bermuda problems

gentNC – posted 16 January 2006 08:09

We have a bermuda lawn that was sodded when we built our house three years ago. We have fertilized it, mowed it at the right height, watered it with our sprinkler system – but nothing works. It doesn’t look good. When you walk on it, it looks thin.(You can see the soil through the grass)We battle weeds every year. The yard is somewhat shaddy. Although, it does get sun throughout the day. We were going to try and seed over it – but after reading the forum – I am not sure that is a good idea. Does anyone have an idea. I am willing to try anything!!! Even another type of grass.

okgrassguy – posted 16 January 2006 10:13

First start with a soil test. Since your home is new contruction there is no telling whats in the soil, rocks lumber , construction leftovers. How often do you water? Dou you know what type of bermuda was used?

gentNC – posted 16 January 2006 13:07

It is 419 Bermuda. We water, during the summer, every other day except on the weekends. It is funny that you should mention the water. I was outside the other day and walked barefoot in the grass. It was wet under my feet. It hadn’t rained in days and we don’t use our sprinkler during the winter. Could that be a problem? If so, how can I fix it.

okgrassguy – posted 17 January 2006 09:39

Problem is when you water frequently, your grass deveops shallow roots since it dosent have time to dry out encouraging roots to grow deeper in search of water. Water maybe once a week, enough to soak the upper 4-6 inches of soil, let it dry out, water when the grass needs it. Since you say it feels wet under your feet I would be concerned about disease and poor drainage. I would definately do a soil test and soil texture. And aerate this spring. Bermuda dosent like poorly drained soils. Do you have a lot of clay? My bermuda is similar to Tif 419, mine is a 50/50 blend of Princess 77 and Riviera

gentNC – posted 18 January 2006 15:50

We do have some clay- Although it is very sandy. How can I help with the poorly drained soil? Would you suggest using a bermuda seed that is hardier and mix them?

okgrassguy – posted 18 January 2006 23:00

Was the sod in good shape when laid, If so I would find out whats going on in the soil. Bermuda is an aggresive grass that can tolerate alot of abuse. The shade issue also concerns me. If the poor turf condition is everywhere shade might not be an issue.At the least get a cheap ph kit and test the soil, aerate and dethatch this spring

okgrassguy – posted 18 January 2006 23:06

If your yard isnt receiving at least 6 hours a day of direct (not filtered) sunlight the bermuda will decline. Maybe reseeding with a good Kentucky bluegrass or Fescue might be neccesary. A picture would help but this site wont allow it If you want I can give you an email that Im not to worried about sppammers getting.

gentNC – posted 19 January 2006 18:31

Thank You for all of your help thus far. My husband and I are always glued to your comments – you make it seem so easy. What purpose would the bluegrass have for us in NC? Would it be something that would eventually take over or would it help thicken the grass up etc.? I was under the impression that bluegrass is a cold season grass. We are going to get the soil tested. Hopefully, we will find out that we are just lacking in a nutrient.

okgrassguy – posted 19 January 2006 20:02

Bluegrass is a cool season grass, it is just more shade tolerant than bermuda. Given the right climate KBG looks much better than Bermuda. Bluegrass dosent do well in my area Oklahoma. Just take care of the bermuda, if the soils good it will take off

BuckinNC – posted 20 January 2006 12:38

If you live in NC, forget bluegrass, you’ll need fescue or something similar. Way too hot for KBG down here.

okgrassguy – posted 20 January 2006 12:57

Im wasnt to sure about NC climate. Im guessing its not too far off from OKC, Bluegrass dosent do good here either

gentNC – posted 20 January 2006 15:09

Thanks to all. We are planning to send off our soil to be tested. Until the results come back, we are going to hold off on watering until necessary. Ideally, we would like to keep what we’ve got. We’ll see!Thanks again.

bermudakid – posted 21 January 2006 22:09

The most important factor is the sun light. The lawn should get full sun for at least a few hours. Partial shading over the lawn for the whole day is not good at all. All bermuda needs full sun. Some claim that there are some bermuda’s tolerant to some shade but the better looking lawn has full sun. Bermuda will grow nice in most soils with the acception of hard clay which can be helped wtih aerating and top dressing.

bermudakid – posted 21 January 2006 22:18

Let me ammend the beginning of my last post. Watering deeply and infrequently is very important also, as somebody else mentioned.

okgrassguy – posted 21 January 2006 22:48

gent NC . please keep us posted on the progress over the season. Im curious to see the results of the soil test

gentNC – posted 22 January 2006 07:03

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get rid of the many weeds while I wait for the results? I have tried to go out and spray each one – but there are just too many! A granular would be nice. Let me know. Thanks

okgrassguy – posted 22 January 2006 09:59

I have never had good results with granular weed control. I dont know your views on chemicals, but if it is mostly winter broadleaf weeds, a good 3 way like Trimec or Weed-b-Gone will do. But at lower temps its not as effective.

Tmarley – posted 22 January 2006 12:59

I am not an expert, but I do have some experience with 419. I will try to hlep with several of your problems. First of all, a soil test is a good idea. That will allow you to add whatever is deficient in your soil. Secnondly, a good many sport fiels have 419 and to resovole the problem of thinning grass and bare areas, it helps to areate and put a top dressing of river sand on the lawn. About a 1/4 inch should be sufficient. River sand is realtive inexpensive and will fill in the ruts, low areas, and give your grass something substantial to spread on. Do this when it starts to get warm. Late spring should be fine. As far as the weeds go, if your grass has not started to show any signs of greening at all, then a good application of weed killer should do. You can even use Roundup on Bermuda if is is completely dormant. That means no signs of green at all. If there are any signs of greening, then you will have to use a weed killer that is designed for Burmuda grasses. Also, in about 2 or 3 weeks it will be time to think about putting an application of pre-emergent on your grass. This will help with some of the weeding problems this spring. Also, a good old fashion of pulling the weeds by hand is always good. So in summary, do the soil test. Take several samples from different areas in your lawn, put them all into a zip lock bag and send them to your local extension service and have them analyzed. It does not cost a lot to do that. while that is going on, start pulling your weeds and if no greening is evident at all, that means check close to the roots, use a weed killer as well. Once you get the results of your analization, apply what is needed and if you can afford it, order a load of river sand and spread it evenly, or about 1/4 inch thick. Keep watered about twice a week or if you are getting sufficient rain, you may not want to water too much. I hope this helps.

okgrassguy – posted 22 January 2006 14:40

I definately agree with the sand and topdressing, this is the first year I will incorporate sand into my topdressing. Im probably splitting hairs here but with pre emergent I would avoid anything with pendimethalin, there is a pretty big case against it due to chemical root pruning. Whether or not it really is an issue, at least check up on it. With the poor turf quality I wouldnt want to use anything that could slow new plant development. Unfortunately pendimethalin is the most common pre emergent. I believe it is in most of the Scotts crabgrass preventers and such. Find something with Dimension.

gentNC – posted 22 January 2006 17:57

WoW! Such great advice from both of you. Thank You – we will do all of the above.