control and overseeding bermudagrass

jerry h – posted 20 March 2002 09:00

I would like to control/stop the growth of bermudagrass in our St. Augustine lawn. I have read that ATRAZINE will at leastdamage bermuada and have a herbicide made by Sunniland called ATRAZINE 4-L. The label states it controls broadleaf and grassyweeds in St. Augustine and dormant bermuda, and especially states “for dormant bermudagrass only”.

My thoughts are to apply the atrazine every 10 to 14 days and hope doing so will at least weaken the bermuda grass such that the St. Augustine can “takeover” the bermuda. Could I spray every 7 days? I’m concerned about overspraying could also weaken the St. Augustine.

If this works, in the few spots the bermuda has really taken over, I was thinking of planting BAHIA grass seed as it appears to be similiar to St. Augustine, basically trying to avoid resodding. A couple of areas are too large to just plug with St. Augustine. Would I regret a St. Augustine/Bahia mix?

Also, these particular areas are where our 2 dogs “rough house” around, so I’m wondering how well the Bahia will hold up.

Do you think my control/replacement approach can work or am I wasting time? Thanks.

Skastafari – posted 24 October 2002 06:25

I would not mix bahia and st. augustine together. While the textures are similer, they seem to grow at different rates. You will find a few days after mowing you end up with uneven lawn height. The previous owner of my house mixed the two, and it looked horrible. To keep it looking good you have to mow alot more often. Also, the bahia has hideous looking seedheads. I have noticed that bahia seems to grow more open then st. augustine, so if bermuda is a problem weed for you I am sure it will envade open areas between bahia.

Big Dogs – posted 07 December 2002 09:02

Jerry, try using Scott’s bonus S. It will feed the St. Augustine and weaken the Bermuba. I think it even states on the bag not to use it on berumda lawns. Good luck