptible to this activity and less reliant on fertiliser, water and chemicals.
“Creeping bentgrass is, therefore, more sustainable and environmentally friendly for me in the long-term.”
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