{"id":24826,"date":"2025-08-26T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/?p=24826"},"modified":"2026-10-12T22:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T22:52:16","slug":"bermudagrass-management-keys-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/bermudagrass-management-keys-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Bermudagrass Management: 6 Keys for Courses in Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Poppins:wght@500;600;700&family=Roboto:wght@400;500;700&display=swap\");\n.tgb{font:17px\/1.65 Roboto,sans-serif;color:#333}.tgb h2{font:700 25px\/1.2 Poppins,sans-serif;color:#00505F;margin:1.9em 0 .6em;padding-bottom:.35em;border-bottom:1px solid #BCD9DC}.tgb a{color:#00505F;text-underline-offset:3px}\n.tgb .info{width:100%;height:auto;margin:1.6em 0;display:block}.tgb .svg-bg{fill:#F2FAFA}.tgb .svg-dark{fill:#00505F}.tgb .svg-card{fill:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}.tgb .svg-t{font:700 20px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#00505F}.tgb .svg-tw{font:700 20px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#fff}\n.tgb .svg-line{stroke:#BCD9DC;stroke-width:2}.tgb .svg-line2{stroke:#00F4F4;stroke-width:2}.tgb .svg-hex{fill:#008092}.tgb .svg-hex2{fill:#00F4F4}.tgb .svg-n{font:700 16px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#fff}.tgb .svg-n2{font:700 16px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#0B2E35}.tgb .svg-i{font:400 16px Roboto,sans-serif;fill:#333}.tgb .svg-c{font:400 15px Roboto,sans-serif;fill:#fff}\n.tgb figure{margin:1.6em 0}.tgb .scene{width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;display:block;border-radius:10px}.tgb figcaption{font-size:13px;color:#55666B;margin-top:6px}\n.tgb .faq{border:1px solid #BCD9DC;border-radius:10px;margin:.6em 0;padding:.2em 1em;background:#fff}.tgb .faq summary{cursor:pointer;font:600 16px Poppins,sans-serif;padding:.6em 0;color:#00505F}\n.tgb .cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#008092,#00505F);color:#fff;border-radius:10px;padding:28px 30px;margin:2.2em 0}.tgb .cta h3{color:#fff;margin-top:0;font:600 22px Poppins,sans-serif}.tgb .cta p{margin:.4em 0;color:#fff}.tgb .btn{display:inline-block;margin-top:14px;background:#00F4F4;color:#0B2E35!important;text-decoration:none;font:700 15px Roboto,sans-serif;padding:12px 28px;border-radius:99px}\n.tgb .rel{padding-left:1.1em}.tgb .rel span{display:block;font-size:14px;color:#55666B}.tgb .src{font-size:15px;color:#55666B}\n.tgb .ph{margin:1.8em 0}.tgb .ph img{width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;display:block;border-radius:10px}\n.tg-float{position:fixed;left:0;top:50%;z-index:9999;transform:translateY(-50%);writing-mode:vertical-rl;transform-origin:center;rotate:180deg;background:#00F4F4;color:#0B2E35!important;font:700 14px Poppins,sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;text-decoration:none!important;padding:20px 11px;border-radius:0 12px 12px 0;box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(0,80,95,.35);transition:padding .2s,background .2s}\n.tg-float:hover{background:#3EF9DA;padding-left:16px}\n@media(max-width:767px){.tg-float{writing-mode:horizontal-tb;rotate:0deg;left:50%;top:auto;bottom:14px;transform:translateX(-50%);border-radius:99px;padding:13px 26px;letter-spacing:.06em;font-size:13px;white-space:nowrap}.tg-float:hover{padding:13px 26px}}<\/style><div class=\"tgb\"><a class=\"tg-float\" href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/#demo\">Request a demo<\/a><p>On golf courses in the southern half of Spain and along the Mediterranean coast, <strong>bermudagrass<\/strong> is one of the most widely used species on fairways, tee boxes and, in many cases, greens too. It loves the sun, withstands heat well and recovers quickly, but its aggressive nature and winter dormancy require a methodical approach.<\/p><p>This article collects six management keys designed for the Spanish climate: how to mow, how to feed, how much to irrigate, how to control thatch, how to watch the edges and how to manage the transition into winter. They are guideline criteria that each course must adjust to its variety, soil and water.<\/p><svg class=\"info\" viewBox=\"0 0 720 474\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"In this article\"><rect width=\"720\" height=\"474\" rx=\"6\" class=\"svg-bg\"\/><text x=\"28\" y=\"42\" class=\"svg-t\">In this article<\/text><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"54\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"54\" class=\"svg-line\"\/><path d=\"M73.1,89.0 L73.1,111.0 L54.0,122.0 L34.9,111.0 L34.9,89.0 L54.0,78.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"106\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">1<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"97\" class=\"svg-i\">Key 1: mow bermudagrass low and often<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,153.0 L73.1,175.0 L54.0,186.0 L34.9,175.0 L34.9,153.0 L54.0,142.