Top Row: Little Bluestem on left, Purple 3 awn on right

Middle Row: Blue grama on left, Sideoats grama on right

Bottom: Buffalograss

It's Spring and with minimal rains again this Winter, our concerns will of course turn to drought restrictions and other requests to conserve. It seems we are locked into this cycle. Now may be time for many to consider other options for their golf courses and sustainability in the future. I've personally worked on so many projects over the years, it feels like once again people are seriously talking about how to best provide a quality product to the golfers while having other areas scaled back or removed. Labor, water, cost of seed/fertilizer and other factors have been increasing exponentially while budgets don't reflect it.

This is the time of year to consider planting these warm season native grasses. I've been working on a few remodels recently that have used them for large expansive areas where West or South facing exposures cause problems when trying to grow in and maintain a cool season scenario. The topography also helps determine in which direction to go. Some will only perform better on gradual slopes and soil types while a few can grow almost anywhere.

Supplies like almost all grass seed is tight but for different reasons. Some is grown and harvested in regions that have also been experiencing drought so seed yields are off. But there is some available albeit priced higher than in years past but what isn't. I'm working with suppliers throughout the country to source and purchase in advance what is available. These items are used throughout the country also and thus first come first served has become the new mantra.

If you have any questions or looking at using the warm season native grasses, let me know. I'll be glad to put together a blend and get pricing on it.