How to Care for a Bermuda Grass Lawn: A Complete Guide

Bermuda grass is a hardy, heat-tolerant warm-season turf that thrives with full sun, consistent mowing, proper fertilization, and seasonal weed and disease management. Whether you're trying to thicken up your turf or stop winter browning, this guide has everything you need to know about caring for a Bermuda Grass lawn.

What Is Bermuda Grass?

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season turfgrass prized for its dense, vigorous growth, exceptional heat tolerance, and quick recovery from damage. Originally from Africa, it’s now widely used across the southern United States for residential and commercial lawns.

Appearance and Texture

Bermuda grass features a fine to medium blade texture and a vibrant green color during the growing season. It forms a thick, carpet-like lawn that can handle heavy foot traffic, making it a go-to choice for golf courses, athletic fields, parks, and home lawns.

Growth Habit

One of Bermuda’s standout traits is its aggressive spreading ability. It grows through both:

• Above-ground stolons (runners)
  

• Below-ground rhizomes (underground stems).

This dual growth system helps it fill bare spots quickly, but it can also invade garden beds or neighboring lawns if not properly edged or controlled.

Growth Speed and Maintenance

In warm months, Bermuda grows rapidly — often requiring mowing several times a week to maintain a neat, healthy look. Its speed and resilience make it a favorite for those who want a lush, high-performance lawn.

Why Lawn Enthusiasts Love It

With proper care, Bermuda grass can deliver a golf course-quality lawn. Whether you aim to thicken the turf, reduce weeds, or simply enjoy a durable, vibrant yard, Bermuda responds exceptionally well to consistent maintenance.

Where Does Bermuda Grass Grow Best?

Bermuda grass performs best in warm, sunny climates, making it a top choice for lawns located in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. These zones include much of the Southeastern United States, Deep South, and Southwestern regions, where long, hot summers and mild winters create ideal conditions for this warm-season turfgrass to thrive.

You’ll commonly find Bermuda grass lawns in states like:

• Florida
  

• Georgia
  

• Texas
  

• South Carolina
  

• Alabama
  

• Mississippi
  

• Louisiana
  

• Arizona
  

• Southern California
  

• Parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina.

In the transition zone — areas like Tennessee, Virginia, and Northern Arkansas — Bermuda grass can still be grown successfully, but it may require extra winter care or overseeding with cool-season grasses to maintain green color year-round.

Sunlight Requirements

Bermuda grass needs a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain its vigor and color. It struggles in shaded areas, especially under trees or near tall structures. In low-light conditions, Bermuda grass may thin out, become more susceptible to weeds, or develop disease issues due to reduced airflow and slower drying.

If your lawn receives partial shade or dappled sunlight, a more shade-tolerant grass like Zoysia or St. Augustine may be a better fit. However, for full-sun lawns in southern climates, Bermuda grass is hard to beat in terms of durability, recovery, and aesthetic quality.

Climate Considerations

• Heat and drought tolerance: One of the biggest advantages of Bermuda grass is its high heat and drought tolerance. Once established, it can handle dry spells with minimal supplemental irrigation.
  

• Cold sensitivity: Bermuda grass is not frost-hardy and will go dormant — turning straw-brown — when temperatures drop consistently below 50°F (10°C). In colder regions, this winter dormancy can last several months unless overseeded with a cool-season grass like ryegrass for winter color.

In short, Bermuda grass lawn care is easiest and most rewarding in sunny, southern climates with warm temperatures and long growing seasons. If that sounds like your yard, Bermuda may be the perfect fit.

Types of Bermuda Grass

When planning your Bermuda grass lawn, it’s important to understand that not all Bermuda is created equal. Two main categories of Bermuda grass are used for turf: common Bermuda grass and hybrid Bermuda grass. Each has distinct characteristics that influence how it looks, performs, and should be maintained.

1. Common Bermuda Grass

Common Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is the original variety that grows from seed and is widely available at garden centers. It’s the go-to option for many homeowners due to its affordability and resilience.