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"170\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">2<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"161\" class=\"svg-i\">Key 2: feed bermudagrass according to its growth rate<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,217.0 L73.1,239.0 L54.0,250.0 L34.9,239.0 L34.9,217.0 L54.0,206.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"234\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">3<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"225\" class=\"svg-i\">Key 3: irrigate bermudagrass deeply and infrequently<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,281.0 L73.1,303.0 L54.0,314.0 L34.9,303.0 L34.9,281.0 L54.0,270.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"298\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">4<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"289\" class=\"svg-i\">Key 4: control thatch with scarifying and top-dressing<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,345.0 L73.1,367.0 L54.0,378.0 L34.9,367.0 L34.9,345.0 L54.0,334.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"362\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">5<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"353\" class=\"svg-i\">Key 5: watch the edges and transition zones<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,409.0 L73.1,431.0 L54.0,442.0 L34.9,431.0 L34.9,409.0 L54.0,398.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"426\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">6<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"417\" class=\"svg-i\">Key 6: manage bermudagrass winter dormancy<\/text><\/svg><h2>Key 1: mow bermudagrass low and often<\/h2><p>Bermudagrass is a species that spreads laterally by stolons and rhizomes and responds very well to low, frequent mowing. A cutting height that is too generous encourages grain, the build-up of dead material and a spongy surface that penalises play.<\/p><p>Some ideas for the mowing programme:<\/p><ul><li>Adjust the height according to the zone and the variety: fine hybrids tolerate very low heights, common types will need a little more.<\/li><li>Change the mowing direction regularly to reduce grain.<\/li><li>Keep blades sharp: a torn cut leaves whitish tips and makes disease easier.<\/li><li>Avoid removing more than a third of the leaf at one time.<\/li><\/ul><p>In midsummer, when bermudagrass grows at great speed, it may be necessary to mow daily on heavily used fairways and tee boxes to maintain quality.<\/p><h2>Key 2: feed bermudagrass according to its growth rate<\/h2><p>Bermudagrass nutrient demand follows temperature. In cold soil it consumes almost nothing; in sustained heat its appetite for nitrogen is considerable. A sensible fertiliser plan concentrates inputs in the active growing period and reduces them in late autumn.<\/p><p>As a general rule:<\/p><ul><li>Split nitrogen into moderate applications instead of a few heavy ones.<\/li><li>Base the programme on soil tests and, if possible, tissue tests.<\/li><li>Do not forget potassium, closely linked to tolerance of stress and wear.<\/li><li>Avoid fertilising heavily just before winter dormancy.<\/li><\/ul><p>Fertilisation should be designed with a competent technician or adviser and in line with current regulations, particularly in nitrate-vulnerable zones or those with specific restrictions.<\/p><figure class=\"ph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ph-98-1.jpg\" alt=\"Scarifying bermudagrass to control thatch\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Scarifying bermudagrass to control thatch<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Key 3: irrigate bermudagrass deeply and infrequently<\/h2><p>Although bermudagrass withstands drought well, correct irrigation management makes the difference between turf that survives and turf that performs. The aim is to encourage deep roots, for which it is best to irrigate less often but with enough depth of water to moisten the profile.<\/p><p>Some points to watch on coastal and inland courses:<\/p><ul><li>Adjust irrigation to evapotranspiration and not to a fixed calendar.<\/li><li>Check water quality, especially if it is recycled or brackish, since bermudagrass tolerates some salinity but is not immune.<\/li><li>Avoid irrigating during the windiest and hottest hours.<\/li><\/ul><p>Bermudagrass on Spanish courses withstands harsh summers better than other species, but excess water in autumn or spring favours disease and more thatch. Irrigating with judgement saves water and improves playing quality.