New Bermuda Lawn

angie – posted 27 March 2004 20:11

I bought a new house in November with bermuda sod. It does not seem to be as “established” as it should be (although it does appear to have new graa growing) and there are some gaps that need filling. Also I have noticed weeds starting to come up. What should I do to kill the weeds but not damage the sod? Also I need tips on basic maintenance..when to fertilize, etc.

Any help would be appreciated.

svcrawf72 – posted 28 March 2004 04:48

Weed and feed now.

This also will jump start the growth. www.scotts.com

If you don’t have to many weeds pick them up and just walk around for 10 mins every other day and look for weeds.

ted – posted 28 March 2004 17:46

you need to start fertilizing now. but the scotts granular type products will not control the weed growth- you need to use a liquid product for the weed control. probably your sod installation with the “cracks” is responsible for the weeds. if you’re seeing cracks the sod wasn’t installed properly ( and most sod isn’t). walking around every ten minutes won’t fix your fert. and weed control problems! and for sure, don’t pull them! spray them.

GrassRookie – posted 07 April 2004 21:09

Don’t Weed N’ Feed … biggest waste of time and money. It only FEEDS the WEEDS …

Identify the weeds and use the proper post-emergence … you can check with your local county extension agency to help identify the weeds. I would also investigate in a PRE-emergence program. It will help you with the weeds that have not yet germinated.

vango123 – posted 11 April 2004 10:08

Find a owner operator spray co. Might be hard though, dont go with the franchise spray co. Choose a small local business you will get better service.Tell the salesman or spray tech your expectations are a no weed and thriving bermuda. Call him everytime you see a few weeds for a follow up treatment, give them two seasons for 100% weed control. Just water the first season,sod is grown with high doses of fert.You want the grass to get established , rooted in. Water 1/2 per week and cut every 5 days. Start treatments in fall with potash then lime, get some help unless you have a passion for turf like me.[This message has been edited by vango123 (edited 11 April 2004).]

[This message has been edited by vango123 (edited 11 April 2004).]

TNSCLARK – posted 16 April 2004 18:42

New to the forum, we just laid Bermuda sod about 4 weeks ago and cut the lawn for the forst time today. I put 16-8-8 fertilizer on shortly after mowing.When should I water the lawn, immediately, a few hours later or wait 24 hours? We live in a hot desert climate and have been watering 4 days a week the past week but did not water yesterday or today.

THANKS for any help you can give the newbie-TC

ted – posted 16 April 2004 19:17

go ahead and water.