Lawn & Landscaping Questions Answered

Over the last several years, the HIR staff has been asked and has answered a multitude of questions regarding home improvement, maintenance and around-the-house repairs. Here’s a look back at some of the different lawn and landscape topics and tips we’ve covered for our readers.

How can I kill kudzu?

Follow the kudzu vines down to the ground until you find the nodes/crown. Use a handsaw to cut the vines as close to the crown as possible and treat it with herbicide. Treat within 5-10 minutes, otherwise, the wound will dry and the herbicide will not be absorbed. Use a high concentrate (between 18-50 percent) glyphosate-based herbicide solution. An indicator dye will help keep track of what areas have been treated. Be sure not to spray the herbicide anywhere but on the woody stem. Repeat applications may be necessary.

A local landscaper recommended we install a “dry creek bed” to help with drainage in our yard. How does that work?

A dry creek bed made of stone can provide a natural drainage solution. By redirecting the flow of water during rainy weather, the creek bed can protect your house foundation and prevent excess water from pooling in low spots on your property. A dry creek bed is a shallow trench lined with landscape fabric and filled with boulders and stones of various sizes. With a little planning, it can also serve as an attractive, organic landscape feature that needs little maintenance. Arrange the bed in a curving course down the slope of the yard. Line the edges of the trench with the heaviest stones, using the flattest shapes for capstones along the borders. Incorporate plants along the sides for more decorative appeal. Slope the soil at the edges toward the bottom of the trench and line the creek bed with smaller rocks. Remember that it is illegal to channel the water into the street or onto someone else’s property, so aim for a zone within your property lines where the water can pool and soak into the soil.

What is the best type of rock to line a linear French drain?

Your landscape supply store will likely have a few varieties of stone sold as “drainage rock,” but some of these selections are decorative in nature, meaning they look nice when exposed but are more expensive than what you’ll need for a buried trench. For the best drainage, look for coarse washed rock (gravel) that is screened, with a stone size of 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Smaller rock with fine particles could clog the holes of the drain pipe. Pea stone works, but the smooth stones settle together and don’t move as much water as coarse rock. The more rock and larger the trench, the more water the drain can handle and the longer it will perform correctly.

Can you lay sod in the winter?

The winter is one of the best times to lay sod throughout the southern parts of the United States. There are even a few benefits to winter installation of warm season turfgrass sod, such as zoysia, Bermuda grass, and St. Augustine. It’s true that freezing temperatures could mean the sod’s roots/rhizomes freeze, harming your newly laid sod. However, more sod is actually lost to heat stress in the summer than to winter’s moderate freezes. Even if outdoor temperatures reach the freezing point in certain areas, it is still okay to lay sod. However, it’s ill-advised to install sod when temperatures start to reach the teens on a frequent basis.

A geographic line can be drawn right before Greenville, SC. In fact, some of the best areas to install sod during the winter are located in growing zones 8b–11, located throughout the lower US. Laying sod in winter can provide a head start with establishment in the spring—and require less water and fertilizer while it establishes.

Why is my grass turning brown?

If your grass is dying or turning brown, we recommend getting a soil test through your local university extension office. A dying lawn might be due to general maintenance problems, such as improper fertilization, poor soil, or bad mowing habits. A soil test is the best way to ensure you are providing the proper nutrition your lawn needs. A quick internet search for “Soil Test” in your state will yield private and public testing options. Poor turf performance is often due to too much or too little water. Most grass varieties need half to one inch of water per week. Spread waterings apart as much as possible and avoid watering every day. Stressing your grass a little will train it to put down deeper roots and hold more water inside those roots. Overwatering is one of the biggest lawn issues, and it is completely unnecessary.

The most telling sign of drought stress is the curling or shriveling of leaves followed by the grass turning brown. If you have St. Augustine, it is critical to get water into the plant if those signs are present. If you have a Zoysia or Bermuda, the grass will simply go dormant and then return to normal once watering resumes. Celebration and Empire are excellent at withstanding drought stress, surviving 90 days without water.

Many types of fungus can harm your lawn and are most prevalent in Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Tall Fescue. Fungus thrives in moist soil conditions, so when the ground is constantly wet, it is in danger of fungus attack. Prevent this is with a systemic preventative fungicide application twice a year at a very light rate. Most fungus will appear symmetrical or circular. If you see this, act quickly to apply a curative fungicide. Both liquid and granular will work. Mix up active ingredients over time and carefully follow application rates to avoid harming your lawn.

Does grass seed go bad?

Grass seed has a shelf life, and “going bad” means it loses its ability to germinate effectively. Typically, grass seed remains at peak viability for 1–2 years, but this can

vary based on factors like seed type, quality and storage conditions. High-quality seeds generally have stronger embryos, making them more resistant to environmental stress. Expired grass seeds can show visible signs of deterioration, including clumping, mold or an unpleasant odor. Look for discoloration, a matte finish or brittleness. Bad seed may also contain debris, such as stems or roots. If in doubt, conduct a float test by placing a handful of seeds in water. If most sink, they are likely still good. Using expired seed can result in poor lawn establishment, with bald spots and thin patches. Investing in fresh seed with high germination rates makes a thriving green lawn more likely.

To extend the life of your grass seed, store it correctly. The ideal conditions are cool, dry and dark. Seal opened bags tightly or transfer seeds into airtight containers to protect from moisture, pests and temperature extremes.

— Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Valerie Smith, content strategist with Sod Solutions,

for help with the lawncare advice. Learn more at Sod University.