Bermuda Grass Care Guide

Bermuda grass is the most popular warm-season turf in the southern US. It tolerates heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic — but demands regular mowing and higher nitrogen than other warm-season grasses.

Mowing

Common bermuda: maintain at 1-2 inches. Hybrid bermuda (Tifway 419, TifTuf): 0.5-1.5 inches for a golf-course look. Bermuda grows aggressively and may need mowing every 3-4 days during peak growth.

Spring scalping: mow at the lowest setting when soil reaches 55-65°F to remove dead dormant material and let sunlight warm the soil faster.

Fertilization

Bermuda is a heavy feeder: 3-6 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft per year. Start at greenup (soil 65°F+) with 0.5-1 lb N. During peak growth, apply 0.5-1 lb N every 4-6 weeks. Stop nitrogen when soil drops below 65°F in fall.

Weed Control

Pre-emergent: prodiamine or dithiopyr when soil reaches 50-55°F. Post-emergent: Celsius WG for broadleaf weeds. Never use triclopyr — it will kill bermuda.

Winter Overseeding

In zones 7-9, you can overseed dormant bermuda with perennial ryegrass for green winter color. Seed when bermuda goes dormant (soil below 60°F) but above 45°F for ryegrass germination.