Bermuda seeded lawn or checkerboard sod? I am going to get

finz2left

16 years ago

Berumda b/c centipede is horrid in my backyard. I need something tough and am willing to do maintenance.

I can do Sahara seed or for a few bucks more, checkerboard sod the area with bermuda (don't know the type).

Which would be the best option? We have a decent size back yard and 3 kids and a dog.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

texas_weed
16 years ago
Well first thing is Bermuda is full sun, so if your backyard is shady consider something else.

Bermuda is the best grass for high traffic, nothing beats it.

As to the seed or sod question only your bank account can answer that. Sod runs from 10 to 40 cents per ft/2 depending on location. Common seeded varieties are more coarse in texture and lighter in color than the hybrids.
finz2left
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks. I was wondering about the growth and usability of both. I can't afford to sod the whole thing, so I was going to just sod in the checkerboard pattern.
Related Discussions
Seeded Bermuda Lawn One Year Later
Q
Comments (1)
Definitely ride it out. Where are you in West, TX? Stop watering every 2 days. You should be watering only every week to two weeks depending on where you live in the West. Raking out the thatch was unnecessary but not harmful. Here are the basics of bermuda care as explained in much more detail in the Bermuda Bible (Google it). Weekly: Mulch mow two times at about 1.5 inches high Water once a full inch (measure with cat food or tuna cans) Monthly: Fertilize with a high N fertilizer If you do this, and you are in full sun, you should never have weeds or other issues with the grass.
...See More
You put down what seed on my bermuda lawn?
Q
Comments (1)
The bermuda will win against the fescue, and the sledgehammer label should tell you how long after establishment to wait before applying. (You can google for the label before buying, even.)
...See More
This is what a half seeded half sodded Bermuda lawn looks like.
Q
Comments (2)
In my experience with my own seeded lawn, I have had success with a mixture of fertilizer and a watering on a normal schedule to help it fill in bare spots. As far as fertilizers go, I had great success last summer using a greens grade Lebanonturf product. I believe it was the country club 18-4-12. It is greens grade and will burn your turf if not watered in thoroughly. by far the best fert. I've used to date (1.5 years) to help thicken up turf. It is rather expensive and not easy to find though. other things I have used are your normal lesco 21-0-0...as well as stuff with some potash and potassium in it as we'll. organically, I have been very happy with alfalfa. alfalfa will probably be the way I go in the future after I am happy with the establishment of my lawn. It's cheap in my area and helps to put nutrients into my awful soil. basically patients, healthy schedule of watering, mowing (2/wk) and feeding as well as a good weed defense program is your best bet. Seed takes time, but it will get there. Check out the Bermuda bible if u haven't already.
...See More
St. Augustine sod or seeding with bermuda?
Q
Comments (15)
Buffalo requires full sun like bermuda to perform best so stratch that out.. Zoysia prefers a lot of sun, nowwhere as good shade tolerant as st augustine. If anything, I'd suggest coarse bladed type over fine type. Easier to mow with rotary mower at 3 inches. Empire and Palisades are my two recommendation. Actually, now that it occurred to me, Palisades has somewhat good shade tolerance and looks like mini-st augustine grass. keep in mind, they are like bermuda, They will take over plant beds, etc if left unchecked but not as aggressive. They spread underground so it makes it a bit tough to control and get rid of where it's not wanted. It should be fine somewhere that gets 6 hours of sunlight. Don't be fooled that they are drought tolerant. They still do need same amount of watering as st augustine to look good. The only difference is that st augustine will die if it doesn't get water over a long period of time while zoysia simply goes dormant and will come back once they receive water. Believe it or not "Floratam' st augustine outperforms all zoysia varieties when it comes to drought tolerant... Unfortunately, it has wimpy cold tolerance. Only for zone 9, MAYBE zone 8b. I think I have it up here but the sod place told me its not. Maybe it mutated from palmetto? Who knows... it seems to do fine up here. More aggressive for sure.
...See More
lou_spicewood_tx
16 years ago
They will fill in pretty fast as long as you fertilize them and water regularly.
golfcourselawn
16 years ago
Just out of curiosity, will the lawn be un-level when sod is applied in a checkerboard fashion since the sod has a layer of dirt underneath? I've thought about this method before as well.
finz2left
Original Author
16 years ago
um, good question ...... hopefully someone will answer that for us!
lou_spicewood_tx
16 years ago
You could plant them in shallow holes....
texas_weed
16 years ago
You countersink them is holes.
Trevor Munsell
last year
last modified: last year
I recently did this. Tilled several "mini garden plots" after covering areas with compost. Removed residue Bermuda and sprayed glyphosate. Waited 2 wks then layed KBG sod out in checker pattern and added layer topsoil and fescue grass seed in between sod. Rolled areas really well with 48" wide roller. Have kept watered really well for over a month. KBG looking great. Can't wait for it to fill in. Such beautiful grass. Is a little bumpy in between but I think as it spreads it should smooth out. Also plan on leveling with more compost and sand next year or next. Plan on using Fusillade to control kill Bermuda as KBG spreads. Hope this helps.
Trevor Munsell
last year

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Seed

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Sod

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Take the quick-start route to turf with sod; these installation guidelines will help ensure a healthy and long-lasting lawn

Full Story

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

Full Story

121

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prep Your Ground for a Healthy New Lawn

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Seed or sod that falls on weedy, lumpy soil is a wasted effort. Follow these steps to ensure that your new lawn will thrive

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

Full Story

SAVING WATER Xeriscape Gardens: How to Get a Beautiful Landscape With Less Water

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Conserve water and make gardening much easier with the xeriscape approach’s 7 principles

Full Story

126

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

Full Story

120

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants

Full Story

EARTH DAY The Case for Losing the Traditional Lawn

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Work less, help the environment and foster connections by just saying no to typical turf

Full Story

237

EDIBLE GARDENS Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

By Abundant City

Use these techniques to help prevent the spread of weeds and to learn about your soil

Full Story

213

Bermuda seeded lawn or checkerboard sod? I am going to get

Comments (9)

texas_weed

finz2left
Original Author

Related Discussions

lou_spicewood_tx

golfcourselawn

finz2left
Original Author

lou_spicewood_tx

texas_weed

Trevor Munsell

Trevor Munsell

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Bermuda seeded lawn or checkerboard sod? I am going to get

Comments (9)

texas_weed

finz2leftOriginal Author

Related Discussions

lou_spicewood_tx

golfcourselawn

finz2leftOriginal Author

lou_spicewood_tx

texas_weed

Trevor Munsell

Trevor Munsell

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

finz2left
Original Author

finz2left
Original Author