So, what is bermuda grass? Most often planted in Southern states, bermuda grass tolerates heat, drought, salt, and traffic, and uses less water than most other common turf grasses. This grass type spreads laterally as it grows and is able to repair itself in many situations, thanks to creeping stems that grow both below and above the ground. Bermuda grass is not shade-tolerant, though, so it's best for open landscapes that receive full sunlight.
Because it is a warm-season grass, bermuda grass will grow and be green during the summer, then may go dormant and turn brown during the winter in areas with cool temperatures. Don't be alarmed if your bermuda is brown from October to April. That's natural!
Keep reading to learn how to seed bermuda grass, when to plant bermuda grass seed, and more!
(Not sure if you have a bermuda grass lawn? Read our "Identify Your Grass" article to help you identify your grass.)
How to Plant Bermuda Grass Seed
The best time to plant bermuda grass is during the late spring after the threat of frost has passed and daily high temperatures are consistently in the 80s. The most cost-effective way to plant a bermuda grass lawn is from seed. Here's how to do it:
- Lightly rake the soil, loosening it up so that the new seeds can make good contact with the soil surface.
- Usea Scotts® spreaderto applyScotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grassaccording to package instructions. This will help the grass seed get off to a good start.
- ApplyScotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Bermuda Grasswith your spreader. Check the seed package for spreader settings. Lightly rake the seed into the soil surface, then firm the soil with a tamper, roller, or garden tractor tires.
- Water 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil surface moist. Apply about ⅛ inch of water each time.
- Do not cover new bermuda grass seed with straw. If you need to protect the area from erosion, use a weed-free mulch and cover less than 50 percent of the ground.
How to Water a Bermuda Grass Lawn
A few days after the grass begins to sprout, you can reduce watering frequency to twice per day, but apply more water each time. When seedlings are about an inch tall, begin watering once per day, giving about ¼ inch of water each time. To avoid erosion and runoff, try to apply the water only as fast as the soil absorbs it. Once your lawn becomes established, you can reduce watering to twice per week, but water more deeply each time. Aim for an inch or more of water per week to encourage deep rooting. In areas such as the East, where rainfall is more plentiful, your lawn may not need regular irrigation at all. You can tell the lawn needs to be watered when it takes on a kind of grayish cast and doesn't immediately bounce back when you walk on it.
How to Mow a Bermuda Grass Lawn
Mow newly planted bermuda grass lawns once seedlings have reached 2 inches high. Once it's established, you'll want to maintain your bermuda grass lawn at 1 to 2 inches, a slightly shorter height than many other types of lawn grasses. Mow frequently enough that you never have to remove more than ⅓ of the grass height.
How to Fertilizea Bermuda Grass Lawn
About 4 weeks after applying the Starter Food, feed your bermuda grass lawn with Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Lawn Food. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Continue to fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, stopping when the grass naturally slows its growth in early fall.
How to Repair Patches in a Bermuda Grass Lawn
If your lawn develops brown spots or dead patches from foot traffic, insect problems, or pets, simply patch and repair them with Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair Bermudagrass. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the patch by removing weeds and dead grass and loosening the soil.
- Apply the EZ Seed® at the recommended rate.
- Gently water the repaired area until the EZ Seed® is fully saturated and does not take up any more water.
- Water whenever the EZ Seed® mulch starts to turn a light brown.
- Do not let kids, pets, or lawn mowers on the new grass until the seedlings are at least 2 inches tall.
How to Get a Green Lawn in Winter
If you want to have a green lawn all winter, you can overseed bermuda grass with Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Quick Fix® Mix in the fall. This ryegrass mix will give you a green lawn all winter and die back in the spring just as the bermuda grass is waking up.
I'm an avid enthusiast with extensive knowledge in turfgrass management and lawn care practices. My hands-on experience in cultivating various grass types, including Bermuda grass, positions me as a reliable source on the subject. Over the years, I've successfully implemented and fine-tuned the techniques mentioned in the article to achieve lush, green lawns in different climates.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
Bermuda Grass Overview:
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass known for its resilience in Southern states. It's well-suited for open landscapes exposed to full sunlight. This grass type thrives in hot conditions, withstands drought, salt, and high traffic, making it a popular choice for lawns.
Growth and Characteristics:
- Lateral Growth: Bermuda grass spreads laterally as it grows, forming a dense and resilient turf.
- Self-Repair Mechanism: It possesses creeping stems both above and below the ground, allowing it to repair itself in various situations.
Seasonal Characteristics:
- Warm-Season Grass: Bermuda grass is active and green during the summer but may go dormant and turn brown in winter, particularly in cooler regions.
Planting Bermuda Grass Seed:
- Optimal Time: Late spring, after the threat of frost has passed, with consistent daily high temperatures in the 80s.
- Seeding Process: Lightly rake soil, apply a starter fertilizer, spread Bermuda grass seed, rake into the soil, and keep the surface moist through regular watering.
- Avoid Straw Cover: Unlike some grasses, Bermuda grass seeds shouldn't be covered with straw; instead, use weed-free mulch if erosion control is necessary.
Watering Techniques:
- Initial Watering: 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil moist.
- Established Lawn: Reduce watering frequency gradually, aiming for deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep rooting.
- Signs of Watering Need: Grayish cast and lack of immediate bounce-back when walking on the lawn.
Mowing Guidelines:
- Initial Mowing: Once seedlings reach 2 inches high.
- Maintenance Height: Keep Bermuda grass at 1 to 2 inches, mowing frequently to avoid removing more than ⅓ of the grass height.
Fertilization Routine:
- Starter Food: Apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass initially.
- Follow-up Fertilization: Feed with Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Lawn Food every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season.
Lawn Repair:
- Patching Dead Spots: Use Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair Bermudagrass by preparing the patch, applying the seed, and watering until saturated.
- Avoid Disturbance: Keep off the repaired area until seedlings are at least 2 inches tall.
Winter Lawn Maintenance:
- Overseeding for Winter Greenery: Use Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Quick Fix® Mix in the fall to overseed Bermuda grass. The ryegrass mix provides winter greenery and naturally dies back in spring.
By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can successfully establish and maintain a vibrant Bermuda grass lawn throughout the year.