<\/p><h2>Key 4: control thatch with scarifying and top-dressing<\/h2><p>Bermudagrass vigour comes at a price: it builds up organic material at the base easily. If it is not removed, thatch retains moisture, hinders infiltration, hides pests and makes the surface soft and prone to scalping.<\/p><p>The control programme usually combines:<\/p><ol><li>Light, frequent verticutting or scarifying during active growth.<\/li><li>Deeper scarifying in the periods of greatest vigour, with quick recovery.<\/li><li>Aeration and sanding to dilute the organic matter.<\/li><li>Balanced fertilisation and irrigation so as not to generate more material than is removed.<\/li><\/ol><p>It is best to schedule intensive operations when bermudagrass can recover within a few weeks, that is, in high temperatures, avoiding doing them on the eve of cold weather.<\/p><figure class=\"ph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ph-98-2.jpg\" alt=\"Bermudagrass in winter dormancy on a course in Spain\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Bermudagrass in winter dormancy on a course in Spain<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Key 5: watch the edges and transition zones<\/h2><p>The aggressiveness of bermudagrass is an advantage on the playing surface and a problem on the margins. Its stolons invade flower beds, paths, bunkers and areas of other species if nobody stops them. A well-kept course draws clear boundaries and maintains them.<\/p><p>To control the edges of the surface:<\/p><ul><li>Define containment strips with a mechanical edge, trench cuts or barriers.<\/li><li>Regularly cut back stolons that cross towards bunkers and shrubs.<\/li><li>Pay attention to the transition points with ryegrass or kikuyu, where competition is intense.<\/li><\/ul><p>On courses with winter overseeding, the spring transition requires care: reducing the ryegrass without damaging the bermudagrass waking up takes precise management of height, nitrogen and irrigation, and patience.<\/p><h2>Key 6: manage bermudagrass winter dormancy<\/h2><p>With low temperatures bermudagrass stops growing and takes on a straw colour. In areas with mild winters the dormancy is short; inland it can last for months. Each course must decide whether to accept that appearance or to overseed to maintain colour.<\/p><p>If you choose to leave bermudagrass dormant, take care of the following:<\/p><ul><li>Gradually reduce nitrogen and irrigation in late autumn.<\/li><li>Limit buggy and foot traffic on dormant turf, which does not recover.<\/li><li>Maintain the appropriate cutting height to protect the buds.<\/li><\/ul><p>If you choose to overseed, plan the sowing while the soil is still warm, use quality seed and remove the ryegrass in good time in spring. In any case, a record of dates and results year after year lets you fine-tune the bermudagrass calendar for your microclimate.<\/p><svg class=\"info\" viewBox=\"0 0 720 420\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Key takeaways\"><rect width=\"720\" height=\"420\" rx=\"6\" class=\"svg-dark\"\/><text x=\"28\" y=\"44\" class=\"svg-tw\">Key takeaways<\/text><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"58\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"58\" class=\"svg-line2\"\/><rect x=\"24\" y=\"76\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,114.0 L75.3,134.0 L58.0,144.0 L40.7,134.0 L40.7,114.0 L58.0,104.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"130.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">1<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"119\" class=\"svg-c\">Mow low and often to avoid<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"139\" class=\"svg-c\">grain<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"76\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,114.0 L423.3,134.0 L406.0,144.0 L388.7,134.0 L388.7,114.0 L406.0,104.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"130.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">2<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"119\" class=\"svg-c\">Match nutrition to actual<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"139\" class=\"svg-c\">growth<\/text><rect x=\"24\" y=\"184\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,222.0 L75.3,242.0 L58.0,252.0 L40.7,242.0 L40.7,222.0 L58.0,212.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"238.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">3<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"217\" class=\"svg-c\">Irrigate deeply and<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"237\" class=\"svg-c\">infrequently, based on<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"257\" class=\"svg-c\">evapotranspiration<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"184\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,222.0 L423.3,242.0 L406.0,252.0 L388.7,242.0 L388.7,222.0 L406.0,212.