Need advice on Lawn

[shortyb]

One thing you have to remember, is even though the tree is gone, there is still residual root competition going on where the tree roots starved the grass roots of nutrition. You need to aerate the soil, use a surfactant too, and amend it with peat, mushroom compost, sand, and topsoil. Then feed the nutrients back into the soil with high phos starter fert and humic acid. Bermuda does NOT grow well from seed at all, plugs or sprigs will do better. Renovation with sod is the best, but then you could end up with different variety patches of Bermuda. Definately do a soil test, but I can tell by the soil color, it is acidic and needs lime. Also, we are entering heat stress and drought season so new growth needs water. A good soaking every other day should be sufficient. And tell the HOA to stuff it.

 

[Urshurak776]

Scott’s starter fertilizer every 4 weeks will help the Bermuda grass spread more rapidly due to it’s phosphate content. Most lawn foods no longer contain phosphate and it’s essential for creeping grass.

It doesn’t have to be Scott’s. I’m using that as an example all home improvement stores also sell their house brands at a lower price. Just make sure when you look it says starter fertilizer.
Or in the case of Walmart, you can order a fertilizer called Texas fertilizer that also contains phosphate.

By the way, you don’t have to be starting a lawn to use starter fertilizer. It has to be sold this way because some states have banned the use of phosphate for regular lawn maintenance.


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https://www.amazon.com/Scotts-Turf-Builder-Lawn-Food/dp/B00DK49DVA

I just bought some! Thanks!

 

[Urshurak776]

I think it's too late to plant now, going with sod is the easy way out.

Yeah, I’m worried about that. Talked to a local nursery today and they said just make sure it stays moist for at least 4 weeks.

 

[Urshurak776]

Thank you to everyone for the input! Lots to do now. I’ll update as time goes on after plugs. Getting topsoil and some line. Already bought the starter fertilizer.

 

[mcm0455]

Just buy some lawn paint like they use on football fields in the late fall/winter. It will get the pesky HOA out of your life while the grass has time to grow.

 

[ka9mnx]

Looks like you need mega amounts of soil humus enrichment/black rich dirt - to start.

Waddamean? That is South Carolina rich black dirt.

 

[Lubener]

I never had much luck seeding unless I used straw. Couldn't keep the area moist enough all the time without the straw to keep the sun from drying the area out.

 

[burbguy82]

1. Japanese Maple do not survive in full sun typically.

2.) You have waiting to long to plant new grass seed due to temperature. It is likely that you will kill the seed. But maybe not.

3.) Water, spread seed and feed, step on the ground to press the seed in, done. Then cover the area with straw to block a lot of the direct sun so the seeds dont get fryed.......and then hope.

 

[97prizm]

Hi all. So, a few months ago, we had a sewer line break in our yard from tree roots. We had the yard torn up and the tree removed and the sewer line repaired. Of course, it left my lawn a mess. I planted a Japanese Maple and seeded the lawn, but, it's not working great and the HOA is on my case hard........

I just bought some Bermuda (has to be Bermuda) plugs from Home Depot and they will be here Thursday. And advice to ensure success? I have watched a bunch of videos and some internet articles, but seems confusing....lot of info.

Would appreciate any advice. I have no green in my thumb whatsoever........

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I'd go with laying down sod. If using grass seed you'll want one of the all in one type seeds. I'd also test the soil with a pH meter.

 

[Spring Break '92]

In my experience in Eastern-Central Virginia, which isn't drastically different from the OP's area - I used Zoysia plugs in an area that had bare spots and what grass was there looked like the tan patches in some of it. The grass plugs are a long term investment. They have to be taken care of in the beginning but once they take root and merge together the result is beautiful. It takes a few years, but your efforts today pay off down the road.

I had a soil test done after sending off samples of my soil to Virginia Tech. My PH at that time was 4.8

Putting down lime is a given, but I will tell you a cheap and easy treatment that produces great results and would likely fix those patches is what is known as compost tea, applied via a hose-end sprayer. You would want to do this preferably after a rain and right before more rain. If anything else, just before good rain or watering when the sun will not be out for a good while, like overnight.

You can go on YouTube and find out how to make your own or if you are short on time like me, just buy it on Amazon. It's about $18/half gallon and will last you all year.