Key features:

• Texture: Medium to coarse blade texture
  

• Color: Light to medium green
  

• Growth habit: Aggressive spread via stolons and rhizomes
  

• Establishment: Grows easily from seed
  

• Drought tolerance: Excellent; recovers quickly from dry periods
  

• Maintenance needs: Moderate
  

• Seed availability: Readily available
  

• Ideal uses: Residential lawns, parks, and pastures.
  
  

Pros:

• Inexpensive and easy to grow from seed
  

• Durable and fast-spreading
  

• Excellent drought and heat resistance.
  
  

Cons:

• Less dense and finer than hybrid varieties
  

• Coarser appearance
  

• Prone to weed invasion if not thick and well-maintained.
  
  

Popular seed varieties of common Bermuda include:

• Sahara
  

• Yukon
  

• Princess 77
  

• LaPrima.
  
  

2. Hybrid Bermuda Grass

Hybrid Bermuda grasses are specially bred varieties created by crossing different Bermuda strains for improved turf quality. Due to their dense growth and fine-bladed appearance, these hybrids are commonly found on golf courses, sports fields, and high-end residential lawns.

Key features:

• Texture: Fine to very fine blade texture
  

• Color: Dark green
  

• Growth Habit: Dense, low-growing, aggressive spread
  

• Establishment: Must be installed via sod, plugs, or sprigs (not seed)
  

• Drought Tolerance: Good, but slightly less than common Bermuda
  

• Maintenance Needs: High (frequent mowing, fertilization)
  

• Seed Availability: Sterile — does not produce viable seed.
  
  

Pros:

• Lush, uniform appearance
  

• Superior density helps crowd out weeds.
  

• Responds well to reel mowing and detailed lawn care.
  
  

Cons:

• Cannot be seeded — must be sodded or plugged
  

• Higher cost to install and maintain
  

• Requires more frequent mowing and fertilization.
  
  

Popular hybrid Bermuda grass varieties include:

Variety	Notable Features
Tifway 419	Dark green, fine texture, ideal for sports fields
TifTuf	Excellent drought tolerance, stays green longer
Tifgreen 328	Fine-bladed, tolerates low mowing
Celebration	Deep blue-green color, aggressive growth
Latitude 36	Cold-hardy hybrid for transition zones

 

💡 Tip: If you aim for that golf course look, hybrid Bermuda varieties like TifTuf or Tifway 419 offer unmatched turf density and performance, especially when paired with a reel mower and a regular Bermuda grass fertilizer schedule.

 

Related: Sod Installation Best Practices for Establishing New Warm-Season Lawns 

 

Best Soils for Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is adaptable but thrives best in well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

• Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0. If your soil is outside this range, a soil test can guide lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH) applications.
  

• Texture: Sandy loam or loam soils are best — they warm up quickly in spring, drain well, and hold enough moisture for healthy growth.
  

• Drainage: Bermuda hates soggy conditions. Heavy clay soils should be aerated regularly and amended with organic matter (like CarbonizPN-G™) to improve structure.
  

• Nutrient-rich base: Before establishing Bermuda, incorporate compost or a starter fertilizer to boost organic content and root development.

Pro Tip: A soil test every 1–2 years is the fastest way to tailor your Bermuda grass fertilizer schedule and correct imbalances for optimal color, thickness, and disease resistance.

 

mysoil-test-kit

 

Bermuda Grass Mowing Height and Schedule

Mowing is one of the most critical components of proper Bermuda grass care. It directly affects your lawn’s thickness, color, weed resistance, and overall health. Bermuda grass thrives when mowed frequently and kept at the correct height for its variety.

Optimal Mowing Height

The ideal mowing height for Bermuda grass depends on whether you have a common or hybrid variety:

• Common Bermuda Grass:
  Mow at 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
  This coarser variety tolerates higher cuts and is well-suited for rotary mowers. Ideal for homeowners who want a lush lawn without ultra-low maintenance.
  
  

• Hybrid Bermuda Grass (e.g., Tifway 419, TifTuf):
  Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
  These fine-textured, dense varieties look best when kept short and trimmed with a reel mower, which delivers a clean, even cut that rotary mowers often can’t achieve at low heights.

