Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season turf known for its resilience and ability to thrive in hot climates. While established Bermuda grass possesses a strong natural tolerance for drought, its overall health depends heavily on precise watering practices. Understanding when and how much water to apply directly impacts the turf’s density and its ability to withstand environmental stress. Proper irrigation management promotes the deep, robust root systems that define a healthy Bermuda lawn.
Reading the Signs of Dehydration
A Bermuda lawn communicates its need for water through several observable changes before serious damage occurs. One of the clearest indicators of water stress is the “Footprint Test,” where grass blades are slow to rebound after being walked upon. If your footprints or tire tracks remain visible for more than a few minutes, it means the grass lacks the turgor pressure needed to spring back into place.
Color change is another early warning sign that the lawn requires immediate attention. A healthy, well-hydrated Bermuda lawn is vibrant green, but as water reserves deplete, the grass exhibits a dull, bluish-gray tint. In more severe cases of dryness, the color can appear almost purple. Homeowners might also notice wilting, where individual leaf blades fold inward or curl up along the length of the blade to conserve moisture.
Ideal Time of Day and Watering Frequency
For an established Bermuda lawn, the most effective time to water is in the early morning, typically between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Watering during this window minimizes water loss to evaporation, as temperatures are lower and wind speeds are generally calmer compared to midday. Morning irrigation also allows the leaf blades to dry completely as the sun rises, which helps prevent the prolonged leaf wetness that promotes the growth of fungal diseases.
The goal for established turf is deep and infrequent watering to encourage the roots to grow downward in search of moisture. Bermuda grass requires a total of 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during its active growing season. This volume should be delivered over two watering sessions per week rather than daily shallow cycles. Deep watering ensures the moisture penetrates the soil down to the root zone, strengthening the turf’s drought tolerance.
To accurately deliver the required water volume, homeowners should determine their specific sprinkler output rate. A simple method involves placing several straight-sided containers, like tuna cans, across the yard to measure how long the system takes to accumulate 0.5 inches of water. Once this duration is known, that time can be used for each of the twice-weekly watering sessions.
Specialized Watering for New Lawns
The watering requirements for new Bermuda grass, whether seeded or sodded, differ significantly from those of an established lawn. During the establishment phase, which usually lasts the first three to six weeks, the focus shifts to high frequency and low volume. Newly planted seed or sod lacks the deep root system to access moisture below the soil surface, meaning the top layer must remain consistently moist to prevent desiccation.
For newly seeded areas, this often means applying a small amount of water (around 1/8 inch) several times a day to keep the seedbed moist for germination. New sod should also be kept consistently moist to facilitate root growth into the native soil below. Watering twice daily is often sufficient for new sod, with sessions timed to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
As the new grass begins to root and show signs of establishment, the watering schedule must be gradually modified. After the first two to three weeks, the frequency is slowly reduced, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between applications. This gradual reduction encourages the new roots to extend deeper into the soil profile, transitioning the lawn to the deep, infrequent schedule required by mature Bermuda grass.