Question
I moved to a new house in sept in north Mississippi. And most of the lawn was sodded. The sod sat thru the big drought over ther summer with very little water. I was told that i shouldnt fertilize until the lawn gets established. But the weeds are starting to take over. The local CO-OP said I could use round-up since the grass is dormant. Would you agree with that? And if not what do you suggest?

Answer
Dan:

Roundup may be used if the grass has not started growing.  This usually happens when temperatures are above 80-85 deg F.  I would spot apply to weed areas.  This is also the time to apply pre-emergent herbicides in warm season grasses.

Herbicides with 2-4D and MSMA or DSMA are good postemergents when grass is growing.

As for fertilizing, I would apply a high quality compost, topdressed over the turf area at 3/8 inch, or one cobic yard per thousand square feet.  A fall or winter application feeds the soil so that nutrients are avlailable when the grass starts to grow.

Best wishes.