Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - March 04, 2012
From: Dallas, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Seeds and Seeding, Turf, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: killing grass on 1 acre before planting Habiturf
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have an acre of full sun lawn on a slight slope in Dallas - would the habiturf be appropriate & if so, how do I go about killing off the existing weeds/crab grass before installing? Removing 3 in of soil on an acre or lining an acre in plastic just isn't practical. We're on White Rock "lake" down the street from Mt Vernon.ANSWER:
Yes, Habiturf is well suited for the Dallas area. Check out the planting procedure on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center web site. Proper soil preparation is the key to success.
I am in the process of planting Habiturf on an experimental plot (600 square feet) in my yard. I killed the existing St. Augustine grass in September using Roundup. I made two applications, the second following the first by ten days. It killed the St. Augustine and the small amount of Bermuda that was also present. Roundup is said to be more effective if the plants are actively growing.
I purchased a special Roundup hand sprayer that produced small droplets but no mist, and I waited to spray until there was no breeze to cause drift. For your acre plot a larger sprayer may be called for. These are available commercially and probably at rental outlets.
The use of Habiturf is spreading like wildfire. I feel certain that you will be satisfied with your results.
More Planting Questions
Need plants for full sun in Dallas Texas.
May 20, 2009 - What plants are best to use for full sun in Dallas Texas?
view the full question and answer
Problems with evergreen sumac in San Antonio
May 03, 2012 - I planted 5 5-gallon (approximately 2 feet tall) evergreen sumac in early January. Since that time they have sprouted out new shoot with new leaves several times - every time the leaves have wilted a...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen tree for planter in Sherman Oaks CA
November 11, 2010 - We have a large cinder block planter, 6ftx6ftx6ft,in the back of our building and would love to find a good evergreen accent tree (but not pine like). Planter is near a building so preferable it shoul...
view the full question and answer
Feeding live oak and redbud trees from Fredericksburg TX
October 23, 2012 - Can you please tell me what to feed my live oak and texas redbud trees that survived the drought? We have granite soil.
view the full question and answer
Grass-planting time in Mt. Pleasant, TX
December 15, 2010 - We are new to Texas and just finished building a house. The builder wants to seed the grass now (December). Will it germinate or will we have to replant in spring?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |