Starman – posted 03 February 2005 19:40
Im in the process of planning a lawn renovation this coming spring. My intention is to replace the existing turf with another type of turf. A couple of years ago, I started off by using Round-Up to kill the turf, mowing low and roto-tillering the soil. Like the residential homeowner that I am, I seeded using off the shelf lawn seed by Scotts and their Starter fertilizer. The project came out great, but now I want more.
This time my project involves a larger parcel and I plan to have the soil tested and do what I have to do to balance it out.
I have several questions that Im still unclear about:1. Should I still kill the turf (approx ¾ acres) with a product like Round-Up or would roto-tillering it be enough? 2. I live in Western Massachusetts (Zone 7) and am interested a Kentucky Bluegrass (i.e. Midnight, Midnight II or Bedazzled). Should I be looking at a blend vs. going with a straight Kentucky Bluegrass?3. Where are people buying their seed? Does anyone have any experience purchasing from www.turf-seed.com?
tommy – posted 07 February 2005 09:58
If your soil is in decent shape- there will be no need to roto till again. Spray round up, mow short after the grass is dead- aerify in two directions – seed and fertilize with starter fertilizer. Next mow the area in two directions(with an old blade) without a catcher which will mix up the aerification cores, seed and fertilizer together. I have not dealt with the company you mentioned, but i have seen ‘Midnight’ sold else where on line. I think ‘outsidepride.com’ has it.
cohiba – posted 08 February 2005 13:39
I have no experience with turfseed.com but seed is seed as long as you know the Variety and type. Look at places like Lesco, Verdicon (UHS) or Agway and see which varieties are available to you. Then go to ntep.org and see where your turf rates. You can also select varieties based on your local needs. For instance: If you know you have a problem with snow mold, you can look up and purchase a seed variety that is resistant to snow mold. Thereby lessening your problems.
I would not do a total kill in the spring. This is better left for the late summer renovations. If I were you I would over seed with ryegrass this spring to get a good cover and then renovate to your hearts content in late summer/ early fall.
By remnovation I would: Test the soil. If adjustments need to be done figure out what they are and plan accordingly. DO NOT TILL (Only as a last resort.) Round up, wait two weeks and round up again any misses.Scalp down with the mower and remove all debris.Aerate and/or slit seed, and drag. Fertilize and water.
Timing is very important. Spring renovations bring on weeds that are better left alone. Tilling brings more weed seeds to the surface.
Just my 2 cents…………….
cohiba – posted 08 February 2005 13:40
Midknight is excellent. As is Nuglade.
2 cents more…………………