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
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.
No matter the reason for
the conversion, this would be the best time to formulate the plan and make the
change to a St. Augustine lawn.
Question:
Jimmie, Every year I grow
Hibiscus plants in containers. I don’t have a greenhouse, so I put them in the
garage over the winter. Then, come late spring, they seem really lethargic.
What can I do to speed them back to vigorous growth?
Betty L. in Prosper
Answer:
Hi Betty,
Hibiscus, bougainvilleas
and most other tropicals really struggle with several months’ confinement to
the garage. They often are set back so far that they to recover at all.
Consider building a cold frame or lean-to greenhouse for future winters.
However, for this year’s crop, apply a high-nitrogen, water-soluble plant food
and keep them in a bright, warm location. Trim them as needed if they have died
back. Otherwise just be patient and hope for the best.
Question:
Jimmie, How can I
eliminate dallisgrass in my St. Augustine lawn?
Sara P. in Prosper
Answer:
Hi Sara,
Sadly, that’s the
toughest of all the weed problems. I’m going to state the same facts a couple
of ways to prevent any possible confusion. There is no herbicide available that
will eliminate dallisgrass without damaging your St. Augustine. While Bermuda
lawn owners should use MSMA to kill dallisgrass in their turf, it cannot be
used in St. Augustine. That said, you have two options in St. Augustine. You
can either hand-dig the dallisgrass or take the best possible care of your lawn
so it will be able to resist further invasion, or you can spot-treat with a
glyphosate such as Roundup. Use a hand-sprayer to apply the herbicide
specifically to the weed area only. While it will kill both the dallisgrass and
the St. Augustine on which it is sprayed, Roundup is the most effective grass
killer we have. It does not contaminate the soil, and the St. Augustine can
spread back across the bare ground fairly quickly.
Note: Bermuda grass lawn owners should never use Roundup
to control dallisgrass since MSMA is nearly as effective and will not kill
their turf.
Hope that helps you out! Until next time……….. Happy gardening
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