2 much weed killer on lawn

Jason – posted 28 May 2003 11:46

It appears that I have put too much weed killer (Weed-be-gone) on my St. Augustine grass and it has killed most of it. I have heard it will not kill it, but it has. There are a few runners left. How long will it take to recover, or are there any suggestions on how to help the grass recover quicker?

Will-PCB – posted 28 May 2003 22:08

Jason,

It is way too hot to be spraying herbicides on your St. Augustine. But now that the damage is done, your going to have to examine the stolons (runners) for color. If they turn brown, then they are dead, else they will recover. Recovery periods vary based on conditions, but if you decide to place some plugs in the area(s), your lawn will recover much faster.

Jason – posted 29 May 2003 08:33

Will,

Thank you very much for your reply. I looked at it last night and most of the runners are still green. I have another question? Would fertilizer help at all or should I just wait until the grass has recovered?

Will-PCB – posted 29 May 2003 10:19

Now ya have to go ask a toughie question didnt ya?

Not being a professional lawn care person or having any formal education in this (I learned from a old South Carolina cotton farmer who has had his St. Augustine established for > 25 years), I would tend to think that you need to be careful with fertilizing your boo boo spots. I understand that alot of factors play into this to include shade, temperature, water conditions, etc, etc.

In my opinion, fertilizer can “burn” the grass just as bad as the weed killers can kill it, so if I decided to go that round, I would more than likely do a light application of fertilizer and water it in good, then watch for “burn”. If I didnt have any burn, I might try another light application in about 3 weeks.

But thats my problem in Turfgrass. I am just a patient person who lets the St. Augustine sorta take care of itself.

Jason – posted 29 May 2003 11:03

Will,

Thank you very much! I think I will wait a little wail before I fertilize. You have been a great help. Once again thank you!

certified-in-florida – posted 30 May 2003 20:46

Sounds like good advice. Just be sure to wait long enough for the grass to get over the stress of the weed killer before you fertilize.

Ric – posted 06 February 2004 13:56

did you read the lable on your weed be gone? it is not recomended for Flortam varity of St Augustine… I’m from Chicago and almost made the same mistake…