How to Use a Plant Growth Regulator on Bermuda Grass to Reduce Mowing (Without Wrecking Your Lawn)

If you’re mowing your Bermuda twice a week in the summer and wondering if there’s a smarter way… there is. A plant growth regulator for lawns can slow vertical growth, tighten up your turf, and help you reduce lawn mowing frequency — especially in the Southern US, where Bermuda grows like it’s getting paid by the inch.

But you’ve got to use it correctly.

Let’s look at exactly how to use plant growth regulators on Bermuda grass without thinning it out or stressing it into next week.

What Is a Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) for Lawns?

A plant growth regulator for lawns is a product designed to slow down the vertical growth of turfgrass by suppressing gibberellic acid, the hormone responsible for shoot elongation.

In plain English? It tells your Bermuda: “Hey buddy… grow thicker, not taller.”

Instead of shooting up like a teenager in July, your lawn focuses on:

• Lateral growth

• Density

• Root development

• Stress tolerance.

That’s why PGR for grass in the Southern US is so popular with golf courses and serious lawn folks. And yes — Bermuda is one of the best candidates for it.

 

Related: How Plant Growth Regulators Can Make Your Lawn Thicker and Greener 

 

Why Bermuda Grass Responds So Well to PGRs

Bermuda grass is aggressive. It loves heat. It thrives in Southern climates.

That’s great… until:

• You’re mowing every 2–4 days

• Your lawn scalps easily

• Growth surges after fertilizing

• You’re fighting thatch buildup.

Used properly, plant growth regulators for Bermuda grass can:

✔ Reduce vertical growth by 40–60%

✔ Improve turf density

✔ Increase drought tolerance

✔ Reduce cuttings

✔ Minimize scalping.

That’s why they’re common in golf course management. And if it works on fairways in August in Georgia… it’ll work in your backyard.

When Should You Use a PGR on Bermuda?

Timing matters. You want actively growing Bermuda. Not stressed. Not transitioning.

Best timing in the Southern US:

• Late spring (after full green-up)

• Through the summer growing season

• Stop applications 4–6 weeks before dormancy.

If your Bermuda isn’t fully green yet, wait. Applying too early can cause temporary yellowing or thinning.

Recommended Plant Growth Regulator Products for Bermuda Grass

Primo Maxx Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) — 4 oz

This is one of the most trusted turf growth regulators in the game — a professional-grade PGR in a homeowner-friendly size. Primo Maxx works by slowing down the plant hormone that drives vertical growth, so your Bermuda grass grows thicker and denser instead of tall and quick. That means fewer cuttings to dispose of, reduced mowing, and a tighter lawn that’s better able to handle heat, drought, traffic, and everyday stresses.

A single application slows growth for up to about four weeks and promotes lateral spread, deeper roots, and improved stress tolerance — all while keeping your lawn greener and healthier. It’s safe for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, and because it can be tank-mixed with fertilizers, it fits right into a complete lawn care program.

 

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Podium (Generic Primo Maxx) Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) — 1 Gallon

Think of Podium as Primo Maxx with volume. It’s essentially the same active ingredient — trinexapac-ethyl — but in a larger, economical container thanks to its generic formulation. That makes it ideal for larger yards or if you plan to run a PGR program through the entire growing season.

Podium slows vertical growth and reduces mowing frequency by up to around 50% per application, while encouraging a thicker canopy and stronger root development. Like Primo Maxx, it helps your lawn divert energy into lateral growth and overall turf health, so you spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your yard.

 

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Anuew EZ Plant Growth Regulator — 64 oz

Anuew EZ is a next-generation regulator with a slightly different active ingredient (prohexadione-calcium) that's designed to give even, consistent regulation across your lawn. It still cuts down on mowing and cuttings to bag up, but it also promotes a thicker, denser turf canopy, enhances drought and heat tolerance. When combined with Primo Maxx growth regulator, it does an excellent job of masking common Bermuda in a hybrid Bermuda lawn.

Because of its activity profile, Anuew EZ can provide smoother, more uniform regulation and is often preferred by turf managers seeking performance that holds up across varying lawn conditions. It’s also a great option if you’re managing a larger area and want consistent results from edge to edge.

 

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All three of these products are safe to use on the following turf types:

Warm-Season

• Bermudagrass (hybrid and common)

• Buffalograss

• Bahiagrass

• Carpetgrass

• Centipedegrass

• Kikuyugrass

• Seashore Paspalum

• St. Augustine

• Zoysiagrass.

Cool-Season

• Bentgrass

• Fescue (red, tall, turf types)

• Kentucky Bluegrass

• Blends (Bentgrass/Poa Annua, KBG/Ryegrass/Poa Annua)

• Ryegrass (annual and perennial).

