Winter weeds taking over new lawn

Reposting this from a few days ago since my last post didn’t include a close-up of the weed, and I mistakenly identified it as nutsedge.

I recently moved into a newly constructed home in central NC with Bermuda sod that was laid in early October 2024. The sod went dormant around mid-November, but over the past three months, a specific weed has started spreading on one side of the house. It seems to be cold-resistant, handling 20°F temperatures and frost without issue.

I’ve been researching how to manage this weed, but I’m concerned about accidentally damaging the sod, as it’s likely not fully established yet. The builder’s landscaper suggested using weed and feed, but I’m hesitant to proceed without more input. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

You might be dealing with perennial rye grass.

Your Bermuda probably had enough time to settle in, so you could spray it with Certainty, which targets perennial rye grass. But if it’s not a big issue, leave it till spring and focus on applying prodiamine at the right time.

@Harlan
Prodiamine works fine, but I’ve noticed it has difficulty with some cold season grasses like POA, which could be coming up in the same areas as in your pictures.

Vero said:
@Harlan
Prodiamine works fine, but I’ve noticed it has difficulty with some cold season grasses like POA, which could be coming up in the same areas as in your pictures.

Yeah, I think Specticle Flo would be a better choice, but that stuff is really pricey. I’ve thought about trying it, but it’s hard to justify the cost when a $50 bag of prodiamine works so well.

@Harlan
You could split a quart with your neighbors. The application rate is so low that you can share that $50 across about six yards and treat for a couple of years if they aren’t all huge. Just make sure someone has a good backpack sprayer and knows how to measure and spray.

@Harlan
Specticle should only be used on well-established turf. Don’t apply it to grass that’s under a year old or it may not develop a strong root system.

Uma said:
@Harlan
Specticle should only be used on well-established turf. Don’t apply it to grass that’s under a year old or it may not develop a strong root system.

I agree, that’s why I suggested waiting until next fall.

@Vero
At a turfgrass conference, one of the speakers mentioned that using Specticle on soccer fields in the spring didn’t go well that year.

Uma said:
@Harlan
Specticle should only be used on well-established turf. Don’t apply it to grass that’s under a year old or it may not develop a strong root system.

Yeah, I was talking generally, not specifically about your new sod.

@Harlan
For each application, it’s actually cheaper; the initial cost hurts though.

Talking fescue and rye grass, Certainty herbicide is pricey but effective, or you can just wait until spring warmth takes care of it. Next fall, use a quality pre-emergent like Specticle to prevent it from coming back. Local Siteone stores usually have the best deals on Specticle, but don’t use it until next fall; you need a full growing season first.