How to Fix an Ugly Lawn in One Day

[@iverson2k10]

I’ve always been a city/ suburb guy but having something like this is perfect. So congratulations it’s well deserved

[@annafilban2859]

I've been watching Brent Hull lately. He's an incredible architect. That would be awesome if he took a look at your house! Two of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@ryanunknown4181]

Beautiful Doc.

[@GuamTheBear]

You should turn that gravel/stump area into a putting green!

[@fridasfunadevntures6643]

We want to see if the new owners are keeping up with the old house lawn………

[@alan30189]

Good stuff. The yard looks great. It seems you mowed that lawn when it was way too wet. Let that grass dry out good for a few days before mowing it and you wouldn’t get those clumps of wet grass to have to clean up. Actually, I would’ve just used the Ego on the whole thing, collecting grass as well as any weed seeds that might be popping up and forget about the riding mower. If you put down a lot of topsoil before planting that grass, that riding mower is going to compact it. I’ve used Spectricide for years (because it’s cheap) and what I found is it really affects the growth of the Bermuda grass. I don’t don’t over-apply and follow the instructions on the label. It says it kills over 200 (might be many more) different types of weeds but there’s a lot of weeds it doesn’t kill. For example, it’s very difficult to get rid of red clover with it. It affects the red clover, but the red clover keeps coming back, so you have to apply it over and over and over again to reduce clover. Even then, the red clover seems to come back the following year. This year, for my Bermuda grass, I didn’t scalp it until last weekend, March 22. I live in the Atlanta area, too. Having that dormant grass up longer, helps shade out some weeds from coming up as well as that pesky poa annua, longer in the spring. Instead of broadcast spreading spraying Spectricide (I use a pump sprayer), I just spot treat, so I’m not going to damage the Bermuda as much. I put down pre-emergent in the fall and going to put some more down now, before April.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Didn't have a choice. Two days of rain moving in and it had to be cut

[@Offgridwilderness]

Annual Ryegrass holds a lot of moisture, even after 3 or 4 days of dry weather it usually still clumps

[@Bobbyreagan75]

My lawn has several different types of grass (all blooming during the summer), but I want the Bermuda to be the primary summer grass. I live in Virginia (about 40 minutes from the beach). I've been putting down all kinds of weed kill, including MSM, Andersons Professional Surge Weed and Feed, etc. and I'm finally starting to see some results (still battling Virginia Buttonweed). However, I can't seem to get control of the many different types of grass growing in my lawn (about 3 acres - very tough to water in MOST areas). I was hoping that the Bermuda (common) would just take over, but it seems to just grow "around" the other grasses vice choking them out. I'm cutting the lawn close to 1" (using a riding mower). Any advice on getting rid of the other grasses? Should I just kill the lawn and start over?

[@williampinchbeck4321]

When you cut your grass try cutting it north and south and then cut it east to west. It will look like a carpet then!!! All your lawns look great!!!

[@ryanhum3941]

I would double cut every time if my yard was on KZbin

[@nicknova703]

I think the problem with a lot of people is they don’t have actual grass underneath their weeds, not everyone lives in a neighborhood where they started out with sod

[@nicknova703]

In reference to changing your yard in a day

[@HowTowithDoc]

True... then you must seed.

[@johnhamilton9229]

@@HowTowithDocI would love to see John expand his experience with a leveling video. Thanks Doc

[@DirtygardenCA]

or embrace a lush crabgrass lawn

[@nicknova703]

@@DirtygardenCA I take it you got crabs there Dirty?

[@dainondeviney2616]

Hey Doc, I have a Bermuda yard that was a new build house that got caught in the big snow storm in Texas a few years ago, so my yard never really had a chance. My yard if full of weeds, but I can see some grass. Thoughts? If I do the heavy weed smoke and then fertilizer, how long do I wait until I put down the fertilizer? This video sounded like the same day. Any tips you can provide would be great! Thank you!

[@nicknova703]

I’d put down a granular pre emergent asap, chances are most of the weeds you are seeing might be winter weeds and will die off. The simplest method if you actually have grass underneath is start pre emergent now and light fertilizer every couple of weeks and pre emergent again in the fall

[@nicknova703]

Sometimes hose end weed spraying causes more harm if you don’t do it correctly

[@coonhound_pharoah]

Still WAY too cold in Missouri to do anything. I'm getting very impatient. Temps are still 30-70. I have both cool and warm season work to do.