How to Use Plant Growth Regulators on Bermuda Grass (Step-by-Step)

Alright — here’s where people can mess up. So follow this closely.

Step 1: Mow First

Mow your lawn 1–2 days before applying your PGR. Why? You want a uniform height going into regulation. Applying to shaggy turf creates uneven suppression.

Step 2: Apply at the Correct Rate

Always follow label directions. No cowboy math. Most common Bermuda PGR products are applied at low ounce-per-acre rates. Precision matters.

Pro tip: Start at the lower end of the labeled rate if this is your first time. You can always adjust to the next cycle.

Step 3: Use Proper Spray Coverage

• Use a calibrated sprayer

• Even the application is critical

• Avoid overlaps (this causes striping or growth differences).

Water volume typically ranges from 20–40 gallons per acre for good coverage.

Step 4: Stick to a Schedule

PGRs aren’t a one-and-done product. To truly reduce lawn mowing frequency, you’ll want to reapply every 14–21 days during peak growth.

Consistency = predictable regulation.

Miss a cycle, and Bermuda will surge like it’s making up for lost time.

How Much Will PGR Reduce Mowing?

Let’s talk real-world.

Without PGR:

• Mowing 2-3x per week in summer.
  

With a proper PGR program:

• Often down to once per week

• Some homeowners stretch to every 8–10 days.

Now, you still mow — you’re not turning your lawn into artificial turf. But you’re absolutely cutting back the workload. That’s why PGR is one of my favorite lawn care tips for Southern climates.

Heat + fertilizer + Bermuda = nonstop growth. PGR evens it out.

Will PGR Damage My Bermuda Grass?

Short answer: No — not if you use it correctly.

Long answer? Like most things in lawn care, the problems usually come from misuse, not the product itself.

If you overapply, overlap your spray lines, apply it to already stressed turf, or throw it down during drought conditions without proper irrigation, you can run into issues. The most common symptoms are temporary yellowing, slight thinning, or uneven growth patterns where application wasn’t consistent. None of that is permanent, but it can make your lawn look a little off for a couple of weeks.

Now here’s the other side of the coin.

When used properly — correct rate, evenly applied, on healthy, actively growing Bermuda — you’ll typically see a tighter turf canopy, less scalping from mowing, and even improved drought performance. Instead of shooting straight up and getting leggy, the grass thickens and knits together.

There’s a reason golf courses rely on this stuff. It’s not to stress turf — it’s to control it. And when you respect the label and the timing, your Bermuda handles it just fine.

Fertilizer + PGR: The Secret Combo

Here’s where it gets fun. When you fertilize Bermuda without regulation, it explodes upward. You throw down nitrogen, and three days later, you’re staring at a jungle. That surge growth means more mowing, more cuttings, more scalping risk, and more stress on the plant.

But when you fertilize and use a plant growth regulator for lawns, the whole game changes.

Instead of pushing excessive top growth, the turf shifts energy into lateral spread and density. You get controlled growth, improved thickness, better color retention, and far less of that wild “growth surge” that usually follows a feeding. It’s like putting cruise control on your nitrogen program — steady, predictable, manageable.

And that’s a big deal for serious Bermuda lawn care in the Southern US.

A Smart Fertility Pairing

If you’re building a Bermuda program around PGR, here are two products that fit beautifully into that system:

Release 901C™

This is a slow-release nitrogen source designed to provide steady feeding instead of a spike. That makes it an ideal partner for a PGR program. You’re not slamming the lawn with fast nitrogen that causes explosive growth — you’re giving it controlled nutrition that works with the regulation, not against it.

When paired with a product like Primo Maxx or Podium, Release 901C™ helps:

• Maintain consistent color

• Support density

• Reduce growth flushes

• Improve the efficiency of your applications.

Think smooth and steady, not feast and famine.

 

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Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3 Liquid Fertilizer with Kelp and Fulvic Acid

The 20-2-3 gives Bermuda the nitrogen it loves during peak growing season, while the added kelp and fulvic acid support root health and nutrient uptake. When you combine this with a plant growth regulator, you’ll get:

• A rich, dark green color

• A tighter canopy

• Improved stress tolerance

• Less mowing frequency.

The kelp adds a little stress resilience boost, which is especially helpful in Southern climates where heat and humidity don’t mess around.

 

golf-course-lawn-20-2-3-liquid-fertilizer-with-kelp-and-fulvic-acid

 

Related: How to Care for a Bermudagrass Lawn: A Complete Guide 

 

Using PGR on Bermuda Grass: FAQs 

How soon can I mow after applying a PGR?

