Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf known for its aggressive growth habit, allowing it to thrive in hot climates and recover quickly from wear and tear. This vigorous growth requires a highly consistent and frequent mowing schedule to maintain a dense, healthy appearance. Allowing the grass to grow too tall between cuts severely stresses the plant, leading to a thin, patchy lawn susceptible to weed invasion. Proper mowing frequency and height are paramount for cultivating the fine texture and lush density of Bermuda grass.
Understanding the 1/3 Rule
The principle guiding turfgrass maintenance is the “one-third rule,” which dictates mowing frequency. This rule states that you should never remove more than one-third of the total grass blade height in a single mowing session. For example, if you maintain your lawn at a finished height of one inch, you must mow before the grass reaches 1.5 inches tall.
Adhering to this rule is important because the grass blade’s upper section is where most of the photosynthetic activity occurs. Removing too much of the blade at once, known as scalping, forces the plant to pull stored energy from its root system for recovery. This causes significant stress, weakens the roots, and can result in brown, stubbly patches and a decline in turf density. The grass growth rate determines your mowing frequency to ensure you stay within this one-third limit.
Determining the Ideal Mowing Height
The ideal height for Bermuda grass depends on the specific variety planted and the type of mower used. Common Bermuda grass varieties perform best when maintained between one and two inches in height. Hybrid varieties, bred for finer texture and lower growth, can be maintained at a lower height, often ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches.
Mowing at the lower end of the recommended range encourages the plant to spread horizontally rather than vertically, developing a denser turf. Maintaining a slightly higher height, perhaps toward 1.5 to 2 inches, offers trade-offs, such as improved drought tolerance and a reduced need for frequent watering. However, this slightly taller cut may reduce the turf’s overall density. The goal is to consistently maintain the chosen level to promote a uniform, healthy canopy.
Establishing Your Mowing Schedule
The frequency of mowing Bermuda grass is directly tied to its growth rate, which is fastest during the peak summer growing season. To adhere to the one-third rule while maintaining a low height of one inch, the grass can only grow by 0.5 inches before it needs to be cut again. During periods of high heat, ample rainfall, and fertilization, this threshold may be reached in just two to three days.
Homeowners targeting a finished height of one inch or less, particularly with hybrid varieties, should plan on mowing every two to three days. For those maintaining common Bermuda at a height closer to two inches, a schedule of every three to five days is sufficient during active growth periods. The schedule is a reaction to grass growth: if your lawn reaches 1.5 times your desired height, it is time to mow. This frequent cutting promotes a healthier, weed-resistant turf that avoids the brown appearance of scalping.
Adjusting Frequency for Seasons
The mowing schedule must be adjusted as the seasons change and the grass growth rate fluctuates. In early spring, the first mowing is often a “scalping,” where the height is set very low (around 0.5 to one inch) to remove dead winter growth and encourage new growth. This low cut should be done just as the grass begins to emerge from dormancy, typically when soil temperatures reach about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the weather warms and the turf enters its peak summer growth phase, the frequency increases, often requiring multiple cuts per week. When fall approaches and nighttime temperatures drop below 70 degrees, the growth rate slows, and the mowing frequency can be reduced. It is beneficial to slightly raise the cutting height during the late fall. This extra blade length helps the turf store energy and provides insulation as it prepares for winter dormancy. Mowing ceases entirely once the grass becomes dormant in the colder months.