Due to the current recession, I have added “Lawn Engineer” to my current job titles at the home. In doing so, I have found that Bermuda grass is a S.O.B..
In my estimation, there are two “types” of weeds (if they are actually deemed weeds). Weed number one (pictured below) is obviously a weed, but I am not familiar with its kind. What I am trying to do is figure out how to rid of it and what causes it to grow. This lawn is in Phoenix, Arizona. I have considered putting Scotts Lawn Turf on it, but due to the heat restrictions, I am hesitant.
Weed number two (pictured below) might not actually be a weed. I am actually trying to clarify this. I have heard that when Bermuda gets long, this is what it looks like. However, I am not 100% convinced. If anyone has any insight into this, please advise.
Once the lawn is cut (pictured below) it looks next to perfect, minus a small batch of weeds I named “weed one” above.
#1 by torey on August 5th, 2009
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I ran accross your site while attempting to identify the weed variety that overtaking our lawn. It matches your weed #1. Just wondering if you have identifed it as yet.
Kind Regards,
Torey
#2 by Tom in San Diego on September 11th, 2009
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I have the same type of weed (#1) growing in my bermuda grass lawn along with others. The way I control it is by mowing the grass low. Anywhere from 1/2 to 1 inch.
I believe #2 is from allowing your bermuda grass to grow too long. I think it is just going through a normal cycle and seeding. Keeping it short will eliminate this. I get the same thing when my lawn hasn’t been mowed for a few weeks.
I have been told that you shouldn’t put anything with weed control or killer on bermuda grass. They can cause it to turn yellow or brown.
#3 by byan on September 11th, 2009
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Thanks for the great input Tom. I think I can now close the book on weed #2. It’s simply long Bermuda grass. I will give mowing my lawn really short as you suggested. Funny enough, I let my lawn grow really long a few weeks ago and it seemed to help cut out some of the weeds a bit. I’m not sure if it self-seeded or what, but it did help.
#4 by Chris on July 29th, 2010
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Weed number 1 has completely taken over my front yard (approx. 900 sq. ft. of grass) The grass(bob sod) no longer grows and I have found no way to “control” or eliminate it. I tried mowing the yard to about a 1/2″ but all the alien weed did was disappear into the yard and grow back with a vengance. Now it is so overpowering the grass below is completey choked out and will not grow. I have also thatched the yard numerous times and used Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control with no success. I am at a total loss now.
#5 by byan on September 1st, 2010
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Chris,
What I would do is use a higher end weed killer, wait then try reseeding bad areas. I have also fertilized, but once it’s too hot I think you’re are S.O.L.
Sspeak with a nursery, not Home Depot/Lowes. They can usually steer you correctly. But I will add that summer grass is border line not worth your time. Mine looked spectacular last year because I dedicated a lot of time, but this year it sucks. Lawn services really help in the summer because it requires weekly maintenance, and lots of special care.