Why Is My Bermuda Grass Thinning?
Bermuda grass, a warm-season grass appropriate only for mild winter regions, quickly forms a sod carpet with spreading stolons. Although vigorous, drought tolerant and resistant to wear, improper cultivation and management leads to sickly, thinning Bermuda grass lawns. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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When basking in at least 10 hours of sunlight daily, and temperatures remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Bermuda grass forms a dense, thick matrix of stems and leaves. It develops a deep root system with storage stems called rhizomes that makes it resilient to drought.
Causes
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Too much shade, improper mowing techniques, wet soils or excessively dry soils all may lead to a Bermuda grass lawn thinning out. Moreover, fungal diseases and various insect worms, scale and mealybugs can seriously weaken plants. Build-up of thatch shades the soil and prevents stem rooting.
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Prevention/Solution
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Mow Bermuda grass short, about 1 inch tall, and never cut off more than 40 percent of the lawn's total height at any one passing. Bermuda grass responds well to irrigation during hot, dry spells to remain vigorous, and nitrogen fertilizer boosts vitality. De-thatch and aerate lawns annually.
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References
Resources
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