Bermuda grass is a popular, durable warm-season turfgrass known for its drought tolerance. However, maintaining its health and vibrant appearance, especially during the summer, requires a careful approach to watering. Understanding its specific water needs during hotter months is important for cultivating a healthy, thriving lawn.
Why Summer Watering is Critical for Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass actively grows in summer, when temperatures are typically 68-89°F. This vigorous growth, combined with high temperatures and increased sun exposure, leads to elevated rates of evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is the process where water evaporates from the soil surface and transpires from the grass blades, resulting in significant water loss. Consistent summer watering supports optimal growth, promotes dense turf, and maintains its green color, preventing stress or dormancy.
Factors Influencing Watering Frequency
Several environmental and site-specific elements influence how often Bermuda grass needs water. Soil type plays a significant role: sandy soils drain quickly, requiring more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer, benefiting from less frequent but deeper applications.
Climate conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind, and rainfall, directly affect water loss from the grass and soil. For instance, high winds can substantially increase moisture loss. Sun exposure is another key factor, as full sun areas generally need more water than shaded portions.
The grass’s age and health also matter; newly established lawns or those recovering from stress might have different water requirements than mature turf. Heavy foot traffic can cause soil compaction, affecting water absorption and necessitating watering adjustments.
How to Determine Watering Frequency
A Bermuda grass watering schedule involves providing 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, delivered in two to three sessions. To measure irrigation output, use the “tuna can” method: place empty tuna cans or rain gauges across your lawn, run sprinklers, and measure collected water. This calibrates your watering duration.
Observing the grass and soil helps fine-tune the schedule. A “screwdriver test” assesses soil moisture; if a 6-inch screwdriver easily pushes into the ground, the soil has sufficient moisture. Adjust frequency based on conditions; increase watering during heatwaves or drought, and reduce or skip after significant rainfall. The goal is deep, infrequent watering to encourage deeper root growth and enhance drought resistance.
Best Practices for Watering Bermuda Grass
Watering timing is important for effective absorption and to minimize risks. Early morning, ideally before 10 AM, is the best time. This allows absorption before heat causes evaporation and lets blades dry before nightfall, reducing fungal disease risk.
Watering deeply (4-6 inches) promotes robust root systems, helping grass access deeper water. Avoid overwatering and underwatering. Overwatering leads to shallow roots, nutrient runoff, and disease susceptibility; underwatering causes stress and dormancy.
Irrigation methods include oscillating sprinklers (smaller areas), impact sprinklers (larger zones), or automated in-ground systems. The “cycle and soak” method is beneficial, especially for clay soils or slopes, involving multiple shorter sessions with breaks to allow slow absorption and prevent runoff.
Recognizing Watering Issues
Your Bermuda grass’s appearance indicates if your watering needs adjustment. Signs of underwatering include a bluish-gray tint, wilting blades, and visible footprints after walking. Prolonged underwatering leads to browning and dormancy.
Conversely, overwatering can manifest as yellowing blades (due to lack of oxygen in saturated soil) or a thinning appearance. A soft or spongy feel underfoot, even hours after watering, also indicates excessive moisture. Overwatering creates an environment conducive to fungal growth, appearing as discolored patches or mushrooms. Observing these cues allows timely adjustments, ensuring lawn health.