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"238.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">4<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"227\" class=\"svg-c\">Control thatch with scarifying<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"247\" class=\"svg-c\">and sanding<\/text><rect x=\"24\" y=\"292\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,330.0 L75.3,350.0 L58.0,360.0 L40.7,350.0 L40.7,330.0 L58.0,320.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"346.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">5<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"335\" class=\"svg-c\">Set clear boundaries at edges<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"355\" class=\"svg-c\">and transitions<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"292\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,330.0 L423.3,350.0 L406.0,360.0 L388.7,350.0 L388.7,330.0 L406.0,320.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"346.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">6<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"335\" class=\"svg-c\">Decide in advance how to get<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"355\" class=\"svg-c\">through winter<\/text><\/svg><p class=\"src\">Further reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stri.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">STRI Group<\/a>. For studies and guides on sports turf species, the STRI Group is an international reference.<\/p><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details class=\"faq\"><summary>What is the best cutting height for bermudagrass?<\/summary><p>It depends on the variety and the playing area. Fine hybrid bermudagrasses withstand very low heights on greens and tee boxes, while common types, on fairways or rough, call for greater heights. What matters is to mow frequently, with sharp blades, and not to remove more than a third of the leaf at once.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"faq\"><summary>Why does bermudagrass turn brown in winter?<\/summary><p>It is a natural response to low temperatures: the plant enters vegetative dormancy, stops growing and loses the chlorophyll in the above-ground part. It does not mean it is dead. When temperatures rise it regrows from stolons and rhizomes, provided the winter has not caused damage through traffic or severe frost.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"faq\"><summary>Can bermudagrass be combined with ryegrass in winter?<\/summary><p>Yes, this is the usual practice of overseeding: ryegrass is sown over the bermudagrass in autumn to maintain colour and playability in winter. It requires good ground preparation and a careful spring transition, removing the ryegrass gradually so that the bermudagrass regains the lead without being weakened.<\/p><\/details><aside class=\"cta\"><h3>Total Greenkeeper<\/h3><p>With bermudagrass, the operations calendar is everything: mowing, scarifying, fertilising and overseeding must be recorded by zone. Total Greenkeeper, the golf course maintenance software, lets you keep a record of tasks, hours and course zones, and obtain simple reports for the team and management. Request a demo at totalgreenkeeper.com.<\/p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/#demo\">Request a demo<\/a><\/aside><h2>Keep reading<\/h2><ul class=\"rel\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/complete-guide-to-golf-course-turf-maintenance\/\">complete guide to turf maintenance on golf courses<\/a> <span>Complete guide to turf maintenance on golf courses<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/mowing-height-guide-by-golf-course-zone\/\">cutting height by course zone<\/a> <span>Mowing height: a complete guide by course zone<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/kikuyu-golf-courses-control-invasion\/\">tips for controlling kikuyu invasion<\/a> <span>Kikuyu on Golf Courses: 5 Tricks to Control Its Invasion<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the best cutting height for bermudagrass?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It depends on the variety and the playing area. 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These six keys cover cutting height, nutrition, irrigation, thatch control and getting through winter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":26094,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-turf-and-soils"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24826"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24826\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25839,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24826\/revisions\/25839"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}