Weeds are taking over my yard! (avoid, should)

[Beachcomber4]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Me too! I started seeing nutsedge for the first time last year and has gotten worse this year. It's bad because it grows so much faster than grass, so it's very noticeable. My fertilization technician told me nutsedge couldn't be controlled with chemicals though - he recommended hand-weeding them, just like you would do with crabgrass. The cause of nutsedge (unlike most other weeds) is due to overwatering.

It's awful stuff. And you're right overwatering like the monsoons of this past spring and now hot summer are the culprit. There isn't a pre-emergent for it but it can be controlled. There is a product that will kill it called prosedge.

ProSedge Herbicide, Nufarm ProSedge Herbicide Kills Nutsedge


The other problem my lawn care person told us about (I am a garden geek- can you tell) is Dallisgrass. It looks like crabgrass but grows more upright. The product they used to use to control it is banned in MA so there is nothing that really works on a first time use. We have been having them dig that up. We didn't want multiple applications of crabgrass killer which is what it takes to get rid of it. It is a southern grass that has enjoyed this heat way too much.

[Logs and Dogs]

Weed is taking over your yard? Yikes......

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by Logs and Dogs

Weed is taking over your yard? Yikes......

Sell it, quick!

[mmyk72]

I have a lot of bare spots in the lawn. The 'normal' grass that's thin, dark green, needle shape looks really weak.

Question for you guys: Isn't it better to have crabgrass than no grass at all?

[Beachcomber4]

Crabgrass is an annual grass that germinates in the heat of the summer. If you have a crabgrass lawn you will only have it for 4-6 weeks. The rest of the year it will just be dirt or mud.

[mmyk72]

ok. makes sense. Now to re-seed those bare mud/dirt spots, what type of seed should I get. The is a part of my lawn that gets sun all day (almost no shade), and that's where the grass is the weakest and they bald spots are. It's not a big area - I'd say it's like the size of a parking space for a full size car.

[Beachcomber4]

You should wait until fall to seed if you can. You can either top dress and seed or rent a slice seeder- depending on the soil condition etc. Get a sun mix grass seed and stay away from cheap contractors mixes. Go to a good garden center and get some suggestions.

[mmyk72]

Originally Posted by Beachcomber4

You should wait until fall to seed if you can. You can either top dress and seed or rent a slice seeder- depending on the soil condition etc. Get a sun mix grass seed and stay away from cheap contractors mixes. Go to a good garden center and get some suggestions.

thanks!!

[mmyk72]

Have been looking into grass seeds... what is Fescue grass and is this something appropriate for our region (Eastern MA)?

[Beachcomber4]

Fescue is good but in our area you need a mix.

Combat Extremeâ„¢ Transition Zone - Transition Zone Grass Seed