Johnson grass in Bermuda

Tony F – posted 24 May 2007 15:44

What is the best way to kill johnson grass in newly seeded bermuda. I applied Round up and 2-4d to kill weeds, 10 days later I seeded bermuda. The bermuda is coming up now but is having to compete with weeds. I estimated about 50% of new growth is weeds and growing faster than the bermuda. What is the best way to deal with the johnson grass and not hurt the new bermuda.

tommy – posted 25 May 2007 07:43

MSMA (crabgrass killer) will control johnson grass, but you have to wait until the new bermuda is 6 weeks old. A repeat spray may be neccesary – 2 or 3 weeks after the first spray.

Tony F – posted 25 May 2007 08:27

Thanks Tommy. In the mean time should I apply anything such as fertilizer or weed and feed or should I just water well and let the bermuda establish itself. Should I mow low as possible to keep the johnson grass low as possible or will this help spread the johnson grass. Thanks for the help.

tommy – posted 28 May 2007 17:53

Keep a normal type maint. schedule- fertilize enough to keep decent color in the bermuda- but don’t over do it. You can mow on the short side if you want, but not lower than 3/4 inch on newly seeded bermuda.