Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf that requires management to achieve a dense, carpet-like appearance. It thrives under a low-cut regimen, which encourages lateral spreading via its rhizomes and stolons. Maintaining the correct height is a precise balance, directly influencing the grass’s ability to resist weeds and develop a tight canopy. Proper mowing practices are a fundamental component of Bermuda grass health, impacting density and energy storage.
Recommended Mowing Heights for Healthy Turf
The target height for Bermuda grass depends on whether the variety is common or hybrid. Common Bermuda grass, often used in utility lawns, maintains a higher profile, typically kept between 1.5 and 2 inches during the active growing season. This height is achievable with a standard rotary mower and allows the plant ample leaf surface for photosynthesis.
Conversely, hybrid Bermuda grass varieties are bred for a finer texture and are often found on sports fields and golf courses. These cultivars demand a much lower cut, best maintained between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for optimal density and quality. Cutting the grass low forces the plant to spread horizontally, creating the desired thick, mat-like turf.
Bermuda grass tolerates low mowing due to its unique growth structure, which aids in energy storage. Keeping the grass at its intended low height maximizes shoot density. Cutting common varieties too low exposes the brown stem layer, which causes the lawn to look thin and brown. Hybrid varieties have been bred to have a shorter stem and lower crown, allowing them to be cut closer to the soil while still retaining green foliage.
Maintaining Consistency with Mowing Frequency
Once a target height is established, the frequency of mowing is important for maintaining turf health and appearance. The primary guideline governing this frequency is the “one-third rule,” which states that no more than one-third of the leaf blade height should be removed in any single mowing event. Exceeding this limit causes stress to the grass plant by abruptly removing too much photosynthetic surface area.
For instance, if the target height is 1.5 inches, the grass should be cut before it reaches 2.25 inches tall. The rapid growth rate of Bermuda grass during peak summer conditions often necessitates mowing every three to five days to adhere to this rule. When the grass is consistently cut, it promotes deeper root development and improves the turf’s overall resilience.
Following the one-third rule prevents the shock that occurs when too many of the plant’s resources are stripped away. This consistent removal of small amounts of leaf tissue encourages the plant to prioritize vegetative growth over vertical growth. If mowing is delayed and the grass becomes too tall, the resulting large volume of clippings can smother the underlying turf. This blocks sunlight penetration, leading to thinning.
Adjusting Height Based on the Season
Adjustments from the standard maintenance height are necessary to promote seasonal health and recovery. The most significant adjustment occurs in late winter or early spring, a practice known as “scalping.” Scalping involves setting the mower to its lowest possible setting, typically between 0.5 and 1 inch, to remove the dead, dormant plant material from the previous season.
Performing this low cut when the soil temperature is consistently between 55°F and 60°F helps the lawn break dormancy faster. This allows sunlight to reach and warm the soil. Removing the old, brown material also reduces thatch build-up and encourages the new green shoots to emerge more vigorously. This intense, one-time cut is an exception to the one-third rule and is beneficial for warm-season grasses like Bermuda.
Another seasonal adjustment involves raising the cut height slightly in the late fall as the grass prepares for winter dormancy. Allowing the grass to grow taller, often up to 3 inches, creates a larger leaf surface area. This increased height acts as insulation for the crowns, rhizomes, and stolons. This helps the plant store energy and protect the shallow root system from cold temperatures.