Lawn striping is created by bending grass blades in alternating directions, which causes the light to reflect differently off the turf. Blades bent away from the viewer reflect more light and appear lighter green, while blades bent toward the viewer create shadows and appear darker. The resulting pattern on Bermuda grass is typically less pronounced than the dramatic lines seen on lawns with cool-season grasses like fescue or ryegrass. Achieving noticeable striping on Bermuda grass requires specific cultural practices and specialized equipment not always needed for other turf types.
Understanding Why Bermuda Grass Stripes Differ
The biological structure of Bermuda grass is the primary reason its stripes often lack the deep contrast of other turf species. Striping depends on the grass blade’s flexibility and height, allowing it to be bent significantly by a roller. Bermuda grass has a low, prostrate growth habit, spreading aggressively via runners and rhizomes. This growth pattern means the grass blades are naturally shorter and stiffer than taller, more pliable cool-season varieties. The reduced length and inherent rigidity limit the maximum angle of deflection achievable by a roller. This smaller bend angle translates directly into less difference in light reflection and shadow, resulting in a less defined stripe pattern.
Preparing the Lawn: Optimal Mowing Height and Frequency
Successful striping on Bermuda grass is heavily dependent on maintaining a dense and healthy turf, which is achieved through specific mowing practices. Bermuda grass must be maintained at a significantly lower height than other lawn types to promote the density required for high-definition striping.
For common Bermuda grass, the recommended cutting height is between 1 and 2 inches, while hybrid varieties can tolerate heights as low as 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Mowing at these low heights encourages the plant to grow laterally, which fills in the turf and creates a thicker canopy that better supports the striping effect.
To maintain a low height without causing stress, the grass must be mowed with high frequency, adhering to the one-third rule. This means removing no more than one-third of the blade height in a single cut. During the peak growing season, this rule often necessitates mowing two to three times per week to prevent scalping and maintain a consistent, low height. This frequent, low cutting schedule ensures the blades are consistently short and dense, which provides the best possible surface for the subsequent rolling action to create a stripe.
Equipment and Technique for High-Definition Striping
Achieving a high-definition stripe on Bermuda grass typically requires specialized equipment beyond a standard rotary mower. The ideal tool is a reel mower, which cuts the grass like scissors and is designed to operate at the extremely low heights necessary for Bermuda grass. These mowers often include a roller that provides the necessary weight and pressure to bend the short, stiff blades.
If a reel mower is not an option, a standard rotary mower must be fitted with a specialized, weighted striping kit or roller attachment. The roller must be heavy enough to force the less-pliable blades over, which is a key difference when working with this warm-season grass. The weight and the diameter of the roller are the factors that determine the pressure applied to the grass blades.
Technique
To begin the process, mow a perimeter pass around the yard to provide a turning area for subsequent passes. The first interior pass must be perfectly straight, as it sets the guide for the entire pattern. Each subsequent pass should overlap the previous one slightly to ensure no strips are missed and to reinforce the bend in the grass.
After completing the initial pattern, a technique called “burning in” the stripes can be used. This involves going over the entire pattern a second time with the roller to deepen the bend and increase contrast. It is important to alternate the mowing direction with each subsequent mow, for example, North-South one day and East-West the following week. This practice prevents the grass from developing a permanent grain, which could make it difficult to change the stripe direction later.