Are you wanting to know how to take care of Bermuda grass effectively? If so, Nature’s Seed has you covered. Bermuda grass seed is one of the most popular options for growing durable lawns and sports fields in warm and coastal regions. If you live in the Southern United States, you’ve likely seen Bermuda grass seed lawns in residential areas and parks. This variety is recognizable by its narrow blades, deep green color, and dense growing patterns.
Bermuda grass seed is highly sought after because it germinates quickly, creates lush coverage, and is extremely drought- and heat-resistant. Plus, it’s pretty easy to grow and maintain, especially in hot climates.
Still, to ensure the longevity of a Bermuda grass seed lawn, it’s important to understand how to take care of Bermuda grass—before, during, and after planting.
Understanding Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is known for its tolerance to heat, drought, high traffic, and salt, but it also requires a lot of sunlight and drainage and doesn’t perform well in colder temperatures.
Withstands High Traffic
Bermuda grass has high buoyancy and can bounce back after being stepped on or damaged by heavy traffic. This is why it’s often the choice for golf courses and sports fields in the South.
Complex Root System
One reason this variety performs so well is its extensive root system. Bermuda grass seed grows stolons above ground and deep-rooted stems called rhizomes below ground. This system allows the grass to repair easily after injury and makes fixing bare patches easy.
Tolerant to Salt
Bermuda grass seed is also popular among coastal regions because of its tolerance to salt. Sea spray and coastal storms bring salt to residential lawns, which can be very damaging. Salt can dehydrate grass and prevent it from completing photosynthesis, but Bermuda can withstand this interference.
Requires Warm Weather
When growing a lawn from Bermuda grass seed, it’s crucial to choose regions that don’t get too cold. This grass variety thrives in warm weather and withstands heat, but it is also very sensitive to cold temperatures and can die when exposed to frost. In areas with moderate winters, Bermuda grass becomes dormant and brown during the season.
Does Best in Full Sunlight
Along with warmth, the best Bermuda grass seed also needs a lot of sunlight to thrive. These seeds need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily and won’t perform well in shaded areas. This is another reason it’s such a popular choice for golf courses exposed to full sunlight.
Needs Good Drainage
Proper drainage is another essential factor to consider when determining how to care for Bermuda grass. Along with proper grading, Bermuda grass often requires drainage systems like ditches or French drains. Low spots in a lawn that pool water can cause this variety to fail.
Soil Preparation
Like all grass installations, Bermuda grass seed requires proper soil preparation before planting. There are several things you can do to get an area ready for seeding:
- Weed and Clear Debris
First and foremost, remove weeds, yard waste, rocks, and other debris. A clean slate is essential for proper germination when starting a new lawn with Bermuda grass seed.
- Test Soil pH
Bermuda grass seed grows best in slightly acidic soil. Make sure your soil pH is between 5.8 and 7. You can use lime to raise acidity and sulfur to reduce acidity.
- Amend Soil
Along with adjusting pH, you will probably need to amend your soil with humus or compost. This will help with drainage, especially in clay-like soil.
- Level and Water
Once the soil is clear of debris and at a good acidity level, you should level the ground and water the soil. This will help ensure good drainage and prepare the soil for planting.
- Fertilizer
Apply a starter or “slow-release” fertilizer to the soil as a last step before planting Bermuda grass seed. Avoid “weed and feed” fertilizers, formulated for established lawns.
Planting Bermuda Grass
Once the area for planting is prepared, you can install Bermuda grass in a few different ways: seed, sprig, and sod.
Bermuda Grass Seed
Bermuda grass seed should be planted about 2-41–2 lbs per 1,000 square feet. Use a seed broadcast spreader to ensure even distribution. Late spring and early summer is a great time to grow this variety from seed.
Bermuda Grass Sprigs
Bermuda grass can also be grown from sprigs, which are stems (rhizomes or stolons) from the established plant. Sprigs should be planted in spring.
Bermuda Grass Sod
Sod (patches of established grass) is another popular choice for installing Bermuda grass, but can be more expensive. A sod lawn should be laid in a brick pattern (staggering). Late spring and early summer is a good time to plant Bermuda grass sod.
Watering and Mowing
Whether you’ve planted Bermuda grass seed, sprigs, or sod, it’s crucial to water the entire area thoroughly after installation.
Continue watering several times a day for 2 weeks to keep the soil moist—especially when dealing with Bermuda grass seed.
Once a Bermuda grass lawn is established, you can water it once or twice weekly, providing about an inch of water each time.
Wait until the grass is a few inches tall before mowing. It’s best to wait about a month.
Seasonal Care
It’s important to understand how to care for Bermuda grass throughout the year, as different seasons call for different maintenance methods.
Spring and Summer
In the warmer months of the year, Bermuda grass should thrive. Aerate the lawn during this time, water and mow often, and apply fertilizer.
Fall
You can begin reducing the frequency of your watering during the fall. Watch for weeds and pests. You may also want to apply a fungicide at the start of the fall season.
Winter
Most Bermuda grass lawns experience a period of dormancy in the winter. The grass may turn brown, but this doesn’t mean it has died. During the winter, water Bermuda grass less frequently: once every other week or less if it rains. Continue to mow if there is growth, but avoid cutting too short, as this can encourage disease.
Conclusion
If you live in a hot or coastal region of the United States, Bermuda grass seed is an excellent choice for planting a new lawn. Find Bermuda grass and other high-quality popular options for your region at Nature’s Seed.