How to Treat Tifton Bermudagrass

Treat your bermudagrass with a pre-emergent herbicide very early in the spring, only one to two weeks after the final frost of the year. If you know that your lawn suffers from a particular weed, such as crabgrass, make sure you use an herbicide specially designed to treat that weed. Follow specific product instructions regarding application rates and methods, as each product will vary.

Start mowing your Tifton bermudagrass in early spring (generally March, April or May), after the grass begins to turn green but before the grass begins to shoot up. Once the grass reaches your desired mowing height (generally between ½ inch and 2 ½ inches), mow to remove the tops of the grass, which are likely dry or dead from winter. Continue to mow every five to seven days when the grass grows above your desired height.

Fertilize your bermudagrass with 1 lb. of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of land three weeks after you start to mow. Spread the fertilizer over the area with a broadcaster to ensure an even distribution. Repeat fertilization every four to six weeks, depending on your chosen product.

Water the bermudagrass in early spring only if the weather is particularly hot or dry. You will know you need to water if the grass begins to turn blue or gray, or if the leaves wilt or curl. As spring progresses, check your grass for insects, weeds or spots that could indicate a disease. You must treat these immediately with situation-specific materials.

Water the grass in the morning every four to five days during the summer months, generally June, July and August. Water to a depth of 4 to 6 inches each time so that the grass roots are thoroughly soaked. The grass will need more frequent watering if the weather is particularly hot or dry.

Apply a final ½-lb. fertilizer application four to six weeks before the first expected frost date in the fall. This will slow the active growing process in the grass, so that it won't continue to grow through winter, when the grass roots can be damaged by low temperatures. Stop watering, mowing and fertilizing once the ground is frozen, and start up the process again in the spring.