Pro Tip: The lower you mow, the more frequently you'll need to mow — especially during the peak growing season. But the payoff is a thicker, more carpet-like lawn.

Mowing Frequency

• During the growing season (late spring through summer):
  Mow every 3–5 days to prevent scalping and promote healthy, dense growth.
  
  

• During cooler months or slow-growth periods:
  You may only need to mow every 7–10 days, or not at all if the lawn is dormant.

 

💡 Why mow often? Bermuda grass spreads horizontally through stolons and rhizomes. Frequent mowing encourages lateral growth, which helps make your Bermuda grass thicker, fills in bare spots, and chokes out weeds.

Follow the One-Third Rule

No matter the height, always follow the one-third rule:

Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow.

Removing too much at once can:

• Shock the grass
  

• Cause browning or scalping
  

• Make the lawn more vulnerable to drought and disease.

Example:
If your lawn is 1.5 inches tall, don’t let it grow past 2.25 inches before mowing again.

Best Mowers for Bermuda Grass

• Rotary mowers: Suitable for common Bermuda and higher cuts (1.5 inches and up).
  

• Reel mowers: Essential for hybrid Bermuda at low mowing heights (under 1.5 inches). They create a golf course-like finish and reduce stress on fine-textured turf.

Bagging vs. Mulching

• Mulching cuttings is usually recommended, as it returns nutrients to the soil.
  

• Bag cuttings only if your lawn is overgrown or you're removing weeds to prevent seed spread.

Watering Bermuda Grass: How Much and How Often

• Water deeply and infrequently: 1–1.25 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
  

• Best watering time: Early morning (before 10 a.m.).
  

• Signs your Bermuda lawn needs water:
  

• Wilting blades
  

• Blue-gray color
  

• Footprints that don’t spring back.

Best Fertilizer and Nutrient Products for Bermuda Grass

For a healthy and vibrant Bermuda grass lawn, using a high-nitrogen fertilizer is essential for encouraging green-up, dense growth, and overall turf resilience. To maintain consistent, high-performance turf, it's best to alternate between slow-release granular, quick-acting liquid, and supportive biostimulants. Plus, consider a plant growth regulator to help reduce mowing needs and improve turf quality.

Recommended products from Golf Course Lawn Store

• Country Club 16‑0‑8 Humic Max (Granular)
  A premium granular fertilizer with 16% nitrogen (35% slow-release), 8% potassium, and 8.9% humic acid. Delivers fast green-up in 5–7 days, enhances nutrient uptake, improves soil health, and supports long-season feeding in warm-season grasses like Bermuda.

 

country-club-16-0-8-humic-max-and-mesa%C2%AE-by-lebanonturf-sgn-150

 

• Golf Course Lawn 20‑2‑3 Liquid Fertilizer
  A fast-acting foliar "spoon-feed" fertilizer; delivers turf response and color in 2–3 days without needing irrigation. It contains seaweed and fulvic acid to boost nutrient uptake, ideal for quick greening during active growth periods.

 

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

 

• CarbonizPN‑G™ Granular Biostimulant
  A soil-enhancing biostimulant combining compost and biochar (activated carbon) to improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability. Perfect for supporting a healthy root system and boosting the effectiveness of fertilizers on warm-season lawns like Bermuda.

 

essential-g™-granular-carbon-free-shipping

 

• Primo Maxx Plant Growth Regulator
  A proven PGR that can reduce mowing and edging by up to 50% while promoting lateral growth, root vigor, and enhanced tolerance to heat, drought, and disease. A smart addition for homeowners aiming to maintain a dense, durable Bermuda turf with less effort.

 

primo-maxx-plant-growth-regulator-4-oz

 

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

 

Bermuda Grass Fertilizer Schedule 

 

🌱 Spring (March-May)

Goal: Wake up the lawn, promote early green-up, and build strong roots.

