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 Turf Questions
Replacing lawn in Taylor, Texas
May 28, 2009 - I live in Taylor, Texas, just northeast of Austin, in the Blackland Prairie region. However, I do not live on a farm, but in town on a city lot of 1/3 acre. My soil is clayey, and currently I have a L...
view the full question and answer
Lawn Maintenance in Colorado
March 20, 2010 - When do I begin to fertilize and water my grass in Colorado Springs? I am selling my house and want my lawn to look green?
view the full question and answer
Habiturf for shady areas in San Antonio TX
November 08, 2013 - Will the Habiturf grass mentioned here do well in shady areas too?
view the full question and answer
When do Habiturf® grasses make seeds?
June 16, 2015 - I planted Habiturf seeds last year near Dripping Springs. It looks like the Buffalo grass has had seeds on it for a week or 2. How long does it need to remain on the live Buffalo Grass before it can b...
view the full question and answer
Lawn Options for Saginaw, MI
April 09, 2015 - I'm looking for a low maintenance, high traffic lawn alternative. Will Texas Frogfruit handle the winter? My yard is small so covering it is an option.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |