TifSport was developed by USDA/ARS geneticist Dr. Wayne Hanna at the University of Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. This is the same breeding program initiated by Dr. Glenn Burton, the program responsible for Tifgreen, Tifdwarf, TifEagle and Tifway 419, the longtime standard for sports fields, golf courses, commercial landscaping and home lawns. Partly in response to worries over the genetic vulnerability of Tifway, partly as a safeguard against pest and disease problems and partly in search of greater cold tolerance, Dr. Hanna and his team set out to develop a new Bermudagrass that was superior to Tifway. And far superior to the common Bermudas now posing as Tifway in many areas.

As Dr. Hanna puts it, "We identified a number of characteristics that we felt were key for athletic fields and golf courses, as well as high end landscapes and lawns. We wanted a grass with superior color, cold-hardiness and disease resistance. We also felt that rapid recovery from injury was vital, so we concentrated on turf density, turf strength and turf quality. And last but not least, TifSport had to be able to tolerate frequent lower mowing heights. In short, TifSport had to be able to recover quickly from day-in-day-out abuse. Excellent cold-tolerance, color, texture and density. Improved pest tolerance. Earlier spring green-up. Aggressive establishment.

After sixteen years of evaluation, we can document that TifSport will perform to the standards it was bred for and we've got the research to back it up. It ís also protected by a USDA patent. And as a further safeguard, TifSport can only be grown and sold as genetically certified sod or sprigs and only by a licensed member of the Tift 94 Growers Association. If you're looking for a certified Bermudagrass that can stand up to the stress and demands of big-time sports, to the wear and tear of football and soccer cleats, to the punishment of baseball spikes, relax, you've found it - TifSport. It's what many experts are calling the new standard in sports turf for the 21st century .

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TifSport Certified Bermuda Maintenance & Calendar

This calendar of suggested management practices is designed as a guideline to assist lawn care professionals and homeowners in the maintenance of a Bermuda lawn. Location, terrain, soil type and condition, age of the lawn, previous lawn care, and other factors affect turf performance. For these reasons, the following management practices can be adjusted to suit your particular home lawn conditions.

Mowing

Mow the lawn when it first turns green in the spring with a reel mower set at 3/4 to 1 inch or a rotary mower set as low as possible without scalping. Mow before grass gets taller than 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Then practice grasscycling. Grasscycling is simply leaving grass clippings on your lawn. Glass clippings decompose quickly and can provide up to 25 percent of the lawn's fertilizer needs. If prolonged rain or other factors prevent frequent mowing and clippings are too plentiful to leave on the lawn, they can be collected and used as mulch.

Fertilization

Spring - When grass begins to green up in spring apply a turf-grade high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 20-4-10, preferrably containing a weed preventer such as Barricade. Broadcast fertilizer using a rotary-typespreader following spreading rates recommended on bag.

Summer - In mid-summer apply a complete nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) turf-grade fertilizer such as 28-4-6 or similar. Broadcast fertilizer using a rotary-typespreader following spreading rates recommended on bag.

Fall - In early to mid fall apply a turf-grade Fall Feed/Winterizer, such as 5-5-20, preferably containing a weed preventer such as Barricade. Broadcast fertilizer using a rotary-typespreader following spreading rates recommended on bag.

Irrigation

To maintain a healthy appearance during the hottest months of summer, Bermudagrass needs about 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water a week. On sandy soils it often requires more frequent watering, for example, 1/2 inch of water every third day. A dark bluish gray color, footprinting, and wilted, folded, or curled leaves indicate that it is time to water. Proper irrigation may reduce pest problems and environmental in the summer. NOTE: Always water during the early to late morning hours and never at night. Watering at night will often lead to fungal development.

Weed Control

Apply a granular preemergence herbicide such as Team 2G in early to mid February to prevent the emergence of spring weeds such as crabgrass. Late spring, summer and applications of preemergence herbicides are also recommended, and as stated above can be applied in combination with a fertilzer containing a weed preventer.

To kill weeds that have emerged postemergence herbicides can be applied. Apply postemergence herbicides only when weeds are present and make sure to wait until three weeks after the lawn is green. Be sure the product is labeled for use on Bermudagrass and always be careful to follow mixing and applications instructions on product label. Spot treating is recommended.

Insect Control
We don't see too many problems with insects on Bermudagrass. Check for white grubs and control them if necessary.

Thatch Removal

If thatch is present and more than 1/2-inch thick, use a dethatcher to remove thatch in May.