New Lawn

[Spud]

I wish to replace my thin burmuda with St Augustine. I have a 20 yr
Red Oak. I would like to use a sod cutter to take out the old and replace
with the new. How low should I set the cutter so I don't damage the tree
roots? How close can I go to the tree without damaging roots? Or should I even consider using a sod cutter to take out the old?

Does anyone have a better idea to switch over to St Augustine?

[Nadine]

As for the tree roots, that is a call you must make. It is right for you to care about and consider the tree roots. It is difficult to make an assessment without actually seeing the area in question. If it is Bermuda, I do not see it growing much under trees, as it requires full sun.

To remove Bermuda, you want to take the top 2" of soil out with it. Make sure you get every rhizome and every root or it will haunt you forever! If you push Bermuda rhizomes further down into the soil, they will eventually emerge again. It is my belief that they will have an even larger network of roots and rhizomes from which to grow.

Planting St. Augustine from solid sod is your best bet. Be sure to roll the sod to get good contact with the soil. It is a good idea to fill the gaps between with good quality composted animal manure. (If I knew where you live, I might be able to suggest a source).

Personally, I would remove the Bermuda ASAP then put down about an inch of compost, water it well, then mulch over the bare soil. If any Bermuda remains, you will see it come up through the mulch. Make sure to use coarse mulch. The size chunks of the mulch will determine how thick the layer should be. Grade it down to an inch in thickness around any trees, keeping the mulch about 1" to 2" away from the trunk. The coarse mulch will allow for better aeration than mulch that is fine.

[Spud]

Thank You Nadine! You were a great help. FYI - I live in Southwest Arlington.

Spud

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

It may be too late but all I would do is buy one flat ($1) of St Augustine and plug it in around the yard. Then be sure to water it weekly and mow at the mower's highest setting. Inside of a couple growing seasons it will take over the bermuda. Just don't let it dry out longer than a week in the summer or a month in the winter.

[Dirtyknees]

I have an area that has terrible soil and would like to put grass in. I live in Midlothian, just south of Dallas. Is St.Augustine a good choice? What about Tall Fescue?

Is it too late to plant anything?