Bermuda Sports Field Help

Warrior1 – posted 06 July 2002 08:48

We are trying to get our athletic field back in the shape it used to be a few years ago. It is bermuda grass and we have already poisoned it,aerated,and fertilized it. The bermuda has thrived in several areas and is present all across the field.Our problem mainly exists between the hash marks for a thirty yard area that seems to have torpedo grass choking out the bermuda. We poisoned with MSA and 24D in May. Thought that would do it but did not.Any Suggestions? Also we need to mow the bermuda shorter.Just got a reel mower.Will the bermuda recover if we cut it short?Should we fertilize after cutting it short? Thanks!

WillR – posted 06 July 2002 09:29

Throughout my whole entire life, I have been told by old timers that the only way to get rid of Torpedo grass is to …

:::drumroll:::

Move.

seed – posted 07 July 2002 14:23

Warrior1, most chemicals are totally ineffective against torpedograss, or else kill off the bermuda as well. One exception is Drive 75DF by BASF which contains quinclorac. It is labelled to be applied no more than 1 pound per acre, no more than 2 pounds per acre per year. I have found that cutting it down much further, e.g., 0.5 pounds applied in four applications, 3 weeks apart, that it will gradually remove the torpedograss. You will have to repeat this for at least three years.

When bermudagrass is growing vigorously, usually a sudden drop in mowing height is not fatal. Fertilize any time it is growing actively, but if you are experiencing heavy rains, it is preferable to use a slower release product, or apply in smaller, more frequent applications, to reduce the likelihood of the fertilizer being leached into the groundwater.

Phil

WillR – posted 07 July 2002 23:06

Hey Phil,

Whats your recommendations for wiping out crab grass in St. Augustine?

My damn old fingers are getting sore from pulling that mess.