Bermuda and Tall Fescue

JC – posted 08 July 2005 19:19

Hey everybody I have a quick question for you. I live in Holly Springs NC (Just south east of Raleigh) and I am having a tough time with my lawn. I have a thick carpet of fescue during spring and fall, but it goes to heeck in the hot season. Because of this I am interested in switching over to Bermuda grass. The yard is in full sun, and I have an irrigation system. The front yard is app. 12,000 sq. ft., and wild Bermuda is already creeping in. Can I simply spread some Bermuda seed and support the Bermuda in hopes that it will take over the fescue? And if so, when is the best time of year to do this? I do not want to kill the fescue yard, but rather make a smooth transition over to the Bermuda…if possible. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!!John-

kyleinmarietta – posted 09 July 2005 05:21

You can do exactly what you suggested. Right now would be a perfect time. I’d aerate or dethatch first to get good seed/soil contact.

Once the bermuda is growing, keep your lawn cut very low and you may be able to accelerate the demise of the fescue.

The biggest downside to your plan is that at some point, you’ll have a meaningful amount of fescue left in a mostly bermuda lawn. The yard will look fairly patchy in the winter, with the mix of green fescue and dormant bermuda.

JC – posted 09 July 2005 08:27

Kyleinmarietta, Thanks for the tips. I happened to call the Scotts lawn company and they told me to sew the seed in Sept. when it gets cooler out. Does this sound correct? I know Bermuda is a warm season grass, but I don’t want the seed to burn. Thanks again!!John-

kyleinmarietta – posted 09 July 2005 12:24

Bermuda loves heat and sun. As long as you can keep it from drying out, you’ll do better planting now rather than later.

If you plant in September, the bermuda won’t grow very much before going dormant,and won’t be very winter hardy. You might lose some or all of it.

Call another nursery and see if you get different advise. I disagree completely with the one you spoke to…