Ideally, wait at least 24 hours after application before mowing. This gives the product time to fully absorb into the leaf tissue. Mowing too soon can reduce effectiveness and shorten the regulation window.

For best results, mow 1–2 days before applying, then let the product settle in.

Does irrigation timing matter after applying a PGR?

Yes — but not in the way most people think.

Most PGRs for Bermuda are foliar-absorbed, which means they enter through the leaf blade. You generally want a few hours of dry time after application. Once it’s dried and absorbed, regular irrigation can resume.

Avoid heavy irrigation immediately after spraying unless the label specifically allows it.

Can I tank-mix a PGR with herbicides or fungicides?

In many cases, yes — but always check the product label first.

We’ve personally tested liquid fertilizers and biostimulants in the tank with PGR, and we’ve had no adverse reactions when appropriately mixed and applied to healthy, actively growing Bermuda. In fact, combining a plant growth regulator with a liquid fertilizer program is one of the most efficient ways to manage growth and color simultaneously.

PGRs are commonly tank-mixed with:

• Liquid fertilizers

• Iron products

• Biostimulants (like Nutri-Kelp™ and Release ZERO™)

• Some herbicides

• Some fungicides.

Now, when it comes to herbicides and fungicides, here’s the smart move: do a jar test first.

A simple jar test lets you confirm compatibility before you load up your sprayer. Just mix small amounts of each product in water in a clear container and watch for separation, clumping, heat, or unexpected reactions. It takes five minutes and can save you a headache.

Also, keep this in mind — if your lawn is already stressed from heat, drought, or disease pressure, stacking too many products at once can increase the risk of temporary discoloration. In peak Southern summer conditions, sometimes simple is better.

Will a PGR affect my mowing height?

No, it doesn’t change your recommended mowing height for Bermuda grass.

You should continue mowing at your target height (typically 0.5–2 inches depending on variety and equipment). The difference is that you won’t have to mow as often to maintain that height.

PGR controls vertical growth — not your mower settings.

Does PGR change how my lawn stripes?

Actually, yes — in a good way.

Because the turf canopy becomes denser and more uniform, striping often looks cleaner and more defined. With less excessive top growth, you’re not knocking down long, floppy blades — you’re working with tighter, more consistent turf.

If you’re chasing that golf course look, regulation helps.

Can I stop using PGR mid-season?

You can — just be prepared for a rebound surge in growth.

When a PGR program ends abruptly during peak growing season, Bermuda may temporarily accelerate vertical growth as it returns to normal hormonal function. It’s not harmful, but you’ll likely notice increased mowing frequency for a couple of weeks.

If you plan to stop, it’s often smoother to taper off as growth naturally slows toward late summer.

Does PGR help with seedhead suppression in Bermuda?

Yes, many PGRs reduce seedhead production when applied at the right time.

Bermuda seedheads can make lawns look uneven and stemmy. Regulation can significantly reduce their appearance, improving visual quality and playability — especially helpful for high-visibility lawns.

Will using a PGR save me money?

It can — depending on your situation.

Potential savings include:

• Reduced fuel or electricity use from mowing

• Less equipment wear

• More efficient fertilizer use

• Reduced labor time.

For large properties or anyone mowing multiple times per week, those savings can add up quickly.

Is PGR safe for pets and kids?

Once dry and applied according to label instructions, most turf PGRs are considered safe for everyday lawn use.

The key is:

• Follow label directions

• Allow proper drying time

• Store products securely.

As with any lawn input, responsible application matters.

Does PGR improve root growth?

In many cases, yes.

By reducing excessive shoot growth, the plant can allocate more energy below ground. This often results in improved root mass and better stress tolerance over time — especially during drought and heat periods common in Southern US climates.

Mow Less. Sweat Less. Still Impress.

At the end of the day, Bermuda grass is going to do what Bermuda grass does — grow fast, grow hard, and grow all summer long. You can either chase it with a mower every three days… or you can manage it.

That’s what a smart PGR program is really about.

Using a plant growth regulator for lawns isn’t cheating. It’s not cutting corners. It’s applying a little turf science so your Bermuda grows thicker rather than taller, stays tight rather than leggy, and behaves more like a golf course fairway than a roadside ditch.

When you pair regulation with a solid fertilizer program, proper mowing, and consistent irrigation, you’re not just reducing lawn mowing frequency — you’re upgrading your entire Bermuda lawn care strategy.

Ready to tame your Bermuda instead of chasing it? Shop our plant growth regulators, liquid fertilizers and lawn care essentials, to reduce mowing, tighten up your turf, and take control of summer growth. And if you want to see it all in action, check out our YouTube channel for real-world lawn care tips straight from the field.