Action	Product Type	Recommended Product	Notes
Pre-emergent	Herbicide	Prodiamine 0-0-7	Apply in early spring to block weeds before they sprout.
Fertilize	Granular	Country Club 16-0-8 Humic Max	Apply once in April for slow-release nutrition.
OR	Liquid	Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3 Liquid Fertilizer	Apply every 3–4 weeks starting when the grass greens up.
Biostimulant (optional)	Soil Conditioner	CarbonizPNG™	Great for soil prep in March or April.
PGR (optional)	Plant Growth Regulator	Primo Maxx	Start when temps are consistently above 70°F.

☀️ Summer (June-August)

Goal: Maintain color, density, and drought resilience.

Action	Product Type	Recommended Product	Notes
Fertilize	Granular	Country Club Humic Max 16-0-8	Apply once every 6–8 weeks as needed.
OR	Liquid	Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3	Great for spoon-feeding without surge growth. Apply every 3–4 weeks.
Biostimulant (optional)	Soil Conditioner	CarbonizPNG™	Mid-summer application helps with heat stress.
PGR (optional)	Plant Growth Regulator	Primo Maxx	Helps reduce mowing and improves turf density. Reapply every 3–4 weeks.

🍂 Fall (September-November)

Goal: Prepare for dormancy, improve hardiness.

Action	Product Type	Recommended Product	Notes
Fertilize	Granular	Final dose of Country Club 16-0-8 in Sept	Helps turf store energy before winter.
OR	Liquid	Final round of GCL 20-2-3 in early Oct	Avoid nitrogen-heavy applications after this.
Pre-emergent	Herbicide	Apply Prodiamine again in late fall	Prevents winter and spring weeds.
Biostimulant (optional)	Soil Conditioner	CarbonizPNG™	Good time to condition the soil.
Stop PGR	Plant Growth Regulator	Primo Maxx	Discontinue by mid-October.

❄️ Winter (December-February)

Goal: Protect dormant lawn, prevent early weeds.

Action	Product Type	Recommended Product	Notes
Fertilizer	None	❌ No fertilization	Bermuda grass is dormant — let it rest.
Pre-emergent	Herbicide	Apply late winter if temps still high	Especially important in warmer zones.
Plan ahead	—	Soil test, sharpen mower, stock up	Get ready for spring success.

Best Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass Lawns

Maintaining a lush and weed-free Bermuda grass lawn requires proactive and reactive herbicide strategies. Here are the top-performing, lawn-safe herbicides from Golf Course Lawn Store.

Pre‑Emergent Herbicides: Prevent Weeds Before They Sprout

Prodiamine 0.38% Pre-Emergent Herbicide Plus Fertilizer (0‑0‑7)

• Powerful granular option that stops crabgrass, annual bluegrass, and many broadleaf weeds before they emerge.
  
  

• Safe for use on warm-season grasses like Bermuda and easy to apply via spreader — one 50 lb bag covers up to ~16,500 sq ft.

prodiamine-38-pre-emergent-herbicide-with-fertilizer-0-0-7-50lb

Dimension 0.15% Pre‑Emergent Herbicide with Fertilizer (0‑0‑7)

• Includes dithiopyr for early control of crabgrass and other annual grasses, plus fertilizer. Works both preventively and, if applied early enough, may control newly germinated weeds.

 

dimension-15-pre-emergent-herbicide-with-fertilizer-0-0-7

 

Specticle® FLO (Liquid Pre‑Emergent)

• Contains indaziflam. Offers extended control (up to 4 months) of over 60 types of grassy and broadleaf weeds. Best applied in late summer or fall for long-season protection.

 

specticle-flo-pre-emergent-herbicide

 

Prodiamine 65 WDG (Liquid Pre-Emergent without fertilizer)

• Contains 65% prodiamine. Prevents crabgrass, Poa annua, and other grassy and broadleaf weeds. WDG stands for water dispersible granule, which means you add the dry product into water and spray it as a liquid.

