Caring for dormant Bermuda

The summer turf we love in the desert Southwest has now turned from green to light brown and has gone dormant for the winter.  Dormant Bermuda grass may look dead, but it’s actually going through a natural, healthy process. In fact, allowing the dormant grass to go brown without overseeding can lead to a healthier Bermuda lawn the following summer.

If your community decided not to overseed with winter rye, it was most likely to conserve water and money.  Suspending the overseeding process for at least one season allows the Bermuda to use each day possible to make and store carbohydrates.  This will result to a quick rebound to green and rapid springtime growth.  Without the competition of persistent winter Rye late into spring, the Bermuda will become dense and healthy weeks before overseeded turf will. 

The following are tips to care for dormant Bermuda during the winter months:

· In early November, limit the watering cycle to once a week.

· Mow once every 2-3 weeks, or as necessary.  There is no need to fertilize dormant lawns.

· Limit an abundance of activity on the dormant grass.  It is weak and can develop bare spots easily.

· Control any weeds that develop in the lawn with a post emergent herbicide.  Remember, when the grass is dormant it is light brown, so weeds will stand out and detract from the overall appearance of the lawn.

· Fill in any ruts or indents with screened fill dirt to eliminate hazards and level out the lawn.

Call AAA Landscape with any questions on caring for your turf.  Also, visit us at www.aaalandscape.com