2018 Lawn Thread!

[dcs13]

Moving this week. Don't need this at the new place. 3/4 full, any interest at $40

[black2002ls]

Losing to crabgrass . Grass appears to be growing fine (maybe a bit thin). I've already set reminders for pre-emergent, fertilizer, etc. But right now, there's a lot of it and it seems to be "winning" against the grass. Any options to fight it? Scortched earth weed&grass kill? Just pick it? More fert? Etc? Thanks.

I have started spraying in the very center of the crab grass, just a quick burst of roundup. I'll spray it, let it sit for a week, and spray again until it kills that shit. Once it is dead, I dig out what I can get and back fill as necessary. Also, if you aren't bagging your lawn, be sure to cut before any weed seed heads pop up. If they have popped up, cut them off before mowing, otherwise this just adds to the problem by spreading it even more.

[mschmoyer]

Losing to crabgrass . Grass appears to be growing fine (maybe a bit thin). I've already set reminders for pre-emergent, fertilizer, etc. But right now, there's a lot of it and it seems to be "winning" against the grass. Any options to fight it? Scortched earth weed&grass kill? Just pick it? More fert? Etc? Thanks.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Did they sod the area that it isn't growing in? Or did they sod around the house with the expectation that it would spread?

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spread sod around the house, whole front yard. I put seed down in some other areas, it's doing about mediocre. My yard looks about like most of the others, I dont think it's just me.

[black2002ls]

the builder spread a bit of sand around in some areas, after smoothing it out from the sprinklers.

the ground gets huge cracks all year round.

Did they sod the area that it isn't growing in? Or did they sod around the house with the expectation that it would spread?

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[Baron Von Crowder]

One concern I would have is where they had their concrete washout and how it was set up. If it wasn't properly lined, and was in the area that you are having issues with, you could have some lime and other stuff that leached into the soil and causing you an issue. I've seen this on homes that were build on lots that were previously concrete washouts in some of our subdivisions. We had to go in and excavate several feet of dirt and bring in fresh topsoil to get the yard and landscape to grow.

Step 1 would be to have a soil test done and see what the soil may be deficient in.

What are the ground conditions?

Compacted?
Irrigated?

If it is compacted, I would entertain having it disced or tilled, something to break it up and give the sod something to grow into, it won't want to spread onto compacted soil. This is, of course, if you have a creeping grass and not a seeding grass.
If it isn't irrigated, this will lead to the same kind of conditions. I have "filled in" bare spots in my yard by breaking up the ground and making sure that it stayed watered. Even just watering that area by hand did the trick in many instances.

the builder spread a bit of sand around in some areas, after smoothing it out from the sprinklers.

the ground gets huge cracks all year round.

[hxbernal]

what's a yard going to do? I have an acre...

my apologies for not knowing ur lot size ...spread it finely

[black2002ls]

yeah, moved in in august 17. It was farmland.

One concern I would have is where they had their concrete washout and how it was set up. If it wasn't properly lined, and was in the area that you are having issues with, you could have some lime and other stuff that leached into the soil and causing you an issue. I've seen this on homes that were build on lots that were previously concrete washouts in some of our subdivisions. We had to go in and excavate several feet of dirt and bring in fresh topsoil to get the yard and landscape to grow.

Step 1 would be to have a soil test done and see what the soil may be deficient in.

What are the ground conditions?

Compacted?
Irrigated?

If it is compacted, I would entertain having it disced or tilled, something to break it up and give the sod something to grow into, it won't want to spread onto compacted soil. This is, of course, if you have a creeping grass and not a seeding grass.
If it isn't irrigated, this will lead to the same kind of conditions. I have "filled in" bare spots in my yard by breaking up the ground and making sure that it stayed watered. Even just watering that area by hand did the trick in many instances.

[Baron Von Crowder]

keep it clear of any weeds then early next spring go here https://www.silvercreekmaterials.com/soil-mixes/ and pick up a yd of premium top soil for $30 that'll get it jump started. Either sod or plugs. I've done both with excellent results

what's a yard going to do? I have an acre...

[hxbernal]

yeah, moved in in august 17. It was farmland.

keep it clear of any weeds then early next spring go here https://www.silvercreekmaterials.com/soil-mixes/ and pick up a yd of premium top soil for $30 that'll get it jump started. Either sod or plugs. I've done both with excellent results

[Baron Von Crowder]

You may have an issue that stems from a specific mineral deficiency, or over abundance. Is this on new construction?

yeah, moved in in august 17. It was farmland.

[black2002ls]

I dont feel like it's growing nearly as well in the areas where the sod wasnt laid, and it's never been really good, even with fertilizer and mowing. Parts are burning up, even with watering. Same for my trees.

You may have an issue that stems from a specific mineral deficiency, or over abundance. Is this on new construction?

[Baron Von Crowder]

I have black dirt here, and the grass is fine. Just feed it, prevent weeds, and mow it to the correct height.

I dont feel like it's growing nearly as well in the areas where the sod wasnt laid, and it's never been really good, even with fertilizer and mowing. Parts are burning up, even with watering. Same for my trees.

[juiceweezl]

Im pretty sure the black dirt at my house isnt good for growing grass.

I have black dirt here, and the grass is fine. Just feed it, prevent weeds, and mow it to the correct height.

[Stephen]

For Bermuda, deep and infrequent (once a week) in the cooler growing months.. and 2 deep waterings a week from late June to early Septemberish or whenever it cools down..

I’d say same for St. Augustine as well but it likes a little water in the late afternoon too

Early morning is best time to water as with the sun all day you run less risk of a fungus.

Correct me if I’m wrong please