Bermuda vs. St. Augustine

[utmck]

Here is my situation:

I have Bermuda grass, 6 yrs old, manicured as if it was a fairway at a golf course. My neighbor just planted St. Augustine in his side yard that butts up against mine. Now I know that St. Augustine will take over Bermuda over time and I do not want St. Augustine grass (personal preference). What are my options?

 

[BA93]

Seems to me that if you keep your side cut very short, the St Augustine will not take over your lawn by much. Bermuda likes to be cut short, St Augustine cut tall.

I have St Augustine and a few spots of Bermuda. The Bermuda doesn't die out or isn't being forced out. If anything, its thriving.

Obviously both you and your neighbor will have a difficult time keeping a distinct line between the 2 types of grass. Is there anyway of planting any type of flower bed at the property line?

 

[CleverNickname]

I get your concerns, but my thinking is that which ever grass is better suited to that particular microclimate will outlive tho other. Thus either way, you are potentially left with the grass requiring less work. Its a win-win.

 

[celis]

If he is like most St Aug. grass lawn owners he will cut it too short so it won't thrive. Especially on the west side.

 

[nashhorn]

you are in for a battle. Best put up some blocker - trim or something- if
you really want to keep out the St Augustine because it will take over. I have
Bermuda in back and St in front - way it was done from the beginning and both
neighbors have not fought the invasion of the St augustine to I constantly am
fighting to keep it out. Not winning but holding it back as best I can. If you can get the right mix of the weed killer sprays you can kill the St Augustine
and not kill the bermuda. Last time I did it I had neglected it so long the
ST Augusting was pervasive in areas around fence and I over did the spray.
Had to spend a good deal of time/attention to revive the Bermuda.
I really do prefer the look of the Bermuda and don't want to give up.

Hookem

 

[Nonbryan]

I was going to say put up a blocker as well. Put it right down the property line, like a metal edging. I would then make a void section between the two grass lines to keep them from touching. My cousing has bermuda and her neighbor has St. Aug and she doesn't maintain the barrier and the St. Aug is starting to creep over. It's a pain to stop once it has started.

 

[badexcuse]

I've been in this situation, and the last two posters are spot on.

 

[K-Man]

I wish I had time to worry about grass. how about not watering for 3 months and seeing which one is still alive? That would help identify the adaptive species.

 

[hitbyatrain]

Spray your yard regularly with MSMA, being careful not to overspray his yard. MSMA kills Dallisgrass, but it also has the nasty habit of killing St. Augustine.

 

[utmck]

Nashorn is correct I have seen it happen on 2 other occasions and St. Augustine won both times. A barrier will not work. I am going to try to spray it with MSMA and see if I can hold it off, but I have to think that over time it will eventually take over.

 

[UT Fanatic]

I also have St. Augustine in front & Bermuda in back. Use your string trimmer to edge a small trench between the two grasses--right down to the dirt.

This should work if you maintain it. It will also keep him from putting Weed & Feed on your Bermuda lawn.

 

[William Cannon]

put up a blocker. I have st. aug and my neighbor has bermuda. His Bermuda kept creeping in and finally I gave up and put a garden between our properties.