News about upcoming videos and some simple thoughts…
August 8, 2018
Started this blog / journal for those that would like to know more about what’s going on “behind the scenes”. Click the pic to see Doc’s lawn today. Long hot week. Started treating neighbors lawn and will post updates. Little concerned about the 90+ dry heat and no rain, considering I did put down some weed and crabgrass treatment. While it won’t KILL the Bermuda, we might have a little burn. Will post some updates. 8/10 Note: Started playing with a new SUPER JUICE treatment I came up with. I’ll post a video soon. Had a great phone call with the product manager of the new fertilizer company and he was able to get the inventor of the product on the call as well. Great phone call with lots of knowledge shared. Everyone is dying to get there hands on this stuff, but progress takes time. Working on the 2019 calendar. Video will done next month but we wanted a TICKLE chart. Debating the new launch of our video series… the upcoming 2020 economy. WOW… what a decision that will be. Upcoming video list… DEER HUNTING – Water cannon to scare deer. FERTILIZER CRACK – I need to stop the addiction. FENCE POWER WASHING – Cleaning the old nasty fence. FENCE STAINING – Using the new sprayer to stain. NEW GENERATOR – Time for an updated unit. New 2019 Bermuda Grass Calendar Get ready for Fall.
See preview below.
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Doc, the granular pre-emergent you use is not available where I live. Do you have an alternative pre-emergent I can use?
https://www.howtowithdoc.com/docs-product-links/preemergent-bermuda-grass/
Not sure where you live but I would get the granular barricade on that page.
Doc, thank you for your prompt reply. I enjoy your videos and appreciate all your hard work. By the way, your lawn is something special. I live in Texas, additionally, my Bermuda grass is weak to very week throughout much of my yard. I’m working to rebuild it after several years of neglect. I’ve used HumicDG and have applied Liquid Law a couple of times now, in accordance with your suggestion, and it’s working great. The granular pre-emergent you suggest will not harm the weak areas of my lawn, will it?
Pre-emerge’s are fairly easy on established lawns. There is SOME talk about them impacting root growth, but I have never had an issue with that. If you can wait… wait until it gets a little cooler and wetter.
Hello, thanks for all the help & for the videos. My main question is, after planting seed when is a good time to apply the 1st coat of pre M weather liquid or granular? I put my bermuda seed down mid July. It is coming out well although it has several weeds that I want to stay away from in the next season. Especially those goat heads & fox tails! So far I have been hand pulling them since I put the seed down.
Next year. No pre-em this year. Wait for the spring app.
Thank you for the info. What do you think about liq lawn this early? So far, I have only put down an app of Milo & some organic fert.
I put down LL all the time on everything. It’s just amazing stuff.
What liquid aeration do you use or recommend?
I don’t… I have tried them and found them to be not needed if you physically aerate, fertilize, and use humic, you will get the same or better results.
Hi, Doc:
I’ve become a big fan of your videos.
I have several areas, mostly beneath oak trees, that are doing terribly. I don’t think it’s lack of sun, I think it may be the acorns and fallout. This is s common problem around here (Newnan, GA area). This might be a good video.
Also, do you have a printable version of your Bermuda Calendar? I want to sell my house next spring, and I’d like my lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood. I’ve got about 8 months to get it turned around.
Thanks!
Dennis
Just a few hours of shade can impact Bermuda. That combined with roots of trees creates the weak areas.
Doc, I would like to see a video on how you keep the grass and weeds off your fence line
It’s on the list… might just include it on one coming up. Thanks
I second this question. I have a fence around 25k in my backyard and trimming that is tiring. Thanks!
Doc – looks like my neighbors fungus is starting to hit my yard. I bought the recommended Humic acid and liquid lawn, would you suggest I add these two products and avoid the fungicide treatment? Would it be safe to add all three?
I have Bermuda lawn in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Apply whatever you’re going to apply first… then the next day, when the grass is totally dry, mid afternoon, spray with the fungus treatment. You’ll want it to dry on the blades as well as treat the ground. It’s a tough battle when it’s hot and humid.
Doc – Thank you for quick reply. I really enjoy your videos.
