Bermuda Lawn Care in Atlanta: Weed Control, Fertilizing, and Maintenance

Reader Question: Four-Part Lawn Plan for New Sod with Weeds

"1) Liquid vs. pellet fertilizer pros/cons. 2) Atlanta GA: weed strategy for new sod (<8 mo). 3) Thin Bermuda in high traffic. 4) Long-term maintenance."

Expert Answer

1. Pellet Fertilizer Wins

Easier to apply evenly; rain activates uniformly. Liquids require precise calibration and drift control.

2. Weed Strategy for New Bermuda Sod

• Weed-and-feed in spring & early fall (fertilizer + 2,4-D).
• Spot-treat with liquid Weed-B-Gon (no fertilizer) when weeds actively growing & temps < 80°F.
• Avoid blanket herbicide on young sod—follow label waiting periods.

3. High-Traffic Thin Spots

• Fertilize regularly during active growth (late spring–early fall) to encourage lateral spread.
• Restrict traffic in early spring during green-up.
• Consider traffic-tolerant varieties (TifTuf, Celebration) for future repairs.

4. Ongoing Maintenance

• Fertilize late spring through early fall (monthly).
• Water deeply, infrequently (2×/week, 1 hr) – not daily 15 min.
• Mow frequently at 2 inches.

Consistency beats intensity. Build a program, not a panic response.