Planning Irrigation For Germination of a Bermuda Lawn

Bermuda grass can resist heavy traffic, survives through dry seasons, and, if mowed and fertilized correctly, is a superb hot-climate grass option. Though Bermuda grass is common in areas that don’t see much water, it needs to be adequately irrigated to grow and look its best. Follow along on how to plan irrigation for the germination of a Bermuda lawn below.

Planting Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass lawns should be planted when the weather has already started to get warm. Once the night time temperatures reach the mid-eighties, the seed will germinate. The most economical way to start a Bermuda grass lawn is by doing so from seed. Once you’ve raked your soil, apply a spreader and starter food for new grass. This helps the seed get the best start before growing your lawn. Always follow instructions on your grass seed and rake the seed into the soil and firm it up with a roller or tamper before moving to the watering stage.

Watering Bermuda Grass

Once the seed is planted, water it three to four times each day, keeping the soil moist. Each time you water, apply roughly ⅛ inch of water to the ground. After the grass has begun to sprout, reduce the watering to twice per day. Even though the frequency has decreased, increase the amount of water used. Once the seedlings are an inch high, give your lawn ¼ inches of water at each watering. Erosion can occur if you overwater, so try to water at the same rate it absorbs into the soil. 

Fortunately, once the lawn becomes more established, you can lower the irrigation application to just twice per week. At this time, aim for a deeper watering schedule and increase the amount to an inch or more to encourage deeper rooting.

In some areas, you may not need to irrigate your Bermuda lawn after it’s been established due to heavy or frequent rainfall. In hotter drier climates sticking to a schedule can make it easier to keep your lawn lush. Rule of thumb is that if your lawn develops a grayish or light cast and no longer bounces back from foot traffic, it’s time to water. 

Mowing Bermuda Grass

Mowing is just as necessary as proper watering for a healthful landscape. Mow your Bermuda lawn once it has grown to roughly two inches in height. An established lawn should stay within the one to two-inch range. 

Fertilizing Bermuda Grass

A month after your starter seed, fertilize your lawn. Continue to do so as directed on your lawn food - usually every six to eight weeks. In Fall or early Winter, you can stop fertilizing as the grass begins to reach a slow in growth before colder temperatures hit.

The benefits of Bermuda Grass lawns are plentiful and much of it due to its ease of getting started, but mainly because it requires less watering than other grass types and can survive in hot, dry climates. That being said, a consistent watering, mowing, and fertilizing schedule will keep your lawn beautiful and lush longer and your outside space looking luxurious. 

Springs of Life Irrigation is a Phoenix-area irrigation company specializing in professional sprinkler and drip irrigation and landscape lighting installation and repair. Call 623-299-2996 today!