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Managing couch tennis court in New Zealand
Can you please advise me what perennial ryegrass would be best to sow in with a couch tennis court to keep it green throughout summer and winter. I would like to be able to mow down to 10mm or there abouts. Also what herbicide should I use that will be effective on poa and general broadleaf weeds but won’t damage the couch or the ryegrass?Thanks.
There is no ryegrass that is going to cope with being mowed at 10mm in NZ conditions, especially during winter. Wimbledon will mow at 13mm and cut down to 8mm for tournaments but they have full time green keepers managing the surface. They cover it from excessive conditions. It’s unrealistic outside of professional management keeping it at that height, even 13mm is a lot of work.
Kerb (pronamide) at label rates is the go to recommendation for poa control in couch. Flazasulfuron Is another option. Neither available without taking out a second mortgage.
For general broadleaf herbicide Bow & Arrow is safe on both. NZLA sell 500ml packs as BWC. The best approach for poa is using Blockade as a pre emergent. There seems to be a lack of chemicals available for couch without buying large amounts.
@Garry B BWC and Blockade are both slow movers, and the market is pretty small, introducing better pack sizes on other products suitable for warm-season turf isn’t worth the effort unfortunately because the market it small for them.
Managing rye constantly below 15mm is a full-time job and not achievable in a home lawn or hobby situation. It’s not realistic with our weather. Yes, it’ll cope being mowed to 12-13mm if the conditions are right, but that’s probably 2-3 months of the year and not long term. You’re mowing every day at that height and following an intense management plan of PGRs, wetting agents, fungicide rotation, the works.
I maintain my 220m² between 18-23mm during the warmer months. During the colder months I move to a rotary and cut at 30-40mm. Otherwise it just thins out and goes ropey, and the winter dew and frost limit cutting opportunities, as does cutting time due to daylight hours outside of work.
It might be worth canvassing some local tennis clubs and having a yarn to the greenkeeper about how much work is involved and what couch herbicides are available. I can tell you now there’s not many in small amounts so it’s going to be a very costly project. If it’s just colour you’re worried about over winter, Ryder (NZLA Green) is another option.