[@jaredreyes2811]

Doc, have you driven by the old house lately? Have the new owners kept up with the yard?

[@sebaszoom0096]

When you say immediately put fertilizer after killing the weeds what do you mean? Like next day, same day, next week?

[@Yokomohoyo69]

Doc how much money all in in clearing, preparing, materials like dirt seed and fertilizer are you in for already in this property

[@timclark7814]

It’s amazing gorgeous now

[@bm1943]

Any concern with spraying an herbicide near the pond?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Yes, we generally don't treat the pond front. But when we do we try and time it right with the weather to avoid rain.

[@itzNickyJayBeats]

Whats going to happen to the annual rye grass + Bermuda lawn? I believe mine was a Bermuda dominant lawn but I over seeded with perennial rye grass last winter! Just wondering how its going to be affected this summer and what the steps I should do to take care of it.

[@wescat2]

Doc after the weed killer when you say right after is it spray then immediately apply fertilizer or wait a day or two? Just found your channel. It's great!

[@HowTowithDoc]

Right away

[@wescat2]

@@HowTowithDoc Thank you

[@donniesmith8779]

Can you do this if you have put down weed and feed post emergent and can I put out new grass seed with the PGF complete? Fescue lawn in NC

[@HowTowithDoc]

I would wait and see the results form the W&F. Generally they don't work well.

[@donniesmith8779]

@@HowTowithDoc I was hoping it would since it came from Anderson's.. It is working somewhat, just slowly.

[@gibsonbees]

DOC your garden and trees need some bees, your property is perfect for honey bees you should find someone locally to put on and maintain bees on your property. A beekeeper would be thrilled with your property.

[@tellrich29]

Should I cut down the weeds first before applying weed killer?

[@HowTowithDoc]

No

[@tellrich29]

Dang too late. But I will say I did a week killer spray about 2-3 weeks ago and some weeds died but I didn’t do the drenching on the entire yard like you mentioned. Those that I did test by drenching did in fact die. Your thoughts on the Image weed killer product?

[@luv2bredd2]

Hey Doc, Can I come and work on your lawn to learn what to do and how to do my lawn correctly? I'm a active 70 year old that work my own lawn, Because, I was taken for a ride by 3 companies that just took my money and left me a mess. I'm healthy, I swim, walk run, play tennis, cut and edge grass, cut bushes, And work my hill.

[@shawnwagoner7049]

I'm trying to reverse the neglect my "Ugly Lawn" has seen over the past few years and I have a quick question, Doc. I've been waiting for a couple of dry days to put down 2EW on my bermuda lawn but this video says to use Spectracide. I don't understand the advantages of each and would appreciate some advice! Thanks, Shawn

[@HowTowithDoc]

The 2ew is a preemergent with some post killing as well. The Spec is just post.

[@Patrick-co1qm]

Can I spray weed killer now then over seed right after that????

[@HowTowithDoc]

No most will have a "re-seed" time on the label. In general it's 15 - 20 days but check the label. Some have LONG term impacts.

[@SergioDuran10]

Hey doc, what’s your opinion of blackjack II maya Bermuda? Is it a hybrid and good quality seed? I’m debating between blackjack, Yukon and Royal txd. Is there a big difference between them? Or will blackjack do the job at a much lower price? I live in Southern California.

[@HowTowithDoc]

I think the Black Jack will be just fine.

[@SergioDuran10]

Thank you Doc.

[@MrGermany18]

Who is John? Howd you find him? Is he almost full time with you? lol

[@HowTowithDoc]

Yes John works 2-3 days a week here.

[@corystuard6251]

Doc got a lot of "Sweat Equity" on the farm property. What an amazing look back.

[@johnjackson8342]

Live and die by the lawn guide and my plot looks better than everyone else in the neighborhood. If you are having trouble getting broadvanced weed control to ship to TX, try lowes. Was still able to pick up there despite Amazon and Home Depot not shipping to TX.

[@RickScheurer-q6z]

Great stuff. Appreciate the easy step by step, too many rabbit holes and opinions out there! Sorry bout the small peaches 🤣

[@gregorymacneil2836]

Your video could have been named “Fugly Lawn Fix”

[@JoshSpace]

I get the impression that Dirt Booster+ IS HumiChar with microbials added. Why buy HumiChar is we can just buy Dirt Booster+?

