[Arid_gardener] removing Bermuda

[Tyler Storey]

Hi M,
Let me back up your process a step or two, and I think you'll have an easier
and less expensive way to convert your Bermuda Grass areas to desert
landscape.  

Excavating and removing the first few inches of soil when removing Bermuda
is not uncommon in the landscape trade, but it really isn't effective.
Bermuda grass can have roots that go down three feet into the soil, and
every last segment of Bermuda root is capable of re-growing.  Because of
that, if you only take off the first four inches, you've really achieved
nothing.  

Next, pre-emergent herbicides only work on germinating seedlings.  Because
any re-growth of your Bermuda will be from runners and roots, not seed, a
pre-emergent will do nothing to prevent it.  Corn gluten was something of a
fad a few years ago and still has some limited possibilities, but it, too,
will not work on re-growing Bermuda roots.  

You may choose to use a pre-emergent to prevent the growth of other weeds,
but given the precision necessary for pre-emergents to be effective, and the
waste that comes from applying herbicide over an entire landscape instead of
to individual weeds, it's not a process that I recommend.

So here's the good news: you have picked the right time of year for the
easiest possible way to remove your Bermuda lawn.  Here's what you do:

1 -- For the next two weeks, water and fertilize your Bermuda as if you were
keeping it and you wanted to have the best lawn in the world, but don't cut
it.  
2 -- Once the grass is really happy and growing, purchase an herbicide
called "glyphosate."  It comes under a number of trade names, and you should
be able to find it as a generic at a big home and garden store.  Check the
label to be certain that it contains glyphosate as its only active
ingredient.  You may want to buy a sprayer as well.
3 -- Read the label, including precautions and application rates, carefully,
and then spray your happy Bermuda thoroughly.  Do this in the morning when
the grass is fresh, being certain to avoid wind-drift.  Be certain to not
get any spray on any plants you wish to keep.  
(A note about Glyphosate: it's very safe to use when the directions are
followed, much safer than almost any other herbicide on the market.  The
reason it works so well for eliminating Bermuda is that it is a systemic,
meaning it will move throughout all parts of the grass, including the deep
roots.  That's also why you need the Bermuda to be happy and healthy: so
that it will quickly and effectively circulate the herbicide.It is
ineffective on dying plants.)
4 -- Don't water the lawn until the following evening, then water as usual
going forward.  This first spraying should eliminate 90% of the Bermuda.
5 -- About a week-and-a-half later repeat the process, wait to water until
the following evening, and then continue watering as usual.  Within a few
days, 99% of the Bermuda will be dead.  
6 -- Once you have established your new plants, monitor the area for new
sprouts of Bermuda, spot spraying when you find them; be sure to shield
desirable plants from the spray.  

That is pretty much the process established by University of Arizona
research to be the most effective method.  Also, it avoids the waste and
expense and soil compaction that inevitably comes with removing a layer of
soil. 

A quick note about something you didn't ask about: you might consider using
an organic mulch such as small chipped bark instead of rock.  It is
comparable or slightly lower in price, will hold moisture better, improve
your soil over time, and won't blow or wash away on a predominantly level
surface.  Just a thought.

I hope this helps,
Tyler

tyler at tylerstorey.com
http://tylerstorey.com
http://thedesertgarden.com
602-738-2978
-----Original Message-----
From: arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu
[mailto:arid_gardener-bounces at CALS.arizona.edu] On Behalf Of
skier435 at yahoo.com
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 4:00 PM
To: arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


85225
skier435 at yahoo.com

Hello, 

I am in the process of a landscape project where I am converting much of my
property to a desert landscape. This will entail excavating my property and
removing 4+ inches of soil, including my Bermuda grass.

Should I use a pre-emergent where I will be laying rock or is removing the
soil and turf to a depth of 4+ inches enough? If I should use one, I'm
wondering if it's too late for applying one, since it's already the first
week in May. Lastly, I searched the archives and saw a thread about using
corn meal gluten as an herbicide. Would something like that work for Bermuda
grass?

I appreciate the info.

Sincerely,

M. Dawson
Chandler, Arizona


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