Quick follow up question. Would you recommend mowing the grass before or after the fungus treatment?
I want the fungicide to be on there for at least 3 days undisturbed. So cut grass then spray. You might have to repeat again FYI. My spots took 3 treatments.
Hey Doc,
Would appreciate your input on how to deal with Bahia in Bermuda. Many thanks
https://amzn.to/2MkUjNp That should do it. follow instructions carefully. Doc
Hey Doc, I put down some per-emergent today. I also live in Georgia close to Athens. My question is how long should I wait before I apply again.
Doc,
Huge fan of your videos. You have helped make my lawn look like one of the best on my block. Been wanting to reach out and thank you. Also, have you considered having a forum/message board on your website for the people who follow you can go to, discuss, post pictures, ask questions, etc.? I think it would be a great addition to your website. I do web design on the side so let me know if you need help with it. Anyways, just food for thought. Thanks again for your videos!
Hey Doc, thanx for all you research and advice. Really appreciate it. I have 10 acres of common Bermuda (pasture grass). Other than cutting it higher than sod, any changes, or tweaks, you would suggest on your calendar for those of us using common Bermuda? Also I’m limited to granular applications. If spectricide isn’t available here, how do you feel about Lesco pre-emergent? I’m using light coats of fertilizer about every 4-5 weeks. Some 16-4-8 followed in a couple of weeks with 34-0-0 (light). Has really helped. Should I plan to kill the crabgrass now, or let it die out… Read more »
Need a little help mixing the proper ratio for the liquid lawn. Front lawn is 300 sq ft and rear is 700 sq ft. Thanks in advance.
Is that really 300 and 700 sq feet?
Hey doc love all your videos I’m kinda a fanatic about my Bermuda lawn like you says my wife. Lol. But question can this humic acid penetrate clay ? I live Birmingham al. What about arirating can with help break up the clay that sits beneath my lawn?
Clay and sand is really where it benefits the most. So yes. Watch the new video.
Doc watch your video this morning on your super juice. Would it be possible to list the ingredients of amount of each on your blog. I switched over to Bermuda grass for the first time this year and your knowledge plus videos have greatly been beneficial. Thank you
Buddy if you click on Docs video “Super Juice” you will see a break down of each ingredient and quantities based on his 20,000 sf lawn.
Hey Doc,
Will one 11lb bag of Humic Dg cover a 10,000 sq foot yard? It comes across as your yard is at least that big and you only use one bag for your yard when you put it out.
BAG SAYS: light rate 11 pounds covers 11,000 MED rate 5000 and HEAVY 2500 sq feet.
Right now I’m doing med rate.
Doc, can you make a video where replacing your lawn with sod is a better option compared to rehabilitating your Bermuda grass?
I have restored some of the worst looking lawns you can imagine… so I really don’t think it’s needed. Bermuda is a horrible weed that can’t be killed. That’s why it makes good grass.
I’m getting alot of mushrooms here lately, is that a good thing or bad thing.
You know I wanted to have fun with that… but… it’s pretty normal. Just pull them as soon as you see them and they eventually dry up.
Hi Doc, Can you use the honda pressure washer with the surface cleaner on Monobloc driveways (live in Scotland there are many Monobloc driveways) not just concrete driveways? Also seen the new honda 3000psi machine seems more compact, thinking of purchasing that.
It works best with 3200 psi which keeps it FLOATING. That will help with any block type surface.
Hi Doc
My Bermuda is coming along great sence I found your videos , but I have some huge bare spots . I have been stealing shovel full of Bermuda to fill in along with the natural growth. But still coming up short . I’m afraid I won’t get it all filled in this season . I live in central California and it gets really hot here up to 106 and hotter .
It may not this season. Spring is the time to PUSH…
How deep can I push my Bermuda. I finally started getting results . It will be a bummer to finally get my Bermuda to where I want only for the season to end ?
Not sure what you mean by deep… GREAT lawns just take time. Next year will be awesome.
