Bermuda sod installed 60 days ago, last two weeks have taken a turn for the worst

christopher’s dilema – posted 19 August 2001 17:13

we desperately need tips on how to save Bermuda grass from dying

stats-

-sand/soil mix-watered daily -some in the sun, some in the shade-using 5-15-5 time release -1 x per month-turning brown and slowly dying-Tampa Bay Area

HELP PLEASE!!!!

E-Mail to rp********@ao*.com OR cb***@ho*****.com

td – posted 21 August 2001 05:32

I would take a PH test of the soil first and then if OK you probably have a fungus that was in the sod when it was bought,need to find out exactly what.

Skastafari – posted 24 October 2002 04:47

Did it turn brown recently after you fertilized? Too much nitrogen in soil will burn the hell out of your lawn. I would fertilize every other month instead of monthly. Always apply fertilizer to lawn when it is dry. If leaves are wet when you apply it, the fertilizer will stick to them like glue and burn them. After application I rake the fertilizer in to get it down close to roots, then water.

Did it turn brown recently after you mowed? If you mow with a rotary mower then the top surface of your lawn will be cast in brown, unless the blade is super sharp; use a reel mower to avoid this. Mowing too low will scalp your lawn, causing it to turn brown in a big hurry. I mow mine at 1.25 inch. If you sodded with tif series variety then you can mow lower. I would not mow lower then 3/4 inch though, unless you sodded tifdwarf. Taller greener bermuda looks better then shorter browner bermuda.

After 60 days you might not need daily watering anymore. I would water less frequently for longer duration to encourage deep root growth. Watering 3/4 inch of water twice a week is a good rule of thumb. Remember, grass needs air in soil; try letting it be dry for a couple of days. Too much water will encourage fungal bloom. Bermuda grass is so drought tolerent you can probably do more damage over watering then under watering.

Hopefully some of these tips will help. I fear nothing will help the bermuda in shaded areas though.