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Cherokee_Bermuda Journal

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9.1K views 38 replies 7 participants last post by  Cherokee_Bermuda  
#1 ·
After reading and learning for a couple years, I thought it was time to make the jump and start my own journal. I figure if I write my process down, I will be able to remember what I did, when I did it, and not have to wonder how many oz did I include during my last spray.

A little background, I have almost 10k sq ft of tiftuf bermuda. We bought our home in 2018. After owning multiple homes and always having yards that needed more TLC than I was able to offer, I was excited to get brand new sod and a fresh start with the home. I bought a used Mclane 20" 7 blade reel and was hooked. I have lots of trees around the property, but the side and front yard get really good light and strong growth. The backyard has more shadows and retains moisture, so moss and fungus have been an issue. I am optimistic for a good season this year.

My plan for 2021 is to move to a spray based treatment of my yard only. I am going to spray urea + iron + fungicide. I have not moved to using PGR...yet. It may happen. Before that happens, I need to do a full leveling of the turf. I have not done it yet and am dreading it, but I know it would be worth it.

Started this weekend with the scalp. It took multiple hours over two days to go from 1.25" down to 3/8". I was able to drop to .25" in the front but had to stop because the drive chain disengaged. I may get the other sides with the .25" setting next week. I would like to start the season and maintain at 5/8" for as long as I can this year.

Here goes nothing. 2021 has officially begun...
 
#4 ·
We haven't had rain in over a week so everything dried out nicely. So much that I was able to get my Mclane down to the lowest setting 1/4". I took multiple passes in different directions to get as low as it would let me. A hit dirt in a few spots. My reel needs a good backlap after a hard scalping this year. My rotary didn't get as much of the clippings as I would have liked, so I used the blower to clear as much as I could to avoid the dreaded "clipping waves" after our expected rains this week.

The backyard has a big moss problem due to shade and moisture retention. I cleared some of it but know this will be a project this year to come up with a more permanent solution.

I also used a heavy metal rake to break up some of the film that had formed in my side yard where excessive moisture pools. It looks like a white algae layer that became brittle when it dried.

I am tempted to get a balanced fertilizer down, but I am going to wait a few weeks until more green pops through.
 
T
#6 ·
Beautiful home and property. Next step is getting you into a toro or JD mower. 1600 or 260 would be perfect for your size.

I would also suggest some heavy sand top dressing this summer. Not just for leveling, but drainage as well. Could improve your moss issues.

I would suggest against a spray only program that involves only N. If you haven't done a soil test already I recommend it. Even if your sufficient on Macros you need to supplement P/K.
 
#7 ·
Thor865 said:
Beautiful home and property. Next step is getting you into a toro or JD mower. 1600 or 260 would be perfect for your size.

I would also suggest some heavy sand top dressing this summer. Not just for leveling, but drainage as well. Could improve your moss issues.

I would suggest against a spray only program that involves only N. If you haven't done a soil test already I recommend it. Even if your sufficient on Macros you need to supplement P/K.
Click to expand...
I did have a soil test in fall and looked good. I am going to put down 13-13-13 in a couple weeks and also a more balanced granular later in the season for P-K.

The sand would help in some areas for sure. I am dreading the work of doing it but know the reward would be worth it. The backyard where moss is heaviest fights with shadows from the trees. We may put in a new planting bed back there instead with some shade loving trees, shrubs, etc.

@Thor865 Thanks for the compliment on the property and house. I appreciate it.
 
#12 ·
Attacked the backyard where moss had grown out of control. I raked and got a lot out, but lots more to go. I am still deciding if I want to just add a planting bed in this section and not worry about fighting this corner, or pushing growth with plugs. I'd even consider laying some new sod there. If I lay new sod, I would install a french drain underneath and possible regrade to address the moisture issue.


 
#16 ·
Spot treated broadleaf weeds that popped up on 4/30 with Triad Select. Noticed today I had some tip burn (at least I think that's what it was and not a fungus).

Today, I sprayed .25# N/m mixed with Main Event dry iron at 1.1 dry oz/m. First time trying Main Event so I am curious to see how it goes.
 
#19 ·
Sprayed .25# N/M and added 2oz Main Event per M. I didn't see much of a change the last time I used Main Event when I applied at 1.1oz per M, so hoping this makes a difference. We have some warmer weather into the mid 80's this week so I am expecting a growth surge. I haven't applied PGR yet, but I have it ready to go, maybe the beginning of June depending on growth.
 
#21 ·
BruceAlmighty22 said:
Cherokee_Bermuda said:
Backlapped today and ordered PGR and Main Event. Excited to see what that does for the thickness of the turf.

Before:




After:
Click to expand...
What kind of PGR did you buy? It looks like I will be going the T-NEX route, but I was just curious which one you went with.
Click to expand...
@BruceAlmighty22 I bought Quali-Pro T-NEX. I haven't used it yet but planning to once a few more spots fill in.
 
#22 ·
The sides and back are full. The back still has some spots that need to fill. I think they were weak going into winter and possible SDS. The sanded areas in the front are spots where huge rocks were found just beneath the top inch of clay or recovering from heavy herbicide burn in fall. The 90's have set the growth off and PGR will go down for the first time this coming weekend.

2oz Main Event/m was the right number I think.










 
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