Just mean September or October what I mean by deep in the season I notice one year my Bermuda lawn look good late October but not sure that’s normal
You really can’t change when Bermuda shuts down. It’s based on the weather. So just keeping doing what you’re doing and it will look good til the first frost temps. If it doesn’t need nutrients… it won’t use them.
Hi doc I recently found you videos and my Bermuda grass is coming along great with all your products And tips still have a lot of very big bare spots some really big and I’ve been filling them in . recently I just cut my grass and it really took a hit and turned brown and thin After looking great after about a week it’s almost ,back green again obviously I don’t want to do that again I guess I must not cut that low and need to mow my grass a little bit higher . It really was a… Read more »
Yes, it’s hot and dry. Let it grow longer. I want mine short too, but leaving it long until rain patterns change. ALL HAIL THE 10 DAY FORECAST….
Hey Doc…I absolutely love the videos..and the product link suggestions..I’ve been fighting nutsedge for months..but your link to Image Nutsedge killer has solved that problem! Thanks again….my backyard has a slope so I’ve been working on that…the top part is nice..the sloped in is a work in progress
Mine is gone as well. None left.
My yard looks amazing thanks to your tips. Neighbors asked me what I did and told them to come to your site and watch the videos
That’s what all the cool people do… 🙂
Doc, big fan here. Always get excited when I go on YouTube on my SmartTV and see you have a new video out. Anyway, I thought it was pretty cool that I discovered another product from The Andersons called Black Gypsum DG that contains 70% gypsum and 30% humic. Really good product. I can get a 40lb bag for $39.99 at my local landscape place. Perhaps you could do a video on this product as well? As you know, the gypsum is really supposed to help break up the rock-hard compacted clay soil I have here in Birmingham, AL. I’ve… Read more »
I’ll look at the other product, but A LOT of good results with the humic on clay.
You can try and push shaded Bermuda but no sun makes it tough.
Hey doc, you rock. Question just as you use 1/2 app of granular & 1/2 app liquid on a couple of the videos, would it be good to do the same with the Barricade DG & Prodiamine? I am in Southern California Bermuda grass. We def have plenty of foxtail here I also have those darn little goathead thorns THEY SEEM TO NEVER BE FULLY GONE…Thanks for your time & the help!
When it comes to pre-emerges… I always do full strength. I’d rather see you do one, then wait a few weeks then another. They are the GIFT for lawns that keep giving.
Thanks, sounds good. Follow up question, I put my seed down middle to end of July (3-4 weeks ago). How long should I wait to put a pre emergent app?
Cooler weather. Video coming in a few weeks.
Hey Doc, So I have a new Bermuda lawn in which the Sod was laid down in mid-June. I’ve been following your program and already after 2 months I already have a better looking lawn than some of the “established” lawns in the neighborhood. I do have 2 questions though: 1. What can I do about all the goose grass? Do I really have to dig them up since they didn’t put down pre-emergent before or right at laying the sod I have it all over. 2. Can I fully scalp my lawn next spring with it being a newly… Read more »
Goose grass sucks… If it’s just spots of it… you can get a TINY rag and dip it in round up and CAREFULLY touch the goose grass center. NO DRIPPING NOW…….. risky yes but it works. If it’s large areas then you’re kind of screwed. Have to wait on LOTS of preemerge treatments. Spray and granular. Yes, scalp next year, but do a mild one down to about 3/4″ and do it once green is showing all over.
Hi doc …. I have become a big fan ! My question is it’s August can or should I put pre emergent down now , I haven’t put any yet but didn’t know what I should do because I was addressing a nutsedge problem a rather annoying amount . Well your video on nutsedge took care of that in about three days and the product I used took out lots of weeds as well so I haven’t felt I needed the pre emergent ? The burmuda is growing and filling in pretty fast with the various products you have recommended… Read more »
Wait for the heat to DULL DOWN a bit. We’ll put it down in Sept.
Liquid Lawn works fantasic, is very reasonably priced, wont burn, and goes a long way
Doc…Ive been struggling for 4 years to get bermuda to grow in my front yard under a large Oak tree. Liquid Lawn every two weeks has the area about 95% covered…thanks sooooo much.
That’s awesome. Good to hear.
