How to Take Care of Bermuda Lawn Grass

Freshly cut Bermuda grass.

A perennial grass native to Africa, Bermuda grass is simple to maintain and soft to walk on, even in bare feet. Americans use Bermuda grass for their home lawns because of its exceptional drought tolerance, resistance to most pests and lush natural beauty. Bermuda grass is also popular because it can be easily grown from seed, takes well to sod transplants and requires very little maintenance once successfully established in your yard.

Things You'll Need

• Bermuda grass lawn
• Lawn mower
• High-nitrogen fertilizer
• Watering system

Instructions

1. 

   Mow Bermuda grass once a week.

   Mow your Bermuda grass lawn at least once a week during growing season. Regular mowing to a short height (maximum 1.5 inches) is one of the most effective methods for controlling weeds and maintaining your lawn's health.

2. 

   Monitor how much you water Bermuda grass.

   Water Bermuda grass once a week if it is not growing well or is showing yellow patches. Do not water Bermuda grass if your lawn is growing well and is receiving average rainfall. Overwatering can lead to problems with fungus and insects.

3. Fertilize Bermuda grass four times a year. A 31-3-9 fertilizer works well. Read and follow the directions on the package.

4. Fertilize your lawn for the first time when your lawn's soil temperature first exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Two months later, fertilize the second time. In another two months, fertilize a third time. In early October, to prepare for winter, fertilize the fourth and final time.

Tips & Warnings

• Reel-type mowers work best with Bermuda grass, but you can mow your Bermuda grass lawn using a rotary mower if you keep it on the lowest setting.

References

• American Lawns: Bermuda Grass