In a recent study conducted by Clemson University turfgrass researcher Todd Bunnell, three different types of bermudagrasses were tested for shade tolerance. The results of the study show Celebration^TM Bermudagrass to be superior to Tifway 419 and TifSport in shade performance.

The study was performed during the summer-early fall of 2002 in Clemson, located in the upstate area of South Carolina. Clemson University has a long-established reputation as a reference institution for different varieties of warm season turfgrasses grown in the southeastern United States. The three bermudagrasses tested were Tifway 419, TifSport, and Celebration. They were tested to see which variety(ies) maintained turf quality (TQ) when exposed to large amounts of shade.

The results of the completed study showed Celebration to be superior to both of the other bermudagrasses in shade performance. Celebration maintained TQ while exposed to 58% shade, while Tifway 419 and TifSport only showed TQ in up to 41% shade. Also, at up to 71% shade, Celebration maintained TQ if mown at a 1-inch height. Therefore, this study showed conclusively that Celebration is superior to these bermudagrasses when dealing with shade.

Sod Solutions, Inc., the company that developed and released Celebration in the United States, reports that turfgrass users are finding their that experiences are similar to information revealed by the study. Golf course superintendents, sportsturf managers, consumers, and others consistently report that Celebration demonstrates superior performance in a variety of shaded areas.

To read the entire summary of the Clemson University research, visit www.sodsolutions.com/research. There is also additional information relevant to Celebration and other turfgrasses. Also, information is available for NTEP studies performed on Sod Solutions products at www.ntep.org.

Sod Solutions is a leading developer of improved warm season turfgrass varieties. For more information about other improved St. Augustine and zoysiagrass varieties, visit sodsolutions.com.