Hi Doc, enjoyed your videos. They taught me a lot. I seeded my yard with Bermuda around July 1st. Most of it have come up nicely except some spots where the soil was very clayey and water does not drain well. Anyway, there’s a lot of goose grass and nutsedge popping up. I spent a lot of time pulling them out but I wonder if there is a better way? Would it be OK for me to put down a pre-emergent (Dithiopyr) to prevent new goose grass (I can pull out all existing goose grass; this is just to deal… Read more »
Young Bermuda is sensitive to everything it seems, so be careful. I would rather you CLOSELY spot treat each plant.
The goose grass will be handled with pre-emerge next year but nutsedge really needs the spot treatment I do.
Thanks Doc. I am ordering the Liquid Lawn to see if it helps to Bermuda to grow into the bare spots.
It can be hard this time of year with the heat, but worth a shot.
Hey Doc,
Love your videos!
I wanted to ask about any budget friendly alternatives to granular fertilizers. I know that some products can be quite expensive. What granular fertilizers would you recommend for someone on a budget?
Hi Doc , As I have mentioned before I am a huge fan of your videos …..I really liked your video of filling in bare spots . Lol ….Scotty has taken it to a whole new level to say the least. I have massive bare spots and have used your advice to transplant burmuda to the desired spot or spots in my case . I have robbed one area to an area of need …but not without a lot of work . Some areas have worked better than others as I mentioned. I will give an example some translated areas… Read more »
Hi Doc ,Well I’m still filling in bare spots but have had nice results . Home Depot and Lowe’s don’t have urban farms liquid lawn to my disappointment even though the ordering process in my area California. But I have been using Scott s turf builder and Miracle Grow with good results . I am aware I can order the product from Wal-Mart and still got to get the order in and plan to do so . Thanks once again doc because of you my Bermuda lawn has a chance ❗️Scotty the Bermuda novice .
How do you control all types of ants in a Bermuda lawn? Loving the how-to’s. Thanks a bunch!
Doc, I was curious if I can use Liquid Lawn on recently planted seed along with a starter fertilizer. If you have covered this already, please accept my apology. Thanks for all of your hard work and the valuable info
If you have put down the “starter” already then you might burn if doubling up. If not, then skip the starter and use the LL.
Doc, on your Super Juice Cocktail, we have some new flower beds that are already mulched but the soil under is very poor. 1.) Can I use the cocktail in the beds, and 2.) would I have to rake out the mulch or apply on top, or 3.) just put straight Humic on top of the mulch and let it melt to the soil? Mulch is 2 to 4 inches in spots.
I think it would be tough for the humic to work down, but the fert part and fulvic part would be fine.
Just be careful foliage spraying fert on flowers in the heat of the day.
Maybe spray them late eve, the rinse lightly in the morning.
Doc, during the winter you mentioned to do absolutely nothing to the Bermuda. Does that include not watering it?
Yes, it’s 100% dormant so nothing needs to be done. Unless you are in a 2 month drought of course.
Thanks doc. Love your videos. Very helpful. You mentioned “crock pot” to eliminate rabbits from eating my Bermuda. What is Crock Pot?
Humor… kill’m and eat’m
Hello Doc.. how to control Rabbits not to enter my yard. I see bare spots on my Bermuda lawn when they pooped. I am so frustrating with these rabbits..
Thanks for help.
Fence or crock pot… really the only two ways.
Hello Doc, maybe a video on the very stubborn chamberbitter weed? I know you don’t have this weed in your great lawn, but maybe you have dealt with it in the past? This thing has been a huge nuisance to my backyard both this year and last. It germinates in June. I put down Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns both in mid-Feb and late May, but it didn’t help this particular weed. After the fact I found out that the best active ingredient to prevent it is isoxaben, which is in Bayer Advanced Season Long Weed Control. Even once it… Read more »
I actually get it in my garden area.
If you have a LOT of it in your lawn, I would do LIGHT post and pre-merge treatments every week for 3 weeks.
(Isoxaben only) Then also do a spray bottle spot treatment of growing weeds full strength.
Pain I know… but that’s about the only way.
