AGR-228: Optimizing Bermudagrass Athletic Field Winter Survival in the Transition Zone

B is an excellent choice for use on athletic fields throughout the transition zone (which includes Virginia, Kentucky, southern Indiana, and Missouri) because of its tolerance to close (e.g. < 1”) cutting heights, summer vigor, positive traction characteristics for athletes, resistance to divoting and ability to withstand and recover from significant traffic during active growth. The major limitation to successful bermudagrass persistence in transition zone locations is a general lack of cold tolerance and susceptibility to winterkill (Figure 1). Although during most winters temperatures are sufficiently warm enough not to cause significant damage to bermudagrasses, winterkill is always a possibility in the uppermost region of the transition zone. While extreme cold is almost always the most important contributor to winterkill in the transition zone, it is also important to remember that winterkill severity can be further compounded by compacted soils, poor drainage, and sequential frosts during spring transition, and/or winter desiccation. Because winter survival can never be guaranteed in northern locations, the following Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be considered to maximize bermudagrass health and limit the threat of winterkill.