Sprigging
One of the fastest and most economical methods to establish a hybrid bermudagrass turf area is with sprigs. A sprig is a vegetative piece of viable hybrid bermudagrass plant, specifically, a rhizome (growing below the soil level) or a stolon (growing above the soil level). Each portion, whether rhizome or stolon or both, will begin to grow and aggressively develop into a carpet of turf.
Sprigs develop new turf weeks faster than seeding. Sprigging allows establishment of hybrid bermudagrasses that produce little or no pollen, thus minimizing the incidence of hay fever or allergies. Sprigging is an economical way to establish a large turf area in a short amount of time. Sprigs are less susceptible to wind and heat damage since they are already a viable plant.
Optimum planting time for sprigs is May - June for full establishment in one growing season. Sprigs can be planted from May - August but later plantings (after July) may not develop full coverage the first growing season.
Sprigs do best in sunny areas and can provide an established turf within 10 to 12 weeks – provided warm weather, proper irrigation, mowing and fertility needs are met.
There are two practical methods to plant sprigs:
Broadcast - Sprigs are cast or pitched on the surface of the prepared soil and lightly roto-tilled into the top few inches. For Broadcast Planting we recommend an application rate of 10 – 20 bushels/ 1000 square feet.
Mechanical– Sprigs are mechanically placed into a furrow on 6 inch spacings and covered with soil to quickly establish the root zone and protect the viable sprig from heat or wind. Large jobs of one-half acre or more are available for mechanical planting. For mechanical planting we recommend an application rate off 200-400 bushels per acre.