The instructions on Liquid Lawn container say that a light watering, 24 hours after application. Is this 24 hour period set in stone? If not, what is the earliest after application can this product be lightly watered in?
You can water in any time you want. I think the reason for the 24 hours is to allow any iron or other foliar absorption. “Foliar feeding is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves. The absorption takes place through their stomata and also through their epidermis.” However on some BROAD LEAF flowers and plants I have seen a TINY bit of burn spots when done in the heat of day.
Hey Doc – love the videos! I live in a townhome community in Murrells Inlet SC and the HOA does a lousy job at best in caring for our Bermuda grass lawns – so I am declaring war and doing it myself. Ordered a gallon of the Bayer Advanced Lawn Weed & Crabgrass killer — can I combine this with some Image and surfactant in a pump sprayer and spray for all the weeds at once? Or is it not a good idea to mix the Image with another product? Also, based on my locale as related to yours, would… Read more »
This time of year I would actually LOWER the dosage of the weed killer to about 1/2.
It’s HOT and dry and you need to be gentle. Spot treat as much as you can too.
If the image is for nutsedge, I would rather have you do my spot treatment I show in the video rather than treat the entire yard.
Just not sure how big the weed problem is.
I am really looking forward to a good Pre-emergent video. As we get ready to enter the month of September I want to be ready with a product to throw down when you say its time. I really want to nip that Poa Annua in the rear this go around. Thanks Doc for all the work and videos.
Yes, when we bought this house it was Sept years ago… the first winter poa annua turned the back yard 90% green by spring.
2nd year… nothing. We’ll be doing a good FALL video that will help.
Women of my neighbors burn there dead grass late winter/early spring instead of scalping. They tell me it puts nutrients back into the soil. Any truth to this? If so, is this something you recommend?
Good read: http://www.walterreeves.com/lawn-care/bermuda-burning-in-winter/
Very little gets “returned” as the dead brown grass has very little in the way of nutrients. MANY house fires and large fires have been started by burning lawns. It can get out of control very easy. You’ll also have a NASTY looking black lawn for several weeks and a foul smell. So the majority of “experts”, much smarter than me, say NO, do not burn.
Hi Doc, can I apply weed killer right after applying super juice
Yes, but just be careful with weed killers this time of year. Most lawns are fairly stressed.
Doc…..is killing nutsedge a life long project ?
I’ve sprayed my entire back yard at least 5 times over the last 3 years and LOW AND BEHOLD ..it’s back.
Ive used virtually every product but have had best results with Sedgehammer !
Is there a true one time spray fix ?
The only method I know that REALLY works is the one shown in my video. STRONG spot concentration in the area of the “nuts” that lie beneath the soil. So spray the whole lawn and then double spot treat actually shoots returning.
There are literally thousands coming up again…but another spray today…that’s two this month ! Just hope it doesn’t effect my golf course beautiful Bermuda grass……thanks to my once a month spraying with Liquid Lawn. btw. I add a drop of dish soap to help the Liquid Lawn stick to the grass
Ortho nutsedge product is awesome I’ve used sledgehammer….both work ortho spray bottle nutedge easierans Best results jmho
Hello Doc!!
Any updates yet on the release of the Humic dg?
Yes, I talked to them and 4 pallets went to Amazon so should be in this week. Also the 40 pound bag should be there too.
Thanks Doc!! I’m on it!!
What are your thoughts on overseeding with rye for the winter
I don’t. I think it creates more work and in the spring you have “competition” for the sun and nutrients. Kind of the reason I hate poa annua
Doc, love the videos sir! Your website has become my time waster. The equivalent of Facebook for my wife….. I live in Oklahoma (good ole red clay) and have an acre on a new build. We only have Bermuda sod about 30 feet around my whole house. The rest of my acre is infest with Johnson grass. Using your calendar this season has my Bermuda looking great and it spreading like wild fire to the rest of the acre but my Johnson grass is also doing great. Any suggestions on how I get rid of it? Round up doesn’t even… Read more »
Most of the herbicides that are good on it are not approved for residential use. Target 6 plus, outrider, etc, are great on it, but fed regs so no to use on lawns.
