Waterlogged New Bermuda Sod

Canton_GA_scf – posted 30 September 2002 15:30

Recently moved into a new house (beginning of September)

The yard was sodded with Bermuda and was coming along very well considering the drought in our region and watering restrictions.

After a week out of town, I returned home to find a large section of the sod had turned brown and waterlogged. Apparently, while on vacation our area received about 3 to 4 inches of rain.

Realizing that I have a drainage problem in that area, I have begun re-routing the water flow from my gutters.

But does anyone have any ideas on how to salvage the sod? My gut tells me to treat with fungicide and then add a sand to encourage growth and running.

Also, the sod has been in for about 4 to 6 weeks, is it too early to add a second round of fertilizer as well?

Any advice is appreciated.

Will-PCB – posted 30 September 2002 16:16

I would do all that you have stated, but I would not fertilize. However, maybe a Bermuda expert will answer as I am only familar with my St. Augustine.

George777 – posted 30 September 2002 20:10

I would improve the drainage by installing a french drain. If you do any top dressing you might want to use a soil that is close to the originalsoil you have. If you have a clay soil and add sand you just made concrete.

Your turf got overdosed with the rain. you would be waisting your money by putting out a fungicide. It should recover on it’s own, just don’t nuke it with H20.

I would delay any fert until next year. The op temp for bermuda growth is 80-95. The temp is starting to change here in Ga. You don’t want you turf trying to grow when it needs to sleep. You bermuda will go dormant when temp reaches 50.

Canton_GA_scf – posted 01 October 2002 08:02

Thanks for the advice.

The top soil is a great idea.