How to Level Low Spots on Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.) is a perennial, warm-season grass that handles foot traffic well and a high salt tolerance for coastal areas. Bermuda grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10 in full sunlight. Areas of grass that are low in a lawn tend to hold water, and can attract disease and insects that lead to the grass dying. The best time to level low spots on a Bermuda lawn is in the spring when temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above to supply seeds with warmth for germination.

Top soil
Aged compost
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Bermuda grass seed
Leaf rake
Straw
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Mix equal parts of top soil and aged compost in a wheelbarrow. Add the mixture with a shovel to the low spots in a Bermuda lawn to bring the soil level even with the surrounding ground level.
- 2
  Cover the low spots with 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of hulled Bermuda grass seed or 5 to 10 pounds of unhulled Bermuda grass seed for each 1,000 square feet. Place half of the seeds in a north to south direction and the other half in an east to west direction for even seed spacing. Spread seeds by hand for small areas, or use a spreader for larger areas.
- 3
  Drag the back of a garden rake lightly over the seeds to cover them slightly and make good seed to soil contact. Spread a 1-inch layer of straw over the seedbeds. Straw acts as mulch and retains moisture, keeps seeds from washing away, and prevents birds from eating grass seed.
- 4
  Water the grass seed two to four times a day in short 10-minute sessions to keep seeds moist until germination. Apply about 1 inch of water per week after the seeds sprout.
- 5
  Mow the newly seeded areas when the grass is one-third taller than the mowing height of the established lawn.

Turf Grass and Soil Fertility

Canada Green vs. Ryegrass

Growing Grass