With the ever increasing water rates in Wichita, along with the potential for water restrictions, I find myself wondering why there is not more talk of converting our home lawns and common areas to warm season grasses.
The last few years have highlighted the difficulty of maintaining Fescue yards in our hot, dry climate. The constant battle trying to keep the unwanted Bermuda out results in frequent herbicide applications, coupled with the annual fall overseeding. Conserving water leads to more Bermuda encroachment, thin turf around curbs and driveways, and overall weak turf.
Yes, the textbook says to dry it out for deeper roots and a healthier lawn, unfortunately, I'm not sure this is always the case. Too many times, our neighbor that piles on the water has the healthier lawn during the heat of the summer. The fact is, cool season turf requires generous amounts of water during the heat of our summers.
At some point, I think we are going to see a gradual shift in our turfgrass selections for yards. The obvious choice is Bermuda or Zoysia. The improved seeded varieties of Bermuda coming out of Oklahoma State are natural choices for drought and cold tolerance, as well as overall ease of maintaining.
Our choices for Zoysia are more limited. Meyer Zoysia (our fairway grass) is currently the best option. The downside to Zoysia would be the increased thatch production and potential for disease. K State is evaluating a Zoysia that is targeted for lawns in our area. Unfortunately, it may be another five years before this is available.
As homeowners grow tired of the $300+/month water bill (or dry wells for some), along with the increasing headache of maintaining a cool season lawn, I predict we will slowly begin to accept the color of dormant winter turf from the warm season grasses.
Nice info Prof. White. I would agree and courses here in California need to begin educating golfers about the benefits of playing these dormant surfaces as well. It is not sustainable in this day and age to expect everything to be lush and green. Nor is it the way golf was intended to be played. Our course conditioning has removed much of the imagination and creativity that is golf. This is a great topic.
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