wrestling with crabgrass! Do I need to pull up plants and start again
Susan North
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (7)
Susan North
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Is this Crabgrass and do I need to get rid of it?
Comments (21)Well, I spent all last night pulling it up anyway. That part of the yard is shaded, but it faces south. The tree is on the south end and has shade over it, but in early morning it gets a fair amount of morning sun and in late afternoon gets some afternoon sun. Not a lot, but some. The weed was growing on the eastern most edge of this lawn, where it gets the most sun. Either way, it's gone now. For now. The house faces south. This is the front lawn I'm describing, broken apart by a concrete path. To the west of the path is a huge tree in the middle of the area (don't ask me what kind...). Further west on the lot is a larg side lot filled with mature trees forming a full canopy (partly due to lack of maintenance) so TONS of shade. It also borders the house so doesn't get much morning sun. At the moment it's still weeds, but if the front takes, we'll start planting shadow turf there too. To the east of the path is a similar sized section that has only a smallish crepe myrtle and very little shade. It's a corner lot, so it gets full morning and afternoon sun and a fair amount of setting sun. That's where the Bermuda is - at least some of it. And also a TON of weeds. Not the crabgrass like stuff, more like clover leaf (but not that). The plan to till was to get rid of all that. I spent a good 7 hours last weekend pulling up weeds from one small stretch and my hands and back are killing me. How would you recommend we remove what is basically a carpet of weeds? There is some bermuda mixed in, but for most of the area, it's 90% weeds. I'm sore :( Here's a picture of the soon to be bermuda lawn that's full of weeds, looking north from the street: http://cheriseandfredo.blogspot.com/2007/09/and-after.html There's lots of overgrowth of bushes and whatnot that need trimming too. Do you have a recommendation for a tree trimmer that won't want to go in and tear out all our trees? We REALLY like the shade (have a/c but don't use it often). We like the park-like look, but it's bordering on overgrown forest.... Here's a fairly good picture of our side yard http://cheriseandfredo.blogspot.com/2006/02/autumn-in-texas.html We're in Lavaca. Not too close to the River, but we can walk to it! Oh, about the shadow turf, so it'll pop up elsewhere, not just expanding from the main plugs? I have a few sprouts that look like it, but they're kind of isolated and I'm not sure if that's really MY grass or some weed invading...It is expanding. Slowly, but I think I can see it. It's good to know it took a little while before really hitting its stride. I was worried I'd overwatered it. I am about to go buy some more plugs I think....See MoreI need to start over, so how and when do I start?
Comments (33)"BTW - history completely contradicts your belief in soil testing. Almost nobody gets soil tests now and they weren't even available to homeowners until recently. Like a lot of modern technology, it can be a useful tool. However, people got along just fine without them in the not to distant past." What does that even mean? History contradicts your belief in soil testing? How does history contradict a belief in soil testing? That sentence is an example of making up something that sounds intelligent but has no basis in fact. Soil testing is an extremely important part of all the crops growing in this country. If we had a better understanding of soil science earlier in the 20th century then the dust bowl probably wouldn't have happened, or at least it wouldn't have been so bad. Turfgrass, like any crop, has its ideal soil conditions. The closer you can get to the ideal, the healthier the grass. How would you know if you need lime? Let's say you need lime, which one would you use? What about a phosphorus deficiency. Most fertilizers have little P, so are you supposed to guess if you have deficiencies? Andy's plan is the right way to do it. Sure you can do a renovation by omitting steps, but if you want the best results you will do it the right way. Rushing it will usually result in doing it again next fall....See MoreLasagna question AGAIN...regarding pulling up bermuda grass
Comments (7)Here is my two cents worth. Last fall/winter I carefully put down layers and layers of overlapped newspaper. On top of that I put shredded tree trimmings and on top of that, manure and then straw. The bermuda is nicer there than in the adjacent lawn. I'm not sure if that says something about how bad my soil was to start with, or if it's a failure of the newspaper. In any case, I will roundup this fall. This summer, I had a great crop of sunflowers under the bird feeders, where the seed fell on the prepared area last winter. Following that, a nice stand of moonflower vines that I seeded climbed the sunflower stalks to reach the deck railing. So, a success in terms of getting organic matter and fertility. A failure in terms of controlling bermuda....See MoreWhat do I do with the Basil Plant when it starts to get cold?
Comments (9)Depends on how cold. If it's just a bit below 60, you should be ok. You could pull them up closer to a house for extra protection, or if it's easy enough move it in and out. I do both in spring to get a jump on growing season here. We have a brick town home with an enclosed back yard and many nights they just stay right next to the brick. If it's repeated nights, or 50 or below, your basil will stagnate and quit growing. Keep in mind that basil is annual, so you can extend it for a while, but there's a point to just start new, from seed or cuttings. I say this having harvested all mine today due to expected frost tonight, so your 60 in Dec is sounding nice!...See Morehyacin
6 years agokimmq
6 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years agohyacin
6 years agoSue North
6 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESYou May Never Have to Buy These Plants Again
Once you have one, you can grow many more of these 10 popular plants
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESHow to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over
No need to feel overwhelmed. Our step-by-step decorating guide can help you put together a home look you'll love
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESKnot Again! Macrame Is Back
It's happened. A craft that typified 1970s style (the owls, the spider plants!) is back, but better
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESSeeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started
Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners
Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES6 Steps to Get a Garden Off to a Glowing Start
Grow a lush, balanced garden from an empty patch of yard or neglected landscape spot with these easy-to-follow guidelines
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENSFreshen Up the Bath With Lush and Healthy Plants
Learn how to choose and care for plants that will do well in your space
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil
Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARD6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food
It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGet a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing
Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside
Full StoryMore Discussions
windberry zone5a BCCanada