Turf Care...

Bermudagrass Care : April thru Juneby NC State Cooperative Extension Service Turf Files

Mowing  -  Set mower to 1-inch cutting height and remove debris before the grass turns green in the spring. The best mowing height during the growing season is 1 inch for common bermudagrass and 3/4 to 1 inch for hybrid bermudagrass. Do not allow bermudagrass to grow above 1 1/2 inches between mowings. Two or three weekly mowings may be necessary. Remove only those clippings that windrow.

If the grass gets excessively high during a wet period, raise the mower and cut off one-fourth to one-half of the present growth; then lower the mower to its proper height in a day or two. Reel mowers are preferred for a clean cut. Rotary mowers are a second choice provided the blades are sharp and can be lowered to the appropriate height; however, scalping frequently occurs at lower cutting heights.

Fertilization  -  Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per thousand square feet two or three weeks after the grass turns green. A complete (3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio) fertilizer may be necessary only once or twice annually with remaining applications composed of nitrogen sources such as urea (45-0-0) and ammonium nitrate (33.5-0-0). (See Table 1. below) If growth appears to be slow and the grass is yellowish green, apply a nitrogen source every four to six weeks at 1 pound per thousand square feet as needed.

Test the soil to determine phosphorus, potassium, and lime requirements. Obtain test kits at your Cooperative Extension Service office or from the Agronomic Division Soil, Plant. and Nematode Testing, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, NC 27611. Apply lime as needed, but no more than 50 pounds per thousand square feet per application. Apply in split applications four or more weeks apart if the suggested amount exceeds 50 pounds per thousand square feet. If possible, apply lime just before coring the soil.