- 1). Water your Bermuda grass enough to keep it growing. According to Richard L. Duble, turfgrass specialist with Texas Cooperative Extension, "Water use rates may range from less than 0.1 inch per day to 0.3 inch per day," depending on environmental conditions. Adjust the amount based on how you use it. If your lawn is mostly ornamental, keep the water at a low level, but if it sees frequent traffic, irrigate it to the maximum to encourage rejuvenation. While Bermuda grass is drought tolerant, dry conditions send it into dormancy. On the other hand, over-watering may create the ideal environment for fungal infections to develop and harm your lawn.
- 2). Mow your grass frequently to control weeds in the growing season, recommends the Texas Cooperative Extension. Cut it close to the ground at a height of three-eighths of an inch for seeded varieties and taller, one-half to one-and-a-half inches if you planted your lawn from sod. In the last month of the growing season, let it grow to four to six inches so it will be ready for the winter, if you live in an area susceptible to frost. If the grass becomes overgrown with weeds, apply a post-emergence herbicide, such as 2,4-D, one month after planting it.
- 3). Amend your soil, if possible, before planting Bermuda grass, and according to the fertilizing needs indicated by a soil test for lime, phosphorous and potassium, instructs the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Use one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. After planting, apply nitrogen at the same rate every month until the lawn becomes established. Continue the monthly nitrogen applications every year in the growing season.
- 4). Control the various pests that attack Bermuda grass as soon as you see signs of trouble. Common problems include armyworms, cutworms, sod webworms, bermudagrass mites and mealy bugs. White grubs, nematodes and different fungal diseases might also affect your lawn. Each situation will require a specific remedy. Baccilus thuringensis is a natural biological agent you can apply to the grass to control armyworms, cutworms and sod webworms, for example. Contact your local extension office for help identifying and solving Bermuda grass problems.
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