Spurge
What to do About Spurge
- Infrequent Watering
Most people are forced to water more frequently because of short roots (see #6). Waterig should be done infrequently and for longer times. In the spring, bermuda needs 1 inch of water per week split between 2 or 3 waterings. Fescue or perennial rye lawns also need 1 inch but split into daily waterings. In the summer, lawns need 2 inches per week. - Seed Open, Bare Spots in Your Lawn
Spurge hates competition. Any bare spots in the lawn should be re-seeded as soon as possible. Any open spaces in the flowerbeds need pre-emergent. - Adjust Alkaline Soils
An alkaline soil will give you a weak lawn and a weak lawn equals spurge. Bring us a soil sample so we can help you adjust your soil pH if necessary. - Good Pre-Emergent Practices
The pre-emergent Portrait® is the most effective product available for spurge control. Best control is achieved when applied at 5.7 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. The best time to apply is April before spurge emerges, but can be done any time (a 10# bag will cover 1,800 sq. ft. at this rate). Note: If you intend on overseeding bermuda, do not use Portrait® less than 60 days before overseeing. - Do Not Use Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0) or Urea (46-0-0)
Spurge will utilize nitrogen faster than your grass will, so you should always use a balanced fertilizer with a 4-1-2 or 3-1-2 ratio. Our fertilizers (16-8-8, 20-5-10) are balanced, complete, and blended to these ratios. They contain sulfur-coated urea, sulfate of potash, and no chloride salts. - Know Your Roots
Weak roots will cause you to water more. Take a piece of 1-inch PVC pipe and drive it in the ground about 7 inches. Push out the soil core from the pipe and rinse off the dirt to expose the roots. If they are not at least 6-8 inches long, they are not long enough. Note: The last two numbers in a fertilizer are responsible for making roots grow and have vigor. 7-20-20 "Trophy Blend" is specially blended for this purpose.
BERMUDA ROOTS CAN GO UP TO 30 FEET DEP INTO THE SOIL, SO YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF: "WHY ARE MY ROOTS ONLY 2 INCHES LONG?"
