Ridding bind weed from lawns

Question: Hello,  I have prepared to seed a new lawn with long fescue. There was old grass which was roto tilled cleaned. Weed and feed applied in July. It was covered with black tarp for 2 mo. I have uncovered the area. I did weed and feed again. Tilled it again. Now the bind weed is back after a week of applying the weed/feed. I was hoping to seed in 4 weeks. What should I do about the bind weed???  Will I be able to seed??

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 20, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeanine,  Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, every time you till, you're disturbing the weed seed bank and seeds that were buried can come to the surface and germinate. Bindweed seed can last years in the soil.   So the first recommendation: stop tilling - this will make your life much easier.  What is the specific weed and feed product you're using?  And to clarify, there is nothing currently planted in the space, correct? It hasn't been seeded?  What are you planning to plant? And you still want to plant this fall?

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 20, 2024, 5:07 PM EDT
response: Hello Thank you so much for your advice. In answer to your questions. There is nothing in the space I plan on seeding.  I used Scott’s weed/feed liquid spray about 2 wks ago.  The 1st time it was tilled in the spring used a granular weed/feed, can’t remember the brand. I was planning on seeding with long fescue/drought resistant and low mow mid Oct.  Do you think I should cover it again with the plastic for the winter? Weed/feed in spring and then Seed in the Spring?  thank you so much for your time and advice. Jeanine

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 20, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeanine,  Sorry - I am trying to understand your email.  The area that is bare soil is where you you plan to seed with cool season grasses (low mow/tall fescue)?   Or you don't plan to seed this area? (Your email above says both :) )  Sorry - I hate to ask for clarification, but just need to understand your plan of attack. Then I can provide the right course of action. Thank you!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 20, 2024, 6:20 PM EDT
response: Sorry.  Yes, the area that is bare soil is where I plan to seed with low mow fescue. Thank you so much. On Fri, Sep 20, 2024 at 3:12 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Alison O'Connor, PhD  Replied September 20, 2024, 8:59 PM EDT
response: Thank you!  If you have the seed and are ready to go, then you can proceed. What I would recommend is that you stop tilling and stop using the weed and feed. This product will not be effective on bindweed.  Instead, you'll want to use a non-selective herbicide, like glyphosate, that will kill the emerging/existing bindweed and other weeds. Glyphosate will bind to any inert material (like soil) and it is safe to seed 7 days after spraying. Note: glyphosate has largely been removed from homeowner products, but you can still get it at farm and ranch stores in the agriculture products section.  To seed: Poke holes in the bare soil - you can do this with a pitchfork or an aerator. Then using a push-type fertilizer spreader, open the mouth just wide enough to let some seed fall out. Place half the seed needed in the spreader and go in one direction. Place the other half in the spreader and go in the opposite direction. Then rake gently to work the seed into contact with the soil. The seed MUST be in contact with the soil. Any seed on top of the soil will likely dry out or be eaten by birds.  Then you'll want to water. This might be a couple times a day or a few times a day, depending on the temperature. You just need to keep the top two inches of the soil moist. The seed should germinate in 7-10 days.  You might get some weed pressure, but send me photos of what is growing and I can either recommend herbicides to use this fall or next spring. You will get weed pressure in the spring.  Aim to do this process ASAP while we still have warm weather. The later you plant into the fall, the more likely the grass may winterkill. You'll also want to water during the winter.  If you have follow-up questions, feel free to email me directly: <personal data hidden>

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 20, 2024, 9:32 PM EDT
response: THANK YOU SO MUCH. I will send photos when the seed sprouts. This is amazing.  TY. Jeanine McMahonOn Fri, Sep 20, 2024 at 6:59 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: