Taking Care of Bermuda Grass
By Jackson Lewis
Bermuda grass is a popular ground cover for climates that average above 75 degrees Fahrenheit year round. It is used for lawns, golf courses, sporting fields and parks in these regions. Bermuda grass is popular because it is very durable and does not require a lot of maintenance once it's established. The grass is resistant to drought, and if watered, will maintain its color through periods of drought. If it is not watered, Bermuda will not die, but go dormant and lose its color until it rains or you are able to consistently apply irrigation to the grass. For golf courses that are on a tight budget, Bermuda grass is popular since it won't die if you need to cut costs on watering portions of your course.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Verify the average local temperature in your area. If it is below 75F, then you should expect your Bermuda grass to go through periods of dormancy throughout the colder months of the year.
Create a fertilizing schedule for the Bermuda grass. Fertilizers should contain a PH neutralizing agent and be applied at least 30 to 40 days apart or as the fertilizing manufacturer directs. If your area's temperatures fall significantly below the annual average in the winter months, the fertilizer should not be applied in the dormant season for the grass.
Cut the Bermuda grass to a height between 3/4 and 1 1/2 inches. Some golf courses will allow the Bermuda rough to exceed 1 1/2 inches.
Ensure the Bermuda grass is watered on scheduled intervals. In times of drought, the grass will need to be watered twice a week to maintain its color. In other periods of the year, it should be watered once a week in absence of rain.
Weed the Bermuda grass at least weekly. If the turf is newly planted from seed, weeding will need to be accomplished more frequently in order for the grass to become established.
Tips & Warnings
Fertilizing Bermuda grass helps maintain its color. On golf courses, maintaining a consistent height of the grass will ensure that its growth is consistent and the grass maintains its health.
Expect Bermuda grass to become dormant and lose its color in the periods of the year where local temperatures fall below the mid-60s. It will turn a yellowish brown color in this period until the ground temperatures rise.
About The Author
Based in Memphis, Jackson Lewis has been writing on technology-related material for 10 years with a recent emphasis on golf and other sports. He has been freelance writing for Demand Media since 2008. Lewis holds a Master of Science in computer science from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.
