Dear Ms. Lisa Wood,

Thank you very much for your inquiry. I like your current strategy. The neglected bermudagrass will benefit from several light fertilizer applications this summer to encourage lateral growth. You may need to repeat the Bayer herbicide in a couple of weeks. Check your irrigation coverage (use tuna can method as outlined in my book, Lawn Geek) to make sure your coverage is fairly even. Mowing on a frequent basis at a height of 1-1.5 inches will also encourage spread (the more you mow, the more it will spread.)

Again, thanks for the question and let me know if you have more.

Respectfully

Trey Rogers, The Briggs & Stratton Yard Doctor, YardDoctor.com

Thanks so much for the strategy support. I have a couple of additional questions;

- would it be best to wait until lateral growth occurs before attempting to level? Or should I begin adding small amounts of soil to the low spots while continuing other practices?

- with irrigation, after we confirm even coverage, is deep watering 1-2x week adequate if we are able to irrigate with 1" H2O each time? (we have very shallow roots at the moment and I want to deepen the root growth)

- given that the lawn has been watered for short, more frequent periods prior - do we need to slowly transition into deep watering practices?

- how long should I give the lawn before I suspect that I may have other problems than those I can attribute to poor cultural practices?

Thanks again-
an impatient 'waiting for the grass to grow' aspiring lawn geek

Dear Ms Lisa Wood,

Thank you very much for your inquiry. I decided to list your questions and just answer them point by point.

- would it be best to wait until lateral growth occurs before attempting to level? Or should I begin adding small amounts of soil to the low spots while continuing other practices?
With bermudagrass, you can add soil over the top of the grass and it will grow and fill nicely. The key is to add a compatible soil. You can add a sand in this situation and be good. Avoid any type of clay soil.
- with irrigation, after we confirm even coverage, is deep watering 1-2x week adequate if we are able to irrigate with 1" H2O each time? (we have very shallow roots at the moment and I want to deepen the root growth)
Grass does not search for water, this is a myth. If you withhold water from grass that is rooted shallow, it will simply wilt. My advice is to water to the level of the roots. You can go longer as they go deeper. You can not dictate this very easily.
- given that the lawn has been watered for short, more frequent periods prior - do we need to slowly transition into deep watering practices? Yes, if possible.
- how long should I give the lawn before I suspect that I may have other problems than those I can attribute to poor cultural practices?
There will always be problems if you are a true lawn geek (but there will always be solutions and advancement as well, this is part of the charm). It is a place where a perfectionist can toil and never get bored. You should see results from the major cultural practices within the first month.
Again, thanks for the question and let me know if you have more.

Respectfully

Trey Rogers, The Briggs & Stratton Yard Doctor, YardDoctor.com