The Grass Is Always Greener
Converting a Bermuda lawn to St. Augustine
How, exactly and why more
importantly, would you change your lawn from Bermuda grass to St. Augustine?
Reasons range from just wanting a new look, necessity due to shade from growing
trees and landscapes over the years, even allergies to Bermuda grass.
LAWNS IN FULL SUN
In full sun situations,
the transition will be the quickest. Most grasses are sun loving and St.
Augustine is no exception. Its broad leaf blades shade Bermuda grass when
competing for the same space.
To start the process in
full-sun areas, treat the Bermuda grass with systemic glyphosate product. This
will kill most of the Bermuda. When the treated area has browned, usually 10 to
14 days set the mower on its lowest setting and make a pass over the lawn. Bag
all the grass clippings.
Next, prepare the soil by
lightly tilling or using a verticutter or de-thatching machine, which loosens
the soil with vertical knives. This is also an excellent time to level your
lawn by filling in depressed areas with screened topsoil and lowering raised
areas or high spots.
Be prepared to install
the St. Augustine sod as soon as it is delivered. Keep the new plantings moist,
but not wet. This means watering once or twice daily for short periods of time
until the new sod roots into the soil. Once rooting has occurred, reduce the
number of days you water while increasing the duration each time, until you
gradually reach the usual program for your lawn’s needs. This is generally
about an inch a week.
Anytime after the third
mowing, fertilize the new sod with one-half the normal rate of fertilizer. St.
Augustine grass lawns do not require as much feeding as Bermuda: twice a year
on April 15th and September 15th or three times a year,
April 15th, June 1st, and September 15th.
While the new St. Augustine grass is establishing its root system, avoid
pre-emergent applications for at least six months.
AREAS IN PARTIAL OR FULL SHADE
In areas with partial
shade where the lawn is exposed to at least 4 hours of sunlight and the Bermuda
grass is already thin, a process known as plugging can be utilized, since
Bermuda grass competition will be minimal. This process involves using a spade
to physically remove the existing grass and soil and replacing it with small
“plugs” of the new St. Augustine grass. Plugs can range in size from 4 inches
to any part of a standard size piece of sod, including installing the size in a
checkerboard pattern.
This method can also be
used in full sun, with the understanding that it will need time to completely
fill in the space.
Solid sodding the St.
Augustine in a partial shade situation is also an option. The instructions for
water, fertilizer and pre-emergent remain the same as above.
Locations receiving less
than 4 hours of sunlight would be best served by ending the frustration of
trying to maintain turf grass. Instead, consider one of the many available
ground covers that perform well in heavier shade environments.
Lastly, I would advise
you not to fight MOTHER NATURE, (She is undefeated!!)
When your light
conditions change over the years to less than full sun make the change and let
her be your friend!
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