However, it is strongly recommended that it be sprigged before the grass breaks dormancy. This is true for a few reasons. The soil moisture levels in the late winter are more conducive to successful sprigging than later in the year, and sprigs dug before breaking dormancy have higher levels of stored energy to give them a good start. If sprigging is done later in the year, adequate moisture levels are essential and sprigs planted after July have a much lower chance of surviving the following winter.
While some varieties, including Coastal, Tifton 85, and Alicia, can be established from mature stem cuttings, true sprigs rhizomes and stolons are the most surefire way to establish a healthy stand.
Sprigs should be dug from pure, well-maintained stands of bermudagrass and planted quickly after digging as vigor will decline after digging. If stem cuttings are used, they should be six to seven weeks old and have six or more nodes. Purchasing from certified bermudagrass growers can increase the chance of establishing a pure stand of a given hybrid variety. A list of these certified growers can be obtained from your local extension agent. Soil around the sprigs can be firmed with either the press wheels on a sprigging machine or with tractor wheels.
If using topgrowth rather than sprigs, scatter tops and disk in before packing the soil with tractor wheels. Heavy-textured soils may need one to two passes using a tandem disk followed by a field cultivator or spring-tooth harrow. Sandy soils may only need to be field cultivated or harrowed. Secondary tillage is the best time to apply any needed fertilizer to allow for shallow incorporation.
In both instances, a culti-packer can be used just prior to sprigging late February to early March to assure firmness. For best results, sprigging should occur in early spring March for southern Oklahoma. It is critical to make certain that the sprigs are fresh upon delivery. Do not allow sprigs to sit on a truck or trailer for very long before sprigging.
Ideally, sprigs should be put into the ground the same day they are dug. Sprig no less than 25 bushels per acre 30 bushels per acre is recommended at a depth of 2 inches. We recommend applying 50 pounds actual nitrogen once sprigs green up and again when stolons runners are four inches long and are beginning to cover the soil surface. Management in the first growing season is crucial to the survival of the stand.
Often, weed control is needed in year one. Before applying herbicides, make certain that bermudagrass is well rooted and that weeds are heavy enough to inhibit stand establishment. Usually, one quart of 2,4-D per acre is enough to reduce weed competition. Also, we recommend limiting haying or grazing the stand through the first growing season. Hopefully, the summer after you sprig will provide great growing conditions, such that the stand completely covers the soil surface and a fair amount of excess forage is produced.
If so, either hay or lightly graze the new bermudagrass late in the growing season August and September , taking care to not take forage below a stubble height of 5 inches.
Sprigs are best planted from late spring into summer. All rights reserved. For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See our Home page , or in the U. Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California.
Start spraying your weeds 6 weeks after planting. Bermuda Grass plugs are a two-inch deep sod that is planted in rows on your lawn. You will need a plug tool to pull plugs from the sod.
If you are planting a small lawn you can purchase sod and plant it according to the instructions in a small area of your lawn. Use a plug tool to pull plugs from the new sod once the sod has established itself 2 — 3 weeks. Make sure the area you are plugging is tilled and has no existing grass. It takes an average of 20 — 30 bushels to cover an acre of land.
When sprigging your lawn you will need to account for the cost of the fertilizer, tilling, and weed control. You can buy Bermuda Grass sprigs at most commercial grass companies. The important choice to make when purchasing Bermuda Grass sprigs is how soon your sprigs will arrive. Sprigs should be planted within a day or two of being pulled. Your sprigs will die in transport if the supplier takes longer than a day.
If you are looking to sprig a large amount of land, it is best to contact a grass company or use farm equipment to get the job done. If you are looking to create a perfect lawn under a few acres then hand sprigging is the best option for you.
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