Weekly Tif Tuff Bermuda Lawn Care Guide
Winter Dormancy (Weeks 1-10)
Week 1: Remove debris and inspect lawn for winter damage. Expect brown grass, but remember, dormant grass is not dead, it's just resting. Avoid heavy foot traffic on dormant grass.
Week 2: Plan Spring maintenance schedule. Spot treat broadleaf weeds that survived pre-emergent applications.
Week 3: Check your soil pH. Bermuda thrives between 6.0-7.0. Amend soil now if needed.
Week 4: Water every two weeks if no rainfall occurs to maintain soil moisture. Deep watering is better than frequent, shallow watering.
Week 5: Apply a pre-emergent to prevent Summer weeds like crabgrass, before soil temps hit 55°F.
Week 6: Inspect for Winter-active pests like fire ants and treat as needed.
Week 7: Remove excess leaves and debris to allow better sunlight exposure.
Week 8: As we approach dormancy break, plan for scalping soon. Ensure mower blades are sharp.
Week 9: Cut Tif Tuff Bermuda very low (around ½ inch) to remove dormant vegetation and expose the soil to sunlight.
Week 10: Top-dress with 50% Sand / 50% Compost in order to level the lawn.
Spring Growth (Weeks 11-20)
Week 11: As soil warms, start transitioning to weekly deep watering to prepare for active growth.
Week 12: Mow at 1 inch and begin regular mowing.
Week 13: Start watering once per week, ensuring moisture reaches 6 inches deep. Irrigate early mornings to prevent evaporation.
Week 14: Spot-treat any emerging weeds before they take over.
Week 15: Use a balanced fertilizer (16-8-8) to promote early green-up.
Week 16: Keep mowing at 1-2 inches, never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade.
Week 17: If a thick layer of thatch builds up, consider dethatching to improve air and water penetration.
Week 18: Apply grub control if needed, as larvae start feeding on roots.
Week 19: Continue feeding with a balanced fertilizer to sustain growth.
Week 20: Apply a pre-emergent to prevent late Summer weeds before soil temps hit above 75°F.
Peak Growing Season (Weeks 21-35)
Week 21: Expect to mow every 3-5 days in peak growth.
Week 22: Water deeply once per week to encourage deep roots.
Week 23: Continue feeding with a balanced fertilizer to sustain growth.
Week 24: Monitor for chinch bugs and armyworms as temperatures rise.
Week 25: Aerate if the soil is compacted to promote deeper root growth.
Week 26: Raise mowing height slightly if extreme heat persists.
Week 27: Watch for brown patch and apply fungicides if necessary.
Week 28: Increase irrigation during extended drought, but avoid overwatering.
Week 29: Wilting, or bluish-gray, grass signals it’s time for deep watering.
Week 30: Apply another round of nitrogen fertilizer for sustained health.
Week 31: Continue mowing often; avoid scalping in heat.
Week 32: Monitor and treat for fire ants, grubs and armyworms.
Week 33: High temperatures can stress Bermuda; adjust irrigation if necessary.
Week 34: Dollar spot and brown patch can spread in high heat.
Week 35: Apply Fall pre-emergent to prevent Winter weeds before dormancy.
Transition to Fall (Weeks 36-45)
Week 36: Fertilize with 21-7-14 to prepare for cooler months.
Week 37: Grass growth slows; mow every 7-10 days.
Week 38: Apply preventative fungicide treatment.
Week 39: Cut back watering to every two weeks.
Week 40: Grubs can still be active; treat if necessary.
Week 41: Watch for Fall weeds and apply spot treatments.
Week 42: Continue mowing until growth stops completely.
Week 43: Keep the lawn free of excess leaves to prevent smothering.
Week 44: Final fertilizer application (21-7-14) to strengthen roots before Winter.
Week 45: Reduce mowing frequency as grass growth slows.
Winter Dormancy Returns (Weeks 46-52)
Week 46: Encourage deep root growth as Summer ends.
Week 47: Only water every 2-3 weeks if no rainfall occurs.
Week 48: Perform final mowing before Winter dormancy.
Week 49: Winterize lawn care equipment and sharpen mower blades. Remove debris and thatch buildup.
Week 50: No mowing needed as Bermuda is fully dormant. Avoid heavy foot traffic on dormant grass.
Week 51: Monitor lawn for any signs of disease or Winter stress.
Week 52: Plan for next year’s maintenance schedule and soil testing.
Seasonal Mowing Height:
- Growing Season (Spring-Fall): Maintain at 1-2 inches for optimal health.
- Late Fall-Winter: Reduce mowing as growth slows.