Google it and see if you can find something close that can be used.
Hi Doc. Thanks for all your work and very informative videos. I have one question about liquid lawn mixing ratio. Are you screening straight liquid lawn fertilizer into a bucket then add a bit of iron in it then fill up all your blue spraying bottles? One of your video you mention about you fill 7 bottles for your lawn, do you need to mix with water?
Depends… I do water down for the frequent feedings about 50%. But if feeding a new lawn / project I’ll hit it all full strength.
If there is granular down already, then yes for sure dilute.
Hi Doc ….. Scotty the novice Bermuda guy . Hey I have a new question I have a rather large area of Bermuda not close to the size of your lawn ,now 90% filled in 10 % Bare spots now growing in and filling in fast thanks to the doctor ❗️And his products . The new question I have another area separate from the large area of hybrid Bermuda and a smaller area with a different variety of Bermuda…. I think tiff 2 the question IS I really like the hybrid Bermuda it’s a more finer leaf and softer variety… Read more »
Yes, you can steal stolons and plant in there. It’s just a battle of who wins really.
Hey Doc …. been stealing stolens most of the hot day filling in bare spots. I let you know how it works out. It’s a work in progress and a lot of success…..fun stuff and rewarding! The doc rocks …. pretty sure this backyard would have struggled without your videos ?
How often should I apply a granular fertilizer at 50% bag rate if I’m also applying liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks at 50%?
Or do you only recommend granulars during specific times of the year?
Hey Doc, thanks for the youtube videos – super helpful for taking care of mu bermuda grass. I moved to the US a year and a half ago and never lived in a house before – so learn a lot of real-time on how to take care of the lawn. would you suggest what I should substitute bermuda grass in my shady backyard? obviously, there is not enough sun and the grass is suffering. We live in North Carolina. is fescue the right choice? if so, any advice on which particular fescue could be good to go with? thanks again!… Read more »
Always a tough choice / subject and LOTS of info you need to think about. Too much for here.
But yes they make shade tolerant fescue, but not total shade.
Then you have the BATTLE of fescue vs. bermuda to worry about.
Replace with mulch? Try the battle?
Tough subject.
Good read: https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/how-to-grow-grass-in-the-shade
thanks for the prompt response and for the article – will read carefully tonight!
should I worry about the battle? going to kill everything few weeks before seeding with this liquid https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-2-5-Gal-Weed-and-Grass-Killer-Concentrate-77760/206643925. and since it is shady – bermuda is very week there. I wish it were strong, so no need to split the yard between two types of grass…
Doc, this is just an observation…I noticed the Liquid Lawn label used to contain Calcium (it did say “Calcium and Iron Rich” on front label). Now it just says “Fortified with Iron” and calcium is no longer included in the mix. I know Urban Farm constantly tweaks the formula, but I was wondering why they don’t include Calcium anymore. Maybe it’s a pH thing? I just used Liquid Lawn for the first time yesterday with an Ortho Dial ‘N Spray and I’m really looking forward to incorporating it along with an organic fertilizer to get some great results. I really… Read more »
They removed the calcium due to complaints from farmers and ag users. It was clogging up their spray nozzles.
I asked as well. Pretty simple answer and nice to know they ACTUALLY LISTEN to their customers.
🙂
Hi Doc …. can u rate Scott’s liquid turf builder to urban farm liquid lawn I’m having big trouble finding the urban farms product
It’s a 29-0-3 and will work ok. It’s basically just liquid nitrogen. The LL needs to be ordered from Amazon.
Gotcha Doc….. just put in the order ?
Hi Doc is it safe for pets after urban farm liquid lawn is applied to lawn and ca people walk or play after application. In other words how long until using backbyard safely ❓?
Just read the label… it’s all natural stuff so just let it dry.
Hi Doc…
How do your videos and products work on fescue lawns . If not can you do a video that can help me as well , because my front yard is fescue. The reason I put burmuda in the back yard is I have dogs and the Bermuda repairs itself and can handle my dogs pee better than the fescue ever could . Thank you and I hope for a reply.