 

prodiamine-65-wdg-brand-alternative-barricade®-65wdg

 

Post‑Emergent and Combo Herbicides: Tackle Growing Weeds

Drive XLR8 Herbicide (Crabgrass and Broadleaf)

• Effective, selective herbicide for both grassy weeds like crabgrass and common broadleaf weeds. Fast uptake, safe for Bermuda when used as directed.

 

drive-xlr8-herbicide-crabgrass-weed-killer

 

Celsius and Certainty Herbicide Kit

• A combination of Celsius WG and Certainty plus surfactant and dye. Controls over 180 grassy and broadleaf weeds, including sedges and Poa annua, without harming warm-season grass (excluding Bahia). Covers up to 130,000 sq ft.

 

celsius-and-certainty-herbicide-kit-with-surfactant-and-dye

 

Triad Select 3‑Way Herbicide

• Strong post-emergent mix combining 2,4-D, MCPA, and dicamba. Good for treating stubborn broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and plantain in Bermuda lawns.

 

broadleaf-weed-control-triad-select-3-way-herbicide

 

Common Bermuda Grass Lawn Diseases

Even though Bermuda grass is known for its resilience, it’s not immune to turf diseases, especially in warm, humid climates or when cultural practices like mowing and watering aren't dialed in. Below are four of the most common lawn diseases that can affect Bermuda grass, along with tips for identifying and controlling them.

1. Dollar Spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa)

Symptoms:

• Small, round, silver-dollar-sized tan patches (1–2 inches wide).

• Grass blades appear bleached or tan with reddish-brown borders.
  

• Spots may merge into larger patches if left untreated.

Causes:

• Low nitrogen levels
  

• Excessive moisture or dew
  

• Poor air circulation
  

• Mowing too low or infrequently.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Fertilize properly to maintain adequate nitrogen levels.

• Mow at the proper Bermuda grass mowing height (not too low).
  

• Water deeply but infrequently; avoid watering at night.
  

• Apply a preventative fungicide like Headway G if conditions are favorable for the disease.

2. Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)

Symptoms:

• Large, circular patches of brown, wilted grass (6 inches to several feet wide).

• Outer edges may appear darker or grayish.
  

• Often mistaken for drought stress or mower damage.

Causes:

• High humidity combined with warm nighttime temperatures (68–90°F).

• Overwatering or poor drainage.

• Excessive nitrogen during hot weather.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Water early in the morning only, not in the evening.

• Improve air circulation and drainage.

• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer in midsummer.

• Use fungicides like Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand or Headway G preventively or at the first sign of disease.

3. Spring Dead Spot (Ophiosphaerella spp.)

Symptoms:

• Circular, sunken patches of dead grass (6 inches to 2 feet wide) in spring.
  

• Affected areas fail to green up after dormancy.
  

• Roots and stolons are blackened or rotted.

Causes:

• Appears after winter dormancy, often due to:
  
  

• Compacted soil.
  

• Excess nitrogen in the fall.
  

• Cold or wet winter conditions.
  

• Thatch buildup.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Core aerate in late summer or early fall to relieve compaction.
  

• Apply potassium-rich fertilizer (not nitrogen) in fall.
  

• Improve drainage and reduce thatch.

• Apply a fall fungicide such as Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand or Headway G before the first frost to reduce disease severity.

4. Leaf Spot (Bipolaris, Helminthosporium spp.)

Symptoms:

• Purple, brown, or black spots on individual grass blades.
  

• Blades may yellow and die from the tip downward.
  

• In severe cases, turf appears thin and patchy.

Causes:

• Overwatering or prolonged leaf wetness.
  

• Dull mower blades.
  

• Stressed turf from heat or nutrient deficiency.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Sharpen mower blades regularly.
  

• Avoid mowing when the grass is wet.
  

• Reduce leaf wetness by watering early in the day.
  

• Strengthen turf with balanced fertilizer and biostimulants like CarbonizPN-G™.
  

• Apply a foliar fungicide if the disease spreads.

Pro Tips to Prevent Bermuda Grass Diseases

• Follow a consistent Bermuda grass fertilizer schedule to avoid nutrient deficiencies or excesses.
  

• Mow regularly at the correct height and never remove more than 1/3 of the blade.
  

