centipede to bermuda plan... (updated with pics)

You picked the right grass type to move away from and towards and amount of seed per sq footage.

Also correct on no pre emergent and scalp. Don’t forget to bag the clippings.

As far as timing, I think germination temp for Bermuda is around 70. The only concern about dropping seed too early would be birds, but it’s negligible.

The “starter” fert would be anything high in Nitrogen and Phosphorus (the first 2 numbers). After it’s established, lay off Phosphorus as it tends to create a lot of thatch.

After applying, rolling to create good seed to soil contact is preferred. And water twice per day for the first week. Don’t drench, just enough to keep the soil moist at all times.

Expect bare patches and weeds throughout, but nothing that can’t be overcome in 1 growing season. Enjoy watching it grow!

I overseeded my st aug/centipede lawn with Highlander bermuda from Hancock and plugged a few areas with Celebration bermuda from my dad's yard in 2021. My yard is about half bermuda now. I'm putting down another 5 lbs of Highlander in a couple of weeks.

My dad put down centipede sod in 2017 and there were a few spots of Celebration bermuda mixed in from the sod farm's screw up. He fought it for a couple of years but then gave up and his whole yard is bermuda now except for a couple shadier spots. It takes over really quick.

To be honest you can just round up that shite now and rake it all off. It won't have any effect in a couple weeks when you are ready to lay down bermuda.

Ronk I thought about that, but would it really be effective now if the majority is still dormant?

My experience with Bermuda tells me your plan is great.

When I did it, I scalped and bagged, aerated, seeded, lightly watered every day for a couple weeks, and just quit worrying about it. I didn't even fertilize (your yard may be deficient in some things though).

Then just let the Bermuda take the wheel and don't let it get too tall, that's your real job once it germinates

He can round up the spots that are being covered in dirt a couple weeks before laying dirt down.

Only thing, I would not put common bermuda. I've seeded blackjack and maya. These have finer blades. Another thing, once it's established hut it with some quinclorac and it will kill off the centipede and not touch the bermuda

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.

I have always been on the hate train of Bermuda. It's a weed......


But I have torpedo.........so I'm considering going to Bermuda just to use the only thing that kills it without killing the grass.