time to change from weeds to grass

[v8only]

So i have about 3 acres i need to turn from weeds into grass.

Its been all leveled out by the previous owners but has some ruts from the 755 that are really no big deal. The yard is full of weeds with a mix of crab grass.

Couple ideas i had are:

1. cut the weeds low and spread grass seed in the fall.
2. cut the weeds, round up, till, level and seed.
3. cut the weeds, round up, till, let the weeds grow back, round up, till level and seed.

Im not after a golf course lawn for the full 3 acres.

What are your thoughts?

thanks

 

[Willl]

Weed-n-feed type fertilizer ?

 

[whistlepig]

#3 sounds good. I don't think you need to Roundup twice.

 

[hazmat ranger]

Round up during heavy growth period before cutting- need the leaves to absorb the herbicide. Let 'em burn back and die. Then mow, till, level and seed. Seed in fall so not as hot and maybe fall rains beginning unless you can irrigate.

 

[hazmat ranger]

Also, tilling can bring up more weed seeds to germinate…

 

[MikeInEburg]

If it is level enough, don't till. As previous poster mentions, that only exposes the seed bed to germination. If you want to start over, Roundup, wait two or three weeks and then Roundup again. Sow grass and cover with straw.

If existing grass is worth salvaging, use 2-4-D or week and feed to eliminate broadleaf weeds. Won't help with crabgrass, but you'll maintain some amount if green

OR... if you want to be environmentally green, grow vegetables instead. Same amount of work, but you get something to show for your efforts.

 

[whistlepig]

Light disking or a few passes with a tine harrow are enough. Scratch the ground a little so the grass seed has a little dirt it can get to. If everything is killed and the grass seed is planted at the right time the grass will overtake the weeds.

 

[oliver28472]

2,4-D won't kill the broadleaf any deader than glyphosate (roundup). Also if you use 2,4-D you will have to wait 6 weeks before you seed or it will hurt your germination. Glyphosate won't bother you unless your seed have sprouted. Soil contact is essential.

 

[oliver28472]

2,4-D won't kill the broadleaf any deader than glyphosate (roundup). Also if you use 2,4-D you will have to wait 6 weeks before you seed or it will hurt your germination. Glyphosate won't bother you unless your seed have sprouted. Soil contact is essential. It won't hurt to green up your weeds with fertilizer before you spray. Lush weeds seem to die better.

 

[Egon]

Maybe get a soil analysis first.