• Aerate compacted soil annually.
  

• Improve drainage and reduce thatch.
  

• Water deeply and early in the day — avoid frequent, shallow watering
  

• Apply preventative fungicides during periods of high disease pressure (warm, humid conditions).

Fungicides for Bermuda Grass Disease Control

Regarding Bermuda grass disease control, two products stand out for their broad-spectrum effectiveness: Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand and Headway G.

• Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand is a liquid fungicide that targets a wide range of turf diseases, including brown patch, dollar spot, and spring dead spot, making it a powerhouse for both prevention and control.

 

pillar-sc-fungicide-liquid-brown-patch-and-dollar-spot-control

 

• Headway G is a granular option combining two active ingredients to protect against over 20 common lawn diseases. It’s easy to spread and delivers long-lasting protection.

 

headway-g-fungicide-granular

 

Used in rotation, these two fungicides will cover virtually every major Bermuda grass disease, keeping your lawn healthy, uniform, and green all season.

Bermuda Grass in Winter

Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, which naturally goes dormant during winter when soil temperatures drop below 55°F. This dormancy is a normal part of its life cycle and shouldn’t be mistaken for turf death. During this time, your lush green lawn will fade to a light brown or tan color — but rest assured, the roots are still alive and resting beneath the surface.

What Bermuda Dormancy Looks Like

• The lawn turns straw-colored and stops growing.
  

• Mowing frequency drops (or stops altogether).
  

• Fertilizer and watering requirements decrease significantly.
  

• Weed activity may still persist, especially in milder southern climates.

When Does Bermuda Grass Dormancy Begin?

Depending on your region, dormancy typically begins in late October to early December. Bermuda grass enters dormancy earlier in Zone 7 areas (like parts of Tennessee and North Carolina) and later in Zones 8–10 (like Texas, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle).

It usually remains dormant until March or April, when temperatures warm up and soil temperatures consistently rise above 60°F.

How to Care for Dormant Bermuda Grass

Even though your Bermuda lawn isn’t actively growing, you still need to care for it properly to ensure a strong green-up in spring.

While your Bermuda lawn is brown and inactive in winter, a few simple steps will set it up for a strong spring green-up:

• Fertilization:
  Stop all nitrogen once the lawn browns. Instead, apply a potassium-rich or pre-emergent fertilizer, such as:
  

• Dimension 0-0-7 with Dithiopyr

• Prodiamine 0-0-7 Pre-Emergent.
  

• Watering:
   Cut back significantly. Only water during prolonged dry spells (2–3 weeks without rain). Overwatering can encourage fungus and weeds.
  

• Mowing:
  Raise your mowing height for the last cut before dormancy. Once the lawn stops growing, you can put the mower away until spring.

Should You Overseed Bermudagrass with Ryegrass in Winter?

If you want to maintain a green lawn in winter, some homeowners choose to overseed Bermuda grass with perennial ryegrass in early fall. This provides a temporary green lawn from late fall through early spring.

Pros:

• Green color through winter
  

• Erosion protection
  

• Keeps the lawn visually appealing.

Cons:

• Adds cost and maintenance
  

• Competes with Bermuda grass in spring
  

• Requires transition management (scalping, extra nitrogen).

If you choose not to overseed, don’t worry — brown Bermuda during winter is completely normal and healthy for warm-season lawns.

 

Read more>> Overseeding with Ryegrass

 

How to Green Up Bermuda in Spring

After months of winter dormancy, Bermuda grass needs the right combination of timing, nutrients, and cultural practices to transition from brown to vibrant green. Pushing the lawn too early — or skipping key steps — can lead to weak growth, weed problems, and a delayed green-up.

1. Wait for the Right Soil Temperature

• Bermuda grass begins waking up when soil temperatures reach 55–60°F for several consecutive days.
  

• In most southern regions, this happens in late March to April, but it can be earlier in coastal areas and later in cooler transition zones.
  

• Use a soil thermometer to track temps, not just air temperature.

2. Start with Weed Prevention

Spring weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass compete with Bermuda as it greens up.

