How to Care for a Bahia Lawn

Sturdy Bahia grass is popular in Florida and the Gulf states

Bahia grass, scientifically known as Paspalum notatum, is a warm-season perennial grass commonly used in lawns in coastal Florida and the Gulf states. This coarse-textured turf stands up well to foot traffic, grows in sandy soils, and is tolerant of drought. Although Bahia grass is hardy and quite resistant to pests and diseases, it still has specific requirements that must be met for it to thrive. By following some guidelines of good lawn care, you can ensure that your Bahia lawn provides sturdy and attractive coverage for many years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Lawn mower
• Hose or sprinkler system
• Commercial pre-emergent herbicide containing benefin, bensulide or dacthal
• Slow-release fertilizer in a 16-4-8 NPK formulation
• Ferrous ammonium sulfate (optional)

Instructions

1. Mow your Bahia lawn every 7 to 10 days to promote vigor and control weeds, cutting to 2 to 3 inches and not removing more than 1/3 of the grass height at any time. This higher mowing promotes a deeper root system that will help the grass withstand drought and stress. Never give your Bahia lawn a "crew cut."

2. Water with 3/4 to 1 inch of water once a week during the summer months, and more often during prolonged drought. Water when leaf blades begin to fold up, wilt or turn blue-gray or when footprints are visible after walking on the grass. Do not overwater, as this will encourage weeds.

3. Control weeds--particularly crabgrass, sandbur and goosegrass--with pre-emergent herbicides, such as benefin, bensulide and dacthal. Apply herbicides in late winter, before the weeds have a chance to germinate.

4. Hand pull any crabgrass or sandbur that may emerge despite your efforts. According to the University of Florida Extension, Bahia grass can be severely damaged by post-emergent herbicides such as MSMA and by "weed n' feed" fertilizers that contain atrazine.

5. Fertilize your Bahia lawn in late spring with a slow-release fertilizer in a 16-4-8 NPK formulation, and repeat in the fall.

6. Watch your Bahia grass for yellowing, a sign of iron deficiency. Add iron to your Bahia grass by using ferrous ammonium sulfate at a rate of 2 oz. diluted in 3 to 5 gallons of water for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.

Tips & Warnings

• According to American-Lawns.com, your Bahia lawn should not be fertilized or watered in winter; this treatment can promote weeds.

References

• American Lawns: Bahiagrass
• YardSmarts: Bahia Grass (Paspalum notatum)
• Hancock Seed Company: Bahia Grass Seed
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Bahiagrass for Florida Lawns