Tips for Overseeding Bermuda Grass
If you have a Bermuda lawn, one of the best steps to take towards a luscious lawn is overseeding Bermuda Grass in the fall. Nothing looks better than a well-groomed, green lawn, however, a full green lawn does not just happen overnight. Overseeding is essential to a vibrant lawn. It can add value to a home, bring a sense of joy when you pull up, and make your landscape seem fresh. It is relatively easy, and just takes a trip to the local home improvement store and a Saturday.
Timing and Preparation
You will want to over seed anywhere from three to six weeks before the first killing frost in the fall. When you pick a date to overseed, trim your Bermuda down to about 1 inch tall with a lawn mower. If you don’t have a bagging mower, you might want to cut it to two inches a week before, then an inch right before you seed. This will allow light to penetrate to the soil and help the seeds sprout. You will also need to dethatch your lawn so it is less than one inch thick. Thatch is the continuing build up of dead grass stems, roots, and other lawn debris that falls under the grass. You can either rent a dethacter, or use a rake. After all of this, you will want to aerate your lawn. This allows air moisture and nutrient to penetrate the soil. You can rent an aerator and pass it over your lawn several times in different patterns. You want about 50 cores per square foot removed.
Fertilize and Seed
Get a fertilizer to help the new grass take root and top dress the Bermuda with a light layer. Rake it into the grass to be sure it gets into the root zone. Then fill a spinning broadcast spreader with your seed. Check with your local home improvement store, but usually rye or bluegrasses are the best.
Promote Growth
Water your lawn at least twice a day (once in the cool of the evening, one in the morning). After 10 days, reduce the watering to a light once daily. Mow your Bermuda to keep it low enough that the new grass can take root and sprout. Once the grass sprouts, set the mower at two inches and you are well on your way to that luscious lawn you've been dreaming of.
