How to Mow Bermuda Grass Short

Overview

Bermuda grass can be mowed to varying heights depending on the specific cultivar grown, its intended use and how often you want to mow the lawn. As a general rule, Bermuda grass should be shorn to a height between 1/4 inch and 2 1/2 inches. Cultivars bred for golf links and sports fields do best cut very short, and can easily tolerate the daily or multiple weekly mowings.

Step 1

Mow your common Bermuda grass, Midiron or Santa Ana cultivars down to 1 inch at the lowest. Mow Tifgreen, Tiflawn or Pee Dee down to a minimum of 1/4 inch in height. Set your lawn mower blade at the ideal height for your type of grass and the grass blade height that you prefer. Adjust the knobs or levers on your lawn mower according to the markings corresponding to the position of the cutting blade.

Step 2

Reduce the blade height of the lawn grass with mowing slowly over successive mowing sessions to limit stress on the roots and to prevent browning and scorching. Take down no more than one-third of the blade height in each mowing session until you reach the blade height you prefer.

Step 3

Maintain your shorn Bermuda lawn with frequent mowings. Mow daily to maintain a 1/4-inch height, every 3 days for 1/2 inch and every 5 to 7 days for an inch to 1 1/2 inches.

Step 4

Water your shorn Bermuda lawn liberally, applying up to the weekly equivalent of 1/3 inch of water per day in one or more watering sessions spread throughout the week.