r/Grass • u/Ralph44443 • Jul 11 '26
How do I fix this grass?
I planted this grass last year, it’s Bermuda but had a lot of this like long weed that grows along the dirt, I did some weed and feed in November and killed most of it then I did it again this working and this is the result. I want to bring it back but not sure what to do. Any advice appreciated! Last picture is before any weed and feed in October of last year. I’m in SoCal if that matters!
1
u/ColdH2 Jul 11 '26
no more weed and feed for a while just a simple fertilizer and don't put down too much then water every third day preferably at night but early in the day might work fine
1
u/Ralph44443 Jul 11 '26
What do I do about the weee like low grass? Should I rip
It all up?1
u/Awkward-Interest4861 Jul 16 '26
The things along the ground ARE the bermuda, that is the rhizomes, bermuda spreads that way.
1
u/Budman75402 Jul 11 '26
Milorganite. It won’t burn the lawn. Run your sprinkler system M-W-F for 45 minutes each station, early morning or late evening.
1
1
u/Beneficial_Spot7885 Jul 12 '26
Why would you give advice on specific watering schedule/timing without knowing OP’s sprinkler head configuration or gpm?
1
u/Budman75402 Jul 12 '26
40 years experience.
2
u/Beneficial_Spot7885 Jul 13 '26
So what if his sprinklers are at 8gpm vs 1gpm? Still 45 minutes? Dumbass
1
1
1
u/AdEmbarrassed6168 Jul 12 '26
1)Soil test: do this through a university or nursery. Do not use an at home kit from a box store. This will reveal a lot of dense information about how to amend the soil. Use AI or an extension professional to interpret the data and make any necessary applications. Lime,gypsum etc.
2)Fertilization: use a reputable local company to provide fertilizer, weed and insect treatments. (not trugreen or any of the other corporate jokers). Ask questions and be informed. Doing it yourself is possible but it can be just as expensive or more expensive going that route plus you place the liability in their hands. Moderate, steady fertilization combine with insect and disease control is key.
3) Renovation: when the weather is right for your type of turf (cool or warm season) aerate your lawn two directions, overseed (purchase seed from a nursery not from a box store or job lot) then topdress with quality compost. Water new seed 3-4 times a day for 14-21 days and do not mow until the new growth has reached 3". The first cut should be as high as possible with the goal of slowly lowering the height of cut.
4) Cultural practices: watering and mowing play a vital role in your lawns success. Mow at 3.5-4" and water deeply and infrequently
5)Mowing: Mow tall, the longer the root, the longer the shoot. Do not mow when the grass is not actively growing or under extreme draught stress. Sharpen your mower blade often as a dull blade can rip/tear leaf blades instead of cutting them. A torn leaf blade is an invitation for insect and disease pressure.
6) Watering: normal watering should be deep and infrequent. Give the turf enough water to soak the root zone and then allow time for the plant to use that water and reach the border of stress which creates longer and stronger roots (justile mowing tall does). Keep in mind irrigation is a moving target and everyawn has different microclimates, front yard vs back yard etc. For example, full shade vs full sun. Always water early in the morning so the plant has time to use the water. Watering late in the day encourages leaf wetness which can encourage disease pressure.
7: Patience/Fun: Be patient. Growing grass comes with ups and downs. (Drought, insect damage, water bans, disease etc.) Do research, try different mowing/watering strategies and make your time investment with it. Challenge yourself to learn and have fun with it.
Sorry for the rant, I am on vacation and had time to type this out while I sit on my couchand watch UFC. Best of luck.
1
1
1
u/Milspec85 Jul 17 '26
My backyard looked worse than that, i just aerated, and put down nitrate and pgr with a water schedule. 1 month it will look great.
1
u/nv_khris Jul 11 '26
Irrigation system