interesting question about bermuda height and roots

pigeonboy69 – posted 31 July 2013 20:35

The higher you let a grass grow the more developed the root system is supposed to be. Bermuda is supposed to be cut short to help it spread, not get leggy, etc.

So here’s the question. Once the bermuda is well established, fertilize monthly and water as needed but let the bermuda get high just for one year. Would that help vigorate the root system? Would the roots get more dense or grow down further? Has anyone ever heard of someone trying this or done this?

After this is done for one year go back cutting it short as normal.

seed – posted 11 August 2013 05:36

Grass roots are fairly short-lived, 1-2 years at most, so this probably will not work. May do more harm than good.

rickster – posted 08 September 2013 15:13

I’ve worked on a golf course around Bermuda Grass. Personally, my lawn is Bermuda 419. After seeding, sodding, or sprigging and the Bermuda is established, you keep up with watering, fertilizing, and mowing. All of these are critical to the health of the lawn. At that matter, any kind of lawn.This idea of letting Bermuda grow for a year before you cut to vigorate the root system is wrong. Establishing the yard once after seeding, sodding, sprigging is important. That includes proper care. Fertilizing, mowing, watering, and pest control to get growth to the turf all the way around. That includes the root system. I am quick to say the ideal height is from 3/4 inch to the 1 1/4 inch.Cutting any less than than 3/4 inch will require more watering and fertilizing. That can get get very dicey. That is up to those that are pro’s and know what they are doing.The height of the Bermuda is up to the owner.A good maintained lawn of Bermuda after 6 month has gotten the roots as deep as 4 to 6 feet. I’ve seen that for myself. My lawn is living proof.