Bermuda Grass Weed

Weed control

An established, well maintained bermudagrass turf will have very few weed problems, but there may be occasions where weed control measures become necessary.

Many brands of herbicide can be used on bermudagrass turf, but certain precautions should be followed. Always read the label completely and follow its directions. Do not apply herbicide when the temperature is above 85°F or when the lawn is under moisture stress. Some herbicides
should not be applied to a newly seeded or plugged lawn.

Preemergence herbicides can be used on a regular basis as a preventative measure to control weeds before they become a problem. If your lawn is in an area that is likely to be constantly subjected to weed infestation from outside (a nearby vacant lot or poorly maintained yard), then preventative herbicide applications may be appropriate.

A wide variety of preemergence herbicides are labeled for home use in bermudagrass. It may be necessary to combine herbicides to control both grassy and broadleaf weeds—use only the mixtures allowed by the respective herbicide labels.

If weeds are only an occasional problem or if your lawn is already infested, then postemergence herbicides labeled for bermudagrass should be used. Check the label to be sure the herbicide is effective on the specific weeds to be controlled.

source : College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University fo Hawaii.

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Dormant Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grasses become dormant in cold weather. Overseeding in fall with rye grass is a common practice to maintain year-round green color.

However, below the surface it is alive and waiting for warmer weather. Bermuda usually starts to slow down and go dormant in September and starts growing again in May. This life cycle makes it so Bermuda does not have to be replanted each year. Therefore, if a winter lawn is desired, it can be planted over the dormant Bermuda. When high afternoon temperatures start to kill the winter lawn, in May, the Bermuda grass takes over again.

Bermuda grass will go dormant with the first severe drop in temperature in late Fall, however can be overseeded with ryegrass to provide a green lawn in winter.

Occasionally if late fall planting is required, you can attempt the more risky planting method using the dormant seeding method in late fall. In most cases it is recommended that you use unhulled seeds. Most of the new seeded varieties are only sold as hulled seed and thus should not be planted in the fall.


Picture source :http://www.flickr.com/photos/35925794@N00/199393192/

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Bermuda Grass Fertilizer

The amount and frequency of fertilizer required depends on the desired appearance and growth rate of the turf, length of growing season, soil type, Bermuda grass variety and the use of the turf.

Where high quality is of critical importance and the turf is mowed frequently, 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per month may be applied during the growing season. The lowest rate of nitrogen that can be applied and still maintain acceptable Bermuda grass turf for sports fields and golf courses is about 0.5 pounds of N per 1,000 sq. ft. per month.

Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to the soil surface immediately prior to planting or at the time of planting at a rate of 1 pound per 1,000 sq. ft. or 40 to 50 pounds per acre. Nitrogen should be applied 3 to 4 week intervals until a cover is obtained.

Sandy soils require light but frequent applications of nitrogen because of low nitrogen retention. Sandy soils are also typically low in other nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium and these nutrients must also be provided through fertilization.

Potassium is particularly important because of its contribution to root growth, environmental stress tolerance (heat, cold and drought) and wear tolerance. Potassium has also been found to reduce susceptibility of Bermuda grass to leaf spot diseases.

Soil tests are required to determine phosphorus, potassium, calcium and other nutrient deficiencies.

Bermuda grass tolerates a wide range in soil reaction, but performs best between pH 6.5 and 8.0. At pH levels below 6.5 limestone should be added according to soil test recommendations.

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