[@conedprepper]

Doc! I notice you don't ever mention kentucky blue. Can I apply all your guide points to take care of my lawn. FYI I'm in New York area

[@BermudaBrian]

Hey Doc, are you going to do any leveling on the lawn bw the house and pond?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Spot leveling on LARGE holes and pockets.

[@gregpewtress2952]

I’m an aspiring green thumb in the northwest(Salem, Oregon), unfortunately. I have clay soil with tall fescue. What is a recommended soil treatment for clay soil & is rye grass better in nw climate than fescue?

[@tommyd17]

Put that fert down first. Those weeds will really suck up that herbicide if they are growing.

[@kayleewalker8044]

How long should you wait to treat for weeds if you have grown new grass from seed recently?

[@John-vh1fk]

Does putting down a heavy coat of PGF Complete then following up with DGL not risk burning the Bermuda?

[@HowTowithDoc]

PGF at the bag rate is fairly mild. So adding a punch of DGL really is a problem in the spring.

[@WestyLawn]

2 things- I assume this method will also work with St Augustine. Second, Do I weed smoke, fertilize then water that in or wait a couple of days to water in the fertilizer?

[@HowTowithDoc]

It's in the video... Spray for weeds, put down fert. Wait a few days and start watering.

[@ericgoldberg1079]

Should I plant rye grass annually over my Bermuda in late Fall?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Generally... no. Some chose to because they like the green.

[@mikegardiner3934]

hey Doc, what a difference for sure! So based on my soil test, i’m planning to start (once green up) with PGF Balance. Then in about 4 weeks? hit it with Complete. thoughts? I have a few areas little things too, so wanna nitro them good!

[@HowTowithDoc]

Sounds good. Both are mild. Put down the Balance now... then when greenup hits do the PGF Complete.

[@anthonydefazio5472]

Where's the DGL Doc? Need this fast. Soil results came back perfect and I just need to add Nitrogen

[@HowTowithDoc]

Production starts 4/1

[@dellmattox3867]

Lawncare video of the year 🏆🏆🏆

[@thisandthat411]

Looking great, Doc! Thanks for sharing!

[@HowTowithDoc]

My pleasure!

[@reconnoise]

Man...what a vision you had to turn what you started with into what you have now. Truly amazing!

[@pksabastian7896]

Learnt a lot today Doc’

[@wrighte02]

Hey Doc I saw you have a weather station. Care to do a video on your opinion / experience with it and maybe a brand recommendation? I know weather plays a part in yard growth & management timing and I was wondering how it has or has not helped you.

[@tgarrels]

I put up an Ambient Weather station, measures rain fall and wind speed and UV and temp etc... been working flawlessly for nearly 7 years now. I've always been able to access it on my phone and it seems very accurate.

[@cameronevans2550]

Doc. What about seeding bermuda. Can we spray the weed killer a few weeks before then scarify it a week later, then put seed out? Then once it starts growing good hit it with the DGL?

[@PatrickTheDestroyer]

I would read the label, the label of the herbicide will tell you how many days before re-seeding.

[@jsmeez520]

Do you even need to reseed your Bermuda? I thought treating it right during the growing season will encourage it to fill in bare spots. Along with taking a few plugs here and there for bigger areas.

[@kapketan]

Amazing loan and work you did love it, I need some help for my my lawn we do have Nutsedge in our lawn , could you suggest me, what I have to use to kill my nutsedge?

[@deise5989]

Seems to be so much easier to fix that ugly lawn 'quickly' if you have warm season grass where the grass just spreads to fill in the gaps after the heavy weed killer treatment. In cool season areas, a reseed or overseed needed after the weeds are gone.

[@paulreschke4171]

The energy and ability of youth and a few financial investments. You've done a marvelous job as a much older Senior I do admire your accomplishments. Thanks for sharing and motivating. I should know but geographically I forget were your located. We deal with western side of Ft. Worth Sandy soil no organic materials in our soil! We do strive but water is expensive and not very frequent. 👍👍

[@loralkinney]

I need to put down some topsoil dirt on my lawn. How do I make sure I get it without a lot of weeds/sticks/junk in it?

[@ericwagnon488]

Doc...for clarification, you put down the PGF Complete and a fast release Nitrogen at the same time?

