The pristine, meticulously manicured surface of a bowling green is the heart of the sport. It’s a stage where precision and skill are tested, with the quality of the bowling green grass seed to create the playing surface being paramount.
Achieving a perfect bowling green requires more than just regular mowing; it begins with the foundation – the grass seed itself.
A high-quality bowling green is the result of careful planning, the right choice of grass seed, and diligent maintenance. This article will guide you through the process of bowling grass lawn care, from selecting the ideal bowling green grass seed to preparing and maintaining your bowling green.
Choosing the Right Bowling Green Grass Seed
The properties required for a perfect bowling green are many.
The grass for a bowling green must meet a very specific set of criteria to ensure a fair and consistent playing surface. These properties are crucial for a smooth and true roll of the bowl.
- Dense, Fine Texture: The grass blades must be very fine and grow densely to create a smooth, tight mat. This prevents the bowl from bouncing or being deflected by coarser blades.
- Low Growth Habit: A grass that naturally grows low to the ground reduces the need for constant, aggressive cutting, which can stress the plant and damage the surface.
- Tolerance to Close Mowing: A bowling green is typically mown to a height of 4-7mm. The grass must be able to withstand this extreme level of cutting without dying back.
- Wear Tolerance: The grass must be tough enough to withstand the constant foot traffic of players walking on and off the green – these tough types of grass are known as amenity grasses.
- Disease and Pest Resistance: A bowling green is a high-maintenance environment, and a disease outbreak can quickly ruin the surface. Choosing a grass with natural resistance to common turf diseases is a key preventative measure.
- Good Root System: A deep and robust root system helps anchor the bowling green turf, improves its drought resistance, and contributes to the overall stability of the playing surface.
What Type of Grass is Used on Bowling Greens?
The bowling green grass seed used on greens are primarily from the fescue and bentgrass families.
These species possess the fine texture, dense growth, and tolerance to close mowing that are essential for a high-quality green. They are often used in a blend to combine the strengths of different species and create a more resilient and versatile bowling grass.
Top 5 Most Popular Grasses Used
- Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera): This is arguably the gold standard for bowling greens. It produces a very dense, fine-textured turf that can tolerate extremely low mowing heights. It spreads via stolons, which helps it to recover quickly from damage.
- Browntop Bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris): Similar to creeping bentgrass, Browntop Bentgrass offers a fine texture and tolerance for close mowing. It is a slightly slower-growing grass and is often used in blends to provide a more durable and lower-maintenance surface.
- Chewings Fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. commutata): This is a very fine-leaved, non-creeping fescue that is frequently used in bowling green seed mixes. It has excellent shade tolerance and requires less fertilizer and water than bentgrasses.
- Slender Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. litoralis): This grass has a fine texture and spreads via rhizomes, which helps it to fill in bare spots and recover from wear and tear. It is known for its good drought tolerance.
- Strong Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra): This type of fescue is known for its strong, deep rhizomes and excellent wear tolerance. It is often included in seed blends for its ability to create a resilient and hard-wearing turf.
How to Prepare a New Bowling Green
- Site Selection and Drainage: Choose a flat, level area with good sunlight exposure. Ensure the site has excellent drainage, as waterlogged soil is the enemy of a healthy bowling green. Subsurface drainage systems may be required.
- Soil Preparation: The soil must be a perfectly level, well-draining, and nutrient-rich medium. Remove all existing vegetation and debris. Amend the soil with sand, compost, and other soil conditioners to create the ideal growing environment.
- Leveling: This is a critical step. Use a laser level and a heavy roller to ensure the surface is perfectly flat and has a consistent, gentle slope for drainage.
Sowing Your Grass Seed
- Timing: The best time to sow is in late summer or early autumn when the soil is warm and there is ample moisture. This allows the grass to establish before the cold winter months.
- Sowing Rate: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct sowing rate. Over-sowing can lead to overcrowding, while under-sowing can result in a patchy surface.
- Technique: Use a broadcast spreader to ensure an even distribution of your choice of bowling green grass seed. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil surface and then roll the area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until the grass seedlings are well-established. Use a fine spray to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Maintaining an Existing Bowling Green
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the quality of your bowling green.
- Mowing: Mow regularly, at least 2-3 times per week during the growing season, to a height of 4-7mm. Use a cylinder mower for a clean, precise cut.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer throughout the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
- Watering: Water new lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage a deep root system. Avoid light, frequent watering which promotes shallow roots.
- Aeration: Periodically aerate the green to relieve soil compaction and improve water and nutrient penetration.
- Topdressing: Apply a thin layer of topdressing (a mixture of sand and soil) to the green to smooth out imperfections and improve the surface’s texture.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the green for signs of pests or diseases and address them promptly with appropriate treatments.
Final Thoughts On Bowling Green Grass Seed
A perfect bowling green is a testament to the power of a quality foundation. By choosing the right bowling green grass seed and committing to a rigorous maintenance schedule, you can create a playing surface that is not only beautiful but also provides the consistent and true roll that every bowler desires.
It is a commitment that pays off in the form of a first-class playing experience, season after season.
