How to Get Bermuda Grass to Grow

Overview

If you live down South or have traveled there in the past, you've probably encountered Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass is a popular, warm-season grass the southern United States. Its excellent ability to withstand traffic, drought tolerance and low mowing height allow it to look great in non-perfect conditions. However, like any other living plant, it needs some essential practices to thrive. It is fairly easy to get Bermuda grass to grow with these practices.

Step 1

Apply fertilizer in late May, which is about three weeks after the grass turns green. Apply 1/2 to 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of grass. Distribute the fertilizer with a broadcast spreader, following the settings for the spreader on the fertilizer bag. Reapply every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Step 2

Apply 1 inch of water over the entire lawn each week throughout the summer.

Step 3

Mow every five to seven days at a height of 1/2 inch to 2 inches. Don't remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at any mowing.

Step 4

Core aerate or de-thatch the Bermuda grass lawn every 2 to 3 years to remove the build-up of thatch, which can prohibit water penetration into the soil and cause the lawn to thin out. Do these in early summer to allow the grass adequate time to recover.

Step 5

Apply a post-emergent herbicide with the active ingredient 2,4-D to control weeds. Apply when the weeds are actively growing and the lawn is not drought-stressed. Follow application guidelines on the product label.