[@johnjrkean7008]

Doc I have TTTF lawn my issue is I have poa that is loaded with seeds but lower than my new TTTF grass would it be smart to scalp it down I'm nervous to go any lower than 2 inches i keep it at around 3.5 ish

[@fpst3v317]

Hey doc what if I already put down pgf complete, do I reapply pgf complete again after the spectracide weed stop?

[@craigros5]

Those deck cleaning attachments are always so disappointing.

[@YaBoiTogashi]

Should I mow lawn then spray spectrazide.

[@kimstrong4482]

How do you get rid of the clumpy fescue grass out of Bermuda and the stuff that sprouts at the top.

[@allensadicario5196]

Good show doc

[@aa0517748]

Wow. Unbelievable change doc.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Thanks

[@celiaarellano6411]

What do you recommend for St. Augustine grass ?

[@daniellaguzman8501]

How often should I put fertilizer down and water?

[@parsley7894]

Amazing work on the property. 👍

[@HowTowithDoc]

Thanks 👍

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thanks Doc for the video.

[@HowTowithDoc]

My pleasure!

[@vjhrdez]

Doc, I put sod down in 2022 and gave it a full growing season without putting down any weed killer. I’m in SC and we are just staring to push high 70’s and lawn is full of weeds. Is it okay for me to spray the a heavy application of 2,4-D let that seat for a few days then do my scalping and fertilizer and apply a heavy coat of pre-emergent?

[@HowTowithDoc]

I would start with a LIGHT coat and let the lawn grow strong... then treat again later.

[@joshherron7]

Doc you were Right 👍🏻

[@tannerbuxton2910]

Hey Doc, if my sod (Bermuda) is about 6 months old and is coming out of dormancy, I just put down 20-0-0 about 4 days ago and I was wondering when I am able to put down weed killer? Thank you for all your help

[@HowTowithDoc]

I would wait a while until the growth is strong.

[@rhalama1]

is there any advantage to use Bermuda grass thats just coming out of dormancy cutting (scalped) on a compost pile. Any nutrients or a waste of time?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Some people use them, we generally don't. If you do use them make sure they are spread out thin and not clumped

[@DanielLuetkemeyer]

Should you scalp the lawn before you apply the weed killer followed fertilizer?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Treat the weeds while they are LARGE not cut.

[@dparramore5047]

What about putting down “worm castings” along with Anderson fertilizers? On March 18th I sprayed with hose end bottle of Spectracide with Atrazine on St. Augustine/bermuda mix now It’s been 8 days & the weeds are still healthy looking? Day time temps are 60’s to 70’s with night temps in the 40’s. I’m frustrated!

[@HowTowithDoc]

You might have to use Celsius WG

[@dparramore5047]

@@HowTowithDoc thanks Doc, Part of my frustration is I am waiting on the results of the soil testing that was sent to Texas A& M U on March 14. Around 2nd week of Feb. I put down Lesco Pre-emergent granules, then followed up with the Spectracide spray on March 18th. Now waiting on results of soil test? However I’m reading about “worm castings” as a great soil amendment? What’s your opinion on Worm castings?

[@clarerobinson6570]

I have a dog, when, and how?

[@rickwilson8533]

Rick from Indiana

[@BruceLeigh-eu3wm]

How does a person know when it's too far gone to salvage with this method?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Never too far if it was sod. If you see Bermuda in the mix... you can fix it.

[@djsausagebiscuits]

still the man

[@adamghazal9204]

Thanks Doc!

[@drumslewis8332]

I really want to get my grass looking great.. but unsuccessful wht kind of grass seed do you suggested? I'm in georgia

[@drumslewis8332]

So many weed in my lawn

[@marksdailylife7808]

It’s grass beneath the weeds especially if u have Bermuda. Follow his steps and the grass will fill in naturally

[@drumslewis8332]

Ok thank you

[@atc06jh]

I did a 1.5 inch cut on my zoysia yesterday afternoon. Put out 36lbs of 10-10-10. Watered it in for 25 min. Then we get .8 inches of rain today and my yard is on a slope. Praying it didn’t all run off!

[@3rdyellow]

I don't think a normal rain will cause runoff. It is just like watering the lawn after fertilizing.

[@WhittyPics]

Poa Annua is what I have to deal with this time of year. I didn't know you smoked weed?