Mowing
Achieving and maintaining the optimal mowing height for Bermuda grass is essential for a healthy, vibrant lawn. Typically, keeping your Bermuda between 1 to 2 inches tall encourages dense growth and strong root development. Mowing frequency varies based on the season and growth rate, often requiring weekly cuts during peak summer months to prevent overgrowth. Always follow the “one-third rule,” removing no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, to minimize stress and promote quick recovery.
Choosing the right mower is crucial. Reel mowers deliver a clean, scissors-like cut ideal for shorter heights, enhancing the turf’s appearance. Rotary mowers are versatile and easier to handle, suitable for various heights and larger lawns. Regularly sharpen mower blades to ensure clean cuts and prevent tearing, which can invite disease. Vary your mowing pattern each session—changing direction and pattern—to prevent soil compaction and promote upright, healthy grass growth.
Watering
Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering, promoting deep root growth and drought resilience. Aim to water your Bermuda lawn so that moisture penetrates 6 to 8 inches into the soil, which can be checked by inserting a soil probe or screwdriver into the ground. An effective watering schedule involves deep watering early in the morning—preferably between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.—to allow the grass to dry during the day, reducing fungal disease risks. Avoid watering in the evening or at night, as prolonged moisture promotes disease development.
Signs of improper watering include yellowing or wilted grass from underwatering, and a spongy, mushy feel or fungal patches indicating overwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly to maintain a healthy, lush lawn.
Fertilizing
Selectting the appropriate fertilizer for Bermuda grass involves understanding your soil’s current nutrient profile. Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient deficiencies, which helps in choosing fertilizers that meet your lawn’s specific needs. Fertilize in late spring when the grass enters vigorous growth, then apply every 4 to 8 weeks during the active season, based on your fertilizer type and lawn health.
Distribute fertilizer evenly using a spreader, ensuring uniform coverage. Post-application, water deeply to aid nutrient absorption. When choosing between slow-release and quick-release fertilizers, consider that quick-release options provide rapid greening but need frequent reapplication, while slow-release fertilizers offer a steady nutrient supply over time, reducing the total number of applications needed.
Weed Control
Effective weed management starts with proper identification of common Bermuda grass weeds, including grassy and broadleaf varieties. Apply preemergent herbicides in early spring before weed seeds germinate—when soil temperatures reach 55-60°F—for proactive prevention. For existing weeds, use targeted postemergent herbicides that are selective for Bermuda grass, following manufacturer instructions carefully to avoid lawn damage.
Natural weed control methods are also valuable. Maintain a dense and healthy turf through proper care, which naturally suppresses weed growth. Regular overseeding, aeration, and dethatching improve soil health and turf density. Hand-pulling is effective for small infestations, while organic options like corn gluten meal provide a natural preemergent solution. Solarization with clear plastic can eradicate larger weed patches, especially during sunny seasons.
Aeration and Overseeding
Core aeration involves removing small soil plugs to alleviate compaction, improve air and water movement, and enhance fertilizer efficacy. It is recommended every one to two years for established lawns, preferably in spring or early summer when the grass is actively growing. Aeration results in a stronger, more resilient Bermuda turf.
Overseeding enhances lawn density, filling in thin or patchy areas. The best time to overseed Bermuda grass is immediately after aeration in spring. Use a high-quality Bermuda grass seed variety that matches your existing turf in color, texture, and growth habit. For optimal germination, keep the soil moist with frequent, light watering during the first few weeks post-seeding.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests impacting Bermuda grass include grubs, armyworms, and sod webworms, while common diseases include dollar spot, leaf spot, and brown patch. Proper diagnosis is essential—consult your local extension office or lawn care professional for accurate identification and treatment recommendations.
Employ integrated pest management practices: maintain a vigorous, healthy lawn through proper fertilization, mowing, and watering; aerate regularly to reduce soil compaction; and remove thatch buildup. When necessary, apply insecticides or fungicides carefully, strictly adhering to manufacturer instructions to minimize environmental impact. Regular inspections and early intervention are key to keeping pests and diseases under control.
Dethatching
Thatch is a dense layer of dead and living organic matter that accumulates between the grass and soil surface, impeding water, air, and nutrient penetration. Removing thatch improves turf health and resilience. Dethatch when the thatch layer exceeds half an inch, preferably during late spring or early summer when Bermuda grass is actively growing, ensuring quick recovery.
Tools for dethatching include manual thatching rakes for small lawns and power dethatchers or verticutters for larger areas. Use vertical mowing equipment to slice through thick thatch efficiently. After dethatching, rake up and dispose of debris, then fertilize and water deeply to promote rapid recovery and vigorous growth.
Edge Control and Maintenance
Creating clean, sharp edges enhances your lawn’s aesthetic appeal. Use string trimmers or edging tools to define borders along flower beds, walkways, and driveways. Regular edging, every few weeks during peak growth seasons, prevents grass encroachment and maintains a crisp appearance.
To further prevent Bermuda grass from spreading into unwanted areas, install physical barriers such as plastic or metal edging. Mulching around beds and trees acts as an additional natural barrier, suppressing grass encroachment and reducing the need for frequent trimming. Combining consistent edging with barrier installation keeps your landscape neat and pristine.
Winterizing Bermuda Grass
As colder months approach, preparing Bermuda grass involves reducing stress and protecting the turf from winter damage. After the last mow, dethatch the lawn to remove organic buildup that can suffocate the grass crowns. Applying a potassium-rich fertilizer in fall strengthens roots and enhances cold tolerance.
Minimize foot traffic and avoid parking vehicles on dormant turf to prevent compaction and damage. In colder climates, sodding or overseeding with winter ryegrass can provide green cover, protect the Bermuda, and add visual interest. In spring, gently raking the lawn to remove debris and thatch allows better sunlight and air circulation, promoting a vibrant green-up as temperatures rise.