Hi ram0135,
I am familiar with what you're trying to do. Although I didn't lay
grass after my weed eradication, but put down a desert landscape. But
the solution is the same and this works. It will take some dedication
and a lot of watering every few days. Do all the weed spraying on
non-windy days. Try to let the soil dry between waterings.
My suggestion for herbicides to buy - would be to go to a Nursery or
Home Depot type store and ask the nursery people what they recommend
for your area. The weeds you're eliminating are common and many
products exist for the crabgrass and bermuda weeds.
It doesn't matter whether you're going to lay sod or seed. Preparing
the soil like you're planning on doing will work for both.
Before you purchase an herbicide, be sure to identify the weed as
either grassy or broadleaf. If you can, attempt to identify the weed
you are trying to control more specifically. You may want to bring a
sample into your local nurseryman...
Once you have identified the weed, your local nurserymman will be able
to help you select an herbicide that is most effective for your needs.
=======================================
http://www.sod.com/html/weed_control.html
"New lawn Weed Control:
Weed control is best performed prior to establishing your new lawn.
Whether you are replacing an existing lawn or creating a new lawn
area, you have existing weed seeds in your soil. It is very
important, therefor, to follow these simple instructions prior to
sodding or seeding your new lawn:
Weed control for establishing a new lawn area:
1. Prepare the soil and irrigation systems. (you've done that by now)
2. Water the new lawn area, in an effort to germinate existing weeds.
This should take anywhere from two to four weeks. (this seems like a
silly step but it is necessary)
3. Once the weeds have germinated, eradicate them by spraying with a
herbicide like Roundup. (Be careful to spray the weeds before they
become mature and begin to flower.)
4. Remove the dead weeds by hand or with a shovel.
5. If you had excessive weeds or plan to seed rather than sod, repeat
this process once more. Remove dead weeds by hand and re-grade soil
prior to sodding or seeding."
=======================================
Now... after your new lawn is established, you'll need to control
weeds and
"An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
"The most effective weed control program starts with proper site
preparation for your new lawn. Once the lawn is established, weeds
are best controlled by maintaining your lawn in a healthy green and
dense condition. An appropriate watering schedule combined with a
regular fertilization program , will go a long way to maintaining your
lawn in a healthy weed free state.
In some circumstances. Like shade for example, you may have difficulty
maintaining turf density and therefor experience some weed
infestation. Depending on the severity, you can manually pull the
weeds or use a chemical weed control applied by yourself or a lawn
service. If you're a "do-it-yourselfer", be sure to read the label.
Remember, it is illegal to use a lawn chemical in a manner contrary to
the label."
=======================================
Allaboutlawns.com
http://www.allaboutlawns.com/Knowing_Your_Lawn_Central.htm
=======================================
After your beautiful lawn is established: Keeping Weeds at Bay
http://www.american-lawns.com/problems/weeds.html
"There's something soothing about seeing an even expanse of green
grass that seems to lower our blood-pressure a bit. And to some
people, when that expanse is broken up by something growing where it
shouldn't be growing, it seems to raise it a notch or two. Weeds are
just one type of plant that we have decided shouldn't be growing in
one particular place. Wild orchids growing in Hawaii are considered
weeds there. It's just your point of view as to what makes a weed a
weed. Some weed-type plants are very invasive and fast growing. Their
growth habit overtakes our cultivated turf plants, depriving them of
food and water.
Some common lawn weeds are annuals. Sprouting from seeds, they
develop, blossom and form new seeds, then die in the fall, repeating
the process each year. Crabgrass is one such weed. Once these types of
weeds take root, they are difficult to remove without harming the
lawn. The ideal control prevents them from developing. Applying a
Pre-emergent Control in the spring does this. The soil's surface is
covered with a microscopic protective layer that prevents any
germinating seeds from taking hold, including crabgrass. If left
undisturbed, this protective layer will maintain its defensive
qualities throughout the prime germinating period. This is when most
weed seeds will normally start developing. Of course, there is no 100%
guarantee that additional seeds won't be carried in by winds, birds,
or any number of other methods.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide
labels. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape
and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn).
Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate
soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow
for a few days before and after application. Consider spot treating
weeds rather than broadcasting weed killer over the entire area. Use
caution on newly seeded areas; wait four mowings before treating newly
seeded lawns and 30 days before seeding areas treated with broadleaf
herbicides. Read the label regarding potential tree damage when used
on lawns growing over tree root zones."
Search strategy: personal knowledge and Google -
kill roots crabgrass + bermuda weeds,
prepare soil new lawn,
herbicides,
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
