Overseeding Bermuda/St. Augustine Mix in North Texas: Compost First, Then Decide

A Dallas-Fort Worth homeowner has Bermuda with crabgrass, plus St. Augustine patches taking over. Wants to overseed for thickness.

Core Dilemma: Two Incompatible Grasses

• Bermuda: full sun, low mow, aggressive.
• St. Augustine: shade tolerant, higher mow, spreads by stolons.

They require different maintenance. Choose one.

If Keeping Bermuda

• Apply 1 cu yd compost/1,000 sq ft in fall.
• Overseed with Bermuda (sprigs/sod, not seed) or use pre-emergent + post-emergent for weeds.

If Letting St. Augustine Win

• Apply compost in fall (wait for cooler temps, <80°F).
• Living Earth brand compost is good.
• No need to add alfalfa, lava sand, etc.—compost is complete.
• St. Augustine may dominate in your microclimate.

General Soil Prep

Double compost application, till in, then plant. Wait months before fertilizing; compost may suffice. If needed, apply 0.5–1 lb N/1,000 sq ft monthly during growth.

Match grass to site conditions (sun/shade) and maintain consistently.