Question
QUESTION: I have Bermuda grass and also crab grass. I want to have ticker lawn so that the weed does not come the next spring.
I plan to accomplish this by overseed this fall and wonder if you can give me advice on how to amend soil before the overseeding my lawn.  

Could you also recommend grass that will overcome Bermuda by overseeding?   I live in north texas area (dallas-fortworth). Thank you very very much.


ANSWER: Dear PV:

An interesting dilemna.  It appears that you must make a choice about what kind of turf you desire.  Bermuda is a superior summer grass and can be maintained by careful management.  There are other summer grasses, St Augustine, Centipede, zoysia, etc.  But all have the same culture and problems.

If you like the growth of Bermuda, you can thicken it easily and get rid of weeds grasses with some herbicides at the right moment.

I would apply some high quality compost to the soil in fall.  There must be a few good commercial suppliers in your area.  One of the pioneers of composting is near a Univ of Texas campus and, I am sure, has encouraged others to follow.

Apply at one cubic yard(CY) per thousand square feet(M) or 3/8 inch, and then overseed.  Your season will allow Bermuda to grow before any cold weather comes.

If you do not want Bermuda, you must kill it with Roundup or like.  Then, reseed or plug or sod over the lawn with your chosen turf.

Weed grass management will be spraying a Roundup or like in winter when grass is dormant, and applying a pre-emergent herbicide in spring.  Ask local ag agent for recommendations.  They will know what works best in your area.  You do not need to continue applications unless weeds return.  Eventually, you will win this battle.

Same soil prep as before.  Double application, till in, and plant grass.

Wait for a few months next year before fertilizing to see how grass responds to compost.  You may not need any.  But if you do, apply low amounts of nitrogen (N) each month of growth.  1/2 to 1 pound per M.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My lawn has mixture of bermuda and St Augustine. It started out with bermuda and we did patch some area with St Augu to cover bare spot left from sprinkler system installation.  Now, I notice some area that St Augustine takeover berbuda.  I think I will just put compost and see how it turn out in next year ...I am hoping St Augustine will eventually takeover.  

Is it ok if I put compost now or should I wait until next month?  I have already purchased organic compost from livingearth brand ...not sure which one you mention near U of Texas campus that you talked about. I want to mix some organic material to the compost...any recommendation what I should mix with?  Thank again.

Answer
Dear PV:

Livingearth looks like a good brand.  Competition in Texas will assure quality.  That market has been building for decades and manufacturers will have to bear up or get out.

I would wait until next month or later, when the weather cools down, if it ever does in Texas.  Grass will grow until temperatures drop below 75-80 deg F.  Roots will continue to develop after that.

Your observation about St. Augustine taking over Bermuda may have answered your question.  I have not observed that.  However, in your area, it may be the dominant grass and a good choice.

Compost is, generally, a complete fertilizer and soil conditioner.  I see no reason to augment it with any more products.   I have used it for thirty years on commmercial and residential applications without any shortcomings in performance or results.  Later, there may be need for some nitrogen, but not anytime soon.