Seasonal Care for Bermuda Grass

Mow Bermuda grass as soon as it turns green in the spring and before it reaches 1.5 to 2 inches in height. Set your mower as low as possible without scalping the grass--just under an inch. Mow often so grass clippings can be left to nourish the turf. Rake the grass to de-thatch once in mid-summer or whenever prolonged periods of rain prevent frequent mowing.

Control weeds with pre-emergence herbicides in early spring. Use post-emergence herbicides in late spring. After that, use post-emergence products, such as broadleaf weed killers, only when and where weeds become a problem.

Test the soil with a commercial kit to determine the proper fertilizer ratio and choose a fertilizer formula based on the test results. If you do not have a soil test, use a 3-1-2 formula. This is the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium. Start in early spring and continue every four to six weeks through August.

Bermuda grass must be watered often. Water for three to five hours any time you notice foot-printing, when blades are wilted or when the grass appears bluish.

White grubs are a common pest in Bermuda grass. Check the soil for them in August and treat them, if necessary, in September with a specialized insecticide following manufacturer's instructions.