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide just before or at green-up.

3. Resume Fertilization at the Right Time

Hold off on nitrogen until 50% of your lawn has greened up — feeding too early can waste product and encourage weeds.

4. Adjust Your Mowing Height

For the first mow of spring, scalp the lawn by lowering your mower one notch below your normal Bermuda grass mowing height.

• Remove dormant material to expose the soil to sunlight, which speeds warming and growth.
  

• After scalping, return to your regular mowing height:
  

• Common Bermuda: 1.5–2.5 inches
  

• Hybrid Bermuda: 0.5–1.5 inches (reel mower recommended).

5. Water as Needed

• Begin watering when new growth is actively appearing and rainfall isn’t meeting the 1–1.25 inches per week requirement.
  

• Deep, infrequent watering encourages deeper roots and better drought resistance.

6. Spot-Treat Early Weeds

If you missed a pre-emergent or notice breakthrough weeds, spot-treat with a Bermuda-safe post-emergent like the Celsius and Certainty Herbicide Kit, which tackles broadleaf weeds, sedges, and grassy weeds without harming your lawn.

 

Read more>> The Science behind Spring Green-Up: Why Some Grasses Take Longer to Turn Green 

 

Pros and Cons of Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is one of the most popular warm-season turfgrasses in the southern U.S., for good reason — it’s tough, fast-growing, and can handle heavy use. But it’s not the perfect match for every yard. Understanding its strengths and limitations will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your lawn.

Pros:

• Fast-growing and quick to recover
  

• Heat and drought-tolerant
  

• Dense turf crowds out weeds
  

• Tolerates heavy foot traffic.
  
  

Cons:

• Dormant and brown in winter
  

• Requires frequent mowing
  

• Not shade tolerant
  

• Can invade flower beds, pathways, or nearby lawns.

Bermuda Grass vs. Other Warm-Season Grasses

If you live in the southern U.S. or the transition zone, you have several warm-season turfgrass options. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs, so the best choice depends on your lawn’s conditions and maintenance preferences. Here’s how Bermuda grass stacks up against other popular warm-season grasses.

Bermuda Grass vs. Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass

Bermuda Grass

• Pros: Very fast growth and recovery, excellent drought and wear tolerance, great for sunny lawns.
  

• Cons: Needs full sun, frequent mowing, and goes brown in winter.

Zoysia Grass

• Pros: Dense, soft feel; better shade tolerance than Bermuda; lower mowing frequency.
  

• Cons: Slower to establish and recover from damage; can go dormant in winter in cooler regions.

Go for: Bermuda if you need high-traffic durability; Zoysia if you have partial shade and want softer turf with less mowing.

Bermuda Grass vs. St. Augustine Grass

St. Augustine grass

Bermuda Grass

• Pros: Handles heavy use and drought well; grows aggressively to fill bare spots.
  

• Cons: Poor shade tolerance, browns in winter, can be invasive.

St. Augustine Grass

• Pros: Excellent shade tolerance, thick and lush appearance, coarse but attractive blades.
  

• Cons: Poor cold tolerance, susceptible to chinch bugs and fungal diseases, doesn’t like heavy traffic.

Go for: Bermuda in full-sun, high-traffic yards; St. Augustine in shady areas where other grasses struggle.

Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass

Centipede grass

Bermuda Grass

• Pros: Durable, fast-growing, and dense when maintained.
  

• Cons: It requires more mowing and fertilization and can be invasive.

Centipede Grass

• Pros: Very low maintenance; grows well in acidic soils; less mowing and fertilization needed.
  

• Cons: Poor wear tolerance, slower recovery, and less vibrant green than Bermuda.

Go for: Bermuda if you want an active, playable lawn; Centipede if you want a “set it and forget it” low-maintenance lawn.

Bermuda Grass vs. Bahia Grass

Bahia grass

Bermuda Grass

• Pros: Fine to medium texture, thick turf, great for lawns where appearance matters.
  

• Cons: Needs more mowing, fertilization, and water in peak summer.

