- 1). Mow Bermuda 1 inch high in the spring. Afterward, raising the cut to 2 inches will help the grass withstand drought. The Lawn Care Guide suggests that to limit stress on Bermuda grass, never cut more than 1/3 off at a time and limit mowing in the fall when it goes dormant.
- 2). Get a soil test. As with any lawn a soil test is preferred to determine nutrient deficiencies and get recommendations to alleviate them. According to The Noble Foundation, nitrogen is usually the most limited nutrient which inhibits growth and causes a yellowing in the leaves. There are several nitrogen fertilizers available, such as urea and ammonia sulfate, which work well if applied during the rainy season.
- 3). Irrigate frequently. Bermuda’s extensive root system helps in times of drought, however it will benefit from regular watering. The amount of water greatly depends on the soil type, climate conditions and usage. The shorter the mowing height, such as for golf courses, the more water it will need. If planted in poorly drained soils, watering should be limited.
- 4). Plant Bermuda in warm temperatures. Bermuda grass is a warm season perennial that thrives in temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is considered a tropical to subtropical plant able to grow from the south up to the transition zone of the U.S. This grass will go into dormancy when nighttime temperatures fall under 50 degrees, with severe leaf damage happening when daytime temperatures fall under 30 degrees.
- 5). Use fungicides and insecticides. Fungal diseases such as Pythium, dollar spot and brown patch are known to infect Bermuda to the point of death. There are also certain types of nematodes and other diseases that can cause severe damage if left unattended. Some insects that can injure Bermuda grass include mealy bugs, cutworms, armyworms and grubs which feed on the roots.
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