How to Care for Bermuda Grass
By Josh Baum
Bermuda grass is a type of warm-weather grass commonly used on golf courses and other athletic fields, particularly in warm climates, but it is also planted in lawns. It is durable, low maintenance and resistance to drought, which is why it is so appealing to golf course greenskeepers. Although Bermuda grass requires less care than other grass species, failure to keep up with basic maintenance may make it susceptible to discoloration and disease.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Ensure the Bermuda grass is being grown in its appropriate environment. The ideal average temperature for Bermuda grass is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for the southern United States but unsuitable for most northern states. Bermuda grass will grow well in climates with an average temperature above 75 degrees, but it may require more frequent watering. It will fare less well in climates with average temperatures below 65 degrees, because of its low tolerance for cold.
Water the Bermuda grass according to a closely monitored schedule. When temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or when drought conditions are present, greenskeepers may need to water the grass daily. Greenskeepers must make sure that rainfall is factored into the watering schedule, and must skip or reduce watering to make sure the grass does not get over-saturated, which can promote mold growth that may kill the grass.
Apply a pH balancing fertilizer to the grass on a closely followed schedule. Applications should be about 40 days apart, but it is best to defer to the specific fertilization schedules indicated on the brand of fertilizer. You should also defer to the specific application method recommended for the fertilizer brand and type. Fertilizer should only be applied during warm or temperate cycles, which may be year-round in the warmest areas but may only last seven to nine months in areas with average temperatures closest to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a lawn, cut the grass weekly if possible, but at least every two weeks. Optimal height for healthy Bermuda grass is between three-quarters of an inch and 1.5 inches. Bermuda greens may be cut to an eighth-inch. For golf courses, cutting frequency varies with the growth season and the required length for rough and fairways. During dormant periods, Bermuda grass does not grow and, therefore, requires little mowing, but during warmer weather, it is very aggressive and needs frequent cutting.
Monitor the grass regularly for weed growth and pull weeds as soon as possible when they appear. Greenskeepers may also find it easier to use a weed whacker to trim weeds. Avoid herbicides because most will also kill the grass. Fortunately, weeding is not usually a major concern, because Bermuda grass is fairly weed-resistant and frequent mowing helps keep any weeds down.
Tips & Warnings
Except in extreme cold temperatures, Bermuda grass will typically revert to a dormant state rather than die because of lack of moisture or moderate cold. When it goes dormant, it turns a pale yellow or light brown color. During warmer months, you can water the grass more frequently to restore its green shade, but the discoloration may persist throughout the months when average temperatures are in the low 60s or lower.
About The Author
Josh Baum is a freelance writer with extensive experience in advertising and public relations. A graduate of the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Journalism, Baum writes targeted, optimized Web copy, print advertisements and broadcast scripts for advertising agencies, publishers and Web developers throughout the United States and Canada. He lives and works in Chicago, ll.