Bahia Grass

• Pros: Extremely drought tolerant and low maintenance; good for erosion control.
  

• Cons: Coarse texture, produces seedheads quickly, less dense and lush than Bermuda.

Go for: Bermuda if aesthetics and playability are priorities; Bahia for utility lawns, roadways, or low-maintenance properties.

FAQs on Bermuda Grass Care

Q: How long does it take for Bermuda grass to fully establish from seed or sod?

A: From seed, Bermuda usually takes 7–10 days to germinate in warm soil and 60–90 days to establish into a playable lawn. Sod gives you an instant lawn, but the roots still need about 2–3 weeks to knit into the soil before heavy use.

Q: Can I grow Bermuda grass from seed in the fall?

A: No — Bermuda needs warm soil (above 65°F) to germinate. Fall seeding will fail in most areas. Plant in late spring to early summer for best results.

Q: Why does my Bermuda grass look yellow after mowing?

A: This often happens when the mowing height is too low, blades are dull, or you’ve removed more than one-third of the blade at once. Sharpen your mower blades, follow the proper mowing height, and mow more frequently during peak growth.

Q: Does Bermuda grass need aeration?

A: Yes. Bermuda thrives when aerated annually, ideally in late spring through early summer when it’s actively growing. Aeration relieves compaction, improves root growth, and boosts fertilizer and water absorption.

Q: Will Bermuda grass grow in sandy soil?

A: Yes — it performs well in sandy, fast-draining soils as long as you maintain a consistent fertilization and watering schedule. Adding organic matter or products like CarbonizPN-G™ can help improve nutrient retention.

Q: Can I mix Bermuda grass with other turf types?

A: Generally, no. Bermuda’s aggressive growth tends to outcompete most grasses. Even shade-tolerant blends often fail because Bermuda will eventually dominate in sunny areas. The main exception is overseeding with perennial ryegrass in winter to maintain green color while Bermuda is dormant — this is temporary, as the ryegrass will fade once Bermuda resumes growth in spring.

Q: Why does my Bermuda grass have bare patches?

A: Common causes include heavy shade, compacted soil, pest or disease damage, or neglecting to mow and fertilize regularly. Correct the underlying cause, allow Bermuda’s stolons and rhizomes to fill in, or re-sod thin spots.

Q: How do I keep Bermuda grass from invading my flower beds?

A: Install deep edging (at least 6 inches), regularly edge with a trimmer, and hand-pull stolons that creep over. For persistent issues, apply a non-selective herbicide directly to unwanted runners.

Q: Can I have a low-maintenance Bermuda grass lawn?

A: You can reduce maintenance by mowing higher, fertilizing less often, and using a plant growth regulator like Primo Maxx. However, Bermuda naturally grows fast, so “low maintenance” will still involve regular mowing and seasonal care.

Q: How do I safely remove Bermuda grass from my Zoysia or St. Augustine lawn without damaging the turf?

A: This is a common challenge — Bermuda grass is aggressive and can quickly overtake your preferred turf. Fortunately, there is a proven, lawn-safe solution: the Recognition and Fusilade II Herbicide Kit. This combination lets you selectively target Bermuda while preserving your Zoysia or St. Augustine grass. Here's how it works:

• Recognition contains a safener (metcamifen) that protects your turf.
  

• Fusilade II provides post-emergent control of Bermuda.
  

• Together, they safely eradicate invasive Bermuda without tissue injury to your lawn grasses.

 

Check out our detailed guide: How to Get Rid of Bermudagrass in Your Zoysia or St. Augustine Lawn.

 

The Bermuda Triangle of Lawn Care: Mow, Feed, Weed

Bermuda grass is one of the most rewarding warm-season grasses when properly maintained. With the right mowing, fertilization, and weed control schedule, your lawn can look like a golf course. Bookmark this Bermuda grass care guide to stay on track year-round.

Ready to take your Bermuda grass to the next level? Shop our Bermuda-approved fertilizers, weed killers, and lawn care essentials and start building the lawn you’ve always wanted — one pro tip at a time.