Ah, Bermuda grass – the go-to choice for many homeowners and golf course managers looking for a lush, resilient ground cover that can withstand heavy foot traffic and intense heat. It’s no surprise that this warm-season grass is favored in the southern United States, as its quick growth rate and ability to bounce back from damage make it an excellent option for those who want a low-maintenance lawn. But what do you do when your once-thick carpet of green starts to thin out or become patchy? Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective methods for making your Bermuda grass thicker and healthier than ever before. So grab a cold drink, kick off your shoes (it’s time to let your toes feel that soft grass), and let’s dive in!
Mow it Right
One of the easiest ways to promote thick, healthy growth in your Bermuda grass is by mowing it correctly. Here are a few key tips:
Mow at the right height: For optimal thickness, keep your Bermuda grass between 1-2 inches tall. This may mean mowing more frequently during peak growing season (usually late spring through summer), but trust us – it’s worth it.
Keep your mower blade sharp: A dull blade can tear and damage the grass blades instead of cutting them cleanly, resulting in a ragged appearance and potentially weakening the grass.
Don’t bag those clippings: Leaving your clippings on the lawn after mowing acts as a natural fertilizer, returning valuable nutrients back into the soil.
Change up your mowing pattern: To avoid creating ruts or compacted areas where grass struggles to grow thickly, try altering your mowing direction each time you cut the lawn.
Water Wisely
Proper watering is essential for maintaining a thick, healthy Bermuda grass lawn. Here’s how to get it right:
Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of shallow, frequent watering, aim for deeper, less frequent irrigation. This encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture, resulting in a stronger, more resilient lawn.
Aim for 1-1½ inches of water per week: This is the general rule of thumb for Bermuda grass, but you may need to adjust this amount depending on your local climate and soil conditions.
Water early in the morning: To minimize evaporation loss and give your lawn plenty of time to dry out before nightfall (which can help prevent disease), try to water between 4-8 am.
Use a rain gauge or tuna can: To ensure you’re hitting that 1-1½ inch mark each week, place a rain gauge or empty tuna can in your yard while you’re irrigating – when it fills up, you know you’ve hit your target!
Feed Your Lawn
Regular fertilization is key to keeping your Bermuda grass thick and thriving. Here’s what you need to know:
Choose the right fertilizer: Look for a complete fertilizer specifically formulated for Bermuda grass lawns that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (N-P-K), as well as other essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.
Follow the bag instructions carefully: Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing! Read and follow all label directions closely to ensure proper application rates and timing.
Fertilize at the right time(s): For best results, feed your Bermuda grass lawn during its peak growing season: once in late spring/early summer when temperatures consistently stay above 65°F (18°C) at night and again in mid-to-late summer if needed.
Don’t forget about soil pH: Bermuda grass prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0). If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can hinder nutrient absorption and lead to a less-than-ideal lawn. Test your soil regularly and make adjustments as needed with lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).
Aerate for Success
Over time, foot traffic and other factors can cause your lawn’s soil to become compacted, making it difficult for water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the root zone. Aerating – the process of removing small plugs of soil from the ground – helps alleviate compaction and promotes thicker Bermuda grass growth. Here’s what you need to know:
Choose the right aerator: Core aerators are best for Bermuda grass lawns since they remove plugs of soil rather than simply poking holes in the ground.
Aerate at the right time: Aim to aerate during the peak growing season (late spring through summer), when your Bermuda grass is actively growing and able to repair itself quickly after being disturbed.
Water before aerating: To ensure easier penetration by the aerator tines, give your lawn a good soaking 24 hours before you plan on aerating.
Don’t forget about overseeding: Following aeration with overseeding can help fill in any thin areas in your lawn and create an even thicker carpet of grass.
Address Pest & Disease Issues
Finally, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases that may be impacting your Bermuda grass’ ability to grow thickly and healthily:
Know what to look for: Common pests like chinch bugs, armyworms, grubs, and nematodes can wreak havoc on a Bermuda grass lawn if left unchecked; likewise with diseases such as dollar spot or leaf spot.
Monitor regularly: Regularly inspect your lawn for any signs of pest or disease activity, and take action promptly if you notice a problem.
Practice integrated pest management (IPM): This approach emphasizes using a combination of cultural, physical, biological, and chemical controls to manage pests and diseases while minimizing harm to the environment.
Consult a professional: If you’re unsure how to tackle a particular issue or simply want some expert guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local lawn care professional for help.
How To Make Bermuda Grass Thicker Conclusion
Making Bermuda grass thicker doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task. With the right knowledge and a few simple steps, you can get your lawn looking its best in no time. Start by mowing the grass regularly with a sharp blade, fertilizing it twice a year with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and aerating the soil regularly. Additionally, consider overseeding for extra thick coverage. Once these steps are taken care of, your Bermuda grass should be noticeably thicker in just a few weeks!
By following these tips and putting in some regular TLC, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that thick, lush Bermuda grass lawn of your dreams!
