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New seedlings or plugs will not begin putting on runners
until the plant has developed a good root system. This period
(which requires warm weather) may vary from a few days for
the fast growing Bermudas to several weeks for slow-growers
such as Centipede or the Zoysias.
High temperatures, adequate moisture and nitrogen are essential
for rapid growth. If any one of these factors is missing the
growth will be slow, even though the presence of the other
factors will help.
Do not become discouraged and neglect your lawn in the early
stages of development. Given a good start, and good care,
these grasses will increase their rate of spread as time goes
by.
WEEDS
Millions of words have been written on weed and crabgrass
control and there are hundreds of different herbicides and
combinations on the market to control them. The best weed
control is a vigorous, dense turf which in most instances,
resist the invasion of weeds. During the establishment period
of a new lawn hand-pulling or hoeing will likely destroy as
many grass seedlings as weeds. Herbicides used to control
weeds are grouped into two categories: Nonselective, which
will kill all plants regardless of species, use only as spot
treatments or to control unwanted growth along or in beds,
walls and driveways. A selective herbicide will kill certain
plants when applied properly without seriously affecting other
plants.
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Preemergence herbicides are applied prior to weed seed germination and growth and effect the germination process. Preemerge herbicides are only recommended for lawns that
have been established for at least one full growing season.
The easiest way to apply a preemerge herbicide is to use a
weed and feed fertilizer in the early spring. Never apply
a preemerge herbicide or fertilizer containing one before
seeding or soon after seeding as it will have the same detrimental
effect on grass seed.
Postemerge herbicides are applied directly to actively growing
weeds and are specific to weed types such as broadleaf or
grassy weeds. Additionally, most postemerge herbicides are
specific to certain grass varieties. Always Read and Study
Labels before purchasing and Applying Any Herbicide. If
you have any doubt seek advice from the Cooperative Extension
Service, a reputable lawn and garden store or a lawn care
company.
The simplest solution for many people is to mow the weeds
and make a fairly presentable lawn from them until such time
as the permanent grass, given treatment favors it, chokes
out the weeds and makes a weed-free lawn. Mow regularly to
a height of approximately one inch for Bermudas, Centipede
and Zoysias, and two inches for St. Augustines and Bahias.
Mow off weed seed heads before the seeds can mature, and do
not disturb the soil and hence bring new weed seed to the
surface where they can grow.
Once a dense turf is produced, continued good management
will enable it to keep most weeds crowded out.
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