re: centipede to bermuda plan... (updated with pics 5/14/24)

quote:

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has a halfway decent stand of natural bermuda coming up along with the usual suspects of weeds and especially clover right now. I know how to guide him to promote the bermuda growth and get rid of the weeds but he also needs some dirt work done to fill in some low spots and ensure proper overall drainage and general levelness (imagine a typical yard left after the contractor leaves). It's too much for general sand top dressing.

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You’ve described my backyard as of last summer.

My advice is to mow and fertilize like crazy from April through June.
In early July add some really finely strained dirt or play sand for leveling.

Enjoy watching that common Bermuda take over the sandy spots by October.

I added several yards of river silt (do not recommend) in September and still had a lot of coverage made in just six weeks.

Edit: I would wait until June or July to get the thickest and healthiest stand of grass possible for adding dirt in the low spots and top dressing the rest of the lawn.

If he goes with hybrid Bermuda sod just nuke the whole thing now, add the dirt, get it perfect, lay the sod.

Obviously the second option will be more expensive. For me, it wasn’t worth it and it’s not as much fun. I like the challenge

Here’s what I’m talking about:




And keep in mind I wasn’t even pushing growth with nitrogen here since it was fall, and the sun angle was already dropping behind those trees.